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oChef » Kura Revolving Sushi Bar – San Francisco
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar - San Francisco
Photo from Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar at a glance
San Francisco Balboa Terrace
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 85 of the guests
#2216 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#169 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Average
5.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
517
Reviews
50.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Unique experience
- Budget friendly
- Automated service
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- Cleanliness concerns
- Food inconsistency
The Japanese restaurant Kura Revolving Sushi Bar in San Francisco’s Balboa Terrace neighborhood offers a unique dining experience. You can enjoy a casual and trendy atmosphere while selecting small plates directly from the revolving belt.
It’s perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, providing both counter and table service. Whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner, you’ll find it’s a great spot for families, complete with high chairs for the little ones.
Overview: Introducting Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar offers a distinctive dining experience, where the movement of plates and robot servers add an exciting backdrop. Many appreciate the fresh sushi and the engaging concept, making it a fun outing for many.
However, the experience can be a mixed bag. While the self-serve system is often quick, some guests encounter significant wait times and inconsistent cleanliness, which can detract from the overall visit.
Average
5.7
out of 10
517
Reviews
50.3%
Satisfaction
217
negative
40
neutral
260
positive
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar holds an overall 5.7 score, placing it in the average category. Customer satisfaction stands at 50.3%, indicating a mixed reception.
This assessment comes from over 517 customer opinions, with 260 positive remarks and 217 negative ones, suggesting a noticeable divide in experiences. Looking closer, Food (6) receives an average rating, with many enjoying the variety, though some question its freshness.
Ambience (6.2) also lands in the average range, praised for its unique concept but sometimes criticized for cleanliness. Value (5.8) is seen as generally fair, yet some find the costs add up quickly.
Service (5) is the lowest, often lauded for its automation but frequently hampered by long waits and staffing issues.
What people like
- Unique dining concept
- Affordable options
- Engaging automation
What people don't like
- Extended wait times
- Cleanliness issues
- Inconsistent food quality
With a recommendation score of 6, Kura Revolving Sushi Bar offers a distinctive experience that can be quite enjoyable. If you’re seeking a novel way to dine and appreciate the efficiency of robot servers, it might be worth a visit, especially during off-peak hours.
However, be prepared for potential long wait times and varying food quality. It’s a place that delivers a unique concept, but its execution can be inconsistent.
Manage your expectations, and you might find it a fun, casual sushi spot.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
Food (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many guests rave about the delicious sushi, especially items like the Salmon Toro nigiri and hand crafted meals. Theres a good appreciation for the fresh product and variety of choices, often highlighting amazing flavors. Overall, the food experience here averages a score of 6, indicating a generally satisfactory offering based on 116 positive remarks out of 214 total.
However, customer satisfaction for the food sits at a mixed 54.2%, with 78 negative comments pointing to some significant issues. Concerns include the fish has no taste or not being fresh, leading to worries about food quality and even food safety practices. Some also noted small cuts of fish and mediocre quality sushi, with occasional complaints about the rice.
'
Food
214
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
78
negative
20
neutral
116
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh product
- Variety of choices
- Amazing flavors
What people don't like
- Lack of freshness
- Poor quality fish
- Food safety concerns
Often praised
- foodI visited yesterday while I was in the mall. The food was great, but unfortunately, I was seated at the end of the conveyor belt. This meant I had to manually order things instead of taking food directly from the revolving bar as usual.
- sushiThis place gets the bang outta the buck if you like Nigiri, the only true method of making and devouring sushi! I looooove Sushi and the fact this place is spot on affordability and that nonchalant dining experience is every Lone Nomad, Introvert's dream of just immersing into just enjoying the sushi and eating solo! I really do not understand why theres this needful for society having to make a huge fuss of dining as group and stigmatize when an individual just wanna dine solo!
- qualitythe quality is better than other conveyor belt places
- FoodFood:5
- choicesnice amount of choices to choose from
- hand rollshand rolls were the best tasting options
- salmon toroHe was extremely friendly and kind, checking on my table consistently and making my son and I feel super welcomed. He even chatted with my son about how much they loved the salmon toro and chicken dishes here. We hope to see him more often!
- varietycraving variety and sushi there is value in how it is inexpensive so you can indulge in many different options
- wasabithe wasabi seems made from real wasabi
- 8pcs rollWhen you can go to a sushi spot and get a 8pcs roll for $7-8
Frequently criticized
- sushiThe sushi is not good, the fish has no taste.
- food qualitySurprisingly, I didn't get sick. The price of $100 for two people did not correspond to the quality of food at all. I would advise others to go to a real sushi restaurant and skip this gimmicky place.
- foodfood The miso soup was fishy and gone bad
- riceTheir rice could use some improvement
- fishthe fish has no taste. It's not fresh
- food poisoningpossibly get food poisoning with how old
- freshnessFood does not look fresh
- nigiripieces of sushi and uni fell off the Kura sushi rice
- qualityThe quality isn't the best
- Chinese American sushiChinese American sushi, mediocre quality
If youre seeking a casual sushi spot with a wide variety and some amazing flavors, this place offers a decent experience. However, be aware that some diners have reported inconsistencies in freshness and quality, ' so manage your expectations accordingly.
Service (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
The service here offers a unique blend of modern efficiency and human touch, garnering 74 positive remarks out of 181 total. Many appreciate the self-serve service and touchscreen ordering, often highlighting the novelty of robot delivery and robot servers for a quick and engaging experience . When human staff are involved, they are often described as friendly staff providing quick serving .
However, the service experience is a mixed bag, with a score of 5 (average) and customer satisfaction at 40.9% (mixed), reflecting 96 negative comments. A major pain point is long wait times and issues with reservations or the new system . Some customers also reported poor staff attitude , customer service problems, and indifference and rudeness from servers or management .
Service
181
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
96
negative
11
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Efficient self-service
- Robot food delivery
- Quick serving
What people don't like
- Excessive wait times
- Poor staff attitude
- Customer service issues
Often praised
- serviceDon’t mind the bad reviews; honestly, Kura is always a great place to eat. The sushi is always fresh, the service is quick and effective, and they have a bunch of friendly staff. We like the self-serve service this place offers, and the prices are actually great for good quality sushi.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was elevated by the kindness and hospitality of the staff. The manager, Max, was extremely helpful with our inquiries regarding personal diets/allergies.
- experienceI had a great experience trying a revolving sushi bar
- ServiceService:5
- robot serversrobot servers and hand crafted meals to deliver a unique experience
- wait timeThe wait was roughly an hour, but it was so worth it
- DamonDamon, he was absolutely the best, extremely friendly and kind.
- RolandShoutout to Roland! Hes soooo 'Goofy 67'
- auto and self orderinggreat experience with auto & self ordering
- automationcombines automation, robot servers and hand crafted meals to deliver a unique experience
Frequently criticized
- wait timeThe wait time is too fake and it is not worthy for more than two hours wait!
- waiting timeMy first visit was driven by curiosity about the waiting time, but it turned out to be nothing worth waiting for. I'd describe the sushi here as 'lollipop sushi, ' suitable for beginners or children.
- serviceThey closed at 9: 00 PM, that’s a freaking joke. With their prices and service, you can go to a better place with a lot better service.
- waitMy experience at the restaurant was marked by terrible customer service. Despite there being empty tables, I was told to wait. When I inquired about the reason, I was informed that it was because I was talking and wasting their time.
- staffWhole staff seemed like teenage kids
- customer serviceglaring obvious we were going to have a bad customer service experience
- wait timeswait times can be as long as 3 hours..possibly more
- attitudethis asian girl with a large attitude
- serversThe servers have started ignoring guests
- understaffedIt seems like they are having a little trouble keeping up
If youre looking for a novel, automated dining experience and dont mind potential long wait times , this place could be an interesting try. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent customer service experience, as the human element can be a hit or miss.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
The ambience here gets an average score of 6.2, with a mixed customer satisfaction of 60.3%, based on 78 opinions. Many guests really enjoy the unique gamification of the meal and the overall fun experience of the revolving sushi bar. The presence of cute robots also adds a playful touch, making it a great spot for a family outing.
However, not all experiences are sparkling. Some find the space a bit cramped, and there are notable concerns about unclean conditions, particularly sticky table surfaces and general sanitation concerns. These issues, mentioned in 25 negative comments, suggest there's room for improvement in maintaining a consistently pleasant environment.
Ambience
78
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
25
negative
6
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fun concept
- Revolving sushi
- Cute robots
What people don't like
- Uncleanliness issues
- Sticky tables
- Cramped space
Often praised
- atmosphereThe roll was incredibly creamy and flavorful, and the nigiri had an amazing smokiness. The atmosphere was super cute, and watching the movement of plates from the kitchen to the sushi train added an exciting backdrop to a tasty, easy meal.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- cleanlinesswhen it’s tidy and clean
- conceptIt was pretty interesting concept
- experienceI was pleasantly surprised to find it in a mall, which I thought were extinct. The food was excellent, and the prices are good, making for a really nice experience. There was a long wait to get in, but they have a good system in place that allows you to walk around the mall while waiting.
- placethe place is clean
- robotsAlso bonus they have those cute robots
- aestheticsGreat aesthetics
- cartoon video rewardI really liked the concept of getting sushi on a conveyor belt. It was also entertaining to feed the used plates into a slot and be rewarded with a cartoon video. 😆 My only critique is that the wait is long and they seem to be understaffed, making it hard to flag someone down for a tea refill.
- choosing where to eatWe wish you would go back to the original format of letting people select their tables and go on waitlists. Customers should have the option of choosing where they want to eat in the restaurant instead of waiting for new tables to open up. I feel like your new system may discourage customers and ultimately drive them away.
Frequently criticized
- cleanlinessThe restaurant was noticeably unclean, and the food did not seem fresh. A thorough inspection of their cleanliness and food safety practices is urgently needed.
- crampedThe place is a bit cramped
- tableThe table is sticky even after "cleaning".
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- background noisebackground noise from robot servers playing tunes
- barThe bar was not clean
- bathroomThe bathroom alone is disgusting
- cleanI wish the place was more clean but its passable
- dirty cups and platesSince my last negative review about the lack of service, dirty cups and plates, they did improve on those things. It was a much better experience this time.
- dirty tablewe got sat at a dirty table
If you're looking for a unique and interactive dining experience, especially with kids, the fun concept here is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared that the cleanliness might be a bit of a mixed bag, so manage your expectations on that front.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems like theres a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.8 indicating an average experience. Based on 44 customer opinions, with 23 positive and 18 negative, many find the prices to be fair for what you get, making it feel truly worth it. Customers often highlight the affordability and inexpensive pricing, especially appreciating the good price/portion ratio and the ability to indulge in many options without breaking the bank.
However, the value isnt universally praised, as customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 52.3%. Some feel that the place can be quite overpriced, with the bill adding up quickly, making it feel a bit pricey for the quality or portions received. There are also concerns about frequent price increases, leading some to question the overall value.
Value
44
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
18
negative
3
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices for quality
- Affordable options
- Good price/portion ratio
What people don't like
- Prices add up quickly
- Overpriced for portions
- Frequent price increases
Often praised
- priceIt was quite busy and seemed understaffed, making it difficult for them to keep up with the demand and stock the conveyor belt. Despite the service challenges, the quality of the sushi was pretty good for the price, though I've noticed it can vary at other Kura sushi bars. An interesting point was that no alcohol was being sold during our visit.
- pricesI was pleasantly surprised to find it in a mall, which I thought were extinct. The food was excellent, and the prices are good, making for a really nice experience. There was a long wait to get in, but they have a good system in place that allows you to walk around the mall while waiting.
- affordabilityThis place gets the bang outta the buck if you like Nigiri, the only true method of making and devouring sushi! I looooove Sushi and the fact this place is spot on affordability and that nonchalant dining experience is every Lone Nomad, Introvert's dream of just immersing into just enjoying the sushi and eating solo! I really do not understand why theres this needful for society having to make a huge fuss of dining as group and stigmatize when an individual just wanna dine solo!
- cheapit was fairly cheap
- family of fiveThe kids enjoyed themselves immensely. It was very affordable for a family of five – we got out with just over $100 for all of us, including sides and desserts.
- inexpensive pricinghow it is inexpensive so you can indulge in many different options
- mealThe meal was affordable
- price/portion ratioprefer the price/portion ratio here
- prizeYou get a prize when you eat
- sushi pricesdon’t want to pay outrageous prices for them
Frequently criticized
- priceThe wait time can be really annoying during weekends, so I recommend either downloading the app to join the wait-list early or to go during weekdays. Sushi is a pretty good deal (especially the California rolls), although it feels like they raise the price every couple of months.
- pricesthe prices will get you to come here time after time but when you really think about it paying nearly $4 for 3 pieces of a roll of sushi is actually quite expensive
- billman the bill adds up QUICK
- chargingThey were very thin compared to how they're normally cut, even in regular Asian supermarkets. This was quite disappointing considering how much they're charging.
- expensiveit's not as expensive as other places
- hot tea pricecharged $3.95 instead
- overpricedIt's pretty overpriced
- price increaseincreasing in price over the past two years
- priceyit was a bit pricey
- valuequestioning the value eating here
If youre looking for an affordable sushi experience where you can try many items without a huge bill, this spot could be a great choice. However, be mindful that prices can add up quickly, and some find the portions or quality dont always match the cost, especially with recent price hikes.
How are the prices at Kura Revolving Sushi Bar?
You’re looking at roughly 39 per person – reported by 85 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, its quite a mix! While the average hovers around 39, we see many guests enjoying meals for a bit less (think $21–$30) and others treating themselves to a bit more (in the $41–$50 range). So, theres something for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 85 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, especially with the variety of spending options available. It seems like a good spot for a quality meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Fun, Gamified Dining with Great Food
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly fun, and it's a place where you can truly pig out if you desire. I especially loved the gamification of the meal, which added a unique and engaging element to the dining experience. Beyond the fun aspect, the food is great, and it's especially noteworthy considering the price.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, the service a 5, and the food a 5, with a quiet noise level that made conversation easy. We experienced no wait time.
- gamification of the meal9
- food9
- price8
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Best Sushi in SF - Book Ahead!
This is the best sushi in SF, highly recommended. You have to reserve to get in because it's always super busy, especially on weekends.
- sushi10
- reservation6
- busy5
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Service and Food
My experience at the restaurant was elevated by the kindness and hospitality of the staff. The manager, Max, was extremely helpful with our inquiries regarding personal diets/allergies. The food was up to standards and expectations.
Shoutout to Roland! He's so 'Goofy 67'.
- manager Max10
- personal diets/allergies10
- food10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Demon Slayer Collab Success!
I visited this restaurant with my friend to experience the new Demon Slayer Collab. My friend let me out of the friendzone, attributing it to the really cool Demon Slayer water bottle. Thanks for the swag, Kura!
- Demon Slayer Collab9
- Demon Slayer water bottle10
- swag10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Unique Tech Experience, Food Good, Wait Long
My experience at this sushi joint was a unique one, combining automation, robot servers, and hand-crafted meals. For first-time diners, the novelty is certainly there. You can place orders via a touch screen, and a conveyor belt delivers your food directly to your table, which is a modernized take on the traditional sushi belt.
Beverages are delivered by robot servers. However, the novelty can wear off quickly. We experienced a long wait for a table, even with a reservation; we waited an hour.
Once seated, the background noise from robot servers playing music and general dish clatter made it difficult to understand our host. It took a moment to figure out the touch screen ordering and to distinguish which miscellaneous items to request from the human staff. Overall, the food was good, but the restaurant may need to continue innovating to keep customers interested.
- automation8
- robot servers7
- hand crafted meals8
- long wait3
- background noise4
What Kura Revolving Sushi Bar offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What accessibility features and parking options are available at Kura Revolving Sushi Bar?
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar offers comprehensive accessibility, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. You’ll also find a free parking lot, usually with plenty of spaces available, making your visit hassle-free.
What dining and service options does Kura Revolving Sushi Bar offer?
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar offers diverse dining options, including counter and table service for lunch, dinner, and dessert. You can enjoy your meal dine-in, or choose convenient takeout and delivery services. They also accept reservations, allowing you to plan your visit ahead of time.
What is the overall rating for Kura Revolving Sushi Bar and what are its key strengths and weaknesses?
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar has an overall score of **5.7**. While its **Ambience** (6.2) and **Food** (6) are considered average, its **Value** (5.8) is also average, and **Service** (5) is a notable area for improvement, often impacted by long waits.
Does Kura Revolving Sushi Bar offer a unique dining experience?
Yes, many customers enjoy the unique concept of the revolving sushi bar, complete with **robot servers** and an engaging atmosphere, which adds an exciting element to the meal.
Are there common issues to be aware of when visiting Kura Revolving Sushi Bar?
Customers frequently mention **long wait times** and occasional concerns regarding restaurant **cleanliness**. Some also note that while the prices can be affordable, the bill can add up quickly, and food quality can be inconsistent.