Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Wako – San Francisco
Wako - San Francisco
Photo from Wako
Wako at a glance
San Francisco Jordan Park
- š£ Japanese Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $101+
mentioned by 74 of the guests
#1089 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#87 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
554
Reviews
70.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant Wako is a premier Japanese Restaurant located in the vibrant Jordan Park neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover an upscale and romantic ambiance perfect for dinner.
This spot is renowned for its great tea selection, offering a unique complement to your dining experience. Whether you’re seeking healthy options or a sophisticated evening out, Wako Japanese Restaurant provides a memorable culinary journey in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Wako
Good
7.6
out of 10
554
Reviews
70.9%
Satisfaction
118
negative
43
neutral
393
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on Wako
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, earning a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 80.4%. Out of 322 comments, a whopping 259 celebrate the omakase experience, praising the fresh ingredients, presentation, and incredible taste that often leaves diners speechless. Many describe it as the best sushi theyve ever had, meticulously prepared and beautifully balanced.
Yet, not every dish receives universal acclaim. With 41 negative remarks, some guests express disappointment with the portion size, occasionally finding the quality of the food or fish not up to par. A few also noted issues with the rice or a less-than-expected flavor profile, ' suggesting that while generally excellent, there can be some inconsistencies.
Food
322
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
41
negative
22
neutral
259
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh ingredients
- Exquisite presentation
- Omakase experience
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Quality concerns
- Rice issues
Often praised
- foodEvery bite we had was perfectly balanced and considered in the context of the meal. Everything was delicious, but Chef Jinās enthusiasm for the seasonal pike mackerel made me love it the most! Such obvious and deep respect for the food from everyone on staff, and the relaxed and cheerful vibe made it even better.
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was an amazing omakase experience in SF, and it was reasonably priced. All the sushi was so fresh and paired well with the different flavors. Even their non-sushi dishes were wonderful, and their ice dessert was amazing.
- fishIt was pricey but absolutely worth it. Our menu showed us all the places in Japan where each piece of fish was from. Jin was a master at making each piece of sashimi and sushi.
- omakaseGreat omakase - loved that the chef was willing to share
- ingredientsMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around their good sushi. The flavors were well-balanced, allowing the original taste of ingredients to shine through. Their Omakase was particularly noted for being of great value.
- omakase experienceMy experience at this restaurant was a high-end omakase experience in a pretty low-key setting. It felt authentic and the quality of food was superb.
- flavorsMy experience at this restaurant was an amazing omakase experience in SF, and it was reasonably priced. All the sushi was so fresh and paired well with the different flavors. Even their non-sushi dishes were wonderful, and their ice dessert was amazing.
- presentationthe presentation and attention to detail really added to the experience.
- tasting menudid the tasting menu ($98 for 10 pieces of sushi, each one better than the last)
- uniThe dishes were very innovative and delicious. I particularly loved the cod, fat tuna nigiri, uni, and the black sesame tofu dishes, which were so tasty and fresh. They also have a great sake collection; the light, fruity, and silky sake I tried was very delicious.
Frequently criticized
- O-toroending with O-toro which had a ridiculous amount of silver skin
- BonitoBonito: 3/5 Somehow the Bonito tasted pretty watery
- Red Snapper hand rollThe roe in it was too salty ā¦ didn't enjoy it
- additional menu itemsThe omakase was just below average, and I felt the price charged did not reflect the quality and courses received. We also ordered a few additional menu items, but nothing really stood out. I do not recommend this place.
- alternate the piecessuggestion would be to alternate the pieces
- boiled/poached blue shrimpboiled/poached blue shrimp tasted like it had come from dirty waters
- cheap soy sauceoverwhelmed by cheap soy sauce
- chef preparationCannot feel the chef is use their heart to prepare the food
- default beverage option2. It would also be nice to have a choice between water and hot tea as a default beverage option. Overall, a fantastic experience ā weād definitely come back!
- dishesA lot of the dishes were just okay
If you're looking for an exceptional omakase journey with stunning presentation and fresh ingredients, this restaurant is a strong contender. However, be prepared for potentially smaller portions, and while generally superb, there might be slight inconsistencies in some dishes.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
Service here gets a good score of 7.1, and while customer satisfaction is a mixed 64.1%, there's a lot to love! Many guests rave about the attentive service, knowledgeable chefs, and the overall professionalism and kindness of the staff. With 82 positive remarks out of 128 total, it seems many found their dining experience truly special.
However, not everyone had a perfect experience, with 40 negative remarks pointing to some areas for improvement. Some felt the service was rushed, while others encountered rude staff or long wait times. A few guests also wished for better communication and more detailed explanations of the dishes, suggesting a slight inconsistency in the overall experience.
Service
128
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
40
negative
6
neutral
82
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Knowledgeable chefs explain
- Attentive, kind staff
- Exceptional professionalism
What people don't like
- Service felt rushed
- Inconsistent staff attitude
- Poor dish explanations
Often praised
- serviceSuch obvious and deep respect for the food from everyone on staff, and the relaxed and cheerful vibe made it even better. We loved the staff, and Chefs Jin and Ivan took care of us from the moment we stepped in the door ā service was a true highlight. Friendly, funny, warm, and unpretentious, and everything you eat is explained super clearly and accessibly.
- chefWe had such a wonderful time! The atmosphere was very friendly, and the chef was incredibly outgoing and engaging. He gave vivid, detailed explanations of each piece of sushi ā including which part of the fish it came from and how it was prepared ā which made the experience feel extra special and educational.
- staffEverything was delicious, but Chef Jinās enthusiasm for the seasonal pike mackerel made me love it the most! Such obvious and deep respect for the food from everyone on staff, and the relaxed and cheerful vibe made it even better. We loved the staff, and Chefs Jin and Ivan took care of us from the moment we stepped in the door ā service was a true highlight.
- serversThe servers are not only friendly, but very knowledgeable.
- ServiceService:5
- chefsThe chefs are so nice and explain every cut of fish
- attention to detailMy husband and I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant, particularly enjoying the sushi tasting. The vibe was great, and the staff demonstrated exceptional professionalism, kindness, and attention to detail. We observed a lot of teamwork among the very efficient staff.
- sushi chefOur sushi chef was excellent at his job
- Amazing serviceAmazing service
- ChefChef seems to put his heart into giving the best culinary and human experience
Frequently criticized
- serviceExtremely bad service and experience at the restaurant
- waiterMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. Despite the bar seating being open, the waiter refused to let us sit there. We felt rushed as the waiter pushed us to order at least twice within 5 minutes.
- Michelin star standardnot live up to the Michelin star standard for attitude
- attitudetheir attitude is really rude
- booked for the eveningtold they were booked for the evening
- checkwhen we paid the check and left the restaurant, again, no one greeted us
- communicationsI expect more communications
- detailed explanationlike a more detailed explanation
- experienceThe experience felt rushed
- follow-up questionsshe did not give us the chance
If you're looking for an engaging experience with knowledgeable chefs and attentive staff, this place often delivers. However, be prepared for the possibility of a slightly rushed pace or occasional inconsistencies in service, especially if you value detailed explanations and a leisurely meal.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot offers a pretty good experience overall, earning a score of 6.9. Many guests loved the atmosphere, describing it as a wonderful and fantastic experience, especially for special occasions. People enjoyed the cool bar, the peaceful dining room, and the overall vibe, with 32 positive remarks highlighting the lovely place and amazing Japanese-style setting.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 58.2%, indicating some room for improvement. Some found the ambiance a bit too casual or brightly lit, and being seated in a tight corner or next to a cold, open door was a definite downside. Parking can also be tricky, and 13 negative comments mentioned issues like cleanliness and feeling rushed, which detract from a high-end experience.
Ambience
55
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
13
negative
10
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Wonderful dining experience
- Great atmosphere/vibe
- Sushi counter seating
What people don't like
- Cold door drafts
- Tricky parking
- Too casual/bright
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere, and service were all top notch
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- experienceServers were attentive and treated us well. If you're looking for someplace nice for a special occasion, I would say Wako is definitely worth the price for the quality and experience you get.
- settingpretty low-key setting
- vibethe relaxed and cheerful vibe made it even better
- Japanese style experienceMy experience at this restaurant was an amazing Japanese style experience. It reminded me of the high end restaurants in Japan, evoking the feeling of 'Jiro Dreams of Sushi'.
- amazing experienceAn overall amazing experience
- ambiancecute ambiance
- cool barI wanted a cool bar to sit
- countertaking a place at the ever-present counter is most likely to result in a more positive outcome
Frequently criticized
- ambianceThe ambiance and vibe is a bit too casual for my taste, and too brightly lit
- ambiencebeing next to fake plastic plants isn't very appealing
- bar seatingMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. Despite the bar seating being open, the waiter refused to let us sit there. We felt rushed as the waiter pushed us to order at least twice within 5 minutes.
- bathroom cleanlinessthe cleanliness of the bathroom
- difficult to find parkingthe difficult to find parking on Clement St. sure wasn't worth it.
- dining windowonly allowed to be in the restaurant for 1 hour
- doorWe were sat next to the door which was left open āfor ventilationā but the wind was unbearably cold.
- drive from San RamonThe drive from San Ramon... sure wasn't worth it.
- fine dining standardsexpect high standards throughout the experience
- parkingParking can be a little tricky in this part of town
If youre looking for a generally good atmosphere, especially for a special occasion or a sushi counter experience, this place could be a great fit. Just be mindful of potential parking challenges and seating preferences, as some aspects of the ambiance might not meet everyones expectations for a high-end spot.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 5.4 and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 40.8%. Many guests felt it was worth it and offered good bang for buck, especially for reasonably priced omakase experiences, with 20 positive comments highlighting the great value for quality and special occasions. However, a significant number of opinions, 24 to be exact, found the experience pricey and expensive, often feeling the value was not quite there.
Concerns were raised about hefty prices' not always matching the quality or portion sizes, and some even mentioned issues with deposits or mandatory tips.
Value
49
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
24
negative
5
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth it for quality
- Good omakase value
- Reasonably priced
What people don't like
- Definitely expensive
- Value not quite there
- Hefty price
Often praised
- priceServers were attentive and treated us well. If you're looking for someplace nice for a special occasion, I would say Wako is definitely worth the price for the quality and experience you get.
- valueMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed a delicious Omakase that offered a decent value. The nigiri was expertly seasoned with delightful flavor combinations.
- pricesItās a great place to celebrate something, and all the variations of fish had their own charm in flavor. While it is definitely expensive, I think the prices are justified with the ingredients, the skills of the chefs, and the smaller, more attentive dining experience.
- Omakasetheir Omakase is of great value
- PricePricey but absolutely worth it
- Reasonably pricedReasonably priced
- bang for buckGood bang for buck
- depositprepary a deposit which is then refunded
- expenseWorth the expense for sure
- pennyWako was the best meal Iāve had in several years, and we couldnāt have been happier to support a business run by such lovely people. Worth every penny. Weāll definitely be back!
Frequently criticized
- pricethe price of the same meal I ordered start going up and up
- valueIt's just a bit more to go to a better omakase restaurant. This is not worthy to come back.
- $200 meal pplacked the flavor profile I would have expected from a $200 meal pp
- 18% required tip18% required tip before they kick you out the door
- OmakaseOmakase at $160 per person, plus drinks and a mandatory 20% gratuity
- Resy deposittheir deposit on Resy not being taken off the bill is less standard
- depositkeeping $70 of the deposit
- expensiveDefinitely expensive
- expensive pricesThe food was delicious, but the value was not quite there. This was due to small quantities and expensive prices. When dining at a one Michelin star restaurant, one would expect not to leave hungry.
- hefty pricethe hefty price of $313 (with the tip included) sure wasn't worth it.
If youre looking for a special occasion and are prepared for a higher price point, many find the omakase experience to be worth it for the quality. However, if youre sensitive to cost or expect large portions, you might find the value doesn't quite meet expectations.
How are the prices at Wako?
Youāre looking at roughly 105 per person ā reported by 74 diners. That puts it squarely in the $101+ category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s definitely on the higher-end side, indicating a premium experience.
Looking at what people actually spend, almost all diners (68 out of 74) are spending 101 $ or more, showing a clear focus on premium pricing rather than a mix of cheap and expensive options.
Hereās a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 74 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the premium pricing, wed say it feels fair if the quality of the Japanese cuisine and the overall dining experience truly match the $101+ price point. Its an investment for a special meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Wako
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exquisite Food and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was truly exquisite. The presentation of the food was beautiful, and it was freshly prepared with such care. It has become one of our favorite places in town.
The service and atmosphere were both rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a perfect score.
- presentation10
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0ā5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Exceptional Omakase and Sake Pairing
We had a lovely anniversary dinner here. The omakase was very well constructed with a balance of hot and cold dishes that complemented each other really well. The sushi was clearly meticulously made and each dish was a delight to enjoy.
Highly recommend the omakase and hot sake pairing!
- omakase9
- hot and cold dishes8
- sushi10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Best Omakase in San Francisco!
My experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. The meal was well-paced and well-executed, complemented by nice service and tasty food. It was definitely the best omakase we've had in San Francisco this past year.
The pacing was perfect for our 2-hour meal, and I really loved how the sushi was served two pieces at a time. The staff were attentive, noticing my wife wasn't eating all the rice and adjusted the amount for subsequent pieces. I would strongly recommend this place!
- meal10
- pacing9
- service9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0ā5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Best Sushi Omakase Experience Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was the best sushi Omakase I've ever had. It was truly worth every decision that led me to that seat, enjoying the freshest and meatiest pieces, all prepared perfectly. This experience will linger with me until I return in a year; I can only tell time by this anchor.
It's only been 3 days since I had the best sushi of my life! The chef was super friendly and even shared his knife collection. I recommend coming hungry, as the full course takes approximately 2 hours.
- sushi Omakase10
- freshest and meatiest pieces10
- perfect preparation10
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
An Anniversary to Remember at Wako!
My partner and I celebrated our 7-year anniversary at Wako and had an incredible experience. Every bite we had was perfectly balanced and considered in the context of the meal. Everything was delicious, but Chef Jinās enthusiasm for the seasonal pike mackerel made me love it the most!
Such obvious and deep respect for the food from everyone on staff, and the relaxed and cheerful vibe made it even better. We loved the staff, and Chefs Jin and Ivan took care of us from the moment we stepped in the door ā service was a true highlight. Friendly, funny, warm, and unpretentious, and everything you eat is explained super clearly and accessibly.
Wako was the best meal Iāve had in several years, and we couldnāt have been happier to support a business run by such lovely people. Worth every penny. Weāll definitely be back!
- food10
- seasonal pike mackerel10
- staff10
What Wako offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Wako Japanese Restaurant?
Yes, reservations are required to secure your table at Wako Japanese Restaurant, especially for dinner. It’s highly recommended to make your dinner reservations in advance to ensure you can enjoy their table service and delicious offerings.
What accessibility and parking options are available at Wako Japanese Restaurant?
Wako Japanese Restaurant offers excellent accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Regarding parking, you’ll find free and paid street parking, though spaces can sometimes be somewhat difficult to locate in the area.