Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Ginza – San Francisco
Ginza - San Francisco
Photo from Ginza
Ginza at a glance
San Francisco Haight-Ashbury
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 92 of the guests
#691 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#71 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
460
Reviews
77.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Sushi quality
- Fresh fish
- Good atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Loud music
- High prices
The restaurant Ginza Sushi & Sake invites you to experience authentic Japanese cuisine right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. This cozy and casual Japanese restaurant is a local favorite, known for its fresh sushi and an impressive, great tea selection that perfectly complements your meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere here.
Overview: Introducting Ginza
Ginza presents a compelling sushi experience, with many patrons praising the delicious and creative dishes, particularly the fresh fish. While the service generally receives positive remarks, some experiences suggest it can be slow.
The atmosphere is often described as lively, though occasionally noted for loud music.
Good
7.9
out of 10
460
Reviews
77.2%
Satisfaction
79
negative
26
neutral
355
positive
Ginza holds a solid overall score of 7.9 out of 10, indicating a good dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a healthy 77.2%, suggesting most patrons leave pleased.
This positive sentiment is built on 355 positive observations against 79 negative ones, from a total of 460 customer remarks. The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring an impressive (8.6).
Ambience also contributes positively (7.8), often described as fitting for various occasions. While Service (6.7) is generally good, some experiences suggest room for improvement.
Value (6.1) is perceived as average, with opinions split on pricing.
What people like
- Exceptional sushi quality
- Fresh and delicious fish
- Pleasant, fitting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Service can be slow
- Loud music concerns
- Pricing can be high
Ginza offers a strong culinary experience, particularly for sushi enthusiasts. While the 8.1 recommendation score suggests it’s worth a visit, be mindful of potential service delays and the lively, sometimes loud, atmosphere.
If you prioritize high-quality Japanese cuisine and a vibrant setting, Ginza could be a good choice. However, if you prefer a quieter meal or are on a strict budget, you might want to consider other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ginza
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a strong score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction at 87.2%, its clear most diners are leaving happy. Out of 266 opinions, a whopping 232 were positive, praising the "yummy food, " "fresh" ingredients, "quality sushi, " and "creative sushi dishes.
" Many found the portions generous and the flavors outstanding. However, not every bite is perfect. Around 22 opinions pointed out some areas for improvement, mentioning "greasy tempura, " "sweet sushi, " and occasionally "small portions.
" There were also comments about "inconsistent quality" for some rolls. While these are minor concerns compared to the overall positive feedback, theyre worth noting.
Food
266
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
22
negative
12
neutral
232
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Creative sushi dishes
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Greasy tempura
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodI had some of the best sushi I've ever tasted outside of Japan. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. The atmosphere was rated a 5, though it was noted as loud, it was still possible to hold a conversation.
- sushiI was impressed by the fascinating and delicious upscale sushi concoctions. It was some of the best sushi I've had in SF. The service, atmosphere, and food were all rated a perfect 5, contributing to an outstanding dining experience.
- fishMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I stopped in on my own for lunch and was met with great hospitality and an impressive selection of fish. The food was fresh and delicious.
- food qualityThe food quality was outstanding, earning a 5/5 rating
- sashimispread of the sashimi and savoring every bite
- umi rollTry the umi roll, it’s a perfect balance of scallops and Parmesan.
- FoodFood:5
- Ginza rollThe squid ink tobiko on the Ginza roll was very interesting
- Kazan rollThe Kazan roll just melted in my mouth!! Was so good
- ToroI’m obsessed with Toro and they had great fresh cuts
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food has kept us coming back
- food qualityThis was a significant issue with the food quality
- sushilow quality, and small portions of sushi.
- cramping and diarrheaI got cramping and diarrhea right after a dinner
- dishanother dish we ordered was just completely missing
- extra saucethere wasn’t an extra sauce, but worse, the one I had was barely filled.
- gyozagyoza however tasted like frozen from the market
- gyu steakThe gyu steak was underwhelming for us
- nigiriNigiri was cut on the smaller side
- portionI asked for water and didn't receive it, and the overall service was kinda slow. Additionally, the food seemed a little overpriced for the portion.
If you're looking for a place with generally delicious and fresh Japanese food, especially sushi, this restaurant is definitely worth a try. While a few dishes might miss the mark, the vast majority of diners rave about the quality and creativity, making it a solid choice for your next meal.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
Lets talk service! With a score of 6.7 and 61.3% customer satisfaction, its a bit of a mixed bag, but leaning positive. Many of the 65 positive remarks out of 106 highlighted the friendly staff and attentive service, often describing it as quick and even excellent.
On the flip side, 37 negative comments point to some areas needing polish. Guests occasionally encountered slow service or even rude staff. There were also mentions of wrong orders and a general lack of attention, indicating that consistency can be an issue.
Service
106
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
37
negative
4
neutral
65
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Order mix-ups
Often praised
- serviceI had some of the best sushi I've ever tasted outside of Japan. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. The atmosphere was rated a 5, though it was noted as loud, it was still possible to hold a conversation.
- staffI 💘 GINZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 😘💯💯. BILL, TOTO & THE REST OF THE STAFF. I 💘 IT SOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH THAT I HAD A BIRTHDAY THERE.
- ServiceService was great
- serverHowever, the service was slow, even though the place was empty. Despite the slow service, the server was nice.
- waitWe visited late on a Friday night and were pleased to find there was no wait. The service was truly exceptional, with our waitress patiently explaining each dish and recommending the mystery box.
- Cassieask for cassie - she is the G.O.A.T
- OrdersOrders came fast
- customer serviceAmbiance and customer service is top notch
- employeesThe employees were incredibly nice
- excellent serviceproviding excellent service
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food was good, but the service was not great. I asked for water and didn't receive it, and the overall service was kinda slow. Additionally, the food seemed a little overpriced for the portion.
- ID'sasked us for ID’s AFTER giving us our drinks
- attention to detailattention to detail is not their strong suit
- billAnother patron waited a while and finally gave up. We had to flag them down to get our bill. Sushi is good albeit pricey.
- customer careI’ve also enjoyed the customer care and hospitality that no longer seems to exist.
- delivery driverignore the delivery diver
- food deliveryfood delivery was slow
- guestsseemed to be annoyed by guests
- hospitalitythe customer care and hospitality that no longer seems to exist.
- hostess/serverShe absolutely refused to acknowledge the lame first sauce, and would not give me a “second sauce.”
So, should you go? If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and attentive staff, its worth a try. Just be prepared that service can be a bit inconsistent, so you might encounter some slower moments or minor hiccups.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a good 7.8 with a good customer satisfaction of 76.7%. Many guests rave about the vibes, chill atmosphere, and how its perfect for a "special date night, " often noting the "Japanese paintings. " With 46 positive opinions out of 60, its clear the atmosphere generally hits the mark.
However, not everyone is completely charmed. A few of the 9 negative opinions mention concerns about the layout and decor feeling a bit lacking. Some also found the music too loud or the restroom untidy, suggesting there's a little room for improvement in certain areas.
Ambience
60
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
9
negative
5
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good vibes
- Cozy atmosphere
- Date night spot
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Untidy restroom
- Lacking decor
Often praised
- atmosphereI discovered truly subtle and varied "sushis" that were delicious in every way. The service was attentive, making for a pleasant meal in a simple and relaxed atmosphere.
- vibesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The vibes were strong and the bass was bumping, creating a lively atmosphere. The Toro dish was so good it almost made me cry, and the Steak was truly memorable.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancethe ambiance makes the experience better
- ambiencethe ambience is fitting for just about any occasion
- locationlocated in a great part of the city
- restaurantI came here for a late lunch and was initially hesitant because the place was empty while other sushi spots were packed. The food was decent and the restaurant was clean. However, I was just hoping for a little bit more with the food and overall experience.
- Japanese paintingsfun dramatic Japanese paintings on the wall.
- accessibilityThe staff is wonderful, the food is wonderful, and the prices are very reasonable, especially considering the high quality. The restaurant's location is also a major plus; it's in a great, safe, and very accessible part of the city. I highly recommend giving them a try!
- bassMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The vibes were strong and the bass was bumping, creating a lively atmosphere. The Toro dish was so good it almost made me cry, and the Steak was truly memorable.
Frequently criticized
- TV showrandom cooking TV show on the big screen
- ambianceambiance is a bit lacking
- atmosphereVibe was odd — very loud music with thudding bass
- decorMy experience at this restaurant was marked by delicious food and great flavors. However, the place could feel even more welcoming with a tidier layout, better service, and a few touches in the decor. The food itself was a perfect 5 out of 5, but the atmosphere and service were rated a 3.
- layoutMy experience at this restaurant was marked by delicious food and great flavors. However, the place could feel even more welcoming with a tidier layout, better service, and a few touches in the decor. The food itself was a perfect 5 out of 5, but the atmosphere and service were rated a 3.
- lunch experienceOur entire lunch experience was very awkward and unsatisfying.
- musicvery loud music with thudding bass
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- restroomthe restroom was untidy and had no soap
If you're looking for a spot with generally great vibes and a cozy atmosphere for a date night, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that a few minor details like the music volume or decor might not be perfect for everyone.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners appreciate the affordable sushi dishes, often feeling its worth every penny and offering great quality for the price. With 12 positive remarks out of 28 total, theres a good chunk of folks who feel theyre getting a great deal, contributing to an average score of 6.1. However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, as 11 negative comments point to concerns about the price.
Some customers found it a bit pricey or even overpriced, with mentions of high prices and extra charges. This leads to a customer satisfaction of 42.9%, indicating a mixed bag when it comes to feeling satisfied with the overall cost.
Value
28
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
11
negative
5
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable sushi dishes
- Great quality for price
- Worth every penny
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Mandatory gratuity
- Extra sauce charge
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the sushi to be of really great quality and at a very reasonable price. I highly recommend the veggie options, as the veggie gyoza and rolls were both flavorful and fresh.
- pricesReasonable prices for generous portions
- affordable sushi dishesaffordable and creative sushi dishes
- quality to price ratioquality to price ratio of the fish was some of the best value
- valuegreat value
- value for moneybut worth it
- worth every pennyIt was definitely enough to fill up my brother and boyfriend, and they can eat a lot. The entire experience was worth every penny.
Frequently criticized
- priceOverpriced, low quality, and small portions of sushi.
- billMy out the door with 20% tip was just under $70
- expensiveIt’s become my go-to spot for my girlfriend and I, always making for a special date night. While a bit expensive, you can taste the quality. I recommend getting a spread of the sashimi and savoring every bite (the fish they have here is always super fresh).
- extra chargeThere’s an extra charge for more sauce.
- gratuityThere's a 20% mandatory gratuity.
- high pricesit’s just very over priced
- price pointlacking given the price point
- priceyWe had to flag them down to get our bill. Sushi is good albeit pricey. If you decide to dine in then give yourself time.
If youre looking for good quality sushi and dont mind potentially paying a bit more, especially with possible extra charges, this place could be for you. However, if budget is your top priority and you're sensitive to higher prices, you might find the value a bit of a mixed bag.
How are the prices at Ginza?
You’re looking at roughly 43 per person – reported by 92 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 43, we see a good number of guests spending less, especially in the $21–$30 range. There’s also a spread into higher price points, suggesting a menu that caters to various budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 92 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, catering to different spending levels without compromising on the experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ginza
Price per Person
- $31–$40
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
- Moderate
10
Phenomenal Sushi Date Night
My experience was SO good! It was everything I hoped for on a night out wanting a cozy romantic sushi date. Cassie was our server and she was phenomenal!
- food10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Exceeding Expectations with Great Vibes and Sushi!
My experience at this restaurant has been truly exceeding expectations so far. I absolutely love the good vibes and the delicious sushi!
- good vibes9
- delicious sushi10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Good food, slow service
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food was good, but the service was not great. I asked for water and didn't receive it, and the overall service was kinda slow.
Additionally, the food seemed a little overpriced for the portion.
- food7
- service3
- water2
- portion4
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Love This Place!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful. I love coming here because the vibe, the food, and the service are all so good. It's a place I consistently enjoy visiting.
- vibe10
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious food, great choices and atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. I found the food to be delicious with a lot of choices. The vibe of the restaurant was also good, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
- food9
- lot of choices9
- vibe of the restaurant8
What Ginza offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What are the parking options available when you visit Ginza Sushi & Sake in Haight-Ashbury?
When planning your visit to Ginza Sushi & Sake, you’ll find free street parking and paid street parking options nearby. While finding a space can sometimes be somewhat difficult in the bustling Haight-Ashbury area, various choices are available for your convenience.
What kind of dining experience and menu options can you expect at Ginza Sushi & Sake?
Ginza Sushi & Sake offers a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere for your lunch or dinner. You’ll find a diverse menu including healthy options, small plates, and late-night food. Enhance your meal with happy hour drinks, cocktails, wine, or beer, ensuring a delightful experience.
What are Ginza's overall strengths and weaknesses?
Ginza scores well overall at 7.9, with Food being a standout (8.6). Ambience is also good (7.8), while Service (6.7) and Value (6.1) are perceived as average to good, with some customers noting slow service or high prices.
Is Ginza a good place for sushi?
Yes, many customers praise Ginza for its delicious and creative sushi, fresh fish, and high food quality. It’s often described as some of the best sushi experienced.
What is the atmosphere like at Ginza?
The atmosphere at Ginza is generally considered lively and fitting for various occasions, with strong vibes. However, some guests have noted that the music can be loud with thudding bass.