Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » KEN – San Francisco
KEN - San Francisco
Photo from KEN
KEN at a glance
San Francisco North of Panhandle
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $91–$100
mentioned by 43 of the guests
#2 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
9.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
315
Reviews
97.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Omakase experience
- Engaging chef
- Intimate setting
Frequently criticized
- High price
- Limited variety
- Unexciting rice
The Japanese restaurant KEN in San Francisco’s vibrant North of Panhandle neighborhood offers you a truly authentic dining experience. This trendy spot invites you to discover a menu crafted with care, perfect for an evening out.
You’ll find yourself immersed in a welcoming atmosphere, enjoying delicious small plates and healthy options. It’s an ideal destination for dinner, promising a memorable culinary journey in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting KEN
KEN offers a truly exceptional dining journey, where the culinary creations are meticulously presented by an engaging chef. The intimate setting enhances this personal experience, making each visit memorable.
While it represents a significant splurge, many find the overall experience to be well worth the investment. A few diners noted the cost and a desire for more diverse fish options, like hikarimono.
Excellent
9.4
out of 10
315
Reviews
97.1%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
306
positive
KEN achieves an impressive overall score of 9.4, with customer satisfaction standing at an excellent 97.1%. This strong performance is supported by 306 positive observations against just 7 negative ones, reflecting a highly regarded establishment.
The culinary offerings, specifically Food (9.5), and the attentive Service (9.6) are clearly standout aspects. The Ambience (9.1) also contributes significantly to the positive sentiment, creating a delightful atmosphere.
However, the Value (5.5) score indicates that while the experience is highly rated, the price point is a notable consideration for many. This divergence suggests an average value perception despite the high quality elsewhere.
What people like
- Exceptional Omakase experience
- Engaging, knowledgeable chef
- Intimate dining setting
What people don't like
- High price point
- Limited fish variety
- Unexciting rice dish
With a strong recommendation score of 9.5, KEN stands out for its exceptional culinary artistry and personalized service. If you’re seeking a refined and engaging dining experience, this establishment is certainly worth considering.
Be prepared for a significant investment, as the cost is a recurring point of discussion. However, for those prioritizing a unique and memorable omakase journey, KEN delivers a truly special evening.
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Verdict: Our expert take on KEN
Food (9.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here is truly something special, earning an excellent score of 9.5 and an outstanding 98.2% customer satisfaction. With 166 positive remarks out of 169, diners consistently rave about the omakase experience, fresh fish, and unique flavors, often calling it a meal you won’t forget. While overwhelmingly positive, a couple of comments (2 out of 169) noted a slight lack in options of hikarimono and found one rice dish to be less exciting than the rest.
These are minor points in an otherwise stellar culinary journey.
Food
169
Reviews
98%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
166
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional Omakase Experience
- Fresh Quality Fish
- Creative Unique Flavors
What people don't like
- Limited Hikari Options
- Unexciting Rice Dish
Often praised
- foodYes, it’s a splurge, but it’s worth every penny. The food, the drinks, the atmosphere, and the chef—KEN is a gem in SF’s dining scene, and if you can snag a reservation (they’re tough, so plan ahead!), you’re in for something truly special.
- omakase experienceWe had the whole place to ourselves because the other two parties with reservations cancelled, which was an unbelievable experience. The chef made me like uni again, and I highly recommend KEN if you're looking for the best omakase experience in SF.
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was a sensational omakase experience, offering what I believe to be the best sushi in SF. Each serving was specially presented by Chef Ken, truly delighting my taste buds.
- fishThe fish? Flawless. Every piece is perfectly balanced
- omakaseMy experience at Ken was undoubtedly the greatest omakase I have had in my life. If you only have one mission for the rest of your culinary adventures, it should be to find yourself at Ken.
- Omakase experienceChef Ken did an amazing job explaining everything and was very knowledgeable about the fish he was serving. This was our first Omakase experience, and it was truly memorable. Hats off to Chef Ken for making us fall even more in love with food.
- dishesMy dining experience at KEN was absolutely incredible. The food was divine, with every dish bursting with flavor and artistry. The service was impeccable—attentive, friendly, and truly above and beyond.
- flavorsthe flavors were bold yet delicate.
- FoodFood:5
- Omakaseamazing job with his creative flavors and sake/wine pairing. It was a delight to experience it
Frequently criticized
- options of hikarimonoLacked options of hikarimono like Kohada, iwasahi. Aji.
- rice dishthe rice dish, compared to the rest it just seemed... unexciting
If you're seeking an unforgettable culinary adventure, especially for omakase, the food here is a definite must-try. Prepare for an exceptional experience with fresh, creative dishes that will likely exceed your expectations.
Service (9.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.6 and a phenomenal 98.9% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are consistently thrilled. Based on 88 positive mentions out of 89 total, diners rave about the incredible Chef Ken and the attentive service.
Many felt like they had a personal chef, enjoying the storytelling and warm hospitality that made the experience unforgettable. Whats truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the service. There were zero negative mentions, indicating that every guest's experience was overwhelmingly positive and without a single complaint.
Service
89
Reviews
98%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Chef Ken's interaction
- Attentive, personal service
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
Often praised
- Chef KenMy experience at this restaurant was a sensational omakase experience, offering what I believe to be the best sushi in SF. Each serving was specially presented by Chef Ken, truly delighting my taste buds. Chef Ken also took the time to explain his preparation and highlight the flavors and aromas of each dish.
- serviceChef Ken presented a great assortment of fresh fish, carefully selected and aged to perfection. I visited when they first opened, and I'm pleased to see that the service and sequencing of courses has improved significantly. If available, I highly recommend the chef’s preparation of the nodoguro.
- chefHe’s constantly innovating, traveling to Japan to learn from top chefs and bring back new ideas to refine his already incredible menu. And let’s talk about Ken himself—he’s not just an amazing chef but also such an engaging conversationalist. Whether he’s explaining the intricacies of a particular piece or sharing stories, it adds so much depth to the experience.
- staffIf you’re looking for a fun, delicious evening, head on over to Ken. Chef Ken and his staff are attentive to every aspect of the dining experience. Everything we ate was delicious.
- KenKen kept the dining experience pleasant and entertaining
- chef KenMy experience at the restaurant was an intimate experience with chef Ken himself. He is very knowledgeable and it is clear that he is passionate about his work.
- MariaMaria his assistant was also very professional
- ServiceService:5
- dining experienceIf you’re looking for a fun, delicious evening, head on over to Ken. Chef Ken and his staff are attentive to every aspect of the dining experience. Everything we ate was delicious.
- ChefChef was also so personable
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for an incredibly personal and attentive dining experience, this is absolutely the place to go. Chef Ken and his team deliver service that consistently delights, making every guest feel special. You can expect nothing less than top-tier hospitality here.
Ambience (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.1 and an impressive 100% customer satisfaction, its clear guests adore the vibe. Based on 49 positive remarks, people consistently praise the "intimate atmosphere, " "cozy seating, " and the unique "chef’s counter" setup, making for a truly personal and "intimate dining experience.
"Whats even more remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the ambience. Every single one of the 49 comments was glowing, indicating a consistently delightful and well-received environment that leaves diners feeling special and completely satisfied.
Ambience
49
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate atmosphere
- Chef's counter experience
- Cozy, personal seating
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereYes, it’s a splurge, but it’s worth every penny. The food, the drinks, the atmosphere, and the chef—KEN is a gem in SF’s dining scene, and if you can snag a reservation (they’re tough, so plan ahead!), you’re in for something truly special.
- experienceMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The food was phenomenal, offering both an experience and a meal. The setting was very intimate, and the service was incredibly attentive and thoughtful.
- eveningMy experience at this restaurant was by far the best and most memorable omakase experience I’ve ever had! The atmosphere, food, and storytelling came together to create a truly unforgettable evening. It was incredibly fun and educational.
- seatingWe had a fantastic evening in the small 7 person seating.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- intimate atmosphereadded to the intimate atmosphere
- intimate settingIntimate setting for a total of 6 guests
- restaurantThe chef created a really fun atmosphere, making us feel like we had made friends with the other diners at the counter by the end of the night. It's very rare to find a restaurant that is this excellent without being pretentious and stuffy. I would highly recommend it.
- seatsMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly intimate and enjoyable. It's a super cozy and small Omakase spot with only 6 seats available at the counter, offering a truly personal dining experience with the chef. Knowing he previously worked at Kusakabe, I felt confident we'd be in good hands.
- 6 seatsonly 6 seats so it's almost like you have a personal chef
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for an incredibly intimate and personalized dining experience, this place is a must-try. The cozy, chefs counter setting creates a truly special atmosphere that guests consistently rave about, making it perfect for a memorable evening.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the experience truly special, feeling it was a worthwhile splurge and worth the price . While the overall score for value sits at an average 5.5, there are 3 positive remarks out of 8 total, suggesting that for a select few, the investment paid off in terms of a memorable dining experience. However, the sentiment leans towards concern, with 5 negative remarks focusing on the high price and describing it as expensive or even the most expensive meal ever.
This is reflected in a poor customer satisfaction of just 37.5%, indicating that for many, the cost was a significant drawback.
Value
8
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the splurge
- Memorable experience
What people don't like
- Very expensive
- Most expensive meal
Often praised
- experienceOver two hours, we were served piece after piece of beautifully crafted sushi and sides (soups, custards, rice, etc). It is absolutely worth saving up for this experience <3
- priceWorth the price!
- splurgeWhether he’s explaining the intricacies of a particular piece or sharing stories, it adds so much depth to the experience. Yes, it’s a splurge, but it’s worth every penny. The food, the drinks, the atmosphere, and the chef—KEN is a gem in SF’s dining scene, and if you can snag a reservation (they’re tough, so plan ahead!), you’re in for something truly special.
Frequently criticized
- expensiveIt was quite expensive
- pricealso the most expensive
- most expensive mealthe most expensive meal I’ve ever had
So, is it worth it? If you're looking for an unforgettable experience and are prepared for a significant splurge , this place might deliver. However, be aware that many found it quite expensive , and customer satisfaction around value is low, so manage your expectations regarding the price .
How are the prices at KEN?
On average, you’ll spend around 100 $ per person here, based on what 43 guests reported. That places this Japanese Restaurant squarely in the $91–$100 category. For a Japanese spot in San Francisco, thats definitely on the higher-end.
Whats interesting is that while the average is 100 $, the vast majority of diners actually spend 101 $ or more, suggesting a truly premium experience for most.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 43 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the premium price point, especially with most guests spending over 101 $, wed say this restaurant aims for a higher-end Japanese dining experience in San Francisco. If youre looking for a truly premium meal, the pricing seems to align with that expectation.
Customer Reviews: what people think about KEN
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
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 truly amazing. The omakase was a standout, with delicious fish and rice. The mixture of flavors was superb and very well thought out.
The presentation, the story behind the dishes, and the impeccable service all contributed to making our night very special.
- omakase10
- fish and rice10
- mixture of flavors10
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Wonderful Solo Dining Experience
My experience at Ken was wonderful. The food was fantastic, the service was engaging, and the room was intimate. It was particularly perfect as a solo diner.
- food10
- service9
- room9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Dinner with Chef Ken
My experience at the restaurant was truly amazing. I highly recommend visiting. Every bite was well thought out and delicious.
It was perfect watching chef Ken preparing each piece. The staff was knowledgeable and helpful. We loved our wonderful dinner there.
- food10
- chef Ken9
- staff9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Incredible Chef, Memorable Meal!
My experience at the restaurant was like dining at the home of an incredible chef! The chef was so kind and talented. We had one of the most incredible and memorable meals we’ve ever had.
Thank you!
- incredible chef10
- kind10
- talented10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Superb Omakase with a Fun Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was superb, offering an exceptional omakase experience. Each dish was unique and balanced, with courses that flowed together and complemented each other nicely. The chef created a really fun atmosphere, making us feel like we had made friends with the other diners at the counter by the end of the night.
It's very rare to find a restaurant that is this excellent without being pretentious and stuffy. I would highly recommend it.
- omakase experience10
- dish9
- courses9
What KEN offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and services does KEN offer?
At KEN, you can enjoy a delightful dinner with full table service. The restaurant focuses on dine-in experiences, ensuring you receive attentive care throughout your meal. You’ll find a selection of healthy options, small plates, wine, and beer to complement your dining experience.
Do I need to make reservations to dine at KEN?
Yes, reservations are required to secure your spot at KEN, especially for dinner. It’s highly recommended to make your dinner reservations in advance to ensure you can experience their unique Japanese cuisine and enjoy a seamless dining experience in San Francisco.
What makes KEN stand out as a dining destination?
KEN is highly praised for its exceptional omakase experience, featuring meticulously crafted sushi and an engaging, knowledgeable chef who creates a personal and intimate dining atmosphere.
How do customers rate the overall experience at KEN?
KEN boasts an overall score of 9.4 and 97.1% customer satisfaction. Food (9.5) and Service (9.6) are excellent, while Ambience (9.1) is also highly rated. Value (5.5) is considered average.
Are there any considerations regarding the cost of dining at KEN?
Yes, customers frequently mention that dining at KEN is a significant splurge and can be quite expensive, though many feel the unique experience justifies the price.