Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Kibatsu – San Francisco
Kibatsu - San Francisco
Photo from Kibatsu
Kibatsu at a glance
San Francisco Lower Haight
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 41 of the guests
#1279 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#116 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
460
Reviews
70.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality sushi
- Good Omakase
- Fair pricing
- Unique vibe
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistencies
- Noisy environment
- Omakase not worth
The restaurant Kibatsu is a Japanese restaurant nestled in the vibrant Lower Haight neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed evening.
With healthy options on the menu, along with a selection of wine and beer, it’s an ideal spot for dinner. Whether you’re looking for small plates or a full meal, Kibatsu offers a delightful dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Kibatsu
Kibatsu offers a generally positive dining experience, particularly shining with its culinary offerings. Many appreciate the fresh fish and well-executed Omakase, suggesting a kitchen that understands its craft.
It’s a place where the food often takes center stage, leaving a strong impression on diners. However, the experience isn’t without its minor challenges.
While the intimate setting is often praised, some guests have found the space to be crowded and loud, impacting the overall comfort. Service, though often kind, can sometimes feel brisk, which might detract from a perfectly smooth visit.
Good
7.4
out of 10
460
Reviews
70.9%
Satisfaction
102
negative
32
neutral
326
positive
Kibatsu earns a solid overall score of 7.4, reflecting a good dining experience, complemented by a customer satisfaction rate of 70.9%, which also falls into the good category. This consistent performance is based on 460 customer remarks, with a healthy balance of 326 positive and 102 negative observations.
The culinary aspect, or Food, leads the way with a score of (7.6), indicating a strong point for the restaurant. The Ambience also rates well at (7.4), contributing positively to the dining atmosphere.
Service, while generally good at (6.8), shows some room for refinement, and Value at (7) is considered fair by most patrons.
What people like
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Good Omakase experience
- Reasonable value
- Unique atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service pacing
- Cramped, loud space
- Omakase value concerns
If you prioritize quality ingredients and a thoughtful approach to Japanese cuisine, Kibatsu is certainly worth considering. The culinary team consistently delivers, making it a reliable choice for those seeking well-prepared dishes and a good Omakase experience.
However, be mindful that the dining environment can sometimes be bustling, and service might occasionally feel rushed. With a Recommendation Score of 7.5, it’s a place that generally satisfies, but setting expectations for a lively, rather than serene, atmosphere will enhance your visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kibatsu
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 72.7%. With 205 positive remarks out of 282 total, many rave about the incredible Omakase experience, praising the freshness and quality of the fish. Diners also appreciate the creative dishes and innovative presentations, making for a truly memorable meal.
However, not everyone was completely wowed. There were 52 negative comments, with some finding certain sushi pieces salty, chewy, or even sour. A few also noted issues with flavor balance and inconsistent preparation, suggesting that while many dishes shine, some might miss the mark.
Food
282
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
52
negative
25
neutral
205
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Omakase experience shines
- Fresh, high-quality fish
- Creative, unique dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent sushi pieces
- Flavor balance issues
- Overly sour sushi rice
Often praised
- sushiMy favorite spot for sushi in SF! It's a great choice for a date night, or if you're feeling particularly fancy, you can indulge in the Omakase experience, which is truly incredible.
- foodOver the years, they've expanded to three locations and consistently deliver exceptional sushi and Japanese cuisine. Their food never disappoints—trust me, it's worth the visit every time. In fact, I once dined here 8 days in a row because I just couldn't get enough!
- fishthe fish and creative quality of dishes has never disappointed
- OmakaseOmakase is delicious, fresh, well balanced taste
- omakaseThe $158 omakase was certainly generous, offering a plethora of dishes
- qualityvery nice value for the quality
- fresh fishFresh fish with interesting novel flavors incorporated
- freshnesshow fresh and flavorful everything is
- sashimiThe fish is some of the best we've had, with such high-quality sashimi. Roy, the primary chef, has been honing his craft since 1991 and sources the best sashimi in the Bay Area. Everyone should add this as an SF staple.
- sushi qualitysushi quality at this place is worth a visit
Frequently criticized
- fishfish did not taste fresh - it was filmy and fishy
- rollsrolls were good but unexpectedly small
- flavorsthe flavors were nothing that really stood out
- riceas if they added a lot of lemon juice to rice
- Maki sushiThe Nigiri sushi was delicious, a definite highlight. However, the sushi rice of the Maki sushi was far too sour, close to inedible, which was a significant disappointment.
- TamagoTamago, which was on the menu, wasn’t available
- amount of proteinamount of protein in the makis themselves 😂 seriously
- beefthe beef waa greasy and under salted
- bone in salmonthere was a bone in my salmon
- chewyThe place was very crowded and loud, making it unsuitable for a relaxing omakase meal. Unfortunately, many of the sushi pieces were not enjoyable, being either too salty, chewy, or sour. The final dish, ice cream with wagyu beef, was also a letdown; the beef was greasy and undersalted, and its flavor ruined the ice cream.
If you're seeking a generally good sushi experience with standout omakase and creative options, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many dishes are exceptional, there might be some inconsistencies in flavor and texture.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
The service here often shines, with many guests raving about the personal touch. With 56 positive remarks out of 90 total, youll find mentions of "excellent service, " "friendly staff, " and servers like Chanel who "orchestrated the perfect sequence. " Guests frequently feel like "family" thanks to the attentive team, contributing to a good overall score of 6.8.
However, the experience isnt always consistent, leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 62.2%. Some diners encountered long waits, rude treatment, and pacing issues where dishes arrived all at once or requests were forgotten. This suggests there's room for improvement in ensuring every guest receives the same high standard of care.
Service
90
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
31
negative
3
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Personalized service
- Excellent pacing
What people don't like
- Long waits
- Inconsistent service
- Pacing issues
Often praised
- serviceThe modern dishes were also standouts, especially the sweet and savory dessert course with black sesame ice cream and yuzu sorbet cones, topped with a juicy, warm cube of deep fried wagyu. I felt comfortable dining indoors in the smaller space, and the service was polite and efficient. The price point was very reasonable for SF.
- staffThe owner and the entire staff is kind, patient, and always so welcoming.
- ChanelChanel makes every customer feel welcome and at home
- Chef JimmyChef Jimmy was the best! his recommendations were all so good!
- chefRoy the primary chef has been doing this since 1991
- Chanel (the owner)Chanel (the owner) is SO kind
- Chef RoyI absolutely love this place, and the last place (Sugoi) for those that missed it. Chef Roy, and the management have once again out done themselves. After being uprooted from the last location; they persisted and moved to another locale.
- Great staffGreat staff!
- JimmyJimmy was such a homie
- ServiceService:5
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was brisk and borderline rude
- Google reservation systemRESERVE ON YELP, NOT GOOGLE. The Google reservation system is broken for this restaurant, only allowing bookings for a party of 1. I called the restaurant directly when I noticed this issue.
- allergiesno ask of allergies
- chefschefs standing around looking bored
- chefs trainingFor a $180 omakase experience, I’ll say it’s not worth the dollar you spent. I don’t think the chefs are professionally trained to do this. I personally have limited knowledge about omakase and sushi culture, but I know some basics.
- dishes pacingdishes came out all at once rather than being paced
- explanation of dishesMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The service was brisk and borderline rude, with no explanation of how each dish was prepared or any inquiry about allergies. The food lacked balance; each dish was either a punch of wasabi, overly sweet, or super salty.
- female serverThe female server was another story
- food runnerserved our dishes by the food runner who had no clue what he was serving us
- forgotten requestsforgotten requests detracted from the flow
If you catch them on a good day, the service can be truly exceptional and make you feel right at home. But be prepared that consistency might be an issue, with some guests experiencing frustrating waits or less attentive staff. It's worth a try for the potential for a great personal experience, but manage your expectations regarding pacing.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, earning a 7.4 score and leaving 76.5% of customers satisfied. Many guests rave about the intimate setting, lovely lighting, and unique restaurant decoration, creating a chic and cozy vibe perfect for a date night or good conversation. Based on 52 positive remarks out of 68 total, it truly feels like a hidden gem.
However, not everyone finds the atmosphere perfect, with 14 negative comments pointing to some drawbacks. Some found the space a bit small, leading to crowded and loud conditions, especially with tables close together. A few also mentioned the lighting could be too dim, making the overall experience less welcoming for some.
Ambience
68
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate setting
- Chic decor
- Cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Crowded and loud
- Small space
- Dim lighting
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at the restaurant was positive. I enjoyed the great a la carte selection and the nice atmosphere. I plan to try their omakase in the future.
- ambiencedark sort of rustic interior that somehow feels both intimate and lively
- spaceMy experience at Kibatsu was fantastic! They serve up fresh, delicious sushi in a thoughtful, trendy space that has a unique vibe, somewhere between a dive bar and a physics department. The service was prompt and friendly, and the menu offers a well-curated selection of sushi mainstays with some creative options.
- intimate settingThe $158 omakase was generous, offering a plethora of small plates, nigiri, sashimi, and dessert. Despite the service hiccups and inconsistencies, the intimate setting and warm lighting created a unique atmosphere, perfect for getting lost in conversation. With attention to service consistency, pace, and flavor balance, Kibatsu has the potential to be great.
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I absolutely love this place, and the last place (Sugoi) for those that missed it. Chef Roy, and the management have once again out done themselves.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Restaurant decorRestaurant decor itself is super cool too.
- barsat at the bar and enjoyed the amazing specials
- bar seatsgot two seats at the end of the bar
- buzzThere was a buzz among the staff and in the room.
Frequently criticized
- ambiancethe ambiance is just not welcoming to all
- atmosphereTurned an otherwise nice experience to feeling like I’ll never go back
- crowded and loudplace was very crowded and loud
- dining areaplace is a closet. Tiny cramped dinning area
- everyone is being rushedIt also feels like everyone is being rushed
- lightingroom so dim you can barely see the food
- noisegenerated so much noise that it was absolutely impossible to hear
- outsidesit at the cold freezing outside
- phone rings loudlyThe phone rings loudly and says "Call from private caller"
- spaceThe atmosphere offered a cute authentic feeling sushi bar, which was a nice touch. However, the space is very small, so be prepared to wait awhile for a table or consider calling ahead.
If you're looking for a chic, intimate spot with a great vibe for a cozy evening, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that it can get a bit crowded and lively, so it might not be your quietest option.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7, many guests (13 out of 20 comments) rave about the great value and affordable options. Folks were pleasantly surprised by the good price point, often finding the quality far exceeded what they paid, even noting its "better than places several times more expensive.
"However, the 65% customer satisfaction suggests a bit of a mixed bag. While most find the price reasonable, a few (5 comments) felt the pricing could be tricky. Some mentioned "portions are fairly small for the price" or even that it was "not worth the dollar u spent, " indicating that perceived value isnt always consistent.
Value
20
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent quality for price
- Surprisingly low bill
- Very good value
What people don't like
- Small portions for price
- Pricing discrepancies
- Poor value perception
Often praised
- valueThere’s tons of TLC for each and every ingredient, prepared the way it should be. Yes, it’s not cheap, but it doesn’t deserve to be.
- priceExcellent sushi quality esp for its price
- pricesThe prices are far too reasonable for the quality you get.
- affordableSuper affordable too!
- billthought they made a mistake on the bill because it was so low
- good pricesushi at a good price
- great valueThe Omakase was delicious, with a well-balanced taste and incredibly fresh ingredients. I was impressed by the great value for the $$, making it an excellent choice. The service was excellent, and the place itself is cute and inviting.
- price pointthe price point was also very reasonable
Frequently criticized
- pricecharging for a single piece of nigiri what most sushi places charge for two pieces
- omakase experiencenot worth the dollar u spent
- pricingprices were different what they charged
If youre seeking excellent quality that often comes at a surprisingly affordable price, this place is definitely worth considering. Just be aware that some guests found the portions a bit small for the cost, so manage your expectations on quantity. Its a good pick for quality-conscious diners on a budget.
How are the prices at Kibatsu?
On average, you’ll spend around 79 per person – from 41 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $71–$80 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average is 79, the data shows a wide spread, with many diners spending significantly more, especially above 101 $. This suggests a diverse menu catering to both mid-range and premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 41 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, especially with the range of experiences available. It seems like you can find good value, whether you’re looking for a standard meal or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kibatsu
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Sushi and Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the amazing sushi and the overall atmosphere. The flatware was unique and elevated, and the fish was incredibly fresh.
The staff was also very kind.
- sushi9
- atmosphere9
- flatware8
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Exceptional Sushi & Japanese Cuisine!
I've been a fan of Kibatsu since their early days when they first opened Sugoi! On Valencia. Over the years, they've expanded to three locations and consistently deliver exceptional sushi and Japanese cuisine.
Their food never disappoints—trust me, it's worth the visit every time. In fact, I once dined here 8 days in a row because I just couldn't get enough! If you're unsure what to order, I highly recommend trying the Omakase—you'll be glad you did.
Some of my favorites include Ponzu Walu, Walu, Amaebi, Wagyu, Uni, Umimatsu, Kimedai, and countless other delicious options. If you're craving top-quality fish and authentic Japanese flavors, Kibatsu is the place to go. Don't miss out!
- exceptional sushi10
- Japanese cuisine10
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Sushi in San Francisco
Hands down, my favorite sushi spot in San Francisco! The primary waitress, Chanel, brings so much joy and personality, making everyone feel special. The fish is some of the best we've had, with such high-quality sashimi.
Roy, the primary chef, has been honing his craft since 1991 and sources the best sashimi in the Bay Area. Everyone should add this as an SF staple.
- sushi spot10
- waitress10
- fish10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Omakase Experience for the Price
For a $180 omakase experience, I’ll say it’s not worth the dollar you spent. I don’t think the chefs are professionally trained to do this. I personally have limited knowledge about omakase and sushi culture, but I know some basics.
For example, you always cut your fish right before you eat them to ensure the freshness. And the way you slice the fish is extremely important because that will affect the flavor of the sashimi. But they precut all the sashimis and leave them outside in room temperature, which completely disrupts the flavor.
A few sashimis I had were not in good quality. You can tell they are not from the best part of the fish, either too greasy or too chewy. The chefs don’t know how to treat the fish in order to avoid the tendon and that leaves some weird fiber in a few bites we had.
And you can’t even chew up those. Again, for a $80 omakase I won’t complain. But I paid $180, I expect excellency and perfection in every single dish you present.
To anyone who wants high-quality omakase like those you would have in Japan, do not choose this place. You will disappoint yourself.
- sashimis2
- sashimis quality2
- fish treatment2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Wonderful Evening at the Bar
I dropped in last night and secured two seats at the end of the bar. Our server, Channel, was exceptional, orchestrating the perfect sequence of food and drink for us. I truly loved the intimate neighborhood atmosphere and the friendliness of the patrons and staff.
Thank you for a wonderful evening.
- bar seats8
- server Channel10
- food and drink10
What Kibatsu offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Can you make reservations at Kibatsu?
Yes, Kibatsu accepts reservations, and it is highly recommended to make dinner reservations, especially if you plan to dine during peak hours. This ensures you secure your table and enjoy a smooth dining experience in their cozy setting.
What are the parking and service options available at Kibatsu?
Kibatsu offers convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. For parking, you’ll find both free street parking and paid street parking available nearby, making your visit hassle-free. The restaurant also provides wheelchair accessible seating.
How does Kibatsu generally score with diners?
Kibatsu holds a good overall score of 7.4, with customer satisfaction at 70.9%. Diners particularly praise the Food (7.6) and Ambience (7.4), while Service (6.8) and Value (7) also contribute positively to the experience.
What do customers appreciate most about the food at Kibatsu?
Customers frequently highlight the fresh fish and the quality of the sushi, often noting the well-balanced taste of the Omakase. Many find the ingredients to be incredibly fresh and the preparation thoughtful.
Are there any common concerns about the dining experience at Kibatsu?
Some diners have noted that the space can feel crowded and loud, impacting the atmosphere. There are also occasional comments about service being brisk or inconsistent, with some feeling rushed or experiencing issues with dish pacing.