Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Nande-Ya – San Francisco
Nande-Ya - San Francisco
Photo from Nande-Ya
Nande-Ya at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 103 of the guests
#2340 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#174 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Average
4.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
559
Reviews
35.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food variety
- Lunch value
- Japanese ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Cleanliness issues
- Billing concerns
The restaurant Nande-Ya is a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Japantown. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
Offering a delightful array of small plates and healthy options, it’s an ideal destination for enjoying authentic Japanese flavors. You can expect a welcoming dining experience, whether you’re grabbing lunch or settling in for an evening meal.
Overview: Introducting Nande-Ya
Nande-Ya offers a mixed experience, often praised for its appealing ambiance and a diverse selection of Japanese dishes. Many diners appreciate the overall taste and variety available, making it a consideration for those seeking a casual meal.
However, the restaurant faces notable challenges, particularly concerning its service and perceived value. Some guests have reported issues with staff attentiveness and billing practices, which can detract from the dining experience.
Average
4.6
out of 10
559
Reviews
35.1%
Satisfaction
297
negative
66
neutral
196
positive
Nande-Ya registers an overall restaurant score of 4.6, placing it in the average category. This score reflects a varied performance across different aspects.
While Food (5.1) and Ambience (5.4) hover around average, suggesting some positive elements, Service (3.6) and Value (3.8) fall into the poor range, indicating significant areas for improvement. Customer satisfaction stands at a low 35.1%, which is considered poor and significantly diverges from the overall score.
This indicates that despite some average topic scores, a substantial portion of guests leave dissatisfied. This sentiment is drawn from 559 customer opinions, with 196 positive remarks contrasted by 297 negative ones, highlighting a clear imbalance.
What people like
- Good food variety
- Affordable lunch options
- Pleasant Japanese ambiance
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Cleanliness issues
- Questionable billing practices
With a recommendation score of 4.6, Nande-Ya presents a somewhat uncertain proposition. If you prioritize a pleasant Japanese atmosphere and a broad menu for lunch, it might be worth a visit, especially if you catch them on a good day regarding service.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and value, including concerns about automatic gratuity. It’s a place that could satisfy a craving for Japanese cuisine, but it might not consistently deliver a fully polished dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Nande-Ya
Food (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
It seems the food here is a bit of a mixed bag, with 113 positive remarks against 127 negative ones out of 285 total opinions. Many diners rave about delicious katsu, great ramen, generous portion sizes, and overall freshness. The menu offers a good selection, including vegetarian and vegan options, making it a satisfying choice for some.
However, the experience isn't always consistent. Some customers reported bland ramen, cold food, dry/overcooked meats, or mushy rice. Issues like poor ingredient quality and even foreign objects were mentioned, contributing to a 5.1 score and a rather poor 39.6% customer satisfaction.
Food
285
Reviews
39%
Satisfaction
127
negative
45
neutral
113
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Katsu
- Great Ramen
- Generous Portions
What people don't like
- Bland or cold
- Poor ingredient quality
- Mushy or hard rice
Often praised
- foodI was with 7 other friends and the restaurant immediately accommodated us for lunch. The menu specials were a nice value and all the food tasted good.
- FoodWe always order the ramen combo and the bento combo. It is delicious and always satisfying.
- sushiI got sushi and it was so yummy
- Saba (mackerel)My Saba (mackerel) and salmon were big and tasty
- brothI like the broth, quite mild in flavor but plenty good.
- menuIt's the kind of place where you'd typically grab a bento box, sushi combo, or ramen. The menu offers a good variety, including seafood chirashi don, tempura, takoyaki, and curry rice. I'm giving them 5 stars primarily for the service.
- tasteTheir taste is impeccable
- tempurawec got tempura also that was good
- 3 item combohad a 3 item combo
- California roll6 piece California roll
Frequently criticized
- foodWe had to call them over at least four or five times over the course of the meal. The food ranged from average to frankly bad, including what I can only describe as the worst miso soup I've ever had. Some dishes never made it to us, but thankfully, we weren't charged for them.
- riceI found the portioning to be meager, with a very small amount of tuna that was barely enough for a few bites. The rest of the bowl was filled with an excessive amount of rice, making it feel like the dish was bulked up with cheaper ingredients. For the high price, I expected a generous portion of fresh tuna and a better balance of toppings and flavors.
- chicken teriyakichicken teriyaki all were cold
- miso soupmiso soup, which was way too salty
- ramenMy experience at this restaurant was unfortunately disappointing all around. The food was not good; the ramen was bland, and the tonkatsu was over fried and hard. To make matters worse, the fried chicken came out cold, and when I inquired about it, they simply microwaved the bowl.
- sashimiThe floors were dirty, and the service was meh. The curry was cold, and the sashimi tasted like imitation meat. Additionally, the tempura was not properly fried.
- avocadoavocado on sushi rolls was not fresh
- beefTasted like boiled beef
- chicken katsuThe chicken katsu was not at all tasty
- curryThe floors were dirty, and the service was meh. The curry was cold, and the sashimi tasted like imitation meat. Additionally, the tempura was not properly fried.
If you're looking for a quick Japanese meal with potentially good katsu or ramen and generous portions, it might be worth a try. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, as food quality and temperature can be hit or miss.
Service (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, some guests have experienced a pleasant visit, noting the staff's politeness and efficiency. Many appreciated the quick service and attentive waiters, with 36 positive remarks highlighting moments where the team was very kind and accommodating, ensuring a smooth dining experience. However, the overall picture for service is quite challenging, with a poor score of 3.6 and customer satisfaction at a low 25.4%.
A significant 97 negative comments point to issues like rude staff, slow service, and bad attitudes from waitresses and hosts, often leading to long waiting times and a rushed feeling.
Service
142
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
97
negative
9
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick dish delivery
- Polite staff members
- Efficient seating process
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitudes
- Slow service times
- Customers feel rushed
Often praised
- serviceWhile I wanted to love this place for its atmosphere and great service, the food was a major letdown. The Japanese food was of low quality, with sushi rolls that were loosely made and falling apart.
- staffthe staff was friendly and really attentive
- ServiceService:5
- Wait timeWait time:Up to 10 min
- customer serviceTheir customer service is fast
- dish deliveryall the dishes were brought to us quite quickly
- politeThey were polite
- polite serververy polite from server
- quick serviceQuick service, amazing food!
- seatingwe were seated very quickly
Frequently criticized
- serviceI asked really politely about a possible refund for the one almost untouched Bento, mind you the person that ate it was actively throwing up in the bathroom while we were talking. Someone incredibly rude told me that I’m making the story up and lying. Don’t go there, there’s better places around.
- staffThe restaurant was busy, which I understand, but the service felt off from the start. The staff wasn't very friendly, and it took a while for someone to even take our order. As for the food, I was hoping for authentic Japanese flavors, but it honestly tasted like it wasn't made by a Japanese-owned business.
- waitresswaitress came back telling us that in one of the dish the miso soup was included
- attitudeThe staff are Vietnamese, which made me question the authenticity. To top it off, the bill was presented mid-meal, creating a rushed feeling and a terrible attitude. Overall, it was not an enjoyable experience.
- ladiesboth ladies were rude and disrespectful
- server attitudeShe seemed too irritated be working there
- waiting timewe have been waiting on the table without anyone coming to help us
- Credit card chargeCredit card charge no receipts
- bad servicemarked by bad service
- billgave us the bill and rushed us to pay
If service is a top priority for you, this spot might be a bit of a gamble. While some find the staff polite and quick, the frequent complaints about rudeness and slow service suggest you might encounter a disappointing experience.
Ambience (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
The ambience here offers a bit of a mixed experience, with an overall score of 5.4, placing it in the average range, and customer satisfaction at 45.3%, indicating a mixed reception. Many of the 29 positive remarks celebrate the awesome atmosphere, nice decor, and Japanese vibes, often noting the cleanliness and suitability for friends or family. However, 26 negative comments highlight significant drawbacks.
Guests frequently mentioned the cramped space, small place, and high noise level as issues. Recurring concerns about cleanliness, including dirty plates and cups and even a weird smell, suggest that the restaurant's upkeep needs considerable attention.
Ambience
64
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
26
negative
9
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Awesome atmosphere
- Nice decor
- Japanese vibes
What people don't like
- Cramped space
- Poor cleanliness
- High noise level
Often praised
- atmosphereloved everything about the place the atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessgeneral cleanliness
- decorMy family and I enjoyed the decor
- Japanese vibesWhile the service might get slow, especially during busy periods, the staff remained courteous and apologetic. The restaurant has a pleasant Japanese vibes when you dine, and it accepts credit cards and offers high chairs.
- ambianceambiance is great, an authentic Japanese restaurant setup
- awesome atmosphereWe were seated and given water and menus immediately. The prices were steep, but I think the large portion sizes and awesome atmosphere make up for it. The restaurant is small but packed full of things on the wall and overall it's decorated very nicely.
- crowdedit’s usually not crowded.
- decorated very nicelyit's decorated very nicely
- decorationsNice decorations, feels like I’m in Japan
Frequently criticized
- atmospherequite negative, primarily due to the atmosphere
- busy placethis is best busy place
- cleanlinessThe cleanliness was very poor
- cramped spaceOnly downside is being a little cramped
- filthy waterwater glasses were given to us with a quarter inch of filthy water
- floorsMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The floors were dirty, and the service was meh. The curry was cold, and the sashimi tasted like imitation meat.
- handicap friendlyMy experience at this restaurant was quite negative. The place is very small and not handicap friendly. The host had a bad attitude, and the experience didn't improve as she was also our server.
- lack of cleaningYou can smell the lack of cleaning in this place
- lip markslip marks still present from the last diner
- noise levelDuring our holiday visit, the restaurant was very busy and noisy. The ramen was bland, and the assorted sashimi consisted of small portions.
If youre seeking a unique, themed atmosphere and dont mind a potentially crowded or noisy setting, this place could be an interesting stop. However, if spaciousness and pristine cleanliness are high on your list, you might find the experience disappointing.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found bright spots, especially with the lunch menu and finding things reasonably priced for the area. Many felt they got a good deal and that their meal was worth the price. With 18 positive remarks among 68 total, there's a glimmer of affordability to be found.
However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, with a customer satisfaction of just 26.5% and a score of 3.8. Many felt the food was overpriced, citing issues like a mandatory tip or auto gratuity, and some even called it a tourist trap. These 47 negative comments suggest value is a significant concern.
Value
68
Reviews
26%
Satisfaction
47
negative
3
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable lunch menu
- Reasonable city prices
- Good value meal
What people don't like
- Mandatory auto gratuity
- Overpriced food
- Small portions
Often praised
- priceThe bento for the price in tourist hot spot is reasonably good
- reasonably pricedMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. The bento boxes were good and reasonably priced. We arrived a little before the lunch crowd and were able to get a booth.
- good dealthought it was a good deal
- lunch menuthe lunch menu is affordable and fulfilling
- menu specialsI was with 7 other friends and the restaurant immediately accommodated us for lunch. The menu specials were a nice value and all the food tasted good.
- price for RamenI enjoyed the food; while it wasn't the absolute best Ramen I've ever had, it was certainly good Ramen. We visited for lunch and found it to be a great price for Ramen with a chosen side. I felt it was worth the price.
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- pricesHowever, Nande-Ya is also pretty good. They have a good selection and offer really great prices for the city and J town! I will definitely eat here again.
- reasonable pricereasonable price
- value of the mealthe value of the meal is hard to beat
Frequently criticized
- priceThe food was terrible: the rice was hard, the sushi rice was super hard, the salmon was hard, the beef was stringy, the salad was stale, and the cucumber/tomato were old. I mean, EVERYTHING was bad and WAY OVERPRICED for what you’re getting. Like, $7.
- gratuityautomatically included 20% gratuity in the bill, no mention beforehand
- pricesthe prices were the same as if you went to a really nice place
- billWe waited 15 minutes for service, during which time the clock ticked past 4 PM. Consequently, our bill exceeded $50. This experience felt like the restaurant intentionally delayed service to charge us dinner prices.
- overpricedmeal was overpriced for what I received
- tourist trapIt’s a total tourist trap
- SCAMMERSThese people are SCAMMERS
- SushiSushi was pretty expensive
- added a gratuityMy friend, who used his card, noticed the total was actually $100. 44, meaning they still added a gratuity after we left. These people are SCAMMERS.
- auto gratuityhit with an auto gratuity of 18% for the meal
If you're looking for an affordable lunch menu, you might find a decent deal here. However, be wary of potential hidden charges and high prices, especially for dinner or larger groups. It might be a hit or miss depending on what you order and when you visit.
How are the prices at Nande-Ya?
You’re looking at roughly 32 $ per person – reported by 103 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 32 $, the pricing actually shows a nice spread: a good number of guests enjoy meals in the 11 – 30 $ range, while others opt for a more premium experience, pushing the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 103 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair, especially given the range of experiences available. It seems to offer good value whether you’re looking for a more casual meal or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Nande-Ya
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
2
Disappointing Experience, Cold Food
I really wanted to like this place, but it didn't impress me at all. The atmosphere was rated a 2, and it felt small, not suitable for large groups. The food was a letdown; it was cold despite being a soup, and the portions were very small for the prices.
The service received a rating of 3. I am sure you can find better places.
- service3
- atmosphere2
- food2
- portions2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Mixed Lunch Experience: Good Deal, Rushed Service
My lunch experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the ramen special was a good deal, being cheaper than the regular price and including a side dish, I felt super rushed. The staff were polite, but it gave the impression they just wanted to turn over the table quickly.
They even brought our checks extremely early and asked for payment while I was still eating. The food itself was average but still good. However, the curry could have offered more meat for its price.
- ramen special7
- side dish7
- polite7
- rushed2
- checks3
- curry4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Favorite Japanese Restaurant - Highly Recommended!
My experience at this Japanese restaurant was exceptional. It's definitely one of my favorite spots in the area, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a great meal. The taste of their food is impeccable, making it absolutely worth trying.
- taste10
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Fast Service, Cozy Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. I went for dinner and found the food to be absolutely delicious. The service was also impressively fast.
I really enjoyed the nice and cozy atmosphere. It was also great that they have tables for single diners, which I truly appreciate.
- food10
- service9
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
1
Terrible Service and Food
My experience at this restaurant was very negative. The service was bad, and the food was also bad. The ladies working there were rude, which made the experience even worse.
I would not recommend wasting your time or money here.
- service1
- food1
- ladies1
What Nande-Ya offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Nande-Ya?
At Nande-Ya, you have several convenient service options. You can enjoy a delightful dine-in experience, opt for easy takeout, or have your meal delivered right to you. They serve lunch and dinner, offering table service for a comfortable meal.
Is Nande-Ya accessible and what kind of atmosphere can you expect?
Yes, Nande-Ya is wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance and seating. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed visit. They offer a variety of small plates, healthy options, and alcoholic beverages including wine and beer.
How does Nande-Ya generally perform?
Nande-Ya holds a 4.6 overall score. While Food (5.1) and Ambience (5.4) show some positive aspects, Service (3.6) and Value (3.8) indicate areas needing attention.
What do customers appreciate about Nande-Ya?
Many customers find the lunch menu reasonably priced and appreciate the variety of dishes like sushi and ramen. The restaurant’s Japanese vibes and decor also receive positive remarks.
What are common concerns at Nande-Ya?
Recurring issues include inconsistent service, with some experiences of rude staff or long waits. There are also mentions of cleanliness problems and concerns regarding automatic gratuity practices.