Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Hi City – San Francisco
Hi City - San Francisco
Photo from Hi City
Hi City at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍍 Hawaiian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 18 of the guests
#836 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Hawaiian Restaurant out of 19 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
122
Reviews
79.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh Poke
- Great Service
Frequently criticized
- Small Portions
- Soggy Rice
The restaurant Hi City brings a taste of the islands to San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood. You’ll discover a delightful Hawaiian Restaurant experience here, perfect for when you’re seeking healthy options or a quick bite.
This casual spot offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy authentic flavors for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, you’ll find convenience and deliciousness.
Overview: Introducting Hi City
Hi City offers a generally positive dining experience, particularly noted for its fresh and flavorful poke. Many appreciate the friendly and efficient service, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
The owner’s passion for authentic Hawaiian flavors shines through. However, some guests have found the portion size to be a bit small for the price, and there are occasional remarks about the rice quality.
Despite these minor points, it remains a popular spot for those seeking a taste of the islands.
Good
7.8
out of 10
122
Reviews
79.5%
Satisfaction
20
negative
5
neutral
97
positive
Hi City achieves a solid 7.8 overall score, indicating a good experience for most patrons. This is supported by a strong 79.5% customer satisfaction rate, suggesting that nearly four out of five visitors leave content.
These figures are based on a total of 122 customer observations, with 97 positive remarks outweighing 20 negative ones. Looking closer, the Service (8.2) stands out as a particular strength, often described as fast and friendly.
Food (7.8) also performs well, with many praising the fresh ingredients. The Ambience (7.6) contributes positively, while Value (6.2) is perceived as average, with some finding portions a bit small for the cost.
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful poke
- Friendly, fast service
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Soggy rice issues
- Occasional rude staff
If you’re seeking a spot with genuinely fresh poke and attentive service, Hi City is certainly worth considering. The positive vibes and dedicated owner contribute to a pleasant visit, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
However, be mindful that some find the portion sizes a bit modest for the price, and there have been occasional comments about the rice texture. With a strong 8.4 recommendation score, it’s generally a place that leaves a good impression, especially if you prioritize quality ingredients and friendly interactions.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hi City
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 81.2%, its clear most diners are happy. Out of 85 comments, a whopping 69 rave about the fresh poke, flavorful fish, and delicious Kalua Pork.
Many also love the customizable bowls and special flavors. However, its not all perfect. A few of the 13 negative comments point to some areas for improvement.
Some found the portion sizes a bit small, and there were mentions of soggy or cold rice. A few wished for more topping variety and fresher cucumbers/edamame.
Food
85
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful poke
- Customize own bowl
- Tasty Kalua Pork
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Soggy, cold rice
- Limited topping variety
Often praised
- pokeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I had the best poke in the bay area, in my opinion. Everyone who works there is great, extremely personable and friendly.
- fishThe poke itself was so ono (delicious), fresh, flavorful, and totally legit. They offer classic Hawaiian-style fish alongside “mainland” toppings, a choice the owner explained was to "give the city what it wants. " However, for the purists, the foundation of the dishes is all Hawaii.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I work in downtown again, which means I can once again enjoy the glorious taste of poke in my mouth. The food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch, each receiving a perfect score of 5.
- toppingsThe poke itself was so ono (delicious), fresh, flavorful, and totally legit. They offer classic Hawaiian-style fish alongside “mainland” toppings, a choice the owner explained was to "give the city what it wants. " However, for the purists, the foundation of the dishes is all Hawaii.
- FoodFood:5
- PokeSehr leckeres Poke gehabt
- ingredientsI found the bowl to be just great and reasonably priced. The fish tasted fresh, as did all the ingredients. I will definitely go back again.
- salmonThe sushi rice was served cold, and the cucumbers and edamame did not taste fresh. Despite these issues, I'm giving it 4 stars because the salmon was so good. If the rice and toppings were improved, I would regularly get this as a quick lunch!
- Hawaiian tunaThe Hawaiian tuna! Both were pretty good.
- Kalua Porkthe Kalua Pork wasn't dry
Frequently criticized
- fishI used to really like this place, but unfortunately, I got a bad case of food poisoning from the fish. Because of this experience, I won’t be going again.
- sushi riceIt doesn’t taste like sushi rice at all. No Taste of Vinegar and Sake and so soggy
- cucumbers/edamamethe cucumbers/edamame did not taste fresh
- drink selectionwish they had a bit more drink selection
- fishy fishIf you want to get some fishy fish
- portion sizethe portion size is a bit small
- ricethe rice is sooo soggy
- service sizes of pokeservice sizes of poke are a bit too small
- small poke bowlThe small poke bowl is really small
- topping varietythey don't have a ton of topping variety
If youre craving fresh, flavorful poke and dont mind potentially smaller portions or are willing to customize carefully, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful of the rice and side options, and you'll likely have a great meal.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 8.2 and 85% customer satisfaction, its clear most folks are happy. Out of 20 comments, 17 rave about the friendly staff, fast service, and the owners warm aloha spirit, making you feel right at home.
They even shine with their delivery and take-out options. However, it's not entirely perfect. A few of the 20 comments, specifically 3, mentioned some hiccups.
There were a couple of instances where a staff member was described as rude, and one person noted servers wearing AirPods, which felt a bit unprofessional. It seems like a minor adjustment could smooth out these rare rough edges.
Service
20
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Owner's aloha
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Unprofessional appearance
Often praised
- staffThe staff was nice to not push me
- servicefast friendly service downtown
- ServiceService:5
- alohabrings all the aloha with him
- deliveryThey deliver on all platforms during quarentine.
- ownerThe restaurant truly nails that true island flavor. The owner, who is from Hawaii, brings a wonderful sense of aloha with him – he's super friendly, down-to-earth, and clearly passionate about sharing good food. The poke itself was so ono (delicious), fresh, flavorful, and totally legit.
- service speedWas busy but fast
- take outService:Take out
Frequently criticized
- AirPods in their earsservers not to have AirPods in their ears, doesn’t seem professional
- guy behind the counterThe guy behind the counter was rude
- rudeThe guy behind the counter was just plain rude
Overall, you can expect a largely positive service experience here, especially with the friendly and efficient staff. While there are a few isolated reports of rudeness or unprofessionalism, they dont seem to be the norm. Its definitely worth trying if good service is high on your list!
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
Based on 8 positive remarks out of 12 total, the ambience here is generally seen as a real plus! Many folks love the overall atmosphere and vibes, calling it a welcome addition to the neighborhood and a great spot to hang out. With a solid score of 7.6, its definitely leaning towards a good experience.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. A couple of comments (2 negative mentions) point out that the small space can feel a bit overwhelming for some, and one even described the atmosphere as a little dingy. This contributes to a mixed customer satisfaction of 66.7%, suggesting there's a bit of room for improvement.
Ambience
12
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Epic vibes
- Great spot
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Small space overwhelming
- Feels a bit dingy
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- great spotit’s a great spot
- placeI used to really like this place, but unfortunately, I got a bad case of food poisoning from the fish. Because of this experience, I won’t be going again.
- vibesthe vibes are epic
- welcome additionWelcome addition to the neighborhood
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereA little dingy
- small spaceoverwhelming in the small space
If you're looking for a place with generally good vibes and a welcoming feel, this spot could be a hit. Just be aware that the small space might feel a bit overwhelming or dingy to some, so manage your expectations if you prefer expansive areas.
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a somewhat positive vibe, with a score of 6.2 indicating its pretty average. Customers appreciate that adding an extra scoop is only a dollar more, and many find the overall pricing reasonable, especially given the fresh ingredients. Based on 3 positive remarks, it seems you can get a good deal here.
However, the value proposition is a bit mixed, with customer satisfaction sitting at 60%. Some folks feel the portions are a bit small for the price, and a couple of negative comments highlight an unexpected charge for seaweed salad, which isnt common at similar places. These 2 negative points suggest there's room for improvement in perceived value.
Value
5
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable add-on cost
- Good overall value
- Reasonably priced
What people don't like
- Small portions for price
- Extra charge for salad
Often praised
- priceAlthough it was busy during lunch, the service was fast and the staff was super friendly. I found the bowl to be just great and reasonably priced. The fish tasted fresh, as did all the ingredients.
- valuea good value
Frequently criticized
- pricetoo small for how much it costs
- seaweed saladthey charge for seaweed salad which basically no poke spots do
If youre looking for decent value and dont mind potentially smaller portions, this place could be a good option, especially for fresh ingredients. Just be aware of potential extra charges for common sides like seaweed salad, which might affect your overall perception of the price.
How are the prices at Hi City?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 18 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Hawaiian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners find themselves spending right in this sweet spot, with prices clustering heavily in the $11–$20 range, showing a pretty consistent experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 18 reviews.
A look at how this Hawaiian spot in San Francisco stacks up against similar restaurants in terms of value for money.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Hawaiian restaurant in San Francisco, offering good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hi City
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Authentic Hawaiian Poke in the City
My experience at City Poke was fantastic! The restaurant truly nails that true island flavor. The owner, who is from Hawaii, brings a wonderful sense of aloha with him – he's super friendly, down-to-earth, and clearly passionate about sharing good food.
The poke itself was so ono (delicious), fresh, flavorful, and totally legit. They offer classic Hawaiian-style fish alongside “mainland” toppings, a choice the owner explained was to "give the city what it wants. " However, for the purists, the foundation of the dishes is all Hawaii.
It was a quick and delicious meal that felt like a little taste of home.
- island flavor10
- aloha10
- owner10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Fresh Fish and Great Value Lunch
My experience at this restaurant was excellent, especially for lunch in FiDi. I found it to be the always correct choice for a midday meal. The portions were generous, and the price was very reasonable, with only a $1 increase per scoop. A fantastic bonus was the free crab salad that came with the order.
The fish was incredibly fresh and great, and their ginger was consistently good. The service was rated a 5, atmosphere a 4, and food a 5, making it a highly recommended spot.
- scoops9
- price8
- crab salad9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Favorite Poke in the Bay Area!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I work in downtown again, which means I can once again enjoy the glorious taste of poke in my mouth. The food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch, each receiving a perfect score of 5.
It's my favorite Poke spot in the entire Bay Area.
- poke10
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Flavorful Veggie Bowl, Small Portion
I had the veggie bowl with tofu and found it really flavorful. The portion size could’ve been a bit more generous, but overall, it’s a great spot for a tasty vegetarian lunch.
- veggie bowl with tofu8
- flavorful9
- portion size5
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
8
Fresh Fish, Customizable Bowls, Worth the Walk
I made the 15-minute walk from my office to try this place, and I was not disappointed. The fish here is incredibly fresh and flavorful. While I usually frequent the Benito Poke food truck, I appreciated that this establishment offers the traditional ability to customize your own bowl.
During the lunch rush, the small space felt a bit overwhelming, and I felt pressured to move quickly as others were also trying to get lunch. However, I needed time to read through all the topping options as it was my first visit. The staff was kind enough not to rush me.
I do wish they had a wider drink selection, but overall, the food was delicious, and I will definitely be back!
- fish9
- customize your own bowl8
- food9
- small space4
- drink selection3
What Hi City offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options and accessibility features does Hi City offer?
At Hi City, you can choose from no-contact delivery, takeout, delivery, or dine-in service. The restaurant is also committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating for your convenience.
Is Hi City a good choice for families or those looking for specific meal types?
Yes, Hi City is considered good for kids, making it a family-friendly destination. You’ll find healthy options and quick bites available for both lunch and dinner, catering to various preferences and schedules.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Hi City?
Hi City generally receives good feedback, with an overall score of 7.8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 79.5%. Customers particularly appreciate the **Service** (8.2), **Food** (7.8), and **Ambience** (7.6), though **Value** (6.2) is seen as average.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Hi City?
Many customers praise the fresh and flavorful poke, noting the quality of the fish and ingredients. The owner’s passion for authentic Hawaiian flavors is also frequently highlighted, offering both classic and modern options.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by visitors?
Some visitors have noted that the portion size can be small for the price, and there have been occasional comments about the sushi rice being soggy or lacking flavor. A few experiences with less professional or rude staff have also been mentioned.