Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Sakesan Sushi & Robata – San Francisco
Sakesan Sushi & Robata - San Francisco
Photo from Sakesan Sushi & Robata
Sakesan Sushi & Robata at a glance
San Francisco Ingleside
- š£ Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41ā$50
mentioned by 58 of the guests
#1445 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#127 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
371
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh sushi
- Happy hour deals
- Unique ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Karaoke issues
- Difficult parking
The restaurant Sakesan Sushi & Robata is a Japanese restaurant located in the vibrant Ingleside neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal.
A highlight you’ll appreciate is their great tea selection, complementing a menu designed for a delightful dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Sakesan Sushi & Robata
Sakesan Sushi & Robata offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests appreciating the fresh sashimi and diverse sushi options. The atmosphere often receives praise for its inviting feel, including unique seating arrangements.
However, some experiences suggest that the overall service can be inconsistent, occasionally leading to frustration. While many find the price fair, especially with various happy hour deals, a few patrons have noted certain dishes felt expensive for their value.
The restaurant’s private karaoke rooms are a draw, though technical glitches have sometimes marred the experience. It seems there’s a blend of strong points and areas needing refinement.
Good
7.2
out of 10
371
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
73
negative
31
neutral
267
positive
Sakesan Sushi & Robata generally performs well, earning a solid 7.2 overall score. Customer sentiment is also quite positive, with 72% expressing satisfaction.
This consistent performance is based on feedback from 371 customer remarks, comprising 267 positive observations and 73 negative ones. The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring a commendable (7.3), indicating that the dishes are a definite highlight for many.
The dining environment also contributes positively, as Ambience receives a strong (7.4), suggesting a pleasant setting for guests. Both Service (7) and Value (7) are rated as good, though they sit slightly behind the other aspects.
While the service is generally efficient, some isolated comments point to occasional lapses. Similarly, while many appreciate the pricing, a few find certain items a bit steep, balancing out the overall value perception.
What people like
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Appealing happy hour deals
- Inviting, unique ambiance
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Karaoke tech issues
- Parking can be difficult
Sakesan Sushi & Robata presents a generally positive experience, particularly for those seeking fresh Japanese fare and a lively setting. With a solid recommendation score of 7.7, it’s a place worth considering, especially if you appreciate good value during happy hour and a distinctive atmosphere.
While some minor inconsistencies in food and service, alongside potential parking hurdles, are noted, they don’t overshadow the overall appeal. If you’re looking for a casual spot with engaging features like karaoke, and don’t mind a few quirks, Sakesan Sushi & Robata could be a good choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sakesan Sushi & Robata
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.3 score and a 70.8% customer satisfaction rate, both indicating a good experience. Many diners, with 153 positive remarks out of 216 total, rave about the fresh seafood, delicious sushi, and overall quality. You'll find a huge selection of tasty dishes, from raw oysters to various rolls and skewers.
However, not every dish is a winner, as 42 comments point to some areas for improvement. A few guests noted concerns about inconsistent quality, particularly with tempura items being soggy or bland. There were also isolated complaints about the tuna tasting off or occasional freshness issues, suggesting some dishes might miss the mark.
Food
216
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
42
negative
21
neutral
153
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Super fresh food
- Excellent quality ingredients
- Huge food selection
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Soggy tempura dishes
- Occasional freshness issues
Often praised
- foodI completely prefer this location over their Geary location. I have tried the other location on Geary, but the food is just better here, both visually and for my taste buds. It is a must to try.
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It has a great atmosphere and is a wonderful place to grab sushi, especially as a small group. The prices are well for San Francisco.
- oystersa dozen oysters for only one dollar each which was also very good!
- fishthe fish is incredibly tasty and fresh
- sashimiMy favorite dish was their sashimi, the hamachi carpaccio, and their Inside out roll. Their sashimi is super fresh and was so delicious. The dishes came out pretty fast & service was wonderful!
- dishesTheir sashimi is super fresh and was so delicious. The dishes came out pretty fast & service was wonderful! Everything we ordered: Takoyaki, Crispy mushroom, Dynamite mussels, Godzilla Roll, California roll, Inside out roll, Dragon roll, Lobster roll, Hamachi carpaccio, Albacore tataki, Rainbow roll, 8 piece sashimi.
- happy hour selectionMy favorite sushi spot in the neighborhood offers a very good happy hour selection. What makes it unique are the tables where you have to remove shoes and sit on the floor, creating a very cozy atmosphere.
- qualityThe quality is always great
- rollsMy experience at the restaurant was positive. I enjoyed the good sushi and good rolls. The tea tasted a little different from what I'm used to, but it was still good.
- sushi restaurantnice family owned sushi restaurant
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was not good anymore
- rollsmost of the rolls are with shrimp
- sushiThis sushi is not good. Not good at all.
- tempuraterrible tempura everything soggy, and cold and gross
- California rollIt was just a piece of white fish stuffed between rice, no flavor at all.
- RamesRames was a bit flavorless
- Spanish songsthere were no Spanish songs
- beef donI don't recommend is the beef don. It is not the same beef you normally use for this and it is a bit tough.
- beef kebabsbeef kebabs were not cooked
- broththe broth tasted like warm water.
Overall, if you're looking for a place with generally good food and a wide selection, especially for fresh sushi and seafood, this restaurant is worth a try. Just be mindful that some cooked items or specific fish might be inconsistent, so stick to their strengths for the best experience.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7 out of 10. Many diners rave about the super friendly staff and fast service, often noting how attentive and helpful everyone is. With 40 positive remarks out of 58 total, its clear that many appreciate the smooth experience, from quick seating to efficient food delivery. However, its not always a perfect score, with customer satisfaction sitting at a 69%, indicating a mixed bag.
Some experiences highlight issues like long waiting times for takeout or orders being forgotten, leading to disappointment. A few customers felt the staff didn't take responsibility or were unhelpful when problems arose, contributing to the 16 negative comments.
Service
58
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
16
negative
2
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast service
- Quick seating
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Forgotten orders
- Unresponsive staff
Often praised
- serviceTheir sashimi is super fresh and was so delicious. The dishes came out pretty fast & service was wonderful! Everything we ordered: Takoyaki, Crispy mushroom, Dynamite mussels, Godzilla Roll, California roll, Inside out roll, Dragon roll, Lobster roll, Hamachi carpaccio, Albacore tataki, Rainbow roll, 8 piece sashimi.
- staffFriendly staffsā¦ great service attitude
- ServiceService:5
- fast serviceThe food was terrific, and the staff were super friendly. We experienced a short waiting time and fast service. I will definitely come again.
- food came out quicklyThe service was also incredible and very attentive. Lastly, the food came out quickly, which added to the overall positive experience. 10 out of 10 would recommend.
- helpfulthey are always so helpful
- ladies serving foodno judgement from the ladies serving food.
- larger partiesStill good for larger parties
- packagingpackaged my food up with care
- reservationThis is our second time here and wonāt be our last! We came around 5pm, we got a reservation, and we were seated right away. We first ordered from their happy hour menu and then their regular menu.
Frequently criticized
- serviceHorrible service. Rolls never came after 50 minutes
- staffthe staff acted like I was the problem instead of offering to make it right.
- dead micI booked 3 hours in the 12-person karaoke room. Unfortunately, there were tech issues in the beginning, with song words not playing on the big screen and a dead mic. Throughout the session, some song background music was so quiet the singer couldn't hear it even at full volume, while others were super loud.
- didnāt even carethey didnāt even care
- no refundSaid no refund or anything
- orderThey forgot about my order
- responsibilitythis restaurant has been shirking responsibility
- serving staffno apologies from the serving staff
- takeout readinesstakeout is ready, then we get there and it's still another 20 minutes
- tech issuesthere were tech issues in the beginning
Overall, service here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, leaning positive but with some notable hiccups. If you catch them on a good day, youll likely enjoy friendly, fast attention, but be prepared for potential delays or communication issues. Its worth a try, but manage your expectations for consistency.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 81%. With 51 positive remarks out of 63 total, guests frequently praise the private karaoke rooms, unique sunken booths, and authentic shoes off seating, all contributing to a cozy and inviting vibe environment perfect for various occasions. However, not everything is perfect.
A handful of guests (8 negative opinions) found issues like distracting televisions and questionable background music to be a drawback. Some also experienced tech issues with the karaoke system, which could dampen the fun for those looking to sing their hearts out.
Ambience
63
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
8
negative
4
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Private karaoke rooms
- Cozy seating options
- Enjoyable overall vibe
What people don't like
- Distracting TVs
- Questionable music
- Karaoke tech issues
Often praised
- atmosphereThe lychee cocktail was a perfect pairing. The food quality was excellent, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
- ambiancethe ambiance is wonderful
- karaokekaraoke has a pretty good and reasonably modern selection
- private roomsuse the private rooms which have karaoke
- vibeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great fish, the great vibe, and the great value. The service was super quick.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- VIP areaappoint yourself to the VIP area
- air conditioningthe air conditioning was on
- authentic shoes offauthentic shoes off and sit on hardwood experience
- cozy experienceit was a cozy experience
Frequently criticized
- ParkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- background musicUnfortunately, there were tech issues in the beginning, with song words not playing on the big screen and a dead mic. Throughout the session, some song background music was so quiet the singer couldn't hear it even at full volume, while others were super loud. Some background music stopped halfway through a song for no reason, and another mic died.
- bathroomThe bathroom is overflowing with a some sort of pipe problem
- building maintenancethe building is obviously not maintaining the building
- dishestheyāre not washing the dishes enough
- musicThe service was friendly and efficient, and the room itself was beautiful. However, the terrible music and three televisions significantly detracted from the overall atmosphere, bringing the place down four notches. I strongly suggest they remove the televisions.
- space to maneuverenough space to maneuver up front
- televisionsthree televisions bringing the place down
If you're looking for a place with unique seating, a cozy atmosphere, and fun private karaoke rooms, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that some minor distractions like TV screens or occasional karaoke tech glitches might pop up, so manage your expectations if those are deal-breakers for you.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7. Many guests rave about the happy hour and alcohol deals, finding the pricing to be quality affordable and that it won't break the bank. Based on 23 positive remarks out of 34 total, customers often feel the prices are fair, especially for the quality and location.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 67.6%, indicating some room for improvement. A few of the 7 negative comments mention that certain items can feel pricey or overpriced, especially when ordering multiple dishes. While generally good, some experiences left guests feeling the overall meal wasn't worth the cost.
Value
34
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
7
negative
4
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Quality affordable pricing
- Fair prices
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Some items overpriced
Often praised
- pricethought that this fancy place would be expensive. But actually it's not that much.
- pricesThe prices were pretty standard
- $1 oystersI highly recommend trying to get the seats where you take your shoes off first for a unique experience. They offer some great deals on alcohol and $1 oysters, which are fantastic. The restaurant boasts an extensive selection of rolls and special items, ensuring there's something for everyone.
- Happy hour pricesHappy hour prices are good
- Pitchers of beerPitchers of beer about 4 pints $15
- PricingPricing feels fair for what you get
- alcohol dealsgreat deals for alcohol
- dealThe vibe is super casual, and the service was fast and friendly. I was impressed with the great prices, especially their deal of 1 dozen oysters for $12. They also offer private rooms with karaoke, which are perfect for groups and fun for all ages.
- happy dealThe happy deal is amazing
- happy hourEven during happy hour, they never made you wait
Frequently criticized
- price$70 spent and the only thing we could say is we got an extra pair of chopsticks out of it.
- $18.50I paid $18.50 for a basic dish that completely missed the mark.
- loyalty programWish there was a loyalty program!
- mealspending $60 on a meal that I could not enjoy
- parking spacefinding a parking space was difficult
- priceyIt's a great place for a date; we sat at a low table, and it was a cozy experience. It is pricey if you want to try multiple skewers š .
If you're looking for great happy hour deals and quality affordable options, especially for drinks and oysters, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that ordering extensively outside of those deals might lead to a pricey bill.
How are the prices at Sakesan Sushi & Robata?
Youāre looking at roughly 46 per person ā reported by 58 diners. That puts it in the $41ā$50 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, itās comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 46, our data shows a good mix of experiences, from more casual dining in the $21ā$30 range to some truly premium meals exceeding 101 $.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 58 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. There are options for different budgets, making it accessible for a range of diners looking for a good experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sakesan Sushi & Robata
Price per Person
- $61ā$70
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0ā5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Food, Service, and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I found the food to be very good, with a lot of selection. The staff were also very friendly.
During happy hour, there was a pretty good selection of drinks and the prices were fair. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a 5. The noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
- food9
- selection8
- staff10
Price per Person
- $1ā$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
5
Burned Food, Slow Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The atmosphere was nice, rated a 4 out of 5. However, the service was a bit slow and disconnected.
My order was forgotten, and when I followed up, I was told it was still being cooked. It's unusual for a thin chicken breast to take over 30 minutes to cook. To make matters worse, the chicken was burned.
The food quality received a 3 out of 5, and the service also received a 3 out of 5.
- atmosphere4
- service3
- order2
- chicken breast2
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
10
Excellent Quality and Service for Gluten-Free Needs
My experience at Sakesan was wonderful. The quality of the food is consistently great, and they are incredibly helpful with our special requests, especially regarding our Gluten Free needs. We frequently order take out, but also enjoy dining in when time permits.
- quality10
- helpful10
- Gluten Free10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Good Sushi, Bad Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The sushi was very good, but the undercooked eggplant was a letdown. The service was friendly and efficient, and the room itself was beautiful.
However, the terrible music and three televisions significantly detracted from the overall atmosphere, bringing the place down four notches. I strongly suggest they remove the televisions.
- sushi9
- service8
- room7
- undercooked eggplant2
- music1
- televisions1
Price per Person
- $21ā$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0ā5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Fun, Chill Spot with Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a fun and chill spot with delicious food. The vibe is super casual, and the service was fast and friendly.
I was impressed with the great prices, especially their deal of 1 dozen oysters for $12. They also offer private rooms with karaoke, which are perfect for groups and fun for all ages. I'll definitely be coming back!
- food10
- vibe9
- service10
What Sakesan Sushi & Robata offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Sakesan Sushi & Robata accessible for all guests?
Yes, Sakesan Sushi & Robata ensures a comfortable experience for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, making it easy to navigate the space and enjoy your visit without concern.
What dining and service options are available at Sakesan Sushi & Robata?
Sakesan Sushi & Robata offers a variety of choices to suit your plans. You can enjoy dine-in table service, or opt for convenient takeout, delivery, and even no-contact delivery. They also provide catering and late-night food options.
How does Sakesan Sushi & Robata generally perform?
Sakesan Sushi & Robata holds a good overall score of 7.2. Its Ambience (7.4) and Food (7.3) are particularly well-regarded, while Service (7) and Value (7) also receive good marks.
What are the highlights of dining at Sakesan Sushi & Robata?
Many guests appreciate the fresh sashimi and sushi quality, along with appealing happy hour deals. The unique and cozy experience of the ambiance, including private karaoke rooms, is also a significant draw.
Are there any common issues or drawbacks at Sakesan Sushi & Robata?
Some patrons have noted occasional inconsistent dish quality and tech issues with the karaoke equipment. Finding parking can also be a challenge, and there have been isolated reports of service lapses.