Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Kui Shin Bo – San Francisco
Kui Shin Bo - San Francisco
Photo from Kui Shin Bo
Kui Shin Bo at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 101 of the guests
#1465 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#129 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
548
Reviews
67.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh food
- Attentive service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Cramped space
- Bad smell
The Japanese restaurant Kui Shin Bo in San Francisco’s Japantown offers a cozy and casual spot for you to enjoy authentic flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for small plates and healthy options.
It’s a great choice for a casual meal with friends or family, even good for kids.
Overview: Introducting Kui Shin Bo
Kui Shin Bo offers a mixed experience, where you’ll often find the service to be quite attentive and accommodating, especially with dietary needs. Many appreciate the food quality, noting fresh ingredients and satisfying dishes that hit the spot for Japanese cravings.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies. While the restaurant aims for a cozy atmosphere, some patrons have found the space to be quite small and tight.
There are also occasional concerns about the overall ambience, with a few mentions of unpleasant smells. Despite these points, the general sentiment leans towards a positive dining experience.
Good
7.2
out of 10
548
Reviews
67.3%
Satisfaction
117
negative
62
neutral
369
positive
Kui Shin Bo holds a respectable overall score of 7.2, indicating a generally good dining experience, supported by a 67.3% customer satisfaction rate, which falls into the mixed category. This suggests that while many leave content, there’s still room for improvement to delight a broader audience.
The restaurant garnered 369 positive remarks against 117 negative ones from a total of 548 customer observations. Looking closer, Food leads with a strong (7.4), often praised for its freshness and taste.
Service also performs well (7), with staff frequently noted for their attentiveness. The Ambience (6.8) is more of a mixed bag, offering a cozy feel for some but feeling cramped for others.
Value (6.5) is considered average, with opinions split between reasonable prices and some finding it a bit steep.
What people like
- Fresh, delicious food
- Attentive, caring service
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Slow, inconsistent service
- Small, cramped seating
- Unpleasant restaurant smell
If you’re seeking a Japanese meal with generally good food and attentive service, Kui Shin Bo is worth considering. The restaurant often delivers on fresh flavors and a caring staff, making it a solid choice for a casual outing.
Just be prepared for a potentially snug setting. With a Recommendation Score of 7.4, Kui Shin Bo suggests a positive experience for most.
It’s a place that can satisfy your Japanese food cravings, but manage your expectations regarding the dining space. It’s a good option if you prioritize taste and service over a spacious environment.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kui Shin Bo
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners rave about the delicious and fresh sushi and ramen options available. With 232 positive remarks out of 333 total, guests often highlight the authentic Japanese cuisine and generous portions. The overall score for food stands at a respectable 7.4, indicating a generally good culinary experience.
However, not every dish hits the mark, as some found certain items to be bland or of inconsistent quality. There were 66 negative remarks, with concerns occasionally raised about small portions or a fishy smell in some seafood. Customer satisfaction is a mixed 69.7%, suggesting there's still room for improvement in consistency.
Food
333
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
66
negative
35
neutral
232
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, delicious sushi
- Authentic Japanese flavors
- Generous dish portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Some dishes bland
- Small portions sometimes
Often praised
- foodI've only been here a handful of times, but they served me really fast and the food was also delicious. I really wanted okonomiyaki and thought everything in the mall had closed, but they were a gem 💎.
- sushienjoyed everything — veggie okonomiyaki, sushi, fried squid
- food qualityWe had a couple of dietary/allergy restrictions that needed our sushi to be modified, and they went above and beyond to swap ingredients to meet our needs, while still asking us if that was okay! We felt very cared for and were so happy with the service and the food quality. I would absolutely come again.
- OkonomiyakiOkonomiyaki is deep fried resulting in crispy top
- bento boxThere were no other vegetables or tofu or anything I’d expect in a regular veggie ramen dish. The dish felt super lackluster overall, but I’m not sure if it was a one-off because my friends ordered the veggie tempura roll, chili chicken ramen, and a bento box and were pretty satisfied. If you go for the veggie ramen, I’d recommend checking in on what it comes with first.
- brothEdit: I tried their creamy mushroom ramen and let me tell you, it was the perfect way to spend a freezing night in SF. The broth was not too heavy and tasted a little like subtle cream of mushroom. The toppings were few but still filling.
- fishAll the fish tasted fresh
- ramenMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's the best ramen I've had in Japantown. The place is small and has a distinct Japanese style.
- sushi rollsI ordered take away and thoroughly enjoyed the most delicious sushi rolls at the lawn by the Palace of Fine Arts. It was some of the best sushi we have had!
- Japanese foodThis is the best place to eat Japanese food in San Francisco. If you're a tourist and don't have much time to try different places, head straight here.
Frequently criticized
- foodStaff laughed at me and my boyfriend the WHOLE time. Bland food, no flavor. I’m big on tipping but for the first time ever left $0 tip.
- food qualityuntil the food quality is better and more consistent
- ramenMy first experience at this restaurant was fantastic, with the ramen being great and earning a 5-star rating. However, my second visit was quite disappointing, as the ramen was pretty poor, leading to a 3-star rating. Due to this inconsistency, I won't be visiting again.
- portion sizethe dons have a smaller portion size
- Chicken Teriyaki Donchicken teriyaki bowl left a lot to be desired
- FoodFood:2
- Hamachi kamait takes very fishy and not fresh. Worst tasting Hamachi Kama
- Japanese curryI was really craving Japanese curry today!
- Oyako donWorst Oyako don, or just don of any kind, I’ve ever had.
- PinkLady rollwasn’t terribly impressed with the PinkLady roll as the crab on top was very dry
If youre seeking a spot with generally good Japanese food, especially sushi and ramen, its worth a try. Just be aware that while many find it delicious and authentic, there's a slight chance of encountering an inconsistent dish or smaller portion sizes on occasion.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had a truly positive experience, with an overall score of 7 indicating its generally good. Reviewers often praise the friendly staff and excellent attention, noting how food came out fast and highlighting great customer service. Based on 75 positive comments out of 113 total, it seems many leave feeling well-cared for.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 66.4%, suggesting theres room for improvement. Some diners encountered slow service and long wait times, while others reported issues with staff attitude or even an owner denying specific people. These 27 negative remarks point to inconsistencies that can sometimes mar the dining experience.
Service
113
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
27
negative
11
neutral
75
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick food delivery
- Accommodating dietary needs
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Long wait times
- Unprofessional staff attitude
Often praised
- serviceWe had a couple of dietary/allergy restrictions that needed our sushi to be modified, and they went above and beyond to swap ingredients to meet our needs, while still asking us if that was okay! We felt very cared for and were so happy with the service and the food quality. I would absolutely come again.
- staffI would recommend asking for higher spiciness if you want something saltier. I waited a little longer than usual to get seated, but the staff was very kind and they let me know how long it would take every couple minutes. Definitely recommend.
- ServiceService was good though
- serversThe servers were friendly
- attentionThe attention is excellent
- chefIt's incredible, and I can't wait to come back and try other things. Besides the food, both the server and the chef (owner?) were extremely kind and hospitable. We had a couple of dietary/allergy restrictions that needed our sushi to be modified, and they went above and beyond to swap ingredients to meet our needs, while still asking us if that was okay!
- customer servicecustomer service was superb
- deliveryand delivery
- dietary restrictionsBesides the food, both the server and the chef (owner?) were extremely kind and hospitable. We had a couple of dietary/allergy restrictions that needed our sushi to be modified, and they went above and beyond to swap ingredients to meet our needs, while still asking us if that was okay! We felt very cared for and were so happy with the service and the food quality.
- excellent attentionuna excelente atención
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food was great for the price, with good quality fish. However, the service was slow, which was noticeable even when we were the only people there at one point.
- apologydid not apologize or admit her mistake
- checkwaited for about 20 min for one of the 3 waiters to stop watching soccer on the phone and come give us the check
- food serviceIt took two different servers to even notice us and realize we hadn't ordered. Then, the food service was slow, and the food itself was bland. To make matters worse, the portions were very inconsistent with the price.
- orderGuy taking our order scoffed at what we got
- order processthey will trick you！especially you ordered from DoorDash, they will ask you to cancel
- ownerSuper bad owner! Super bad！
- owner denying specific peopleI saw the owner denying specific people from coming in
- preparation timeTook a while to be prepared
- reservationsThey don’t take reservations
Youre likely to find good service here, with many praising the attentive and quick staff. However, be aware that some guests have experienced significant delays or less-than-stellar interactions. If youre patient and lucky, youll have a great time, but theres a chance of encountering some hiccups.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to the ambience, this spot generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 6.8. Many of the 38 positive comments out of 63 total praise its charm, often describing it as a cozy place with a family-run place feel, great vibe, and appealing decor that evokes nostalgic Japanese memories. However, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 60.3%.
Some of the 12 negative opinions mention it can be a small, tight place with limited seating and even uncomfortable seats. A few also noted an unpleasant smell or a less-than-ideal lunch atmosphere.
Ambience
63
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
12
negative
13
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy family vibe
- Charming decor
- Nice atmosphere
What people don't like
- Unpleasant smells
- Limited, tight seating
- Uncomfortable seats
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service was fast, and the prices were reasonable. It's located in a quiet little corner of the Japan Center Mall East Wing. Be aware that there are only a few tables, so if it's busy, they'll take your number and call when your table is ready.
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a small cozy place that offers affordable and good quality sushi and ramen. The menu is extense, with a lot of tasty options to choose from.
- family-run placeReally nice plan ran by a family
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancethe ambiance, decorations, and menu evoke nostalgic Japanese memories
- ambienceThe service and ambience of the place were really nice
- casual placeLovely casual place
- cleaning the restaurantI had the katsu curry and a spicy crab roll, which were both incredible. The staff were very kind and took much care in cleaning the restaurant. I would recommend this place!
- cozy placereally a cozy place
- decorWhile they also offer ramen, I didn't try it during my visit. The restaurant itself is small, with only a couple of tables, but the traditional paneling and decor truly make you feel like you've stepped into another place. If you're seeking a fancier atmosphere, other restaurants in the mall area might be a better fit, but for foodies, this spot is a must-try.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherenot much atmosphere
- large partiesit won’t be as suitable for large parties
- lunch atmospherelunch atmosphere felt a little awkward for such a small restaurant
- menu bookDO NOT opened their menu book, it smells horrible
- menu smellmenu smelled like mold / stinky feet
- restaurantthe restaurant is also really small
- seatingThe seating is pretty limited however
- seatsthe seats are really uncomfortable
- small, tight placeSmall, tight place
- unpleasant smellRestaurant had an unpleasant smell
If youre seeking a charming, cozy, and authentic Japanese atmosphere for a casual meal, youll likely enjoy the vibe here. Just be prepared for a potentially small space with limited seating, and perhaps a less-than-perfect aroma on occasion.
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, but leans positive overall. Many diners found the prices quite fair, praising the restaurant for its affordable meals, reasonable price points, and offering genuine value for money, especially with their appealing lunch specials. With a score of 6.5 and 61.5% customer satisfaction, its clear that many appreciate not having to break the bank, as reflected in 24 positive remarks out of 39 total.
However, not everyone agrees, as 12 opinions suggest some found it a bit expensive, even feeling like a rip off or simply overpriced for what they received. Some felt the portions were inconsistent with the cost, leading to a feeling that you could get more bang for your buck elsewhere. While its not a deal-breaker for most, it's definitely something to keep in mind.
Value
39
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable meal options
- Reasonable prices
- Good value for money
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Felt overpriced
- Portions inconsistent with price
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was centered around the food, which was very good and offered at reasonable prices. The staff were attentive, though limited.
- priceMy experience at this hole-in-the-wall place in San Francisco's historic Japantown was fantastic. It's the perfect stop for reasonably-priced, uber fresh sushi and sashimi. While they also offer ramen, I didn't try it during my visit.
- affordable mealsone of the more affordable meals in Japan Town
- breaking the bankIf you're looking for a cheap and decent Japanese place, this restaurant is a solid choice. While the food isn't going to blow your mind, it hits the spot without breaking the bank. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the food also received a 5, indicating a very positive experience in these areas.
- good pricea muy buen precio
- lunch specialsspecials for lunch were reasonable and ample
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- prices are reasonableAll the prices are reasonable
- reasonable pricegood sushi at a reasonable price
- setThe $15.99 set is unbeatable
Frequently criticized
- priceReally spoiled my appetite. Wasn’t cheap either. Staff laughed at me and my boyfriend the WHOLE time.
- bang for your buckcould get more bang for your buck somewhere else
- expensivebut expensive
- portionsportions were very inconsistent with price
- price per personWe ended up spending $40 per person (yikes)
- rip offFelt slightly like a rip off
- sushiPricey for sushi
- sushi burritopretty overpriced for the size
If youre looking for a place that generally offers good value, especially for lunch or specific deals, this restaurant is worth checking out. However, if youre sensitive to price and expect large portions for every dollar, you might find it a bit steep.
How are the prices at Kui Shin Bo?
On average, you’ll spend around 30 per person – from 101 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 (50 out of 101) are right in that $21–$30 sweet spot. There’s a good chunk (23 guests) spending a bit less, and some (around 28 guests) opting for more premium choices, showing a nice mix of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 101 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a solid mid-range meal and those who might want to splurge a little. Wed say its a good value for the experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kui Shin Bo
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Authentic Japanese Flavors in SF
I suspect this is a family-run business. For anyone who has experienced Japan, the food here is remarkably similar to what I've had there. The $15.
99 set is an unbeatable value, especially in an expensive city like San Francisco. I highly recommend the Saba Shio and Tonkatsu; they were very delicious. While the Okonomiyaki receives great ratings, it was just 'meh' to me.
However, the Unagi Don, which hasn't been mentioned in other reviews, is amazing. Priced at $24. 99, they clearly chose the best cut of eel, which was very well-seasoned and had a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The rice-to-eel ratio was perfect. It was hands down one of the best Unagi Don I've had, comparable to those in Japan. The service was quick; we arrived right when they opened, so there was no wait, but I can imagine the place gets packed during rush hours with limited seating.
Also, it's advisable to look at the menu by the door and decide what you want – DO NOT open their menu book; it smells horrible.
- set10
- Saba Shio9
- Tonkatsu9
- menu book2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Explosive Flavor in Eel Rice!
Everything was fine until I ate the eel rice. It was a true explosion of flavor for my taste buds, truly delicious. It's been a long time since I've had such a good bowl of eel rice.
You should try it!
- eel rice10
- bowl of eel rice9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Okay Food, Great Service and Ambiance
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. I ordered a spicy crunchy roll, which was just okay – neither good nor bad. However, the service and the ambience of the place were really nice.
I'd give this place a 3. 5-star review based on the overall experience.
- spicy crunchy roll5
- service9
- ambience9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Sushi and Amazing Service!
I really enjoyed my lunch date here. Our appetizers were veggie gyoza (decent) and veggie croquette (spectacular, I'd love 14 of them!). We then tried the Baked Salmon Sushi and the Super Dynamite Roll.
My favorite was the baked salmon, while my husband’s favorite was the super dynamite – so it's safe to say they were both delicious and tasted fresh! I was amazed at the menu selection; the sushi alone is extensive, and there’s absolutely something for everyone. Beyond that, they also have ramen, udon, all kinds of katsu, onomiyaki, and much more.
It's incredible, and I can't wait to come back and try other things. Besides the food, both the server and the chef (owner?) were extremely kind and hospitable. We had a couple of dietary/allergy restrictions that needed our sushi to be modified, and they went above and beyond to swap ingredients to meet our needs, while still asking us if that was okay!
We felt very cared for and were so happy with the service and the food quality. I would absolutely come again.
- veggie gyoza6
- veggie croquette10
- Baked Salmon Sushi9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Menu smelled bad, left before ordering
My experience at the restaurant was cut short due to the menu smelling like mold / stinky feet. I didn't want to take a chance, so I left before ordering.
- menu smell1
What Kui Shin Bo offers
Crowd
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What parking options are available at Kui Shin Bo?
When you visit Kui Shin Bo in Japantown, you’ll find several convenient parking options. There’s usually plenty of parking available, including paid parking lots, paid parking garages, and paid street parking. This makes it easy for you to find a spot close by for your meal.
Does Kui Shin Bo offer accessible dining and family-friendly options?
Yes, Kui Shin Bo is designed to be accessible for everyone, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating. It’s also considered good for kids, making it a suitable choice for family outings. You can enjoy lunch or dinner with table service in a comfortable setting.
How does Kui Shin Bo rate overall?
Kui Shin Bo has an overall score of 7.2, indicating a good experience for many. Food scores well at 7.4, Service at 7, Ambience at 6.8, and Value at 6.5.
Can Kui Shin Bo accommodate dietary needs?
Yes, customers have positively noted that the staff at Kui Shin Bo are very accommodating with dietary restrictions and allergies, going above and beyond to modify dishes.
What should I expect from the ambiance at Kui Shin Bo?
The ambiance at Kui Shin Bo is often described as cozy, with traditional decor. However, some patrons find the restaurant to be small and tight, with occasional mentions of an unpleasant smell.