Highlights
- Live music
- Rooftop seating
oChef » Chotto Matte – San Francisco
Chotto Matte - San Francisco
Photo from Chotto Matte
Chotto Matte at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 98 of the guests
#1904 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#158 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
699
Reviews
62.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Rooftop ambiance
- Creative drinks, food
- Celebration spot
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Uneven service
- Noise, hygiene
The restaurant, a vibrant Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco’s bustling Union Square, invites you to experience a unique blend of culture and cuisine. You’ll find yourself immersed in an upscale atmosphere, complete with the allure of rooftop seating.
Chotto Matte San Francisco promises an unforgettable dining journey, whether you’re seeking a romantic evening or a trendy spot for small plates and cocktails.
Overview: Introducting Chotto Matte
Chotto Matte offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its vibrant rooftop vibes and engaging atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the creative cocktails and well-presented dishes, making for an enjoyable outing.
However, the experience can be uneven, with some finding the service inconsistent and the overall value proposition questionable for the price point. It’s a place that leaves varied impressions on its patrons.
Good
6.6
out of 10
699
Reviews
62.4%
Satisfaction
238
negative
25
neutral
436
positive
Chotto Matte registers an overall score of 6.6 , placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 62.4% . This indicates that while many find aspects of their visit enjoyable, a notable portion of diners leave with reservations.
The feedback, gathered from 699 customer remarks, shows a balance of 436 positive observations against 238 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Ambience truly stands out with a strong (8.1), often highlighted for its unique setting.
Food also performs well (7.3), though not without some specific criticisms. Conversely, Service (5.5) appears to be a more inconsistent area, and Value (2.6) is clearly a significant concern for many patrons, reflecting a common sentiment regarding pricing.
What people like
- Vibrant rooftop ambiance
- Creative cocktails, sushi
- Ideal for celebrations
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Inconsistent service quality
- Loud music, cleanliness
With a recommendation score of 6.7 , Chotto Matte presents a mixed proposition. If you prioritize a lively atmosphere and well-crafted drinks for a special occasion, it could be a fitting choice.
However, be prepared for a potentially high bill and service that might not always meet expectations. Ultimately, this establishment is worth considering if its strong ambiance and specific culinary offerings align with your priorities, and you are willing to overlook some inconsistencies in service and value.
It’s a place that delivers on certain fronts more than others.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Chotto Matte
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 70.6%. Based on 279 opinions, with 197 positive remarks, diners frequently praise the delicious dishes, bold, authentic flavors, and elegant presentation. Many highlight the generous portions on tasting menus, fantastic food quality, and a unique Japanese-Peruvian fusion concept.
However, not every bite is perfect, with 71 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Some guests found portion sizes to be small or inconsistent, while others felt certain dishes lacked flavor or were over-salted/spiced. There were also instances where food arrived cold, suggesting occasional issues with consistency and preparation.
Food
279
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
71
negative
11
neutral
197
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Bold authentic flavors
- Elegant dish presentation
- Generous tasting portions
What people don't like
- Small, inconsistent portions
- Dishes lack flavor
- Food arrived cold
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Chotto Matte offered a unique rooftop dining experience in SF. On the positive side, the service was absolutely amazing, and the food was quite good. The restaurant is perfect for large groups doing celebratory events or business meetings.
- cocktailsEveryone was so friendly and welcoming, and they made sure we were having the best of time. I highly recommend the Elements of Chotto lunch menu and their cocktails!
- drinksthe drinks were also carefully crafted and conceptualized well
- sushiHad Salmon tostada, pork dish, sushi - each nicely presented and very good
- tasting menuWe requested to share one tasting menu for two, as we weren't very hungry, and the waitress kindly accommodated our request. The $165 tasting menu was incredibly generous, even for two people, leaving us feeling quite full. I appreciate that Chotto Matte opens early for dinner (non-stop after lunch), which is rare, as not many high-end restaurants do that.
- Passion Fruit Crème BrûléeAnd dessert? The Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée and Panela Caramelized Apple Dream were the perfect sweet ending. Let’s not forget the cocktails and wine—balanced, creative, and paired perfectly with the rooftop vibes.
- dessertthe included dessert for the sharing menu was also overwhelming! there was a good selection of different types of dessert
- dishesdishes are on the smaller side, but that just means you get to try more of everything
- happy houra must go for happy hour
- steakthen the steak was so worth it
Frequently criticized
- foodHappy I left cause $27 for one sushi roll isn’t going to do shit for me. I fell for paying for nice ambience and shitty expensive food. Ain’t gonna fall for that again.
- dishesThe food was just as bad as the service. The dishes were poorly prepared, lacking flavor, and arrived cold at the table. What was supposed to be a “fresh meal” tasted like it had been sitting out for hours.
- drinksasked for our drinks and the runner said he didn't know
- food qualityinconsistent in quality. For the amount we spent, the taste and presentation
- portion sizesThe portion sizes were too small—more like a food lab experiment
- Australian WagyuAustralian Wagyu tastes game-y
- BBQ Huacatay Broccolinithe BBQ Huacatay Broccolini that we ordered. Instead of the bbq broccolini, we received (what seemed to be steamed) broccoli with the mint sauce on it.
- Mushroom tostadasMushroom tostadas: 3/5 – not impressed. There were barely any mushrooms
- Passion fruit crème brûléePassion fruit crème brûlée: the passion fruit flavor was overwhelming
- PulpoPulpo was half mushy
If you're looking for a culinary adventure with bold flavors and beautiful presentation, this place is definitely worth a try, especially for its unique fusion concept. Just be mindful that while many dishes shine, some experiences might be a bit inconsistent in terms of portion size or flavor execution.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
Based on 195 comments, the service here is a bit of a mixed bag, with 95 positive remarks. Many guests highlighted the friendly and welcoming staff, praising their attentiveness and professionalism. Specific team members often received shout-outs for providing exemplary service and ensuring a great experience.
However, the experience isn't always smooth, with 96 negative comments. Some diners encountered slow service, an impersonal experience, and a notable lack of communication. Issues like unprofessional staff, long wait times, and even manager behavior leading to disrespect were also reported, contributing to an average score of 5.5 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 48.7%.
Service
195
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
96
negative
4
neutral
95
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Professionalism
- Exemplary service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Unprofessional staff
- Lack communication
Often praised
- serviceIt was a Wednesday night and they had a DJ playing great music! The service was excellent, other than the fact that the restaurant was nearly empty when we got seated and they seated us facing the sun, and the restaurant doesn’t have shades to block the sun so it was a battle to keep our eyes open for some of the dinner before the sun set. Other than that, this place is amazing and I would highly recommend trying it if you’re willing to spend a pretty penny!
- staffOur Saturday night visit was made even better by the exceptional staff. Their hospitality, attention to detail, and swiftness were the perfect finishing touches to a great evening. Now, onto the food and drinks!
- serverWe enjoyed a tasting menu that was awesome. Our server was beautiful and kind. I loved it.
- ServiceService:5
- serversOur large group spent a significant amount of money and left extremely disappointed. To be fair, the servers were polite and tried their best; the table service was decent, and the staff attending to us did what they could. However, everything else about the experience was unacceptable.
- Alex and StefaniaAlex and Stefania are the absolute best
- Anna GAnna G at Chotto Matte in San Francisco
- BenjyBenjy magnificent worker and a great human being
- FadioIt's a great spot to grab a drink and food. Fadio and all the bartenders were knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. They recommended local spots and food/drinks that applied to me.
- Giovannigiovanni as our server and he was the best
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of excellent food and atmosphere, but the service felt super disjointed. Given the price of this experience, the service must improve for this restaurant to survive.
- wait timetold me it would be a 10-20 minute wait. 20 minutes come around, 30 minutes
- serverour server did not suggest us to order additional
- billget my bill and the server never comes to take payment
- kitchenI would just like to be informed if the kitchen is out of something when we order it
- lack of communicationNaturally, no one could eat together, and by the time the last plate arrived, the rest of the group was either done or had cold meals. What made it worse was the complete lack of communication or apology from our server. Not once did he acknowledge the delay, offer an explanation, or check in to see how we were doing.
- managementMy drink order was incorrect, and to top it off, I was charged for someone else’s bill in addition to my own. I attempted to resolve this by calling the restaurant, but received no response from management. I am disputing this nonsense and will not be paying for mistakes that were entirely the restaurant’s fault.
- managerWe came as a group of 10 people and spent close to $2, 000. Despite this significant spending, the manager treated us with complete disrespect. Because of one friend’s mistake, the manager decided to remove our entire group, even after I personally apologized and tried to resolve the situation.
- staffplenty of staff sitting around the restaurant doing nothing
- waiting timeOtherwise, the food was just okay and the service was not great. We sat at our table for long periods of time waiting for someone to come by so that we could ask for water refill or to get an update on our food. After everything was finished, we decided to order an espresso for dessert and waited an additional 30 minutes.
The service at this restaurant appears to be quite inconsistent. While you might encounter genuinely friendly and attentive staff, be prepared for potential delays, communication issues, or even unprofessional encounters. It's a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 86%. Guests consistently rave about the rooftop views, vibrant atmosphere, and stunning decor, often enhanced by DJs and live music. With 141 positive remarks out of 164 total, it's clear the vibe and view are major draws, making it a fantastic spot for celebrations or a lively night out.
However, a few points could use a tweak. Some found the music too loud or exhausting, while the lighting was occasionally too dim for comfort. There were also mentions of issues with restroom cleanliness and discomfort from the sun in certain seating areas.
These 17 negative comments suggest minor improvements could elevate the overall experience even further.
Ambience
164
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
17
negative
6
neutral
141
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning rooftop views
- Vibrant DJ atmosphere
- Gorgeous modern decor
What people don't like
- Unclean restrooms
- Loud music levels
- Dim lighting concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereAs an avid diner, this restaurant has been my go-to spot in San Francisco since it opened! I consistently enjoy the great food, wonderful atmosphere, and the world-class service they provide. Alex and Stefania are truly the absolute best!
- ambiancenot many restaurants with an ambiance like this one. It’s gorgeous!
- rooftopwonderful rooftop was views of downtown San Francisco
- vibeEach dish was nicely presented and very good, with unique and well-thought-out flavor profiles. The happy hour was also great, and the DJs provided a perfect vibe for a loungey club feel. However, like others have noted, the service is not optimal.
- vibesMy experience at this restaurant was marked by good food and good vibes. The atmosphere was a definite plus, contributing to an enjoyable evening.
- ambiencepaying for the ambience too
- house musicMusic, house music was spot on, it was actually really good
- live DJlive DJ spinning all through brunch sets the tone just right — upbeat, stylish, and fun
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- DJWould highly recommend the O-Toro and the Yellowtail dishes. It was a Wednesday night and they had a DJ playing great music! The service was excellent, other than the fact that the restaurant was nearly empty when we got seated and they seated us facing the sun, and the restaurant doesn’t have shades to block the sun so it was a battle to keep our eyes open for some of the dinner before the sun set.
Frequently criticized
- musicThe music was exhausting. House/drum and base, same drum line, fast beat very loud all night.
- Kid-friendlinessNot suitable for kids
- atmosphereThe overall atmosphere reflects the lack of seriousness
- bathroom floorthe bathroom floor was literally covered in pee
- cleanlinessMy experience at this restaurant was marked by disrespectful treatment and a concerning lack of cleanliness. My friend was asked to tap her card for a $50 "guarantee" before ordering, while others were allowed to order and pay normally.
- dining experienceCompared to other pricier restaurants in San Francisco where the food truly 'wows' you and feels very unique, the food at Chotto Matte doesn’t impress in the same way. Additionally, at other pricier places, the dining experience feels significantly more private or exclusive in very well-decorated small establishments. At Chotto Matte, the server emphasized the '5 kitchens, ' which felt more like an operation than a personal experience.
- elevated dining experienceIf this is an “elevated dining experience” then the owners and managers have very low expectations.
- impressionleft us with a very poor impression
- lightingthe lighting is a little too dark for my liking
- loud scenesdealt with the loud scenes at the bar
If youre looking for a lively spot with amazing rooftop views, great music, and a vibrant atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential loud music or dim lighting, and perhaps plan your visit to avoid direct sun exposure if youre sensitive. Overall, it's a strong contender for a fun night out.
Value (2.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few guests found the experience to be worth every penny, especially appreciating perks like free parking on weekends. Despite a very low overall score of 2.6 and customer satisfaction at 4.9%, these 3 positive remarks out of 61 total opinions suggest that for some, certain aspects felt justified. However, the overwhelming sentiment, with 54 negative comments, points to significant concerns.
Many felt the price point was too high, leading to an overpriced experience with poor value for money. Issues like false advertising regarding happy hour and a general lack of transparency with billing and fees also frequently came up.
Value
61
Reviews
4%
Satisfaction
54
negative
4
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Free parking available
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- False advertising claims
- Lack billing transparency
Often praised
- free parkingwhich was free parking on the weekends.
- worth every pennyIt's hands down one of the best in SF, offering photo ops galore and a well-dressed crowd. While it can be spendy, the experience is worth every penny. The sushi was absolutely delicious.
- worth itbut it's worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceThe sashimi was truly not up to standard for what it's priced at, some of it being inedible. I felt terrible for taking my boyfriend somewhere that wasn't enjoyable or even the slightest bit tasty for his big day, I wish I could have saved the money and spent it on something a little more worth it because for $400 I really did expect something great.
- billWe never asked for a birthday dessert, but they brought one, which was very kind. When the bill came, they charged us for the birthday dessert and for the scrambled eggs. We asked about it, and they removed the charges.
- overpricedIt can be a little bit overpriced
- price pointFor the price point I expected exceptional service
- value for moneyI would not recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for quality food or professional management. There are many other places where you’ll be treated better and get real value for your money.
- Chotto HourWe came on a Tuesday evening for the Chotto Hour (Happy Hour)
- Eventbrite eventEventbrite event ALL that states this
- Instagram adsWe were told it only takes place at the bar, so we proceeded there to order. Despite clear signage outside advertising half-off cocktails from 5-7 pm, an elevator sign, and numerous Instagram ads and an Eventbrite event all promoting this, we were handed the regular cocktail menu. When we went to order, we were charged the full price for our drinks.
- SF mandate chargeinclude a 7% “SF mandate” charge on the bill
- WaterWater is NOT free! ($7 a bottle of spring water)
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially high bill and scrutinize all charges carefully. While a few found specific elements "worth it, " the vast majority of feedback suggests the value for money is a major concern. It might disappoint if youre expecting a fair price for the experience.
How are the prices at Chotto Matte?
On average, you’ll spend around 86 $ per person – reported by 98 diners. That places this Japanese restaurant in the $81–$90 category. For San Francisco, that’s certainly on the higher-end side for Japanese cuisine.
Looking at the full picture, while the average is 86 $, a significant number of guests, over 60 of them, actually opt for experiences costing 101 $ or more. This shows a wide range of offerings, but with a clear pull towards premium dining.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 98 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the premium experiences many guests are choosing, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant of this caliber in San Francisco. It offers options, but clearly caters to those looking for a more upscale meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chotto Matte
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Phenomenal Food and Views
My experience at this restaurant was truly phenomenal. The food was unique and fantastic, and the atmosphere was wonderful, especially with the views of downtown San Francisco from the rooftop. The service was also great.
I highly recommend this place!
- food9
- atmosphere10
- service8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Martini and Atmosphere!
My experience at the restaurant was primarily centered around enjoying a fantastic Martini. While I can't comment on the food, the staff were notably friendly and helpful. The balcony provided a great atmosphere for catching up with friends.
- Martini9
- staff9
- balcony8
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Rude Service Ruined Late-Night Dinner
My experience at Chotto Matte was disappointing due to the rude receptionist and a sudden change in policy. We usually visit for a late-night dinner, arriving around 23: 00 or 23: 15, as the restaurant states it closes at midnight. However, last night, at 23: 15, we were told the kitchen was already closed.
We were offered drinks at the bar, but no food. There was no explanation for this change, only a receptionist who seemed eager to get rid of us. Consequently, we left and opted for room service instead.
It’s a shame because the restaurant’s proximity to our hotel is convenient, but this unexplained policy change and poor service made for a negative experience.
- receptionist2
- kitchen2
- policy change2
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Vibes and Food in Union Square
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a must-go for anyone in Union Square, SF, offering a great combination of food, happy hour, music, and good vibes. The atmosphere was rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating.
Service was strong with a score of 4. Reservations are not required, and the price per person is $100+. It's suitable for all group sizes and perfect for dinner.
- food10
- happy hour10
- music10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Birthday Dinner Experience
😪 So disappointed by our meal tonight. I had been looking forward to this special dinner for my boyfriend's 30th birthday for weeks and was set on it being an incredible Japanese experience from what it looked like online. I was ready to spend $$$$ on some incredible unforgettable food, but we both were unfortunately so bummed with our meals (besides the truffle lobster bites - those were AMAZING) that we left pretty promptly after our dinner.
On top of this, we asked for 2 miso soups and never received them, our meal came out in such a strange order that he was eating while I wasn't and just sat there waiting for my food to arrive. The timing was just off. The sashimi was truly not up to standard for what it's priced at, some of it being inedible.
I felt terrible for taking my boyfriend somewhere that wasn't enjoyable or even the slightest bit tasty for his big day, I wish I could have saved the money and spent it on something a little more worth it because for $400 I really did expect something great.
- truffle lobster bites10
- miso soups2
- meal timing3
- sashimi2
What Chotto Matte offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Onsite services
Parking
- Paid parking lot
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Trendy
FAQs
What unique features and dining experiences can you expect at Chotto Matte San Francisco?
At Chotto Matte San Francisco, you can look forward to an exciting dining experience. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with live music and the option of stunning rooftop seating. The restaurant offers a full range of dining options, including brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, all served with table service.
Are there accessible options and various payment methods available at Chotto Matte San Francisco?
Yes, Chotto Matte San Francisco is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. For your convenience, the restaurant accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
How does Chotto Matte generally perform?
Chotto Matte holds an overall score of 6.6. Its Ambience (8.1) and Food (7.3) are well-regarded, while Service (5.5) is average, and Value (2.6) is a notable concern for many patrons.
What are the standout features of Chotto Matte's atmosphere?
Guests frequently praise the vibrant rooftop setting, engaging music from live DJs, and the overall energetic vibe, making it a popular spot for social gatherings.
Are there any common concerns regarding the dining experience?
Patrons often mention issues with inconsistent service, including long wait times and communication problems. The pricing is also a frequent point of contention, with many finding it to be poor value for money.