Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » An – San Francisco
An - San Francisco
Photo from An
An at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $91–$100
mentioned by 31 of the guests
#91 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#11 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
312
Reviews
91.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Sushi quality
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- Tip issues
- Food flaws
The Japanese restaurant An in San Francisco’s vibrant Japantown neighborhood offers you a truly authentic dining experience. You’ll find yourself immersed in a cozy and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a delightful dinner.
This spot is known for its thoughtful menu, featuring healthy options, small plates, and a selection of wine and beer. Whether you’re planning a special evening or just craving exquisite Japanese cuisine, An provides a welcoming setting with excellent table service.
Overview: Introducting An
An offers a delightful omakase experience, particularly noted for its super fresh sushi and delicate dishes. Guests consistently praise the warm, attentive service, which contributes significantly to a memorable meal.
The intimate setting also adds to the overall appeal. While the culinary journey is largely positive, some minor inconsistencies in certain appetizers or desserts have been noted.
Additionally, a few guests found the pricing to be on the higher side, despite many appreciating the overall value for the quality provided.
Excellent
8.8
out of 10
312
Reviews
91.3%
Satisfaction
14
negative
13
neutral
285
positive
An earns a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.8, indicating an excellent dining experience, further supported by an impressive 91.3% Customer Satisfaction. This positive sentiment is drawn from 312 customer remarks, with 285 positive observations outweighing just 14 negative ones.
The culinary offerings are a clear standout, with Food scoring an excellent (8.9). Service is exceptional (9.2), creating a welcoming atmosphere, while the Ambience (8.4) also contributes positively.
Value (7.4) is considered good, suggesting that while not the cheapest, the quality justifies the cost.
What people like
- Superb sushi quality
- Exceptional, warm service
- Excellent omakase value
What people don't like
- Tip calculation confusion
- Occasional food flaws
With a strong Recommendation Score of 9.1, An is certainly a place worth considering for a quality omakase experience. It delivers on its promise of fresh sushi and attentive service in a comfortable setting, making it a solid choice for those seeking a refined Japanese meal.
If you prioritize exceptional food quality and a friendly, intimate dining atmosphere, An is likely to impress. Just be mindful of potential minor inconsistencies in non-sushi items and clarify any billing details regarding suggested tips.
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Verdict: Our expert take on An
Food (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting an excellent score of 8.9 and an impressive 91.1% customer satisfaction. With 173 positive remarks out of 190, diners consistently rave about the incredible omakase options, the freshness and quality of the fish, and the delightful balance of flavors in every dish. It sounds like a culinary journey!
However, a small handful of 9 comments did point out some areas for improvement. A few experiences mentioned issues with the shari (rice temperature), occasional fishy or stale tastes, and even finding bones in nigiri. While these are isolated incidents, they're worth noting.
Food
190
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
9
negative
8
neutral
173
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional Omakase experience
- Fresh, high-quality fish
- Balanced, delicate flavors
What people don't like
- Occasional fishy/stale taste
- Rice temperature issues
- Bones in nigiri
Often praised
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The chef's omakase was a highlight, offering super fresh sushi and delicate, delicious dishes. The quality of the sushi is a remarkable steal for the price.
- foodI had a really enjoyable experience here a long time ago, so much so that I returned for a second visit. While I didn't take photos, I distinctly remember the food being delicious. This is a small establishment run by a lovely older couple; the husband is the sushi chef, and his wife manages the front of house.
- omakaseMy experience at this restaurant was that it is a worthy and friendlier successor to Ono. Just thinking about the omakase here makes my mouth water.
- fishThe setting was intimate and the service was excellent. I liked how they took the time to let you know exactly what fish was being served to you and whether or not to use soy sauce. The highlight of the meal for me was the A5 Wagyu nigiri.
- qualityThe chef was very accommodating, tailoring omakase for guests with dietary restrictions. While it's not a Michelin-star, mind-blowing experience, it's a place you can visit often without breaking the bank, and the quality is good. They provide really good quality and great service.
- sashimiThe sashimi of fish was fresh and soft. It could melt in your mouth.
- Japanese foodThe chawanmushi was the best I've had outside of Japan. If you love Japanese food, this is a must go.
- chawanmushiBest chawanmushi I've had
- nigiriThe first bite of food was incredible and set a high expectation for the rest of the meal. The fish and rice were spot on, offering a delightful mix of firm and buttery nigiri, with perfectly seasoned and firm rice. The tempura fried silver fish was particularly craveable.
- sakeWe also really enjoyed our sake
Frequently criticized
- appetizersthe appetizers and other parts of the omakase tasted weird
- bones in nigirithe fish still had two small bones
- fishysome were fishy or even stale
- green bean dishgreen bean dish fell a bit short
- omakasethe appetizers and other parts of the omakase tasted weird
- sharitheir shari was more on colder side
- stalesome were fishy or even stale
- strawberry rice cakeI recommend choosing Sasa instead. Their last course, a strawberry rice cake, had a very strong fishy taste. This suggests potential issues with knife or cutting board hygiene, or incorrect storage/preparation.
- wine vs sakeI urge diners not to be rude to the staff, as I've witnessed offensive and racist remarks directed at the chef, his wife, and their colleagues. It's important to remember that wine is not superior to sake, especially when enjoying sushi.
If you're seeking an exceptional culinary adventure, especially with omakase and fresh, high-quality sushi, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a tiny fraction of experiences noted minor issues, the overwhelming consensus points to a truly divine meal that will leave you satisfied.
Service (9.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this restaurant truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.2 and an outstanding customer satisfaction of 98.3%, guests consistently rave about the experience. Many of the 58 positive remarks highlight the incredibly friendly staff, the chef and his wifes personal touch, and the genuine omotenashi spirit, showcasing exceptional attention to detail.
However, even with such high praise, theres a tiny note for improvement. Out of 59 remarks, just one customer felt that the attention to detail could have been better. While this is an isolated comment, it suggests there might be a rare instance where the high standards aren't quite met, offering a small area for refinement.
Service
59
Reviews
98%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Personalized chef interaction
- Flawless service pacing
What people don't like
- Minor detail oversight
Often praised
- serviceWhile it's not a Michelin-star, mind-blowing experience, it's a place you can visit often without breaking the bank, and the quality is good. They provide really good quality and great service. My only complaint is that my friend found two small bones in one of his nigiri.
- chefMy experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. I had a great time chatting with the chef, and the service was incredibly friendly and attentive, making me feel right at home. The first bite of food was incredible and set a high expectation for the rest of the meal.
- experienceMy experience at Ayumi was simply the best. Our server, Ayumi, explained every detail with incredible knowledge, making for a truly fantastic experience. We will definitely be back for our anniversary.
- chefsThe chefs and the staff were wonderful
- reservationsPretty easy to make last minute reservations
- waitressThe waitress explains every course to you
- Chefasked the Chef to make what they think is best
- attention to detailattention to detail throughout the entire 2 hour experience
- chef and his wifeThe chef and his wife are the best!
- chef and wifechef and wife are both very passionate
Frequently criticized
- attention to detailyou’d expect much more attention to detail
If top-notch service is a priority for you, this restaurant is an absolute must-try. You can expect a warm, attentive, and personalized experience that consistently delights. It's a place where the staff genuinely cares, making it well worth a visit.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.4 and delighting customers with an excellent satisfaction rate of 95.2%. Based on 40 positive comments, guests consistently praise the cozy atmosphere, intimate sushi bar, and personal feel, especially enjoying the bar seating for an authentic, laid-back experience. However, out of 42 pieces of feedback, there was one minor point: a single comment noted that the tables weren't as ideal as the bar.
This suggests that while the overall vibe is fantastic, seating preferences might vary slightly.
Ambience
42
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, intimate vibe
- Bar seating experience
- Authentic, laid-back
What people don't like
- Tables not ideal
Often praised
- atmosphereGreat atmosphere and design
- placeI particularly enjoyed the sushi, which was great. It's a really nice little place, perfect for a special night out. I visited on a weekday about a year ago and still think about it.
- restaurantThe chief showed passion and experience in the food he made. While the restaurant itself is not fancy, it is clean, simple, and comfortable.
- experienceThe most amazing experience I've ever had
- settingThe setting is simple yet intimate.
- vibeintimate & laid back vibe
- ambienceGreat ambience
- attention to detailshows a real Japanese attention to detail
- barWe also added on waygu and unagi. The ambience was great, and sitting at the bar is recommended so you can see the chef in action.
- bar seatingIf you sit at the bar you get to see the chef work
Frequently criticized
- tablesThe tables weren’t as good
If you're looking for a small, intimate spot with a cozy, authentic vibe, especially if you can snag a seat at the sushi bar, this place is definitely worth a visit. It promises a personal and laid-back experience that most customers adore.
Value (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a 7.4 score, it's considered good, and while customer satisfaction sits at a 66.7% (a mixed bag), many find the price quality ratio unbeatable. Based on 14 positive remarks out of 21 total, guests frequently praise the great value and reasonable price, often calling it a steal for the experience, especially for omakase.
However, not everyone is entirely convinced. A few of the 3 negative comments point to concerns around suggested tips that include taxes, which can feel a bit misleading. Others felt that at a certain price point, they expected more attention to detail, suggesting that while generally good, it might not always meet higher expectations for the cost.
Value
21
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
3
negative
4
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unbeatable price quality
- Great value, experience
- Affordable omakase steal
What people don't like
- Tips include taxes
- Expect more detail
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was a casual and reasonably priced omakase sushi meal. The scallop nigiri and the chawanmushi were particularly memorable, truly standing out.
- valueReally good value for the food itself and the experience
- affordabilityThis one is very affordable
- choiceSolid choice in SF
- experiencethe experience is definitely worth it
- great valuea great value
- price quality ratioprice quality ratio is unbeatable
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price
Frequently criticized
- priceNot cheap
- price pointat this price point, you’d expect much more attention to detail
- suggested tipsThe suggested tips included taxes. Basically you pay tips for taxes if you go with their suggestion tips.
If you're looking for a solid price quality ratio and a generally affordable experience, especially for omakase, this place is definitely worth considering. Just be mindful of the suggested tips and manage your expectations regarding meticulous details at certain price points.
How are the prices at An?
On average, you’ll spend around 99 per person – from 31 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $91–$100 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, that’s definitely on the higher-end.
Interestingly, while the average is 99, most guests (28 out of 31) actually spent $101+ or more, indicating a premium experience rather than prices clustering around the average.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 31 most recent reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the pricing leans towards the premium side, we’d say it feels fair if the quality and experience truly deliver. For a higher-end Japanese spot in San Francisco, this pricing suggests a memorable meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about An
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
New family business with potential
I'm giving this place 5 stars because it's a new family business. The value is good, and I believe the new owners will eventually be able to carry on An’s tradition of providing access to seasonal fish at a reasonable price.
- value8
- seasonal fish8
- reasonable price8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Omakase Experience
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. I had one of the best omakases I’ve ever had! The ingredients were of top quality.
I will definitely come back!
- omakase10
- ingredients10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Intimate Gem with Fresh Fish
You just have to go and see for yourself. It's a small, no-frills restaurant with an intimate & laid-back vibe. The fish was very very fresh, some thoughtfully paired with special sauces, some without, but all delicious.
I highly recommend ordering one of the omakase!
- fish10
- special sauces9
- omakase10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Incredible Omakase Experience
My experience at the restaurant was absolutely incredible. The omakase experience was flawless, with the chef providing the perfect amount of information about each course. The preparation and pacing were also impeccable.
- omakase experience10
- chef10
- preparation10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Omakase, Great Value
My experience at this restaurant was amazing. The omakase was incredible, and everything was delicious. The venue itself is super casual and intimate, not trying to be fancy, which I appreciated.
It's run by an adorable husband and wife duo. We came hungry and left super full! It offers great value for SF omakase.
- omakase10
- venue8
- husband and wife duo9
What An offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at An | Japanese Restaurant?
At An | Japanese Restaurant, you can look forward to a cozy and trendy atmosphere, perfect for dinner. The menu features healthy options and small plates, complemented by a selection of wine and beer. Table service is provided, and dinner reservations are recommended to secure your spot in this popular Japantown eatery.
Does An | Japanese Restaurant offer accessible options and convenient parking?
Yes, An | Japanese Restaurant is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom. For parking, you’ll find a paid parking lot nearby, along with free street parking that usually has plenty of availability, making your visit hassle-free.
What is the overall customer sentiment for An?
An enjoys an excellent overall Restaurant Score of 8.8 and a Customer Satisfaction of 91.3%. Customers particularly praise the Food (8.9), Service (9.2), and Ambience (8.4), with Value also rated as good (7.4).
What makes the food at An stand out?
The food at An is highly regarded for its super fresh sushi, delicate dishes, and good quality. Many opinions highlight the firm and buttery nigiri, and the chawanmushi is frequently mentioned as exceptional.
Is An considered good value for money?
While some customers note that An is not cheap, the overall sentiment for Value is good (7.4). Many describe it as a reasonably priced omakase experience, offering great value for the food and overall experience.