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oChef » NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA – San Francisco
NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA - San Francisco
Photo from NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA
NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA at a glance
San Francisco Fillmore District
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 53 of the guests
#1688 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#145 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
325
Reviews
65.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful ramen
- Great value
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Bland dishes
The restaurant NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA is a Japanese restaurant located in San Francisco’s vibrant Fillmore District. You’ll discover a cozy and inviting atmosphere here, perfect for enjoying authentic Japanese cuisine.
Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch, a trendy dinner spot, or happy hour drinks, this izakaya offers a delightful experience with small plates and beer.
Overview: Introducting NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA
NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many appreciating the flavorful ramen and creative menu options. The cozy atmosphere also contributes positively to the visit, making it a comfortable spot.
However, some guests have noted inconsistencies, particularly with wait time for service and food delivery. While the lunch special is a definite draw, occasional issues with food quality, like bland chicken, have been mentioned.
Good
6.9
out of 10
325
Reviews
65.8%
Satisfaction
92
negative
19
neutral
214
positive
NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA earns an overall score of 6.9, placing it in the average range, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 65.8%. This assessment is drawn from 325 customer remarks, comprising 214 positive and 92 negative observations.
While not outstanding, it suggests a generally acceptable experience for many diners. Diving deeper, the Food (7.1) and Ambience (7.5) are considered good, with Value (8.1) standing out as a strong point.
However, Service (5.8) falls into the average category, indicating areas where the restaurant could improve its guest interactions and efficiency.
What people like
- Flavorful ramen broth
- Excellent lunch value
- Cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service speed
- Occasional bland food
- Limited seating options
NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA presents a decent option, especially if you’re seeking good value and a pleasant setting. With a recommendation score of 7.3, it’s worth considering for its well-regarded food and attractive deals, particularly the lunch specials.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and occasional food quality variations. If you prioritize a quick, flawless experience, you might find it a mixed bag, but for a casual meal with good ramen, it holds its own.
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Verdict: Our expert take on NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food! Overall, it seems like a pretty good experience, with a solid score of 7.1. While customer satisfaction sits at a somewhat mixed 69.1%, many diners rave about the delicious quality, especially the Salmon, duck, and various ramen dishes.
With 134 positive remarks out of 194 total, its clear that generous portions and tasty desserts also hit the spot for many. However, not every dish is a winner. About 49 comments point to some inconsistencies, like ramen being too salty or duck breast and chashu being dry.
Some found certain dishes bland, like the tasteless chicken or the karage don, and a few felt portions were occasionally too small, leading to disappointment.
Food
194
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
49
negative
11
neutral
134
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious ramen
- Excellent fish
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Bland dishes
- Small servings
Often praised
- foodI discovered this cute restaurant by chance when I found a parking spot out front. To my surprise, the food was really good. I ordered the spicy miso chashu ramen, which had a medium to high level of spice, which was great.
- ramenMy experience at this restaurant was close to amazing. The menu offers interesting and creative takes on ramen, and the service was great and very friendly. They also have a great lunch special.
- FoodFood:5
- brothThe broth was the star and standout, so concentrated with flavor.
- chashuThe chashu was the size of a car fender
- noodlesMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the super good Tan Tan Ramen, and the broth was rich, with noodles cooked to perfection. The braised pork (kakuni papas) and fried chicken (chicken karaage) were spectacular, juicy, and tender.
- sushiThe sushi and service was great though!
- Chicken KaraageChicken Karaage for appetizer and it was crispy, juicy, and tasty.
- coconut shoyu chicken ramenGot their coconut shoyu chicken ramen and it was great
- dishquite the unique dish amongst the heavy, fatty, American-style
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food, especially the don we tried, was pretty inedible.
- chickenSecondly, the meats should be marinated before being tossed into the ramen. The coconut shoyu broth was tasty, but the chicken inside was completely tasteless and weirdly dry.
- kakunithe kakuni's quality varied drastically even within the same bowl
- lunch specialexcited to try their lunch special, but unfortunately, the experience was really disappointing
- Kakuni PapasKakuni Papas implies kakuni-style potatoes w no meat
- Pork Kakunibasically Pork Kakuni with mashed potatoes instead of the potatoes
- bangbang chickenbangbang chicken is not Japanese
- chashuchashu was dry and tough
- coconut chicken Ramencoconut chicken Ramen, and it was basically lukewarm
- coconut chicken ramengirlfriend ordered the coconut chicken ramen and it was pretty bland
If youre looking for a place with generally delicious ramen and quality fish, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might be inconsistent, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.8 and customer satisfaction at 50%. Many guests praised the staff for being attentive, kind, and quick, often mentioning excellent service and wait staff. Some even received free skewers or were seated right away, making for a very pleasant experience, as noted in 38 positive remarks.
However, theres definitely room for improvement, with 36 negative remarks highlighting issues like long waiting times, poor communication, and servers giving conflicting information. Some felt there was a lack of attention to guests, leading to forgotten orders or a generally lousy service experience. It seems the service can be inconsistent, impacting the overall dining experience.
Service
76
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
36
negative
2
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, kind staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Flawless hospitality
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Poor communication
- Inconsistent service
Often praised
- serviceThe service moves quickly, so there doesn’t seem to be a long wait.
- staffIt's clear why this is considered the best Japanese restaurant in San Francisco. The wonderful staff, with their warmth and hospitality, made the experience even more enjoyable. If you're seeking amazing Japanese cuisine in SF, this place is a must-visit.
- ServiceService:5
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- serversVery friendly servers
- CarlosCarlos recommended so many things
- appetizersvery quick with slinging out appetizers
- attentiveServers are very attentive and kind
- extra little thingsMy experience at this new restaurant was excellent. They are really putting their best foot forward with service, offering extra little things on the house, and serving delicious food. The seaweed salad was beyond what you normally get, featuring different types included.
- free skewersgave me some free skewers
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by okay food but poor service. We arrived 10 minutes before a group of six and still didn't receive our ramen until the larger table had all their orders.
- foodFood took a long time to come out too.
- waitThe ramen was good, offering a generous portion of noodles and chashu for the price. However, the snack and appetizer were not worth the almost 30 minutes wait.
- wait timewe would have gone somewhere else if the wait time was accurate
- waiteranother waiter literally would not come to my table
- waiting timeI was excited to try their lunch special, but unfortunately, the experience was really disappointing. We arrived well before the lunch special ended but waited nearly an hour to be seated. When we asked if we’d still qualify for the special, one server said yes.
- apologyThis meant I sat there eating in front of her while she stayed hungry the whole time. There was no proactive communication, no apology that felt sincere, and no attempt to make it right. This was completely unacceptable service, and we won’t be coming back.
- attempt to make it rightThis meant I sat there eating in front of her while she stayed hungry the whole time. There was no proactive communication, no apology that felt sincere, and no attempt to make it right. This was completely unacceptable service, and we won’t be coming back.
- attention to guestsmore attention to guests eating at outside tables
- chef had lefttold that the chef had left without making it
If youre looking for a place with potentially great service, its a bit of a gamble here. While many have wonderful experiences, be prepared for possible long waits or communication hiccups. It might be worth trying if you're patient, but if efficient service is your top priority, you might want to consider other options.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to the ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.5 score and a solid 72.7% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the cozy atmosphere and inviting feel, often noting the quiet, easy to talk noise level and fresh and clean environment. With 24 positive remarks out of 33 total, its clear the cute spot vibe and good vibe music really resonate with diners.
However, not everything is picture-perfect. A few of the 5 negative comments point to concerns like sushi served on questionable wood paneling and tables outside being dirty. Some also found the tiny place a bit distracting due to limited seating' and close proximity to other diners, making it less ideal for those seeking ample personal space.
Ambience
33
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
5
negative
4
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy inviting atmosphere
- Quiet easy conversation
- Clean fresh environment
What people don't like
- Unsealed wood serving
- Dirty outdoor tables
- Limited tight seating
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was truly unforgettable. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The service was absolutely flawless, with staff who were attentive, friendly, and professional.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- restaurantWe came for Happy Hour and also got a small salmon poke dish, but that was just okay. The service was a little slower, but it’s a cute lil restaurant in Japantown.
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- Indoor dining areaSeating type:Indoor dining area
- ambiancea lovely ambiance
- cute spotSuper cute spot
- environmentThe environment is fresh and clean
- musicthey had loud upbeat music playing. Not unpleasantly loud. Good vibe.
- settingThe service was fast, but it felt like everything was pre-prepared and not very well done, which was confusing. On a positive note, the atmosphere was really nice and cozy, and the small setting made it feel very intimate and homey.
Frequently criticized
- Tables outsideTables outside were covered in a layer of dirt
- parkingit was kind of hard to find parking
- seatingThe seating was also kind of limited
- tiny placeit's a tiny place, so the loud talker 2 tables down was a bit distracting
- wood panelingHowever, the presentation of the sushi was a significant issue. It was served on what appeared to be an unsanded, unsealed, and stained piece of wood paneling, complete with visible notches. Loose fibers were present, and I was concerned about the potential health risks from chemicals in untreated wood.
If you're looking for a cozy, intimate spot with a good vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that the space can be a bit tight, and some minor details like outdoor cleanliness or serving presentation might not always be perfect.
Value (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 81.8%, its clear guests are thrilled. Many of the 18 positive remarks rave about the "happy hour deals, " "lunch special, " and "incredibly reasonable prices, " offering great portions and quality for the cost.
However, a couple of the 22 total opinions did mention the "price" as a downside, with some finding it a bit expensive. While these are few, its worth noting if you're not catching one of their fantastic deals.
Value
22
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour deals
- Lunch special value
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
Often praised
- happy hourcame for the $5 happy hour, its a good deal
- $16My experience at the restaurant was amazing. I highly recommend the lunch special, which is a really good amount of food for only $16! The servers were very attentive and kind.
- lunch specialI found this place while researching delicious, affordable lunch spots, and it did not disappoint! I visited during their 11 am-3 pm lunch special, which is an incredible deal at $16 for an appetizer, entree, and dessert. I opted for the chicken karaage and the tonkotsu chashu ramen, both of which were delicious and perfectly filling.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was truly excellent. I enjoyed truly excellent Japanese cuisine at fantastic prices. The lunch specials offered great selections and generous portion sizes.
- Lunch SpecialLunch Special is a really good deal
- happy hour dealsNoteworthy are the happy hour deals!
- happy hour specialhad a happy hour special so it was a really great deal
- incredibly reasonable pricesthe prices are incredibly reasonable
- lunch dealheard about the lunch deal from a friend
- lunch spotsI found this place while researching delicious, affordable lunch spots, and it did not disappoint! I visited during their 11 am-3 pm lunch special, which is an incredible deal at $16 for an appetizer, entree, and dessert.
Frequently criticized
- priceExpensive and tasteless.
If youre looking for a fantastic deal, especially during happy hour or for their lunch special, this place is definitely worth checking out. Youll likely find great food at a price that makes you smile, though be mindful if you're dining outside of these prime value times.
How are the prices at NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 53 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the spread, most diners are comfortably spending in the $21–$30 bracket, with a good number also choosing options in the $11–$20 range. This tells us prices are pretty consistent around the average, rather than a wild mix of super cheap and super premium.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 53 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Japanese spot, especially considering it’s not pushing into the super high-end but still offers a solid experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Spicy Miso Ramen Bliss!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the spicy miso ramen and it was so goooooood! I would love to go back to SF to eat it again!
💕 The wait time was no wait, and I enjoyed indoor dining in a quiet area where it was easy to talk.
- spicy miso ramen10
- Wait time10
- Indoor dining area8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Great Small Plates & Happy Hour
My experience was a pleasant walk-in during a late afternoon when I was between meals and not too hungry, but wanted to grab something. I really liked the portion of the foods, as the small plates were perfect for my needs. They also offer a happy hour between 4: 30 PM and 6: 00 PM, where all small plates are $5.
- portion of the foods8
- small plates8
- happy hour9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Good Food, Parking and Seating Issues
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. While the food was generally pretty good, I encountered some issues with parking and seating. It was quite difficult to find parking, which led me to take the bus instead.
Upon arrival, the seating was limited, resulting in a short wait of a couple of minutes. Regarding the food, I found the ramen to be a little too salty, but the takoyaki was pretty good and offered good value.
- food7
- takoyaki7
- value8
- parking3
- seating4
- ramen3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious and Affordable Lunch Special!
I found this place while researching delicious, affordable lunch spots, and it did not disappoint! I visited during their 11 am-3 pm lunch special, which is an incredible deal at $16 for an appetizer, entree, and dessert. I opted for the chicken karaage and the tonkotsu chashu ramen, both of which were delicious and perfectly filling.
The food was great, and the atmosphere was also a 5-star experience. I highly recommend this spot for a satisfying and budget-friendly lunch.
- lunch spots9
- lunch special10
- $1610
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Food, Excellent Service!
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. I visited during lunch and found the food to be absolutely delicious and it arrived quickly. The servers were excellent.
Overall, it was a great experience and I will definitely be back.
- food9
- servers10
What NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA?
When you visit NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA, you’ll find a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant is described as cozy, casual, and trendy, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal or a lively evening out in the Fillmore District.
What service options are available at NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA?
NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA offers a variety of convenient service options to suit your needs. You can enjoy your meal with dine-in seating, opt for outdoor seating, or choose curbside pickup or takeout for enjoying their delicious offerings at home.
How does NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA rate overall?
NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA holds an overall score of 6.9. Its Food (7.1), Ambience (7.5), and Value (8.1) are generally well-regarded, though Service (5.8) could be more consistent.
Are there good deals at NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA?
Yes, many customers praise the excellent value, especially the lunch special and happy hour deals, which offer generous portions at reasonable prices.
What can I expect from the service at NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA?
Service can be a mixed experience. While some find staff attentive and quick, others report significant wait time for food and seating, suggesting inconsistency.