Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Aji Kiji – San Francisco
Aji Kiji - San Francisco
Photo from Aji Kiji
Aji Kiji at a glance
San Francisco Alamo Square
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 49 of the guests
#1303 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#110 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
354
Reviews
68.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Sushi quality
- Food presentation
- Value for quality
Frequently criticized
- Frequent sell-outs
- Long wait times
- Allergy concerns
The restaurant Aji Kiji is a Japanese restaurant located in the vibrant Alamo Square neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find a trendy and casual atmosphere here, perfect for enjoying healthy options for lunch or dinner.
This spot offers a welcoming vibe for a delightful dining experience, making it a great choice for your next meal out.
Overview: Introducting Aji Kiji
Aji Kiji offers a distinct takeout experience, particularly praised for its exceptional sushi and fish quality, often highlighted for its thoughtful presentation. However, be prepared for potential challenges, as some customers have noted issues with items being sold out or concerns regarding allergies.
While the staff generally receives positive remarks for their friendly approach and attention to detail, the overall service experience can be hampered by considerable wait times and occasional communication gaps. The minimalist atmosphere is appreciated, though it’s worth noting the lack of seating.
Good
7.4
out of 10
354
Reviews
68.9%
Satisfaction
75
negative
35
neutral
244
positive
Aji Kiji earns a solid overall score of 7.4, indicating a generally good experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at 68.9%, suggesting a more mixed reception.
This perspective comes from a total of 354 customer observations, with 244 positive remarks contrasting with 75 negative ones, painting a nuanced picture of what diners can expect. Diving into specifics, the Food (8) truly stands out, consistently receiving high praise for its quality and preparation.
The Ambience (7.2) also contributes positively, offering a pleasant, minimalist setting. Value (6.8) is considered good, often seen as reasonable for the quality provided.
However, Service (5.4) appears to be an area needing attention, falling into the average category based on customer feedback.
What people like
- Exceptional sushi quality
- Thoughtful food presentation
- Good value for quality
What people don't like
- Frequent sell-outs
- Lengthy wait times
- Allergy cross-contamination
With a recommendation score of 7.5, Aji Kiji presents a compelling option for those prioritizing high-quality sushi and thoughtful presentation. If you’re seeking an elevated takeout experience and are prepared for potential operational quirks, it’s certainly worth considering.
However, be mindful of the challenges: frequent sell-outs and considerable wait times are common. If you value seamless service and guaranteed availability above all else, or have severe shellfish allergies, you might find the experience less satisfying.
Plan accordingly for the best visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Aji Kiji
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting a good score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction of 78.5%. With 183 positive remarks out of 233 total, diners consistently praise the quality fish, fresh ingredients, beautiful presentation, and perfectly seasoned rice. It's clear the culinary team puts thought and care into every dish.
However, not all experiences were flawless, with 32 negative comments. Some patrons faced disappointment when popular items were sold out, while others noted issues with tough fish texture or cold, hard rice. There were also mentions of overly fishy pieces, suggesting some inconsistency in quality.
Food
233
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
32
negative
18
neutral
183
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality fresh fish
- Beautiful presentation
- Perfectly seasoned rice
What people don't like
- Items sell out fast
- Fish texture can be tough
- Rice sometimes cold
Often praised
- sushiMy experience at the restaurant was outstanding. We ordered 7 different kinds of sushi, including 8-piece omakase, bara chirashi, toro sashimi, fotomaki, and a hand roll. The entire package presentation was exceptional, and even the accompaniments like wasabi, pickles, soy sauce, chopsticks, and napkins were considered top quality.
- foodThe food quality was outstanding
- qualityI highly recommend this place if you want great tasting fresh fish but don’t want to go to a sit-down restaurant. The quality is basically the same, and the sushi rice is very tasty as well! Metered street parking is available nearby on Fillmore and the surrounding streets if you drive.
- riceMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. I found the food to be nicely done, with good fish and tasty rice. I especially loved the thoughtful touches, like the extra pickled veggies and the presentation in bamboo boxes.
- fishMy experience at this restaurant was that of a high-quality takeout sushi spot that truly pays attention to the details. The fish was fresh, and I particularly loved the thoughtful touch of the soy sauce holder. Overall, I found it to be worth the price and the wait, especially for special occasions.
- omakaseMy experience at the restaurant was outstanding. We ordered 7 different kinds of sushi, including 8-piece omakase, bara chirashi, toro sashimi, fotomaki, and a hand roll. The entire package presentation was exceptional, and even the accompaniments like wasabi, pickles, soy sauce, chopsticks, and napkins were considered top quality.
- presentationMy friend and I took our bento boxes to Raymond Kimbell Playground and had a great time. The presentation was amazing – we took a bunch of Instagram photos before digging in. The nigiri was great, the sushi was fresh, and the rice was on point.
- sushi riceMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional, especially for sushi. I found it to be my go-to place for top-tier sushi freshness and the absolute best sushi rice. This takeout spot consistently delivers incredibly delicious sushi.
- nigiriThe presentation was amazing – we took a bunch of Instagram photos before digging in. The nigiri was great, the sushi was fresh, and the rice was on point. The scallop was especially tasty.
- pickled veggiesEverything including the pickled veggies and ginger.
Frequently criticized
- fishcouldn't really taste the fish at all
- qualityI've had better quality/more creative takeout and dine-in omakase
- riceSomething was overly salty and I wonder if it was the rice
- sold outshowed up over 10 times to see everything sold out
- allergiesThe sushi here looks great, but unfortunately, the business cross-contaminates knives with shellfish. If you have allergies or food restrictions, you might want to steer clear. A real pity!
- bentosI've never had sushi that tasted good after refrigeration, and unfortunately, this was no exception. They store their bentos in a refrigerated case, and while advised to wait 30 minutes for the sushi to reach room temperature, refrigeration compromises the delicate texture of fish. Consequently, the sushi tasted quite tough.
- boxBoxes are kept cold
- brown ricethe brown rice was the main compromise...really really lacked the sweet/sour flavor balance
- chirashi ricechirashi rice was way too cold and hard to eat
- cross-contaminates knivesbusiness cross-contaminates knives with shellfish
If you're seeking high-quality, beautifully presented sushi with fresh ingredients, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that popular items can sell out quickly, and occasionally, the texture or temperature of some dishes might not be perfect.
Service (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, there are definitely some bright spots! Many customers appreciated the friendly staff and their attention to detail, noting efficient and top-notch customer service. Some even received hot tea while waiting, highlighting a caring touch.
These positive experiences contribute to an overall score of 5.4, which is average. However, the service isn't without its challenges, reflected in a poor customer satisfaction of just 35.4%. Many found the service model to be problematic, leading to frustratingly long lines and significant wait times.
There are concerns about disorganized service and unhelpful staff, with 28 negative opinions compared to 23 positive ones out of 65 total comments.
Service
65
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
28
negative
14
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive customer service
- Efficient service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Disorganized service model
- Unhelpful staff
Often praised
- serviceservice and atmosphere were also top-notch
- staffI ordered the 10-piece omakase with 6 negitoro maki, and it was soooo good. The staff was friendly and efficient. The entire experience, from opening the meal to eating it, was great, thanks to the quality of the chopsticks, fish, and the soy sauce served in a cute fish squeeze bottle.
- waitworth the wait
- ServiceService:5
- advicegood advice
- attention to detailThe attention to detail is what makes this place great.
- customer servicetheir customer service is top notch
- detailsMy experience at this restaurant was that of a high-quality takeout sushi spot that truly pays attention to the details. The fish was fresh, and I particularly loved the thoughtful touch of the soy sauce holder.
- easy in and outEveryone around us was visibly staring to see where we'd gotten our beautiful food. For the quality, quantity, presentation, and easy in and out, it was well worth it.
- friendly servicefriendly service
Frequently criticized
- waitTold to wait 30-60 minutes before eating
- sold outhalf of the time sold out
- wait in lineI ordered online the day before, thinking there would be a separate line for online orders, but there wasn't. I still had to wait in line for about 20 minutes, which I found inconvenient. However, I enjoyed the sushi, especially the omakase L, which came with a flyer listing the names of the sushi.
- ServiceService was unhelpful and just there to give out sushi
- answered unwillingly and rudelyanswered unwillingly and rudely
- closedalready sold out and closed
- communicationGiven that the boxes came out only a few at a time, if I hadn't intervened, who knows when I would have received my order, especially since, according to the staff, it could sell out any second. Overall, the poor communication and bad service would really deter me from coming back or recommending this place. What a shame to have that kind of service at the front of the house.
- instructionsEven with pre-ordering, you are required to wait in line, which I don't personally think makes sense. I'd have less of an issue with that if they had clear instructions on their website or in their emails. We waited in line for 45 minutes to pick up our preorder, and someone else who also preordered simply cut in front of the entire line and grabbed their order.
- lineThe line can be long
- line controlthere was no form of line control by the staff
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for a potential wait and a service model that might test your patience. While the staff can be friendly and attentive, the overall experience is a mixed bag. Its worth trying if you prioritize the food and can overlook potential service hiccups, but don't expect seamless efficiency.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
Youll likely find the ambience here quite pleasing, with a solid score of 7.2 and 70% customer satisfaction, both landing in the good range. Many of the 14 positive comments praise the beautiful aesthetics, minimalist interior, and striking storefront aesthetic, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s often described as a super great experience, especially for a single person lunch.
However, its not without its quirks, as 5 negative comments reveal. A major point to consider is the complete lack of seating, making it strictly takeout, which means it's definitely not ideal for a date night. Some also found parking somewhat difficult and occasionally described the atmosphere as a bit pretentious.
Ambience
20
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Striking aesthetics
- Minimalist interior
- Beautiful storefront
What people don't like
- No seating available
- Not for date night
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereI felt like I was walking into super minimalist jewelry shop.
- aesthetic designthe beautiful and aesthetic design of the items
- aesthetics and picturesseems the prices are mostly for the aesthetics and pictures
- experiencea super great experience
- interiorAesthetically speaking this spot is a gem, the interior gives off minimalist Japanese vibes
- shopping experienceThe shopping experience is gorgeous
- single person lunchprefer it as a single person lunch rather than a date night
- storefront aestheticThe aesthetic of the storefront is striking and beautiful.
- street parkingMetered street parking nearby
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere of this place is rather pretentious
- date nightrather than a date night bc it will lack the experience
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- seatingMy experience at this restaurant was focused on their high quality delicious sushi 🍣. It's important to note that they have no seating, takeout only, and they sell out in a few hours. The recommended dishes were the 10pc Omakase Nigiri and the 6 Negitoro Maki Combo.
- seating areaThere is no seating area
If youre after a visually stunning, minimalist spot for a quick takeout meal or a solo lunch, this place is a gem. However, be aware theres no seating, so it's not suited for a sit-down experience or a cozy date night.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot earns a 6.8 score, landing it firmly in the good category. Many guests, accounting for 24 positive remarks out of 36 total opinions, rave about finding it surprisingly affordable and offering incredible value for the price. They often highlight that its well worth it, providing restaurant quality at a much more reasonably priced point than competitors.
However, the customer satisfaction of 66.7% suggests a mixed bag, with 10 opinions noting concerns. Some find the pricing a bit on the pricey side, feeling its expensive compared to typical takeout, or that they expected the boxes to be cheaper. While acknowledging quality, a few weren't particularly impressed for the steep pricing, questioning the overall value.
Value
36
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great quality value
- Worth the price
- Surprisingly affordable
What people don't like
- Pricey for takeout
- Boxes too expensive
- Value not always clear
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was ridiculously good, and honestly, there's not much else to say. You really can’t get the Michelin-star quality they’re offering at sit-down restaurants for even close to the same price. I genuinely don’t know where the reviewers commenting on price go to eat fancy sushi.
- reasonably pricedI loved the take out concept! The food was extremely yummy and reasonably priced, especially if you make good choices. We got the salmon and tuna sashimi boxes (which are under a separate name in stores) and the total was under $90.
- valueFor the value and quality, Aji Kiji is definitely a great spot!
- affordablesurprisingly affordable
- omakase boxqualifies as an expensive lunch ($55/omakase box)
- price pointat a better price point
- restaurant qualityThis is definitely restaurant quality for 2/3 or 3/4 the price
- setit is relatively more affordable for good quality
- value for moneyvalue for money is outstanding
- value for the priceThe quality and value for the price are just incredible!
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was centered around a truly beautiful and carefully put together bento sushi. While the price is 3-4x typical takeout sushi, it's clear you're paying for quality ingredients and real care in the prep. Although similar bentos might be found for less in Japan's depachika, the cost of a plane ticket makes splurging here a worthwhile alternative.
- expensiveThough a bit expensive
- boxesI would’ve expected the boxes to be cheaper
- omakase 10 piece takeoutthe omakase 10 piece takeout for example is $54
- price pointmakes no sense at this price point
- pricey sideMy experience at this restaurant was unreal, offering a super great experience. While it is a bit on the pricey side, the value is definitely there, making it worth it. I had to wait around a year and showed up over 10 times due to everything being sold out, but I'm so happy I persevered!
- pricinghow steep of pricing they are charging for the boxes
If you're seeking high-quality sushi that feels like a splurge but at a more accessible price than fine dining, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared that while many find it a great deal, some might still perceive it as a bit expensive for takeout.
How are the prices at Aji Kiji?
You’re looking at roughly 50 per person – reported by 49 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests seem to agree, with prices clustering nicely around this average, suggesting a pretty consistent experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 49 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value for money stack up against similar spots in San Francisco?
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a consistent experience without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a mid-range meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Aji Kiji
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Salmon Combination Box
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I ordered the salmon combination box for lunch, and it was beautifully composed with several different preparations of salmon. The food was incredibly delicious, earning a perfect 5/5.
The service was also great, rated 4/4, and the atmosphere was pleasant, also rated 4/4. Parking was a bit tricky, described as somewhat difficult to find paid street parking, but there was no wait time. The price per person was between $20–30.
- salmon combination box10
- food10
- service8
- parking4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Outstanding Sushi Experience!
My experience at the restaurant was outstanding. We ordered 7 different kinds of sushi, including 8-piece omakase, bara chirashi, toro sashimi, fotomaki, and a hand roll. The entire package presentation was exceptional, and even the accompaniments like wasabi, pickles, soy sauce, chopsticks, and napkins were considered top quality.
This is a must-try for all Japanese sushi lovers.
- sushi9
- omakase9
- bara chirashi9
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Delicious Kaisen Don, Wish for More Wasabi
My experience at the restaurant began with a 10-minute wait before they opened, even though I was second in line. While waiting outside in the breezy, chilly shade, they kindly offered tiny cups of hot green tea. For my first visit, I chose the Kaisen Don (L), unsure when I'd return.
I was informed there would be a 30-60 minute wait to eat, so I took it back to my hotel room. The Uni and negi toro were my favorites, though I wished there was more wasabi. The pickled veggies were also really good.
The portion was so generous that I didn't need another meal for the rest of the day, only dessert (lol). I plan to try the 10pc Omakase Nigiri 6 Negitoro Maki Combo next time.
- hot green tea7
- Kaisen Don (L)8
- Uni9
- wasabi4
- wait3
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Expensive but Quality Omakase Lunch Treat
My experience at this restaurant was a nice treat. While it qualifies as an expensive lunch at $55/omakase box, it's significantly cheaper than a similar quality experience at a restaurant or even for takeout. My wife and I really enjoyed the quality of the sushi and the maki, as well as the pickles.
The lean tuna, flounder, striped jack, and salmon pieces were our favorites. I would recommend it for a special indulgence.
- omakase box7
- quality of the sushi9
- maki8
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
8
Great Omakase Value, Be Prepared to Wait
My experience was centered around a very good omakase for a good price. I arrived at 11: 45 and was able to get to the front of the line in 30 minutes. The restaurant sold out by 1: 30, so arriving early is key.
To secure your order, it's recommended to order on toast. The pickup and ordering lines are the same.
- omakase9
- price8
- lining up6
- sold out4
What Aji Kiji offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Aji Kiji?
At Aji Kiji, you can look forward to a casual and trendy atmosphere, perfect for both lunch and dinner. They also offer healthy options, ensuring a delightful meal for you in the heart of San Francisco’s Alamo Square.
Is Aji Kiji accessible and pet-friendly?
Yes, Aji Kiji features a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it welcoming for all guests. Plus, if you’re bringing your furry friend, dogs are allowed inside, adding to its friendly and inclusive appeal.
What is the overall verdict on Aji Kiji's dining experience?
Aji Kiji holds a good overall score of **7.4**, with customer satisfaction at **68.9%**. Its **Food** (8) is highly praised, and **Ambience** (7.2) and **Value** (6.8) are also rated well. However, **Service** (5.4) is an area that could see improvement.
What are some common challenges customers face at Aji Kiji?
Customers frequently encounter issues with items being sold out and report considerable wait times, even for pre-orders. There are also mentions of no seating being available and concerns regarding potential cross-contamination for shellfish allergies.
Is the sushi quality at Aji Kiji consistently good?
Yes, Aji Kiji is widely praised for its exceptional sushi and fish quality, with many highlighting the freshness, tasty rice, and thoughtful presentation. It’s often described as offering high-quality takeout sushi.