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oChef » Ariake – San Francisco
Ariake - San Francisco
Photo from Ariake
Ariake at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 38 of the guests
#259 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#23 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
349
Reviews
88.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh sushi
- Friendly service
- Cozy ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- High cost
- Rude staff
The restaurant Ariake is a delightful Japanese restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Richmond District. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic Japanese flavors.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner, you can settle in for a relaxed meal. This spot offers a welcoming environment, making it a great choice for unwinding.
Overview: Introducting Ariake
Ariake offers a generally positive dining experience, often highlighted by its fresh fish and quality sushi selections. Many appreciate the dedicated kitchen team and friendly staff who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.
However, some diners have noted occasional challenges. While the overall experience is strong, there are instances where service can be slow, and a few find the price a bit steep for certain items.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
349
Reviews
88.3%
Satisfaction
29
negative
12
neutral
308
positive
Ariake maintains a solid reputation, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 8.5 and a high Customer Satisfaction of 88.3%. The Food (8.6) consistently earns high marks for its quality, while Service (8.8) stands out for its attentiveness.
These strengths are evident across 308 positive remarks from 349 total comments. The Ambience (8.3) also contributes positively to the dining experience, creating a comfortable setting.
While Value (7.4) is still considered good, it receives some mixed feedback, with 29 negative comments occasionally pointing to concerns about pricing or service delays during busy periods.
What people like
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Attentive, friendly service
- Inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Service can be slow
- Perceived high cost
- Occasional rude interactions
Ariake presents itself as a reliable choice for those seeking well-prepared sushi and a pleasant dining environment. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.7, it generally delivers on its promise of quality.
If you prioritize fresh ingredients and attentive care, Ariake is worth considering. Be mindful that during peak times, service might test your patience, and some items may feel a bit expensive, but the overall experience often justifies it.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ariake
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot is clearly hitting all the right notes! With a fantastic score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction soaring at 89.6%, it's no surprise that diners are raving. Out of 222 customer remarks, a whopping 199 were glowing, frequently praising the exceptional freshness, overall quality, and the diverse sushi and omakase selections.
Many found the food to be delicious, high-quality, and a true culinary delight. However, not every bite was perfect, as 18 comments pointed out a few areas for improvement. Some found the tempura to be mediocre, while others noted issues with the sushi rice or chewy seaweed in their rolls.
A few felt certain items, like the live scallop, were overpriced for the quantity, suggesting some dishes might not always meet expectations for value or execution.
Food
222
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
18
negative
5
neutral
199
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional sushi
- High quality fish
- Great omakase
What people don't like
- Mediocre tempura
- Chewy seaweed
- Disappointing sushi rice
Often praised
- sushiI’ve been coming here for years and love this family-run business! They are always friendly and welcoming, and the sushi is very fresh and tasty. I recommend the 49ers roll and the muguri mango.
- foodI sat at the bar with my wife. We received excellent service and enjoyed excellent food. I would definitely recommend this place and would go again.
- fishThe various toro selections were incredible. The omakase offered incredible value at just $100, especially considering they fly fish in from Japan twice weekly. Chef Jin, who trained the Kabuto chef down the street, prepared everything perfectly seasoned, so much so that I never touched the soy sauce.
- qualityMy experience at Ariake was very positive. While sushi restaurants are often expensive, Ariake offers a variety of fish and very good quality at a reasonable price for the quality provided. I enjoyed dishes like Hirame, Kampachi, Aji, and Iwashi.
- sashimiI love this place! While I admit I'm a bit biased because I know the family that owns the restaurant, they consistently serve good and fresh sashimi. I highly recommend getting the omakase; you won't be disappointed.
- Dragon RollRecommend Dragon Roll
- FoodFood:5
- TatakiChef Jin's Omakase selection is amazing every time. Other standouts include the Fire Cracker, Tataki, Live Scallop, and Dynamite roll. Even though I no longer live in the City, I never miss a chance to stop by for lunch when I visit.
- ToroRecommended dishes:Toro
- attention to detailI had the best sushi ever. The flavors are amazing, and the attention to detail is on point. It's a must try, and I guarantee you'll be hooked!
Frequently criticized
- tempuraI could do without the tempura
- appetizerordered an appetizer but it didn't come until after everything else
- dinnerThe service was incredibly slow, taking forever even though there were few patrons and many chefs available. One of our group ordered an appetizer, but it arrived after everything else, and his dinner came last, which was unfortunate as he was the hungriest.
- edamameedamame was way overcooked it was like mush
- fishfish just wasn’t at the level I’d expect
- flavor of magurothe flavor of the maguro was not up to par
- live scallop sashimi$20 for the live scallop. It was really just one scallop
- quality of foodTo be honest, I was a little disappointed. Perhaps my friend oversold it, but otherwise, I found it too pricey for the quantity and quality of food. We ordered the ankimo appetizer, live scallop sashimi, toro sushi, anago sushi, and a hamachi mango roll.
- quantityTo be honest, I was a little disappointed. Perhaps my friend oversold it, but otherwise, I found it too pricey for the quantity and quality of food. We ordered the ankimo appetizer, live scallop sashimi, toro sushi, anago sushi, and a hamachi mango roll.
- rice in nigirithe rice in the nigiri was disappointing
If youre seeking fresh, high-quality sushi and an excellent omakase experience, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few specific items might not always hit the mark, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youre in for a treat.
Service (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines with an impressive score of 8.8 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 92.1%. Guests consistently rave about the incredibly friendly staff, especially Chef Jin and his family, who create a welcoming atmosphere. Many appreciate the personalized interactions and the exceptional attention to detail, making every visit feel special, as noted in 58 positive remarks.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. A small number of 5 negative comments point to occasional slow service, particularly during peak hours, which can lead to longer wait times for orders. There was also a rare mention of an owners perceived arrogance, including one instance of a raised voice, suggesting some inconsistency in customer service.
Service
63
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Personalized interactions
- Exceptional attention
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Owner's arrogance
Often praised
- serviceservice Very good. Had a big group n they did a good job
- staffIt's a super lovely little sushi spot with an excellent selection of fish and menu. The professional chefs and wonderful staff contribute to a cozy atmosphere. I enjoyed sharing some delicious Tataki, a Lion King Roll, and a Dragon Roll.
- ServiceService was friendly
- chefsIt's a super lovely little sushi spot with an excellent selection of fish and menu. The professional chefs and wonderful staff contribute to a cozy atmosphere. I enjoyed sharing some delicious Tataki, a Lion King Roll, and a Dragon Roll.
- JinJin, David and everyone so welcoming
- Chef Jin and his familyprivately served by chef Jin and his family
- Chefsnice Chefs
- DavidJin, David and everyone so welcoming
- David our serverDavid our server took excellent care
- Jin and familyJin and family is very friendly
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceNice customer service. The arrogance wow.
- getting your ordergetting your order can take a very long time
- ownerowner (I assume) raised his voice and said you don’t like it? Get out!
- peak hourstake a very long time around peak hours
- serviceservice was slow and took forever
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and personalized service, this restaurant is a fantastic choice, often highlighted by the familys warm welcome. Just be mindful that during peak hours, service can occasionally slow down, so plan accordingly for the best experience.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot really shines! With a strong score of 8.3 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 83.7%, its clear most folks are loving the atmosphere. Many describe it as a "neighborhood restaurant, " a "cozy place, " or even a "hidden gem" with "great vibes.
" Out of 43 total comments, a whopping 36 were positive, highlighting its welcoming feel and charming setting. However, its not entirely perfect. A couple of the 43 comments, specifically 2 negative ones, did mention a slightly weird smell in the place.
While these are minor points compared to the overall positive feedback, its something to keep in mind if youre particularly sensitive to such things.
Ambience
43
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
2
negative
5
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, welcoming atmosphere
- Great neighborhood spot
- Hidden gem vibes
What people don't like
- Slightly weird smell
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's a super lovely little sushi spot with an excellent selection of fish and menu. The professional chefs and wonderful staff contribute to a cozy atmosphere. I enjoyed sharing some delicious Tataki, a Lion King Roll, and a Dragon Roll.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- hidden gemTo finish, I had a tasty slice of green tea cheesecake and hot green tea. I can't believe it took me this long to find this hidden gem. I look forward to coming back!
- Great placeGreat place
- barLove sitting at the bar
- birthdaywe were treated marvelously
- classicA Richmond district classic.
- cozy placeCozy place
- date nightfor a date night
- decorsThe decors of this sushi shop some how made me felt like I was in Japan
Frequently criticized
- placeEl sitio deja un poco que desear
- smellHad a slightly weird smell to it
If you're looking for a cozy, welcoming spot with a great atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. The positive vibes and charming setting seem to outweigh the minor concerns, making it a solid choice for a relaxed outing.
Value (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, guests are generally quite pleased! With a good score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 71.4%, its clear many feel theyre getting a good deal. Many rave about the unbeatable prices and reasonable price for the quality received, especially for omakase, with 15 positive comments highlighting this.
However, its not a perfect score for everyone. A few diners, 4 to be exact, found the experience a little on the pricy side or felt the cost was a bit high for the quantity. While not a major concern, its worth noting that some found it a bit spendy compared to their expectations.
Value
21
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great quality for price
- Unbeatable prices
- Omakase offers value
What people don't like
- Can feel pricey
- Cost felt high
Often praised
- priceThey have Sake and Sapporo available. I felt the price was fair.
- pricesOur group of three visited for lunch and found the experience to be quite good overall. The prices were reasonable, and the sashimi was of very high quality, featuring super fresh fish. We also enjoyed the good eel.
- omakaseincredible value for the omakase just $100
- pricingSolid rolls with good pricing
- qualityThe quality is very much worth the price
- reasonable pricesuch a reasonable price
- unbeatable pricesfairly unbeatable prices for their size
Frequently criticized
- costthe cost felt a bit high
- priceTo be honest, I was a little disappointed. Perhaps my friend oversold it, but otherwise, I found it too pricey for the quantity and quality of food. We ordered the ankimo appetizer, live scallop sashimi, toro sushi, anago sushi, and a hamachi mango roll.
- pricy sidea little on the pricy side
- spendyA little more spendy than I’m used too
Overall, if you're looking for good quality at what most consider a fair price, especially for omakase, this spot is definitely worth checking out. While a few found it a bit pricey, the vast majority agree it offers solid value for your money.
How are the prices at Ariake?
On average, you’ll spend around 62 per person – from 38 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the price distribution, its clear that while the average is 62, theres a good mix of options. Many diners find great value in the $41–$50 range, but there are also more premium experiences available, reaching into the $81–$90 and even higher categories.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 38 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the diverse price points available and its position as a mid-range Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair. There are options for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ariake
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Omakase Value and Quality
My experience at this amazing little spot was truly special. I had the pleasure of being privately served by Chef Jin and his family, who provided very high-quality fish. I especially enjoyed the liver appetizer and miso soups, which were new to me.
The various toro selections were incredible. The omakase offered incredible value at just $100, especially considering they fly fish in from Japan twice weekly. Chef Jin, who trained the Kabuto chef down the street, prepared everything perfectly seasoned, so much so that I never touched the soy sauce.
I highly recommend this restaurant and will be back soon. Thanks, Chef!
- fish9
- liver appetizer9
- miso soups9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Sushi, Great Experience!
I really enjoyed my experience at this restaurant. The sushi was delicious, and even the classic California roll was a standout. Thanks a lot!
- sushi9
- California roll9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Tasty Food, Small Spot with a Weird Smell
My experience at this restaurant was primarily positive due to the food, which was very tasty. I visited during the week, so it was quite empty. The establishment is a small little spot, but it was well maintained.
However, there was a slightly weird smell upon entering.
- food10
- spot6
- smell3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Ariake: A Long-Standing Favorite
My family and friends have been coming to Ariake for over 20 years. The food is great, the service is great, and the sushi is the star of the show. While it's mildly pricey, it's not expensive when you consider the cost of living these days.
Ariake never disappoints. Some of our favorites include the spicy QP roll and the Maguro Mango roll. Enjoy!
- food9
- service9
- sushi10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Best Sushi in SF - A Decade of Deliciousness
My experience at this restaurant has been consistently outstanding for over 10 years. The quality of the sushi is top-notch, and the amount of fish per nigiri is unmatched. The selection is amazing, and it's clear the chef, with 26 years of experience, truly knows what he's doing.
If you're a sushi lover, especially of raw sushi, you absolutely must try this place!
- sushi quality10
- amount of fish10
- selection9
What Ariake offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Ariake in San Francisco?
At Ariake, you can enjoy a cozy and casual dining experience with table service available for lunch and dinner. They also offer delicious desserts. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, you’ll find comfortable seating options to suit your needs.
Does Ariake offer convenient service options and accessibility features?
Yes, Ariake provides flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery for your convenience. The restaurant is also wheelchair accessible, with both a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests. High chairs are available for children.
What is Ariake's overall standing among diners?
Ariake holds a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.5, with Customer Satisfaction at 88.3%. Its Food (8.6) and Service (8.8) are particularly well-regarded, followed by its Ambience (8.3) and Value (7.4).
What kind of food experience can I expect at Ariake?
Diners frequently praise Ariake for its fresh fish and quality sushi, with many highlighting the omakase as offering good value. The attention to detail in preparation is also often noted.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Ariake?
Some patrons have noted that service can occasionally be slow, particularly during peak hours. There are also mentions of the price being on the higher side for some, though others find it fair for the quality.