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oChef » Big Fish House – San Francisco
Big Fish House - San Francisco
Photo from Big Fish House
Big Fish House at a glance
San Francisco Seacliff
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 50 of the guests
#310 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#38 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
282
Reviews
87.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh sushi
- Attentive staff
- Quiet ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- Order errors
- Poor service
The restaurant, a delightful Japanese eatery in San Francisco’s charming Seacliff neighborhood, offers a truly inviting experience. At Big Fish House, you’ll discover a cozy atmosphere perfect for a casual meal.
Whether you’re seeking healthy options or a selection of small plates, this trendy spot provides a welcoming setting for your dining pleasure.
Overview: Introducting Big Fish House
Big Fish House offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its fresh ingredients and a notably quiet ambiance. Many appreciate the warm, welcoming environment and the attentive staff, contributing to a comfortable visit.
However, some guests have noted occasional issues with waiting time for food and drinks, and a few found the atmosphere less engaging. Despite these minor points, the restaurant maintains a strong reputation for its culinary offerings and friendly approach.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
282
Reviews
87.9%
Satisfaction
30
negative
4
neutral
248
positive
Big Fish House earns a solid overall score of 8.4, reflecting a generally positive experience for many diners. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 87.9%, indicating that the vast majority of patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 282 customer observations, with 248 positive remarks outweighing 30 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Ambience scores well at (8.9), creating a pleasant backdrop for meals.
The Food also performs strongly at (8.4), often highlighted for its quality. Service is rated at (8), suggesting a competent and often friendly team, while Value comes in at (8.3), indicating that guests generally feel they receive a fair deal for their money.
What people like
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Welcoming, attentive staff
- Quiet, clean ambiance
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Order mix-ups
- Inattentive service
With a strong recommendation score of 8.7, Big Fish House is certainly worth considering for those seeking quality Japanese cuisine in a relaxed setting. The focus on fresh ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
While occasional service delays or minor inconsistencies have been noted, these appear to be exceptions rather than the norm. If you prioritize fresh food and a pleasant environment, this establishment is likely to deliver a good experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Big Fish House
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place truly shines, boasting a strong score of 8.4 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 88.3%. Guests consistently rave about the exceptional freshness and quality of the sushi and sashimi, with many highlighting the omakase experience and the melt-in-your-mouth double toro roll. Even the chicken wings and lunch specials receive high praise, reflecting a delightful culinary journey across 151 positive remarks.
However, not every dish hits the mark, as noted in 17 less favorable comments. A few diners experienced disappointment with sushi quality and perceived chef skills, citing uneven cuts and rolls falling apart. There were also isolated instances of an off taste in the tuna, incorrect beef udon orders, and a desire for more diverse vegetarian options, suggesting some areas for refinement.
Food
171
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
17
negative
3
neutral
151
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional fish freshness
- Outstanding Omakase
- Melt-in-mouth Double Toro
What people don't like
- Inconsistent sushi quality
- Limited vegetarian options
- Tuna off-taste
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! All the staff was super friendly, and even with big groups at other tables, we had great service and enjoyed our food. This place is a hidden gem, with both Japanese and Vietnamese menus.
- sushiThe sushi was incredible! Fresh and great tasting!
- fishThe Big Fish House imports much of its fish directly from Japan.
- Omakasemy incredible Omakase (19 items, 150$)
- double toro rollThe staff was friendly and nice, making the whole experience worth every penny. I tried the Japan Tai, the double toro roll, hamachi, and a few other dishes that just melted in my mouth! An update on 2/14/24: I still love this place!
- sashimiI recently tried their lunch bento box and was thoroughly impressed. I opted for the chicken katsu with sashimi, and the quality of the fish, as seen in the photos, was excellent. The portions were just right for lunch, and I appreciated the thoughtful extra touches like grated wasabi, a shiso leaf, and miso soup – unlike other lunch spots where miso is often optional.
- drinksmade us our drinks at the bar in front of us with a fun and unique variety of flavors
- ingredientsthe ingredients are really fresh and look beautiful
- lunch specialsThe service was good, and the food was also good. I was particularly impressed with their amazing lunch specials. I've tried a good portion of their dishes and have not been disappointed.
- miso soupmiso soup. Other lunch spots make the miso optional
Frequently criticized
- miso soupWe faced a long wait of an hour for the food, and to make matters worse, our orders got mixed up. I also never received the miso soup that was supposed to be part of my meal. It was a complete disappointment.
- rollsThe chef preparing the sushi clearly lacked basic skills. Pieces were cut unevenly, rolls were falling apart, and nothing looked professionally done. What shocks me the most is how this place has a 4.
- beef udonordered beef udon but I got Chinese beef noodle soup
- chef skillsOn top of that, the sushi quality was disappointing. The chef preparing the sushi clearly lacked basic skills. Pieces were cut unevenly, rolls were falling apart, and nothing looked professionally done.
- dishthen the wrong dish is delivered
- mealmiso soup that was part of my meal
- meatthe meat is cold, instead of lukewarm
- menuthe menu is also confusing
- off tastean off taste that kind of put me off
- sushisushi was a lot of imitation
If you're seeking incredibly fresh and high-quality sushi, especially the omakase or double toro roll, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While there are minor inconsistencies in some areas like sushi presentation or specific dishes, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests a truly delicious experience awaits.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
The service here largely shines, boasting a good score of 8 and a strong customer satisfaction of 80.3%. With 53 positive comments out of 66 total, guests consistently rave about the friendly and attentive staff, often feeling like family. Many highlight personalized recommendations and the genuine passion from team members like Julie, Wendy, and Judy, making for a truly welcoming experience.
However, not every experience is perfect. There are 12 negative comments noting instances of slow and inattentive service. Some guests reported waiting time for food and drinks, with orders getting mixed up or taken incorrectly, leading to frustration.
A few felt servers didnt pay enough attention, especially when the restaurant wasnt busy.
Service
66
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Personalized recommendations
- Made to feel like family
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Incorrect orders
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceI enjoyed the delicious and fresh rolls, and the vegetable tempura was also great. The prices are affordable, and the service is great.
- staffWendy, a longtime friend of Julie, was incredibly friendly and patient, providing great recommendations and drinks. The restaurant was always visited by regulars who knew the staff, contributing to the open space and great vibes. We stayed much longer than anticipated because it was so fun – I will definitely be back soon!
- ownerThe food was amazing, fresh, and delicious. Walking in, you are greeted by a wonderful woman, Julie, who is the owner. After our meal, we got the chance to talk with her about food and life.
- Judy and WendyJudy and Wendy took such good care of me
- JulieJulie... came by our table and we have a nice conversation
- Julie's excellent serviceThe restaurant has a very intimate setting with comfy seating, a sushi bar, and large tables, along with a healthy selection of drinks and sake. With Julie's excellent service, beautiful presentation, delicious sushi, and obvious ability to select the finest sushi, I give Big Fish House my highest recommendation.
- attentive staffattentive staff were very friendly
- customer serviceMy friends, family, and I have been loyal customers for years, starting with their sister branch, Kufuya. From the very first visit, the warm and welcoming environment, coupled with the incredibly great customer service, made us feel like part of the family. It's a small, privately owned, family business, which is always a plus.
- customersThey really care about their customers
- delightfully friendlythey were so delightfully friendly
Frequently criticized
- servicewaited 10 mins to just have our drinks after we ordered
- food deliverymy husband gets the food before me and I have to watch
- orderOrder was taken incorrectly
- ordersour orders got mixed up
- serverThe server was extremely loud, inattentive, and painfully slow
- serversalmost all servers didn't pay enough attention to eat in people
- staffWhen two people arrive at an empty restaurant, the staff is already overwhelmed! The order was taken incorrectly, my husband received his food before me, and I had to watch him eat.
- understandingThe menu is also confusing; it would be better to include photos with the sushi names. If you don't speak Japanese, they don't understand you.
- waiting timewaited for an hour for the food
Overall, the service here is a major highlight, with many guests feeling genuinely cared for. While a few isolated incidents of slow or inattentive service have occurred, the overwhelming sentiment points to a friendly and attentive team. You'll likely find a warm welcome and excellent care, making it well worth a visit.
Ambience (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to ambiance, this spot truly shines, boasting an excellent 8.9 score and an impressive 97.2% customer satisfaction! Many of the 35 positive comments rave about the warm and welcoming environment and great vibes, describing it as a clean, cozy, and authentic place perfect for celebrations or casual dining. Guests frequently highlight the intimate setting and quiet ambiance, making for a delightful evening.
However, out of 36 total pieces of feedback, there was one dissenting voice mentioning a boring atmosphere. This isolated comment suggests that while nearly everyone finds the setting delightful, a rare few might not connect with its particular charm.
Ambience
36
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, welcoming environment
- Cozy, authentic atmosphere
- Intimate, quiet setting
What people don't like
- Boring atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereIt was quiet :) There was no loud music, no loud sports game, only people's conversations.
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was truly outstanding. The staff were amazing, contributing to a great ambiance. I had some of the best sushi I have ever tasted.
- restaurantVery nice and clean restaurant
- accessibilitylarge entrance with the button for accessibility is great
- ambiencequiet ambience
- bartake a seat at the bar
- casual diningeven just for casual dining
- delightful eveningyou've got a delightful evening
- designlove the design of the restaurant
- environmentMy friends, family, and I have been loyal customers for years, starting with their sister branch, Kufuya. From the very first visit, the warm and welcoming environment, coupled with the incredibly great customer service, made us feel like part of the family. It's a small, privately owned, family business, which is always a plus.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereI can't believe this place has the rating it has. My experience was disappointing due to the boring atmosphere and a sub par sushi bar. Much of the sushi tasted like imitation.
If youre seeking a restaurant with a truly warm, welcoming, and intimate atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. With overwhelmingly positive feedback on its ambiance, its a safe bet for a delightful and quiet dining experience, perfect for any occasion.
Value (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a fantastic score of 8.3, its clear that guests feel theyre getting a great deal. In fact, customer satisfaction is an excellent 100%, showing everyone walks away happy with what they paid.
Based on 9 positive comments, terms like prices, Happy Hour, and cost and quality frequently pop up, highlighting the affordability and excellent balance between what you pay and what you get. Interestingly, there are no negative opinions or terms to report regarding value from the 9 total pieces of feedback. This means guests consistently find the pricing fair and the overall experience well worth the money, leaving no room for complaints in this area.
Value
9
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great cost-quality balance
- Excellent Happy Hour
What people don't like
Often praised
- Happy Hourordered during the Happy Hour
- businesssmall, privately owned business - family owned
- cost and qualityThe food is high quality, showing the owners' dedication to what they serve. There's a great balance of cost and quality, offering good value for money. I highly recommend the Omakase and especially their chicken wings.
- lunch special pricesGreat lunch special prices
- not expensiveWe enjoyed the rolls and nigiri, and everything was incredibly fresh and tasty. What was particularly impressive was that the food was also pretty not expensive. The service was also very nice.
- parkingdecently reasonable (for SF standards) to find parking
- priceit's a good price
- pricesPrices are affordable
- reasonable pricegreat food at a reasonable price
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place where your money goes a long way, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Guests consistently rave about the fair prices and high-quality offerings, making it a smart choice for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
How are the prices at Big Fish House?
You’re looking at roughly 41 per person – reported by 50 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, prices are quite spread out! While the average is 41, many guests enjoy more budget-friendly meals in the 11 – 30 $ range. Yet, a good number also opt for premium dishes, spending $71–$80 or even more.
It’s a place where you can tailor your experience, from a quick bite to a splurge!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 50 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, an average of 41 feels pretty fair. We think it offers good flexibility, allowing guests to choose between a more casual or a more indulgent experience. Its a solid choice if you’re looking for quality without necessarily breaking the bank, but also have the option to treat yourself.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Big Fish House
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
A Peaceful and Tasty Dining Experience
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly enjoyable. The food was tasty, and it took me a moment to pinpoint why I enjoyed it so much. The atmosphere was wonderfully quiet, with no loud music or sports games, allowing for pleasant conversations.
This peaceful environment is something I wish more establishments offered. I will definitely come back!
- food9
- atmosphere10
- quiet10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Sushi Gem!
What an incredible find! This place is a true hidden gem. The moment you walk in, you can feel the warmth and care that goes into everything.
From the friendly service to the beautifully crafted dishes. The sushi is exceptional. Every piece is fresh, perfectly cut, and bursting with flavor.
The sashimi, in particular, stands out for its amazing quality — tender, buttery, and so fresh it practically melts in your mouth. You can really taste the difference that comes from skilled preparation and top-notch ingredients. The owners clearly take pride in what they do, and it shows.
Service is attentive and genuine without ever feeling rushed. Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast or just looking for a cozy spot for dinner, this place delivers a fantastic experience every time. Can’t wait to come back — easily one of the best sushi spots around!
🍣
- sushi10
- sashimi10
- ingredients9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fantastic Fresh Sushi and Friendly Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The sushi and sashimi were incredibly fresh, and the portions were large. I was also very impressed with the super friendly staff.
I will definitely visit again!
- sushi and sashimi10
- portions9
- staff10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Terrible Service and Disappointing Sushi
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. The service was terrible; the server was extremely loud, inattentive, and painfully slow. We had to ask for absolutely everything, from water to chopsticks to napkins.
On top of that, the sushi quality was disappointing. The chef preparing the sushi clearly lacked basic skills. Pieces were cut unevenly, rolls were falling apart, and nothing looked professionally done.
What shocks me the most is how this place has a 4. 7 rating. After this experience, I honestly don’t trust Google reviews anymore.
Definitely not worth the time or money.
- service1
- server1
- sushi quality2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Beautiful Place, Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was truly beautiful, with plenty of delicious options. Today, we enjoyed edamame, a nigiri combo, the rainbow special roll, and a couple of rolls with avocado, cheese, and salmon. Everything was fresh and tasty.
We’ll definitely be coming back! ❤️
- edamame9
- nigiri combo9
- rainbow special roll9
What Big Fish House offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is parking available at Big Fish House in San Francisco?
Finding a spot near Big Fish House can sometimes be a bit challenging, as parking is usually somewhat difficult to find. However, you can often find free street parking or paid street parking options in the vicinity.
What dining and service options does Big Fish House offer?
Big Fish House offers flexible service options like dine-in, takeout, delivery, no-contact delivery, and curbside pickup. You can enjoy lunch, dinner, and dessert with table or counter service. They also accept reservations for your convenience.
How does Big Fish House generally perform?
Big Fish House holds an overall score of 8.4, with customer satisfaction at 87.9%. Its Ambience scores 8.9, Food 8.4, Service 8, and Value 8.3, indicating a consistently good experience across key areas.
What are the standout features of the food at Big Fish House?
Customers frequently praise the fresh, great-tasting sushi and quality fish, with many noting the excellent ingredients. Dishes like the Omakase and double toro roll are often highlighted for their quality.
What is the service experience like at Big Fish House?
The service is generally described as friendly and attentive, with staff often making guests feel welcome. However, some patrons have reported occasional long waiting times for food and drinks, and instances of mixed-up orders.