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oChef » Atami – San Francisco
Atami - San Francisco
Photo from Atami
Atami at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 57 of the guests
#1282 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#113 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
458
Reviews
73.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional food
- Charming atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Small portions
The restaurant Atami is a Japanese Restaurant located in the vibrant Cow Hollow neighborhood of San Francisco. You can look forward to a casual dining experience where you can enjoy healthy options alongside a selection of wine and beer.
Whether you’re planning for lunch or dinner, this spot offers a welcoming atmosphere for you to savor small plates and more.
Overview: Introducting Atami
Atami offers a delightful experience where the quality of the food truly shines, with many praising its fresh ingredients and careful preparation. You’ll often find the atmosphere to be charming and clean, providing a pleasant backdrop for your meal.
It’s a spot where the culinary focus is clear. However, be mindful that while the service can be genuinely friendly, some guests have noted occasional slowness or long waiting time.
Additionally, while many appreciate the overall value, there have been mentions of smaller portions which might impact your perception of the cost.
Good
7.4
out of 10
458
Reviews
73.1%
Satisfaction
98
negative
25
neutral
335
positive
Atami generally earns a solid reputation, reflected in its overall Restaurant Score of 7.4, which places it firmly in the good category. This positive sentiment is echoed by a strong Customer Satisfaction of 73.1%, indicating that most diners leave content with their experience.
These figures are drawn from a substantial number of customer comments, with 335 positive remarks outweighing 98 negative ones out of 458 total observations. Delving deeper, the Food (8.5) stands out as a clear highlight, consistently receiving excellent marks for its quality and preparation.
The Ambience (7.9) also scores well, often described as a pleasant and clean setting. However, the Service (5.9) and Value (5.5) hover in the average range, suggesting these areas present a more mixed experience for patrons, with some finding them satisfactory and others noting room for improvement.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Charming atmosphere
- Friendly owners
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Small portions
- Minimum spend policy
Atami presents a compelling case for those prioritizing excellent sushi and a pleasant setting. While the culinary offerings are consistently praised for their quality, you should manage your expectations regarding portion sizes and potential wait times.
It’s a place where patience can be rewarded with genuinely good food. With a solid Recommendation Score of 7.7, Atami is certainly worth considering if you’re seeking high-quality Japanese cuisine and don’t mind a more relaxed pace.
Be prepared for a cozy, perhaps bustling, environment and understand that the overall value might depend on your appetite and willingness to overlook minor service hiccups.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Atami
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with a good score of 8.5 and a very healthy 85.6% customer satisfaction. Based on 178 positive remarks out of 208 total comments, diners consistently rave about the exceptional quality, freshness, and delicious flavor of the sushi. Many consider it the best sushi they've ever had, praising the innovative choices and overall culinary experience.
However, a smaller number of 20 negative observations point to a recurring theme: the portions. Several guests felt that the rolls and sushi pieces were often too small, leading to some disappointment regarding the overall size of the servings. While the taste is highly lauded, be mindful that you might need to order a bit more to feel fully satisfied.
Food
208
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
20
negative
10
neutral
178
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional sushi quality
- Fresh ingredients
- Delicious flavor
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
Often praised
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional, particularly with the sushi. I can confidently say it's the best sushi I've ever had in my life. While I haven't tried enough sushi places in San Francisco to declare it the best in the city, my personal experience was outstanding.
- foodSuch excellent food. High quality, beautifully presented
- fishI found authentic, fresh sushi in a cozy setting. Their special rolls are excellent, and they use super high quality fish for their nigiri. While the service is a bit slow, it felt like part of the overall experience.
- qualityThis place delivers quality every.single.time.
- best sushisome of the best sushi I’ve ever had
- food qualitythe quality is 10 out of 10 every single time
- specialsThe people who work there are simply the best, treating everyone like family. The sushi is absolutely amazing, with new specials always circulating. I couldn't recommend it more!
- tempuraeven the tempura was some of the best I’ve ever had.
- amazing sushiAmazing sushi with a very friendly staff
- food preparationWhat a gem! I really loved the portion sizing and everything was clearly made in front of me. Plus, the place is super cute and open a little later than others in the area.
Frequently criticized
- portionsI highly recommend it. However, be aware that the portions are rather small, and you may need to order more than one plate to be fully satisfied.
- sushiThe waitress, who seemed to be the owner, was very unfriendly and gave us a cold reception, making us feel unwelcome. While the sushi itself was tasty, it was also small. I would not return.
- TunaThat tuna portion was also extremely small
- appetiteHowever, the service was quite slow, as I had to expect to wait an hour for my food. This means you should don't bring a huge appetite if you're planning to dine here, as the wait time can be substantial.
- chirashi sushichirashi sushi consisted of 5-mm-thick slices of mediocre selection of fish
- food arrivalno food and so we walked out
- noodlesnoodles are off the table now
- portion sizeNote portions are on the smaller side
- quality of the foodquality of the food was underwhelming
- rollsthe rolls were extremely small
If you're seeking top-notch sushi with incredible freshness and flavor, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that the portion sizes might be on the smaller side, so consider ordering a few extra items to fully indulge in the delicious offerings.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, but theres definitely a lot to love! Many customers, accounting for 78 positive sentiments out of 150 total comments, rave about the personalized experience, the friendly and professional staff, and especially the dedicated owners who provide excellent service, making guests feel truly welcome. However, the service experience isnt always smooth sailing, with 61 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement.
The overall score for service is 5.9 (average), and customer satisfaction sits at 52% (mixed). Some diners encountered issues like a waitress attitude, significant wait time, and even a rude lady, leading to a perception of slow service.
Service
150
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
61
negative
11
neutral
78
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, dedicated owners
- Personalized customer service
- Excellent, kind staff
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff attitude
- Slow service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was excellent! I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh and delicious food, complemented by good service. Specifically, the albacore tataki and various nigiri like maguro, hamachi, sake, tobiko, and hirame were outstanding.
- staffVery friendly and professional staff
- ownersThe owners are super sweet people
- coupleMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's an amazing hidden gem of a sushi spot, run by a quiet, dedicated couple in a cozy space. The sushi is very good, and I will definitely be going back again.
- serverserver was also an absolute sweetheart
- take outThey also do take out
- waitThis is a lovely little Sushi Bar with one of the best sushi I've ever had. I have to add something: Every second is worth the wait. Be sure you'll be rewarded!
- waitressAbbiamo parlato con la cameriera a lungo. Persona squisita.
- Michelleremembered me my last visit
- Michelle and WileyMichelle and Wiley always make you feel welcome
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhile the portions are on the smaller side, the exceptional quality of the ingredients and the owners' evident love for their customers more than compensate. On occasion, the service can be slow, but bringing patience ensures a rewarding experience. This restaurant truly prioritizes taste and flavor, a refreshing contrast to many Bay Area establishments that offer mediocre food in a hipster ambiance for the same price.
- waitressHowever, the service was far from satisfactory. The waitress was not gentle, and the staff seemed eager to close the restaurant, charging the service fee straight away without checking on our experience. This rushed atmosphere and poor service detracted significantly from the meal.
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was very unpleasant due to the waitress's cold attitude and lack of interest. It took her almost half an hour to take our order. When we asked about the number of pieces in a roll, she rudely stated we had to spend at least $20 per person or they wouldn't serve us.
- timeIf you’re tight on time or if you just value your time, I’d avoid this place
- wait for foodmade us wait for 30 minutes for the food
- waitingkeep us waiting for like 35 minutes
- waitress attitudewaitress's cold attitude and lack of interest
- 30 minutestook 30 mins to just bring water!!
- Google MapsGoogle Maps and Yelp says it’s open
- YelpGoogle Maps and Yelp says it’s open
If youre looking for a place with a personal touch and dont mind potentially waiting a bit, the dedicated owners and friendly staff could make your visit truly special. However, if you're on a tight schedule or expect consistently swift service, you might find yourself a little frustrated.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
The ambience at this spot truly shines, earning a solid 7.9 score and a fantastic 89.2% customer satisfaction! Guests frequently praise its cozy setting, quiet and clean atmosphere, and the charming family-run spot vibe. With 66 positive remarks out of 74 total, it's clear many find it a delightful neighborhood feel.
However, a few guests (5 mentions) did note some minor drawbacks. Concerns included an uncomfortable spot for seating, issues with acoustics, and the exterior not always living up to expectations. These are small points, but worth considering for your overall comfort.
Ambience
74
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
66
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, quiet atmosphere
- Clean, inviting space
- Family-run charm
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable seating
- Poor acoustics
- Unappealing exterior
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. It's the best sushi restaurant I've been to in San Francisco, offering very high quality food and a great atmosphere. I find myself visiting as often as possible.
- placeWhat a very cute little place with freshly prepared and good sushi. The service was very friendly and attentive, but was alone that evening and a bit overwhelmed trying to serve all tables at the same time.
- ambianceambiance of the restaurant feels very Japanese, it is small and narrow, feels cute and very clean
- locationwith an easy location
- noise levelI was treated with the utmost level of respect. The atmosphere was clean and quiet, and it wasn't busy. The food was great.
- parkingIt’s has parking behind the building
- restaurantI enjoyed the very good sushi and the nice service. The restaurant itself is a cute little restaurant, and it was very quiet and nice. The tempura was just okay.
- restaurant cleanlinessMichelle always keeps the restaurant extremely clean
- ambiencesauberem and modernem Ambiente
- beautiful placeit’s such a beautiful place
Frequently criticized
- Bay Area restaurantsOn occasion, the service can be slow, but bringing patience ensures a rewarding experience. This restaurant truly prioritizes taste and flavor, a refreshing contrast to many Bay Area establishments that offer mediocre food in a hipster ambiance for the same price.
- acousticsI could tell there are bad acoustics
- atmospherehurry to close the restaurant
- exteriorDa fuori non è bello e straordinario come sembra.
- uncomfortable spotme tuve que sentar en un lugar poco cómodo
If youre seeking a warm, intimate, and generally peaceful dining experience, this place is a strong contender. Its perfect for a quiet meal or a date night where comfort and a relaxed atmosphere are key. Just be mindful that a few spots might be less comfortable, and the exterior might not wow you.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 5.5 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 50%. Many diners, accounting for 13 positive remarks out of 26 total, appreciate the overall price and affordability. They often highlight great prices and a good quality-price ratio, finding the sushi fairly priced and even on the less expensive side compared to other city spots.
However, 12 negative sentiments point to some concerns. Some found the experience quite expensive for what they received, noting small portions for the price. A recurring issue was the unexpected minimum charge or minimum consume policy, which caught several customers off guard and added to the perceived high cost.
Value
26
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices offered
- Good quality-price
- Affordable sushi
What people don't like
- Unexpected minimum charge
- Small portions, high price
- Can feel expensive
Often praised
- priceUnlike neighboring spots that often overprice their offerings or prioritize alcohol over quality, Atami strikes a perfect balance. Their sushi is both well-crafted and reasonably priced. What truly distinguishes Atami is the warm and attentive couple who run the restaurant.
- pricesreasonable prices
- $30 for person~$30 for person
- affordabilityThe cozy atmosphere, the dedicated owners, and the consistently fantastic sushi all contribute to its exceptional reputation. If you're in search of outstanding sushi with a personal touch and affordability, Atami is the place to be.
- dinnerThe server was an absolute sweetheart. It's a gem of a place and DEFINITELY worth it!
- fair pricesfresh food at fair prices
- great pricesThe service is amazing, and it's husband and wife owned. They serve fresh sushi at great prices. I can't say anything more about how amazing the whole experience was.
- less expensive sideOn the less expensive side of SF sushi pricing
- price pointprice point that is better than anything
- quality-price ratioRapport qualité prix vraiment très correct
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely incredible. While the portions were a little small and it wasn’t a cheap dinner, it was also some of the best sushi I’ve ever had, even compared to our time living in Vancouver. The server was an absolute sweetheart.
- minimum spendspend at least 20 dollars per person or else they wouldn't serve us
- menu pricelisted on the menu at $23 but were charged $36
- minimum chargeThe portions were very small. Upon arrival, we were informed of a minimum charge of $22 per person, with no option to dine if we didn't meet this requirement. The waitress, who seemed to be the owner, was very unfriendly and gave us a cold reception, making us feel unwelcome.
- minimum consumedemanded a minimum consume of 20 dollars per person
- policysign by the entrance of this policy
- pricesThe ambiance is small, cozy, and upscale. While the portions were a bit small and the prices a bit high, I would definitely go again.
If you're looking for decent quality at what can be a fair price point, it might be worth a visit. However, be mindful of potential minimum spend policies and portion sizes, as these can quickly make your meal feel less like a bargain.
How are the prices at Atami?
You’re looking at roughly 35 per person – reported by 57 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits at 35, we see a good mix of spending. Many diners actually spend a bit less, in the $21–$30 range, but there are also quite a few who opt for a more premium experience, spending $41–$50 or even more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 57 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers options for those looking for a solid mid-range meal, but also caters to those who want to splurge a bit more for a special occasion.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Atami
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Beautiful place, awful service
It’s such a beautiful place, but the service was awful. We arrived at the same time as another group, and the waitress decided to attend them fully, leaving us waiting for like 35 minutes. When she finally came to take our order, she was apathetic and rude and demanded a minimum consumption of $20 per person for food (not including drinks) or she wouldn’t serve us anything.
They should have a sign by the entrance about this policy instead of making us wait and then treating us like a bother. We left, so we couldn’t try the food, but it wouldn’t taste good with that kind of service. Find another place to eat sushi.
- beautiful place8
- service1
- waiting2
- apathetic and rude1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Terrible Service, Felt Excluded
My experience was terrible. The lady who served us was incredibly rude and it took her over 30 minutes to even attend to us. We genuinely felt excluded.
Despite waiting, she interrupted my sister to inform us about a minimum spend of $20 per person for food. If this is the policy, it should be stated upfront to avoid wasting our time. I'm unsure if we were treated so rudely because we are locals (she was attending others well), but I strongly advise against going.
There are better places.
- better places7
- service1
- waiting time1
- feeling excluded1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Best Sushi I've Ever Had
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional, particularly with the sushi. I can confidently say it's the best sushi I've ever had in my life. While I haven't tried enough sushi places in San Francisco to declare it the best in the city, my personal experience was outstanding.
Be prepared to be patient, as it's a mom and pop operation behind the counter, but the wait is absolutely worth it for the quality of the food.
- sushi10
- mom and pop operation6
- wait8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic Sushi Experience with a Personal Touch
My experience at this Marina District favorite was truly special. The sashimi and sushi are prepared individually just for you, highlighting their dedication to freshness. The restaurant is run by a lovely elderly husband and wife, contributing to a timeless feeling.
Be aware that arriving around 8 pm might mean a wait, so it's wiser to go early or late. I very much enjoyed being in "their" presence.
- sashimi and sushi9
- timeless feeling8
- husband and wife9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
10
Exceptional Sushi Experience Worth the Wait
I'd like to give 7 Stars. This is a lovely little Sushi Bar with one of the best sushi I've ever had. I have to add something: Every second is worth the wait.
Be sure you'll be rewarded! ありがとう for having us.
- sushi10
- wait9
What Atami offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Atami Sushi Bar & Grill?
At Atami Sushi Bar & Grill, you can enjoy a casual atmosphere perfect for both lunch and dinner. They offer table service, ensuring a comfortable dining experience, and you can even treat yourself to dessert. It’s a great spot for a relaxed meal in San Francisco.
What payment methods and service options are available at Atami Sushi Bar & Grill?
For your convenience, Atami Sushi Bar & Grill accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. You can choose to dine-in and they also accept reservations, making it easy to plan your visit to this Japanese restaurant in Cow Hollow.
What is the overall customer sentiment regarding Atami?
Atami generally receives good feedback, with a Restaurant Score of 7.4 and Customer Satisfaction at 73.1%. Customers particularly praise the Food (8.5) and Ambience (7.9), though Service (5.9) and Value (5.5) are considered average.
What are the main strengths of Atami?
Customers frequently highlight the exceptional quality and freshness of the food, especially the sushi. The restaurant’s charming, clean, and quiet atmosphere, often described as having a Japanese feel, is also a significant positive.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks when dining at Atami?
Some patrons have noted that service can be slow, leading to longer waiting times. Additionally, portion sizes are sometimes described as small, and there have been mentions of a minimum spend policy, which some found inconvenient.