Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Mamanoko – San Francisco
Mamanoko - San Francisco
Photo from Mamanoko
Mamanoko at a glance
San Francisco Marina District
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 58 of the guests
#1666 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#140 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
494
Reviews
68.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality Cuisine
- Great Atmosphere
- Bar Expertise
Frequently criticized
- Uneven Service
- Premium Pricing
- Noisy Environment
The restaurant Mamanoko invites you to a delightful Japanese culinary journey in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Marina District. You’ll discover a cozy atmosphere perfect for a casual meal or a trendy night out.
This spot is renowned for its authentic flavors and a welcoming vibe that makes every visit memorable. Whether you’re craving small plates or a full dinner, you’ll find something to savor.
Overview: Introducting Mamanoko
Mamanoko offers a compelling dining experience, particularly noted for its fresh and flavorful food. Guests frequently praise the quality of the sushi and other dishes, often highlighting the delicious Toro Cakes and creative cocktails.
The atmosphere also contributes positively, providing a pleasant and often romantic setting. However, the experience isn’t uniformly stellar.
Some patrons have found the service to be inconsistent, with issues ranging from reservation mix-ups to inattentive staff. The value proposition also raises concerns, as many feel the pricing is on the higher side for what’s offered, leading to a mixed perception of its overall worth.
Good
7
out of 10
494
Reviews
68.4%
Satisfaction
133
negative
23
neutral
338
positive
Overall, Mamanoko earns a solid 7 out of 10, indicating a good dining experience for many. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 68.4%, which places it in the mixed category, suggesting there’s room for improvement despite generally positive feedback.
These insights are drawn from a substantial body of 494 customer opinions, with 338 leaning positive and 133 expressing reservations. The Food (7.9) stands out as a clear strength, frequently described as fresh and delicious.
The Ambience (7.4) also contributes positively, creating an appealing setting. However, the Service (5.3) appears to be an area needing attention, often described as inconsistent.
The Value (4.2) is another point of contention, with many finding the prices a bit steep for the overall experience.
What people like
- Excellent Sushi & Food
- Appealing Ambiance
- Attentive Bar Service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Service
- High Prices
- Loud & Crowded
With a 7.1 recommendation score, Mamanoko is a place worth considering, especially if you prioritize delicious food and an engaging atmosphere. It shines for those seeking a vibrant spot with well-crafted dishes and cocktails, making it suitable for a lively evening out.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and a higher price point. If you’re sensitive to noise or on a strict budget, you might want to manage your expectations.
For a special occasion where quality food and a good vibe are key, it could be a fitting choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mamanoko
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally quite pleased, with a solid score of 7.9 and a strong 80.3% customer satisfaction. Based on 232 positive remarks, many rave about the fresh fish, diverse sushi selection, and standout umami sliders, often praising the creativity and delicious dessert rolls. However, not everyone was entirely won over, with 42 negative comments noting issues like inconsistent sushi rice and some fried items being too rich.
A few found certain rolls bland or uninspired, and some mentioned varying wasabi levels, suggesting there's room for refinement.
Food
289
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
42
negative
15
neutral
232
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, delicious fish
- Creative sushi & rolls
- Exceptional dessert rolls
What people don't like
- Inconsistent sushi rice
- Bland or uninspired rolls
- Too many fried items
Often praised
- foodThe cocktails were smooth, and the Toro Cakes were delicious, along with the other food we ordered. The service was on point, and the food was fresh and so tasty. I would absolutely go back; it was a great experience.
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had some of the best sushi I’ve had in the US. The atmosphere was described as moody yet warm, creating a pleasant dining environment.
- fishthe fish super fresh and delicious
- umami slidersThe food was delicious, and the drinks were creative and tasty. I highly recommend trying the chicken karage, umami sliders, waki waki, any of the nigiri, and the cookie dough dessert roll!
- dessertTheir Miso soup is outstanding and a definite must-try. We were also pleasantly surprised by the dessert; the brownie dough roll was absolutely exceptional. The atmosphere was rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a perfect 5.
- toro cakesThe quality of the products was very good, with delicious fish. I also enjoyed the miso soup and toro cakes. The serving was great and everything was very tasty.
- Toro CakesThe service along with the music selection was pure joy! We enjoyed an amazing sashimi line-up, including the Toro Cakes and Chopped Little Gems salad with soba noodles. We also tried the Hotsui and Citrus Rolls, complemented by a few tasty cocktails.
- cocktailsThe cocktails were great
- nigirimy nigiri (kamasu, chu toro, a third I forget) were delicious
- rollsThe rolls were good but nothing special.
Frequently criticized
- rollsHowever, the main reason for my visit, the sushi rolls, were a significant disappointment. We ordered four rolls, and all of them were pretty bad. Three of these were house rolls.
- Japanese foodThe only Japanese thing they had was spicy sushi. Nothing resembles Japanese food; I've been to Japan, and their food is not spicy nor is it known for being fried. Please update the photos.
- foodThe food was really bad and almost stale
- riceReally non standard rice on the sushi omakase
- Midoriand the midori basically felt like a more expensive (but not much better) California roll.
- NigirisNigiris in the Omakase were lower quality
- Toro cakesToro cakes - rice was way too crispy
- Wiki Wiki rollThe wiki wiki was a bit bland..
- albacore rollalbacore roll tasted like it was filled with tuna fish salad
- authentic waysushi is meant to be eaten the authentic way
If you're seeking creative sushi and delicious Japanese flavors, especially their fresh fish and unique dessert rolls, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences with rice or certain fried dishes have been a bit inconsistent.
Service (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had delightful experiences, praising the friendly staff, especially attentive bartenders like Tim and Jack, who offer great recommendations. With 60 positive remarks, you'll find mentions of excellent service and welcoming hosts, contributing to the overall vibe. However, the average 5.3 score and mixed 47.6% customer satisfaction indicate some significant bumps.
With 65 negative comments, issues like rude hostesses, slow service, long wait times, and reservation problems frequently pop up, suggesting inconsistency in customer care.
Service
126
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
65
negative
1
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive bartenders
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Rude hostesses
- Slow service
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was one of the best I've ever had. The gorgeous environment provided a stunning backdrop for the meal, and the impeccable service truly elevated the dining experience. The food was outstanding, and the atmosphere was perfect.
- staffThis is my go-to place when I am in town. Although it gets crowded, the staff is friendly. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere was also rated 5.
- ServiceService was on point
- serverour server was wonderful
- Tim at the barTim at the bar will not only guarantee that you have the best recommendations
- bartenderbartender was on fire making drinks that looked great and super pro
- hostessthe hostess was so kind and welcoming
- service at the barAnd every sushi dish I ordered has been fresh & tasty! Amazing service at the bar. My favorite restaurant on Chestnut Street.
- Great servingGreat serving
- TimI found it to be the best Japanese/sushi I’ve had in the city. I sat at the bar, and Tim was fantastic. The cocktails were smooth, and the Toro Cakes were delicious, along with the other food we ordered.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was not the best (didn’t really clarify some aspects of their menu(s))
- hostessthe hostess (brown dress) looked like she couldn’t handle the people
- reservationShe confirmed that we were all set for four people seated indoors. But when we arrived, the hostess claimed that I had canceled the reservation — which I absolutely did not. Instead of taking responsibility or even acknowledging the possibility of a mistake, they offered us a table outside or at the bar near the front door — exactly the type of seating I had said we couldn’t accept.
- customer serviceno sense of customer service or “hosting”
- greetingno greeting when we entered
- hostessesExtremely rude & pretentious hostesses
- servera different server came to deliver the dish, they admonished us
- staffInstead of taking responsibility or even acknowledging the possibility of a mistake, they offered us a table outside or at the bar near the front door — exactly the type of seating I had said we couldn’t accept. They wouldn’t look us in the eye, wouldn’t apologize, and made zero effort to make it right. We left feeling disrespected, dismissed, and genuinely hurt.
- waiting timewaited 25 minutes and my table still wasn’t ready
- adding another dishkitchen was already closed… at 9.20???
If you catch them on a good day, especially at the bar with a friendly bartender, you might have a great time. But be prepared for potential inconsistencies, particularly with hostesses and wait times, which could lead to a less-than-stellar experience.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 70.7%, its clear most folks enjoy the atmosphere. Many rave about the great vibe, vibrant atmosphere, and overall experience, often highlighting the music selection and cozy vibe that make for a fun meal.
These positive sentiments come from 41 out of 58 total comments. However, its not all quiet contemplation. Some guests found the atmosphere to be loud and noisy, especially when it gets crowded.
There were also a few concerns about outdoor seating not being ideal and parking difficulties. While these negative points are fewer, with 13 comments, they're worth noting if you prefer a quieter setting.
Ambience
58
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibe and atmosphere
- Vibrant, cozy environment
- Excellent music selection
What people don't like
- Too loud and noisy
- Often crowded
- Poor outdoor seating
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere for a special occasion dinner
- vibeif you like a bumping vibe, it's def a good one
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance was romantic with dim lighting
- experienceThe service was on point, and the food was fresh and so tasty. I would absolutely go back; it was a great experience.
- locationIt is a great location to hop locations
- art and Japanese cultureMy experience at this restaurant offered an impressive array of art and Japanese culture in its setting. The food and dessert were both nicely put together and flavorful.
- barcool bar
- cozy vibea cozy vibe
- energythe energy is always on point
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereextremely negative due to the loud atmosphere
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- crowdedThe food was excellent, and the service was very friendly! 😀 It's a little crowded and a little noisy, but the overall experience was great.
- guys on datesguys on dates to spend more than necessary
- hypeMy experience at this restaurant was largely negative. The place is overhyped, overpriced, and overrated. The service was a dismal 2/10, and sitting outdoors proved to be an awful dining experience if you're stuck there.
- noisyThe food was excellent, and the service was very friendly! 😀 It's a little crowded and a little noisy, but the overall experience was great.
- outdoor seatingsitting outdoors is an awful dining experience
- photosNothing resembles Japanese food; I've been to Japan, and their food is not spicy nor is it known for being fried. Please update the photos. I would not return.
- seatingBut when we arrived, the hostess claimed that I had canceled the reservation — which I absolutely did not. Instead of taking responsibility or even acknowledging the possibility of a mistake, they offered us a table outside or at the bar near the front door — exactly the type of seating I had said we couldn’t accept. They wouldn’t look us in the eye, wouldn’t apologize, and made zero effort to make it right.
If youre looking for a lively, vibrant spot with a good buzz, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially noisy and crowded scene, especially if youre sensitive to sound or prefer a more intimate setting.
Value (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests found the price to be quite good, especially for a higher-end Japanese experience with unique menu items. They even appreciated the free street parking, considering the overall experience a worthwhile treat despite the cost. This suggests that for a select few, the establishment offers value-based prices.
Despite these positive notes, the overall score for value sits at an average 4.2, and customer satisfaction is quite poor at 23.8%. A significant 13 negative remarks out of 21 total opinions highlight that many felt the price was a major issue, frequently calling dishes overpriced. For most, the value simply wasn't there, with some even mentioning ridiculous margins.
Value
21
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good price for some
- Worthwhile treat
- Free street parking
What people don't like
- Very overpriced
- Value not there
- Questionable practices
Often praised
- Parking optionsFree street parking
- menu itemsHowever, the service was rather lacking, even with few customers and ample staff, though it was acceptable. This establishment is a good option if you're seeking a higher-end Japanese place with expensive menu items.
- priceThe price is very good
- treatI would have dined here every night of my stay in SF if I could have secured a reservation. While it is very pricey, it's absolutely worth it for an unmatched treat.
- value based pricesvalue based prices
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was largely negative. The place is overhyped, overpriced, and overrated. The service was a dismal 2/10, and sitting outdoors proved to be an awful dining experience if you're stuck there.
- Kobe beef slidersbut very pricey. $15 for 2 sliders??
- business practicesI would not recommend this restaurant due to questionable business practices. I had a gift certificate, purchased online by a student's family, which I intended to use for dinner.
- gift certificatetold the certificate had a zero balance
- miso soup$9 miso soup is PRICEY
- overpricedOverpriced
- ratingMy experience at this restaurant was largely negative. The place is overhyped, overpriced, and overrated. The service was a dismal 2/10, and sitting outdoors proved to be an awful dining experience if you're stuck there.
- ridiculous marginsridiculous margins get halved
- sushiThere's better or more affordable sushi around
- valuethe value was not there
If youre seeking a high-end experience and are prepared to pay a premium for what some consider a treat', you might find some value here. However, for those sensitive to price or expecting more for their money, the consensus suggests you might find it overpriced and lacking in overall value.
How are the prices at Mamanoko?
You’re looking at roughly 63 per person – reported by 58 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range, leaning towards the higher end.
Interestingly, while the average is 63, our data shows prices are quite spread out. Many guests enjoy options in the $31–$40 range, but a significant number also opt for more premium dishes, creating a mix of experiences from budget-friendly to higher-end.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 58 reviews.
A look at the value for money compared to similar restaurants in San Francisco.
Overall, we feel the pricing is fair for a Japanese Restaurant of this caliber in San Francisco, especially given the range of options available to guests.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mamanoko
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Terrible Service Ruined Birthday Dinner
We came here for our friend’s birthday, and right off the bat, their service was terrible. We had an indoor reservation, which they didn’t have ready, and we had to wait for 30 minutes. When we asked the waiter, who I believe was the owner, for a recommendation, he insisted everything was good and that he could only make a recommendation after we ordered.
After we selected our dishes, he then told us that we got his favorite and the most popular, information he had withheld. After getting our food, he had missed one of our orders. When we let him know, he refused to apologize and rudely insisted that we didn’t order it.
The food was good but not overly so. The cod was my favorite, but the kale was too salty. Either way, this experience did not warrant that disrespect, especially on a birthday.
- food5
- cod7
- service1
- reservation2
- wait time2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
3
Disappointing Service, Good Food
Echoing a few other reviews, the service was not just bad, it was very rude. We were seated 30 minutes late for our 7 PM reservation, waiting outside in the cold with no room to wait inside. While I understand restaurants get busy, not a single person apologized or acknowledged the delay.
The hostess was rude when I checked in after 20 minutes. When I mentioned to the waiter after paying that we were sat late and it wasn't acknowledged, instead of apologizing, he aggressively lectured me about not being able to kick tables out. While I empathize with the challenges of running a busy restaurant, a little kindness and acknowledgement goes a long way.
Overall, it was poor customer service all around. The food was good (rated 4/5), but the disappointing and rude service means we will not be back.
- food8
- service1
- waiting time2
- hostess2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food, Staff, and New Friend!
My experience at this restaurant was soooo good! The staff was awesome, professional, and knowledgeable. I felt I made some good choices with my order, and I even made a new friend who shared the miso cod salad, which was also so good.
I highly recommend this place!
- staff10
- miso cod salad10
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Omakase and Service!
From the moment I walked in, the hostess was so kind and welcoming! Despite being full, she was able to accommodate my walk-in at the bar, and I immediately felt good energy. I ordered the omakase, and let me just say…each fish was aged and seasoned to perfection!
Also, the Tuna Tataki is a MUST have! The ginger ponzu sauce was to die for, and the crispy rice is just crunchy enough without being too hard. I ended with the tonkotsu sliders, which were bomb!
12/10 will be back here again!
- hostess10
- omakase10
- Tuna Tataki10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Overhyped, Overpriced, Decent Sushi
My experience at this restaurant was largely negative. The place is overhyped, overpriced, and overrated. The service was a dismal 2/10, and sitting outdoors proved to be an awful dining experience if you're stuck there.
However, the sushi itself was half decent.
- sushi6
- service2
- outdoor seating2
- price2
What Mamanoko offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need a reservation to dine at Mamanoko?
Yes, Mamanoko accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are highly recommended, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours. You can secure your table to ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.
What accessibility and parking options are available at Mamanoko?
Mamanoko offers excellent accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For your convenience, you’ll also find free street parking available nearby, making your visit hassle-free.
How does Mamanoko generally perform according to customer feedback?
Mamanoko receives a good overall score of **7** out of 10. Customers particularly appreciate the **Food** (7.9) and **Ambience** (7.4), though **Service** (5.3) and **Value** (4.2) are areas where opinions are more mixed.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Mamanoko?
Many customers praise the fresh fish, delicious Toro Cakes, and overall quality of the sushi. The cocktails and desserts, like the brownie dough roll, also receive positive mentions for being tasty and well-made.
What are some common concerns customers have about Mamanoko?
Common concerns include the restaurant being overpriced and the service being inconsistent, with some experiences involving rude hostesses or long waiting times. The atmosphere can also be quite loud and crowded for some patrons.