Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Friends Only – San Francisco
Friends Only - San Francisco
Photo from Friends Only
Friends Only at a glance
San Francisco Lower Nob Hill
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $101+
mentioned by 22 of the guests
#144 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#14 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
144
Reviews
88.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional food
- Intimate setting
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- Steep pricing
- Service inconsistency
The restaurant Friends Only is a standout Japanese restaurant nestled in the vibrant Lower Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a truly unique dining experience here, characterized by its upscale, cozy, and trendy ambiance.
It’s the perfect spot when you’re seeking a sophisticated yet comfortable setting for your evening out.
Overview: Introducting Friends Only
Friends Only offers a highly regarded dining experience, particularly for its exceptional culinary creations and intimate setting. Guests frequently praise the meticulous attention to detail in the food and the memorable atmosphere, making for a truly special occasion.
While the warm and attentive service generally enhances the visit, some isolated feedback points to potential inconsistencies in guest treatment. The overall impression leans towards a refined experience, though it’s worth noting the significant investment required for such a meal.
Excellent
8.7
out of 10
144
Reviews
88.2%
Satisfaction
14
negative
3
neutral
127
positive
Friends Only achieves a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.7, complemented by a good Customer Satisfaction rating of 88.2%. These figures are supported by 144 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 127 positive comments against only 14 negative ones, indicating a largely positive reception.
Delving into specifics, the Food (9.1) stands out as excellent, a highlight for many. The Ambience (8.8) and Service (8.5) also receive good marks, contributing significantly to the dining pleasure.
However, the Value (5.6) is perceived as average, suggesting that while the experience is appreciated, the pricing is a notable consideration for patrons.
What people like
- Exceptional culinary creations
- Intimate dining atmosphere
- Warm, attentive service
What people don't like
- Steep price point
- Inconsistent service experience
If you prioritize an exceptional culinary journey and an intimate dining atmosphere, Friends Only is certainly worth considering. The focus on high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation, especially with dry-aged fish, delivers a distinctive experience.
However, be prepared for a significant investment, as the pricing is a common point of discussion. With a Recommendation Score of 8.6, it’s a strong contender for those seeking a special occasion, provided you are comfortable with the cost and potential for minor service variations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Friends Only
Food (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
Food
78
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
Often praised
- foodIt's places like this that make San Francisco a world-class city. I had one of the top five meals of my life here. The food was outstanding, the service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was perfect, all receiving a 5-star rating.
- uniI’m a huge fan of uni, and theirs was absolutely delicious
- ChawanmushiIt's possibly the most luxurious amuse bouche / first course with 0-100 roller coaster acceleration to kickstart the meal with a bang. Chawanmushi with shaved black Perigord truffles served in a clay vessel that looks like a cross of a lantern and a Moai Easter Island statue / Squidward's home? Yup.
- omakase experienceMy experience at Friends Only was the ultimate omakase experience. There were so many delicious courses, each better than the next.
- attention to detailMeticulous attention to detail and it was very evident the time and care put in to everything that was prepared
- dry aged fishspecializes in dry aged fish and it's remarkable the textural transformation
- 17-course omakase mealMy experience at this restaurant was an incredible 17-course omakase meal served in a small, 10-seat open kitchen venue. The Smoky Old fashioned cocktail had great presentation and its smoothness made it one of the best I've tried.
- DessertDessert isn't listed on the menu, but it is included
- Every itemEvery item was exceptional
- Hokkaido scallopHokkaido scallop served on a sesame tostada with Kaluga caviar and uni? Yup.
Frequently criticized
- dry aged fishdry aged fish is not my thing
- foodThe food was mediocre
- sushi riceThe food was mediocre, and I found the dry aged fish not to my liking. For a place that charges $400 per person, it was ridiculous that the sushi rice fell apart. The overall experience felt way overpriced, and I believe Shota is much better at this price range.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
Service here generally shines, boasting a strong score of 8.5 and a fantastic 87.2% customer satisfaction. Based on 34 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the exceptional service from the chef and staff, noting the perfect pacing of the meal and how they make any special occasion feel truly memorable. The team is often described as warm, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable, creating a wonderful experience.
However, it's not all perfect, as 5 negative comments point to some serious concerns. There have been mentions of racial discrimination, disparity in service, and unprofessionalism, leading to feelings of disrespect. These instances, though fewer, highlight significant issues that can unfortunately mar an otherwise delightful dining experience for some guests.
Service
39
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional service
- Knowledgeable staff
- Great team vibe
What people don't like
- Racial discrimination
- Unprofessionalism
- Disparity in service
Often praised
- serviceAs a big fan of uni, I found theirs to be absolutely delicious – fresh, rich, and unforgettable. The chef and staff were incredibly warm and attentive, which significantly enhanced the overall experience. I highly recommend this place!
- staffIt's important to ensure everyone is in the mood for sashimi and seafood. The atmosphere is very casual; we were the quietest couple inside and had no problems keeping to ourselves while still communicating with the staff. They are also accommodating of simple requests with the food.
- teamA small, but cohesive team that made the evening inviting and memorable
- Chef Weman LiChef Weman, Linda, and Quade are spectacular. Chef Weman Li is both fun and educational, which is a welcome change to some omakase experiences that are a "sacred temple and hush hush. " He actively interacts and chats with guests and can talk endlessly about fish, dry aging techniques, and whatever wild dishes he's thinking about next.
- StaffStaff are friendly and engaging
- beverage servicehas an excellent beverage service
- chef and staffAs a big fan of uni, I found theirs to be absolutely delicious – fresh, rich, and unforgettable. The chef and staff were incredibly warm and attentive, which significantly enhanced the overall experience. I highly recommend this place!
- chef leadershipChef leads with respect
- chefschefs were very friendly and relaxed
- dinner serviceDinner service took about 2.5 hours however it didn’t feel like it
Frequently criticized
- disparity in serviceDuring a birthday celebration, we noticed that she gave special birthday wishes to another table, which made us feel like we were being treated differently. Although the food quality remained the same, the disparity in service was troubling. The most concerning incident occurred when, as we were leaving, she assisted the other table with their coats but made us retrieve our own from the rack.
- disrespectreinforced our feelings of her disrespect
- racial discriminationmarred by racial discrimination
- serviceThe restaurant automatically adds a 20% gratuity, so I expected high standards of service. However, a female server's discriminatory behavior significantly affected our dining experience and spoiled what had started as a delightful meal. During a birthday celebration, we noticed that she gave special birthday wishes to another table, which made us feel like we were being treated differently.
- unprofessionalismThe most concerning incident occurred when, as we were leaving, she assisted the other table with their coats but made us retrieve our own from the rack. This behavior only reinforced our feelings of her unprofessionalism, disrespect, and racial discrimination (we were the only Asian guests).
Overall, the service at this spot is usually top-notch, making for a truly special experience. However, be aware that a few serious incidents of discriminatory behavior have been reported, which could unfortunately overshadow your visit.
Ambience (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
The ambience here truly stands out, earning a good to excellent score of 8.8 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 94.1%. With 16 positive remarks out of 17 total, guests consistently praise the unique experience and intimate atmosphere. Many highlight the elegance and warmth and welcoming embrace that create a memorable dining room, often complemented by great music.
While overwhelmingly positive, there was one comment that mentioned a negative dining experience. This single instance, despite the otherwise delightful setting, unfortunately spoiled the meal for some, suggesting that even a fantastic atmosphere can be overshadowed if other aspects of the overall experience fall short.
Ambience
17
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique experience
- Intimate setting
- Elegant atmosphere
- Warm welcome
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5
- AtmosphereAtmosphere is very casual
- dining roomThe intimate dining room exhibits both elegance and service
- eleganceThe intimate dining room exhibits both elegance and service
- great timean overall great time
- memorable experiencecreate an memorable experience for guests
- musicBonus points for the music that was playing
- raw barTen seats at an "L"-shaped raw bar
- restaurantThe whole restaurant only sits 10 people
- settingVery intimate and private setting
Frequently criticized
- dining experienceThe restaurant automatically adds a 20% gratuity, so I expected high standards of service. However, a female server's discriminatory behavior significantly affected our dining experience and spoiled what had started as a delightful meal. During a birthday celebration, we noticed that she gave special birthday wishes to another table, which made us feel like we were being treated differently.
If youre looking for an intimate and elegant setting that promises a truly unique and memorable meal, this place is definitely worth trying. The overwhelmingly positive feedback on the atmosphere suggests youre in for a treat.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests found it genuinely worth it, even calling it a splurge well justified by the experience. They felt the Michelin starred price point was backed up by the food. With 4 positive remarks out of 10 total, theres a mixed bag of opinions, reflected in the 40% customer satisfaction and an average 5.6 score.
However, the value proposition isnt universally loved. Many found the price to be quite steep, with some even comparing it to a meal at French Laundry, noting it was way overpriced. There were 5 negative remarks, suggesting that for some, the cost felt reserved for incredibly rich patrons, leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 40%.
Value
10
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the cost
- Worth the splurge
- Michelin-level value
What people don't like
- High price point
- Way overpriced
- French Laundry prices
Often praised
- Michelin starred price pointMichelin starred price point backed up by food
- ShotaShota is much better at this price range
- splurgeYes it is a splurge, but well worth it
- worth itall things considered - worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceThe only downside is that the price for this experience was comparable to our meal at French Laundry. Please note that the estimated price of $350 per experience doesn’t include service fees, taxes, and a local mandated health charge. But all things considered, it was worth it.
- pricesthe prices are steep
So, is it worth it? If youre prepared for a significant splurge and expect a Michelin-level experience, you might find the value justified. However, if youre sensitive to high prices, be aware that many feel it's quite steep and potentially overpriced for the overall experience.
How are the prices at Friends Only?
On average, you’ll spend around 112 per person – from 22 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $101+ category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s definitely on the higher-end.
Looking at the data, all 22 diners spent in this top price bracket, so expect a premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 22 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, 112 per person places it firmly in the premium category. Wed say the pricing feels fair if youre looking for a high-end dining experience, but it’s certainly not a budget option.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Friends Only
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Exceptional High-End Japanese Dining Experience
My experience at Friends Only was a wonderful experience from the team behind the long-running Akiko’s in San Francisco. The intimate dining room exhibits both elegance and service, and the entire meal is a front-row seat to the best their team offers. The menu is, in some senses, more modern, especially with the dishes prior to the traditional nigiri, but the technique and preparation is stellar.
We came for a special occasion, and Friends Only fit the bill perfectly 🙏. Reservations are available on Tock and OpenTable, and all dining is indoor counter only.
- experience10
- dining room9
- elegance9
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
My experience at this restaurant was an incredible 17-course omakase meal served in a small, 10-seat open kitchen venue. The Smoky Old fashioned cocktail had great presentation and its smoothness made it one of the best I've tried. Witnessing expert chefs prepare each dish in real-time from the bar was a truly memorable experience.
The pacing of the dishes was excellent, leaving us comfortably full. The chefs were very friendly and relaxed, clearly enjoying their work and creating a memorable experience for guests. The music, available as a Spotify playlist "Friends Only San Francisco", was a nice bonus.
- 17-course omakase meal10
- Smoky Old fashioned9
- smoothness of the drink10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Outstanding Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing! Every dish impressed me with its incredible flavors, beautiful presentation, and meticulous attention to detail. As a big fan of uni, I found theirs to be absolutely delicious – fresh, rich, and unforgettable.
The chef and staff were incredibly warm and attentive, which significantly enhanced the overall experience. I highly recommend this place!
- dishes10
- flavors10
- presentation10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Intimate Omakase with Exceptional Service
I came here for my friend's birthday and it was a very intimate omakase experience with exceptional service. Highly recommend for anyone who is into aged sushi.
- omakase experience9
- aged sushi9
- exceptional service10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Exceptional Fish and Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The team has a great vibe, and the chef leads with respect, demonstrating fantastic fish knowledge. I was particularly impressed by the emphasis on dry aging much of the fish, which was a delicious first for me.
They weren't afraid to use uni, and I appreciated the ginger chunks over sliced. The tempura'd milt was yummy, though a tad timid. Overall, a fantastic experience.
- team vibe9
- chef leadership9
- fish knowledge10
What Friends Only 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
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Friends Only?
Yes, reservations are required and highly recommended for dinner at Friends Only. Planning ahead ensures you secure your table at this popular Japanese restaurant in Lower Nob Hill, San Francisco, especially given its cozy and trendy atmosphere.
Is Friends Only wheelchair accessible?
Absolutely! Friends Only is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. You can enjoy your dining experience comfortably at this San Francisco Japanese restaurant, knowing it’s designed for everyone.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Friends Only?
Friends Only generally receives a positive reception, with a Restaurant Score of 8.7 and Customer Satisfaction at 88.2%. The majority of feedback is positive, highlighting a strong dining experience.
What are the standout features of the dining experience at Friends Only?
The restaurant excels in its Food (9.1), offering an exceptional culinary journey with meticulous attention to detail, including specialties like dry-aged fish. The Ambience (8.8) and Service (8.5) are also highly regarded, contributing to a memorable and intimate setting.
Is Friends Only considered good value for money?
While the food, ambience, and service are highly praised, the Value (5.6) is considered average. Many guests note the steep prices, comparing it to Michelin-starred establishments, though some find the experience ultimately worth the splurge.