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oChef » Zaoh – San Francisco
Zaoh - San Francisco
Photo from Zaoh
Zaoh at a glance
San Francisco Hayes Valley
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 43 of the guests
#1199 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#92 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
425
Reviews
78.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh sushi
- Great value
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Poor exterior
- Slow service
- Inconsistent food
The restaurant Zaoh, a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Hayes Valley, invites you to discover its cozy and casual atmosphere. You can enjoy a delightful meal here, whether it’s for lunch or dinner, with options ranging from small plates to healthy choices.
It’s a perfect spot for a quick bite or a relaxed dining experience, offering both dine-in and takeout services.
Overview: Introducting Zaoh
Zaoh offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking fresh, high-quality Japanese fare. Many appreciate the delicious sushi and often note the excellent presentation of their dishes.
It’s a spot where the culinary offerings frequently hit the mark, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal. However, the dining experience at Zaoh isn’t without its quirks.
While the interior has seen some improvements, the exterior might not impress everyone, and the space can sometimes get loud quickly. Service, though often friendly, can be inconsistent, with occasional reports of long waiting time.
Good
7.5
out of 10
425
Reviews
78.1%
Satisfaction
70
negative
23
neutral
332
positive
Overall, Zaoh maintains a solid standing with a Restaurant Score of 7.5 and a Customer Satisfaction of 78.1%, both indicating a generally positive reception. This is supported by 332 positive opinions against 70 negative ones, out of 425 total customer remarks.
Guests frequently praise the culinary offerings, with Food scoring well at (7.8), highlighting fresh ingredients and appealing dishes. The establishment also shines in terms of Value (8.1), with many appreciating the reasonable pricing and attractive happy hour deals.
While Service (7.0) is generally seen as good, some experiences point to occasional inconsistencies. The Ambience (6.9) is perceived as the weakest link, often described as cozy but sometimes lacking in overall appeal or suffering from noise issues.
What people like
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Excellent happy hour value
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Outdated exterior/interior
- Inconsistent service speed
- Occasional food quality issues
Zaoh presents a compelling option for those prioritizing fresh Japanese cuisine and excellent value, especially during happy hour. With a Recommendation Score of 7.9, it’s a place worth considering if you’re looking for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
However, be prepared for a potentially less polished environment and occasional service hiccups. If you can overlook these minor drawbacks and focus on the culinary strengths, Zaoh could become a regular spot for its delicious offerings and attractive pricing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Zaoh
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting a good score of 7.8 and a high customer satisfaction of 81.8%. Out of 225 comments, a remarkable 184 rave about the culinary experience, consistently praising the fresh fish, delicious sushi and sashimi, and gorgeous plating that makes every dish a delight. However, 25 remarks did point out some areas for improvement.
A few diners noted concerns about overall quality, particularly with rice texture or overcooked items. There were also mentions of old oil affecting the taste of some dishes, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in preparation.
Food
225
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
25
negative
16
neutral
184
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, delicious fish
- Excellent sushi/sashimi
- Gorgeous food presentation
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Overcooked dishes
- Thick, clumsy rice
Often praised
- foodIf you don’t mind the terrible exterior, you will have a fantastic time here. It’s grungy, but the food is inexpensive and high-quality. If you drive around for enough, you’ll definitely find parking as well.
- sushiIt was a rainy night and we were served with hot tea right away to warm up with. Service was great and sushi was delicious!
- miso soupThe miso soup was super flavorful and amazing
- presentationThey offer a decent selection for lunch specials. Although the portion is on the smaller side, it was delicious and the presentation was excellent, even during COVID times when many places lack care in their food presentations. Dine-in is available as of Oct.
- salmon sashimiWe ate tuna poke and salmon sashimi. Both were super fresh and delicious.
- edamameMy date was eating the edamame with chopsticks
- sashimiI was impressed with the excellent sake selection and prices. The fresh fish and fun rolls were great, and the Veg Tempura, miso, salad, rolls, and sashimi were all very tasty. I also recommend checking out the artwork!
- sushi rollsMy experience at the restaurant was positive, especially regarding the deals. They offer good deals until 8 PM, with very late happy hour prices on sushi rolls. The food also tastes good.
- Butter FishWe enjoyed the Chicken Teriyaki, though the sauce was slightly too sweet. The Butter Fish was amazing, with a perfect taste and texture. Even after sitting for a while, the tempura stayed nice and crispy.
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- riceif I don't finish the rice, I cannot order more Sushi
- sauceAgain not a fair review because I don't like teriyaki. My coworker said her salmon was overcooked also.
- Beef TeriyakiBeef Teriyaki I order tasted old (spoiled) and smelled weird
- Butter fishButter fish which you don't find all the time. They tried to KILL it! Overcooked
- California rollMy experience at the restaurant involved ordering quite a lot of sushi, but honestly, the overall quality was not that good. They could have made the California roll way better with better ingredients. The outside wrapped rice was too thick and clumsy.
- Chicken Breast Teriyaki Chef’s Specialsrestaurant cancelled those items
- Eclipse rollthe Eclipse, it tasted like the oil was old.
- Japanese beefquestion whether their beef is authentic Japanese meat
- Sashimifound it odd that Sashimi was not served for lunch
- YakinikuThe Yakiniku was expensive
If youre seeking fresh, delicious Japanese cuisine with beautiful presentation, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor hiccups in consistency might occur, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youre in for a fantastic meal.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
Overall, the service here leans positive, with a 7 score indicating its generally good, though customer satisfaction sits at a 69.6% mixed level. Many guests (64 out of 92 comments!) rave about the "friendly staff" and "attentive staff, " often highlighting "fast service" and how they are "quick to serve. " Youll likely find the team welcoming and efficient, making for a pleasant dining experience.
However, it's not all smooth sailing, with 27 negative comments pointing to some hiccups. Some diners have faced frustrating waiting time and slow service, with a few even encountering rude staff or issues like a missing item in their order. There are instances of long waits for food or pickup, suggesting inconsistency in service speed and attentiveness.
Service
92
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
27
negative
1
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast, quick service
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Rude staff encounters
- Slow pickup orders
Often praised
- serviceI have dined in several times and every time is consistently great. Tonight I ordered delivery and left notes (called in to confirm with the super helpful and friendly server) and they were followed exactly! Super reasonable prices too for the value.
- staffThe staff is welcoming and very attentive
- waitress2021, though you will need to show vaccine proof due to CA rules. The waitress was fast and attentive. I recommend giving this place a try if you are considering sushi lunch.
- ServiceIt was a rainy night and we were served with hot tea right away to warm up with. Service was great and sushi was delicious!
- deliveryThe delivery came early
- customer servicecustomer service was good
- friendly staffMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around high quality ingredients and well prepared dishes. The friendly staff contributed significantly to the enjoyable meal. However, the place is small and it can get loud quickly as it starts to fill up, which might detract from the atmosphere for some.
- serverThe food was good. My only minor drawback was that they only had one server working, but she was great. I would definitely come back for happy hour.
- English and SpanishThe staff is very friendly and quick to serve the food. They attend to customers in both English and Spanish. The atmosphere was pleasant with TV and good music.
- Ruby’s suggestionstake Ruby’s suggestions… She helped to make for an incredible meal
Frequently criticized
- servicedid they only have a one server for the entire restaurant?
- waiterThe waiter was the rudest ever!
- waiting timeMy experience at the restaurant was extremely negative due to the worst service ever. I had to wait ages for the food, and the waiter did not even bother to check on me.
- cashier/ waitressa cashier/ waitress yell at customers
- curbside pick upSTOP calling it delivery it’s curbside pick up
- deliveryWhat is up with DELIVERY, sorry delivery is not getting dressed
- delivery servicerestaurant cancelled those items
- do not open on weekendsThe atmosphere was pleasant with TV and good music. I'm not giving 5 stars because they do not open on weekends.
- managerThe Asian male manager told me if I don't finish the rice
- missing one itemmissing one item of our delivery
If you're looking for generally friendly and fast service, this spot is often a good bet. Just be aware that some guests have experienced longer waits or occasional service missteps, so be prepared for a potentially mixed experience, especially during busy times.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
Based on 60 customer opinions, the ambience here generally hits a good note, with a score of 6.9. Many guests appreciate the cozy atmosphere and relaxing ambiance, often describing it as a hidden gem. With 39 positive remarks, its clear that features like being "kid-friendly" and having "good music" contribute to a pleasant dining experience for many.
However, with customer satisfaction at a 65% mixed level, theres certainly room for improvement. Some of the 15 negative comments point to a lacking decor and a feeling that the place is small and can get loud quickly. A few also mentioned parking issues or an outdated exterior, suggesting that while the interior can be charming, some aspects could use a refresh.
Ambience
60
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
15
negative
6
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, relaxing ambiance
- Kid-friendly atmosphere
- Good music
What people don't like
- Can get loud
- Small space
- Lacking decor/vibe
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere - Calm, Cool, Warm Lighting, Soft Music.
- atmosphereI found that 4/5 items were delicious. This would be the perfect place to unwind after a day at the office with a few rolls and tasty drinks.
- ambianceThe service was quick. My earlier impression of "not much ambiance" was incorrect; the restaurant has been newly renovated and is now much more attractive. They also have veggie options available.
- spacethe space is super cozy
- artworkcheck out the artwork
- authentic Japanese restaurantconsistently good authentic Japanese restaurant
- back roomgave us a perfectly cute back room
- barso wonderful to sit at the bar
- bathroomClean bathroom
- clientelegreat clientele
Frequently criticized
- placethis place is disgusting
- ParkingParking is bad
- ambianceAmbiance could use some work
- decor and vibedecor and vibe lacking
- divider at entranceI don't like the divider at the entrance
- exteriordon’t mind the terrible exterior
- get loud quicklyThe friendly staff contributed significantly to the enjoyable meal. However, the place is small and it can get loud quickly as it starts to fill up, which might detract from the atmosphere for some.
- inside of the establishmentthe inside of the establishment was really outdated
- mouseSaw a mice!
- musicmusic too loud
If you're looking for a spot with a generally cozy and positive vibe, especially if you value a kid-friendly environment and good music, this place is worth checking out. Just be aware that it can feel a bit small and get noisy, and parking might be a slight challenge, so plan accordingly.
Value (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to getting bang for your buck, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.1 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 93.8%, guests consistently rave about the incredible happy hour and fantastic deals. Based on 45 positive remarks, many find the food to be affordable and the prices just right for the quality.
However, out of 48 total comments, a mere 3 did mention that the experience felt a bit expensive for their taste. A few also noted the absence of the former All-You-Can-Eat option, which might influence their perception of the overall price point.
Value
48
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Affordable prices
- Excellent deals
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- No All-You-Can-Eat
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was fresh, reasonably priced, and tastefully plated. While the atmosphere wasn't particularly exciting, it offered a relaxing and homey feel.
- pricesIt's a really cute little sushi spot, surprisingly hidden in plain sight on Mission. I was impressed with the excellent sake selection and prices. The fresh fish and fun rolls were great, and the Veg Tempura, miso, salad, rolls, and sashimi were all very tasty.
- happy hourThe quality of the food is really good. I would advise going during happy hour, before 8 pm, as they have very good deals. The service and atmosphere were both rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a perfect score.
- pricinggreat sushi at affordable pricing
- happy hour pricesMy experience at the restaurant was positive, especially regarding the deals. They offer good deals until 8 PM, with very late happy hour prices on sushi rolls. The food also tastes good.
- valueTonight I ordered delivery and left notes (called in to confirm with the super helpful and friendly server) and they were followed exactly! Super reasonable prices too for the value. Definitely my new go-to spot.
- Buy One Get One FreeBuy One Get One Free sake and beer
- Happy HourArrived at the perfect time for Happy Hour, which was before 5 PM on a weekday since I traveled from the East Coast. I loved their Francisco Roll, their Saba, and a few other specials.
- Happy Hour menuThe sushi is always fresh, and the presentation is lovely. The wait staff is helpful, and the prices, especially on their daily Happy Hour menu, are very reasonable. I highly recommend this restaurant!
- accept cardsMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. The food was exceptional, and they accept cards. They also have an ATM on-site.
Frequently criticized
- All-You-Can-Eat restaurantthis is no longer All-U-Can-Eat restaurant
- expensiveIt is expensive for such a restaurant
- price pointfor that price point
If youre looking for great value, especially during happy hour, this place is a strong contender. While a few found it pricey, the overwhelming consensus is that youll find excellent deals and affordable food here, making it definitely worth a visit.
How are the prices at Zaoh?
On average, you’ll spend around 32 per person – from 43 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average sits here, we see a good number of diners spending a bit less, often in the $21–$30 range, suggesting a nice mix of options. There are also a few who go for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 43 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese Restaurant, offering good value for its mid-range positioning.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Zaoh
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
My New Go-To Spot!
I have high standards, and this place is 10/10! I have dined in several times and every time is consistently great. Tonight I ordered delivery and left notes (called in to confirm with the super helpful and friendly server) and they were followed exactly!
Super reasonable prices too for the value. Definitely my new go-to spot.
- food10
- service10
- delivery10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Best Miso Soup and Sushi
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best Miso soup I've ever tasted, and I've tried it all over the world. The sushi and salmon sashimi were also great.
The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere was also rated 5/5. The noise level was moderate, and I experienced no wait time. I dined solo and the price per person was between $30-50.
- Miso soup10
- sushi8
- salmon sashimi8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Long Wait Time, Order Cancelled
I tried to order a roll for lunch, and they told me it would be ready by a certain time. Unfortunately, I waited 30 minutes past the promised time, and my order was still not ready. I had to cancel because I needed to get back to work.
- roll5
- waiting time2
- order2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Phenomenal Service and Incredible Sushi!
We had a large party of 8, and the restaurant provided us with a perfectly cute back room and table area. Our waitress was phenomenal, and the sushi was incredible. The presentation was also outstanding!
They kept the drinks flowing, ensuring we had a great time. Highly recommend.
- back room9
- waitress10
- sushi10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Sushi and Great Service!
Stopped in before a show and was not disappointed. It was a rainy night and we were served with hot tea right away to warm up with. Service was great and sushi was delicious!
- hot tea8
- Service9
- sushi10
What Zaoh offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Does Zaoh in Hayes Valley accept reservations?
Yes, Zaoh accepts reservations, making it easy for you to plan your lunch or dinner in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley. You can secure your table for a comfortable dining experience.
What kind of dining experience and accessibility can you expect at Zaoh?
At Zaoh, you’ll find a cozy and casual Japanese dining experience with options like small plates, healthy choices, and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring comfort for all guests.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Zaoh?
Zaoh generally receives positive feedback, with a Restaurant Score of 7.5 and Customer Satisfaction at 78.1%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.8) and Value (8.1), while Service (7.0) and Ambience (6.9) are rated slightly lower.
Does Zaoh offer good value for money?
Yes, Zaoh is frequently praised for its excellent value. Many customers highlight the reasonable prices and attractive happy hour deals, making it an affordable option for quality Japanese food.
What should I know about the dining environment at Zaoh?
While Zaoh’s interior has seen some renovations, some guests note that the exterior can be unappealing and the space can sometimes get loud quickly. However, others find the atmosphere cozy and appreciate features like the artwork.