Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Oma – San Francisco
Oma - San Francisco
Photo from Oma
Oma at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $101+
mentioned by 43 of the guests
#1713 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#142 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
521
Reviews
65.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Affordable omakase
- Quality food
- Personable chefs
Frequently criticized
- Value inconsistency
- Food quality issues
- Mall ambiance
The restaurant, a delightful Japanese eatery, invites you to experience its trendy atmosphere right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Japantown. When you step into Oma, you’ll discover a culinary journey that combines authentic flavors with a modern touch.
This Japanese restaurant in San Francisco offers a memorable dining experience, perfect for those seeking healthy options and a sophisticated setting in Japantown. You can enjoy a relaxing dinner here, with table service available.
Overview: Introducting Oma
Oma offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its affordable omakase options and the exceptional quality of its fresh fish. Many guests appreciate the opportunity to enjoy expertly prepared dishes without the typical high price tag associated with such cuisine.
However, some opinions suggest the overall experience might not always align with expectations, particularly regarding the setting. Despite its strengths, a few patrons have noted concerns about the perceived value for the price, and occasional inconsistencies in the food’s execution.
The intimate, sometimes cozy, atmosphere is a highlight for many, fostering engaging interactions with the chefs, though it might not appeal to everyone seeking a more traditional restaurant environment.
Good
6.9
out of 10
521
Reviews
65.1%
Satisfaction
141
negative
41
neutral
339
positive
Oma holds a respectable Restaurant Score of 6.9, indicating a generally good performance, while its Customer Satisfaction stands at 65.1%, suggesting a mixed but leaning positive reception. This balance reflects a place that delivers well in key areas, yet has room for refinement.
These insights are drawn from 521 customer opinions, comprising 339 positive remarks against 141 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Food is a clear strength with a score of (7.4), frequently highlighted for its quality and preparation.
Service also performs well at (6.6), with many appreciating the friendly and knowledgeable staff. The Ambience scores (6.4), often described as intimate but sometimes casual due to its location.
Value, however, is more of an average point at (5.6), indicating varied perceptions among diners.
What people like
- Affordable omakase options
- Fresh, expertly prepared food
- Friendly, personable chefs
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value perception
- Occasional food quality issues
- Casual mall setting
With a Recommendation Score of 7.1, Oma is certainly worth considering, especially if you prioritize fresh, well-prepared sushi and a personable interaction with chefs over a grand dining room. It’s a solid choice for those seeking an accessible omakase experience.
However, if a luxurious setting or consistent high-end value is paramount for you, it might be wise to manage expectations. Oma shines as a focused culinary spot, but its unique mall location and occasional service or value discrepancies mean it might not be for every occasion.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Oma
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally quite pleased, with a good customer satisfaction rating of 71.1% and a solid score of 7.4. Many of the 212 positive remarks rave about the exceptional quality of the fish and the fantastic omakase experience. Guests particularly enjoy the nigiri and creative preparations, making for a memorable meal.
However, not everyone leaves completely satisfied, as indicated by 67 negative opinions out of 298 total. Some common concerns revolve around the sushi rice being inconsistent, and a few felt the portion size could be more generous. There were also mentions of a lack of attention to detail and occasional fishy taste, suggesting some areas for improvement.
Food
298
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
67
negative
19
neutral
212
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh fish quality
- Exceptional omakase experience
- Inventive nigiri preparations
What people don't like
- Inconsistent sushi rice
- Small portion sizes
- Poor attention to detail
Often praised
- foodThe friendly and incredibly knowledgeable chefs and staff made the experience memorable. We enjoyed the delicious food and the lovely sake. The wonderful conversation added to the pleasant atmosphere.
- sushiI would definitely recommend it. It offered some of the best sushi I've had for the money.
- fishOmakase wise, it was YUM. The courses are delicious, and the fish is varied depending on the season. I also love that his focus is around affordable omakase.
- omakaseMy experience at this restaurant was superb. It's my favourite omakase in SF, offering incredibly fresh and expertly prepared dishes. The location is a tiny seven-seater tucked away in the Japantown center, so you might blink and miss it.
- sakeThe friendly and incredibly knowledgeable chefs and staff made the experience memorable. We enjoyed the delicious food and the lovely sake. The wonderful conversation added to the pleasant atmosphere.
- OmakaseMy experience at the restaurant was a high-quality Omakase. It was a small and intimate experience, with qualified chefs who love what they do.
- omakase experienceMy experience was an amazing omakase experience. It's a small and intimate spot, with no actual restaurant space, just the sushi bar at the end of the Japan Town mall.
- presentationImmaculate presentation from the sushi
- secret menuI also recommend ordering the secret menu to further enhance your experience
- ToroOur favourites are definitely the Toro
Frequently criticized
- riceDo yourself a favor and cancel your reservation. My experience was marked by flavorless rice and an extremely small portion. The chefs were not Japanese, which led me to believe this was not a true omakase experience.
- sushiIf it wasn't for the other chef handing him the completed dishes, we might not have been able to complete our meal. The sushi could have also used more soy sauce and was sometimes painful to eat because of how much wasabi there was. If you are used to high quality sushi, you will not like this place.
- fishThe place is definitely over-rated, and I believe the positive reviews might be for a previous chef. A significant issue was that half of the fish was very tasteless. Furthermore, the menu was misleading; they claimed to offer A5 wagyu but instead replaced it with cheap fish.
- nigirithe size of the nigiri was a bit smaller
- portion sizesPortion sizes were kinda small
- wasabiIf it wasn't for the other chef handing him the completed dishes, we might not have been able to complete our meal. The sushi could have also used more soy sauce and was sometimes painful to eat because of how much wasabi there was. If you are used to high quality sushi, you will not like this place.
- A5 wagyureplaced with cheap fish
- Omakase experienceworst Omakase experience of my life
- ShariThe Shari was a bit dry
- absence of popular choicesdisappointed by the absence of popular choices
If you're seeking a high-quality sushi and omakase experience with fresh fish and inventive dishes, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some guests have noted inconsistencies with rice and portion sizes, so manage your expectations on those fronts.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! With an average score of 6.6 and customer satisfaction at 61.5%, its a bit of a mixed bag, based on 109 remarks (67 positive, 36 negative). Many guests rave about the friendly and attentive staff, especially the engaging chefs who often provide great explanations and a sense of humour.
The owner/chef Wilson frequently gets shout-outs for his personable approach and special touches. However, not all experiences are stellar. Some diners encountered staff with an off-putting attitude or an unprofessional host, leading to frustration.
Issues like a lack of interaction with chefs, mumbled explanations, or problems with reservations and seating also popped up. These instances suggest that consistency in service can sometimes be a challenge.
Service
109
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
36
negative
6
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Engaging, knowledgeable chefs
- Personalized chef interaction
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Poor chef communication
- Reservation/seating issues
Often praised
- chefchef makes EVERYTHING from scratch... and was so friendly
- serviceMy experience at this tiny omakase counter in Japan Center was marked by quick service and three different omakase options. While the food was excellent (rated 5/5), and the service was also highly rated (5/5), be prepared for a cozy atmosphere.
- chefsThe chefs are extremely generous, curious, and a pleasure to talk to
- staffwelcoming decor and staff made me feel comfortable
- sushi chefsThe sushi chefs are incredibly friendly and genuine.
- reservationsDefinitely make reservations beforehand
- Chef WilsonChef Wilson is charming and warm
- Everybody thereBut I managed to eat every piece because it was that good. Everybody there was so nice too; they will take care of you.
- Owner/chef WilsonOwner/chef Wilson was sweet & personable
- Sam & JacksonSam & Jackson were friendly & laid back
Frequently criticized
- chefThe chef speaks and mumbles softly and does not explain the preparation
- chefsthe chefs. Actually they both disappeared right after the last course
- serviceThe ice cream was not good; it was icy and served with a plastic spoon. When trying to tip 15%, the waitress demanded we pay at least 20%, even though she barely visited me and the person I came with and generally stayed on the other end of the row. She forgot to give my jacket back at the end of the course and rushed us out.
- hostUpon our return, the host refused to honor our reservation, giving a bizarre excuse that she had promised our seats to another couple who made reservations after us. Despite explaining we were on time and had booked first, and that she had our credit card, she became extremely rude and offensive, asking us to leave. This was the worst and rudest host I've encountered in 40 years, and I will never return to this dive.
- seatingshe refused to offer our seats
- 1 star reviewYour 1star review is not fair to oma station
- attitudeHis attitude was also off-putting
- black rubber glovea pair of black rubber glove on his right hand serving the food
- chef explanationsThe chef was not very clear and mumbled when talking about each course
- chef's accentThe chef had a slur or accent that made him incomprehensible.
If youre looking for an engaging chef and friendly staff, youll likely have a great time, especially with owner/chef Wilson around. However, be aware that some guests have experienced inconsistent service, from rude staff to communication issues, so it might be a bit of a gamble.
Ambience (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The ambience here lands an average score of 6.4, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 56.5%. Many of the 39 positive comments highlight a charming, intimate setting, often described as a cozy sushi place with a warm atmosphere that offers a unique experience. Guests appreciate the casual yet upscale vibe, making for a fun and relaxing dining experience, sometimes compared to a small Japanese sushi bar.
However, the 20 negative opinions point to some significant drawbacks. Issues like fluorescent lighting, uncomfortable stools, and a cramped feeling are frequently mentioned. Some found the atmosphere less than ideal for a romantic date night, noting it could be noisy or chilly, and the overall seating arrangement often led to discomfort or lack of personal space.
Ambience
69
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
20
negative
10
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate, cozy setting
- Unique, charming vibe
- Warm, welcoming decor
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable, cramped seating
- Harsh fluorescent lighting
- Noisy, chilly environment
Often praised
- experienceWe didn't receive any extras, especially considering the final bill. It was a nice experience overall, but I'd advise against coming with more than two people, as it becomes harder to converse and manage the payment.
- atmosphereThe food was soooo delicious! Warning, it is a random shop out in the open in a mall, but I think it adds to the charm, just like in Japan where they have omakase in the subway stations ☺️☺️☺️☺️ Will be back!
- dining experienceThe owner/chef, Wilson, was sweet and personable, and the staff, Sam and Jackson, were friendly and laid-back. Their great sense of humor made the overall dining experience special. The menu changes seasonally, featuring new items from around the world, and I can't wait to come back to explore more of their revolving menu.
- spotI found the sushi to be of great quality, and the service was also very good. It's a really nice spot for those looking to avoid the bigger crowds, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.
- 8 seat settingintimate 8 seat setting
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- ambianceThe freshness of their fish was outstanding, and the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, contributing to a delightful dining experience. The ambiance struck a perfect balance between cozy and stylish, creating a memorable setting. Whether you're a seasoned sushi enthusiast or trying it for the first time, Oma San Francisco Station offers an unforgettable sushi journey.
- areamust if you're in the area
- casual atmospherecasual atmosphere in a mall setting added charm
- casual dining experiencecasual dining experience with the benefits
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe fun atmosphere has been replaced with a more disorganized rush
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- crampedsitting outside it's kind of cramped
- environmentone star off for the environment
- experienceCome here for food, not experience
- fellow patronsWhile the food was excellent (rated 5/5), and the service was also highly rated (5/5), be prepared for a cozy atmosphere. The ambience received a 4/5, likely due to the close quarters, as you'll need to squish in with your fellow patrons.
- finding itThe food was a bit expensive, but it was worth splurging. The only difficult part was finding it; using the pictures and asking around eventually got us there.
- fluorescent lightingThis is on the more affordable end of omakase. The location at the end of a hallway with fluorescent lighting, uncomfortable and crowded stools, and no place to hang belongings detracted from the atmosphere.
- full experiencedon't feel like it's a full experience
- hygieneMore concerning was the hygiene
If youre seeking a unique, intimate sushi experience with a charming, casual vibe and dont mind a snug setting, this spot could be a delightful discovery. However, if comfort, quiet, and traditional restaurant aesthetics are high on your priority list, you might find the atmosphere a bit challenging.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
Value
45
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
18
negative
6
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceDuring a recent getaway to San Francisco, my wife and I discovered a true gem at the Japan Center (West side). We were impressed by the reasonable omakase options, which allowed us to choose the number of pieces we wanted rather than being tied to a set price per person. The fish was amazing, and the service was very personable.
- affordabilityAffordable Omakase
- affordableaffordable seasonal rotating menu
- affordable endon the more affordable end of omakase
- cheapest menuordered the cheapest menu, no add-on, and find it already good enough
- free deliveryfree delivery for orders over $150!
- good valuebox is a good value for the number of pieces
- great valueat a great value
- moneyI would definitely recommend it. It offered some of the best sushi I've had for the money.
- omakaseThe courses are delicious, and the fish is varied depending on the season. I also love that his focus is around affordable omakase. There are a variety of tasting options for different budgets.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe Shari was a bit dry and the size of the nigiri was a bit smaller than what I had hoped for, and the taste fell a bit flat. I'd give it three stars mainly because the price seemed a bit high for the quality I received. Staffs were really nice!
- $125 price tagHowever, I left underwhelmed at the end of the meal. I booked the 16-course omakase, trusting the chefs' curated menu, but I didn't think the execution lived up to its $125 price tag. One reason is that quality control definitely needs to be worked on.
- $165 per personmaking the $165 PER person way too much
- high priceWhile I understand it might be for hygiene, I've never encountered this at an omakase. Compared to other omakases, it's not worth the high price. I also suspect they may have changed ownership.
- mis-represented itemscheated with with mis-represented items
- omakase pricefelt like an omakase in the $40-60 range, but definitely not $100+
- price and valuefor the price and value it's more of a one-time only thing
- price per personLittle underwhelming for $400 per person
- price pointmuch better sushi restaurants nearby at the same price point
- tipOur party of 4 was asked to tip 20% for some reason
How are the prices at Oma?
On average, you’ll spend around 109 per person – from 43 guests. That puts the restaurant firmly in the $101+ category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, thats definitely a higher-end experience, not your everyday sushi spot!
Whats interesting is how concentrated the spending is: almost all guests (40 out of 43) are choosing options above 101 $, showing a clear preference for premium dishes rather than a mix of budget-friendly and splurge items.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 43 most recent reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
We think this pricing feels fair for a high-end Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, especially if its delivering top-notch quality and an unforgettable dining experience. Its an investment in a special meal!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Oma
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Omakase in Japan Town Mall
My experience was an amazing omakase experience. It's a small and intimate spot, with no actual restaurant space, just the sushi bar at the end of the Japan Town mall. It's reservation only, with two seatings per night.
- omakase experience10
- spot9
- restaurant space6
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Birthday Experience!
My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and it was the best experience ever! The chef makes EVERYTHING from scratch, even soy sauce and vinegar, and was so friendly and told us about his experiences growing up in HK and Japan. The food was soooo delicious!
Warning, it is a random shop out in the open in a mall, but I think it adds to the charm, just like in Japan where they have omakase in the subway stations ☺️☺️☺️☺️ Will be back!
- chef10
- food10
- atmosphere9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food and Spectacular Service!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely AMAZING. The fish choices were extensive and each offered a unique element. The head chef is incredibly knowledgeable and skillful; he's truly amazing.
The service was spectacular. It's been a while since I've written a review or felt so happy after a meal. I highly recommend trying it out – trust me!
I opted for the large set, and it was so worth it.
- fish choices9
- head chef10
- service10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Interesting Flavors, Uneven Execution
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of delightful discoveries and some notable disappointments. The chef was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, which immediately set a positive tone. The ingredients were of high-quality, and I appreciated the consistency across most dishes, with beautiful presentation throughout.
The sushi, in particular, was really good, with the fish prepared perfectly. However, some of the non-sushi dishes fell a bit flat. The eggplant dish in the Sakura set was the lowest point of the night, though thankfully, the experience improved significantly afterward.
I was impressed by the eclectic fish choices; instead of the expected salmon or yellowtail, I was served fish I had never eaten before, and I personally loved this unique approach. All of these unfamiliar fish were delicious. On the downside, the atmosphere was a significant detractor.
The bar is located at the back wall of a mall with no front wall, making it feel very cold and exposed, with people constantly walking by or staring. This led me to deduct points for atmosphere.
- chef10
- ingredients9
- consistency8
- non-sushi dishes4
- eggplant dish2
- atmosphere3
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Bad service, awkward atmosphere
I don't often leave reviews, but my experience at this restaurant was quite negative. The service was bad, and the chefs projected a very off-putting, almost rude energy. This created an overall atmosphere that was non-enjoyable.
- service1
- chefs1
- atmosphere1
What Oma offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Wine
- Healthy options
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need a reservation to dine at Oma San Francisco Station?
Yes, dinner reservations are recommended to secure your spot at this popular Japanese restaurant in Japantown. You can plan ahead as Oma San Francisco Station accepts reservations for your convenience.
What parking and accessibility options are available at Oma San Francisco Station?
You’ll find various parking options, including paid parking lots, free street parking, free parking lots, and paid street parking. The restaurant also ensures accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Oma?
Oma generally receives a good reception with a Restaurant Score of 6.9 and a Customer Satisfaction of 65.1%. Customers particularly praise the Food (7.4) and Service (6.6), while Ambience (6.4) and Value (5.6) are seen as more average.
What do customers appreciate most about Oma's food?
Customers frequently highlight the fresh, expertly prepared fish and the delicious omakase options. Many find the sushi to be of great quality, with some specifically mentioning favorites like Toro and the varied seasonal offerings.
Are there any common concerns regarding the dining experience at Oma?
Some patrons have expressed concerns about the perceived value, feeling the price can be high for the quality received. Additionally, the casual mall setting and sometimes cramped atmosphere are noted, and a few experiences mention inconsistent food quality like dry rice or small portions.