Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Akiko’s – San Francisco
Akiko's - San Francisco
Photo from Akiko’s
Akiko's at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 117 of the guests
#1305 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#107 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
576
Reviews
70.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh sushi
- Attentive service
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Cramped space
- Slow service
The restaurant, a Japanese eatery nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood, invites you into a cozy and authentic dining experience. At Akiko’s Sushi Bar, you’ll discover a menu rich with healthy options and small plates, perfect for a casual lunch or an intimate dinner.
This spot offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy expertly crafted dishes.
Overview: Introducting Akiko's
Akiko’s generally delivers a delightful experience, particularly noted for its fresh sushi and the attentive service from the staff. Many appreciate the culinary execution, which often shines through, contributing to a generally positive dining atmosphere.
However, be aware that the space can feel quite cramped, and the price point, especially for the portion sizes, has been a point of contention for some diners. This suggests a mixed perception of value, despite the quality of the food.
Good
7.4
out of 10
576
Reviews
70.5%
Satisfaction
127
negative
43
neutral
406
positive
Overall, Akiko’s earns a solid 7.4, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This aligns well with a 70.5% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from over 570 customer comments, with a clear majority of 406 positive remarks outweighing 127 negative ones, providing a robust foundation for these insights. Looking closer at the specifics, the Food (8) stands out as a strong point, consistently receiving high praise.
Service (7.7) also performs well, contributing positively to the experience. The Ambience (6.7) is generally considered good, though some find it a bit tight.
However, Value (4.2) is perceived as average, suggesting that while the quality is there, the pricing can be a sticking point for some.
What people like
- Delicious fresh sushi
- Attentive friendly service
- Cozy authentic atmosphere
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Cramped dining space
- Slow service instances
Akiko’s comes with a solid 7.8 recommendation score, suggesting it’s a place worth considering. If you prioritize exceptional sushi and appreciate a cozy, intimate setting with attentive service, this spot could be a good fit for you.
However, be prepared for a potentially snug dining experience and consider if the price-to-portion ratio aligns with your expectations. It’s a destination for quality food, but those sensitive to tight spaces or higher costs might want to weigh their options carefully.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Akiko's
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8 and a strong 80.6% customer satisfaction, its clear that many diners are thrilled. Out of 314 opinions, a whopping 253 rave about the fresh fish, delicious taste, and overall quality, especially the omakase experience, often describing it as spectacular.
However, not everyone leaves completely satisfied, with 48 opinions noting some areas for improvement. Concerns include small portions, occasional issues with the quality of fish, and even wasabi cross-contamination for those with allergies. Some also found the sushi rice' to be less than perfect, suggesting a bit of inconsistency in execution.
Food
314
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
48
negative
13
neutral
253
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, delicious sushi
- High quality fish
- Exceptional omakase
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Inconsistent quality
- Wasabi cross-contamination
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true hidden gem, a hole in the wall place that serves super delicious and fresh food. We traveled from Miami, FL, specifically because of the good reviews, and this place absolutely did not disappoint.
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I had the best sushi I’ve ever had. The staff were incredibly friendly, professional, and attentive to the customer, making the overall dining experience superb.
- fishThe fish that was served tasted fresh though
- food qualityMy experience included a spicy tuna roll and a california roll, along with gyoza and miso soup. The food was very tasty and of excellent quality. Despite the small size of the place, it's worth visiting.
- miso soupfavorite places in San Francisco for miso soup
- omakaseIt's an intimate restaurant, not the place for a livelier, louder atmosphere. I opted for the omakase, or chef's choice, and was impressed that each dish was unique. The service was amazing.
- FoodFood:5
- rollsI ordered the seafood udon, and instead of the soy sauce flavor I'm used to from Korea, it had a meaty broth taste. The rolls were clean, without any fishy taste or smell. The portion size for the rolls was a bit small for one person to eat, so ordering 3 rolls for 2 people would be about right.
- Miso soupEven the Miso soup was amazing
- Omakaseoffering an exceptional Omakase
Frequently criticized
- foodThe nigiri were sloppily presented, and the taste was just so-so. To make matters worse, the food was served too cold. Given the restaurant's ambition and price point, the quality of fish was far from good.
- nigiriI ordered the 12-piece nigiri and specifically confirmed multiple times that there was no wasabi due to an allergy. Upon the first bite, I could tell there was wasabi in the sushi, which my friend also confirmed. When I informed the restaurant, they were dismissive and claimed there was no wasabi.
- portionsHighly recommended, especially the special nigiri selection. The portions were quite small, however.
- sushiquite possibly the worst sushi I have ever had
- miso soupThe miso soup? Diluted to the point of existential crisis. Tasteless.
- Chefs DeluxeChefs Deluxe was far from deluxe and with mediocre choices
- FoodFood quality on this last occasion was disappointing
- SushiSushi are really small
- amount of saucethe amount of sauce on the side was insanely small
- avocado makithe avocado maki was terrible
If you're seeking fresh, high-quality sushi and an impressive omakase, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that portions can be on the smaller side, and there might be occasional inconsistencies in preparation.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The service here generally shines, with many guests raving about the attentive service and friendly staff. With a solid score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction of 78.6%, its clear that most experiences are positive. Reviewers frequently praised the helpful servers and how accommodating they were, often customizing orders and ensuring a delightful dining experience based on 77 positive remarks.
However, its not always smooth sailing. Some diners encountered issues like long wait time and feeling rushed at times, with a few mentioning slow or even impatient staff. Out of 98 total comments, 19 negative remarks suggest that while generally good, there can be occasional hiccups, particularly regarding transparency around tipping or oddly inconsistent service.
Service
98
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
19
negative
2
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, kind staff
- Prompt, great service
- Accommodating requests
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow, impatient staff
- Lack of transparency
Often praised
- serviceThe place is very small, and I sat at the counter. The sushi was fresh, and the service was great. I highly recommend making a reservation!
- staffstaff are running around you can tell they care
- ServiceThe kama was okay, but it came with a beautiful salad which was so fresh and fabulous that I would order separately – yum. Service was quick and polite, which is important to me. Presentation would be so easy to fix, but taste takes precedence above all else.
- serverMy experience at this delightful little spot for dinner was truly special. The chef’s special roll was delicious, and our server was so kind. It's a truly special place!
- attentive serviceDespite the smaller size of the rolls, the food was incredibly delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed the excellent food quality, attentive service, and the quirkiness of the space.
- employeesYou won't be disappointed with the sushi. The employees are super nice and very attentive. I highly recommend going here if you live in or ever visit San Francisco; you won't regret it.
- sushi chefthe sushi chef is very talented
- wait staffThe wait staff is very kind and accommodating
- BeckyBecky was so nice and attentive
- StaffStaff very friendly, professional and attentive
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by very slow service. It took a long time to get my order, and the staff were very slow.
- waiting timeLong waiting time for serving
- clarity and honestyI expect more clarity and honesty from a restaurant
- long timelong time to get your order
- owner warningOwner should have warned
- remorseThey had no remorse
- restaurantthey gas lit me and told me there is no wasabi
- rushedvery very rushed
- slowthey are very slow
- staff memberthe lady told me to move but I was already squished
Overall, if you value a friendly and attentive dining experience, this place is definitely worth a visit. While most guests enjoy excellent service, be prepared for potential wait times during busy periods, which might slightly temper an otherwise great experience.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a good note with a score of 6.7, though customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 55.6%. Many guests (69 positive opinions) absolutely adore the cozy place and intimate dining room, often calling it a hidden gem with a charming ambiance. Its celebrated for its unique, snug feel.
However, some experiences (32 negative opinions) point to challenges. The "small space" and "limited seating" can make it feel "loud" or that "tables are close together, " which might not suit everyone, especially larger groups. Its a trade-off for its intimate charm.
Ambience
124
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
32
negative
23
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, intimate atmosphere
- Charming, hidden gem
- Authentic sushi bar
What people don't like
- Very small space
- Limited seating capacity
- Tables too close
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was defined by its cozy atmosphere and excellent food. While it's a tiny restaurant compared to others I've visited in the US, it felt more familiar when compared to some places in Tokyo.
- placeIt's a very small but cozy place. They treated us very well and regarding the food, everything was spectacular.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere were excellent
- experienceThe space is a bit tight, so I wouldn’t recommend it for bigger parties. However, I went by myself and sat at the bar, and it was a nice and cozy experience.
- spotMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true hole in the wall spot with amazing sushi. The place is quite small, with only 12 chairs, contributing to a cozy atmosphere.
- fun little spotThe sushi is incredibly fresh, and the overall food quality is top-notch. I love this place; it's such a fun little spot. I'll definitely be back soon!
- authenticityI had what was probably the best sushi I've ever had. The place is small and cozy, offering an amazing atmosphere and authenticity beyond measure. I highly recommend it.
- charming ambianceand a charming ambiance
- cozy placeVery cozy place
- family owned restaurantThis is a great small family owned restaurant.
Frequently criticized
- spaceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially the sushi, which was very tasty and fresh. The space is a bit tight, so I wouldn’t recommend it for bigger parties. However, I went by myself and sat at the bar, and it was a nice and cozy experience.
- atmosphereNot the place if you’re looking for a livelier louder atmosphere
- restaurantvery small restaurant so there isn't a lot of seating
- tablestables are dirty
- bar areathe bar where we were made to sit was too crammed
- bathroomThe bathroom was in the basement
- dining experienceThere’s barely any seating in the restaurant, and we squeezed next to another couple who were unbearable. I wouldn’t recommend this place; it’s overpriced and doesn’t feel like a proper dining experience for the price.
- hear neighbors' conversationIt's possible to hear neighbors' conversation
- high chairsNo high chairs
- large groupNot good for a large group
If youre seeking a quaint, "hole in the wall" spot for an intimate meal, this place could be your perfect match. However, if youre with a large group or prefer spacious, quiet dining, you might find the tight quarters a bit challenging. It's best for those who appreciate a cozy, unique vibe over expansive room.
Value (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
Value
40
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
28
negative
5
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
Often praised
- pricealbeit a bit pricey it was 110% worth it
- affordabilityimpressed me was the affordability
- locationconsidering the location and the city, it's justified
- well-pricedThe space is SUPER tiny and no-frills, with probably 12 seats or fewer. Despite the small dining room, the sushi is incredible and fresh, and also well-priced. If you’re looking for good, simple, casual sushi, this is the place!
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The sushi was very good, but the portions were ridiculously small for the price. On the positive side, my server was fast and friendly.
- billAdd a pot of green tea and the bill crept just shy of $100 with tax and tip.
- pricesthe prices are unjustified
- valueWith a pot of green tea, the bill approached $100 with tax and tip. For the price in San Francisco, I expected a transcendent sushi experience, but instead, this was aggressively mediocre, and the value just isn’t there. I suggest you keep searching, as this isn't the place.
- auto 20% gratuityadded an auto 20% gratuity which wasn’t disclosed
- omakaseThe omakase can be expensive
- overpricedThere’s barely any seating in the restaurant, and we squeezed next to another couple who were unbearable. I wouldn’t recommend this place; it’s overpriced and doesn’t feel like a proper dining experience for the price.
- paying a fortuneTo make matters worse, the bar area where we were seated was too cramped for 4 people, which detracted from the overall enjoyment. I would still recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind paying a fortune for a small piece of heaven.
- portion for priceportion for price was a bit short
- price to value ratioPoor price to value ratio
How are the prices at Akiko's?
You’re looking at roughly 63 $ per person – reported by 117 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, prices are quite spread out, with many guests spending less, and a good number opting for more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 117 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, especially given the range of options available. It seems like you can tailor your experience to your budget here.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Akiko's
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Aggressively Mediocre Sushi Experience
I came in excited but left bewildered after my experience at this restaurant. I ordered the premium nigiri set, which included 12 pieces for $70 before tax. While the fish was passably fresh, it did not live up to the 'premium' description.
Each piece was served on a small blob of rice, noticeably smaller than traditional servings, making it feel like a sampler from someone still learning rather than a showcase of skill. The miso soup was diluted to the point of being tasteless. With a pot of green tea, the bill approached $100 with tax and tip.
For the price in San Francisco, I expected a transcendent sushi experience, but instead, this was aggressively mediocre, and the value just isn’t there. I suggest you keep searching, as this isn't the place.
- fish5
- premium nigiri set2
- rice3
- miso soup1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Charming Sushi Hole-in-the-Wall
My experience at this charming little sushi spot was wonderful. It's the perfect hole in the wall amongst busy and bustling streets. I can’t wait to wander past it again.
- sushi spot9
- hole in the wall9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Interesting Udon, Clean Rolls
I ordered the seafood udon, and instead of the soy sauce flavor I'm used to from Korea, it had a meaty broth taste. The rolls were clean, without any fishy taste or smell. The portion size for the rolls was a bit small for one person to eat, so ordering 3 rolls for 2 people would be about right.
- seafood udon5
- rolls8
- portion size5
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Udon and Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a really cute little spot with a menu offering lots of variety. I particularly enjoyed the udon, which was so so so good!
The service was also welcoming and efficient. I will definitely be back!
- menu variety9
- udon10
- service9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Absolutely Delicious Sushi, A Must-Visit!
I visited this restaurant a couple of months ago for a convention and found the food to be so delicious that I couldn't stop thinking about it. As someone from Toronto, I was really craving it. I recently returned to SF specifically for a trip with my family, primarily to dine here again, and it was just as delicious as I remembered.
The freshness of the food is incredible, and my love for this place is immense. In my 36 years of trying sushi worldwide, this establishment stands out as one of the best, even surpassing sushi I've had in Japan. I felt compelled to write a review for this hidden gem.
Honestly, if you don't like this place, you must be crazy! The staff is sweet, and I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, who was such a dear. While the place is small, I urge you to go.
It's simply amazing and delicious.
- food10
- freshness of the food10
- sushi10
What Akiko's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What service options and parking are available at Akiko's Sushi Bar?
Akiko’s offers flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, no-contact delivery, and curbside pickup. For parking, you’ll find paid parking garages and paid street parking nearby, usually with plenty of spots available.
What kind of dining atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Akiko's Sushi Bar?
You can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at Akiko’s, perfect for lunch or dinner with table service. The menu features healthy options, small plates, and vegetarian choices, complemented by a selection of wine and beer.
How does Akiko's rate overall?
Akiko’s holds a 7.4 overall score, with Food leading at (8), followed by Service (7.7), and Ambience (6.7). Value (4.2) is its lowest-scoring topic.
What can I expect from the food at Akiko's?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and fresh sushi, often highlighting the excellent quality of the fish and unique omakase options. Some opinions note that portions can be small.
Is Akiko's a good choice for groups or budget-conscious diners?
Akiko’s is often described as a small, cozy place, which might feel cramped for larger groups. While some find it well-priced for its quality, others feel the portions are small for the price, impacting its value.