Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Rooftop seating
- Great wine list
- Live performances
oChef » KAIYO – San Francisco
KAIYO - San Francisco
Photo from KAIYO
KAIYO at a glance
San Francisco Mission Bay
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 116 of the guests
#2138 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#141 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
6.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
745
Reviews
54.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food Quality
- Stunning Views
- Atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Service
- High Prices
- Billing Issues
The bar & pub KAIYO in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission Bay neighborhood offers an unparalleled experience. You’ll discover a trendy, upscale spot where the highlight is undoubtedly the stunning rooftop seating.
Imagine enjoying live music and performances under the city lights, making every visit memorable. This is where you go for an authentic San Francisco night out.
Overview: Introducting KAIYO
KAIYO offers a delightful blend of cuisines within a captivating setting. Customers frequently praise the views and the overall ambiance, making it a popular spot for social gatherings.
The staff generally contributes to a pleasant experience, often described as attentive and friendly. However, some experiences at KAIYO are marred by inconsistent service, with reports of long wait times and unengaged servers.
The value proposition can also be a point of contention, as some find the pricing steep, especially for drinks, and question certain billing practices.
Good
6.1
out of 10
745
Reviews
54.4%
Satisfaction
271
negative
69
neutral
405
positive
KAIYO holds an overall restaurant score of 6.1, placing it in the average range, with a 54.4% customer satisfaction, indicating a mixed reception. This assessment is drawn from 745 customer opinions, comprising 405 positive and 271 negative remarks.
The Food (6.9) is a strong point, frequently mentioned for its quality and unique blend of flavors, while the Ambience (7.2) also stands out, with many appreciating the setting and views. Conversely, Service (4.5) appears to be a notable area for improvement, with a significant number of concerns about attentiveness and wait times.
Value (3.5) is where KAIYO struggles most, with customers often finding prices high and questioning additional charges. The positive aspects of Food and Ambience are somewhat offset by the lower scores in Service and Value.
What people like
- Exquisite Food Quality
- Stunning Views
- Engaging Atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Service
- High Prices
- Questionable Billing Practices
With a recommendation score of 6.4, KAIYO is a place to consider if you prioritize a vibrant setting and unique culinary offerings. It shines for its ambiance and generally well-regarded food, making it suitable for a social evening or special occasion where the setting is key.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and a higher price point, particularly regarding value. If attentive service and budget-friendly options are your top priorities, you might find KAIYO less satisfying.
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Verdict: Our expert take on KAIYO
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
It seems the food here offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a 6.9 score indicating it's generally average, and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 62.3%. Out of 305 comments, 190 were positive, highlighting some real standouts. Many guests raved about the Japanese fried chicken, sushi, and creative cocktails, with some even calling the A5 wagyu an absolute highlight.
However, 70 negative remarks point to areas needing attention. Some diners found the overall food quality to be mediocre, with complaints about small portions and dishes being flavorless. There were also specific concerns about sushi not tasting fresh, which is a definite bummer.
Food
305
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
70
negative
45
neutral
190
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious fried chicken
- Creative cocktails
- Excellent A5 wagyu
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small portions
- Bland flavors
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was defined by a loved combination of Latin/Peruvian and Japanese cuisines, which resulted in very good food. The service was ok, and I particularly loved the roof top.
- drinksIt boasts a gorgeous view, especially at night, thanks to its prime location near the Giants stadium and Bay Bridge. The food was great and the drinks were tasty. While it is on the pricier side, you are definitely paying for the view.
- cocktailsI had an exquisite food and delicious cocktails experience at this restaurant. The magnificent views of San Francisco added to the overall pleasant and enjoyable time.
- sushiPerfect. We ordered sushi, fries, and the chicken sandwich. For two girls, we left pretty full.
- oystersThe oysters were incredibly fresh
- Kaiyo RollKaiyo Roll. Everything fresh and tasty
- wagyu slidersI celebrated my 25th birthday dinner at Kaiyo and had a fantastic experience. I ordered the shrimp tempura roll and the Kaiyo roll with wagyu sliders. The food was very good, and I would definitely recommend coming here.
- appetizerseat appetizers
- corn ribscorn ribs: must try! kaiyo’s might have perfected it
- delicious foodAll in all a great meal with delicious food.
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing regarding the food. I have no idea what they are good at when it comes to their culinary offerings.
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant offered good views of the city at night. However, the cocktails were underwhelming. The classic pisco sour, served in a blue ceramic cup, was more bitter than sour.
- dishesmany of the dishes we tried to order had run out
- food qualityThe sushi just didn’t taste fresh. It's sad for a rooftop restaurant to have such low quality food. I will never return here again, especially for the food.
- friesTook about 15 minutes for fries
- portionsthe portions were tiny—each sampler only had a few bites
- sauceSauce that it came with was maybe huancaina(?) but literally tasted like nothing
- small platessmall plates at the beginning that were just completely forgotten
- yucca friesnever been disappointed by yucca fries before :(
- Chicken Tonkatsu sandoWorst, Chicken Tonkatsu sando -dry thin dark meat parts
If youre heading here, you might find some delicious gems, especially if you stick to the highly praised items like the fried chicken or wagyu. However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent quality and smaller portions on some dishes. Its worth a try for the highlights, but manage your expectations for a consistently stellar culinary experience.
Service (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, there are definitely some shining moments here. Many guests praised the attentive and friendly staff, with special shout-outs to the bartenders for their excellent work. Some even found the experience hospitable and the service impeccable, contributing to the overall positive vibe in 68 remarks.
However, the overall picture is a bit of a mixed bag, with an average 4.5 score and poor 34.3% customer satisfaction. A significant 125 opinions highlighted issues like slow service, rude staff, and long wait times. Many felt a distinct lack of attention, leading to frustrating dining experiences and organizational hiccups across 198 total mentions.
Service
198
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
125
negative
5
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Friendly bartenders
- Hospitable service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Lack of attention
Often praised
- serviceEvery bite was a delightful surprise. The service was impeccable; the staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and ensured every detail was perfect, offering helpful recommendations. Kaiyo Rooftop is the place to be for a memorable night out or a special occasion, offering an unforgettable combination of exquisite food, exceptional service, and stunning views.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive. It's a cute place with friendly staff, and while it's somewhat vegan-friendly, there are a few things to note. They offer a couple of veggie rolls, but some come with non-vegan aioli.
- serverKayla (?), our server, was fantastic and accommodating, always smiling
- ServiceThe cocktail bar and lounge offer a menu designed for sharing with friends or colleagues, and we saw a ton of colleagues here on Tuesday. Service was wonderful. I tried to get a reservation ahead of time but was unable to secure it.
- bartenderAmazing! Jade was my bartender and her attitude was on point; she knows what she’s doing. Definitely coming back with more friends.
- wait timeWait time:No wait
- bartendersThe bartenders were friendly and chatty
- reservationMade a reservation for Saturday at 7pm and got seated right on time.
- AlexAlex was at our table welcoming us and took our drink order. She was wonderful and so sweet!!
- attentivetaking care about us to much
Frequently criticized
- serviceWe ordered a few items: Beef Empanadas (good but super salty), Nikkei Wings (horrible taste and cold inside), Crispy Yucca, and the Lomo Saltado roll (super salty). Another reason for the 3 stars was the service took a long time. The server just kept walking by, and when they would bring our drinks/food, it was always to the table next to us, like they didn't know which table ordered food.
- staffI had a reservation on Friday and it was one of the worst dining experiences I’ve ever had. We were seated at the far back near the bathrooms and waited forever for anyone to take our order despite flagging multiple staff. We were then told we could move to the bar and order there while they found us a better table.
- reservationissues with our reservation from the start
- serverThe upscale bar, with its tropical theme, offers a delightful selection of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, along with creative cocktails. While the hostess provided friendly and accommodating service, our server's approach was, somewhat surprisingly, methodical and lacked engagement. The rooftop features open areas with glass partitions and overhead heaters for warmth.
- slow serviceIt was a little slow with waiters disappearing for a little occasionally
- bartenderthe bartender with the square glasses is a condescending jerk
- bartendersWe were then told we could move to the bar and order there while they found us a better table. The two younger bartenders were incredibly rude, whispering about us, speaking in a condescending tone, slamming drinks down, and then telling us we couldn’t order food without losing our table. The female bartender’s attitude was especially nasty.
- hostMy experience at this restaurant was marked by really poor service. The host with orange blonde hair was incredibly rude to us and even went to the bar to talk negatively about our table. We visited solely for drinks, and I must admit, the drinks were actually delicious.
- managerNo backup for one of their main dishes? When the manager, Coral, came over, I expected an apology or at least some acknowledgment of how unacceptable this was. Instead, he shrugged it off, saying, “Yeah, that happens in restaurants.
- reserved tablesmove away from that one as well as it too was reserved
You might experience fantastic service, especially from the bar staff, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies. While some find the staff attentive, others report slow service and rudeness. It's a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
Based on 196 customer remarks, the ambience here generally hits the mark, earning a solid 7.2 score and a 70.9% customer satisfaction rate. Guests frequently rave about the incredible views, vibrant vibe, and electric atmosphere, especially from the rooftop location, making it a popular spot for a memorable experience. However, not all experiences are perfect.
Some found the seating arrangements awkward or limited, and despite heaters, the windy conditions could make it uncomfortably cold. A few also noted issues with non-functional heaters and the inconvenient or dirty bathroom facilities, as highlighted in 43 negative comments.
Ambience
196
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
43
negative
14
neutral
139
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning city views
- Lively rooftop vibe
- Comfortable outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Inconsistent seating/views
- Windy and cold
- Unpleasant restrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereworth it if you’re looking for a fun, social atmosphere
- viewI made reservations the day of the Kendrick concert. The place is super nice and the view was amazing. But here is why I'm giving it 3 stars.
- viewsstunning views of the bay and the city
- rooftopWhile the hostess provided friendly and accommodating service, our server's approach was, somewhat surprisingly, methodical and lacked engagement. The rooftop features open areas with glass partitions and overhead heaters for warmth. The sushi was exceptional, and the drinks were enjoyable.
- vibeIt was so uncomfortable that we left. The decent food and nice vibe don’t make up for the disrespectful, unprofessional service. I will never be coming back, and I’ll be warning my friends too.
- vibesThis place is only good for vibes and views. I would not recommend planning your parties or dinners here.
- ambianceThe ambiance is perfect, with a blend of modern elegance and tropical vibes
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- DJI love the DJ and their music choices
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereno atmosphere, no views, no special vibe at all
- bathroomthe bathroom is not on this floor. Its actually a pretty long distance and confusing getting there
- entrancegot lost looking for the entrance, separately
- rooftop tableI made a reservation weeks in advance specifically requesting the rooftop table. My experience was that I ended up sitting outside under the rain, which was described as romantic but was not my vibe 😂.
- seatingmajority of the seating for larger groups seems to be in a lounge format
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- TVWe sat next to a TV
- barThe bar has a weird wind tunnel that's formed
- city viewscity views are overrated; too many downtown high rise bars
- cool and windyCool and windy
If you're seeking a lively spot with breathtaking city views and a great vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that seating can be hit-or-miss, and prepare for potentially windy conditions, especially on the rooftop.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few guests found the prices reasonable, especially considering the quality or for a special night out. Some even mentioned a great price and value for certain dishes, and reasonable prices for drinks and small plates. These positive sentiments come from 8 opinions out of 46 total customer remarks.
However, the overall sentiment regarding value is quite poor, with a score of 3.5 and customer satisfaction at a low 17.4%. Many of the 33 negative comments highlight issues with high prices for portion sizes, expensive drinks, and feeling things were generally overpriced. There are also significant concerns about confusing billing practices, automatic gratuity, and various hidden fees.
Value
46
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
33
negative
5
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable for quality
- Worth for special night
What people don't like
- High prices, small portions
- Hidden fees and charges
- Questionable billing practices
Often praised
- pricesPrices are considerably reasonable for the experience
- bills2 bills with tip and more adult bevs
- cheaper pricea lot cheaper in Marin
- price and valueMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I really loved this place, especially for its great price and value. I highly recommend trying their Japanese fried chicken; it's a must-try!
- reasonable pricesWhat a super great evening with good drinks and small dishes at reasonable prices. The service was exceptional.
- valuedefinitely worth it for a special night out
- viewyou pay for the view
Frequently criticized
- priceshow one price in the menu and charge a different price
- pricesOn the positive side, the views are quite nice. So, if you can stomach the steeper prices and potentially off dishes, this place might be for you.
- drinksThe entrance felt like walking through a dark, dirty tunnel, giving the impression of a hotel bar, which it essentially is. We were extremely disappointed, especially considering the $23 drinks. I even had to ask for more ice!
- production feeforce an automatic 20% "production fee"
- tipthey still expect you to tip as well
- PriceSave your $90.00 !
- SF City chargespls other SF City charges too
- automatic gratuity chargethere was an automatic gratuity charge for 20%
- billIn the bill there is automatically some charge %20 tip
- billingquestionable billing practices
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially high bill, as many found the prices steep and encountered unexpected charges. While some found value for special occasions, it might disappoint if youre looking for an affordable meal or transparent pricing.
How are the prices at KAIYO?
On average, you’ll spend around 57 per person – from 116 guests. That places this Bar & Pub in the $51–$60 category. For its type, thats comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning a bit higher.
When we look at what everyone spends, its quite a mix! While many guests enjoy options in the 21 – 40 $ range, theres also a notable group who opt for more premium experiences, spending $81–$90 or even over 101 $. So, its not just one price point; there’s something for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 116 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the diverse spending habits and the San Francisco location, we think the pricing here feels fair for a Bar & Pub that likely offers a range of experiences, from casual drinks to more substantial meals or premium offerings.
Customer Reviews: what people think about KAIYO
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Delicious Drinks, Terrible Service
My experience at this restaurant was marked by really poor service. The host with orange blonde hair was incredibly rude to us and even went to the bar to talk negatively about our table. We visited solely for drinks, and I must admit, the drinks were actually delicious.
However, the service was so bad that it will have us never return. To make matters worse, when we paid, they questioned why we didn’t order food, despite us having just come from dinner. It was a sad experience.
😢
- drinks8
- food5
- service1
- host1
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Production Fee and Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I was surprised by a 20% "production fee" added to the bill, and on top of that, I was expected to leave a tip for a waiter who barely attended to our table after the initial service. The service was clearly lacking, as the waiter was inattentive.
While the food and atmosphere received moderate ratings, the overall experience was significantly marred by the unexpected fees and subpar service.
- food6
- atmosphere6
- production fee1
- tip2
- waiter1
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Hidden Fees Ruin Dining Experience
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing due to unexpected and excessive fees. They automatically add a 20% "production fee" to the bill, which is not a tip, and then still expect an additional tip. Before these added fees, the food was not worth the price.
With the 40+% in fees they expect, it feels like they are trying to steal your money. There are many other good food options in the area that are more honest.
- food choices8
- production fee1
- tip1
- food price2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Terrible Service, Rude Staff
My experience at this restaurant was the worst service I have ever encountered. From the moment we sat down, our waitress was extremely rude, rolling her eyes and giving us attitude. She was also terrible at her job, as we waited forever to order.
To add to the frustration, we discovered an automatic gratuity charge of 20% at the end of our meal 😂. We all felt she deserved no more than 5%. Unfortunately, it wasn't just her; the entire staff was so rude.
It was ridiculous.
- service1
- waitress1
- job1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Delicious Sushi in a Swanky Setting
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was incredibly attentive, with staff refilling my water glass the moment I took a sip. The atmosphere was both quiet and swanky, creating a sophisticated dining environment.
Most importantly, the sushi was absolutely delicious.
- service10
- atmosphere10
- sushi10
What KAIYO offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and entertainment can you expect at KAIYO ROOFTOP?
At KAIYO ROOFTOP, you’ll find an upscale, romantic, and trendy atmosphere. You can enjoy live music, live performances, and sports, all while taking in the views from the rooftop seating. It’s perfect for a memorable night out, offering a dynamic and engaging environment for you and your company.
What dining and service options are available at KAIYO ROOFTOP?
KAIYO ROOFTOP offers outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery for your convenience. You can enjoy food at the bar, a great wine list, cocktails, beer, and hard liquor. Table service and reservations are also available, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for you.
How does KAIYO generally perform according to customer feedback?
KAIYO receives an overall score of **6.1**, indicating an average experience. While **Ambience** (7.2) and **Food** (6.9) are often praised, **Service** (4.5) and **Value** (3.5) are areas where customers express concerns.
What aspects of KAIYO's atmosphere do customers enjoy most?
Customers frequently highlight KAIYO’s stunning views and engaging vibe or atmosphere, often describing it as a fun and social spot, especially for a memorable night out.
Are there any common complaints about KAIYO's service or pricing?
Yes, some customers report inconsistent service, including long wait times and unengaged staff. Concerns about value are also noted, with mentions of high prices and unexpected additional charges.