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oChef » Kaiju Eats – San Francisco
Kaiju Eats - San Francisco
Photo from Kaiju Eats
Kaiju Eats at a glance
San Francisco Jordan Park
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 89 of the guests
#1331 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#118 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
525
Reviews
72.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Tight space
- Service issues
The restaurant Kaiju Eats is a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Jordan Park neighborhood. Here, you’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for enjoying authentic ramen and izakaya small plates.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner, this spot offers a trendy setting with delicious happy hour options, making it a great choice for your next meal.
Overview: Introducting Kaiju Eats
Kaiju Eats offers a generally positive dining experience, particularly shining with its inventive and flavorful dishes. Many guests consistently praise the quality of the food, often noting the generous portions and creative offerings.
It’s a spot where culinary exploration is often rewarded. However, the experience isn’t without its minor drawbacks.
Some visitors have mentioned that the seating can feel a bit cramped, and there are occasional remarks about the overall ambience not always matching the food’s high standard. Despite this, the core appeal remains strong.
Good
7.3
out of 10
525
Reviews
72.8%
Satisfaction
102
negative
41
neutral
382
positive
Kaiju Eats achieves a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.3, reflecting a solid performance across the board. This is supported by a good Customer Satisfaction rate of 72.8%, indicating that most diners leave content.
These insights are drawn from 525 customer observations, comprising 382 positive remarks against 102 negative ones. The Food (7.8) is a clear highlight, consistently receiving high praise for its quality and variety.
While Ambience (6.6) and Service (6.3) are rated as average, with some positive comments about staff friendliness, there are also mentions of inconsistencies. Value (6.2) is also average, though specific deals like happy hour are often appreciated.
What people like
- Inventive, flavorful food
- Generous food portions
- Reasonable happy hour
What people don't like
- Cramped seating
- Inconsistent service
- Tipping policy concerns
If you’re seeking a restaurant where the food takes center stage, Kaiju Eats is certainly worth considering. Its inventive dishes and well-regarded ramen often deliver a satisfying culinary experience, making it a strong contender for a flavorful meal.
With a solid Recommendation Score of 7.6, it’s a place that many would suggest. However, if spacious dining or consistently flawless service are your top priorities, you might find some aspects less appealing.
It’s a good choice for those who prioritize taste and don’t mind a cozier setting.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kaiju Eats
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.8 score and a solid 79.6% customer satisfaction. Many of the 273 positive comments rave about the delicious ramen, often highlighting its creative interpretation and great flavor combinations. Guests frequently praise the generous portion sizes and tasty appetizers like yakitori and karaage, noting the quality and consistency across the menu.
However, with 48 negative comments among the 343 total, there are a few areas to watch out for. Some diners have experienced issues with oysters, while others found the broth could be overly salty or greasy. There were also mentions of meat sometimes being dry, and a few felt the vegetarian options or sushi selection were limited or disappointing.
Food
343
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
48
negative
22
neutral
273
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, creative ramen
- Great flavor combos
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Oysters caused illness
- Broth can be salty
- Meat sometimes dry
Often praised
- foodThe food lived up to the other reviews and our own anticipation. The vast array of interesting and daring offerings made me a little nervous because it's rare that a kitchen can do so much while maintaining quality and consistency, but everything we ate was stellar. Service was timely for such a busy place and helpful when we had questions or concerns.
- ramenI've been a loyal customer at this restaurant for over 7 years, and I firmly believe it serves the best ramen in SF. Every ramen dish is delicious and unique, though the K O ramen holds a special place as my favorite.
- spicy miso ramenthe spicy miso ramen... were all so delicious!
- RamenIt's one of my very favorite Ramen spots. Not only is the Ramen varied and inventive, but they also offer some other side dishes that you don’t see everywhere else. I particularly like the Japanese pumpkin tempura.
- FoodFood:5
- appetizersI've visited three times over the past three years and have never been truly impressed. The ramen is about average, but the saving grace is the appetizers. I really loved the Karaage and the Gyoza.
- karageTheir skewers are inexpensive and delicious, and their ramen is flavorful and savory. Don't forget about their happy hours, as well as their curry rice plates, karage, and katsu.
- noodlesnoodles, pork belly, and eggs were an excellent texture
- portionThe portions of the meals are very hearty. I would recommend getting the kaiju Kobe ramen; the flavor is amazing and the portion is insane! I’d recommend this place to anyone looking for great sushi, edamame, and delicious ramen!
- skewersTheir skewers are inexpensive and delicious
Frequently criticized
- brothHowever, the portions felt a bit small for the price, and I expected more protein. The broth and noodles were very mild, and my tofu, corn, and seaweed tasted like nothing. The 'potato nest' was disappointing, resembling crushed Ruffles chips that quickly became soggy and unpleasant.
- foodThe food wasn't all that
- meatCouldn't taste the meat or anything like that because the broth's spices were so overpowering.
- noodlesHowever, the portions felt a bit small for the price, and I expected more protein. The broth and noodles were very mild, and my tofu, corn, and seaweed tasted like nothing. The 'potato nest' was disappointing, resembling crushed Ruffles chips that quickly became soggy and unpleasant.
- oystersordered a dozen oysters and both got food poisoning
- ramenUnderwhelming ramen. Too salty and soup wasn't rich enough.
- KO ramenbowl of soupy salt I had with my KO ramen was terrible
- beefbeef was slightly tuff
- broth's spicesbroth's spices were so overpowering.
- cornmy tofu, corn, seaweed tasted like nothing at all
If you're looking for creative, flavorful ramen and tasty appetizers with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful of potential issues with oysters or overly salty broths, and check if their current menu suits your dietary preferences.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
It seems like the service here is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.3 and customer satisfaction sitting at 57.3%. Many guests have raved about the friendly staff and quick service, noting how accommodating employees were, even going the extra mile like running out with a forgotten phone or offering a new order when needed. With 59 positive remarks out of 103 total, there's definitely a lot to appreciate.
However, not everyone has had such a smooth experience. Some diners faced long waits and found the staff to be less than attentive, with a few even describing interactions as rude. There were also instances of order issues and delays, leading to 34 negative comments.
It sounds like consistency might be the main challenge.
Service
103
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
34
negative
10
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
- Order issues
Often praised
- serviceWhile I liked the vibe, the food, specifically the spicy miso ramen, was underwhelming. The service was lovely, and the noodles, pork belly, and eggs had an excellent texture. However, the portions felt a bit small for the price, and I expected more protein.
- ServiceThe vast array of interesting and daring offerings made me a little nervous because it's rare that a kitchen can do so much while maintaining quality and consistency, but everything we ate was stellar. Service was timely for such a busy place and helpful when we had questions or concerns. We're returning again soon, but definitely for my birthday.
- staffThe staff was interactive and very informative.
- customer serviceThis place also have the best customer service
- StaffStaff was super friendly
- service speedThe only suggestion I have is to include more veggies in the ramen. The service was great, friendly, and fast, and the price was so reasonable for the big portions. Highly recommend!
- waitressMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful for a dinner out with friends. The place had a relaxing vibe, and the waitress was efficient and friendly. Regarding the food, I had the spicy miso ramen, which I really liked.
- Eating inbut eat in too and enjoy it
- Great serviceNice cozy place with great service
- amazing jobdoing an amazing job
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was a significant letdown, with servers showing much greater tentativeness and a better attitude towards white customers than Asian customers. There was not much service in general. A big downside was that the seating was very crowded, and the vegetarian options were very restricted.
- staffAdditionally, I checked my credit card charge and they charged me a few dollars more than what I agreed to pay on my bill. I guess the staff decided to tip themselves more. This is a shady practice here.
- wait timewait for them to redo the order
- waitressour waitress named "Emily" ... she basically sat there and let the unwell man speak to us
- StaffStaff didn’t even talk to me
- customer serviceABSOLUTE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE
- deliverywaited over 2 hours for my delivery
- employeesthe employees start stacking all the chair on the table
- foodwaited another 30 mins for the food to come
- helpcouldn't get help at all
If you're looking for a place with potentially friendly and quick service, it might be worth a try. However, be prepared for a possible long wait or order issues, as experiences can vary.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
The restaurants ambience generally hits the mark for many, with 36 positive comments out of 55 total. Guests frequently praise its "cozy vibe, " "homie feel, " and "relaxing vibe, " often calling it a "locals gem. " The overall score for ambience is an 6.6, indicating an average but generally pleasant atmosphere.
However, its not without its quirks, as 12 negative comments point out. Some found it a very small place with limited seating and a cramped dining area. A few even mentioned an old musty smell.
Customer satisfaction sits at a 65.5%, suggesting a mixed experience for some.
Ambience
55
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
12
negative
7
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, homie vibe
- Relaxing atmosphere
- Local gem
What people don't like
- Very small place
- Limited seating
- Musty smell
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the excellent ramen and the fun atmosphere. The skewers were a small but thoughtfully created and delicious offering, especially at only $6 during happy hour.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restaurantLooks to be a real local, real people restaurant
- vibeI particularly enjoyed the fresh and huge crab in the ramen. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with a cute and unfussy vibe. It's a delightful place for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Nice cozy placeNice cozy place with great service
- ambiancethe ambiance is so cozy
- ambiencecool ambience
- cozinessThe coziness helps add to the experience
- cozy vibeCozy vibe
- creative and unique spotcreative and unique spot for some out of the box combinations
Frequently criticized
- seatingThe spices in my dish were so overpowering that it was the only flavor I could detect, completely masking the taste of the meat and broth. Additionally, there is very limited seating, which leads to long waits. Despite the food not being to my taste, the positive service experience makes me willing to return.
- placethe place is kinda cramped
- bathroombathroom was dirty and the toilet was leaking
- dining areaVery cramped dining area
- kitchenKitchen looked dirty
- musicI have been to this place three times and I love it. I agree that the music is a bit annoying and loud for such a small place.
- old musty smellthe place had an old musty smell
- sitting on the throne for an hourThe house tea is always freshly brewed. It would easily be a 4-star review from me, if not for the fact that I was sitting on the throne for an hour that very night after my only big meal of the day. Coincidence or just bad Godzilla juju?
- very small placeVery small place so not suitable for big groups
If youre looking for a small, cozy spot with a relaxed, local feel and dont mind potentially limited seating, this place could be a good fit. However, if you prefer spacious dining or are sensitive to small spaces and occasional musty smells, you might find the ambience a bit challenging.
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some definite upsides, with many guests praising the Happy Hour, lunch specials, and generally reasonably priced offerings. Youll often find comments about getting good value for quality, especially with their inexpensive skewers and ramen. This contributes to a score of 6.2, indicating an average but leaning positive experience.
However, the value proposition isnt without its issues. Several patrons expressed frustration over unexpected credit card charges, questionable tip calculation methods, and even a mandatory 20% gratuity that felt like an unethical practice. These concerns contribute to a mixed customer satisfaction of 58.3%, despite 14 positive remarks against 8 negative ones out of 24 total comments, suggesting room for improvement.
Value
24
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Excellent lunch value
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Unexpected card charges
- Unethical tip practices
- Mandatory gratuity
Often praised
- priceThe price was so reasonable
- happy hourI found the ramen to be some of the best I’ve had in the city. It’s also a great place to pop into and enjoy happy hour.
- Great priceTasty food at a great price
- Happy HourLucked into Happy Hour (4:30-6:00).
- good valueMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around good food and good value. We had a feast, enjoying a satisfying meal.
- happy hoursTheir skewers are inexpensive and delicious, and their ramen is flavorful and savory. Don't forget about their happy hours, as well as their curry rice plates, karage, and katsu.
- lunch specialThe lunch special is pretty good.
- lunch specialsTheir lunch specials are excellent value
- reasonably pricedReasonably priced
- value for qualityMy experience at this restaurant was top-notch, easily deserving 6 stars! The food exceeded all expectations, offering incredible value for quality. Honestly, it puts many other places to shame.
Frequently criticized
- 20% gratuitycharged 20% gratuity eventhough they didn't deserve it
- business practicesMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the food was good, I really dislike their business practices. They calculate tips based on the total with tax, which feels very unethical.
- credit card chargeWe used to come here before, and it wasn’t like this, so I’m not sure why the ramen was so bad that night. Additionally, I checked my credit card charge and they charged me a few dollars more than what I agreed to pay on my bill. I guess the staff decided to tip themselves more.
- portionsportions were okay but underwhelming for the price
- tipAfter we ate, we tried leaving a tip in cash, but they charged us a 20%+ tip without asking. It was $28 for a tip!
- tip calculationthey calculate suggested tips based on the total with tax included
- tips calculationWhile the food was good, I really dislike their business practices. They calculate tips based on the total with tax, which feels very unethical.
- unethical practicethis place is very unethical
If youre looking for great deals like happy hour or lunch specials, youll likely find good value here. However, be mindful of their billing practices, as some customers reported issues with unexpected charges and tip calculations. It's a mixed bag, so go in with your eyes open.
How are the prices at Kaiju Eats?
On average, you’ll spend around 29 per person – from 89 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners are finding options in the $21–$30 range, with a good number also choosing dishes in the $11–$20 bracket. This shows prices cluster nicely around the average, offering a solid mid-range experience without too many extreme highs or lows.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 89 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in San Francisco?
Overall, for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance for those looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kaiju Eats
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Gluten-Free Ramen Heaven Found!
As someone who is gluten-free and had never tried ramen before, my experience at Kaiju was transformative. I tried their miso ramen, which featured delicious, thin, and glossy gluten-free yam noodles. The first bite transported me to a world of spicy, umami, and scrumptious ramen heaven.
Kaiju is now my go-to place for an incredible ramen experience.
- miso ramen10
- gluten-free yam noodles9
- Food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Terrible Service, Long Wait Time
I ordered DoorDash at 5: 30 PM with an expected ready time of 6: 30 PM. It is now 7: 30 PM, and I still haven't received my food. My DoorDash driver had been waiting at the restaurant since 6: 19 PM.
Consequently, I had to pay my DoorDasher an even larger tip due to the extended wait time, which necessitated my calling the restaurant. The situation worsened when I called and a woman picked up. Upon informing her that I had waited over two hours for my delivery, she asked for my name.
The moment I provided it, revealing my race, she adopted an attitude and stated, "it'll be ready soon! " When I requested an ETA to inform my driver, she curtly replied, "YEAH YEAH, it's ready now, " and hung up. To add to the frustration, I had also ordered from another place simultaneously (double dashed), but that restaurant was closed by the time due to these issues.
My boyfriend and I are unwell and were looking forward to trying a new ramen place and getting a sweet treat. Needless to say, we will not return. The service significantly dampened my enthusiasm for recommending this place, even if the food is good.
I will provide an updated review regarding the quality of this food, which arrived two hours late.
- food6
- waiting time1
- service1
- delivery1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Worth the Trip for Ramen & Kobe Beef
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We travel from the East Bay specifically for their Ramen, and it never disappoints. The Kobe beef is our absolute favorite, and pretty much all of their skewers are bomb.
Thanks to Alice, the service was always good.
- Ramen9
- Kobe beef10
- skewers9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Unethical Tip Calculation
My experience at this restaurant was marred by an unethical practice. As others have noted, they calculate suggested tips based on the total bill including tax. I strongly advise diners to calculate your tip based on the pre-tax amount to avoid this deceptive practice.
- tip calculation2
- unethical practice1
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Good Food, Unethical Business Practice
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the food was good, I really dislike their business practices. They calculate tips based on the total with tax, which feels very unethical.
- food7
- business practices2
- tips calculation2
What Kaiju Eats offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Kaiju Eats Ramen & Izakaya?
Kaiju Eats Ramen & Izakaya offers a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed dining experience in San Francisco’s Jordan Park. It’s an inviting spot for both quick bites and longer meals.
Does Kaiju Eats Ramen & Izakaya offer happy hour or specific dining options?
Yes, Kaiju Eats Ramen & Izakaya provides happy hour drinks and food, along with lunch, dinner, and dessert options. You can enjoy table service and comfortable seating for your meal.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Kaiju Eats?
Kaiju Eats has a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.3 and a Customer Satisfaction rate of 72.8%. Customers particularly praise the Food (7.8), while Ambience (6.6), Service (6.3), and Value (6.2) are considered average.
What do customers like most about Kaiju Eats?
Customers frequently highlight the inventive and flavorful food, especially the ramen and appetizers. Many also appreciate the generous portion sizes and the good value offered during happy hour.
Are there any common complaints about Kaiju Eats?
Some customers have noted that the seating can be cramped, and there have been reports of inconsistent service. Concerns about the restaurant’s tipping practices have also been raised.