Kufu-Ya - Reviews

My experience at this restaurant was AMAZING. They offer a great deal on the all-you-can-eat option, and their sushi is truly FANTASTIC. As a Japanese person, I can confidently say I was VERY impressed with their sushi. I highly recommend trying the unagi nigiri and the bluefin tuna. The ingredients are always fresh, and the staff is incredibly nice and welcoming. It's no wonder they've had regular customers for 15 years; it's a great local joint. If you know, you know!

My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The atmosphere was that of a true neighborhood restaurant, with old-timers buying drinks for the chef and waitress and enjoying drinks together. The food was also very good, featuring fresh fish, flavorful rice, and was masterfully made and presented. It was also reasonably priced. I will definitely be back for Shabu-Shabu.

My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I found the food to be bland and the atmosphere equally uninspiring. It was a spontaneous choice after searching for an open kitchen late on a Friday. The food was not only bland but also unbelievably overpriced, even for San Francisco standards. Ultimately, I felt ripped off and regretted not going home instead of dining here.

We visited Kufi-Ya and unfortunately, we had a very disappointing experience. Our friends had reserved a table for six, but my husband and I arrived earlier because we were hungry. The restaurant staff was aware that our friends would be arriving at 7 PM, as they know them well. Since we were early, we ordered a glass of wine, a bottle of sake, a cucumber salad, and one sushi roll while waiting. Before our friends arrived, my husband specifically asked the server to provide a separate check for the items we ordered earlier. She agreed. However, when he went to pay, we were shocked to see that they had added a 20% service charge, which, according to their policy, is applied to groups of five or more. When he pointed out that there were only two of us at the time, the server responded, “But you were sitting at a table for six. ” This is completely unfair and misleading. Aside from this frustrating experience, the overall dining conditions were disappointing. The tables were sticky, which was unpleasant. There was a cold draft coming from the window, and in the restroom, the ventilation system was running instead of the heater, making it uncomfortably cold. In winter weather, the heater should be on, not a fan blowing more cold air. As for the food, it was overpriced for the quality. There are plenty of places in San Francisco where you can find better sushi, fresher ingredients, and a cleaner atmosphere at more reasonable prices. Overall, we left extremely disappointed and will not be returning. We cannot recommend this place based on our experience.

My experience at this restaurant was perfect for a post-workout meal, offering a high dose of protein. I arrived hungry and the food came within 60 seconds of sitting down. The all-you-can-eat (AYCE) option featured 2 meats (beef + lamb) with a special sauce, complemented by a veggie bowl and noodles. Although they were out of oysters, the uni shooters were bomb. The service was super quick and friendly, with plates of meat replenished immediately after clearing, requiring no extra effort to ask for anything. This was likely aided by the fact that we were one of only four parties present, making it a chill atmosphere for a date or catching up with friends. However, the broth wasn't as flavorful as other places, and the selection had less variety. Everything, including meat, veggies, and sauce, is brought to you, allowing you to focus solely on eating once seated. Overall, it was a 4. 5/5 experience, enhanced by a neighborhood bias due to living close by. I wouldn't travel far for it, but if you're nearby, it's definitely worth a shot.

My experience at this restaurant was largely positive. The service was awesome, and the atmosphere was pretty good. While there were some loud people behind me and my friends, it was still a good time. The only reason I didn't give it five stars for food was that it needed a tad bit more options for flavoring. Other than that, this was an awesome place. If only it were bigger :) . This is definitely a hidden gem.

My experience at this restaurant involved their all-you-can-eat shabu shabu, which was quite basic. There was no buffet or variety of options; instead, we received the same veggie bowl and meat plates repeatedly. While not bad, it was just super basic. I'd rate it a solid 3-star experience. Additionally, the restaurant has a very weird parking lot.

My experience at the restaurant was excellent. I had the Mongolian beef, which was delicious, hot, and fresh. The meat was tender, the spices were just right, and the vegetables were cooked to perfection. The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5. However, finding parking was somewhat difficult, despite free street parking being available.

My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The sashimi did not look or taste fresh, and I became sick the next day. The fish pieces were paper-thin, yet they charged full retail price. The dining room was not very clean and smelled musty, like an unwashed 20-year-old carpet.

My experience at Kufu-ya was fantastic! I absolutely love this place. The food is consistently fresh and delicious. I particularly enjoy their Sushi and the AYCE hot pot, which is both filling and more affordable than most other shabu spots, offering great value for the money. Kufu-ya was a trailblazer, being the first place I remember offering both Japanese cuisine and AYCE hot pot under one roof. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, making it a great place to go with friends or family. They are one of the more spacious restaurants in the area, able to handle large groups. I've also ordered catered sushi platters and received many compliments at parties. Overall, I highly recommend Kufuya Japanese Restaurant for a delicious and affordable Japanese meal or AYCE hot pot.