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oChef » Matsuyama – San Francisco
Matsuyama - San Francisco
Photo from Matsuyama
Matsuyama at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🍜 Asian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 55 of the guests
#1439 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#14 Asian Restaurant out of 22 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
320
Reviews
70.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant Matsuyama is an inviting Asian Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Japantown neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy spot perfect for a delightful meal.
This establishment offers a unique shabu-shabu experience, focusing on healthy options that cater to your well-being. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lunch or an engaging dinner, you’ll find the atmosphere just right for a memorable dining occasion.
Overview: Introducting Matsuyama
Good
7.2
out of 10
320
Reviews
70.6%
Satisfaction
79
negative
15
neutral
226
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on Matsuyama
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.8 and a good customer satisfaction of 78.9%. Out of 171 customer remarks, a solid 135 rave about the culinary experience. Guests consistently praise the exceptional A5 Wagyu, the overall meat quality, and the rich, flavorful broths, often highlighting delicious appetizers as well.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 26 critical comments noted. Some diners expressed concerns about the fat-to-meat ratio in certain cuts, a lack of depth in some broths, and even serious food safety issues like plastic film. A few also felt the overall quality of the food didn't always justify the price.
Food
171
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
26
negative
10
neutral
135
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent Wagyu quality
- Flavorful broths
- Delicious appetizers
What people don't like
- Inconsistent meat quality
- Bland broth options
- Food safety issues
Often praised
- foodThat Glazed Mackerel app was one I have never had before and got me wanting more! Honestly though, every dish stood out in its own way and it'll be hard to find this quality or hospitality without going to Japan. The A5 Japanese Wagyu Prix Fixe (11 Courses) for $188 for 2 people included an appetizer of Garlic Edamame, Seared Sugar-Glazed Mackerel, and Seared Japanese A5 Ribeye Cap.
- food qualityThe food quality is excellent
- meatonly reason to go here is for the meat
- appetizersThe appetizers are also surprisingly delightful
- chicken brothThe chicken broth and spicy meat broth are a must to try.
- golden chicken brothgolden chicken broth and it was so memorable
- meat qualityI’d come back again just for the broth! Meat quality was also fairly good. Another favorite and unique thing of the meal was the yuzu dipping sauce, yum!
- menu optionsThe menu options were plentiful
- A5 Japanese WagyuNothing is better than A5 Japanese Wagyu
- A5 Japanese Wagyu Fiestaabsolutely loved it! It came with 10+ dishes including dessert and was a great spread!
Frequently criticized
- A5 wagyuI question whether the beef was genuinely A5 wagyu
- American Wagyu Fatsell "American Wagyu Fat."
- American Wagyu beefthe American Wagyu beef was mostly fat, with only a small amount of actual meat
- FoodFood:1
- Sukiyaki soupThe soup Sukiyaki is very blended, no flavor at all
- amount and qualityThe lack of prompt service left me disappointed and disheartened, especially for those who enjoy the dining experience. We also noticed that the amount and quality of the food on the serving plate were not up to the standard menu. We were surprised by the services, and the quantity and quality of the services were not satisfactory.
- brisketMy experience at this restaurant was a scam. They literally told me it’s normal to have brisket look like this. If you want to spend $75 on this type of “wagyu, ” go ahead.
- brothWhile the initial plates were satisfactory, subsequent servings featured tough, thickly-cut meat that seemed to contain tendon or other imperfections. The broth lacked depth and flavor. Disappointingly, my friend and I didn't finish the first round of meat and chose not to order additional dishes.
- fat-to-meat rationever experienced such an overwhelming fat-to-meat ratio
- foodFood:1
If you're a Wagyu enthusiast seeking a premium hot pot experience, especially with A5 cuts and flavorful broths, this place is definitely worth a try. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in meat quality and keep an eye out for any food safety concerns, as some diners have reported issues.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
Based on 51 positive comments out of 85 total, many guests rave about the incredibly friendly staff and attentive service. Specific shout-outs go to individuals like Irene and Sora for their super nice and accommodating approach, often providing speedy service and genuine hospitality, even for last-minute requests. It seems many found the service quite warm and welcoming.
However, with a 6.4 score and 60% customer satisfaction, its a bit of a mixed bag. About 34 comments point to significant wait times for both ordering and receiving food, and some encountered rude server attitudes, particularly from an older woman serving. ' Issues like lost reservations and strict ordering rules also contributed to a less-than-stellar customer service experience for a few.
Service
85
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
34
negative
0
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Accommodating requests
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude server attitude
- Lost reservations
Often praised
- serviceThe service was professional, friendly, and quick.
- staffThe Japanese pre-fixed menu was an absolute highlight, offering a lot of small bites that made the meal an unforgettable experience. The food was delicious, and the service was provided by helpful and friendly staff. Thank you for a great dinner!
- ServiceA great place for a date night or to celebrate something special. Service was also amazing!
- IreneIrene has been amazing with her recommendations and on point with the taste profiles
- serverOur server also was extremely wonderful and super hilarious
- JimmyJimmy is the man!
- SoraSora, took care of us
- accommodating our askappreciated their help in accommodating our ask
- cooksThe chicken broth is amazing and the arrangement of different food to put in it. Great people and great cooks; I heard them laughing and having a good time in the back. Just an overall great experience that anyone should try.
- customer servicesome of the best customer service I have ever had
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was also rated low at 1 out of 5
- customer serviceterrible customer service experiences
- ServiceService:1
- attention to orderAlthough Matsuyama Shabu House had excellent food and a welcoming atmosphere, my overall experience was not good due to significant wait times. Even though we chose an all-you-can-eat meal, we had to wait for another set for a frustrating 20 minutes just to get the attention to order. Moreover, it took an additional 30 minutes to receive the food after we ordered it.
- cooking instructionshe walked to me and said you should just dip piece by piece only 5 seconds , if you left like this the meat will be chewy!
- elderly serverWe definitely won’t recommend or come back for the food quality and the terrible customer service. To the owner: The elderly server will harm your business's reputation. While I respect older individuals who work, this lady seemed unhappy.
- last callshe said it was our last call to order anything
- last call warningshe said are you sure if you left food will be 20% charge!
- managerthe manager has no sense of shame
- menumenu/staff did not do a good job communicating anything
If you catch them on a good day, you'll likely experience genuinely warm and attentive service, making for a great meal. However, be prepared for potential long waits or occasional communication hiccups, which could dampen the experience for some.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
It seems the ambiance here largely hits the mark, with a good score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at a solid 73.3%. Many guests rave about the pristine cleanliness and well-ventilated spaces, creating a truly inviting atmosphere. People loved the nice music, diverse seating arrangements, and even found it kid friendly or perfect for a date night.
However, not everyone had a perfect experience, with 6 negative comments among the 30 total. Some found the restaurant's disorganization a bit jarring, with chairs scattered. A few also reported an overwhelming chemical smell that impacted their appetite, and one even mentioned being seated at a less-than-ideal table in the kitchen area.
Ambience
30
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pristine cleanliness
- Inviting atmosphere
- Versatile seating
What people don't like
- Strong chemical smell
- Restaurant disorganization
- Table in kitchen
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this new shabu shabu restaurant in Japantown was exceptional! The restaurant offers fresh, quality ingredients at reasonable prices, all within an authentic Japanese atmosphere. We indulged in the A5 Japanese Wagyu Fiesta for $168 for two people, which was a fantastic spread of 10+ dishes including dessert.
- cleanclean nice music
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessthe cleanliness—this place is pristine!
- date nightA great place for a date night
- experienceoverall great experience
- huge dining tableEverything in the store is huge. Big dining table
- kid friendlyIt's also very kid friendly
- nice musicclean nice music
- placethe place was spotless
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- chemical smellthe strong chemical smell was overwhelming
- disorganizationMy experience was a mix of positive and negative. Upon entering, the restaurant's disorganization was striking, with chairs scattered everywhere. The strong chemical smell was overwhelming and killed my appetite.
- restaurantthe restaurant is very messy
- table in the kitchensit at the table that is in the kitchen
If youre looking for a spot with a generally pleasant vibe, good cleanliness, and versatile seating, this place is worth checking out. Just be aware theres a slight chance of encountering some disorganization or an odd smell, which could detract from your experience.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems like opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.9 putting it squarely in the average range. Out of 34 total opinions, 18 were positive, highlighting that many found the price and overall value to be quite good, especially for a Wagyu set for 2 or a bang for your buck experience. Many felt it was worth every penny and offered reasonable prices for the quality received.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 52.9%, with 13 negative opinions pointing to some concerns. Folks mentioned prices being too high, feeling they spent $500 without justification, or that the quality of the food does not match the price. Some even felt there was false advertising regarding certain options, suggesting that not every experience delivers on its promise.
Value
34
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Reasonable pricing
- Worth the experience
What people don't like
- High prices
- Quality mismatch
- False advertising
Often praised
- priceDon't be scared of the price, because the quality of each course is sooo worth it
- PriceThe certified Wagyu was a steal for the price.
- Wagyu set for 2The appetizers were surprisingly delightful, and the A5 Wagyu beef was of excellent quality. The Wagyu set for 2 people is definitely worth it!
- bang for your buckdefinitely going to get a bang for your buck
- did not charge herNormally my husband and I avoid all you can eat restaurants since my two kids are too young to eat anything, and yet restaurants have no issue charging them half price or more. I greatly appreciate the female owner for taking that into consideration and did not charge her at all. Will come back for future visits.
- premium optionit was truly a great deal!
- price is not expensiveThe restaurant is clean, and the staff are very attentive. Importantly, the price is not expensive.
- pricesMy experience at this new shabu shabu restaurant in Japantown was exceptional! The restaurant offers fresh, quality ingredients at reasonable prices, all within an authentic Japanese atmosphere. We indulged in the A5 Japanese Wagyu Fiesta for $168 for two people, which was a fantastic spread of 10+ dishes including dessert.
- set menuI’d go with a set menu to control price
- valuethe value was good to me
Frequently criticized
- priceOverall, my experience fell far short of expectations. We had anticipated high-quality wagyu beef, but the reality didn't justify the price.
- pricestheir prices are not low
- 58 optionthe 58 option definitely not worth it
- all-you-can-eatmenu/staff didn't say anything about that
- billOur bill including tip was $360 for two people.
- charging them half priceNormally my husband and I avoid all you can eat restaurants since my two kids are too young to eat anything, and yet restaurants have no issue charging them half price or more. I greatly appreciate the female owner for taking that into consideration and did not charge her at all.
- false advertisingIt felt like false advertising
- feeif we left anything, there would be a 25% fee
- spent $500spent $500 for food and drinks. Disappointed
If youre eyeing a premium experience like the Wagyu sets, you might find excellent value for your money. However, be mindful of other options, as some customers felt the quality didnt always justify the price, leading to disappointment.
How are the prices at Matsuyama?
On average, you’ll spend around 82 per person – based on 55 guests. That places this Asian Restaurant in the $81–$90 category, which is comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning a bit higher for San Francisco. While the average sits here, we also see a good number of diners opting for a more premium experience, with many reviews clustering in the $91–$100 and even $101+ ranges.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 55 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a quality Asian Restaurant experience in San Francisco. It offers options for a solid mid-range meal, with room to indulge if you’re looking for something more premium.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Matsuyama
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Absolutely Amazing Hotpot Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I was actually sad to leave. After not visiting San Francisco for over five years, my 7-year-old son pointed out this restaurant, and we decided to try hotpot.
We've been to several hotpot places before, but this one is by far the best. While it is definitely the most expensive, it is absolutely WORTH it! We opted for a premium wagyu option, and it was some of the best beef I've ever had.
Even though I've had wagyu before, this was just incredibly good. I chose the golden chicken broth, and my boyfriend had the spicy wagyu broth; we were both extremely happy with our choices. Our server was also extremely wonderful and super hilarious.
I've already asked my boyfriend if we can return specifically here next year for my birthday. My 7-year-old also thought the food was very good, stating it's the best meat he has ever had. Thank you for the amazing experience!
The appetizers were also amazing.
- hotpot10
- premium wagyu10
- beef10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Amazing Food and Atmosphere!
Sora took excellent care of us during our visit. The food was absolutely amazing, and the atmosphere made me feel like I was traveling. What an amazing place!
I can’t wait to revisit.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- Sora10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Food and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I really enjoyed the food and loved the sake. We specifically tried the MIO sparkling sake.
The service was exceptional, with Irene providing great attention. We will definitely be returning.
- food9
- sake9
- MIO sparkling sake9
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Absolutely Delicious and Memorable Experience!
My birthday experience in March was amazing; the Golden chicken broth was incredibly delicious and smelled wonderful, making it feel like a true home-cooked meal. The waiter was exceptionally attentive, kind, and patient, making them a memorable part of the visit. Returning in September, the experience was once again amazing.
The waitress was very kind and attentive, and the service was speedy, with us being seated and greeted within seconds by a very nice woman. This is truly a must-try place, with a clean atmosphere and nice music. The seating arrangements, whether booths or bar-style, are very nice.
The vegetables are fresh, and the garlic cucumbers are so tasty and refreshing. I will definitely be back for a third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh time because it's just that good. I will be dreaming of my next visit.
<3
- Golden chicken broth10
- home cooked meal9
- waiter10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Birthday Dinner Experience!
I came to Japan town for my lady's birthday and didn't know what to eat. We stumbled on this place and loved it. The chicken broth is amazing and the arrangement of different food to put in it.
Great people and great cooks; I heard them laughing and having a good time in the back. Just an overall great experience that anyone should try.
- chicken broth9
- arrangement of food8
- people9
What Matsuyama offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What are the parking options available at Matsuyama?
You’ll find convenient paid parking options near Matsuyama, including both a paid parking lot and a paid parking garage. There is usually plenty of parking available for your visit.
Can I make a reservation and is Matsuyama accessible?
Yes, Matsuyama accepts reservations, making your planning easier. The restaurant is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your comfort.