Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Sushi Sato – San Francisco
Sushi Sato - San Francisco
Photo from Sushi Sato
Sushi Sato at a glance
San Francisco Little Saigon
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 50 of the guests
#1880 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#153 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
327
Reviews
62.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Sushi quality
- Cozy ambiance
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- High price
- Service inconsistency
- Loud music
The restaurant Sushi Sato is a Japanese Restaurant located in San Francisco’s vibrant Little Saigon neighborhood. You will find a trendy atmosphere perfect for a memorable dining experience.
This spot offers a delightful selection of small plates and healthy options, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Whether you are looking for a cozy dinner or a lively evening out, this place has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Sushi Sato
Sushi Sato offers a dining experience where the culinary artistry often takes center stage, leaving a strong impression on many patrons. Guests frequently commend the chef and staff for their dedication, with many highlighting the presentation and quality of the dishes.
It’s a spot that aims for a refined atmosphere, often described as a cozy gem . However, the experience isn’t without its challenges.
Some visitors have noted concerns regarding the overall price point, feeling that the portions didn’t always align with the cost. There have also been instances of long wait times and service inconsistencies, suggesting that while the intentions are good, execution can vary.
Good
6.7
out of 10
327
Reviews
62.7%
Satisfaction
101
negative
21
neutral
205
positive
Sushi Sato holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.7, placing it in the average category, while Customer Satisfaction sits at a mixed 62.7%. This indicates a generally acceptable experience, though not consistently outstanding for everyone.
These insights are drawn from 327 customer remarks, with 205 positive observations outweighing 101 negative ones. Delving into specifics, the Food truly shines with a good score of (7.4), and the Ambience also rates well at (7).
However, Service is an average (5.7), and Value registers as poor (3.5). This suggests that while the culinary offerings and setting are often appreciated, the perceived cost-benefit and service delivery can be areas for improvement.
What people like
- Exceptional sushi quality
- Inviting, modern ambiance
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Perceived high pricing
- Inconsistent service delivery
- Disruptive loud music
For those prioritizing exceptional sushi and a pleasant setting, Sushi Sato could be a worthwhile visit, especially if you appreciate culinary detail. The Recommendation Score of 6.7 suggests a generally positive, albeit not universally acclaimed, experience.
Be prepared for a potentially higher price point. If you’re seeking a consistently flawless service experience or strict budget dining, you might find aspects less satisfying.
It’s a place that delivers on its core product and atmosphere, but with some variability in service and value perception.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sushi Sato
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.4 score, indicating a good culinary experience, and customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 72.5%. Many guests, 140 out of 193, rave about the fantastic omakase experience, praising the high quality sushi, incredible freshness, and creative, tasty dishes like the crab risotto and uni bowls. The culinary skill and visual delight of the presentation often get special shout-outs.
However, about 40 opinions point to some areas for improvement. Concerns occasionally arise regarding the portions being a bit small, and while generally good, some specific mentions of fish quality or bland fish have popped up. There were also a few comments about the sushi rice, suggesting it could be inconsistent.
Food
193
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
40
negative
13
neutral
140
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Superb Omakase
- High-Quality Sushi
- Creative Dishes
What people don't like
- Small Portions
- Fish Quality Concerns
- Sushi Rice Issues
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with great food and good vibes. The service was also good.
- sushiMy partner and I had the pleasure of partaking in the omakase experience. We were met with unique and tasty sushi, where the chef explained each intricate step of the sushi making process. The omakase included 12 courses for $125 (after tax & tip), where you are served 8 pieces of sushi, 2 small appetizers, a small sliver of an entree, and a dessert.
- cocktailsMy experience at the restaurant was awesome, with great cocktails and a solid Omakase. While the Omakase was good, it wasn't something to be stunned by, making it a safe bet.
- mealThe chefs' dedication was evident, having prepared for 10 hours to capture the perfect moment for each bite. I was advised to put down my phone and simply enjoy the meal.
- FoodFood:5
- dishesMy experience at the restaurant was an awesome Omakase experience. The host was incredibly welcoming and provided excellent service by describing the dishes and offering drink suggestions. The food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch, each receiving a perfect score.
- drinksMy overall experience at this restaurant was very nice. The service was spectacular, and the drinks were beautifully made by Tony. I tried the Fatty Tuna Uni Bowl, which was good but could be improved; the combination of rice and toro wasn't proportional.
- food qualityFood quality was great
- omakase experiencepleasure of partaking in the omakase experience
- presentationI stopped by Sushi Sato on Post Street for a quick dinner and was absolutely blown away by the experience! I ordered the King Salmon & Ikura Don, and it was incredibly fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented—every bite was a delight. The service was quick and friendly, making my short visit extremely pleasant.
Frequently criticized
- foodIt’s now an unusual Japanese Italian fusion restaurant. While it still has a nice ambiance, the food was not at all what we were expecting.
- lobster saladWe would not recommend the $35 add-on featuring Caviar, Toro, and Uni, as the handroll was soggy by the time it arrived and not worth the price. The lobster salad and jelly tasting was mediocre. However, the risotto was good!
- matcha panna cottathe panna cotta didn't set. It was a bit soft and a tiny bit runny
- mealAlthough the sushi was decent, it was extremely overpriced and we left hungry. At the price point, the service was poor and we were very disappointed with our meal. There is also a 20% service charge at this restaurant which we would have never paid otherwise.
- portion sizethe portions compared to what they were charging was what bothered us
- Miso CodThe fish quality was awful, and honestly, everything was awful. The Miso Cod was drenched in some suspicious sour liquid that made it mushy and disgusting. The potato croquettes had the taste and consistency of instant mash and were clearly microwaved.
- Wagu beefWagu beef was a bit too fatty
- amount of food receivedamount of food received during the experience
- amount of wasabiamount of wasabi on the nigiri meant we couldn’t appreciate most pieces
- amuse boucheThe amuse bouche was a nonalcoholic cocktail
If you're looking for a generally good food experience, especially for omakase and creative sushi, this place is definitely worth considering. Just be mindful that some guests have found the portions on the smaller side, and there might be occasional inconsistencies with specific items like the sushi rice or fish quality.
Service (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
Service here is quite the mixed bag, with a 5.7 score indicating an average experience and customer satisfaction sitting at a rather mixed 47.3%. On the bright side, 35 positive comments frequently praised the quick and friendly interactions, with special mentions for attentive staff like Hugo, the host, and the fantastic server. Many enjoyed an amazing, red-carpet concierge experience, making their visits truly memorable.
However, an equal 35 negative observations reveal significant challenges. Guests reported frustratingly long waits, incredibly slow service, and even wrong food being delivered. Issues like an unprofessional chef and poor communication were also noted, sometimes leading to chaotic and disappointing experiences.
Service
74
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
35
negative
4
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Friendly service
- Fantastic experience
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waits
- Unprofessional chef
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Sushi Sato in San Francisco was truly delightful. This cozy gem offers exceptional service, and Yunus, our attentive bartender/waiter, made the entire experience unforgettable. The uni was simply divine.
- ServiceService was amazing!
- staffThe staff here is friendly and extremely responsive
- bartender/waiterattentive bartender/waiter, made the experience unforgettable
- hostJames was perhaps the best host I've ever had
- HugoOur server, Hugo, was awesome. Really easy to talk to and helped make our night really fun
- Tommy at the barWe enjoyed the Omakase Set menu, which offered plenty of high-quality dishes. Tommy at the bar truly made the evening special—he was friendly, attentive, and created a fantastic experience for us.
- allergies and restrictionsYou'll definitely be full by the end lol. The restaurant also inquires about allergies and restrictions upon seating, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for most, unless you have a seafood allergy. The service and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating.
- chef and staffgreat time with the chef and staff
- chefsChefs have been preparing for 10 hours
Frequently criticized
- serviceAlthough the sushi was decent, it was extremely overpriced and we left hungry. At the price point, the service was poor and we were very disappointed with our meal. There is also a 20% service charge at this restaurant which we would have never paid otherwise.
- orderthey told us due to high volume. We can not order food but tasting menu only.
- amount of time we had to waitamount of time we had to wait in between each course
- attentive servicean attentive service that was ice cold
- chef5-hour wait and only received six pieces of sushi. The chef was completely unprofessional, jumping around, shaking his head, and chatting with others while barely preparing any food. Even when we politely raised the issue, he ignored us and continued his 'performance.
- chef introducing his own mealChef has some hiccup of introducing his own meal
- communication between staffthere might have been lack of communication between staff.
- dinnerour dinner took 2.5 hours
- drink menuasking for anything to drink? Without you ever provide a drink menu??
- entryI was denied entry at 9:45
If you're feeling lucky and hoping for a fantastic server, you might have a great time. However, be prepared for potentially long waits, slow service, or even issues with your order, as the experience seems to be a real gamble.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a good 7! Many guests rave about the overall experience and atmosphere, describing it as a beautiful experience with an intimate, modern ambience perfect for date night. People loved the chill atmosphere, great vibe, and super clean feel, often finding it cozy and perfect for talking, based on 27 positive remarks out of 41 total opinions.
However, the customer satisfaction for ambience is a bit mixed at 65.9%, with 12 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Some found the neighborhood a bit sketchy and the room deco rather mediocre or boring. A recurring concern was the music being too loud and tacky, creating noise that detracted from the experience and even caused some to leave early.
Ambience
41
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate, modern vibe
- Cozy, beautiful experience
- Clean atmosphere
What people don't like
- Loud, tacky music
- Sketchy neighborhood
- Mediocre decor
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Sushi Sato in San Francisco was truly delightful. This cozy gem offers exceptional service, and Yunus, our attentive bartender/waiter, made the entire experience unforgettable. The uni was simply divine.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- experiencevery cozy and lovely experience
- Michelin-quality experiencewish to purvey a Michelin-quality experience
- amazing nightOverall an amazing night
- ambiancestill has nice ambiance
- ambienceIntimate, modern ambience for date night or small gatherings.
- bar seatingI also enjoyed their three interesting house-brewed beers. While we initially couldn't book the bar seating via OpenTable, we were fortunate to get it by asking upon arrival and are so glad we did. The interaction with the chef and staff was great, and I'm already anticipating how popular this spot will become.
- cleanlinessSuper clean
- dining experienceFood, drinks and dining experience were all on point.
Frequently criticized
- musicthe music is louder than it should be
- ambianceambiance was boring and decor was typical
- bar tableThe bar table is too big that we are away from chef
- formalityless neutral and more stiff
- lightthe light is dim but has no focus
- neighborhoodThe neighborhood is a bit sketch
- noiseHowever, the atmosphere was significantly let down by the loud and tacky music. This noise level was so unbearable that it actually caused us to leave sooner than we wanted, as we couldn’t stand the noise. While the food was a highlight, the disruptive music was a major detractor.
- overhearing staffdidn't enjoy being able to hear staff getting corrected
- room decoThe room deco is very mediocre
- separation of the barseparation of the bar from the Omakase section and kitchen disengages patrons
If youre looking for a cozy, intimate spot with a generally good vibe, this place could be a great fit for you. Just be aware that the music can sometimes be a bit loud and the immediate neighborhood might not be the most charming. Its worth a try if you prioritize a clean, modern atmosphere over absolute quiet.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
Despite a rather low score of 3.5 and a customer satisfaction of only 15.8%, a few diners found some value. A small number of the 19 opinions, specifically 3, highlighted that the Omakase dinner, though pricey, was considered worth every penny by some, suggesting that for certain experiences, the price felt justified. However, the overwhelming sentiment, reflected in 14 negative opinions, points to significant concerns.
Many felt the restaurant was overpriced and a waste of money, especially noting issues with portions and an automatic service charge or gratuity that often felt undeserved. The additional $35 add on and even tax on tax also drew strong criticism.
Value
19
Reviews
15%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Omakase worth it
What people don't like
- Overpriced portions
- Automatic service charge
- Waste of money
Often praised
- Omakase dinnerOmakase style dinner that is priced at $135
- priceexpensive but worth it
- worth every pennyWorth every penny
Frequently criticized
- priceportions compared to what they were charging was what bothered us
- overpricedWe sat down for our 6: 45pm reservation and waited an hour for the first course. Although the sushi was decent, it was extremely overpriced and we left hungry. At the price point, the service was poor and we were very disappointed with our meal.
- $35 add onwould not recommend the $35 add on
- 20% service chargebill included a 20% service charge, something we didn’t realize
- automatic 20% service feeWe suspect the restaurant might focus more on service for the back area where they have the omakase. We felt bad for the single server running around seating people, taking orders, serving, and clearing plates all by himself, but not bad enough to be okay with the automatic 20% service fee they charge. If this policy is for every table, not just large parties, then the service needs to be good and not slow.
- gratuityan automatic 18% gratuity was included
- service chargeAt the price point, the service was poor and we were very disappointed with our meal. There is also a 20% service charge at this restaurant which we would have never paid otherwise.
- service feecharge a 20% service fee for something that was terrible
- tax on taxcharge 18% on the tax too
- waste of moneyfelt like a waste of money
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially high bill that many found disproportionate to the experience. While the Omakase might appeal to some, the general consensus suggests that the overall value, especially with added fees, is a significant drawback. Proceed with caution, as many left feeling it wasnt worth the cost.
How are the prices at Sushi Sato?
On average, you’ll spend around 86 per person – from 50 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $81–$90 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the full picture, while the average sits here, a significant number of diners actually spend over 101 $, suggesting a good mix of experiences, from substantial meals to more premium indulgences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 50 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this Japanese restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, the pricing feels fair, especially given the variety of experiences diners choose. We think it’s a solid choice for a quality meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sushi Sato
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Spectacular Service, Delicious Food!
My overall experience at this restaurant was very nice. The service was spectacular, and the drinks were beautifully made by Tony. I tried the Fatty Tuna Uni Bowl, which was good but could be improved; the combination of rice and toro wasn't proportional.
The Crab Risotto was completely different from its online images but was the best dish I tried, with a very soft texture and bold flavor. The Scallop Crudo offered an interesting combination with cucumber broth and raw scallop. The Edamame was the best dish ever, featuring a very interesting combination of flavors.
For dessert, the Panna Cotta with granola on top provided an interesting and pleasant combination. Despite some dishes being unavailable due to seasonal menu changes, my experience remained amazing.
- service10
- drinks9
- Fatty Tuna Uni Bowl6
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Best Uni, Service Hiccups
My experience at this restaurant was a culinary highlight, particularly for the Tuna Uni bowl and the Hamachi cold appetizer. As a lover of Japanese food, I can confidently say it was the best uni I've ever had! The service, while generally nice, had some inconsistencies.
We were told the hamachi was a good starter, so we ordered it immediately, but it never arrived until we were nearly finished with dessert. We even canceled it before dessert arrived, suggesting a potential communication breakdown among the staff. Despite this, the staff were super nice.
The ambience leans towards clean and luxurious, rather than warm and cozy.
- Tuna Uni bowl9
- Hamachi cold appetizer8
- uni10
- hamachi3
- communication between staff4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Worst Dinner Experience Ever
I don't know if they changed the menu or something, but this was the worst dinner experience I've ever had. The fish quality was awful, and honestly, everything was awful. The Miso Cod was drenched in some suspicious sour liquid that made it mushy and disgusting.
The potato croquettes had the taste and consistency of instant mash and were clearly microwaved. The roll was just a health hazard. This is the first time in my life I'm writing a review, and I even feel bad for doing so, but people need to be warned.
It was so bad.
- fish quality1
- Miso Cod1
- potato croquettes2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
7
Good Atmosphere, Service Lacking
My experience at the restaurant was primarily about the atmosphere and company. Despite there being only one person working the tables, he was very attentive when he could get to us. However, he did forget to put in our order at one point, which was understandable given the circumstances.
The food was good, and the atmosphere was excellent.
- atmosphere10
- service6
- food8
- order3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Worst Dining Experience Ever
My dining experience was by far the worst I've ever had. I strongly urge others not to come here. We endured an unbelievable 1.
5-hour wait and only received six pieces of sushi. The chef was completely unprofessional, jumping around, shaking his head, and chatting with others while barely preparing any food. Even when we politely raised the issue, he ignored us and continued his 'performance.
' It was so uncomfortable that the two servers, who didn't speak English, just kept refilling our water nonstop, clearly embarrassed by our lack of food. This place shows zero respect for its guests. It's not just slow service; it's an absurd, frustrating experience that will ruin your night.
Please don't waste your time or money here.
- wait1
- sushi1
- chef1
What Sushi Sato offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Can you make reservations at Sushi Sato?
Yes, you can easily plan your visit to Sushi Sato. The restaurant accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are highly recommended to ensure you get a table, especially given its popularity in San Francisco’s Little Saigon. This helps you secure your spot for a delightful Japanese dining experience.
What kind of dining experience and amenities can you expect at Sushi Sato?
At Sushi Sato, you can enjoy a cozy and trendy dine-in experience with table service for dinner and dessert. The restaurant features an onsite bar offering hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, alongside healthy options and small plates. It is also fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restroom.
How does Sushi Sato generally rate?
Sushi Sato has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.7, indicating an average experience, with Customer Satisfaction at a mixed 62.7%. The Food scores well at 7.4, and Ambience is good at 7. However, Service is average at 5.7, and Value is considered poor at 3.5.
Is Sushi Sato considered good value for money?
Based on customer feedback, Sushi Sato’s Value score is 3.5, which is considered poor. Many opinions mention the restaurant being ‘overpriced’ and express concerns about the ‘portions compared to what they were charging’, especially with an automatic ‘20% service charge’ often applied.
What can I expect from the service at Sushi Sato?
Service at Sushi Sato is a mixed bag, with an average score of 5.7. While many guests praise ‘attentive bartender/waiter’ and ‘friendly and responsive staff’, others have reported ‘poor service’, ‘long wait times’ between courses, and issues with staff communication.