Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Eiji – San Francisco
Eiji - San Francisco
Photo from Eiji
Eiji at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#1775 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#150 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
507
Reviews
65.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Fresh sushi
- Cozy ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Rushed service
- Card surcharges
- Overpriced dishes
The restaurant Eiji, a delightful Japanese restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Duboce Triangle neighborhood, invites you to experience its unique charm. You’ll discover a truly authentic dining experience here, highlighted by a great tea selection that perfectly complements your meal.
Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner or a casual lunch, this spot offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can unwind and savor delicious small plates.
Overview: Introducting Eiji
Eiji offers a culinary experience that truly shines, with many guests consistently praising the delicious and authentic Japanese fare. The restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients, particularly its sushi and unique homemade tofu, often leaves a lasting positive impression.
You’ll find the atmosphere to be quite cozy and genuinely reminiscent of traditional Japanese establishments. However, it’s worth noting that the overall experience can be a bit of a mixed bag.
While the food is a clear highlight, some visitors have encountered challenges with the service, describing it as occasionally inflexible or rushed. There have also been mentions of certain pricing policies, such as credit card surcharges, that might affect your visit.
Good
6.8
out of 10
507
Reviews
65.3%
Satisfaction
140
negative
36
neutral
331
positive
Eiji holds an overall score of 6.8 out of 10, placing it in the good range, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 65.3%. This suggests that while many find the experience positive, there’s a notable segment with reservations.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 507 customer observations, with 331 positive remarks balancing against 140 negative ones. The restaurant’s strong suit is undoubtedly its Food, earning an impressive (8.2), reflecting widespread appreciation for its quality.
The Ambience also contributes positively with a good (7.2), creating a pleasant dining setting. However, the Value (5.4) is more average, and the Service (3.6) appears to be a significant area needing improvement, often cited as a point of contention among guests.
What people like
- Delicious, authentic Japanese food
- Fresh, high-quality sushi
- Cozy, authentic atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inflexible, rushed service
- Credit card surcharges
- Some overpriced dishes
If you prioritize authentic, high-quality Japanese cuisine and a charming, traditional setting, Eiji is certainly worth considering. The food alone, especially the sushi and unique tofu dishes, often makes the visit memorable.
Just be prepared for a potentially brisk dining pace and a service style that some find less accommodating. With a recommendation score of 7, Eiji is a solid choice for those who can overlook its operational quirks.
It’s a place to savor the flavors and atmosphere, but perhaps not for a leisurely, drawn-out meal, especially if you’re sensitive to service nuances or credit card fees.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Eiji
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at a strong 82.5%, diners are consistently pleased. Many rave about the incredible homemade tofu, super fresh fish, and authentic Japanese food, often praising the delicious desserts too.
These positive sentiments come from a whopping 236 positive remarks out of 286 total opinions. However, not every dish is a home run. Some guests have noted concerns about small portions, issues with the sushi rice being too dry or hard, and occasional fish freshness concerns.
A few also felt certain items were overpriced. These points, while fewer in number with 25 negative comments, suggest there's still a little room for improvement in consistency.
Food
286
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
25
negative
25
neutral
236
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homemade tofu is exceptional
- Fresh sushi and fish
- Authentic Japanese food
What people don't like
- Small portions noted
- Sushi rice inconsistencies
- Fish freshness concerns
Often praised
- foodI've been coming here for years and have always loved it! The food is consistently delicious, and they offer unique menu items that are hard to find elsewhere. Some standouts include the eggplant walnut miso, ceviche sushi roll, strawberry daifuku, and homemade tofu.
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the high quality, fresh sushi. I had the salmon avocado roll (Alaska roll) which was very tasty, and the white tuna salad was also scrumptious.
- tofugreat tofu! ... best things are their specials and tofu!
- Japanese foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic if you're looking for no frills, authentic, and delicious Japanese food. It really doesn't get better than this place for a genuine culinary experience.
- homemade tofuThe food is consistently delicious, and they offer unique menu items that are hard to find elsewhere. Some standouts include the eggplant walnut miso, ceviche sushi roll, strawberry daifuku, and homemade tofu. Even though I now live across the Bay, I still make the trip into SF specifically for Eiji's food.
- strawberry mochiorder the strawberry mochi right when you get there
- dessertsThe desserts were good
- fresh fishWe ordered the sushi delux, rainbow roll, unagi, and purple sweet potato yokan. The sushi was great, featuring fresh fish. The unagi was particularly super tasty.
- gyozaMy experience at this restaurant was highlighted by the delicious gyoza, the beef & okra, and the wonderfully fresh sashimi and spicy tuna roll. These were definite standouts.
- oboro tofuWhile they serve great sushi with a wonderful selection of fresh and well-prepared options, my absolute favorite is their freshly made tofu. We split the oboro tofu, which was absolutely delightful – perfectly silky, warm, and comforting. The tofu itself is plain but comes with a soy sauce-based sauce and a variety of small toppings to mix and match.
Frequently criticized
- edamameordered edamame and it was cold
- fishFish were also not that fresh and high quality
- fooddidn’t get our food until 9:10
- seafood potonly had a couple of shrimps clams and mussels besides a lot of Napa cabbage
- wasabitoo much wasabi in the roll and nigiris that it overpowered everything else
- dishmy dish wasn’t what I ordered
- duckThe duck was dry
- freshnessisn’t a great sign for freshness
- hamachi carpaccioThey did not serve or offer us any water. For the food, I felt that the hamachi carpaccio was too overpriced compared with the quality.
- negitoro rollnegitoro roll was definitely overpriced at $18 with icy toro
If you're seeking authentic Japanese flavors, especially their renowned homemade tofu and fresh sushi, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some portions might be on the smaller side, and the sushi rice occasionally misses the mark.
Service (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
Some diners found the service to be quite good, with many praising the friendly and kind staff. Positive experiences often highlighted quick food arrival and minimal wait time, making for a pleasant visit for those 32 happy customers. However, the overall sentiment for service is quite poor, reflected in a score of 3.6 and only 26.4% customer satisfaction.
A significant 86 negative comments point to issues like rude and unprofessional staff, often described as unaccommodating or rushing diners due to a strict time limit.
Service
121
Reviews
26%
Satisfaction
86
negative
3
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick food arrival
- Minimal wait time
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Strict policies
- Rushed diners
Often praised
- serviceremember the food and service being good
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a cute and small restaurant with wonderful staff. The menu is huge and offers many delicious options, such as the Dragon Makis!
- ServiceService:5
- wait timeWait time:No wait
- chefThe chef is from Japan
- food arrivalafter ordering our food came quickly
- husband/wife comboThe husband/wife combo (I think) are very sweet.
- main ladythe main lady that works there is really sweet
- perfect experiencegrateful for the perfect experience.
- seatingWe were seated right away
Frequently criticized
- serviceWe were basically kicked out and had to finish our conversation in the street. The food was decent, rated a 3 out of 5, but the service and atmosphere were rated a 1 out of 5. No, thanks!
- waitressThe waitress was beyond rude
- customer serviceharsh and inflexible customer service
- staffWhile policies are fine, the way they're presented and enforced comes across as rigid and discouraging rather than welcoming. The service matched the signage: whether by phone or in person, staff were curt and procedural. We felt more managed than hosted.
- checkWhile the food itself was excellent, earning a perfect 5/5, the service detracted significantly from the overall meal. They served the check and asked me to pay while we were still eating dessert, and as soon as we finished, we were asked to leave. This made for a not great feeling to end the meal with, despite tipping well.
- hostessthe hostess asked us to leave after she drought the check
- leavingwill promptly tell you to leave to make room for more customers
- rudeThey are extremely rude
- waitThe food was of phenomenal quality for a very reasonable price. I recommend going as just two people to avoid a long wait and ordering some things off the specials menu up on the wall.
- waterThey charge you 3% if you pay by credit card. They did not serve or offer us any water. For the food, I felt that the hamachi carpaccio was too overpriced compared with the quality.
If you're looking for consistently great service, this might not be your best bet, as many experiences were marred by rudeness and inflexibility. While some find the staff friendly, be prepared for potential issues like being rushed or strict policies.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
Overall, the ambience here scores a solid 7.2, reflecting a generally good experience, with customer satisfaction sitting at a healthy 72.7%. Many of the 48 positive remarks out of 66 total observations praise the cozy and intimate feel of this authentic Japanese izakaya, often described as feeling like a warm hug. Its celebrated for its unique, welcoming vibe.
However, not everyone found the atmosphere perfect, with 15 negative comments noting issues like the small and cramped space. Some found the experience unpleasant due to rigid rules, while others mentioned an empty restaurant feel or even specific policies like no laptops allowed, ' which detracted from their visit.
Ambience
66
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, intimate atmosphere
- Authentic Japanese feel
- Calm, peaceful vibe
What people don't like
- Small, cramped space
- Unwelcoming policies
- Rushed experience
Often praised
- atmosphereWalking into this place really brought me back to being in Kyoto/Osaka. Everything looks, feels, smells like Japan, so I enjoyed that hit of nostalgia. The food here is delicious.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- authenticityIt’s authentic, cozy and unpretentious
- placeI love this place. Modest yet delicious place.
- restaurantVery tiny restaurant but it feels like home
- vibesGyoza: tasty and satisfying but not as memorable as the other dishes. The vibes are definitely reminiscent of quaint, family-owned shops in Japan, and I hope to return very soon!
- Japanese feelingThe amazing Japanese feeling inside Amazing
- Japanese izakayaTruly authentic Japanese izakaya
- Japanese-ownedIt's also a plus that it's Japanese-owned
- ambianceVery neat and cozy ambiance
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereWe were basically kicked out and had to finish our conversation in the street. The food was decent, rated a 3 out of 5, but the service and atmosphere were rated a 1 out of 5. No, thanks!
- SeatingThere's a 4% “check-out fee” for paying by credit card, and the posted prices represent cash pricing. Seating is contingent on your entire party being present, and there's a firm no-pets policy except for service animals. While policies are fine, the way they're presented and enforced comes across as rigid and discouraging rather than welcoming.
- empty restaurantThe place was completely empty
- empty tablesMy experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing. Upon arrival, every single table was empty, and the only person present was a staff member eating. I was waiting for my friend who was parking, but the lady insisted I wait outside in the cold, stating there was no space to wait, despite the restaurant being completely empty and no one else waiting.
- experiencethis was incredibly rushed and overall negative
- high chairsThey don’t provide any high chairs
- laptopsthere are no laptops allowed
- place looked uncleanI was waiting for my friend who was parking, but the lady insisted I wait outside in the cold, stating there was no space to wait, despite the restaurant being completely empty and no one else waiting. Furthermore, the place looked unclean, which led us to leave without eating. It's a shame because I recall the food and service being good in the past.
- playlistThere was a strange playlist
- restaurant smellRestaurant smelled like fish
If youre seeking a genuinely cozy and authentic Japanese spot, this place is definitely worth a visit for its unique charm. Just be prepared for a potentially small space and some firm house rules that might not suit everyones preference.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.4 indicating an average experience and customer satisfaction sitting at a rather mixed 44.1%. Many folks appreciated the reasonable pricing for sushi and other food items, finding the quality to be a good value. Some even raved about getting a good amount of food for the price, highlighting terms like price, sushi prices, and reasonable prices in their positive remarks, based on 15 positive opinions.
However, theres a noticeable downside that pulls the overall value perception down, with 14 negative opinions. A significant number of customers felt the place was pricey or that they were overcharging, especially concerning credit card payments and an annoying surcharge. These extra fees, often a 4% check-out fee, left many feeling that the value wasnt quite there, making the experience less appealing.
Value
34
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
14
negative
5
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable food prices
- Good sushi value
What people don't like
- Credit card surcharge
- Overpriced items
Often praised
- priceSake sashimi: luxuriously fatty, silky texture. I’ve had plenty of salmon sashimi, and this one was very solid and not crazy overpriced like others. Gyoza: tasty and satisfying but not as memorable as the other dishes.
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The hot food was good and offered reasonable value. However, the customer service and policies were harsh and inflexible, which was quite disappointing.
- foodthe food is very reasonably priced
- price per personPrice per person:$20–30
- reasonable pricesMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful! The tofu alone was a highlight, and the reasonable prices made it even better. I also really enjoyed the mackerel & bitter melon and the sushi.
- sushi combo pricecombo was at a great price of $24 for 7 nigiris + 1 roll
- sushi pricesbest sushi prices in the the area
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing. The food was ordinary and felt way overpriced. For instance, I was charged $18 for just two pieces of toro nigiri.
- 4% surchargeThere is a 4% surcharge on cc which is annoying
- charge extra for cardsThey charge extra for cards
- check-out feeThere’s a 4% “check‑out fee” for paying by credit card
- credit card chargeThe servers did not allow us to watch the video while we were waiting for the food. They charge you 3% if you pay by credit card. They did not serve or offer us any water.
- credit card paymentscharge 4% if you use credit card instead of cash
- foodFood was kind of expensive
- negitoro roll pricenegitoro roll was definitely overpriced at $18
- overchargingovercharging was significant
- posted pricesUpon arrival, the tone is set by a cluster of posted rules and fees. There's a 4% “check-out fee” for paying by credit card, and the posted prices represent cash pricing. Seating is contingent on your entire party being present, and there's a firm no-pets policy except for service animals.
If youre planning to pay with cash and are looking for reasonably priced sushi, this place might offer some good value. However, be prepared for potential extra charges if you use a credit card, which could quickly diminish the perceived affordability. Its worth trying if youre mindful of payment methods, but it might disappoint if youre expecting straightforward pricing.
How are the prices at Eiji?
You’re looking at roughly 51 $ per person – reported by 71 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while 51 $ is the average, we see a good spread in what people spend. Many guests find themselves in the $41–$50 bracket, but theres also a noticeable number who go for a more premium experience, pushing that average up. So, youve got options!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 71 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, we feel the pricing is quite fair. It seems to offer good value, whether you’re looking for a solid mid-range meal or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Eiji
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Authentic Japanese Gem
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional, offering one of the most authentic Japanese experiences in the city, if not the most I've ever had. It's a small business, lovingly run by a Japanese family, including their chef and waitresses. I adored the warmth and cozy size of the space.
Their salmon skin handroll is hands down the best, and it's my go-to order every time. The cod, miso, and their unique tofu variants are also highly recommended!
- authentic Japanese experiences10
- small business9
- warmth and cozy size9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Shocking Service Ruined a Good Meal
The food was fine, but the service was actually shocking. The head server informed us that they closed - hard stop - at 9: 30 PM. We didn’t get our food until 9: 10 PM, the check was dropped at 9: 20 PM, and she explicitly said, “could you speed it up” at 9: 25 PM.
While it led to quite a few laughs with my friend, this was one of the worst dining experiences I’ve had in a very long time. Couldn’t recommend less.
- food7
- service1
- head server1
- check2
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Solid Japanese, Great Tofu
My experience at this no-frills Japanese restaurant was generally positive. I would definitely return for their tofu, which was incredibly soft and silky. The fish was solid and good, though not exceptional.
I particularly enjoyed the white fish carpaccio appetizer. The duck was just okay. A minor annoyance was the 4% surcharge on credit card payments, though I understand the reasoning; I would personally prefer a price increase to cover costs.
Overall, a good experience with standout tofu.
- tofu9
- fish6
- white fish carpaccio appetizer8
- 4% surcharge3
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
3
Good Food, Poor Service and High Fees
I've been coming here for at least a decade, and sadly, the place feels well past its prime. Today, it's pricey and notably unfriendly. Upon arrival, the tone is set by a cluster of posted rules and fees.
There's a 4% “check-out fee” for paying by credit card, and the posted prices represent cash pricing. Seating is contingent on your entire party being present, and there's a firm no-pets policy except for service animals. While policies are fine, the way they're presented and enforced comes across as rigid and discouraging rather than welcoming.
The service matched the signage: whether by phone or in person, staff were curt and procedural. We felt more managed than hosted. That's a shame because the food is still good—the tofu is decent—and the kitchen can deliver.
But comparable quality is easy to find elsewhere now, without the side dish of rudeness and extra fees.
- food7
- tofu7
- pricey2
- unfriendly1
- check-out fee2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Extremely Rude Management, Unwelcoming Experience
I was really excited to try this restaurant, but unfortunately, the management made it clear they didn't want our business. They were extremely rude and ultra-unaccommodating, seeming more focused on enforcing strict etiquette and laws than on running a restaurant. We arrived on a Thursday night to find a "cash only" sign.
I had my partner sit down and order while I went to an ATM. Upon my return, my partner was asked to leave because he had his laptop out for work, with the waitress stating "no laptops allowed. " Shortly after, a man informed me that they couldn't serve us if our whole party wasn't present, despite my partner being right outside and my intention to order immediately to ensure we left before closing.
My partner returned during this confrontation, and we decided to leave due to the disgusting way we were treated. Be wary when coming here; they are not friendly.
- management1
- rude1
- unaccommodating1
What Eiji offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and service options can you expect at Eiji?
At Eiji, you’ll find a romantic, cozy, and casual atmosphere perfect for any occasion. For your convenience, you can choose between dine-in and takeout service options. The restaurant also accepts reservations, making it easy to plan your visit.
Does Eiji offer healthy dining options and is it accessible?
Yes, Eiji provides healthy options alongside a selection of wine, beer, and small plates. You’ll also find the restaurant to be wheelchair accessible, with both a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating available for your comfort.
How does Eiji generally perform according to customer feedback?
Eiji has an overall score of **6.8** and a customer satisfaction of **65.3%**, indicating a generally good experience with some areas for improvement. Its **Food** (8.2) is a strong point, while **Service** (3.6) needs attention, and **Ambience** (7.2) and **Value** (5.4) are mixed.
What are the standout food items at Eiji?
Customers frequently praise Eiji for its delicious and authentic Japanese food, particularly highlighting the fresh, high-quality sushi, unique homemade tofu, and other special menu items that are hard to find elsewhere.
What should I know about the service and pricing policies at Eiji?
Some customers have reported that the service can be inflexible or rushed, with instances of being asked to leave promptly after finishing. Additionally, be aware that there may be credit card surcharges, and some specific dishes have been noted as potentially overpriced.