Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Akari – San Francisco
Akari - San Francisco
Photo from Akari
Akari at a glance
San Francisco West SoMa
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 49 of the guests
#97 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#12 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
294
Reviews
89.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Cuisine
- Food Quality
- Friendly Service
Frequently criticized
- Limited Choices
- Service Delays
- Higher Price
The restaurant, Akari, is a delightful Japanese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant West SoMa neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic flavors.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed lunch or an intimate dinner, this spot offers a welcoming experience. With convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery, you can savor their delicious offerings however you prefer.
Overview: Introducting Akari
Akari offers a truly memorable dining experience, particularly for those seeking authentic Japanese food . Guests consistently praise the exquisite flavors and careful presentation, highlighting the freshness of ingredients and the overall high food quality .
The attentive staff also contributes significantly to a pleasant visit. However, some guests have noted limited options on the menu, and a few experiences suggest potential waiting time issues, especially if you’re in a hurry.
Despite these minor points, the restaurant generally provides a welcoming and wonderful atmosphere for enjoying a meal.
Excellent
8.8
out of 10
294
Reviews
89.1%
Satisfaction
16
negative
16
neutral
262
positive
Akari earns a strong overall 8.8 score, reflecting a highly positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at an impressive 89.1% , indicating that most guests leave pleased.
This solid performance is built on 294 customer opinions, with a clear majority of 262 positive remarks against just 16 negative ones, underscoring a generally well-received establishment. The Food truly shines with an excellent score (9.1), consistently impressing diners with its quality and authenticity.
Ambience (8.6) also contributes significantly to the pleasant experience, creating a comfortable setting. While Service (8.3) is rated well, and Value (7.7) is considered good, these aspects round out a consistently strong offering across the board.
What people like
- Authentic Japanese cuisine
- Exceptional food quality
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- Limited menu choices
- Potential service delays
- Higher price point
With a strong 9 recommendation score, Akari stands out as a destination for those seeking a genuine Japanese dining experience. If you appreciate carefully prepared dishes and attentive hospitality in a pleasant setting, this restaurant is certainly worth considering for your next meal.
However, be mindful that it’s not a place for a quick bite, and menu options might feel somewhat constrained for some. Plan for a leisurely visit to fully savor the offerings, and you’ll likely find it a rewarding choice for its distinct culinary approach.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Akari
Food (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.1 and customer satisfaction soaring at 92.6%, its clear diners are consistently impressed. Out of 190 opinions, a whopping 176 rave about the authentic Japanese food, high-quality ingredients, and culinary mastery, often highlighting the beautiful presentation.
Many feel transported back to Japan with every fresh and tasty bite. However, a handful of the 4 negative opinions mention a few minor points to consider. Some found the options a bit limited, wishing for more choice, while others noted that some small sides didnt quite hit the mark.
There was also a specific mention of the agedashi tofu being a little oily, but these seem to be isolated incidents amidst overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Food
190
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
4
negative
10
neutral
176
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Japanese food
- High quality ingredients
- Exceptional culinary mastery
What people don't like
- Limited menu options
- Small side portions
- Oily agedashi tofu
Often praised
- foodThe service was really great; the server was very attentive and checked in with us a lot. Though the food took a little while to come out, it was absolutely delicious. The fish was super fresh, and the side dishes were well seasoned, fresh, and delicious!
- appetizersI had the opportunity to enjoy Sukiyaki, one of the traditional Japanese hot pots, in San Francisco. From the carefully prepared appetizers to the rich, flavorful meat, every detail was exceptional. The owner provided a thorough and thoughtful introduction to the dishes, enhancing the dining experience.
- sashimiThe restaurant is run entirely by a husband-and-wife duo, and their dedication shines through in the thoughtful, seasonal food with an outstanding taste. We enjoyed the freshest sashimi, delicate tempura, hutomaki, sukiyaki with uni, and wagyu on a hot stone grill, among many other delights. I've never had Japanese food in the US that tasted as authentic as what I've experienced in Japan, until I came to Akari.
- fishThe staff is very kind and the food was fantastic. Each cut of fish was so good and melted in your mouth. Lots of effort was put into the plating.
- Japanese foodJapanese food in the US that tasted the same (and possibly better) than what I’ve had in Japan
- Japanese restaurantThe food was exquisite, with carefully presented dishes and delicate, authentic cuisine. I'm so happy to have discovered this place in SF; it's a phenomenal Japanese restaurant that you shouldn't miss. It has quickly become one of my top 3 in the city, and I will surely be back.
- SukiyakiI am glad we have a restaurant here in SF that serves authentic Japanese food with "Omotenashi-style" hospitality. I tried Sukiyaki. You find a restaurant rare in the US that serves this type of Japanese food.
- dishesMy experience at this restaurant was like being transported back to Japan! The food was exquisite, with carefully presented dishes and delicate, authentic cuisine. I'm so happy to have discovered this place in SF; it's a phenomenal Japanese restaurant that you shouldn't miss.
- food qualitythe food quality overall was incredible
- sukiyakiMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We enjoyed authentic Japanese sukiyaki, and even though we didn't opt for wagyu, the normal beef was incredibly tasty. The appetizers were Michelin-level amazing, truly a new hidden gem.
Frequently criticized
- agedashi tofuAgedashi tofu was a little oily
- choiceThe concept is cool, but I found it to be quite expensive with limited options. I felt I had very little choice in what I received. Specifically, paying $12 for 4 pieces of Karaage that weren't super tender felt very expensive to me.
- optionsyour options are limited
- sidesdidn’t love 2/4 of the (very) small sides
If youre seeking an authentic Japanese culinary experience with top-notch ingredients and masterful preparation, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor quibbles about limited options exist, the overwhelming sentiment points to an exceptional dining adventure you wont want to miss.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
Overall, the service here is quite impressive, scoring a solid 8.3 and boasting a strong 84.3% customer satisfaction. Based on 43 positive remarks out of 51 total, many guests raved about the attentive and friendly staff, often highlighting the owners personal touch and the great experience they provided. It seems they really go out of their way to make you feel welcome!
However, its not all smooth sailing, with 8 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. A few diners experienced extremely slow service and long waiting times, with some even noting issues with the host. It appears that if you don't have reservations, you might face a bit of a wait.
Service
51
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Friendly staff
- Great owners
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waiting time
- Host issues
Often praised
- serviceWhile the servers are attentive and sweet, the chefs put immense love and care into each dish, making it unsuitable for a quick bite before a show. It's the perfect spot to enjoy delicious food, sake, and wonderful service with friends over an hour or two.
- staffthe staff was super friendly and attentive
- ServiceService:5
- dining experienceFrom the carefully prepared appetizers to the rich, flavorful meat, every detail was exceptional. The owner provided a thorough and thoughtful introduction to the dishes, enhancing the dining experience. This is definitely a restaurant worth visiting and savoring!
- ownerFrom the carefully prepared appetizers to the rich, flavorful meat, every detail was exceptional. The owner provided a thorough and thoughtful introduction to the dishes, enhancing the dining experience. This is definitely a restaurant worth visiting and savoring!
- attentive staffthe staff is attentive
- chefsthe chefs put their love and care into each dish
- deliveryAmazing that they deliver too
- expectationsit really exceeded my expectations
- friendly stafffriendly, and goes out of their way
Frequently criticized
- servicethis is not the place to go for a quick “eat and run” meal
- hosthost literally just walking around talking to each other
- reservationsThey are not kidding about the reservations required part.
- timeLeft because waisted my time
- waitersWaiters and host literally just walking around talking to each other
- waiting timeWaited 20 minutes at the door
If youre looking for a place with genuinely warm and attentive staff, this spot is definitely worth a visit, especially if you appreciate a personal touch from the owners. Just be mindful of potential waiting times, particularly if you havent made a reservation, as that seems to be where things can get a bit tricky.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
The ambience here is a definite highlight, scoring a fantastic 8.6 with an excellent 90% customer satisfaction! Out of 30 comments, 27 praise the atmosphere, often describing it as warm and spacious, creating a relaxed vibe perfect for a date night or celebrations. Many also appreciate the cleanliness and calm, making it a truly inviting hidden gem.
Remarkably, there isn't a single negative mention about the atmosphere, which is quite rare! It seems this place has perfectly crafted an inviting and comfortable setting, ensuring every guest enjoys a peaceful and memorable experience without any complaints.
Ambience
30
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
0
negative
3
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, spacious vibe
- Perfect for dates
- Clean and calm
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere of the restaurant is wonderful
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was positive, despite a bit of rain. The ambiance was described as warm, cute, and authentic. I ordered the deluxe chirashi, and my friend ordered the Tsubaki.
- ambiencesuper friendly ambience
- conceptThe concept is innovative
- vibea relaxed vibe
- celebrationsPerfect for celebrations!!
- cleanliness and calmThe space itself is a haven of cleanliness and calm
- date nightmakes for a very special date night
- feelingIt has quickly become one of my top 3 in the city, and I will surely be back. The tea was also high quality (we had hojicha), and the place allowed for peaceful conversation and a relaxed feeling. I highly recommend it!
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If a great atmosphere is high on your list, this place is a must-try! You can expect a warm, inviting, and calm setting perfect for a relaxed meal, a special date, or celebrations. It truly excels in creating a memorable dining environment.
Value (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.7 which is quite good! Many guests, accounting for 16 positive remarks out of 23 total, rave about getting great price for money and an incredible value for such high-quality fare. Youll often hear it described as an affordable bistro offering a phenomenal omakase experience that truly surprises.
However, the customer satisfaction for value is a bit mixed at 69.6%, with a few voices (4 negative mentions) finding things a bit expensive or pricey. Some wished theyd price it better, feeling that certain items didnt quite justify the cost. It seems a small number of diners felt the value wasnt always consistent across the board.
Value
23
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Incredible value
- Affordable omakase
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Can feel expensive
- Wish priced better
Often praised
- priceIt’s truly a surprise for us! The food here is way above our expectations and the price is surprisingly affordable! They are serving very authentic Japanese fine dining cuisine Kaiseki for dinner.
- pricesprices are very reasonable
- affordable bistroCompared to those “fake” Japanese Omakase restaurants that just serve expensive food ingredients without even knowing the true Japanese culinary culture, this restaurant is just a gem. It feels like, they can definitely open an “Omakase” with the price of $300 per person with bar seat only for Tock/Resy fine dining reservation blah blah…BUT they decided to make it an affordable bistro for everyone who wants to experience the true Japanese cuisine. Go give it a try.
- great valueMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely delightful. I had their deluxe chirashi bowl and banana sake, which were both absolutely delicious and offered great value. The staff were incredibly helpful and took the time to explain all their recommendations.
- moneyWell worth the money
- omakase experiencephenomenal, affordable omakase experience
- price for moneyIt was one of the best I've had in San Francisco. The service was very nice and attentive, and overall, it offered great price for money.
- price pointat this price point, I’d say the price is very fair
- valueAkari is an incredible value
- value for such high-quality fareincredible value for such high-quality fare
Frequently criticized
- expensiveit’s expensive
- priceI felt I had very little choice in what I received. Specifically, paying $12 for 4 pieces of Karaage that weren't super tender felt very expensive to me. Overall, I'd consider trying it again, but I wish they'd price it better and at least be transparent about what fish you're getting each night.
- price it betterwish they’d price it better
- priceyPricey but does worth your money.
Overall, if youre looking for a place that delivers high-quality food with generally reasonable pricing, this restaurant is definitely worth considering. While a few found it a bit steep, the overwhelming sentiment is that you get excellent value, especially for unique experiences like their omakase. Go in with that expectation, and youre likely to be pleasantly surprised.
How are the prices at Akari?
You’re looking at roughly 77 per person – reported by 49 diners. That puts it in the $71–$80 category. For a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, thats comfortably mid-range, offering a good experience without breaking the bank.
However, dont be surprised if you see plenty of guests spending more; the data shows a significant number of diners enjoying more premium options, with many going well above 90 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 49 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 restaurant in San Francisco. It seems to offer options for a solid mid-range meal, while also catering to those looking for a more premium experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Akari
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Exceeded Expectations: Great Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. Everything was on point, from the service to the quality of food, its temperature, and the balanced flavors. The food itself was so good, and I was genuinely impressed with the entire experience.
I came here on a whim while in the area, and it really exceeded my expectations!
- service10
- quality of food10
- food temperature10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Reservation Required, No Service
My experience at this restaurant was unusual. The review states that reservations are required, and this was certainly true. At 7 PM, there were only two people in the restaurant, with multiple servers present.
However, without a reservation, we received no service. This felt a bit strange, especially since the restaurant was not full. I plan to update my review after securing a reservation.
- atmosphere3
- reservations2
- service1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Exceptional Sushi Experience
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding. I had the best sushi I've ever tasted in San Francisco. The fish was of incredibly high quality and prepared with masterful skill.
I was blown away by every dish, particularly the bento and the salmon chirashi. It was well worth the money.
- sushi10
- fish10
- preparation10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Phenomenal Food and Service!
This place is a gem. I stumbled in when another lounge was too full for lunch. Although it was deserted upon arrival and the prices seemed a little high, I was pleasantly surprised.
This place is phenomenal. The staff is very kind and the food was fantastic. Each cut of fish was so good and melted in your mouth.
Lots of effort was put into the plating. We came for lunch and enjoyed the salmon chirashi bowl and the bento box. We will definitely be back, and soon.
They also have live blue fin tuna cutting.
- food10
- fish10
- plating9
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Authentic Japanese Gem in SF
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely incredible! The food was so authentic, it felt like being in Japan. It's a must-try and has become my go-to spot whenever I'm in San Francisco.
I highly recommend reserving in advance to secure your spot.
- food10
- restaurant9
- Service10
What Akari offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options does Akari Japanese Bistro provide?
At Akari Japanese Bistro, you have several convenient dining options. You can enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner with table service, or opt for quick counter service. They also offer catering for your events, and you can easily get your favorite dishes via takeout or delivery. Reservations are accepted and recommended for your planning convenience.
Does Akari Japanese Bistro cater to specific dietary needs or accessibility requirements?
Yes, Akari Japanese Bistro is committed to inclusivity. You’ll find excellent vegan and vegetarian options on their menu, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone. Furthermore, the restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, making it a welcoming space for all guests.
What is Akari's overall rating and what are its strongest aspects?
Akari holds a strong overall score of 8.8. Its Food is particularly excellent (9.1), followed by a very good Ambience (8.6), solid Service (8.3), and good Value (7.7).
Does Akari offer an authentic Japanese dining experience?
Yes, many guests describe Akari’s cuisine as highly authentic, with dishes like sukiyaki and sashimi praised for their traditional flavors and careful preparation, often compared favorably to experiences in Japan.
Are there any potential drawbacks to dining at Akari?
Some diners have noted that menu options can be limited, and it’s not ideal for a quick meal due to potential service delays. Additionally, a few found the pricing to be on the higher side.