Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » ChÄ«sai Sushi Club – San Francisco
Chīsai Sushi Club - San Francisco
Photo from Chīsai Sushi Club
Chīsai Sushi Club at a glance
San Francisco Bernal Heights
- š£ Japanese Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $91ā$100
mentioned by 67 of the guests
#400 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#40 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
473
Reviews
84.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Sushi quality
- Attentive service
- Omakase value
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Parking difficulty
- Billing errors
The Japanese restaurant ChÄ«sai Sushi Club in San Francisco’s charming Bernal Heights neighborhood offers you an upscale and romantic dining experience. You can expect a cozy and quiet atmosphere, perfect for a special evening out.
This trendy spot is known for its exquisite small plates, healthy options, and a carefully curated selection of wine and beer. It’s a destination where you can truly savor authentic Japanese flavors.
Overview: Introducting Chīsai Sushi Club
Chīsai Sushi Club offers a compelling omakase experience, frequently praised for its inventive food and the attentive service provided by its knowledgeable chefs. Guests often highlight the fresh fish and creative preparations, making for a memorable meal.
However, some diners have noted occasional inconsistencies in service execution, such as feeling rushed or billing errors. While the intimate ambience is generally appreciated, finding parking can sometimes be a challenge in the area.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
473
Reviews
84.4%
Satisfaction
53
negative
21
neutral
399
positive
Chīsai Sushi Club earns a solid overall score of 8.3, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 84.4%, indicating that most patrons leave pleased.
This assessment is built upon 473 customer observations, with 399 positive remarks outweighing 53 negative ones. The culinary offerings truly shine, with Food scoring an impressive (8.5), often described as exceptional in quality and flavor.
Service also receives high marks (8.5), praised for its warmth and informative staff. The restaurant’s Ambience (7.8) provides a cozy setting, and guests find the Value (7.1) for the omakase experience to be quite reasonable.
What people like
- Exceptional sushi quality
- Attentive, knowledgeable service
- Great omakase value
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service execution
- Parking can be challenging
- Billing errors reported
If you’re seeking a high-quality omakase experience that delivers on both taste and attentive care, ChÄ«sai Sushi Club is certainly worth considering. The inventive dishes and dedicated chefs create a truly engaging meal, often exceeding expectations for its price point.
With a strong recommendation score of 8.7, it’s a place that generally leaves a lasting positive impression. Just be mindful of potential parking difficulties and perhaps double-check your bill, but don’t let these minor points deter you from a delightful sushi journey.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Chīsai Sushi Club
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.5 and customer satisfaction at a high 85.7%, the culinary experience here is generally good to excellent. Based on 293 customer remarks, with 251 positive and only 26 negative, guests rave about the incredible flavors, the exceptional quality of the fish, and the overall omakase experience, including impressive vegan options.
However, a few diners noted some challenges, such as a perceived imbalance in flavors or dishes being over flavored. There were also occasional comments about loose rice and a lingering fishy aftertaste in some pieces, suggesting that while generally superb, consistency might sometimes vary.
Food
293
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
26
negative
16
neutral
251
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional fish quality
- Innovative flavor combinations
- Outstanding vegan omakase
What people don't like
- Occasional loose rice
- Some dishes over-flavored
- Imbalance in flavors
Often praised
- foodI truly feel that Chisai is a top three omakase experience in the bay area without even considering price. Throughout the tasting menu, I was not disappointed by a single bite. The chef and waitstaff guide you through a culinary journey and I think I would be hard-pressed to find someone who would not enjoy themselves here.
- omakaseThe selection of sake was wonderful, and the staff were both friendly and knowledgeable. I was particularly impressed that they offer a fully vegetarian omakase option, which my vegetarian friend thoroughly enjoyed and praised. To find the place, just follow the fish on the sidewalk.
- FoodI would give 10 stars if I could
- fishThe service was fantastic, and the food was absolutely incredible. I couldnāt stop telling my partner how amazing every single piece of fish was. Every bite was artfully designed with a lovely balance of flavor, texture, and temperature contrast, and the quality shined brightly through the whole experience!
- flavorsI had a really great experience at this restaurant! The fish quality was incredible and the flavors were interesting. The uni toro hand roll was so fresh and delicious, I almost ordered a second one but got too full.
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was really fun! It's a casual omakase with uniquely and deliciously prepared sushi. Everything was outstanding.
- nigiriMy experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. The presentation of the omakase was exceptional, and the matched taste profiles for each round of nigiri were outstanding. I've traveled to Japan specifically seeking sushi of this caliber and never found it there.
- qualityWhat a treasure of quality this restaurant is.
- OmakaseIt's Omakase not advertised whole in the hole amazing sushi place
- dessertThe dessert was absolutely divine
Frequently criticized
- dessertOnly thing that wasn't outstanding was the dessert
- aftertastefishy aftertaste is strong
- creativitylacks creativity
- dessert coursethe dessert course didn't match up to the standard
- fancy looking saucecelebrate fish not some fancy looking sauce.
- fishFish not very fresh
- fish and condiment pairingschallenge lies in the fish and condiment pairings
- food qualityThe seasoning was overwhelming, which was not ideal for someone who appreciates traditional Japanese sushi flavors. When I brought the poor food quality to the waiter's attention, there was no acknowledgment from the restaurant; they simply acted as if they hadn't heard me. I would advise saving yourself some disappointment and going somewhere else.
- ice creamIce cream was a little too sweet
- imbalance in flavorssense some imbalance in flavors
If you're seeking an innovative omakase experience with high-quality fish and creative vegan options, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that a few dishes might occasionally lean towards being over-seasoned or have minor textural inconsistencies.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
The service here truly stands out, earning a strong 8.5 score and a fantastic 89% customer satisfaction rate. With 73 positive remarks out of 82 total, guests consistently praise the friendly chefs, knowledgeable staff, and amazing service, which contribute to a great overall experience. Many highlight the warm, informative interactions and the attentive pacing of meals.
However, not every experience was perfect, with 9 negative opinions noted. Some guests mentioned long wait times between courses, issues with water not being refilled, or even receiving wrong checks. A few also felt rushed at the end of their meal, which can certainly put a damper on an otherwise good visit.
Service
82
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Attentive, amazing service
- Great overall experience
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Service inconsistencies
- Felt rushed
Often praised
- serviceThis meal ranks among my top 5 of the year. The service was warm and informative, with the Chef providing detailed explanations of each dish's preparation and patiently answering all my questions. The menu is brilliantly creative, showcasing unexpected Omakase ingredients like tomatoes, leek, and asparagus, making them shine like never before.
- staffIt was my first time visiting this past weekend, and we were celebrating a birthday. The staff was so kind to greet the celebrant with a happy birthday. The fish is amazingly fresh, and the chefs are true sushi masters who put a lot of love into their food.
- ServiceService:5
- chefOur chef was Nao... he was so kind, great to talk to
- sushi chefour sushi chef and they made celebrating our anniversary really memorable
- chefsMy friend and I went for a 6pm dinner and were seated at the sushi bar, which has only around 15 seats. We ate some incredible fish, and you can tell that the chefs care deeply about their work. If there was one request, I hope they can eventually stock some hot sake!
- experienceAn amazing experience all around!
- reservationmake sure you make a reservation
- Chefwith the Chef describing in detail the process
- DarrenWithout fail, this is our favorite sushi place in SF. I highly recommend sitting at the bar top for the experience, and Darren is always our favorite chef to sit by as heās knowledgeable, friendly, and an incredible chef. The omakase menu makes life easy because you donāt have to think ā every single piece is dressed to perfection.
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice from our waitress was minimal
- ChefChef got personal with the diners; this was not the case whatsoever
- seatsThey also forgot the dessert, the last course, until I reminded them. To top it off, as we were waiting for our Uber, the chef reminded us that another party was waiting for our seats, implying we should leave. I've never been asked to leave early, especially when the restaurant made initial mistakes with our bill and dessert.
- sushi chefsushi chef rushed us to leave
- wait timewait time in between courses were very long. Sometimes 20 minutes between sets of nigiri.
- waiterThe seasoning was overwhelming, which was not ideal for someone who appreciates traditional Japanese sushi flavors. When I brought the poor food quality to the waiter's attention, there was no acknowledgment from the restaurant; they simply acted as if they hadn't heard me. I would advise saving yourself some disappointment and going somewhere else.
- water refilledDidnāt get water refilled
- wrong checksseveral tables getting the wrong checks
Overall, the service is a major highlight, making for a memorable visit. While there might be minor inconsistencies, the friendly and attentive staff generally ensure a great experience. If you value excellent hospitality, this place is definitely worth a try.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.8 score and a solid 78.9% customer satisfaction. Many diners rave about the cozy atmosphere, quiet noise level, and casual vibe, making it a great intimate setting for a memorable experience. With 56 positive remarks out of 71 total, its clear the restaurants unique charm resonates well with guests.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Some customers noted challenges with the neighborhood and parking, which can be a bit difficult. While generally quiet, the small space can occasionally lead to a bit of noise, as mentioned in 10 negative opinions.
These are minor points, but worth considering for your visit.
Ambience
71
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
10
negative
5
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, intimate atmosphere
- Quiet, easy to talk
- Great dining experience
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Less desirable neighborhood
- Can be noisy
Often praised
- atmosphereI had the best omakase Iāve ever tasted, surpassing even places that receive significant hype. The atmosphere was small and cozy, and dining at the bar provided a great experience. The flavors were truly unique.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- ambianceThe ambiance was nice inside, very different than the exterior of the establishment.
- experienceThis was an excellent experience
- settingSmall intimate setting
- ambiencehole in the wall ambience
- bar or tableYou have a choice to seat in bar or table
- bar seatingrecommend sitting at the bar to get the full omakase experience
- bar tophighly recommend sitting bar top for the experience
Frequently criticized
- parkingChisai Sushi Club is a tiny, unassuming spot that packs a powerful punch. While parking can be a bit of a challenge, it's well worth the effort. Their omakase experiences are truly exceptional.
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- ambiancedonāt expect a traditional Japanese ambiance
- atmospherethe location and atmosphere need to better
- locationthe location and atmosphere need to better
- meat/fish prepI wholeheartedly recommend this place 10/10 for its food, service, and vibes. We would, however, love to be seated at a spot away from the meat/fish prep area, while still being able to see our vegan preparations being made, as observing the preparation is also a key part of the omakase experience.
- neighborhoodThe service was even better. Unfortunately, itās located in a less desirable neighborhood. Overall, it's a must try!
- noiseThe dessert was absolutely divine, and I could have easily eaten several more. The only minor drawback is the small size of the restaurant, which can lead to a bit of noise. However, the friendly chef and overall experience more than make up for it.
If youre seeking a cozy, intimate dining experience with a great vibe and dont mind a potential hunt for parking, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially lively atmosphere due to its small size, but the overall charm makes it a strong contender.
Value (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! Many diners rave about the incredible bang for your buck, especially for omakase. With a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at 70.4%, its clear that most feel its quite the steal.
Terms like affordable, underpriced, and value for the price pop up frequently, with 19 positive remarks highlighting how reasonable the experience is for the quality received. However, not everyone agrees, with 8 negative remarks among the 27 total. Some found it expensive or felt that for the price point, it wasnt always worth it.
A few even mentioned needing to "check your bill" due to discrepancies, suggesting that while generally a good deal, its wise to be mindful of the final cost.
Value
27
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional omakase value
- Surprisingly affordable
- Quality exceeds price
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Double-check your bill
- Price point concerns
Often praised
- priceI would highly recommend Chisai for anyone looking to try omakase for the first time. As someone who has experienced omakase at places that are three times the price as Chisai, I can say that Chisai punches way above its weight-class. I truly feel that Chisai is a top three omakase experience in the bay area without even considering price.
- price pointAt this price point, this is probably one of the best
- affordableIt was affordable for an approachable experience
- affordable pricingcontributes to more affordable pricing
- omakasefor omakase itās extremely affordable
- price pointsgood price points in a quieter part of the mission
- reasonably pricedmost reasonably priced omakase menu I've ever tried
- underpricedthey are underpriced
- value for the priceTheir omakase experiences are truly exceptional. The three options, including a vegan one, offer incredible value for the price. I opted for the Oki omakase, which was a feast for the senses.
Frequently criticized
- pricenot least given the price
- $50 overOurs came out to ~$50 over
- ParkingParking truly is difficult to find.
- billdouble-check your bill before paying
- checkbrought the wrong (and much more expensive) check
- expensiveDefinitely expensive
- price pointfor the price point we didn't think it was worth it
If you're looking for an omakase experience that truly delivers on quality without breaking the bank, this place is a strong contender. Just keep an eye on your bill to ensure a smooth experience, as some found it pricier than expected.
How are the prices at Chīsai Sushi Club?
On average, youāll spend around 99 per person ā from 67 guests. That places this Japanese restaurant in the $91ā$100 price category. However, looking at what most diners actually spend, prices often cluster above 101 $, suggesting a more premium experience.
For a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, this definitely puts it on the higher-end of the spectrum.
Hereās a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 67 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Given the premium price point, we think it feels fair for a higher-end Japanese dining experience in San Francisco, assuming the quality of the food and service lives up to the cost. Its definitely a spot for a special occasion or when youre looking to indulge!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chīsai Sushi Club
Price per Person
- $81ā$90
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
My Favorite Restaurant: Delicious Food & Welcoming Atmosphere
I've been to this restaurant at least 5 times this year. They offer vegan options, and every piece of sashimi is delicious. It's simply my favorite restaurant ā a simple, beautiful, and welcoming place with wonderful food.
- vegan options9
- sashimi10
- favorite restaurant10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0ā5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Omakase Experience
My experience at this restaurant was an omakase only affair, featuring amazing nigiri and preparations. The place is on the smaller side, accommodating about 20 people at tables and 10 at the bar. It's definitely necessary to make a reservation.
We found parking across the street at Safeway, though finding a spot was somewhat difficult. The noise level was quiet, making conversation easy.
- nigiri10
- preparations10
- place6
- parking3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Omakase Experience!
Props to Jesse for the best omakase weāve ever had. Iād say the pictures are the highlight, but honestly, the whole meal was delicious and there was no bad or ājust okā dish. It was delicious down to the tiny salad tomato.
We sat at the counter and ordered the Chisai with people who ordered the Oki. Everyone left happy and wanting to come back!
- omakase10
- whole meal10
- dish10
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0ā5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Exceptional Vegan Omakase Experience!
We celebrated an anniversary here, and needless to say, Chisai delivered the best! As a vegetarian/vegan, an Omakase experience is not typically what comes to mind. I stumbled upon this gem of a restaurant through a Reddit post and did some digging, as I didn't want to settle for just cucumbers and avocado in various forms.
Many reviews raved about the vegan experience, highlighting how thoughtfully each of the 13 items was crafted. I wholeheartedly recommend this place 10/10 for its food, service, and vibes. We would, however, love to be seated at a spot away from the meat/fish prep area, while still being able to see our vegan preparations being made, as observing the preparation is also a key part of the omakase experience.
- food10
- service10
- vibes10
- meat/fish prep4
- Parking3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Good Service, Average Sushi
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The service was lovely, and I enjoyed the "hole in the wall" ambience. However, the omakase sushi itself was nothing special, especially considering the price.
- service8
- ambience7
- omakase sushi4
- price3
What Chīsai Sushi Club offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
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
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Chīsai Sushi Club?
At ChÄ«sai Sushi Club, you’ll find an upscale, cozy, and quiet atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner. This trendy Japanese restaurant in Bernal Heights offers table service for dinner, where you can enjoy their exquisite small plates, healthy options, and a selection of wine and beer.
Is Chīsai Sushi Club accessible, and do you need reservations?
Yes, ChÄ«sai Sushi Club is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restroom. For planning your visit, dinner reservations are highly recommended, as it’s a popular spot. You can easily pay with credit cards, debit cards, or NFC mobile payments.
How does Chīsai Sushi Club rank overall?
Chīsai Sushi Club holds a strong overall score of 8.3, with customer satisfaction at 84.4%. Its Food (8.5) and Service (8.5) are particularly well-regarded, complemented by a pleasant Ambience (7.8) and good Value (7.1).
Is Chīsai Sushi Club a good value for omakase?
Many guests find Chīsai Sushi Club offers exceptional value for omakase, often described as affordable and punching above its price point compared to other high-end options.
Are there any common issues at Chīsai Sushi Club?
While generally positive, some guests have noted occasional inconsistencies in service, such as feeling rushed or billing errors. Finding parking can also be a challenge.