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oChef » Hikari Bullet Train – San Francisco
Hikari Bullet Train - San Francisco
Photo from Hikari Bullet Train
Hikari Bullet Train at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 117 of the guests
#1117 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#102 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
552
Reviews
75.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Unique delivery
- Quality food
Frequently criticized
- Noise level
- Pricey items
The restaurant Hikari Bullet Train Sushi & Bar is a Japanese restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Japantown. You’ll find a trendy and cozy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Known for its unique bullet train delivery system, it offers a memorable dining experience where delicious small plates and healthy options arrive right at your table. Whether you’re seeking lunch or dinner, this spot provides a delightful culinary journey.
Overview: Introducting Hikari Bullet Train
Hikari Bullet Train offers a distinctly novel dining experience, where the delivery system itself becomes part of the entertainment. Many appreciate the fun and kid-friendliness of the concept, making it a lively spot for families.
However, this unique atmosphere can sometimes lead to a rather loud and crowded environment, which might not suit everyone seeking a quiet meal.
Good
7.5
out of 10
552
Reviews
75.2%
Satisfaction
95
negative
42
neutral
415
positive
Overall, Hikari Bullet Train earns a solid 7.5 out of 10, with customer satisfaction sitting at a respectable 75.2%. This indicates a generally positive reception, reflecting a good dining experience for most patrons.
The restaurant’s unique approach clearly resonates, drawing in 552 customer observations, with 415 positive remarks outweighing 95 negative ones.
What people like
- Unique train delivery
- Good food quality
- Family-friendly experience
What people don't like
- Can be loud/crowded
- Inconsistent service aspects
- Some price concerns
With a recommendation score of 7.6, Hikari Bullet Train is certainly worth considering if you’re looking for a memorable and engaging meal, particularly with children. It delivers on its promise of a unique experience, blending entertainment with a focus on fresh ingredients.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hikari Bullet Train
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid 7.4 score and 73.2% customer satisfaction, diners often rave about the high quality sushi, freshness, and delicious food, especially the bento boxes. Based on 188 positive remarks out of 257 total comments, it seems many leave happy and well-fed.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 45 negative comments pointing to mediocre sushi and concerns about fish quality. Some also felt the food was overpriced or lacking flavor in certain items. While these are worth noting, they don't overshadow the overall positive dining experience, suggesting that while some dishes might miss, many others truly shine.
Food
257
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
45
negative
24
neutral
188
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- High quality sushi
- Fresh ingredients
- Delicious meals
What people don't like
- Mediocre sushi
- Poor fish quality
- Overpriced food
Often praised
- foodBest food during our whole visit to San Francisco
- sushiWe celebrated my son’s 11th birthday here and it was a great place for the whole family. The kids were very excited over the bullet trains with food, and we all enjoyed the good sushi and drinks for all ages.
- fishThe quality of the sashimi is very good. For sushi, the rice could be better, but there are no complaints about the fish.
- food qualitynails the balance between novelty and quality
- FoodFood:5
- dessertsThere even is a pretty nice selection of desserts
- sashimithe sashimi, sushi, and bento were delicious
- freshnessthe freshness and flavor are very good.
- made to ordermade to order and delivered soon after
- qualityThis is one of our favorite sushi places in Japan town. The sushi is pretty fresh, and while it's a bit pricier than some other sushi places, the quality is not bad. My daughter loves this place for the salmon nigiri and udon.
Frequently criticized
- sushiIncredibly mediocre sushi even by American standards
- foodthe food was decent overall
- tunalarge piece of tuna inside one of these temaki was like chewing gum
- AppetizersAppetizers are $10 and up
- Hawaiian RollHawaiian Roll was ok, nothing special and tasted like deep fried mayo
- Maguro NigiriMaguro Nigiri ... was the most sinewy tuna
- Sobunever got my Sobu
- Tuna Hand RollTuna Hand Roll ... was the most sinewy tuna
- daikonthin floppy slices of hamachi with BROWN, yes brown, daikon.
- fatty tunapeople who ate fatty tuna got violently sick
If you're looking for a place with generally good and fresh Japanese fare, especially sushi and bento boxes, this restaurant is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that while many dishes are praised, some find certain items to be a bit hit-or-miss or on the pricier side.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place generally hits the mark, offering a unique and efficient experience. With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a good 84.8%, its clear many diners appreciate the innovative approach. Guests frequently rave about the fun bullet train delivery and friendly robot waiters, highlighting the impressive speed of service and attentive staff, as seen in 117 positive remarks.
However, its not without its minor hiccups, with 16 negative comments pointing out areas for improvement. Some guests found issues with special orders not being accommodated, occasional waiting times, or specific customer service interactions, including some less-than-ideal experiences with a manager. While these are noted, they don't overshadow the overall positive sentiment.
Service
138
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
16
negative
5
neutral
117
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Train/robot delivery
- Quick service
- Easy ordering
What people don't like
- No special orders
- Occasional slow service
- Payment issues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was great! The food, service, and atmosphere were all excellent. It's a great place for kids because of the fun bullet train and robot service, even if they can be a little noisy sometimes.
- staffthe atmosphere staff and everything else I tried was good
- bullet train deliveryUpon arrival, I was greeted and taken to my table, with no further interaction until I received the check. Ordering was done via a screen, and the food arrived quickly, delivered on a bullet train. It was a fun, fun experience.
- ServiceService:5
- bullet traindelivered to your table by the bullet train.
- robot waiterarriving directly via the "bullet train" or robot waiter
- waitI ordered several sushi rolls, and each one was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. I was genuinely impressed with the quality for the price, especially considering it was a busy Mother's Day evening and there was no wait. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, making it an ideal spot for a low-key dinner with a touch of novelty.
- robota robot that serves some of the dishes
- tablet orderinggreat fun ordering via the tablet
- train delivery systemMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely loved the train delivery system. The service was pretty good, and the food was delicious.
Frequently criticized
- serviceTheir service (clearing tables, refilling water) is not very good
- manager Patrickit was the manager Patrick who ruined the experience for me
- waiting timeI was excited to try a new place to shake it up, but waiting over 20 minutes for nigiri while watching other parties receive their orders just isn’t worth it. I’d understand if it was packed, but I was one of only three or four parties there.
- cardswon’t accept more than two cards
- customer servicerobots provided better customer service than the humans
- menu padBecareful tapping too much the menu pad as you may be placing orders w/o knowing!
- red buttonThe red button rings when food comes can be a bit annoying
- special orderyou can't easily special order anything
- splitwon’t split other than 50/50. And when you ask them to do so - they still just charge to one card
- tablet to orderThe tablet to order doesn't offer accommadations or changes to the menu
If you're looking for a fun, fast, and futuristic dining experience, especially with kids, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that special requests might be tricky, and while service is generally quick, occasional delays or payment issues have been noted.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
If youre looking for a place with a truly unique vibe, this spot delivers! The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a 8.1, which is considered good, and boasts a strong 85% customer satisfaction. Many of the 96 positive comments rave about the interactive trains, the Kiddi-Bot, and the overall unique idea, making it a fun experience for everyone.
However, its not without its minor quirks. Out of 113 total comments, 10 pointed out that the atmosphere can get crowded and loud, especially during peak times. Some also mentioned challenges with parking and a feeling that the atmosphere, while once fun, might be a bit rundown in certain areas.
Ambience
113
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
10
negative
7
neutral
96
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Interactive trains
- Kid-friendly fun
- Unique concept
What people don't like
- Can get crowded
- Loud during rush
- Parking challenges
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at the restaurant was great! The food, service, and atmosphere were all excellent. It's a great place for kids because of the fun bullet train and robot service, even if they can be a little noisy sometimes.
- trainsentertaining experience, especially for anyone who loves trains
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- bullet trainThe bullet train delivering your food is a great addition.
- experienceI ordered directly from a kiosk at my table, and a little robot delivered my salmon plate right to me. It's a solid place that is definitely worth it for the experience. My kid loves it here!
- funMy experience at the restaurant was super delicious and so much fun. I got the Bento Box with grilled salmon and a spicy tuna handroll.
- conceptWe were unsure of what to expect, and were surprised in a great way! The concept is very different, which makes it kind of fun. The service is FAST, and the food is delicious!
- fun experienceSuch a fun experience
- kid-friendliness100% Kid and family friendly
- seatingseating accommodates small-medium parties
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere is like a fast food joint, simple and cheap
- cozinessA little more coziness
- crowdedit can be a bit crowded
- loudMy experience at this restaurant was primarily positive due to the food, which I found to be great. However, it's worth noting that the establishment can get quite crowded and loud during rush hours, which might impact the overall dining experience.
- maintenanceom inte för underhållet
- parkingparking is bad
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- tableside accentsdon’t have all the typical tableside accents
- wheelchair accessibilityI'd say not really since it's pretty narrow.
So, should you go? Absolutely, if you're seeking a lively, kid-friendly spot with a truly unique delivery system. Just be prepared for potential crowds and noise, and plan your parking ahead, especially during busy hours.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the prices to be quite reasonable, with many appreciating the quality for the price you pay. With 14 positive remarks, guests often felt the food was decently priced and not overpriced, offering good value for their meal. However, the overall sentiment for value is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at a poor 31.8% and a score of 5.
A significant 24 comments highlight concerns, frequently describing items as pricey, overpriced, or simply expensive, suggesting that for many, the cost didn't quite match the experience.
Value
44
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
24
negative
6
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good quality value
- Decently priced food
What people don't like
- Too pricey
- Overpriced items
- Expensive sushi
Often praised
- pricethe price was great for the quality
- pricesThe prices were very reasonable
- PricesPrices are reasonable.
- decently pricedDecently priced for a quick stop
- food pricethe food is not overpriced
- how much you are payingWe came here with low expectations, just trying to get affordable sushi in the area, but Hikari beat any of our expectations with the quality of the fish they served. For how much you are paying to eat, you get high quality sushi and food.
- priceddecently priced
- quality for the priceimpressed by the quality for the price
- reasonable valueWe enjoyed ordering our food via the tablet at the table, and the novelty of the food arriving directly via a "bullet train" or robot waiter was a highlight. The food itself was really tasty and offered reasonable value. The whole experience was incredibly enjoyable and fun!
- value and qualitythe value/quality meets expectations.
Frequently criticized
- priceway overpriced for both the taste and portion
- expensiveinsanely expensive ($100 for three very basic lunches)
- pricesThe prices will keep me from visiting too often
- priceya bit pricey if you eat a lot of nigiri
- parkingparking at the street can be more expensive
- Hawaiian roll costcost $20
- cucumber rollcucumber roll being 8 dollars
- expensive noodlesone of the most expensive noodles at the city
- expensive sushimediocre and expensive sushi
- foodThe food is expensive
If youre looking for a budget-friendly spot, this might be a hit or miss. While some find the prices fair for the quality, a notable number of guests feel its quite expensive. Go in with an open mind, but be prepared that the value might not impress everyone.
How are the prices at Hikari Bullet Train?
You’re looking at roughly 42 per person – reported by 117 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 is 42, the prices are quite varied. Many guests find options in the $21–$30 range, but a significant number also opt for dishes in the $41–$50 bracket, showing a good mix of mid-range and slightly higher-end choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 117 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco. You get a good range of options, whether you’re looking for a mid-week treat or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hikari Bullet Train
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Speedy Sushi Train Fun!
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the very good quality sushi. I particularly loved that we could place our orders ourselves, and it was brought to us on a speedy train!
It was super cute.
- sushi quality9
- order placement8
- speedy train9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Sushi Experience in SF!
Came here on vacation and wasn’t disappointed! It was such a fun experience and the sushi was amazing. Our favorite was the Lion King roll.
Will definitely be back the next time we are in SF!
- sushi9
- Lion King roll10
- fun experience8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
6
Cool Tech, Mediocre Food, Frustrating Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The sushi was just okay, not as tasty as what I've had in the city. However, the technology was really cool, and I have to say, the robots provided better customer service than the humans.
The human service was particularly frustrating because they wouldn't accept more than two cards and only offered 50/50 splits. Even when asked to split differently, they still charged to a single card. The atmosphere was decent, but the food and service definitely detracted from the overall experience.
- sushi5
- technology8
- robots8
- customer service3
- cards2
- split2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Conveyor Belt Sushi Delight
My experience at this conveyor belt sushi restaurant was quite positive. The sushi selection and taste were good overall. I particularly enjoyed the 49ers sushi roll, which featured a lovely mix of lemon with salmon.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, described as quiet and easy to talk in, and the service also received a perfect score of 5. The food itself was rated 5, indicating a high level of satisfaction.
- sushi selection8
- sushi taste8
- 49ers sushi roll9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
San Francisco Sushi: Cute Robots, Average Food
My experience at this restaurant was marked by quick service, though the food itself was nothing extraordinary. While the price felt quite high, I understand this is San Francisco. I didn't find any dishes that particularly caught my taste, but importantly, nothing was bad.
The sushi train and the delivery robot were quite cute and added a unique touch. The host was very professional and attentive.
- quick service8
- food5
- price5
What Hikari Bullet Train offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Trendy
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trending
FAQs
Can you easily access Hikari Bullet Train Sushi & Bar if you have mobility needs?
Absolutely, Hikari Bullet Train Sushi & Bar is designed with accessibility in mind. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What kind of dining experience and offerings can you expect at Hikari Bullet Train Sushi & Bar?
At Hikari Bullet Train Sushi & Bar, you can enjoy a casual and trendy dining experience for both lunch and dinner. They offer a variety of small plates, healthy options, and vegetarian choices, complemented by wine, beer, and coffee.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Hikari Bullet Train?
Hikari Bullet Train generally receives good feedback, with an overall score of 7.5 out of 10 and customer satisfaction at 75.2%. The Ambience (8.1) and Service (7.9) are particularly well-regarded, while Food (7.4) is also good. Value (5) is considered average.
What makes the dining experience at Hikari Bullet Train unique?
The restaurant stands out for its innovative bullet train and robot service delivery system, where food arrives directly at your table. This concept creates a fun experience that is especially popular with kids and families.
Is Hikari Bullet Train suitable for families with children?
Yes, Hikari Bullet Train is highly kid-friendly and family-friendly. The interactive trains and robot waiter provide an entertaining experience that children often love, making it a great choice for a family outing.