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oChef » Flying Ninja – San Francisco
Flying Ninja - San Francisco
Photo from Flying Ninja
Flying Ninja at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 115 of the guests
#346 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#39 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
469
Reviews
87.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly Service
- Quality Food
- Good Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Slow Service
- Order Errors
The restaurant Flying Ninja is a Japanese restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This inviting eatery offers a range of healthy options and small plates, making it an ideal choice whether you’re dining solo or with company.
Overview: Introducting Flying Ninja
Flying Ninja generally offers a pleasant dining experience. Many guests appreciate the warm and welcoming atmosphere and the attentive staff.
However, some have found the overall value to be a point of contention, particularly regarding certain menu items. While the food receives frequent praise for its quality and variety, a few experiences suggest inconsistencies in freshness or preparation.
The decor is often noted positively, contributing to a relaxing place, though some minor issues with the physical space have been mentioned.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
469
Reviews
87.6%
Satisfaction
45
negative
13
neutral
411
positive
Flying Ninja generally performs well, reflected in its solid overall score of 8.3 and a strong customer satisfaction rate of 87.6%. This positive sentiment is built on a substantial 411 positive remarks out of 469 total customer comments.
The Service (9) stands out as particularly excellent, with guests frequently commending the attentive and friendly staff. The Food (8.3) also garners high praise for its quality and variety, contributing significantly to the positive feedback.
The Ambience (8.4) similarly creates a welcoming environment. However, the Value (6) presents a more mixed picture, with some guests feeling that certain items were priced a bit high, despite the generally positive experience.
This is reflected in 45 negative comments.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Quality, tasty food
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Slow food arrival
- Order inaccuracies
Flying Ninja offers a generally positive dining experience, particularly if you prioritize excellent service and a pleasant ambience. The food is often well-received, making it a solid choice for those seeking a comfortable meal.
With a strong recommendation score of 8.5, it’s certainly worth considering. However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it a bit steep, and occasional service delays have been noted.
It’s a good option if these minor concerns don’t deter you.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Flying Ninja
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally thrilled, with a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 88.4%. Out of 275 total opinions, a whopping 243 rave about the culinary experience, highlighting the fresh seafood, delicious sushi, great flavor, and generous portions. Many also appreciate the quality and presentation of the dishes.
However, not everyone was completely satisfied, with 29 opinions expressing some concerns. Some found the fish to be unfresh or even gross, while others noted bland flavors or poorly packed rolls. There were also a few mentions of disappointing Yakisoba and tasteless Teriyaki salmon, suggesting some dishes might miss the mark.
Food
275
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
29
negative
3
neutral
243
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh seafood
- Delicious sushi rolls
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Unfresh fish
- Bland flavors
- Loose sushi rolls
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently great. I've visited multiple times and each visit has featured great food and sushi. The food quality is excellent, and I've always been satisfied with my meals.
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was amazing! I had really good sushi with good prices that undermine the quality. The service was quick and the workers were nice.
- rollsThe restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious rolls.
- bento boxMy wife ordered a bento box, and I ordered two rolls: one Ghirardelli and the other Seattle. Everything was fresh and delicious.
- fishThis is the best sushi restaurant on Pier 39 in California. The prices are reasonable, and they only use fish supplied that day. It's the only sushi place run by Koreans, and if you speak nicely, you might even get some kimchi.
- ramenWe all had ramen and takoyaki and was really delicious.
- mealThe female owner is a true gem. She went above and beyond to make my meal amazing. I was dining alone and she made me feel so welcomed with her lovely smile and warm demeanor.
- food qualitywithout sacrificing quality. Everything tasted fresh
- portionsThe portions are generous in the bento boxes
- presentationThe presentation was also really unique
Frequently criticized
- fishNeither the fish, not the sauce were any good
- rollsI've rated this place 3 stars because it's expensive, and unfortunately, the sushi doesn't justify the price. Compared to other sushi places I've reviewed, the rolls lacked personality. With many ingredients, their individual roles weren't clear, making the rolls feel somewhat two-dimensional and failing to bring out the good flavors.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was hands down the worst sushi I’ve ever had. My girlfriend and I were violently sick for about 36 hours after eating here, with the agony beginning approximately 30 minutes after leaving.
- sushithe sushi unfortunately does not match the price
- Large Hot Sakeordered Large Hot Sake that we never received
- Miso soupMiso soup but it was not served
- Nagirieating the Nagiri was most unenjoyable
- Salmon Specialwe were disappointed. The fish did not taste fresh at all
- Sherek Rollwe were disappointed. The fish did not taste fresh at all
- Teriyaki salmonTeriyaki salmon and it was absolutely tasteless
If you're craving fresh and delicious sushi with generous portions, this spot is definitely worth a try. While a few dishes might not always hit the mark, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests a great dining experience for most food lovers.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 9 and a customer satisfaction rate of 92.2%, its clear guests are consistently delighted. Based on 94 positive experiences out of 102 total remarks, patrons frequently rave about the friendly staff, attentive servers, and the warm demeanor of the owners, often noting how quickly meals are served.
However, even the best places have minor hiccups. While overwhelmingly positive, there were 4 instances where guests mentioned issues like waiting time for food or a servers apologies feeling less than genuine. These seem to be rare occurrences, though, given the overall excellent feedback.
Service
102
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
4
negative
4
neutral
94
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick food service
- Welcoming owners
What people don't like
- Long waiting time
- Artificial apologies
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a quiet little retreat in Fisherman's Wharf, offering amazing food, friendly service, and a peaceful atmosphere. I highly recommend trying it!
- staffThe food was absolutely delicious, and the service was equally great. The staff member was so friendly and kind, she even remembered our order from earlier in the week. The music was fantastic and really added to the overall enjoyment, making for two very yummy dinners.
- ServiceService:5
- customer servicegreatest customer service I have ever had!
- ownerowner Korean and incredibly friendly
- ownersThe owners are THE most kind and nice people I ever met
- seatingMy experience at Ninja Sushi was a great start, as I was seated right away. The food came out impressively fast without sacrificing quality.
- BedienungUnbelievably nice service
- EssenThe food was served very very quickly
- Korean lady & gentlemenLovely Korean lady & gentlemen working here
Frequently criticized
- chef" I was surprised and expressed my disappointment, stating that they charge high prices for imitation crab. The waitress didn't respond, and the chef seemed annoyed, implying that all places use imitation crab because real crab is too expensive. I disagreed, stating that other places I've been to use real crab or clearly label "imitation crab" or "krab meat" on their menus, which this restaurant did not, leading to what I consider false advertisement.
- food arrivalFood didn’t come at once it came in 3 stages
- server's apologiesHer apologies sounded so artificial
- waiting timewaiting for food 45min without even a water
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and well-cared for, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. The service is consistently excellent, making for a smooth and enjoyable dining experience, with any minor issues being very rare exceptions.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.4 and an impressive customer satisfaction rate of 91.2%, its clear guests love the vibe. Out of 68 customer remarks, a whopping 62 were positive, frequently praising the lovely patio atmosphere, great music, charming decor, and cozy outdoor seating, often with fire pits.
However, not every experience was perfect, with 3 negative comments noted. A few guests mentioned issues like an ugly room, concerns about heating, and messy tables and counter. While these are minor points compared to the overwhelming positives, theyre worth keeping in mind.
Ambience
68
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
3
negative
3
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lovely patio atmosphere
- Great music and decor
- Cozy outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Ugly indoor room
- Heating issues
- Messy tables
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's rare to walk into an establishment and instantly feel welcomed, but my experience at the finely decorated Flying Ninja was one of those rarities. Despite visiting at 3: 00 pm on a Sunday, a time that seemed quiet for Fisherman's Wharf, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming.
- locationThis place is such a cute, authentic, relaxing location. After long hours working on my pieces, I come here to relax and eat soup.
- outdoor seatingMy experience at this restaurant was positive. I enjoyed the good sushi and the nice outdoor seating. It's a great place to get away from the crowds of Fisherman's Wharf.
- decorgreat staff and decor
- musicThe food was really tasty, and the prices were fair, with large servings. I also appreciated the relaxed outdoor seating and the classic 80's music playing.
- placeSuch a cute, chill place
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance was serene, with soft lighting and traditional Japanese decor
- bay viewgreat for Sushi by the bay
- casualCasual but delicious
Frequently criticized
- heatingshe turned off the heating when other clients had left
- roomthe room was ugly, in a bad state
- tables and counterthe tables and the counter were a bit messy
If youre looking for a place with a delightful atmosphere, especially if you enjoy outdoor seating and a cozy vibe, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Its a great choice for a relaxing experience, though you might want to snag an outdoor spot to avoid any potential indoor decor disappointments.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
While the overall score for value sits at an average 6 and customer satisfaction is a mixed 50%, many guests found things to love. With 12 positive remarks out of 24 total, terms like prices, value for money, and reasonable price frequently popped up. Diners appreciated fair pricing, good value, and decent portions, often feeling they got their moneys worth.
However, 9 negative comments suggest theres room for improvement. Concerns often revolved around the restaurant being expensive or a tourist trap, with some feeling certain items were overpriced. The sentiment was that while the food might be good, the price-performance ratio sometimes missed the mark, especially with tourist prices.
Value
24
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices
- Good value
- Decent portions
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Tourist pricing
- Some items overpriced
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was thoroughly enjoyable. The food was really tasty, and the prices were fair, with large servings. I also appreciated the relaxed outdoor seating and the classic 80's music playing.
- value for moneyvery decent value for money
- Preis/LeistungPrice/Performance: 5/5
- PreisenThey have a great menu with something for everyone. I highly recommend it for lovers of Asian cuisine, especially given the absolutely acceptable prices!
- PricesPrices are reasonable
- priceGood price, good value
- pricingpricing is good
- reasonable priceKind, reasonable price and kind
Frequently criticized
- priceThe sushi was very delicious, and the staff were friendly. However, from a price-performance perspective, it felt a bit too expensive.
- YakisobaYakisoba was also expensive and didn't taste great
- checkstill was not removed from the check
- maki rollsThe cheapest maki rolls are 8/9 dollars
- pricesThe waitress confirmed it was "imitation. " I was surprised and expressed my disappointment, stating that they charge high prices for imitation crab. The waitress didn't respond, and the chef seemed annoyed, implying that all places use imitation crab because real crab is too expensive.
- tourist pricesat tourists prices
- tourist trapUnfortunately, a tourist trap
If youre looking for a place with generally fair pricing and good portions, you might find decent value here. However, be mindful that some items could feel a bit pricey, especially if youre sensitive to tourist prices. It's a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at Flying Ninja?
On average, you’ll spend around 37 per person – from 115 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a nice mix: while the average is 37, a significant number of diners spend less, often in the $21–$30 range. However, there’s also a good group who enjoy more premium options, spending $41–$50 or even more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 115 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese spot in San Francisco. It seems they offer options for various budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Flying Ninja
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Phenomenal Sushi Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was phenomenal! The sushi was incredibly fresh and delicious, and you can tell the fish is of great quality. We would definitely return.
The spicy tuna and negihama rolls were dynamite!
- sushi10
- fish9
- spicy tuna rolls10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Service and Delicious Food
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. The service was top-notch, and the food was incredibly fresh and delicious. I particularly enjoyed the sushi, which was fresh, my miso was great, and the bulgogi was perfectly seasoned.
Although I didn't eat inside, the outside patio was warm and inviting. The restaurant is also in a great location in Fisherman's Wharf.
- service10
- food9
- outside patio8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Generous Portions, Mediocre Sushi
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The portions in the bento boxes were generous, which was a plus. However, I found the sushi and gyoza to be less impressive, stating they were comparable to supermarket quality.
On a positive note, the miso soup was good. The service and atmosphere both received a perfect score of 5, while the food was rated a 3.
- portions7
- miso soup7
- sushi3
- gyoza3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Sushi and Beautiful Outdoor Dining
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The sushi was amazing, and the staff were super friendly. Our food came out fast and was absolutely delicious.
We chose to sit outside, and the atmosphere was beautiful. I will definitely be back!
- sushi10
- staff10
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fresh Food, Beautiful Patio, Top-Notch Service
My wife ordered a bento box, and I ordered two rolls: one Ghirardelli and the other Seattle. Everything was fresh and delicious. We enjoyed our meal on the patio, which was very beautiful.
The service was top-notch.
- bento box8
- Ghirardelli roll9
- Seattle roll9
What Flying Ninja offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and offerings can you expect at Flying Ninja?
At Flying Ninja, you’ll find a cozy and casual Japanese restaurant perfect for various occasions. They offer a diverse menu including healthy options, quick bites, and small plates. You can complement your meal with a selection of wine, beer, or cocktails. It’s a great spot for lunch, dinner, or even brunch, with comfortable seating available.
What service options and accessibility features does Flying Ninja provide?
Flying Ninja offers a wide array of convenient service options, including delivery, no-contact delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and traditional dine-in. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. While finding parking can be somewhat difficult, paid street parking is available nearby.
What is the overall rating for Flying Ninja and what aspects contribute to it?
Flying Ninja holds a good overall score of 8.3. This is largely driven by excellent Service (9) and highly-rated Ambience (8.4) and Food (8.3). The Value (6) is considered average.
What can I expect from the service at Flying Ninja?
You can generally expect very friendly and attentive service at Flying Ninja, with many guests praising the staff. However, a few experiences mention occasional delays in food delivery or order accuracy.
Is Flying Ninja considered good value for money?
While many find the food tasty, opinions on value are mixed. Some guests feel the prices are fair, especially for the portions, but others consider certain items to be on the expensive side, particularly for the quality received.