Izakaya Sozai - Reviews

My experience at Izakaya was truly exceptional. I can honestly say it might be the most delicious meal I’ve ever had in my entire life. The small bites offered a delightful representation of cuisines from around the world, alongside specialties unique to San Francisco. The food is genuinely some of the best plates in the city. I highly recommend trying it, especially the spicy tuna crispy rice, but also don't miss out on other items like the chicken skin, which was super yummy.

What a hidden gem! I came here with some family and we ordered several things from across the menu, and at multiple points in the evening. Every single thing was beautifully presented, stunningly delicious, and we stuffed ourselves. They also have an exceptional collection of Japanese beers and sake that are all divine. Be aware this small place fills up every night of the week, so either plan ahead or get there early. I will absolutely be back the next time I’m in town. The agedashi tofu is the best I’ve ever had.

My experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive! I found the food to be so freakin yummy. I especially enjoyed the sea bass, miso cod, miso eggplant, maitake mushrooms, and tuna tartare. Honestly, I liked everything we ordered! Lol. The service was also a highlight; it was down to earth, with everyone being so nice and welcoming. The food came out fast, and the service was attentive and warm. The owner, Suemee, and the chef are great. Just be prepared to be rolled out if you over-order like me. 😋

My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's one of the better spots in the City for a killer Ramen. The ramen menu is very easy to navigate, with plenty of tasty add-ons available. The ambiance is top notch; although it's a small restaurant, you feel very at home as soon as you enter. The large windows surrounding the seating area create a very special atmosphere. It's a great place for dates and for enjoying tasty foods.

My experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful. I loved everything we ordered and highly recommend it all. The tuna tartare, monkfish liver, eggplant, and mochi were outstanding. The sea bass was perfectly cooked, and the noodles in the tonkotsu ramen were incredible, with a rich, decadent broth that was full of flavor. Beyond the amazing food, the owner was incredibly friendly and brought such great, positive energy to the experience. We’ll definitely be coming back!

My experience at this restaurant was largely positive. The atmosphere was cozy, with nice lighting and a limited number of tables, contributing to an intimate dining experience. The service was excellent; the waitress was efficient, and another friendly woman regularly checked on us. The food was perfect, with the tonkotsu ramen being the highlight – possibly the best I've ever had. They even offered a complimentary dessert when they were out of my ordered choice, and the yuzu cheesecake was also amazing. My only complaint is that it was a bit too noisy.

I visited this restaurant with a friend visiting from Denver who was craving Asian food. We ordered chicken karaage, gyoza, and ramen. The karaage was fantastic—crispy, flavorful, and one of the best I've had in the city. Definitely a highlight. The ramen was decent—nothing memorable but satisfying enough. The gyoza, however, was disappointing; none of us enjoyed it, as the flavor and texture were just off. Unfortunately, everything we ordered arrived lukewarm, which was a letdown. Service was a bright spot—friendly and attentive staff made sure we were taken care of. The biggest issue was the atmosphere. The restaurant was so smoky that we almost walked out upon arrival but stayed since we had a reservation. Throughout the meal, the smoky environment was unbearable. I coughed the entire time and couldn’t wait to leave, and my friends felt the same way. They really need to check out their ventilation system—it completely ruined the experience. Overall, the food and service had potential, but the smoky environment was a dealbreaker for us.

On my first visit, I felt we might have ordered the wrong dishes. The Tonkotsu was unusually peppery and chicken-flavored, unlike any Tonkotsu I've had before. While the Tsukemen broth was yummy and closer to what I expected, the noodles served for dipping were so undercooked that the dish was difficult to enjoy. The chicken thigh skewers were the most delicious item we ordered, and I highly recommend them. It seems sticking to smaller plates and skewers at an izakaya might be the best approach. Unfortunately, given the price point and the food I received, I don't think I would return.

After returning from Japan, my wife and I really missed the quality and taste of authentic Japanese cuisine. When the craving became too much to bear, we turned to Izakaya Sozai. They offer a wide variety of delicious street food and Yakitori dishes, a fresh daikon salad, and the centerpiece, the tonkatsu ramen, which you will never miss with. If you're looking to step out of your comfort zone, I recommend the chicken cartilage. If you prefer to keep it simple, the dry pepper chicken wings are a great choice. You can never go wrong here. If you are in the Sunset district or visiting Golden Gate Park, please stop in; you will have a wonderful time.

My family and I came in for dinner and experienced horrible service. We waited for 30 minutes, and still no food arrived. To make matters worse, another family came in after us, was seated, and served in less than 10 minutes. This made us feel discriminated against. Unfortunately, we ended up leaving without trying the food. I hope future customers have better luck.