Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Kuma – San Francisco
Kuma - San Francisco
Photo from Kuma
Kuma at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 73 of the guests
#795 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#76 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
470
Reviews
77.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Great service
- Elegant ambience
Frequently criticized
- High price
- Spoiled ingredients
- Slow prep
The Japanese restaurant Kuma in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District invites you to a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying small plates and exploring a diverse menu.
Whether you’re seeking healthy options, vegan dishes, or organic choices, this spot has you covered. They also offer a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails to complement your meal.
Overview: Introducting Kuma
Kuma offers a dining experience where the culinary artistry truly shines, with many appreciating the exceptional food quality and the overall presentation. Guests often highlight the attentive service and the knowledgeable staff who enhance the meal, making for a smooth experience.
However, some diners have found the price to be a point of contention, feeling that the value doesn’t always align with the cost. There have also been occasional concerns regarding certain food items, like spoiled Uni, and instances of slow food preparation.
Good
7.8
out of 10
470
Reviews
77.4%
Satisfaction
77
negative
29
neutral
364
positive
Kuma generally leaves a positive impression, reflected in its solid restaurant score of 7.8 out of 10. Customer satisfaction also stands at a respectable 77.4%, indicating that most diners leave content. This overall sentiment is drawn from 470 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 364 positive comments outweighing the 77 negative ones.
Diving deeper, the Food (8.1) is clearly a standout, receiving high praise for its quality and preparation. The Ambience (8.1) also contributes significantly to the dining experience, creating an inviting setting.
Service (7.3) is generally well-regarded, with staff often noted for their attentiveness. However, Value (5.5) appears to be an area where opinions are more divided, suggesting room for improvement.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Attentive, knowledgeable service
- Inviting, elegant ambience
What people don't like
- Perceived high price
- Occasional spoiled ingredients
- Slow food preparation
Kuma presents a compelling option for those prioritizing exceptional Japanese cuisine and a refined dining atmosphere. With a strong recommendation score of 8.1, it’s clear many find the experience worthwhile, especially if you appreciate high-quality ingredients and attentive staff.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some guests feel it doesn’t always align with the value. If you’re seeking a premium culinary journey and are prepared for the cost, Kuma is certainly worth considering, but temper expectations regarding value for money.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kuma
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot seems to hit all the right notes! With a solid score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction soaring at 80.9%, diners are consistently impressed. Many of the 242 positive comments rave about the fresh fish, quality sushi, and delicious flavors, especially highlighting the Omakase experience.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. Among the 36 negative remarks, some guests reported issues like spoiled Uni and finding a fish bone. Others felt the portion sizes were small or noted bland flavors' in certain dishes, suggesting some inconsistencies.
Food
299
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
36
negative
21
neutral
242
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Excellent Omakase
- Delicious flavors
What people don't like
- Spoiled Uni served
- Small portion sizes
- Fish bone found
Often praised
- foodI highly recommend ordering the osuimono for a wonderful umami ride, or the hamachi kama for a tour of flavortown. The staff rocks, and the food rules. Why aren't you eating here yet?
- sushiThe one time I was able to get them to say yes, it was a lie and I didn't get anything. Despite the sushi tasting good, I'm genuinely not interested in ordering from here ever again so long as Sushi Shio exists. The packaging is cute, but they really need to work on their accommodations.
- nigiriWe had both the chefs special hand rolls and nigiri and they were delicious
- fishHere, even the rolls are a testament to incredible balance and quality, showcasing the ingredients instead of hiding them. This is a temple dedicated to the profound simplicity of a perfect slice of fish over impeccably seasoned rice. The head master's skill is legendary—every piece is a masterclass in tradition and flavor.
- food qualityThe quality of the food and service was excellent
- sakeThe sake was excellent, with less common offerings
- Chirashi BowlWe had a gluten allergy in our party and were accommodated without issue. The Chirashi Bowl was a recommended dish, and the price per person was $50–100. The atmosphere was rated 4, service 5, and food 5.
- SushiWe've been loyal customers at their Polk Street location for five years and were thrilled to see a new branch open. This new spot is, hands down, the best Sushi in SF. I almost want to keep it a secret!
- fresh fishYou get some really fresh fish here
- local tofuTheir local tofu is a must-have highlight on the menu
Frequently criticized
- fishdid not seem concerned that the fish was spoiled
- ricerice underneath the chirashi was served in a very small portion
- Chirashi DeluxeChirashi Deluxe was very disappointing
- Chirashi bowlMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. The Uni in the Chirashi bowl tasted spoiled. I attempted to salvage the experience by finishing the rest of the meal, but my stomach felt genuinely upset afterward.
- Kuma saladKuma salad... flavors and textures were bland and mushy
- Surrounding mealSurrounding meal was underwhelming
- UniMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. The Uni in the Chirashi bowl tasted spoiled. I attempted to salvage the experience by finishing the rest of the meal, but my stomach felt genuinely upset afterward.
- chawanmushichawanmushi... flavors and textures were bland and mushy
- chef 8 pieceonly give you the cheap piece
- chirashi bowlchirashi bowl used to be the best value for quality sushi
If you're seeking a sushi experience with generally high-quality, fresh ingredients and creative dishes, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there might be occasional inconsistencies with certain items or portion sizes, the overall culinary journey is highly praised.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
The service here generally makes a great impression, scoring a solid 7.3 with customer satisfaction at a good 70.7%. Out of 99 comments, 70 positive remarks highlight great service, attentive staff, and remarkable hospitality. Guests often praise the personal attention and knowledge of the menu, making for a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.
However, 25 negative comments suggest theres room for improvement. Some diners experienced slow service, issues with accommodations, or felt a lack of concern from staff. Mentions of disrespect and bias or forgotten items' point to occasional inconsistencies in the overall service delivery.
Service
99
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
25
negative
4
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Knowledgeable staff
- Excellent hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Indifferent staff
- Poor issue resolution
Often praised
- serviceI’ve had better sushi elsewhere in town, so it didn’t leave a lasting impression. The service, on the other hand, was excellent – friendly, attentive, and everything came out smoothly, with no complaints. The vibe was fine too: comfortable and low-key, but not particularly memorable or unique in a city full of more visually or atmospherically interesting places.
- staffThe prices were also decent. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. While I would love to see other dessert options, it's overall still a great place for sushi.
- recommendationsThe vibes were great, and the food was amazing. The staff demonstrated excellent knowledge of the menu and provided awesome recommendations, especially for those with dietary restrictions. I'm looking forward to coming back!
- serversMy friend and I shared a few nigiri and rolls. The servers were really helpful in recommending things that are fresh and also high protein. Specific commendations to the Hokkaido uni, torched amberjack, and torched scallops.
- dietary restrictionsthey accommodated for dietary restrictions without hesitation
- hospitalityThe vibe was fine too: comfortable and low-key, but not particularly memorable or unique in a city full of more visually or atmospherically interesting places. All in all, I enjoyed my meal and appreciated the hospitality, but it’s probably not a place I’d go back to. It’s solid, but not special enough for a second visit for me.
- serverI loved the great food and great service. Our server was incredibly knowledgeable, which enhanced our dining experience. For dessert, the Mitchell’s ice cream was always a win.
- waiterOur waiter was great
- Chef KoryThe fish was so fresh that my husband didn't even use any soy sauce – that's how good everything was! The service was great, and Chef Kory was a delight to speak with too. We will absolutely be back, as this may have become our favorite sushi spot.
- Chef/owner Ryo SakaiChef/owner, Ryo Sakai, carefully observing our pleasure
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was absolutely uncalled for
- foodit can take some time for food to be made
- accommodationsthey gotta work on their accommodations
- attentive serviceOverall, the lack of concern from the staff and the poor handling of the situation made for a very disappointing experience. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this restaurant, particularly for those who value food safety and attentive service.
- boothif they would have given us a booth for booking in advance
- contact the restaurantdid not receive any response
- deliverywill not order delivery anymore
- dinner servicelulls in the dinner service with too much time
- disrespect and biasThe level of disrespect and bias pissed me off
- food preparationfollowed up by really slow food prep
If youre looking for a place where staff are generally attentive, knowledgeable, and provide excellent hospitality, this spot is a strong contender. While a few experiences mention slow or inconsistent service, the majority of diners walk away impressed. Its worth trying for a friendly and skilled service experience.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
The ambience here really shines, with a strong 8.1 score reflecting a generally delightful experience. Many guests praise the great vibes and elegant design, often calling it a cozy place with a fantastic sushi bar. With 43 positive remarks among 50, it's clear the atmosphere is a major draw.
Despite the high praise, a few minor snags were noted. Some found parking to be a hassle, and a couple of diners felt a small table or the bar area could be a bit cramped. While customer satisfaction sits at a solid 86%, these 6 negative comments suggest slight improvements could enhance comfort for everyone.
Ambience
50
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibes
- Elegant design
- Lively sushi bar
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Cramped seating
Often praised
- atmosphereHowever, I was taken aback to discover a fish bone in one piece of sushi, especially considering the restaurant's pricey nature. On a positive note, the atmosphere and decor were amazing, contributing to a pleasant dining environment.
- sushi barthe sushi bar has that fun buzz without being too much
- experienceThe head master's skill is legendary—every piece is a masterclass in tradition and flavor. It’s an unforgettable, transportive experience for anyone who truly understands and loves the art of Japanese cuisine. Unquestionably one of the Bay Area's finest.
- spaceBeautiful space with some great art up on the walls
- vibesThe vibes were great
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Japanese designMy experience at this new sushi spot was fantastic! The restaurant has a great casual feel with an elegant contemporary Japanese design and sushi bar. They offered several solid vegan options, and I particularly enjoyed the cold tofu starter with its delicious crispy topping.
- ambienceGorgeous ambience
- ambience and decorThe ambience and decor makes it perfect
- boon to the neighborhoodDefinitely a boon to the neighborhood
Frequently criticized
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- barwas a bit cramp at the bar
- loudand not super loud
- small tablewe got a small table on the side which was not comfortable
- space between tablesI wish the restaurant was done better and had more space between tables
If a stylish and inviting atmosphere is high on your list, this spot delivers beautifully, especially with its lively sushi bar. It's a great choice for a pleasant dining experience. Just be prepared for potentially tricky parking and possibly snug seating in some areas.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag here! Based on 22 customer opinions, with 9 positive remarks, many found the "price, " "prices, " and overall "price point" to be "super reasonable, " "decent, " and even "relatively inexpensive" for the experience. Some even highlighted the "affordable" sake selection.
While these are great points, the overall score for value sits at an average 5.5, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 40.9%. However, the 10 negative comments suggest that value isnt consistently hitting the mark for everyone. Many felt it was pricey, quite expensive, and that portion sizes didnt always match the "hefty pricing, " especially for items like "nigiri.
" Some even concluded it was "no longer worth the price, " indicating that the cost didnt always align with their expectations.
Value
22
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
- Affordable sake
What people don't like
- Too pricey
- Small portions
- Not worth price
Often praised
- pricethe price was reasonable given the quality and quantity of food
- price pointThe price point is good
- pricedThe food and staff were outstanding. I particularly enjoyed the Omakase, which was fantastic and reasonably priced. Special shout-out to Rio and Chewy for their fantastic service.
- pricesPrices are also decent
- relatively inexpensiveactually relatively inexpensive compared to similarly fancy Japanese places
Frequently criticized
- pricefor $200 with tip, food and 1 beer ill go elsewhere
- billI felt a bit shaken down.
- hefty pricingBesides the hefty pricing for simple rolls
- nigirinone of the nigiri merited their price
- pricesportion sizes don't match the prices
- priceyit was a little pricey ($54)
- pricey restaurantespecially at such a pricey restaurant
- taste to sizedidn't see taste to size value
If youre looking for a deal, this spot might be hit or miss, as opinions on value are quite divided. While some find it reasonably priced for the quality, others feel its too expensive for what you get. Go in with an open mind, but be prepared that the portions might not always justify the cost.
How are the prices at Kuma?
On average, you’ll spend around 67 per person – from 73 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average is 67, it’s interesting to see a good number of diners spending less, in the $31–$40 range, but even more opting for higher-end experiences, especially in the $71–$80 bracket. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more casual bites to more premium meals.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 73 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, and the variety of price points available, we think the pricing feels quite fair. You can find options that suit different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kuma
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Incredible Local Tofu and Salmon Avocado Roll
I found this spot through Resy and it did not disappoint. The local tofu was incredible, and the salmon avocado roll was our favorite, but we liked everything we tried!
- local tofu9
- salmon avocado roll10
- everything we tried9
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Japanese Gem with Great Service
I discovered this place thanks to a local, and it's an absolute hidden gem. The food here is absurdly delicious, and surprisingly, the prices are more reasonable than you'd expect. The nigiri was fresh and well prepared, and the specialty rolls and dishes were simply outrageous – the chefs clearly know their craft.
The service was very friendly and helpful, and the menu is impressively vast. They offer many Sake options with diverse flavor profiles, and the recommendations were given with skilled knowledge. It's also worth noting there's a great little punk/metal bar across the street with pool, pinball, and a large outdoor area.
Both this restaurant and the bar were full but not uncomfortably crowded. I will definitely return any time I'm in town; it's an excellent find.
- nigiri9
- specialty roles and dishes10
- chefs10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Rolls Royce Dining Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was akin to dining like a Rolls Royce. The food, encompassing Sushis, Nigiris, and Special Rolls, was exceptionally good. I will definitely be returning the next time I am in San Francisco.
It was so gooooood 😍.
- food10
- Sushis10
- Nigiris10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Perfect Solo Sushi Spot
My experience at this restaurant was great for a quick sashimi/nigiri snack. The sushi bar makes it an ideal place for solo diners. The wasabi was legit.
Enjoy 🤷🏼
- sashimi/nigiri snack9
- sushi bar8
- solo diners8
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Sushi and Sake Experience
Our last evening in SF landed us here for a truly delicious meal. The sake was excellent, with less common offerings, and the sushi was absolutely top notch. Super fresh, generously cut, and thoughtfully prepared.
And I felt like the price was reasonable given the quality and quantity of food.
- sushi10
- sake9
- price8
What Kuma offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Kuma on Valencia?
Yes, dinner reservations are recommended at Kuma on Valencia, especially if you plan to dine during peak hours. You can also enjoy lunch or dinner with table service, and seating is available for your convenience.
What kind of dietary options and drinks are available at Kuma on Valencia?
Kuma on Valencia offers a wide range of choices, including healthy options, vegan options, vegetarian options, and organic dishes. For drinks, you can enjoy wine, beer, and cocktails, with alcohol readily available to complement your meal.
How does Kuma generally perform according to customer feedback?
Kuma holds a strong overall score of 7.8, with customer satisfaction at 77.4%. Its Food (8.1) and Ambience (8.1) are highly rated, while Service (7.3) is good. However, Value (5.5) receives an average score.
What aspects do customers particularly enjoy at Kuma?
Diners frequently praise Kuma for its exceptional food quality, highlighting fresh fish, delicious sushi, and well-balanced dishes. The elegant and inviting atmosphere, often described as a transportive experience, is also a significant draw.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by Kuma's patrons?
Some customers find Kuma to be on the pricier side, feeling the value doesn’t always match the cost. There have also been occasional reports of spoiled ingredients, such as Uni, and instances of slow food preparation.