Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » KAIYÅ – San Francisco
KAIYÅ - San Francisco
Photo from KAIYÅ
KAIYÅ at a glance
San Francisco Mission Bay
- š½ļø Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51ā$60
mentioned by 25 of the guests
#1120 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#136 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
168
Reviews
71.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Unique Food
- Great Ambiance
- Good Service
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Food Inconsistency
- Slow Drinks
The restaurant KAIYÅ, a trendy spot in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission Bay neighborhood, invites you to discover its unique offerings. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for any occasion, whether you’re seeking delicious small plates, organic dishes, or a refreshing cocktail.
With excellent vegan and vegetarian options, KAIYÅ ensures there’s something delightful for every palate.
Overview: Introducting KAIYÅ
KAIYÅ offers an experience where the culinary creations often impress, featuring dishes with well balanced flavors and unique selections. Guests frequently highlight the attentive staff and the overall hospitality , contributing to a pleasant visit.
However, some find the portions to be on the smaller side, and there are occasional remarks about the service being inattentive at times. The ambiance, particularly the rooftop atmosphere , receives considerable praise for its inviting and beautiful setting, making it a notable draw.
While the food and setting generally shine, potential diners should be aware of the prices which some consider to be on the higher end, impacting the overall value perception.
Good
7.5
out of 10
168
Reviews
71.4%
Satisfaction
40
negative
8
neutral
120
positive
KAIYÅ achieves a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.5, indicating a good dining experience, with Customer Satisfaction also landing at a respectable 71.4%. These figures, drawn from 168 customer observations, suggest that most patrons leave content.
The culinary offerings stand out with a strong Food score (7.6), reflecting many positive comments about delicious and unique dishes. The Ambience also scores highly (8.1), with many appreciating the setting, especially the rooftop.
Service is generally well-regarded (7.3), though some experiences point to occasional delays or inattentiveness. The primary area for consideration is Value, which received a lower score (3), indicating that some guests feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the experience or portion sizes.
What people like
- Exceptional Food Creations
- Inviting Rooftop Ambiance
- Attentive Staff
What people don't like
- Premium Pricing
- Occasional Food Disappointments
- Slow Drink Service
If you prioritize a vibrant atmosphere and distinctive culinary creations, KAIYÅ is certainly worth considering. The Recommendation Score of 7.8 suggests a strong inclination from past diners for others to try it.
Be prepared for a premium price point, but the unique food and inviting ambiance often justify the visit for many. However, if budget is a primary concern or you expect consistently swift service, you might want to manage your expectations.
While the food is generally a highlight, there are isolated instances of disappointment. Overall, it’s a place that delivers on atmosphere and flavor for those seeking a special outing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on KAIYÅ
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
Alright, lets talk food! Overall, the culinary experience here is quite impressive, landing a 7.6 score, which is firmly in the good range. Customer satisfaction is also strong at 73%, indicating most diners leave happy.
With 81 positive remarks out of 111 total comments, many rave about the attention to detail, mouthwatering items like the A5 Wagyu Sando, beautiful presentation, and the quality of ingredients. However, its not all perfect. There were 24 negative observations, with some guests finding certain dishes lacked flavor or were overcooked and bland.
Concerns were also raised about fish quality not always matching expectations, and occasionally overwhelming flavors in some rolls. It seems consistency can be a slight issue, particularly with certain sides and sushi.
Food
111
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
24
negative
6
neutral
81
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Impeccable presentation, flavor
- Mouthwatering Wagyu Sando
- High-quality sushi, seafood
What people don't like
- Fish quality inconsistent
- Flavors sometimes unbalanced
- Some sushi disappointing
Often praised
- foodThe restaurant downstairs was a pleasant surprise. We enjoyed delicious food and tasty drinks, and it was not crowded at all. The service was great, and the overall atmosphere felt more relaxed compared to the rooftop.
- drinksThe restaurant downstairs was a pleasant surprise. We enjoyed delicious food and tasty drinks, and it was not crowded at all. The service was great, and the overall atmosphere felt more relaxed compared to the rooftop.
- cocktailsunique assortment of cocktails
- flavorsFull of well balanced flavors
- octopusThe octopus and yuca fries are as great as always
- oystersloved the oysters with rocoto ponzo sauce
- sushi rollA sushi roll Everything was absolutely excellent
- A5 Wagyu Sando with Caviarthe true mouthwatering item was the A5 Wagyu Sando with Caviar!
- Anticucho de Lomo FinoI ordered the Anticucho de Lomo Fino w/ Brussel Sprouts.
- Brussel SproutsI ordered the Anticucho de Lomo Fino w/ Brussel Sprouts. The Brussel Sprouts were made to perfection: not overly roasted or having a burned taste, yet flavorful and roasted to perfection. It left my palette feeling clean and refreshed.
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was pretty disappointing
- nigirithe nigiri didnāt come out until another 30 minutes after we FINISHED eating our entrees
- Old FashionThe old fashion lacked flavor and color
- Pink RoseThe rose was golden lacking the pink tint and flavor
- beefWe also shared the pork chop and lomo soltado. The mains were tasty, though the beef was a bit overly salted. The drink menu was good, but my Henhouse hazy IPA was surprisingly small.
- boneThe bone was charred and tasted burnt
- ceviche and tiraditovariety of ceviche and tiradito are definitely missing
- chicken sushione was literally chicken. Chicken. Sushi. It was terrible.
- drinksdrinks weren't the best
- fishnone of the fish tasted very fresh
If youre looking for a dining experience with creative dishes and often stunning presentation, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that while many dishes shine, a few might not hit the mark, especially if youre particular about fish quality or subtle flavors.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
The service here generally hits a high note, with a solid score of 7.3. Many guests (22 out of 33 comments!) raved about the amazing and wonderful service, highlighting the attentive staff and even mentioning VIP treatment. Special shout-outs went to helpful bartenders and individuals like Aaron, who made dining experiences truly outstanding.
However, the customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 66.7%, indicating some room for improvement. A few guests (10 comments) experienced frustratingly long wait times for drinks and food, with some even reporting that ordered items were never received. Others felt the staff was inattentive or that the service was generally poor and lacking.
Service
33
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Outstanding service
- VIP treatment
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inattentive staff
- Unreceived items
Often praised
- serviceThe creativity, quality and service is unmatched.
- staffThe exceptional cocktails and food were matched by the outstanding service. The staff was incredibly attentive and friendly, making sure that every detail of our dining experience was perfect. Special mention goes to Aaron, who was so fun to talk to and incredibly helpful.
- bartenderThe bartender gave us some excellent recommendations
- AaronThe staff was incredibly attentive and friendly, making sure that every detail of our dining experience was perfect. Special mention goes to Aaron, who was so fun to talk to and incredibly helpful. His recommendations and enthusiasm added an extra layer of enjoyment to our meal.
- VIP treatmentreally VIP treatment
- dining experiencesThe food was not only delicious but also had a beautiful presentation and was unique. It was genuinely one of the best dining experiences I've ever had! To top it off, they even escorted us to the rooftop bar, offering a really VIP treatment.
- gentlemanThe gentleman who welcomed us in, gave us great recommendations
- hospitalityThe hospitality was outstanding
- outstanding servicematched by the outstanding service
- recommendationsMy taste buds were happy and satisfied. The gentleman who welcomed us in gave us great recommendations. We devoured the food after the first bite, so no pictures were taken.
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was inattentive and lacking
- waiting timeWe waited awhile for our drinks & to order
- items orderedSome items ordered were never received
- lusha lush came in towards the end of our meal
- staffstaff ignored me or was not attentive
- wait timeIt took ~1.5 hours
Overall, the service seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, leaning towards positive. While many praise the attentive staff and wonderful experiences, be prepared for potential wait times or occasional inattentiveness. If you value friendly staff and dont mind a possible hiccup, its worth a try.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, with a strong 8.1 score and a fantastic 81% customer satisfaction rate! Guests rave about the stunning rooftop bar and its beautiful view of the city, often finding a secluded table for a perfect evening. The overall vibes and decor, especially the emerald green with gold accents, create an incredible and beautiful atmosphere, making it a wonderful place to visit, as noted in 17 positive remarks.
However, its not without a few minor hiccups, with 3 negative comments among the 21 total. Some found the restaurant a bit loud, and the long tables designed for large groups occasionally made serving and sitting a bit inaccessible. While these are minor points, theyre worth noting if you prefer a quieter, more intimate setting.
Ambience
21
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Rooftop bar
- Beautiful city view
- Great vibes, decor
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Inaccessible tables
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is incredible
- ambiancethe interior is small but a good ambiance
- crowdedThe restaurant downstairs was a pleasant surprise. We enjoyed delicious food and tasty drinks, and it was not crowded at all. The service was great, and the overall atmosphere felt more relaxed compared to the rooftop.
- decorthe decor in emerald green with gold accents was charming
- placeThis place is wonderful.
- restaurantThis restaurant is so beautiful.
- rooftopwent to the rooftop which was equally phenomenal!!
- rooftop atmospheregorgeous night on the rooftop
- rooftop barvisit the rooftop bar upstairs
- secluded tablegiving us a secluded table
Frequently criticized
- flat platesflat plates leading to butter all over the table and us
- loudA bit loud
- tablestables are long for large groups which does make serving and sitting inaccessible and difficult
If you're looking for a place with a stunning rooftop, great views, and a vibrant atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware it can get a bit lively, and some tables might feel a little less private.
Value (3 out of 10)
mentioned by 7% of the guests
While there werent any specific positive comments regarding value, its worth noting that sometimes the absence of praise can speak volumes. Customers didnt highlight any particular aspects where they felt they got a great deal or excellent bang for their buck, suggesting that value wasnt a standout feature in a good way. However, the value proposition definitely has room for improvement, with a poor score of 3 and a concerning 0% customer satisfaction.
Based on 3 customer observations, guests frequently mentioned prices being notably higher, especially for cocktails which can hit $20. There were also comments about portions being on the smaller side, making the overall experience feel pretty pricey .
Value
3
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- High prices
- Pricey cocktails
- Small portions
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- cocktailscocktails are priced at $20
- portionsThe corn was so good, I definitely recommend ordering it as your appetizer. However, it is definitely pretty pricey for the smaller portions they provide, so be prepared. The service and atmosphere were both rated a 5 out of 5.
- pricesprices are also 20-30% higher
If you're heading out, be prepared for a potentially pricey experience where the portions might not match the cost, especially for cocktails . This spot might disappoint if getting good value is a top priority for you.
How are the prices at KAIYÅ?
On average, youāll spend around 57 per person ā from 25 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51ā$60 category. For a Restaurant, thatās a higher-end mid-range experience, maybe slightly above.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, we see a pretty wide spread in what people actually spend. There’s a good mix, with many guests finding more budget-friendly options, but also a significant number opting for a more premium dining experience.
Hereās a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 25 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the diverse spending patterns, we think the pricing offers flexibility. It seems fair for a Restaurant in San Francisco, allowing for both a more casual visit and a special occasion splurge.
Customer Reviews: what people think about KAIYÅ
Price per Person
- $71ā$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0ā5 min.)
7
Delicious Food, Lacking Service
My experience at this restaurant was marked by amazing food. Every dish was absolutely delicious and memorable, full of well-balanced flavors and very refined presentation. The high quality ingredients were particularly evident in the sushi and seafood dishes.
The only negative aspect was the inattentive and lacking service. While it might have been an off night, the restaurant wasn't crowded, so the service issues were noticeable.
- food10
- flavors9
- presentation9
- service3
Price per Person
- $81ā$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Pleasant Surprise Downstairs!
The restaurant downstairs was a pleasant surprise. We enjoyed delicious food and tasty drinks, and it was not crowded at all. The service was great, and the overall atmosphere felt more relaxed compared to the rooftop.
If we had known that food was also served upstairs, we probably would have skipped dining here and just stayed on the rooftop.
- food10
- drinks9
- crowded8
Price per Person
- $41ā$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Excellent Dining Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely excellent. We were staying at the hotel next door, and they suggested it. While hotel recommendations can sometimes be a gamble, we were very glad we tried it.
We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including an octopus appetizer, a sushi roll, a mushroom side dish, and sea bass. We also had a couple of other items I can't recall, and finished with a delicious creme brulee dessert. Everything was truly outstanding.
I highly recommend this restaurant.
- octopus appetizer9
- sushi roll9
- mushroom side dish9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Disappointing Rolls, Mid-Quality Fish
My experience at this restaurant was marked by low quality rolls. The flavors were overwhelming, and the fish quality was pretty mid. While the food received a 3/5, the atmosphere was a strong 5/5, and service was also rated a 3/5.
- fish quality5
- rolls2
- flavors2
Price per Person
- $41ā$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0ā5 min.)
9
Delicious Vegan Options & Great Ambiance
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! They offered several vegan options that were incredibly yummy. I particularly enjoyed the vegan scallops, made with oyster mushrooms, and the vegan tacu tacu roll, which was also very tasty.
The miso soup was excellent, and the cocktails were delightful. Although the interior is small, it has a good ambiance, and our server was exceptionally sweet and helpful.
- vegan options9
- vegan scallops9
- vegan tacu tacu roll9
What KAIYÅ offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dinner
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options are available at KAIYÅ Restaurant in Mission Bay?
At KAIYÅ Restaurant, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences. They offer table service for both brunch and dinner, making it a great spot for any meal. Don’t forget to save room for dessert, as those options are also available.
Does KAIYÅ Restaurant cater to specific dietary needs or preferences?
Yes, KAIYÅ Restaurant is committed to offering diverse choices. You’ll find excellent vegan options and vegetarian options on their menu. Additionally, they feature organic dishes, ensuring a fresh and mindful dining experience for you.
What is the overall customer sentiment for KAIYÅ?
KAIYÅ generally receives good feedback, with a Restaurant Score of 7.5 and Customer Satisfaction at 71.4%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.6), Ambience (8.1), and Service (7.3), though Value (3) is noted as an area for improvement.
What are the standout features of the food and drinks at KAIYÅ?
Guests frequently praise the delicious food and tasty drinks, highlighting unique cocktails and dishes with well-balanced flavors. Specific mentions include the octopus, oysters with rocoto ponzo sauce, and the A5 Wagyu Sando with Caviar, as well as perfectly prepared Brussel Sprouts.
How is the service and atmosphere at KAIYÅ?
The atmosphere at KAIYÅ is often described as incredible and beautiful, especially the rooftop, which offers a phenomenal setting. Service is generally attentive and friendly, with staff providing excellent recommendations and hospitality, though some experiences note occasional inattentiveness or long waiting times for drinks.