Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Nippon Curry – San Francisco
Nippon Curry - San Francisco
Photo from Nippon Curry
Nippon Curry at a glance
San Francisco Marina District
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 94 of the guests
#649 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#63 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
406
Reviews
80.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Curry
- Friendly Service
Frequently criticized
- High Pricing
- Lackluster Ambience
The restaurant, a delightful Japanese eatery in San Francisco’s vibrant Marina District, invites you to experience authentic flavors. At Nippon Curry San Francisco, you’ll discover a casual spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
You can enjoy a diverse menu, including excellent vegan options, making it a welcoming choice for everyone. Whether you’re seeking lunch or dinner, this spot promises a satisfying culinary journey right in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Nippon Curry
Nippon Curry generally offers a satisfying experience, with many diners appreciating the authentic and flavorful Japanese curry. The food often receives praise for its depth and quality, making it a reliable choice for a hearty meal.
While the ambience is frequently described as clean and cozy, some find the overall atmosphere a bit lackluster. The service is often noted for being friendly and efficient, though there are occasional concerns about value and pricing.
Good
8
out of 10
406
Reviews
80.5%
Satisfaction
46
negative
33
neutral
327
positive
Nippon Curry earns a solid 8 out of 10, indicating a good overall experience for most diners. This is supported by a strong 80.5% customer satisfaction rate, suggesting that the majority leave content.
These insights are drawn from over 400 customer opinions, with 327 positive remarks outweighing 46 negative ones. The restaurant shines particularly in its Food (8.1) and Service (8.1), both scoring well.
The Ambience (8) also contributes positively, often described as clean and chill. While Value (6.7) is still considered good, it’s a point where some customers feel the pricing can be a bit high, despite generous portions and good deals like the Asahi happy hour.
What people like
- Flavorful, authentic curry
- Friendly, efficient service
- Good happy hour deals
What people don't like
- Perceived high pricing
- Lackluster dining atmosphere
- Inconsistent packaging (dine-in)
If you’re seeking a reliable spot for well-prepared Japanese curry, Nippon Curry is a solid contender. The focus here is clearly on the food, which consistently satisfies, and the service often adds to a pleasant visit.
It’s a place that delivers on its core offering. With a strong recommendation score of 8.4, it’s worth a visit, especially if you appreciate a casual setting and good value on drinks.
Just be mindful of the pricing and don’t expect a lavish dining atmosphere; it’s more about the satisfying meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Nippon Curry
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly delivers! With a strong score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at a solid 83.2%, diners are generally thrilled. Out of 262 opinions, a whopping 218 rave about the delicious Japanese curry, crispy katsu, and juicy karaage, often praising the flavorful curry sauce and generous portions.
However, not every bite is perfect. Among the 28 negative comments, some found the pork katsu breading inconsistent or too thick, and a few wished for more spice options. There were also concerns about a potential peanut allergy and the quality of some fried items like shrimp.
Food
262
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
28
negative
16
neutral
218
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Japanese curry
- Crispy katsu and karaage
- Flavorful and rich
What people don't like
- Inconsistent katsu breading
- Limited spice options
- Peanut allergy concern
Often praised
- curryBaby, it's working harder than my waist cincher! Rich and smooth like my favorite silk gown, this curry is giving everything it needs to give! The whole experience is serving Japanese realness with NHK World videos playing in the background - it's like being transported to Tokyo without having to pack my six suitcases of wigs!
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was head and shoulders above your garden-variety San Francisco Japanese restaurant. The establishment is efficient and clean, and the food is reliably tasty. I had a great lunch experience.
- Japanese curryMy experience at this authentic Japanese curry place was wonderful. The vibe was cozy and the service was friendly.
- chicken katsuchicken katsu were perfectly fried with a light batter but still really crunchy
- chicken katsu currychicken katsu curry and the vegetarian croquette curry, and both were delicious
- pork katsuside pork katsu (not sure of I’m spelling it right but my 8 year old ate the whole dish with an extra bowl of rice!)
- Pork Katsu CurryI highly recommend adding the pickled onions and the free tempura seasoning to your order. The Pork Katsu Curry with Pumpkin Croquette was a standout dish. The food was rated a 5, and the service was also a perfect 5.
- chickenThe chicken was perfectly crisp
- curry flavorThe curry flavor is strong and tastes very freshly made.
- japanese currybest japanese curry you will find in the city
Frequently criticized
- chickenthe chicken by itself lacked flavor
- pork katsuthe pork katsu was pretty bad
- aji fishthe aji fish were kind of small
- breadingthe breading here was exactly what a breading shouldn't be
- cardboard containerinedible in a cardboard container
- chicken donburigluten free item (chicken donburi) was not gluten free
- chicken karaagethe chicken karaage were all mediocre
- condimentThe only condiment of any kind was a dry pepper blend
- currythis isn’t my kind of curry (too rich)
- curry and riceCurry and rice is inedible in a cardboard container
If you're craving authentic and flavorful Japanese curry with perfectly crispy katsu and karaage, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful if you have a peanut allergy or prefer a spicier kick, as options might be limited.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
The service here truly shines, earning a solid 8.1 score and a 79.7% customer satisfaction rate, indicating a good experience for most. With 59 positive remarks out of 74 total, guests frequently praise the friendly and efficient staff and owners, often highlighting the impressive speed of service. Many appreciate how welcoming and helpful everyone is, making for a comfortable dining atmosphere.
However, not all interactions are perfect. A few of the 9 negative comments point to specific issues with the cashier, including perceived poor treatment of delivery drivers. There are also mentions of staff lacking product knowledge and occasional oversights like missing napkins or utensils in to-go bags, suggesting some areas for improvement in consistency.
Service
74
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
9
negative
6
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Welcoming owners
What people don't like
- Cashier issues
- Missing to-go items
- Staff knowledge gaps
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this authentic Japanese curry place was wonderful. The vibe was cozy and the service was friendly. Everything I ordered tasted great and was served fast.
- staffBoth vegetarians and non-vegetarians will find something to rave about, and the quality of ingredients was evident in every bite. The service also deserves commendation; the staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about their offerings. They were more than happy to guide me through the menu and help me choose the perfect dish.
- ServiceService:4
- ownerThe guy who I think is the owner is always super friendly and checks in
- workersThis was love at first sight! The food was so yummy and the workers were the friendliest. It felt very comforting, and the staff know exactly how to make you feel right at home!
- Barryespecially from Barry who patiently answered any questions
- cashierthe cashier was very friendly
- deliverythe driver had to go through basically the other side of the city to deliver the food and it still came out fresh and delicious
- dogthey had a dog with us!
- establishmentMy experience at this restaurant was head and shoulders above your garden-variety San Francisco Japanese restaurant. The establishment is efficient and clean, and the food is reliably tasty. I had a great lunch experience.
Frequently criticized
- DoorDash delivery driverstreating DoorDash delivery drivers horrible
- cashierMaybe the cashier just did not like me
- napkins or utensilsno napkins or utensils in the togo bag
- paper to-go containersgive dine in customers paper to-go containers
- paying customerI am still a paying customer
- plastic to-go containershave plastic to-go containers but only for to-go orders
- product knowledgeteach your employees about the product
- staffteach your staff, specifically the people who talk to customers, what is in the sauce
- to-go bagno napkins or utensils in the togo bag
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and efficient service, this spot is definitely worth a try. While there might be minor hiccups with specific staff interactions or to-go orders, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youll likely have a great experience. Expect a welcoming atmosphere and quick service that makes you feel right at home.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
The ambience here is generally a hit, scoring a solid 8 and leaving 79.2% of customers satisfied. With 38 positive remarks out of 48 total comments, many rave about the chill vibes, cozy setting, and overall cleanliness, making it perfect for a date or just a relaxing meal. However, not everyone was completely charmed.
A few of the 4 negative observations mentioned a lackluster atmosphere. While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, its worth noting this minor point amidst the many praises for the restaurants vibe.
Ambience
48
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
4
negative
6
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy setting
- Clean atmosphere
- Chill vibes
What people don't like
- Lackluster atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereLovely, clean, and minimalistic atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- vibeMy experience at this authentic Japanese curry place was wonderful. The vibe was cozy and the service was friendly. Everything I ordered tasted great and was served fast.
- Kid-friendlinessHad no problems with my six and eight year old!
- Perfect for a datePerfect for a date!
- ambienceambience is chill and calming
- baby friendlyvery baby friendly! High chairs, not too noisy, wide spaces
- casual settingtreat to eat there in a casual setting
- chill vibesMy experience at the restaurant was marked by quality foods and chill vibes. I ordered at the kiosk, which was convenient.
- clean tablealways a clean table waiting for you like a fresh powder puff
Frequently criticized
- parkingThe restaurant itself is small, with about 10 counter seats and some standing room, and much of their business is take-out/delivery, evidenced by the steady stream of pick-ups. Parking can be a bit difficult, especially during peak times, though it was manageable on a Sunday. The service was super-friendly and quick.
- lackluster atmospherelackluster atmosphere
- neighborhood with bland foodin a neighborhood with bland food
Overall, if youre looking for a spot with a great atmosphere, this place delivers. Expect a clean, cozy, and inviting environment perfect for a relaxed meal or a date. Youll likely enjoy the chill vibe.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some real bright spots! Many guests rave about the generous portions and reasonable pricing, especially for San Francisco. The fantastic happy hour deals, like the $3 Asahi, are frequently highlighted as a major perk, making it feel truly worth it.
Overall, the score here is a pretty solid 6.7, reflecting a generally good experience for many of the 12 positive remarks out of 22 total. However, the value proposition isnt universally loved, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 54.5%. Some find the overall price a bit steep, describing it as pricy or even overpriced for what you get.
There are also a few concerns about the tips suggestions screen inflating the total cost, as noted in 5 negative comments, suggesting theres still some room for improvement.
Value
22
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
5
negative
5
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Great happy hour
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- A bit expensive
- Can feel overpriced
- Tipping suggestions inflate
Often praised
- happy hourThey offer plenty of options to customize your meal, and the pickled goodies were also a delightful addition. The availability of alcoholic drinks and happy hour all day is a great perk. While the ordering process is at the counter and self-serve, and the atmosphere is lackluster, making it a little on the pricey side, I will still return for the food.
- priceDefinitely worth it for the price
- Asahi dealMy experience at this restaurant was quite positive, especially considering I've lived in Japan for three years and have had authentic curry. The $3 Asahi deal was a great perk. However, there were some drawbacks: the restaurant lacked options for spicy level and rice quantity, which limited customization.
- Asahi happy hourThe $3 Asahi happy hour is a great deal too
- portionsPortions are huge for the price
- price pointfor the price point it’s pretty good.
- pricesprices are super reasonable (especially for SF!)
- pricingdecent pricing for quantity and decent quality
- quantitydecent pricing for quantity
- tipsIt has depth of flavor, and I felt it was a restaurant that truly understands and makes curry. Also, the self-service aspect is a plus, as there's no pressure regarding tips.
Frequently criticized
- moneycare more about money than customer satisfaction
- overpricedit’s overpriced for what it is
- priceThis place was a bit expensive
- pricya little on the pricy side
- tips suggestions screentips suggestions screen are based on the total amount including the San Francisco 4.5% mandate
If youre looking for generous portions and great happy hour deals, youll likely find good value here. However, if you're sensitive to overall pricing or tipping suggestions, you might find it a bit on the expensive side.
How are the prices at Nippon Curry?
You’re looking at roughly 21$ per person – reported by 94 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 21$, it’s interesting to note that a good chunk of diners (59 out of 94) actually spend less, typically in the $11–$20 range. This suggests a nice mix of more budget-friendly options alongside those mid-range choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 94 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant, especially with the variety of price points available. It offers good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Nippon Curry
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Rich Curry and Crispy Pork Cutlet!
I really enjoy my curry and was inspired to find a place after watching a video about a Japanese curry spot. I was SO glad I found this restaurant when I was at a nearby shop. The beef-based curry is incredibly rich and bursting with flavor, almost like a delicious, savory, umami-filled gravy.
I paired it with a pork cutlet that was perfectly thin and slightly crispy, fresh out of the fryer – exactly how it should be with curry. The portion of rice was just right, and the side of pickled vegetables added a welcome tartness. The restaurant itself is small, with about 10 counter seats and some standing room, and much of their business is take-out/delivery, evidenced by the steady stream of pick-ups.
Parking can be a bit difficult, especially during peak times, though it was manageable on a Sunday. The service was super-friendly and quick. I'd highly recommend this place!
- beef-based curry10
- pork cutlet9
- rice8
- parking4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
9
Delicious Curry and Addictive Chicken Karaage
My experience at the restaurant was very positive, particularly with the food. I enjoyed the curry, which was on the sweeter side and not too thick, making it delicious. The Chicken Karaage was particularly addictive.
The service was delivery, and the price per person was between $20–30. The food received a score of 5.
- curry8
- Chicken Karaage10
- food10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
3
Average Curry, Disappointing Tip Screen
My experience involved having the Katsu (chicken thigh) curry over rice. The curry itself was average and a bit too sweet when compared to Thai or Indian curries, though the chicken was moist and juicy. A significant point of concern was the tips suggestions screen, which was based on the total amount including the San Francisco 4.
5% mandate. This meant I was paying for and tipping on the employee's healthcare, which I am not a fan of. Overall, I was not impressed and won't be back.
- Katsu curry5
- chicken8
- tips suggestions screen2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Satisfying Curry Fix After Japan Trip
After a trip to Japan, this restaurant was exactly what we needed to satisfy our curry cravings. The vegetarian curry was pretty damn good, and the katsu curry was also good, though the katsu itself could have benefited from more flavor. While not quite as tasty as the curries from the Japan chain restaurants, it was still a pretty damn good experience.
- vegetarian curry8
- katsu curry7
- katsu5
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
6
Tough Pork Katsu, Recommend Chicken
My experience at the restaurant involved enjoying curry and fried protein. However, the pork katsu was tough. I would recommend the chicken katsu instead if you were to eat here.
- chicken katsu8
- pork katsu2
What Nippon Curry offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Nippon Curry San Francisco?
At Nippon Curry San Francisco, you’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. You can choose from dine-in, takeout, or delivery, with outdoor seating available. They offer counter service for convenience, serving both lunch and dinner in the Marina District.
Does Nippon Curry San Francisco cater to specific dietary needs or family dining?
Yes, Nippon Curry San Francisco offers a variety of options, including vegan and vegetarian dishes. It’s also good for kids, providing high chairs for younger guests. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring comfort for all visitors.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Nippon Curry?
Nippon Curry generally receives positive feedback, with an overall score of 8 out of 10 and 80.5% customer satisfaction. The Food (8.1) and Service (8.1) are particularly well-regarded, while Ambience (8) and Value (6.7) also contribute positively to the experience.
Are there any notable deals or perks at Nippon Curry?
Yes, many customers appreciate the value offered, particularly the happy hour deals, including a popular $3 Asahi beer. Portions are also frequently mentioned as generous for the price.
What are some common criticisms or areas for improvement at Nippon Curry?
Some customers find the restaurant to be a bit pricy for the overall experience, and the ambience is occasionally described as lackluster. There have also been comments about the use of cardboard containers for dine-in meals.