Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Fenikkusu – San Francisco
Fenikkusu - San Francisco
Photo from Fenikkusu
Fenikkusu at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 74 of the guests
#306 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#36 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
452
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional sushi
- Intimate ambiance
- Accommodating chef
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Small portions
- Fish shortages
The Japanese restaurant, Fenikkusu, in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, offers a truly unique dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy and trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying their exquisite small plates and omakase selections.
Fenikkusu – Tapas and Omakase invites you to explore a menu rich with healthy options, complemented by a fine selection of wine and beer. This spot is ideal for a memorable dinner out.
Overview: Introducting Fenikkusu
Fenikkusu presents a compelling dining experience, often praised for its high-quality food and inviting ambience. Many guests appreciate the meticulous and passionate chef, contributing to a memorable meal.
However, some experiences point to areas needing attention, particularly concerning service consistency. While the restaurant offers what many consider an affordable price for its quality, a few diners have noted that portion sizes can feel small for the cost.
Despite these minor points, the overall sentiment leans positive, highlighting a charming spot with significant culinary strengths.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
452
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
46
negative
22
neutral
384
positive
Fenikkusu earns a solid 8.4 overall, with customer satisfaction at a healthy 85%. This positive reception is largely driven by its exceptional Food (8.5) and appealing Ambience (8.9), which consistently receive high marks from guests.
With 384 positive remarks out of 452 total opinions, the restaurant clearly resonates with many diners. While Service (7.9) is generally good, some experiences mention slower periods or feeling overlooked.
The Value (6.6) score indicates a more mixed perception; many find it well-priced for the quality, yet a smaller number of 46 negative comments highlight concerns about portions or specific items being pricey.
What people like
- Exceptional sushi quality
- Charming intimate ambiance
- Passionate accommodating chef
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service speed
- Small portions for cost
- Occasional fish shortages
If you’re seeking a restaurant with a focus on high-quality sushi and a delightful atmosphere, Fenikkusu is certainly worth considering. Its 8.5 recommendation score reflects a strong overall offering, particularly for those who prioritize excellent food and a pleasant setting.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service times and manage expectations regarding portion sizes, especially if you’re sensitive to value for money. It’s a place that delivers on its culinary promise, making it a good choice for a focused dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Fenikkusu
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place truly shines with a strong 8.5 score and an impressive 86.9% customer satisfaction. With 273 positive remarks out of 314 total comments, diners consistently rave about the exceptional quality of the fish, the exquisite Omakase experience, and the authentic flavors. Many highlight the fresh sashimi, delicious sushi, and unique tapas, making every bite a culinary delight.
However, not every dish hit the mark, with 28 negative comments noting concerns. Some found the omakase untraditional, while others were disappointed by small portion sizes or specific items like watered-down miso soup. A few even described certain sushi and sashimi as subpar or having issues with ingredients, and some were let down by everything being flame-seared.
Food
314
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
28
negative
13
neutral
273
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality fish
- Exceptional Omakase experience
- Unique, delicious tapas
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Subpar sushi/sashimi
- Untraditional Omakase style
Often praised
- foodMy experience was wonderful, marked by a calm, homey ambience that made for a truly relaxing dine-in dinner. The delicious food was the highlight, perfectly complementing the atmosphere.
- fishI don't think I've had better fish anywhere else
- sushiI had the most amazing ikura, toro, and uni don. While they may offer more than just sushi, this is my favorite place to get sushi in SF, especially considering the affordable price. We also thoroughly enjoyed all of the belly nigiri.
- omakaseThey seem ready for more business, and I think it's deserved. While not the cheapest, the price was very reasonable for the quality of omakase, tapas, and the overall experience. The head chef was generous and very chill.
- nigiriThe lighting is soft and intimate, which makes it ideal for a date night or a quiet evening to treat yourself. The nigiri is next level – fresh, delicate, and full of flavor. I highly recommend sitting at the bar and letting the chef choose a few pieces for you if you’re open-minded.
- tapastried the omakase and an assortment of tapas and nigiri and all of it was delicious
- OmakaseGeorge-San goes above and beyond to create an amazing experience. We’ll be back again for the Omakase.
- uniOn a rainy day, I visited this restaurant and had a great experience. The sushi was excellent, and the uni was particularly noteworthy. The atmosphere was a bit on the energetic side, which I enjoyed.
- nigiri omakase8 piece nigiri omakase. Each piece was flavorful and unique
- riceEach cut of fish featured unique ingredient combinations, creating wonderful and complex flavors as we progressed from lighter to stronger tastes. The rice was perfect, and the proportions were so well-balanced that the fish remained the centerpiece of every bite. This is definitely something I will be back for.
Frequently criticized
- portion sizeI returned when it was less busy, and the food is decent, but nothing to write home about. The sushi was okay, and the small plates were pretty good, but the portions are pretty tiny for what you pay.
- California rollToo much Mayo in the California roll and it wasn’t rolled tight
- Geso KaarageGeso Kaarage was over cooked and over battered
- avocadoThe dragon roll was edible, but I had to spit out the bones and shells. Even the avocado was old. This was a dishonor to sushi!
- crab in rainbow rollThe crab in the rainbow roll tasted bad, had a texture like paste, and was way too salty
- cuts of fishCuts of fish were just cut improperly in which affects taste
- dragon rollThe miso soup was like watered-down soy sauce with flour. The dragon roll was edible, but I had to spit out the bones and shells. Even the avocado was old.
- everythingdisappointed about everything being flame seared
- fishMy first experience at this restaurant was a poor experience due to being ignored at the door for 10 minutes, although the staff seemed understaffed. To add to the disappointment, we were informed they were out of fish at 8 pm. I returned when it was less busy, and the food is decent, but nothing to write home about.
- flame seareddisappointed about everything being flame seared
If you're seeking high-quality, fresh fish and an exceptional Omakase experience with unique tapas, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While a few specific dishes or portion sizes might occasionally miss the mark, the overwhelming consensus points to a delicious and memorable culinary journey.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
Based on 63 comments, the service here generally shines, boasting a good score of 7.9 and a solid 77.8% customer satisfaction. Many of the 49 positive remarks highlight the attentive and friendly staff, often praising owner and chef, George for creating a welcoming presence and fantastic service. However, its not always perfect.
The 11 negative remarks point to instances of terrible service and slow service, with some guests feeling forgotten or experiencing long waiting times for their orders. A few even mentioned issues with staff attitude' or being ignored.
Service
63
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Engaging Chef George
What people don't like
- Terrible, slow service
- Long waiting times
- Felt forgotten
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely first-rate. It's a charming and welcoming place with good service. The chef is clearly meticulous and passionate about his work, as the food never disappoints.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I found it to be a very nice place with great staff. We chose to sit outside for dinner, and although it was a little cold, the availability of heaters made the experience much more comfortable.
- chefa chef who is meticulous and passionate
- ServiceService was fantastic as well.
- Chef Georgewatching Chef George work his magic!
- GeorgeEvery bite was incredible, even the fish, which I wasn't sure about, including the Uni. George was fantastic at picking out what I would like based on what I told him I didn't like. I will definitely be back.
- GeorgesGeorges who is the chef owner and very accommodating
- attentive yet unobtrusiveThe chef's passion for cuisine shines through, promising a truly authentic omakase experience. The Chief, George, adds to the ambiance with a welcoming presence that's attentive yet unobtrusive, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
- chef ownerGeorges who is the chef owner and very accommodating
- chefsthe chefs are amazing
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe atmosphere was fantastic, rated a 5 out of 5. However, the service was a little slow, so it's a place to relax and take your time with the meal. Overall, the food was rated a 5 out of 5.
- attitudeswiftly told to shut up
- closing timeShow up 45 minutes before closing
- orderour order didn’t arrive for over 45 minutes
- staffWe were seated at the back and felt completely forgotten, with our order taking over 45 minutes to arrive. Despite multiple reminders, the staff made no effort to expedite it. They offered some subpar jerky on the house, which was honestly one of the worst I've ever had, while we continued to wait for our delayed meal.
- sushi chefsushi chef will tell you that they’re just closing up
- takeaway sushi menuthey don't allow the takeaway sushi menu, if you dine in
- waitWe waited over an hour for our mains
- waiting timeMy first experience at this restaurant was a poor experience due to being ignored at the door for 10 minutes, although the staff seemed understaffed. To add to the disappointment, we were informed they were out of fish at 8 pm.
If you're looking for an engaging dining experience with often fantastic and attentive staff, this place is usually a great bet. Just be prepared that on rare occasions, service can be slow or inattentive, so patience might be required.
Ambience (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
If youre looking for a place with fantastic vibes, youre in luck! The ambiance here is consistently praised, boasting an excellent score of 8.9 and a stellar 96% customer satisfaction. Guests frequently rave about the atmosphere, cozy place, and vibe, often highlighting the lighting that sets a perfect mood.
With 48 positive remarks out of 50 total, its clear this spot knows how to create a memorable setting. Remarkably, there were no negative comments regarding the ambiance, which is quite a feat! This suggests that nearly every visitor finds the setting to be just right, whether theyre looking for a relaxing evening or an energetic night out.
It truly seems to hit all the right notes for a pleasant dining experience.
Ambience
50
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
0
negative
2
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy romantic ambiance
- Relaxing atmosphere
- Great for date night
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is calm, mood-lit, and full of character
- ambianceI was absolutely blown away by this sushi spot. It’s a hidden gem with the perfect mix of cozy romantic ambiance and truly top tier sushi. The lighting is soft and intimate, which makes it ideal for a date night or a quiet evening to treat yourself.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceA calm, homey ambience
- placea charming and welcoming place
- restaurantMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's the perfect restaurant for date night or just hanging out with friends. The service is great, and the food is top-notch.
- barsitting at the bar to chat with the friendly chefs
- beautifully litI enjoyed delicious sushi that was moderately priced. The service was fantastic, and they even have a few outdoor tables that are beautifully lit, which is great for those who are Omicron wary. ✨
- cozy placea cozy place for neighborhood omakase
- date night spotit's a super date night spot
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If a great atmosphere is high on your list, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Its consistently praised cozy and romantic vibe makes it an ideal choice for a date night or a relaxed gathering with friends.
Value (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners feel theyre getting a good deal, with a solid 6.6 score and a 56% customer satisfaction rate, indicating a mixed but leaning positive experience. Based on 14 positive opinions, terms like neighborhood friendly price point, well priced, and bang for the buck frequently appear. Customers often appreciate the quality for the cost, finding it quite affordable.
However, not everyone agrees, as 7 negative opinions point to concerns. Some found the experience to be on the expensive side or pricey' for what they received. Portions were sometimes described as small, leading to questions about the overall value for money.
Value
25
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
7
negative
4
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable high quality
- Great value
- Well worth it
What people don't like
- Expensive for portions
- Tiny portions
- Poor value
Often praised
- priceit was a very reasonable price for the quality
- affordableThey offer two menus: one with fancy fish meat flown in from Japan and another with still high-quality, more affordable fish. It's truly NYC Omakase grade sushi but affordable!
- affordable priceat an affordable price
- bang for the bucka very good bang for the buck sushi
- moderately pricedMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I enjoyed delicious sushi that was moderately priced. The service was fantastic, and they even have a few outdoor tables that are beautifully lit, which is great for those who are Omicron wary.
- neighborhood friendly price pointIf you enjoy places like Ju-Ni, The Shota, Wako, or Hinata, you'll find Fenikusu to be a different but equally great experience. The quality is terrific, and it's offered at a neighborhood friendly price point. Please note that Fenikusu focuses on sushi, so expect delicious Otoro and no California rolls.
- pricesunbeatable prices (~$50 for 8 pcs)
- value for moneyget great value for the price you pay
- well pricedthought it was well priced
- well worth itit is well worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceI returned when it was less busy, and the food is decent, but nothing to write home about. The sushi was okay, and the small plates were pretty good, but the portions are pretty tiny for what you pay.
- expensive sidemore on the expensive side
- priceyVery pricey for what you get
- sashimiSashimi are very expensive
- valuethe service and value were abysmal
The value here presents a bit of a mixed bag. If you're seeking high-quality sushi and are prepared for potentially smaller portions, you might find it a good deal. However, if generous portions for a lower price are your priority, you might find it a bit on the expensive side.
How are the prices at Fenikkusu?
On average, you’ll spend around 68 $ per person – based on 74 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps even leaning towards higher-end.
While many guests spend around this average, we also see a good number of diners opting for more premium experiences, with a significant portion spending over 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 74 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the average spend and the variety of options available, we think the pricing feels fair for a quality Japanese dining experience in San Francisco.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Fenikkusu
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Hidden Gem for Top-Tier Sushi
I was absolutely blown away by this sushi spot. It’s a hidden gem with the perfect mix of cozy romantic ambiance and truly top tier sushi. The lighting is soft and intimate, which makes it ideal for a date night or a quiet evening to treat yourself.
The nigiri is next level – fresh, delicate, and full of flavor. I highly recommend sitting at the bar and letting the chef choose a few pieces for you if you’re open-minded. Because of the chef, I discovered that I absolutely LOVE Horse Mackerel Nigiri, Kutuso, and Shima Aji.
These were things I probably never would have picked on my own, but now I can’t stop craving them. Every piece felt like it was crafted with care and precision. You can really taste the passion and expertise behind each bite.
I'm already dreaming about my next visit. It's easily one of my favorite sushi experiences in the Mission.
- ambiance10
- sushi10
- lighting10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Terrible Service, Decent Food
My experience at this restaurant was largely negative due to terrible service. We were seated at the back and felt completely forgotten, with our order taking over 45 minutes to arrive. Despite multiple reminders, the staff made no effort to expedite it.
They offered some subpar jerky on the house, which was honestly one of the worst I've ever had, while we continued to wait for our delayed meal. It was one of the worst $175+ I've ever spent in my life.
- Food5
- service1
- order1
- staff1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Japanese Food in SF!
After living in Tokyo for many years, I've struggled to find comparable Japanese food in SF. Until I discovered this gem! It's the best Japanese food, especially the nigiri omakase, miso walu, oxtail soup, and flame torched saba (mackeral).
The wonderful service and chic izakaya ambiance made for a fantastic experience. I'd give it 6 stars if I could!
- Japanese food10
- nigiri omakase10
- miso walu10
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Authentic Sushi with Accommodating Chef
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The sushis were incredibly fresh, featuring real crabs and premium fishes. I especially enjoyed the rice.
For any special requests, Georges, the chef and owner, is very accommodating. It's always a pleasure to dine here.
- sushis9
- crabs9
- fishes9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Sushi and Izakaya Blend
My experience at this restaurant was great. It's impressive how they excel at both sushi (omakase format) and Izakaya food, a rare feat. The quality is evident, deserving of its high rating.
I believe it should be a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient. The Udon was among the best I've had, and the nigiri featured a perfect rice fish combo. The fish was excellent, and the rice was cooked just right.
While I could nitpick about optimizing the rice temperature for an even higher level of perfection, the dish is already fantastic. Overall, it was a great experience with good service. I don't usually leave reviews, but this place is definitely worth checking out.
It's the quintessential neighborhood sushi spot with a genuine Izakaya experience as well.
- sushi9
- omakase format9
- Izakaya food9
What Fenikkusu offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- 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
- Seating
- Table service
- Catering
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and services does Fenikkusu offer?
At Fenikkusu, you can enjoy a delightful dinner with comfortable seating and table service. For your convenience, they also provide catering, takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery services. Reservations are accepted, and dinner reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot.
Is Fenikkusu accessible and what are the parking options?
Yes, Fenikkusu is wheelchair accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and restroom for your comfort. When it comes to parking, you’ll find both free street parking and paid street parking available in the Mission District area.
What is the overall verdict for Fenikkusu?
Fenikkusu receives a strong overall score of 8.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 85%. Its Food (8.5) and Ambience (8.9) are highly praised, while Service (7.9) is generally good, and Value (6.6) is considered average.
Does Fenikkusu offer quality sushi and omakase?
Yes, customers frequently commend Fenikkusu for its delicious sushi, nigiri, and omakase, highlighting the fresh fish and unique flavor combinations. Many consider it a top choice for sushi, with some finding it to be a very good bang for the buck.
What is the dining experience like at Fenikkusu?
The restaurant offers a calm, mood-lit, and cozy ambiance, often described as ideal for date nights. Service is generally good, with a passionate and accommodating chef, though some experiences mention slow service or long waits for orders.