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oChef » Wasabi Bistro – San Francisco
Wasabi Bistro - San Francisco
Photo from Wasabi Bistro
Wasabi Bistro at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 64 of the guests
#1948 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#161 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
368
Reviews
61.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Drink value
- Food variety
- Dim ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Hard parking
- Food safety
The restaurant Wasabi Bistro, a vibrant Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco’s Mission District, invites you to experience its trendy atmosphere. You’ll find a welcoming spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving healthy options or looking to enjoy happy hour drinks and small plates, this casual eatery offers a delightful escape. It’s a place where you can unwind and savor authentic flavors in a lively setting.
Overview: Introducting Wasabi Bistro
Wasabi Bistro offers a mixed experience, often praised for its diverse food options and particularly its appealing all you can drink deals. Many find the menu extensive, with some dishes consistently enjoyable, making it a popular choice for those seeking value.
However, the dining experience can be inconsistent. While some appreciate the friendly service, others report difficulties getting staff attention.
The ambiance is generally pleasant, but practical issues like parking and occasional cleanliness concerns can detract from the visit.
Good
6.5
out of 10
368
Reviews
61.4%
Satisfaction
111
negative
31
neutral
226
positive
Wasabi Bistro holds an overall score of 6.5, placing it in the average category, which aligns with a customer satisfaction rate of 61.4%, indicating a mixed reception. This assessment is drawn from a substantial 368 customer opinions, with 226 positive remarks against 111 negative ones, suggesting a generally favorable but not universally acclaimed experience.
Delving deeper, the Food (7) receives a good rating, often highlighted for its variety and taste. Value (7.1) also scores well, particularly for its appealing deals.
However, Ambience (6.8) and especially Service (4.8) fall into the average range, indicating areas where the bistro could enhance its guest experience.
What people like
- Exceptional drink value
- Varied food selection
- Inviting dim ambiance
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Difficult parking
- Food safety issues
With a recommendation score of 6.7, Wasabi Bistro presents a compelling case for those prioritizing value and a lively atmosphere. If you’re seeking an affordable night out with friends, particularly for the appealing drink specials, this spot could certainly be worth a visit.
However, be prepared for potential service hiccups and the challenge of finding parking. While the food offers variety, some experiences suggest inconsistency.
It’s a place that delivers on its strengths but has clear areas for improvement, so manage your expectations accordingly.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Wasabi Bistro
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot offers a generally positive experience, earning a good score of 7. Many customers rave about the delicious and consistent quality, with 125 positive remarks highlighting fresh fish, tasty sushi rolls like the Castro roll, and delightful appetizers such as Chicken Karaage. The menus variety, including Soju cocktails and vegetarian options, also receives praise for being a great value.
However, the customer satisfaction, sitting at a mixed 67.9%, suggests theres room for improvement. Out of 184 comments, 43 point to concerns about food quality, particularly issues with sushi rice, small portion sizes, and some items tasting like frozen food. A few experiences even mentioned potential food poisoning, indicating an inconsistency that can be a real dealbreaker for some.
Food
184
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
43
negative
16
neutral
125
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious sushi rolls
- Fresh fish
- Great menu variety
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small portion sizes
- Sushi rice issues
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was consistently enjoyable. The food was always yummy, and the $10 all you can drink offer is unbeatable. While the sushi is fairly standard, it's always delicious.
- sushiThe food was always yummy, and the $10 all you can drink offer is unbeatable. While the sushi is fairly standard, it's always delicious. They also offer a fairly good selection of appetizers.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was largely defined by its incredible value, particularly the all-you-can-drink offer. For just $10, you can enjoy unlimited beer, sake, wine, and soju cocktails in about five flavors. The drinks were not watered down, making it a great spot for a pregame.
- all you can drinkI found it to be a great place with a good selection of Japanese food. They also offer an all you can drink special. The menu features both standard dishes and some specials.
- sushi rollssushi rolls is that they weren't packed with too much rice
- appetizersWhile the sushi is fairly standard, it's always delicious. They also offer a fairly good selection of appetizers. The parking situation, however, is a significant challenge, especially if you plan to stay for more than two hours.
- garlic edamamerecommend the garlic edamame
- menuThe menu is huge and there are so many delicious options
- miso souprecommend starting with miso soup
- saladI was recommended this place for the weekend $10 bottomless drinks. I got grilled eel and really enjoyed my food; the sides of miso and salad were good as well. Although I wasn't a big fan of the sushi I ordered.
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food gave my partner and I severe food poisoning
- sushiI got grilled eel and really enjoyed my food; the sides of miso and salad were good as well. Although I wasn't a big fan of the sushi I ordered. The decor of the inside is really cute, wish I had taken more pictures.
- sashimisashimi was served it was just put in front of me
- FoodFood:2
- Oyster ShootersThey didn't have oysters. Disappointed
- all you can drink$10 "all you can drink" consists of the cheapest pre-mixed mystery soju
- canned broththey use canned broth
- cocktailWatered down cocktail
- currythey were out of curry
- diarrheaPartner and I had diarrhea next day.
If youre looking for a place with a wide variety of generally tasty sushi and Japanese dishes, especially with their popular rolls and fresh fish, its worth a try. However, be aware that some experiences highlight inconsistent quality and portion sizes, so manage your expectations.
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.8 (which is average) and customer satisfaction sitting at a rather poor 37%. However, many guests have praised the friendly and accommodating staff, noting quick service and servers who put in a lot of love and care. There are 30 positive opinions highlighting good experiences, especially with attentive staff and quick service.
On the flip side, with 47 negative opinions out of 81 total, there are significant concerns. Many customers have reported slow service, long waiting times, and issues with staff attention, sometimes even describing staff as rude or unhelpful. Problems like drink refills, reservation systems, and order accuracy have also been noted as areas needing serious improvement.
Service
81
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
47
negative
4
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, accommodating staff
- Quick service
- Open until late
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waiting times
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceI found a good deal on the appetizers, and they were decent, specifically the egg rolls and ragoons. The Chicken Katsu was also pretty good, and the service was good. Overall, it's a good option if you're close by, but it's not a destination restaurant; it's not great.
- staffif you’re polite to the staff the will be polite to you
- waitressMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently good for years. The waitress is always so damn kind, fun, and super friendly. I particularly love their agedashi tofu and double hamachi roll.
- ServiceService:4
- accommodatingvery kind with accomadations
- bar seatingwe seat at the bar, didn't have to wait
- customer servicecustomer service is always great!
- dine-inService:Dine in
- good experiencethis place has always consistently been a good experience.
- love and carethey put so much love and care
Frequently criticized
- staffI also like the string lights! I’ve only come in the evening, but the restaurant is usually busy and it’s sometimes hard to get ahold of staff. When I sat with a bigger group, I had to get up and get more menus and napkins/chopsticks myself because it was hard to flag someone down.
- serviceThe service from the waiters was not consistent
- customer serviceWhat was my experience at the restaurant? My experience was marked by a severe lack of basic customer service. Despite being the only customer, I had to wave down my server to place my order.
- serverWhen we tried to explain over the phone that our train was delayed and there was nothing we could do, the customer service was unhelpful. Upon arrival, the server was rude and turned her back while I was speaking, refusing to listen. I felt quite targeted as a Latino, as her demeanor changed immediately when she was not speaking to someone of Asian descent.
- waterthey gave us water only after we asked, and didn't refill it
- closing timesclose at random times, when they feel like it
- customersThe rest of the team didn't seem to want customers
- customers walking awaycustomers walking away
- drink refillsse tardan un poco sobre todo con el surtido de su promociĂłn de bebe lo que quieras
- experienceUnpleasant experience overall
If youre looking for a quick bite and dont mind potentially inconsistent service, you might find some friendly faces. However, be prepared for possible long waits or issues with staff attention, especially during busy times, as the overall customer satisfaction is quite low.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a good note, with a score of 6.8 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 67.3%. Many of the 37 positive comments praise the cool ambiance, dim lit and romantic feel, often described as having an Asian bar feel with string lights and fun energy. It's often seen as a regular spot for its inviting atmosphere and late hours.
However, not everyone finds it perfect, with 11 negative observations pointing out that the small place can get loud and rowdy, especially with groups. Some felt the atmosphere was a mixed bag, with mentions of it feeling a little dirty or concerns about plastic bowls and plates.
Ambience
55
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
11
negative
7
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cool, fun ambiance
- Dim lit, romantic
- Open late hours
What people don't like
- Can get loud
- Small, crowded space
- Atmosphere felt dirty
Often praised
- atmosphereIt was crowd with a few birthdays being celebrated
- ambiancelovely dim lit , but enchanting and romantic
- decorAlthough I wasn't a big fan of the sushi I ordered. The decor of the inside is really cute, wish I had taken more pictures. Because of the drink promotion, it was busy with lots of younger people inside, which could be great or not desirable depending on what you're looking for.
- open lateThe sushi was delicious and the prices were reasonable. It's a great option because they are open late. The staff was very accommodating, especially with my sister who is gluten-free.
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. It's a fun lively place with a brilliant waitress who provided excellent service. The food was okay, nothing special, but they do have a large vegetarian selection which was quite impressive.
- Asian bar feelsurprisingly pleasant, offering an Asian bar feel
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Indoor dining areaSeating type:Indoor dining area
- Noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- ambienceGood ambience
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe Salmon Teriyaki and California rolls were really good. However, the soups lacked flavor, and the atmosphere felt a little dirty. On the positive side, they are open until late, making it a good spot to visit before heading to another club or bar.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- bathroomthe bathroom had a cardboard cover over the toilet
- loudit can get a little loud
- parkingParking:GOOD LUCK.
- placeThe place could use a freshening up
- plastic bowls and plateshope the plastic bowls and plates can be replaced
- restaurantThe meals were very expensive. Additionally, the staff were pretty slow, and the restaurant itself was a little messy and quiet.
- small placefor such a small place a bad situation
If youre looking for a lively, late-night spot with a cool, dim-lit vibe and dont mind a bit of noise or a cozy, small space, this place could be a great fit. However, if you prefer a quiet, pristine environment, you might find the atmosphere a bit too energetic or unkempt.
Value (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.1 and a solid 70.8% customer satisfaction. Many diners rave about the incredible deals, especially the all you can drink value and affordable prices, making it feel like a steal. With 34 positive remarks out of 48 total, its clear that many find the "drink deal" and overall pricing to be quite "cheap" and "reasonably priced.
"However, not everyone is convinced, with 10 negative comments suggesting some feel its a tourist trap or that they were overcharged. Concerns about price for certain meals and even a convenience fee popped up, indicating that while some aspects are a great deal, others might feel a bit steep or unexpected.
Value
48
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- All-you-can-drink deal
- Affordable prices
- Great value
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Hidden fees
- Tourist trap feeling
Often praised
- all you can drinkMy experience at this restaurant was positive, particularly with the sushi. My friends really enjoyed the $10 all you can drink special, which is an incredible deal. For those with dietary needs, they offer gluten-free soy sauce upon request.
- pricesMy experience with this restaurant has primarily been through takeout and delivery. I've found their sushi to be good and fresh, offered at reasonable prices. While most of the time the sushi is great, there are occasional instances where a piece isn't quite up to par, though this is quite rare.
- affordablesurprisingly affordable while tasty sushi
- all you can drink dealall you can drink deal for $10 - as many others mentioned, it's a good deal
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good and fairly priced. However, the staff seemed a bit confused and insecure, which impacted the overall service.
- All-you-can-drink dealthe $10 All-you-can-drink deal...can't beat that
- affordable selectionThe Pork Katsu was another winner. They also offer a wide and affordable selection of sake by the bottle.
- all you can drink valuethe all you can drink value is insane!!
- all-you-can-drinkI enjoyed the curry tonkatsu, which came with miso soup and salad. Overall, the value of the drinks makes this place 5 stars on its own.
- all-you-can-drink dealgreat all you can drink deal for 10$
Frequently criticized
- billhad to get someone's attention for my bill
- priceextremely low quality for the price
- bottomless sakecan’t expect much if it’s “bottomless” for £10
- convenience feechanged a $1.35 convenience fee for a credit card
- mealsMeals were very expensive
- overchargedgot excessively overcharged
- tourist trapThis is a tourist trap!
If you're looking for fantastic drink deals and generally affordable prices, especially for their all-you-can-drink options, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential extra charges or higher prices on certain menu items to ensure you get the best value for your visit.
How are the prices at Wasabi Bistro?
You’re looking at roughly 39 per person – reported by 64 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 39, the prices are quite spread out, with a good mix of guests spending from 21 $ up to 50 $ and even some higher, suggesting options for various budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 64 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank, especially with the variety of price points available.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Wasabi Bistro
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
1
Terrible Service, Felt Targeted
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly poor due to the service. We were made 10 minutes late for our reservation. When we tried to explain over the phone that our train was delayed and there was nothing we could do, the customer service was unhelpful.
Upon arrival, the server was rude and turned her back while I was speaking, refusing to listen. I felt quite targeted as a Latino, as her demeanor changed immediately when she was not speaking to someone of Asian descent. I would not recommend going due to the poor service.
- service1
- customer service1
- server1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Delish Drinks, Meh Food, Fun Signage
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was just okay, described as 'meh'. However, the drinks were absolutely 'delish'.
I particularly loved the pls do not throw up signage, which added a unique and memorable touch to the atmosphere. The service and atmosphere received good ratings.
- drinks10
- pls do not throw up signage8
- food4
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Great for Groups, Tasty Food
My friends love this place, so I've come here multiple times with them and can recommend it. It's a great place for groups and they can safely accommodate a big group if scheduled ahead. My friends also like the drink options where you can get unlimited fruity drinks in pitchers for a reasonable price, which is a good option for a group planning to drink anyway.
All the food I tried was quality and tasty. I also like the string lights! I’ve only come in the evening, but the restaurant is usually busy and it’s sometimes hard to get ahold of staff.
When I sat with a bigger group, I had to get up and get more menus and napkins/chopsticks myself because it was hard to flag someone down. Will undoubtedly be coming back.
- groups9
- drink options8
- food9
- staff3
- menus and napkins/chopsticks3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Teriyaki Chicken and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the teriyaki chicken, which was really good. The atmosphere was great, and the service was also excellent.
I was seated in the indoor dining area and found the noise level to be quiet, making it easy to talk. The restaurant is highly recommended for vegetarians and suitable for all group sizes.
- teriyaki chicken9
- atmosphere9
- service9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Good food, concerning plates
My experience at the restaurant was that the food was not bad. However, I hope the plastic bowls and plates can be replaced. It’s very likely to eat a lot of microplastics when the food is hot inside.
- food6
- plastic bowls and plates2
What Wasabi Bistro offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Wasabi Bistro accessible for all guests?
Yes, Wasabi Bistro prioritizes your comfort with wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms. You can enjoy your dining experience without concern, knowing the venue is designed to accommodate everyone.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Wasabi Bistro?
At Wasabi Bistro, you’ll discover a casual and trendy Japanese restaurant perfect for lunch or dinner. You can enjoy table service, happy hour food and drinks, and a selection of small plates, all within a lively atmosphere.
How does Wasabi Bistro generally rate among its customers?
Wasabi Bistro receives an overall score of **6.5** out of 10, indicating an average experience. Customers rate the **Food** (7) and **Value** (7.1) well, but **Ambience** (6.8) and **Service** (4.8) are considered average.
What are the main draws for customers at Wasabi Bistro?
Many customers are highly impressed by the restaurant’s exceptional **all you can drink** deals, offering great value. The diverse **food** menu, with many enjoyable options, and the inviting, dim-lit **ambiance** are also frequently praised.
What are some common concerns or drawbacks at Wasabi Bistro?
Patrons often report **inconsistent service**, with difficulties getting staff attention. **Parking** is frequently cited as a significant challenge, and some customers have raised concerns about general cleanliness or specific food safety issues.