Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Koja Kitchen – San Francisco
Koja Kitchen - San Francisco
Photo from Koja Kitchen
Koja Kitchen at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 28 of the guests
#1803 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#27 Korean Restaurant out of 36 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
299
Reviews
64.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent service
- Kamikaze fries
- Casual atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Small portions
- High prices
The restaurant Koja Kitchen, a vibrant Korean restaurant in San Francisco’s Richmond District, offers a truly unique dining experience. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious small plates and a great beer selection.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a late-night meal, this spot has you covered with healthy options and a lively vibe.
Overview: Introducting Koja Kitchen
Koja Kitchen offers a casual dining experience where the service often leaves a positive impression, with staff noted for being friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is generally clean and straightforward, providing a comfortable, no-fuss setting for a meal.
However, the culinary experience can be a bit of a mixed bag. While certain dishes, like the Kamikaze fries, consistently receive high praise for their flavor, other food items sometimes fall short, with concerns about consistency and ingredient freshness.
Despite some positive remarks on value, the overall perception of pricing can vary among patrons.
Good
6.8
out of 10
299
Reviews
64.2%
Satisfaction
75
negative
32
neutral
192
positive
Koja Kitchen achieves a Restaurant Score of 6.8, placing it in the good range, while Customer Satisfaction sits at 64.2%, indicating a mixed but generally positive reception. This assessment is drawn from 299 customer remarks, with 192 positive sentiments outweighing 75 negative ones, suggesting a solid foundation with areas for refinement.
Delving into specifics, Service shines with an impressive 8.3, reflecting consistently positive interactions. The Ambience also scores well at 7, offering a pleasant environment.
However, Food registers an average 6.6, pointing to some variability in quality, and Value comes in at 5.9, suggesting that while some find it reasonable, others perceive it as less compelling.
What people like
- Excellent service experience
- Flavorful Kamikaze fries
- Clean, casual atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small meat portions
- Perceived high prices
Koja Kitchen appears to be a suitable spot for a quick, casual meal, especially if you prioritize friendly service and a relaxed setting. It’s worth a visit if you’re keen to try their standout items, but it’s wise to manage expectations regarding the consistency of all menu offerings.
With a Recommendation Score of 7.2, Koja Kitchen is generally considered a worthwhile stop. It could be a good option for those in the area looking for a straightforward dining experience, provided you’re aware that some dishes might impress more than others.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Koja Kitchen
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners rave about the creative concept and delicious offerings. With 135 positive expressions out of 222 total, guests frequently praise the reliable flavor, standout Kamikaze fries, and tender short rib. The overall score for food sits at 6.6, indicating an average but generally satisfying experience.
However, the food experience isnt without its hiccups, with 62 negative expressions noted. Some patrons have found issues with "hard rice buns, " "lackluster flavor, " and "small portions, " occasionally leading to disappointment. Customer satisfaction is a mixed bag at 60.8%, suggesting theres still room for improvement in consistency.
Food
222
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
62
negative
25
neutral
135
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reliable flavor
- Kamikaze fries
- Creative concept
What people don't like
- Hard rice buns
- Lackluster flavor
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodEating the burger together with the fries was very filling. The food exceeded my expectations. The burgers may be small in size, but BIG in flavor!
- Kamikaze friesKamikaze fries... are out of this world good
- meatthere was good portion of meat and it was juicy
- friesThe pineapple ring added just a touch of sweetness to the burger. The fries were covered in BBQ Korean beef and smothered with a little hot sauce and Japanese mayo. It's a very different kind of burger, served between rice buns instead of bread buns.
- kamikaze friesDefinitely get their kamikaze fries; the best fries I’ve had anywhere
- FriesFries are def a get!!
- Kamikaze FriesThe fries were my favorite out of everything; they were packed with flavor
- beefI love their kamikaze fries and beef koja, which I order religiously. The rice patties are perfectly fried, the beef is always tender and laced with flavor, and the grilled pineapple slice brings a nice acidity to the koja. Their cocktails are great too!
- beef kojathe beef koja are out of this world good
- portionsthe portions are sizable and filling
Frequently criticized
- meatyou're not going to find to much in these dishes
- rice bunrice bun was super hard, super chewy, and super oily
- foodthe food was definitely not up to what it was
- ricethe rice was dry
- short rib bowlgot short changed on this short rib bowl! Where's the meat???
- Ahi tuna bowlOrdered Ahi tuna bowl for lunch. The raw fish is not fresh
- Crispy Chicken BowlOverall, I found the food to be great and the prices reasonable. On a separate visit, I tried the Crispy Chicken Bowl, but unfortunately, the fried chicken was burnt. However, on yet another visit, the Kamikaze Fries were just as good as I remembered.
- Kamikaze FriesThe fries would have been good if they were hot; they were nowhere close.
- KoJa Burgerwasn’t the biggest fan of the KoJa Burger
- Mint Mango LemonadeThe lemonade was more sour than I expected and I didn't really like it
If youre looking for a creative twist on Asian fusion with some truly delicious highlights like their Kamikaze fries, its worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might be inconsistent in quality or portion size, so manage your expectations.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 87.5%, it's clear guests are generally happy. Out of 32 comments, a whopping 28 praise the friendly staff, quick service, and their excellent knowledge of gluten-free options, ensuring a warm greeting and efficient experience.
However, a couple of comments (2 out of 32) did mention some less-than-helpful service interactions, particularly regarding specific requests. While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, there were instances where the service felt a bit dismissive, which is something to keep in mind.
Service
32
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Knowledgeable about GF
What people don't like
- Unhelpful responses
Often praised
- serviceThe fact that it's naturally gluten-free is a huge bonus for me. Beyond the amazing food, the service was warm and friendly. I was promptly greeted and offered assistance, and even though I opted for the self-service kiosk, I appreciated seeing an elderly gentleman being guided through his order.
- staffThey can make a decent number of items gluten free and have good knowledge of what is gluten free. The space is clean and nice, and the staff is very friendly, contributing to a rather casual scene. While the wine was just okay, the beer is good.
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was great for a quick and delicious meal. It's an awesome over-the-counter place if you want some good food but aren’t in the mood to wait. The atmosphere is casual and no-fuss, and the prices are reasonable.
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- best recommendationMy experience at this restaurant was a best recommendation.
- girl in frontthe girl in front ran out and confirmed that she had my purse. I returned, grateful that she acted quickly.
- good customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by reliable flavor and good customer service. However, it's important to note that the establishment is temporarily closed as they are moving locations and merging with another restaurant on 6th Ave.
- greetingBeyond the amazing food, the service was warm and friendly. I was promptly greeted and offered assistance, and even though I opted for the self-service kiosk, I appreciated seeing an elderly gentleman being guided through his order. The overall experience was fantastic.
- guidancean elderly gentleman behind me was guided through his order
- guy at the counterGuy at the counter was very nice
Frequently criticized
- Asian manAsian man in the kitchen usually... he said no
- serviceWhen I asked the person said that is too bad
If friendly and speedy service is high on your list, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Guests consistently praise the staff's efficiency and helpfulness, especially regarding dietary needs. While a couple of isolated reports mention unhelpful responses, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7 and a good customer satisfaction of 71.4%. Based on 20 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the casual, no-fuss atmosphere, often highlighting the covered seating and ample room to spread out. Many also appreciate the clean, fun environment and the nice patio.
However, not everyone is entirely thrilled, with 5 negative comments noting some concerns. A few found the interior a bit dark for a lunchtime venue, and some mentioned the place feeling small. There's also the significant point about a location closing or being temporarily closed, which is a definite drawback.
Ambience
28
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Casual, spacious atmosphere
- Clean and fun
- Nice patio seating
What people don't like
- Dark interior noted
- Small indoor space
- Location closing concern
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is very nice
- spaceThere was a lot of space
- Parking optionsParking options:Paid parking lot
- ambianceThe food was delicious, and it didn't take a long time to come out. I also enjoyed the wonderful service and the great ambiance. I would eat here every day if I could and 100% recommend everyone coming here.
- casual atmosphereCasual, no-fuss atmosphere
- cleanIt’s very clean
- conceptTheir cocktails are great too! Overall, it's a great spot with a fantastic concept, I just wish there were more of them.
- covered seatingcovered and has excellent heat
- food truck courtperfect food truck court for outdoor fun
- funand fun
Frequently criticized
- dark interiorThe dark interior for a lunchtime venue seems a little bit heavy.
- interiorIt did seem a little depressing because it looked like the inside was not ready for customer use fully.
- location closingthis location is closing
- placeTeeny tiny place with a few seats inside & a few sidewalk tables
- temporarily closedestablishment is temporarily “closed”
If you're seeking a casual, spacious, and clean outdoor-friendly spot, this place generally delivers a good experience. Just be aware of potential issues with a dark interior or smaller indoor areas, and definitely check if the location is still open before you head out.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a definite upside! Many customers found the prices to be quite reasonable, often described as relatively affordable and offering great value for the delicious food. With 9 positive remarks out of 17 total, it seems many feel its worth it for what you get, contributing to a 52.9% customer satisfaction.
However, not everyone agrees, with 6 negative comments highlighting concerns about the cost. Some felt they wasted my money or that it was not worth it, describing items as a little pricey or even citing high prices. The overall score for value sits at an average 5.9, suggesting there's room for improvement.
Value
17
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value food
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- High prices
- Not worth money
Often praised
- pricesMy first experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed with the great food and great prices. I will definitely be going back and highly recommend it.
- priceThe ham combo had good flavor and taste, while the chicken was plentiful but could have used a bit more seasoning. Overall, it was a decent sandwich, and the price was under $10 per sandwich. I would get it again if I were in the area, but I wouldn't make a special trip just for it.
- great valuegreat value for delicious, fresh food
- reasonable pricesreasonable prices
- relatively affordableprices were relatively affordable
- worth it for what you getstill worth it for what you get
Frequently criticized
- moneyDon’t waste your money. Not worth it
- $13.19just cost me $13.19. 😑
- high pricesand high prices at koja kitchen
- ordermy order for 17 dollars
- priceAlthough a little pricey
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? While many appreciate the reasonable prices and good value, a significant number found it a bit too expensive. If youre looking for a decent meal that wont always break the bank, it might be worth a try, but be prepared that some items could feel a little pricey.
How are the prices at Koja Kitchen?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 28 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Korean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners, 21 out of 28, spend within this $11–$20 range, showing a clear sweet spot for pricing. A few go for cheaper options, and a couple spend a bit more, but it’s mostly consistent.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 28 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Korean restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It hits a sweet spot for many diners, offering good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Koja Kitchen
Visit Type
- Delivery
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
3
Hungry after a $17 to-go order
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I can’t justify ordering to go again. It's frustrating that a significant portion of my $17 order was salad, which I don't even enjoy.
I'm still hungry mannn.
- order2
- salad2
- hungry2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Perfectly Cooked Crispy Chicken Bowl
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the crispy chicken bowl, which was perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. The sauce and condiments were also wonderful.
The atmosphere and service were rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating. Parking was plentiful, and there was no wait time.
- crispy chicken bowl10
- perfectly cooked10
- sauce and condiments9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
6
Mixed Experience with Koja Temperature
My experience involved ordering a chicken koja, a beef koja, crispy rolls, and soup. Unfortunately, both the chicken and beef koja were served at a temperature that was neither hot nor cold, falling into the food safety danger zone. Given a recent bout of severe food poisoning, I was unwilling to risk eating them without reheating.
On a positive note, the crispy rolls and soup were both hot and delicious.
- crispy rolls8
- soup8
- chicken koja2
- beef koja2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Friendly owner, delicious and unique Koja!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The owner was incredibly friendly, and the food was absolutely delicious. I particularly enjoyed the Koja, which was a unique dish unlike anything I've tried before.
The restaurant is highly recommended for vegetarians.
- owner10
- food9
- Koja10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Meal Type
- Lunch
4
Koja's Concept Still Good, Execution Lacking
Admittedly, the last time I went to Koja was in Sparks, about 6 years ago. It's hard for a small, counter space only place to compete with that. But this experience wasn't the same.
The rice bun stuck to the wrapper (which never happened before) and the sauce was almost missing. I love the concept, but it's just not as good anymore.
- concept8
- rice bun2
- sauce3
What Koja Kitchen offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- 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
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Koja Kitchen?
At Koja Kitchen, you can expect a casual and trendy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying dinner, lunch, or even dessert. They offer comfortable seating and are known for their small plates, making it ideal for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Is Koja Kitchen suitable for families and accessible to all?
Yes, Koja Kitchen is good for kids, providing high chairs for younger guests. The restaurant also ensures accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, making it welcoming for everyone.
How does Koja Kitchen generally perform?
Koja Kitchen holds a **Restaurant Score** of **6.8**, indicating a generally good experience. **Service** stands out at **8.3**, with **Ambience** also performing well at **7**. However, **Food** scores an average **6.6**, and **Value** is a bit lower at **5.9**.
What are the common opinions on Koja Kitchen's food?
While items like the **Kamikaze fries** and beef koja receive high praise for flavor, some customers have noted inconsistencies, with occasional issues like burnt chicken, dry rice, or not fresh fish.
Is Koja Kitchen considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. Some find the prices reasonable and a great value for fresh food, while others feel it can be pricey and not worth the cost for certain orders, especially given occasional portion concerns.