Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Izakaya Sozai – San Francisco
Izakaya Sozai - San Francisco
Photo from Izakaya Sozai
Izakaya Sozai at a glance
San Francisco Inner Sunset
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 42 of the guests
#1891 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#157 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
448
Reviews
59.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Cozy ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Inconsistent service
The restaurant, a vibrant Japanese eatery in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset, invites you to discover its trendy atmosphere. Izakaya Sozai offers a delightful escape where you can savor expertly crafted small plates.
This spot is perfect for an evening out, whether you’re looking for a casual dinner or a lively gathering with friends. You’ll find a welcoming space to enjoy authentic flavors and a memorable dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Izakaya Sozai
Izakaya Sozai offers a culinary experience where the food often shines, with many finding dishes beautifully presented and stunningly delicious . Guests frequently praise the flavorful skewers and rich broth in their ramen, alongside a notable selection of Japanese beverages.
However, the experience at Izakaya Sozai can be a mixed bag. Some diners encountered dishes served cold or noted small portions , which detracted from their meal.
Service can also be inconsistent, with instances of staff forgetting orders or initial interactions leaving a sour taste.
Good
6.6
out of 10
448
Reviews
59.8%
Satisfaction
140
negative
40
neutral
268
positive
Overall, Izakaya Sozai earns a respectable 6.6 out of 10, indicating a generally average dining experience. Customer satisfaction sits at 59.8%, suggesting a mixed reception among guests.
This assessment is drawn from 448 customer remarks, with 268 positive observations balancing against 140 negative ones, painting a picture of a place with clear strengths and areas for improvement. Digging deeper, the Food (7.1) stands out as a strong point, often receiving praise for its quality and variety.
However, Service (5.4) and Ambience (6.4) hover around average, indicating room for refinement. The most notable concern appears to be Value (3.8), which many guests found to be on the lower side, particularly concerning portion sizes and pricing.
What people like
- Delicious, varied food
- Flavorful skewers, ramen
- Cozy ambiance
What people don't like
- Poor value
- Inconsistent service
- Small, cold portions
Izakaya Sozai presents a mixed dining proposition, reflected in its 6.5 recommendation score. If you prioritize flavorful Japanese cuisine and a comfortable setting, it could be a worthwhile visit.
Be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and manage expectations regarding portion sizes and overall value. Ultimately, whether Izakaya Sozai is for you depends on what you seek.
It shines for its culinary offerings, but those sensitive to pricing or expecting seamless service might find it less satisfying. Consider it for a casual meal where good food is the primary draw.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Izakaya Sozai
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits a good 7.1 score, with a mixed 65.5% customer satisfaction. Many of the 192 positive comments rave about delicious items like the mushroom udon noodles, hamachi crudo, and the ramen, with the chicken karaage also getting high praise for its flavor and crispiness. However, not all 67 negative remarks are as glowing.
Some found the gyoza disappointing, and several dishes arrived lukewarm. There were also concerns about the noodles being clumped or undercooked, and the broth sometimes lacking flavor or being too thick.
Food
293
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
67
negative
34
neutral
192
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, unique dishes
- Outstanding Tonkotsu ramen
- Wide variety of food
What people don't like
- Food served lukewarm
- Small, overpriced portions
- Food poisoning reported
Often praised
- foodI came here with some family and we ordered several things from across the menu, and at multiple points in the evening. Every single thing was beautifully presented, stunningly delicious, and we stuffed ourselves. They also have an exceptional collection of Japanese beers and sake that are all divine.
- ramenThis is a testament to the abundance of great food options in the city, not a reflection on this establishment, as it remains fantastic. They offer a great mix of food to share, including a raw bar, yakitori, salads and vegetables, and ramen. We tried a little bit of almost everything, but sadly, our eyes were bigger than our stomachs.
- skewersI tried some bbq items and their ramen, and I have to say I was extremely impressed with the food! The skewers were very flavorful with a lot of different options. The ramen was flavorful and creamy, very rich with flavor.
- tonkotsu ramennoodles in the tonkotsu ramen were incredible, with a rich, decadent broth that was full of flavor
- bacon wrapped mochiBest texture and taste goes to the bacon wrapped mochi
- braised pork bellyHad the Tonkotsu Ramen with braised pork belly and garlic chips. So good!
- eggThe egg is a perfect medium-boiled egg
- garlic chipsI had great ramen with plenty of options to customize. I particularly enjoyed adding the pork belly, spicy miso, and garlic chips. The bacon-wrapped mochi and fried chicken skin skewers were also outstanding.
- great foodI can't recommend this place enough! My experience was fantastic, with great food and excellent staff. I highly recommend trying the gyu-don, the yuzu cheesecake, and the hamachi.
- pork bellyI got the tonkatsu bowl with pork belly and an egg.
Frequently criticized
- rameneagerly waited for my ramen. However, after another 20 minutes, it still hadn't arrived.
- noodlesThe Tonkatsu ramen was 'meh'; we waited about 35 minutes, and it was disappointing. The noodles were still very hard, the soup was just warm, and the pork was dry. This could have been a better experience, but the initial interaction with the hostess left a sour taste, much like the wedge of lemon served with the chicken.
- beef tongue skewersbeef tongue skewers were overly chewy, lacking in flavor
- brothThe broth is okay but one-dimensional and over-salted.
- portion sizeThe chashu was good, and the egg was perfectly medium-boiled, but the soup was average, as was the spicy miso add-on. Overall, the food wasn't bad, but the poor service and small portions mean I wouldn't return.
- portionsthe portions we're really small.
- skewersMy experience at this restaurant, based on the local definition of an Izakaya, was centered around their skewers. Unfortunately, the food was served cold, rather than warm and ready as soon as it's prepared. While the food itself was good and the staff were friendly, the restaurant seemed a bit understaffed, which is common in many places.
- A5 wagyu nigiriA5 wagyu nigiri was incredibly disappointing
- GyudonGyudon is full of soggy, pasty rice
- Japanese dishesSome of the more Japanese dishes are not made in the correct way
If you're looking for a wide variety of unique Japanese dishes, especially their highly-rated Tonkotsu ramen, this place is worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention lukewarm food, small portions, and even reports of food poisoning, so manage your expectations.
Service (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
The service here offers a mixed bag, with a score of 5.4 and customer satisfaction at 45.7%. On the bright side, many guests praise the friendly staff, excellent service, and attentive staff who are often described as pleasant and helpful. Out of 81 comments, 37 highlight these positive interactions, suggesting a genuine effort to make diners feel welcome.
However, the experience isn't always smooth sailing. There are 40 negative comments pointing to issues like being understaffed, slow service, and frustrating waiting times. Some even felt rushed due to a time limit or experienced bad initial greetings, indicating areas where consistency could be improved.
Service
81
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
40
negative
4
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waiting times
- Understaffed
Often praised
- serviceI enjoyed the amazing JP food, which was well elaborated. The great service also stood out. I discovered the black Sapporo beer, which I found pretty interesting.
- staffUnfortunately, the food was served cold, rather than warm and ready as soon as it's prepared. While the food itself was good and the staff were friendly, the restaurant seemed a bit understaffed, which is common in many places. I also wished for more seasoning options, specifically a choice between teriyaki sauce and sea salt.
- ServersServers were pleasant and helpful
- ServiceService:4
- attention to detailThe attention to detail is excellent.
- best stuffThe best stuff, cheers for Sam
- everyoneEveryone is so nice and welcoming
- excellent serviceBeyond the incredible food, Izakaya Sozai offers a fantastic vibe. It's the kind of place where good friends can dive into great food, enjoy excellent service, and savor awesome sake, all converging in a harmonious symphony of culinary delight. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect score of 5.
- excellent staffgreat food and staff
- foodFood came out fast
Frequently criticized
- serviceThis could have been a better experience, but the initial interaction with the hostess left a sour taste, much like the wedge of lemon served with the chicken. I normally tip at least 25%, but tonight it felt like a 10% service, with an additional 5% for the other hostess who seemed nice. There are many good Japanese restaurants to choose from, so no thanks to this one.
- waitBtw, if you're not willing to wait, it's probably best to make a reservation or come early. (This was actually our second attempt since the last time he and I tried to come here, the wait was a bit too long for our like). We came around 5pm (when Izakaya Sozai opened) on a Saturday night, and the place was definitely full before 5: 30pm.
- reservationthey have a reservation coming and it would be great if we can just leave
- serverHowever, the service left a lot to be desired. Our server forgot part of our order and lied to us about when it was slated to arrive. While I can accept a forgotten item, the lack of ownership and effort to expedite the missing items was disappointing.
- wait timeWe had to cancel the order. It is unacceptable to wait over an hour for just one Soba. I will never visit this place again.
- waiting timealready been waiting for more than 40 minutes in the cold.
- AmExwaitress THREW the card back down on the table and curtly said they didn't accept American Express
- customer servicecustomer service was just the final blow; it was rude, dismissive
- delayDisappointed with the delay, I asked for the bill and requested that they cancel my Ramen order
- discriminationFelt discriminated
If youre looking for genuinely friendly staff and dont mind potentially longer waits, this spot might be worth a try. Just be prepared for the possibility of slow service or feeling a bit rushed, especially during peak hours.
Ambience (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to atmosphere, this spot has some real charm! Many guests loved the cosy spot and good vibe, often praising the lighting and even the outdoor seating options. With 35 positive remarks out of 57 total, it seems many found it a pleasant place to be, contributing to a 61.4% customer satisfaction, though the overall score sits at an average 6.4.
However, its not always smooth sailing. Some found the place a bit too noisy and cramped, with concerns about the low ceiling and even a smoky environment for some. These 20 negative comments suggest theres definitely room for improvement in certain areas.
Ambience
57
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
20
negative
2
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy intimate atmosphere
- Good vibe
- Outdoor seating available
What people don't like
- Loud and cramped
- Smoky environment
- Cramped seating
Often praised
- atmosphereI went with a friend to catch up and we were thoroughly impressed. The staff were wonderful, contributing to a great atmosphere. We absolutely loved every dish we tried.
- ambianceThe ramen menu is very easy to navigate, with plenty of tasty add-ons available. The ambiance is top notch; although it's a small restaurant, you feel very at home as soon as you enter. The large windows surrounding the seating area create a very special atmosphere.
- vibeWe’ve been here loads of times and have always loved the vibe and food. Tonight was way different.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- COVID safeHad the best date night! Felt completely COVID safe and the service was very good. Highly recommend their croquette - so good with some cold sake.
- Great for datesGreat for dates
- busy placethis place is always busy and for good reason
- cosy spotCosy spot
- cozyCozy
- environWe arrived around 5: 40 PM on a Wednesday with no wait. The restaurant has a small and cozy environ. The food was remarkable.
Frequently criticized
- noiseCan be pretty noisy when busy
- ambiancethe service and ambiance is far from exceptional
- ambienceso small and noisy
- atmosphereIt’s very loud and a bit cramped
- busy weekendsIt's an OK local spot. The food is good, but it gets very busy on weekends. We had to wait a bit even though we had reservations; maybe we had bad luck?
- ceilingThe ceiling was low
- chairsI felt bad for my tall boyfriend as the space was quite small for him. The chairs were small, the ceiling was low, and a shelf by the door poked him. Even the sake flight box was difficult for him to access.
- crowdedfelt a little crowded
- dining areaThe dining area is freezing.
- entranceWe had reservations at 7 for 3 and when we arrived, there were 3 empty tables that could seat 3-4. We asked for a table away from the entrance because it was cold and the entrance door consistently opened and closed. The young girl with the gray sweatshirt and short hair, who played hostess, told us the other 2 tables were reserved.
If youre looking for a cozy, lively spot and dont mind a potentially bustling atmosphere, you might enjoy it. However, if you're sensitive to noise or tight spaces, or if smoke is a dealbreaker, you might want to consider other options.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
Overall, value seems to be a sticking point, with a poor score of 3.8 and customer satisfaction at a low 23.5%. However, a few guests (4 out of 17 comments) did find some positive aspects, appreciating the price for certain tasty dishes. They noted some items were moderately priced and even great for the waistline, feeling they got a decent deal on comfort food.
On the flip side, the majority of feedback (13 out of 17 comments) painted a less rosy picture. Many felt the prices were too high for the portions and quality, with some calling it a ripoff and not worth the money. Overpriced Sake and extra charges for basic toppings also contributed to a high bill, especially for those on a budget.
Value
17
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
13
negative
0
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable dish prices
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Small portions
- Overpriced drinks
Often praised
- priceFor a small joint like Izakaya Sozai, they sure serve up mini courses that will absolutely get your eyes wide open. Most of the dishes were very delicious and for a very decent price, in true Izakaya style. My top favorite dishes were the Tako Wasabi, bacon wrapped enoki mushroom and mochi, and Ankimo pate.
- waistlineGreat for the waistline
Frequently criticized
- priceUnfortunately, it was a big mistake. We paid $100 for only 6 dishes, and 4 of them were literally bite-sized. The total wait time between ordering and receiving the last dish was an hour.
- PricesPrices are high
- SakeThe Sake was overpriced
- basic toppingsbasic toppings cost extra
- billAs industry for over 15 years, I understand wanting to close, but don’t post 8: 30 reservations if that is a problem for the kitchen/staff. All orders from the kitchen were well before close, but we were brought the bill before half our food arrived. Our plates were cleared seconds after finishing them and staff ignored our goodbyes/thanks when we left at 9: 05.
- budgetNot so great if you are hungry and on a budget
- moneyMy experience at this restaurant was not great. I felt it was not worth the money. The service was slow, and the tonkatsu ramen broth was so thick it was like stew.
- price pointwith the price point and food I received
- pricesPrices are a little higher than I'd prefer
- pricingAbsurd pricing for the portions and quality
If youre considering this spot, be mindful of the portion sizes versus the cost, as many found the prices to be quite steep for what you get. While a few items might offer decent value, it might not be the best choice if youre on a tight budget or expecting generous servings for your money.
How are the prices at Izakaya Sozai?
On average, you’ll spend around 53 per person – from 42 guests. That places the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, thats leaning towards the higher-end of mid-range.
Interestingly, while the average is 53 $, the actual prices paid by guests are quite spread out. Many diners spend less, often in the 31 – 50 $ range. But theres also a significant number choosing more premium options, with prices going well above 80 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 42 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the variety of price points available, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese Restaurant. It offers options for different budgets, from a nice meal to a more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Izakaya Sozai
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Izakaya: A Culinary Journey in San Francisco
My experience at Izakaya was truly exceptional. I can honestly say it might be the most delicious meal I’ve ever had in my entire life. The small bites offered a delightful representation of cuisines from around the world, alongside specialties unique to San Francisco.
The food is genuinely some of the best plates in the city. I highly recommend trying it, especially the spicy tuna crispy rice, but also don't miss out on other items like the chicken skin, which was super yummy.
- small bites10
- specialties9
- food10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
A Delicious Hidden Gem!
What a hidden gem! I came here with some family and we ordered several things from across the menu, and at multiple points in the evening. Every single thing was beautifully presented, stunningly delicious, and we stuffed ourselves.
They also have an exceptional collection of Japanese beers and sake that are all divine. Be aware this small place fills up every night of the week, so either plan ahead or get there early. I will absolutely be back the next time I’m in town.
The agedashi tofu is the best I’ve ever had.
- presentation10
- food10
- Japanese beers and sake10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Yummy Food & Down-to-Earth Service!
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive! I found the food to be so freakin yummy. I especially enjoyed the sea bass, miso cod, miso eggplant, maitake mushrooms, and tuna tartare.
Honestly, I liked everything we ordered! Lol. The service was also a highlight; it was down to earth, with everyone being so nice and welcoming.
The food came out fast, and the service was attentive and warm. The owner, Suemee, and the chef are great. Just be prepared to be rolled out if you over-order like me.
😋
- sea bass10
- miso cod10
- miso eggplant10
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Killer Ramen and Top-Notch Ambiance
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's one of the better spots in the City for a killer Ramen. The ramen menu is very easy to navigate, with plenty of tasty add-ons available.
The ambiance is top notch; although it's a small restaurant, you feel very at home as soon as you enter. The large windows surrounding the seating area create a very special atmosphere. It's a great place for dates and for enjoying tasty foods.
- Ramen9
- ramen menu8
- tasty add ons8
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Outstanding Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful. I loved everything we ordered and highly recommend it all. The tuna tartare, monkfish liver, eggplant, and mochi were outstanding.
The sea bass was perfectly cooked, and the noodles in the tonkotsu ramen were incredible, with a rich, decadent broth that was full of flavor. Beyond the amazing food, the owner was incredibly friendly and brought such great, positive energy to the experience. We’ll definitely be coming back!
- tuna tartare10
- monkfish liver10
- eggplant10
What Izakaya Sozai offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere does Izakaya Sozai offer?
At Izakaya Sozai, you can enjoy a casual yet trendy dinner experience with comfortable seating and table service. The menu features delicious small plates, complemented by a selection of wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!
Is Izakaya Sozai a good place for families with children?
Yes, Izakaya Sozai is very accommodating for families. You’ll find a dedicated kids’ menu, and the restaurant is considered good for kids. High chairs are also available to ensure a comfortable dining experience for your little ones.
What is the overall dining experience like at Izakaya Sozai?
Izakaya Sozai has an overall score of 6.6. Its Food (7.1) is generally well-regarded, while Ambience (6.4) and Service (5.4) are considered average. The Value (3.8) is often a point of concern for guests.
What kind of food can I expect at Izakaya Sozai?
Guests often praise the beautifully presented and stunningly delicious dishes, including flavorful skewers and ramen with rich broth . There’s a good mix of options to share, from a raw bar to yakitori.
Are there any common issues reported by diners at Izakaya Sozai?
Some diners have experienced inconsistent service , including long wait times and forgotten orders . Additionally, small portions and high prices for certain items have led to concerns about overall value.