Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Kufu-Ya – San Francisco
Kufu-Ya - San Francisco
Photo from Kufu-Ya
Kufu-Ya at a glance
San Francisco Outer Richmond
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 27 of the guests
#1150 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#99 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
352
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality Japanese food
- Attentive staff
- Reasonable pricing
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistencies
- Difficult parking
- Dated atmosphere
The restaurant Kufu-Ya invites you to experience authentic Japanese cuisine right in the heart of San Francisco’s Outer Richmond neighborhood. This cozy spot offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy a delightful dine-in experience or convenient takeout.
Whether you’re craving healthy options or looking for an all-you-can-eat feast, Kufu-Ya provides a casual yet trendy setting perfect for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting Kufu-Ya
Kufu-Ya generally offers a satisfying Japanese dining experience, with many patrons praising the fresh and delicious fare, particularly the sushi and shabu shabu. The staff are often described as friendly, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for many visitors.
However, some diners have noted occasional inconsistencies with the service, citing slow periods or a perceived lack of staff attention. The overall dining environment also receives mixed feedback, with some finding the atmosphere less refined than desired.
Good
7.5
out of 10
352
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
62
negative
26
neutral
264
positive
Kufu-Ya holds a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.5, placing it in the ‘good’ category, which aligns well with a Customer Satisfaction rate of 75%. This positive sentiment is drawn from a considerable 352 customer remarks, comprising 264 positive observations against 62 negative ones.
The restaurant’s strongest suit is its Food (7.9), consistently receiving high marks for quality. Service (7.6) also performs well, though some comments suggest it can be inconsistent.
While Value (6.9) is generally considered fair, the Ambience (6.1) is the area with the most room for improvement, often mentioned in relation to cleanliness or parking.
What people like
- Excellent sushi and shabu
- Friendly, quick service
- Good value for money
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service attention
- Challenging parking
- Subpar ambience/cleanliness
Kufu-Ya presents a solid option for those seeking authentic Japanese cuisine, especially if you’re keen on their highly regarded shabu shabu and sushi. With a Recommendation Score of 7.8, it’s clear many find it a worthwhile visit, particularly for the culinary offerings.
If your priority is fresh, flavorful food at a reasonable price, Kufu-Ya is certainly worth considering. However, if a consistently polished atmosphere and impeccable service are paramount, you might find certain aspects of the experience less consistent.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kufu-Ya
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally quite pleased, with a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a strong 80.3%. Out of 188 comments, a whopping 151 praise the offerings! Guests rave about the fresh ingredients, excellent meat quality, and flavorful broths like the spicy miso.
The AYCE hot pot and fantastic sushi options also get a lot of love. However, it's not all perfect. A smaller number of 18 comments point out some areas for improvement.
Some found certain broths a bit bland, while others mentioned tough beef or an unpleasant sauce. There were also concerns about small portions, not-so-fresh sashimi, and a desire for more variety in veggies.
Food
188
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
18
negative
19
neutral
151
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- AYCE hot pot
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Fantastic sushi
What people don't like
- Bland broth
- Tough beef
- Not fresh sashimi
Often praised
- foodThe food is always fresh and delicious
- sushiThey offer a great deal on the all-you-can-eat option, and their sushi is truly FANTASTIC. As a Japanese person, I can confidently say I was VERY impressed with their sushi. I highly recommend trying the unagi nigiri and the bluefin tuna.
- shabugreat shabu honestly haven't tried anything else on the menu, but keep coming back for the shabu!
- dipping sauceThe dipping sauce is also pretty good
- shabu shabuMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best shabu shabu in the city, with a choice of beef or lamb where the quality was prioritized over quantity. The dipping sauce was so fire, it was truly to die for.
- beefThe beef/lamb are perfect and I can guarantee you will have enough
- brothThe entree comes with a side salad 🥗, miso soup 🍲, and rice 🍚. My spouse got the beef & mushroom udon, and the broth was good. The place is known for their hot pot, so maybe next visit I'll try it.
- hot potrecommend the hot pot with tonkotsu broth
- meatI had the Mongolian beef, which was delicious, hot, and fresh. The meat was tender, the spices were just right, and the vegetables were cooked to perfection. The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5.
- vegetablesI had the Mongolian beef, which was delicious, hot, and fresh. The meat was tender, the spices were just right, and the vegetables were cooked to perfection. The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe broth isn't as flavorful as other places
- beefThe food presentation was also flawed, with raw meats arriving 10 minutes before the lukewarm broth. The beef was tough, and the sauce had an unpleasant creamy vinegar combination. Despite these issues, the restaurant seems to retain a fanbase, possibly due to its regulars.
- broththe broth was delivered lukewarm
- dinnersdinners were meh
- fish piecespaper-thin fish pieces
- food qualityIn winter weather, the heater should be on, not a fan blowing more cold air. As for the food, it was overpriced for the quality. There are plenty of places in San Francisco where you can find better sushi, fresher ingredients, and a cleaner atmosphere at more reasonable prices.
- maki rollsthe maki rolls were extremely tiny
- miso brothWhile the staff seemed a bit overwhelmed, they were all incredibly sweet. We tried both the miso and tonkotsu broths; the tonkotsu broth was significantly more flavorful, while the miso was a bit bland. The meat quality was excellent, melting in our mouths.
- portionsportions are way down
- raw meatsThe raw meats were presented on the table 10 minutes before the broth
If youre craving a satisfying AYCE hot pot or fantastic sushi, this spot is worth a visit. While many dishes shine, be mindful of occasional inconsistencies in flavor or portion size. Overall, its a good bet for a tasty meal.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, earning a 7.6 score and a 75.3% customer satisfaction, both landing squarely in the good range. Guests frequently rave about the friendly staff and attentive servers who are super duper sweet and nice and welcoming. Many appreciate the quick refills and how swiftly food arrives, making for an efficient dining experience, especially if you make reservations.
This positive sentiment is echoed in 55 positive remarks out of 73 total. However, it's not always smooth sailing, with 15 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some guests reported slow service and feeling forgotten, especially when staff were socializing.
There were instances of attitude from servers and feeling treated like a burden, suggesting the restaurant can be understaffed or erratic during busy times, leading to frustrating waiting time and a lack of acknowledgment.
Service
73
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick staff
- Fast meat refills
- Efficient service
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Staff socializing too much
- Feeling ignored
Often praised
- serviceIt's a good place for clean Japanese food at a reasonable price point. The restaurant was a bit empty when we visited on the weekend, and the service was good. The pricing is better than most Japanese restaurants.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, particularly enjoying the all you can eat hotpot. I've consistently had great experiences with the staff.
- customer servicebest customer service I had in a shabu/sushi restaurant
- reservationsMust make reservations for quick seatting
- JulieThe food was amazing, and the staff were exceptional, contributing to a wonderful family feel. Julie, in particular, was outstanding. We thoroughly enjoyed the all you can eat and drink specials.
- LisaLisa was an amazing host!
- ServiceService 5 star, quick to serve you what you need
- attendantsThe attendants are extremely friendly
- busserthe busser was more attentive than the two servers
- friendly staffreally friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant had its ups and downs. There are times when the service is slow. However, the sushi has never disappointed.
- acknowledgmentLack of even acknowledgment that youre there
- attitude with servicegot a lot of attitude with our service
- extras of veggies and noodleshad to ask for extras of veggies and noodles
- separate checkSince we were early, we ordered a glass of wine, a bottle of sake, a cucumber salad, and one sushi roll while waiting. Before our friends arrived, my husband specifically asked the server to provide a separate check for the items we ordered earlier. She agreed.
- serversservers flirting and taking shots with their friends/customers
- staffstaff tends to spend more time socializing
- staff attentiongrabbing whichever staff member is either deep in conversation
- treated like a burdenIt's unclear if the presence of the children or the anticipation of a large party later that night (which led to a one-hour table limit, which we accepted) contributed to the poor service. While my focus is on the food, and service isn't my top priority, being treated like a burden for an entire meal became tiresome. We might consider ordering for pickup in the future, but not anytime soon.
- understaffedseemed under staffed
Overall, the service here is generally good, with many praising the friendly and quick staff. However, be aware that it can be inconsistent, especially during busy periods, with some experiencing slow service or feeling overlooked. If you prioritize speed and friendliness, it's worth a try, but be prepared for potential hiccups.
Ambience (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
Many guests truly appreciate the family feel and friendly atmosphere, making it a great spot for both couples and large groups. It's seen as perfect for a casual dinner or a night out with the gang to watch sports and have good conversation, often with the added bonus of convenient parking. With 32 positive remarks out of 56 total, the vibe generally hits the mark, contributing to a decent overall score of 6.1.
However, not all experiences are glowing. Some found the dining room lacking cleanliness, with complaints about sticky tables and a persistent cold draft. The parking lot can be a challenge, described as tight or cars being staggered 2 deep, and the overall place size was sometimes considered small.
These issues, noted in 20 negative comments, contribute to a mixed customer satisfaction of 57.1%.
Ambience
56
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
20
negative
4
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly family vibe
- Great for groups
- Good for sports
What people don't like
- Unclean dining room
- Sticky tables
- Tight parking lot
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive. The service was awesome, and the atmosphere was pretty good. While there were some loud people behind me and my friends, it was still a good time.
- parkingparking can be a challenge at times
- Covid lockdownthankful that they survived the brutal Covid lockdown.
- Family vibeFamily vibe and friendly 5 star
- casual dinnerExcellent place for a casual dinner
- couplesas well as couples
- family businessThey have been in this family business for more than 20 years
- family feela wonderful family feel
- friendly atmosphereFamily vibe and friendly 5 star
- fun spotVery fun spot w low key appeal
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAs for the food, it was overpriced for the quality. There are plenty of places in San Francisco where you can find better sushi, fresher ingredients, and a cleaner atmosphere at more reasonable prices. Overall, we left extremely disappointed and will not be returning.
- parkingfinding parking was somewhat difficult
- parking lotThe place is known for their hot pot, so maybe next visit I'll try it. They have a small parking lot where the layout is awkward, because you risk someone parking behind you and may be blocked in. I'm sure that the staff will ask the patrons to move the car if a car is trying to get out.
- cold draftThe tables were sticky, which was unpleasant. There was a cold draft coming from the window, and in the restroom, the ventilation system was running instead of the heater, making it uncomfortably cold. In winter weather, the heater should be on, not a fan blowing more cold air.
- dining conditions” This is completely unfair and misleading. Aside from this frustrating experience, the overall dining conditions were disappointing. The tables were sticky, which was unpleasant.
- dining roomDining room not very clean, smelled musty
- dirty tablesdirty tables dont really bother you
- divePlace is a bit of a dive
- parking spotsThis is a local, family-owned establishment, and while I'm not sure if that has changed, the service is great here, and their quality is superb. One potential frustration is the lack of parking spots, so I advise folks to come early or be patient when arriving.
- place sizeOther than that, this was an awesome place. If only it were bigger :) . This is definitely a hidden gem.
If youre seeking a casual, family-friendly spot for groups or to watch sports, this place could be a decent option. However, be prepared for potentially tight parking and dont expect a pristine dining room, as some comfort aspects could be improved.
Value (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 6.9 and customer satisfaction at a good 74.3%, many find it a great value for money thanks to all you can eat options and reasonably priced offerings. Out of 35 opinions, 26 were positive, highlighting good deals.
However, a few of the 9 negative opinions mention hidden charges and that some items can be pricey, with concerns about extra pot fees or unexpected service charges. While generally positive, it seems some experiences left diners feeling a bit ripped off.
Value
35
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- All-you-can-eat options
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Hidden charges
- Overpriced food
- Unexpected service fees
Often praised
- priceHe left San Francisco "a much wiser, more mature man" with a broader understanding of the world. The restaurant serves excellent fare at a fair price, and the young man happily paid. It was a truly memorable experience, and I highly recommend this fine restaurant.
- pricesWhat was your experience at the restaurant? It was a great experience with Japanese food, offering very good prices for anyone who likes to try authentic food from another country.
- $12 for all you can drink$12 for all you can drink
- $25It's $25
- $25 all you can eat shabu shabuthe $25 all you can eat shabu shabu, which looked good
- PricesIt's not Japanese run, which might be why the dinners were meh (udon, bento dinner options, sushi). Prices were reasonable.
- all you can drink beer/sakeall you can drink beer/sake!
- all you can eatGreat deal on the all you can eat
- all you can eat and drink specialsenjoying the all you can eat and drink specials
- all-you-can-eatOur table of 7 enjoyed the all-you-can-eat option at $32 per person. The service was great, with constant meat refills, though we had to request extra vegetables and noodles.
Frequently criticized
- priceIt was a spontaneous choice after searching for an open kitchen late on a Friday. The food was not only bland but also unbelievably overpriced, even for San Francisco standards. Ultimately, I felt ripped off and regretted not going home instead of dining here.
- pricesIn winter weather, the heater should be on, not a fan blowing more cold air. As for the food, it was overpriced for the quality. There are plenty of places in San Francisco where you can find better sushi, fresher ingredients, and a cleaner atmosphere at more reasonable prices.
- extra pot feeThe soup was so comforting (try the spicy miso soup) and both beef and lamb were great. I almost took a star off because my party of 4 had to share a pot and had to pay $5 extra to add a pot. But for the price and the quality of the meat, never mind.
- hidden chargesthere are hidden charges
- overall experienceOverall, I felt ripped off
- price per personSpending $100 per trip alone and with this kind of service
- service chargeShe agreed. However, when he went to pay, we were shocked to see that they had added a 20% service charge, which, according to their policy, is applied to groups of five or more. When he pointed out that there were only two of us at the time, the server responded, “But you were sitting at a table for six.
If you're looking for great deals, especially on all-you-can-eat options, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential extra fees or hidden charges that could pop up, especially with larger groups or specific requests.
How are the prices at Kufu-Ya?
You’re looking at roughly 50 per person – reported by 27 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the full picture, while the average hovers around 50, we see a good cluster of guests spending between 31 – 50 $. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more everyday choices to a few premium splurges, with some diners even going for the $101+ experience!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 27 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good range of options, catering to different budgets while still delivering a quality experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kufu-Ya
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fantastic Sushi & Great Deal!
My experience at this restaurant was AMAZING. They offer a great deal on the all-you-can-eat option, and their sushi is truly FANTASTIC. As a Japanese person, I can confidently say I was VERY impressed with their sushi.
I highly recommend trying the unagi nigiri and the bluefin tuna. The ingredients are always fresh, and the staff is incredibly nice and welcoming. It's no wonder they've had regular customers for 15 years; it's a great local joint.
If you know, you know!
- all you can eat9
- sushi10
- unagi nigiri9
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Wonderful Neighborhood Gem with Great Food
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The atmosphere was that of a true neighborhood restaurant, with old-timers buying drinks for the chef and waitress and enjoying drinks together. The food was also very good, featuring fresh fish, flavorful rice, and was masterfully made and presented.
It was also reasonably priced. I will definitely be back for Shabu-Shabu.
- neighborhood restaurant atmosphere10
- fresh fish9
- flavorful rice9
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Overpriced and Bland Experience
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I found the food to be bland and the atmosphere equally uninspiring. It was a spontaneous choice after searching for an open kitchen late on a Friday.
The food was not only bland but also unbelievably overpriced, even for San Francisco standards. Ultimately, I felt ripped off and regretted not going home instead of dining here.
- food2
- atmosphere2
- price1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Experience at Kufi-Ya
We visited Kufi-Ya and unfortunately, we had a very disappointing experience. Our friends had reserved a table for six, but my husband and I arrived earlier because we were hungry. The restaurant staff was aware that our friends would be arriving at 7 PM, as they know them well.
Since we were early, we ordered a glass of wine, a bottle of sake, a cucumber salad, and one sushi roll while waiting. Before our friends arrived, my husband specifically asked the server to provide a separate check for the items we ordered earlier. She agreed.
However, when he went to pay, we were shocked to see that they had added a 20% service charge, which, according to their policy, is applied to groups of five or more. When he pointed out that there were only two of us at the time, the server responded, “But you were sitting at a table for six. ” This is completely unfair and misleading.
Aside from this frustrating experience, the overall dining conditions were disappointing. The tables were sticky, which was unpleasant. There was a cold draft coming from the window, and in the restroom, the ventilation system was running instead of the heater, making it uncomfortably cold.
In winter weather, the heater should be on, not a fan blowing more cold air. As for the food, it was overpriced for the quality. There are plenty of places in San Francisco where you can find better sushi, fresher ingredients, and a cleaner atmosphere at more reasonable prices.
Overall, we left extremely disappointed and will not be returning. We cannot recommend this place based on our experience.
- service charge1
- separate check2
- dining conditions2
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Great Neighborhood Spot for Protein!
My experience at this restaurant was perfect for a post-workout meal, offering a high dose of protein. I arrived hungry and the food came within 60 seconds of sitting down. The all-you-can-eat (AYCE) option featured 2 meats (beef + lamb) with a special sauce, complemented by a veggie bowl and noodles.
Although they were out of oysters, the uni shooters were bomb. The service was super quick and friendly, with plates of meat replenished immediately after clearing, requiring no extra effort to ask for anything. This was likely aided by the fact that we were one of only four parties present, making it a chill atmosphere for a date or catching up with friends.
However, the broth wasn't as flavorful as other places, and the selection had less variety. Everything, including meat, veggies, and sauce, is brought to you, allowing you to focus solely on eating once seated. Overall, it was a 4.
5/5 experience, enhanced by a neighborhood bias due to living close by. I wouldn't travel far for it, but if you're nearby, it's definitely worth a shot.
- food9
- uni shooters10
- service10
What Kufu-Ya offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- All you can eat
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Kufu-Ya?
At Kufu-Ya, you can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for dinner or dessert with table service. They offer a variety of small plates, healthy options, and even an all-you-can-eat experience. You can also find a selection of wine, beer, and other alcohol to complement your meal.
Is Kufu-Ya accessible and family-friendly, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Kufu-Ya is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring comfort for all guests. It’s also good for kids, offering high chairs. For your convenience, you’ll find both free street parking and a free parking lot available.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Kufu-Ya?
Kufu-Ya has a generally positive customer sentiment, with a Restaurant Score of 7.5 and a Customer Satisfaction rate of 75%. Customers frequently praise the Food (7.9) and Service (7.6), while Value (6.9) is considered fair and Ambience (6.1) is the lowest-scoring aspect.
What are the standout dishes at Kufu-Ya?
Customers frequently highlight the excellent sushi, particularly the unagi nigiri and bluefin tuna, and the shabu shabu, which is often described as the best in the city with quality beef and lamb.
Are there any common issues customers experience at Kufu-Ya?
Some customers have noted occasional inconsistencies with service, including slow periods or a perceived lack of staff attention. Additionally, finding parking can sometimes be a challenge, and aspects of the ambience, such as sticky tables or a cold draft, have been mentioned.