Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Sanppo – San Francisco
Sanppo - San Francisco
Photo from Sanppo
Sanppo at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 76 of the guests
#2031 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#164 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
372
Reviews
62.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Cozy ambiance
- Large portions
- Quick service
Frequently criticized
- Uneven food
- Hard parking
- Rude staff
The Japanese restaurant Sanppo in San Francisco’s Japantown offers you a truly authentic dining experience. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying a quick bite or a leisurely dinner.
This spot is particularly known for its great tea selection, ensuring a delightful beverage to complement your meal. Whether you’re looking for healthy options or late-night food, Sanppo has you covered with its diverse menu.
Overview: Introducting Sanppo
Sanppo offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often noted for its cozy atmosphere with privacy-enhancing dividers. Many appreciate the fresh, flavorful food, especially the generous portions, making it a satisfying choice for a meal.
The service is frequently described as friendly and attentive, contributing to a welcoming visit. However, some diners have noted concerns, such as occasionally sticky tables and scarce parking.
While many find the value good, a few opinions suggest certain items can feel overpriced. There are also mixed reviews on food quality, with some raw fish dishes and teriyaki chicken receiving criticism.
Good
6.4
out of 10
372
Reviews
62.6%
Satisfaction
112
negative
27
neutral
233
positive
Sanppo holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.4, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer feedback indicates a Customer Satisfaction of 62.6%, which falls into the mixed range.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial body of 372 customer comments, with 233 expressing positive sentiments and 112 highlighting areas for improvement. Diving deeper, the Ambience (6.7) and Service (6.6) topics received slightly higher marks, suggesting these aspects generally contribute positively to the experience.
Food (6.3), while the most discussed topic, and Value (6.1) both land in the average range. This indicates a consistent, if not outstanding, performance across the board, with no single area dramatically pulling the overall score up or down.
What people like
- Cozy, private ambiance
- Generous food portions
- Attentive, fast service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Parking difficulties
- Occasional rude service
Sanppo presents itself as a solid option for a casual meal, particularly if you appreciate a cozy atmosphere and generous portions. With a Recommendation Score of 6.6, it suggests a generally positive experience for many, especially those seeking a straightforward and satisfying Japanese meal without high expectations for gourmet dining.
If you’re in the area and looking for a reasonably priced lunch or dinner with efficient service, Sanppo could be a good fit. However, be mindful of potential parking challenges and manage expectations regarding the consistency of certain food items, particularly raw fish.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sanppo
Food (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners have shared quite a few thoughts, with 135 positive remarks out of 224 total. Many rave about the delicious Bento Box options, fresh sushi, and generous portion size. The overall quality of food often gets a nod, making for a satisfying meal.
However, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 60.3% and an average score of 6.3. Some concerns pop up around the rice being dry or stale, and occasional issues with overall food quality. Mentions of overly salty dishes and even imitation crab in rolls also appear among the 69 negative comments.
Food
224
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
69
negative
20
neutral
135
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh sushi
- Tasty Bento Boxes
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Dry, stale rice
- Inconsistent food quality
- Overly salty dishes
Often praised
- foodI came in for a mid-week lunch and ordered the 3-item combo, which included chicken teriyaki, veggie tempura, and an avocado roll. The portions were good, and the food was fresh, flavorful, and filling. I also enjoyed the view of Japantown.
- sushiDelicious sushi that I got to take out
- miso soupIt only took them 10 minutes to make. I received 2 rolls (salmon and California) with ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce, a classic iceberg lettuce salad, an orange slice, and miso soup. It's a solid deal for the value.
- bentovariety of sushi 🍣 and bento 🍱 options
- misoThe miso (included) was hot and very flavorful
- FoodI really liked the place. We ordered the 49ers, Coit Tower, and Philadelphia rolls, and all of them were so fresh and delicious. I especially loved their miso soup; it was the best one I have had so far.
- Korean chirashiIt was plentiful and delicious
- bento boxThe bento box... The food is so delicious
- portion sizeFor lunch, I had the sashimi bibimbap, and the sashimi inside was incredibly fresh! They also gave a generous portion size. Thank you, owner, and I wish you great success!
- portionsThe portions though are big and definitely will infill you up
Frequently criticized
- foodBoth are disappointed in the way that teriyaki chicken feels like Chinese stir fry with alot of sugar.
- riceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing, particularly with the raw fish. I ordered the Chirashi bowl, and unfortunately, the fish was icy and the rice was stale. While some of the cooked dishes might be better, I would definitely not recommend the raw fish here.
- brothThe broth smell funky and too salty
- fishMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing, particularly with the raw fish. I ordered the Chirashi bowl, and unfortunately, the fish was icy and the rice was stale. While some of the cooked dishes might be better, I would definitely not recommend the raw fish here.
- food qualityThis was our first visit, and while we wanted to give it a chance, we won't be returning. Additionally, the rice was extremely dry, and the overall quality of the food was mediocre at best. I do not recommend this restaurant.
- miso soupMiso soup was just thin yet murky super salted dishwater
- saladThe salad was like a mini wedge, so hard to eat with sticks
- teriyaki chickenUpon sitting down, I noticed a rancid cat pee smell, reminiscent of old-school seafood from the 90s. The food was bland, with no sauce on the teriyaki chicken. The salad dressing portion was minuscule, leaving me in disappointment.
- Bento Boxmy Bento Box was a little small
- Japanese stockThere was no Dashi taste at all - no hint of mirin, kombu or bonito -nothing that resembles Japanese stock
If youre looking for a decent meal with good portion sizes and enjoy classic Japanese dishes like Bento Boxes and sushi, its worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences point to inconsistencies in food quality, especially with the rice and certain rolls, so manage your expectations.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.6 with customer satisfaction at a mixed 69.8%. Many guests, accounting for 44 positive remarks out of 63 total, raved about the attentive service, friendly staff, and fast service, often highlighting quick lunch experiences and welcoming employees who explain the menu well. However, not everyone had a smooth experience, with 18 negative comments pointing to issues like waiting time and some unfriendly waitperson interactions.
A few customers felt unwelcome or encountered rude server behavior, with some even being pushed to pay before finishing their meal, suggesting inconsistency in staff attentiveness.
Service
63
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
18
negative
1
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Unfriendly waitperson
- Long waiting time
- Rude server
Often praised
- serviceIt's a great low-key place that offers price-conscious lunch and dinner combos for both locals and tourists. The atmosphere is laid-back and comforting, with friendly and attentive service. The quality of the ingredients was high, and my boyfriend and I both enjoyed our food very much.
- staffThe staff are always welcoming and helpful
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceTheir customer service is also lovely!
- wait timeOnly took them 10 min to make
- attentive to my pickup orderstill very attentive to my pickup order.
- eating quicklyWe can eat quickly
- employeesthe employees are nice
- fast serviceFast service
- menuhelpful with explaining the menu
Frequently criticized
- serviceThings escalated after I paid. The same waitress, upon seeing my bill, accused me of "not liking the food" or "not liking the service. " When I attempted to de-escalate and leave, another waitress demanded to know if I had forgotten to write the total.
- waitressthe waitress treat customers. Sound rude and not friendly
- waiting timetook them 30 minutes to order
- billpresented me with the bill well before I finished my meal
- cashierThe cashier seemed visibly stressed and overheated
- older woman waitpersonThe older woman waitperson was very unfriendly, unsmiling.
- online order systemonline order system was that it was too much late
- online systemMy experience with the online order system was that it was too much late every time. If you can’t make orders on time, you should remove the online system.
- paypushed me to pay although I was still eating
- serverone of the servers here has always been rude
If you're looking for a quick bite and hoping for a friendly face, you might just get lucky with some great service here. But be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or less-than-stellar interactions, as the experience can be a bit inconsistent.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! The ambience here generally hits a good note, with a score of 6.7 and customer satisfaction at 69.6%, indicating a mostly positive but somewhat mixed experience. Many guests loved the "quaint and personable" feel, often highlighting the "chill atmosphere, " "privacy" from cute curtains, and even a "nice view" or convenient location.
Out of 46 total opinions, 32 were definitely feeling the good vibes! However, not everyone was completely charmed. While the overall atmosphere is decent, about 11 opinions mentioned some downsides.
A few found the "tables" to be "sticky" or the "inside" a "bit small. " There were also mentions of an "uncomfortable atmosphere" due to stressed staff and, unfortunately, a "cat pee smell" in one instance. So, theres a little room for improvement in some areas.
Ambience
46
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quaint, personable atmosphere
- Good privacy
- Nice views/location
What people don't like
- Sticky tables
- Unpleasant smells
- Small interior
Often praised
- atmosphereIt was very worth the wait! The atmosphere was very cozy, with each table separated by blinds-like dividers, which provided privacy often lacking in restaurants. I will definitely be coming back again!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeA nice place to go
- Warriors game on the TVThey showed the Warriors game on the TV
- chill EDM mixesalways play chill EDM mixes which is awesome
- chill atmosphereGreat chill atmosphere for a Tuesday lunch
- cute curtainscute curtains in between the tables
- cute placea cute place
- delicious fragranceloved the delicious fragrance that filled the space.
- experienceleave you with a nice experience
Frequently criticized
- tablesThe service is good, and it offers a family-friendly atmosphere. However, the tables are a bit sticky, which is why I've downgraded the rating. If you're seeking reasonably priced, decent Japanese food, you should eat here.
- ParkingParking is a bit scarce
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- busyIt was very busy when we got here
- cat pee smellsmelled a rancid cat pee smell
- eat outsideif you're not vaccinated or have proof of your vaccination you have to eat outside
- glassesthe glasses were dirty
- insidebit small on the inside
- late hoursNot worth the late hours
- work environmentMy recent visit to Sanppo Restaurant at 1702 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115, was unfortunately disappointing. The cashier appeared visibly stressed and overheated due to the work environment, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere during my order. It's disheartening to see an employee looking so unhappy and frustrated, and it's important for their personal health to be considered.
If you're looking for a cozy spot with a unique, private feel and often good music, this place is worth checking out. Just be aware that some minor issues like sticky tables or a cramped feel might pop up, so manage your expectations for a perfect experience.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners find this spot offers a decent bang for your buck, especially with its 6.1 score. With 22 positive remarks out of 39 total, guests often praise the price, value, and affordable prices, noting that its often a reasonable price for the area. Many are pleasantly surprised by the good deals.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 56.4%, indicating some room for improvement. There are 14 negative comments, with some finding it pricey or overpriced for what you get. Specific concerns include bento up-charges and feeling that certain items arent worth the price.
Value
39
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
14
negative
3
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices for SF
- Good value for money
- Offers consistent specials
What people don't like
- Items feel overpriced
- Bento box up-charges
- Misleading ingredient pricing
Often praised
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was great, offering a chill atmosphere perfect for a Tuesday lunch. The bento was delicious and very reasonably priced. I particularly enjoyed the salmon and saba, which were excellent.
- pricesIt's very surprising that every time we go it’s not crowded. Prices are on par with other local places.
- value for the priceThe food is a good value for the price
- affordablethe Japanese cuisine to be affordable
- affordable pricesThis is my go-to restaurant when I'm in Japan Town! The food is always amazing, and they consistently offer specials or deals at affordable prices. It's a fantastic spot for a satisfying meal.
- dealSolid deal for the value
- good pricesVery good prices
- lunch and dinner combosoffers price-conscious lunch and dinner combos
- lunch spot dealIt's a solid deal for the value. I wouldn’t come here looking for fancy dining quality, but this lunch spot deal is difficult to beat in this pricey little town.
- price pointpleasantly surprised by the price point
Frequently criticized
- priceit's 20$ for a roll like that but it doesn't taste like 20$
- billI found a piece of paper towel mixed with my ginger, which I didn't realize until it was in my mouth and tasted like chemicals. To add to the frustration, they insisted I pay $20 on a $24 bill, offering a mere 20% discount. The food I did manage to eat was bland, and the unagi tasted fishy.
- overpriceddefinitely overpriced
- bento box pricingdeceptive pricing of the bento box
- bento up-chargesbento up-charges for items you choose, it should be better quality
- parkingYou need to pay for parking at the parking garage across the street.
- priceyThe tables provided a sense of privacy with curtains separating them, and they even showed the Warriors game on TV. I'm deducting one star because it was pricey, though the lunch bento boxes and combos are cheaper than dinner options.
- pricyit is pricy for what it is
- tipasked "where the tip was."
Overall, this place offers a mixed bag on value. While many find the prices reasonable for the location and enjoy the deals, others feel it can be a bit pricey or that certain items dont quite deliver for the cost. If youre looking for a solid deal, especially with their combos or specials, it's worth checking out, but be mindful of potential up-charges.
How are the prices at Sanppo?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 76 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.
Looking at what everyone else is spending, most guests tend to stick to the 11 – 30 $ range, showing there are plenty of options around the average price point.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 76 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Japanese spot in San Francisco. It offers good value, especially with so many options around the average price.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sanppo
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Online Order System Too Slow
My experience with the online order system was that it was too much late every time. If you can’t make orders on time, you should remove the online system.
- online order system2
- online system2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Rude Server Ruined Dining Experience
While I've often enjoyed delivery from this restaurant, my in-person experiences have been marred by a consistently rude server. During my last visit, she attempted to rush us out the door with over half an hour left until closing. When I asked to keep my drink, she insisted we needed to finish within 10 minutes, despite us arriving over an hour before closing and having only had our food for a maximum of 20 minutes.
We had minimal items left, just three cups, and the restaurant wasn't busy with only one other table occupied. Every action we took seemed to be treated as a major inconvenience by her. Although I understand the need to close up, pressuring customers to leave when there's ample time is incredibly impolite, especially coupled with her unhelpful attitude.
She even openly checked the tip amount before returning our paid check, which is highly unusual. Additionally, some of the vegetables served had clearly gone bad. This visit was likely our last.
- server1
- vegetables2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Disappointing Food, Nice Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The services and atmosphere were quite fitting for a Japanese establishment, earning a 4 out of 5 for both. However, the food was a significant letdown, scoring a 1 out of 5.
I ordered the teriyaki chicken and inari sushi. The teriyaki chicken tasted like a sugary Chinese stir-fry, and the sushi was overly vinegary and sour. While the ambiance and service were pleasant, the poor quality of the food made the dining experience disappointing.
- services8
- atmosphere8
- food1
- teriyaki chicken2
- inari sushi2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Good food, not great, quick service
My experience at the restaurant was good. The food was good, though not great. It wasn't too busy, which made it easy to get in, order, eat, and leave.
The rolls kind of fell apart. Overall, it was a good experience.
- food6
- rolls3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Sushi and Service
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The service was exceptionally nice, with staff who genuinely took good care of us and checked in when needed. The atmosphere was traditional for a San Francisco Sushi restaurant.
The food was really good; we particularly enjoyed the Bento box, sushi, sashimi, and the very delectable miso.
- service10
- atmosphere7
- food8
What Sanppo offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Sanppo Restaurant?
At Sanppo Restaurant, you can enjoy a cozy and casual dining experience with various options like lunch, dinner, and dessert. They offer table service and have high chairs, making it good for kids. You can also find healthy options, small plates, and late-night food.
What service options and amenities are available at Sanppo Restaurant?
Sanppo Restaurant offers no-contact delivery, takeout, delivery, and dine-in. You’ll find wheelchair accessible restrooms and seating for your comfort. While parking can be somewhat difficult, paid parking lots and street parking are available. Reservations are accepted for your convenience.
How does Sanppo generally rate among customers?
Sanppo holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.4, indicating an average experience. Customer Satisfaction stands at 62.6%, suggesting a mixed reception. Topics like Ambience (6.7) and Service (6.6) scored slightly higher, while Food (6.3) and Value (6.1) were also in the average range.
What can I expect from Sanppo's atmosphere and pricing?
Many customers appreciate Sanppo’s cozy atmosphere, often featuring privacy dividers. It’s frequently noted for being reasonably priced, offering good value, and sometimes having special deals, making it an affordable option for Japanese cuisine.
Are there any common concerns about the food or service at Sanppo?
Some diners have reported inconsistencies with food quality, particularly with raw fish being icy or rice being stale, and some teriyaki dishes feeling bland. While service is often fast and friendly, there are occasional reports of rude staff or feeling rushed to pay.