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oChef » Muracci’s Japanese Curry & Grill – San Francisco
Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill - San Francisco
Photo from Muracci’s Japanese Curry & Grill
Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 42 of the guests
#2075 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#165 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
331
Reviews
53.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful curry
- Crispy katsu
- Helpful staff
Frequently criticized
- No dining
- Higher prices
- Service inconsistency
The restaurant Muracci’s Japanese Curry & Grill is a popular Japanese Restaurant located in the vibrant Union Square neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find it’s a fantastic spot for a quick bite, offering a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner.
This eatery provides a genuine taste of Japanese cuisine right in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill
Muracci’s Japanese Curry & Grill is often praised for its flavorful curry and crispy katsu, delivering a satisfying and hearty meal. Many patrons appreciate the consistent quality of their signature dishes, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a comforting Japanese meal.
However, the experience isn’t without its practical considerations. Some customers have noted issues with service interactions and the overall ambience, which leans towards a functional, takeout-focused setup.
While the food shines, the practicalities of dining here, including limited seating, are frequently mentioned.
Good
6.3
out of 10
331
Reviews
53.8%
Satisfaction
111
negative
42
neutral
178
positive
Overall, Muracci’s presents a mixed picture with a Restaurant Score of 6.3. This indicates an average performance, reflecting a blend of strong points and areas needing attention.
Customer Satisfaction stands at 53.8%, which also falls into the mixed category. This suggests that while many patrons are content, a notable portion have reservations about their experience.
These insights are drawn from 331 customer remarks. Delving deeper, the Food is clearly the star, earning a good score of (7.1), with many positive remarks.
In contrast, Service (4.8), Ambience (4.3), and Value (4.5) all hover in the average range. While the food consistently receives high marks, the operational aspects and dining environment gather more balanced, sometimes critical, feedback.
There are 178 positive comments versus 111 negative ones, illustrating this divergence.
What people like
- Flavorful Japanese curry
- Crispy katsu dishes
- Helpful ordering staff
What people don't like
- No indoor dining
- Can be pricey
- Inconsistent customer interactions
With a Recommendation Score of 6.8, Muracci’s Japanese Curry & Grill is a place worth considering if you prioritize excellent Japanese curry and crispy katsu. It excels in its core culinary offerings, providing a satisfying and flavorful meal that many customers consistently enjoy.
However, be prepared for a primarily takeout experience, as dining options are limited, and some find the prices a bit steep for lunch. If you’re seeking a quick, delicious curry and are comfortable with a no-frills setup, Muracci’s could be a solid choice for you.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a good 7.1 score. With 149 positive remarks out of 226 total, many rave about the delicious and flavorful katsu curry, generous portions, and crispy textures, often praising its homemade taste and authentic Japanese style. However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 65.9%, indicating some areas for improvement.
A few diners found certain dishes, like tonkatsu or karaage, to be bland or mushy, while others noted issues with undercooked vegetables or a less flavorful gravy.
Food
226
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
50
negative
27
neutral
149
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Katsu Curry
- Generous Portions
- Authentic Curry Sauce
What people don't like
- Bland Tonkatsu
- Mushy Karaage
- Undercooked Veggies
Often praised
- curryGetting all the flavors in one bite is awesome. For me, this is nostalgic comfort food, and Murraci’s takes this simple dish and adds depth through its delicious curry, which is the star of the show. It’s one of my favorite go-to spots for lunch.
- foodThe pork cutlet was also super crispy and delicious. It's truly amazing food!
- katsu curryI've been a devoted fan of Murracci for nearly a decade, having spent years in Japan and considering it the best katsu curry in America. I typically dine there 3-4 times during city visits.
- Japanese currybest Japanese curry I have had state side
- portionsMy experience at the restaurant was absolutely delicious! I particularly enjoyed the Ebi Fry Curry, which came with huge portions. The pickles were also really good, and I always wished there were more included with the meal.
- chickenI normally order the chicken although both are good
- sauceWe ordered a chicken Katsu Curry and a classic Katsu Curry, with a total cost of $32 including tip. The sauce comes on the side, allowing you to pour it over and decide how much you want. I had mild and my partner had medium; I didn’t think the medium was much spicier than the mild.
- Japanese CurryBest Japanese Curry I've had in the city!
- Katsu curryIf anyone says there is a better Katsu curry place in town, they are lying. I live close to Japantown and I've had curry in Japantown, but this is the best place hands down for excellent Katsu curry. The sweet pickled cabbage takes the heat off the curry so that you can taste the flavor.
- beef curryI could easily see myself buying a large quantity of it every couple of weeks to enjoy over leftover rice for a quick and delicious dinner. For takeout, I'd recommend the beef curry, as the tonkatsu and chicken katsu are breaded and tend to get soggy by the time you get home. A couple of downsides: anything breaded seems to be slightly overcooked, likely a safety measure for the chicken and pork.
Frequently criticized
- curryI ordered the medium spicy curry with chicken... Honestly, I did not like it
- carrotsThe amount of tofu and vegetables in the curry was good, though I was hoping for onions and potatoes in addition to the carrots and broccoli. Unfortunately, the carrots were really undercooked. I'm glad I tried it, but I won't be returning.
- chicken karaageHow is anyone supposed to enjoy mushy chicken karaage?
- foodfood was totally disappointing
- katsu curryour katsu curry came lukewarm
- Chicken Katsu CurryI had the Chicken Katsu Curry. It's just rice, fried chicken and a very simple curry sauce.
- Chicken and vegetables curry soupChicken and vegetables curry soup is ridiculously overpriced
- Japanese curryIf you've never tried Japanese style curry, you should definitely check it out. Personally, I've had so much better in LA, with places like Curry House & Hurry Curry on Sawtelle coming to mind.
- Katsu meatThe Katsu meat was dry and the breading not crispy.
- authentic Japanese foodnot really authentic Japanese food that i was hoping for
If you're craving a hearty and authentic Japanese curry, especially katsu, this place is definitely worth a try for its flavorful offerings and generous portions. Just be mindful that some other dishes might not always hit the same high notes.
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
Based on 55 customer experiences, the service here has some definite upsides! With 19 positive remarks, many folks loved the friendly cashiers and staff, praising the quick service for takeout and the convenience of ordering ahead. While the overall score is an average 4.8, customer satisfaction is a poor 34.5%, showing a real split in experiences.
On the flip side, 27 negative comments point to some serious snags. Customers often faced long lines and waits, especially during the lunch rush, and were frustrated by the take-out only setup. There were also reports of unhelpful managers, rude staff, and poor customer service, with some even mentioning incorrect orders and being abruptly told to leave.
Service
55
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
27
negative
9
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick takeout service
- Easy online ordering
What people don't like
- Long waits
- Rude staff
- No dine-in
Often praised
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing. It's a top-notch place with friendly staff and amazing food. I particularly enjoyed the katsu curry; it was very crispy, flavorful, and delicious.
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by delicious food and quick service. The shop itself was a little tight, but it's perfect for takeaway.
- takeouteverything is takeout. Service is quick
- cashierUgghhhhhh so good! Regarding the service, it's a window setup, so there's not much to assess, but the cashier was really friendly and even reminded me to grab silverware. I only picked up food, so I didn't get a sense of the atmosphere.
- dine inhopefully they will reopen dine in
- guy taking ordersThe guy taking orders was super friendly
- online orderingyou can order online
- order was readyMy order was ready within the 15mins I was out.
- ordering aheadDefinitely recommend ordering ahead
- person who took my orderThe person who took my order was super nice.
Frequently criticized
- businessTake your money somewhere else where they run their business honestly. I feel completely cheated by this business.
- managerThe manager doesn’t do anything for me
- serviceUnfortunately, the cashier kicked us all out, saying, 'Get out, you can't be here, ' without any regard for an elderly woman. Very bad action and terrible service 😒.
- takeout onlyOnly downside is that it is takeout only
- cashierWe stayed inside because it was too cold to wait outside. Unfortunately, the cashier kicked us all out, saying, 'Get out, you can't be here, ' without any regard for an elderly woman. Very bad action and terrible service 😒.
- customer servicethis is how how you should handle customer service
- customersIt looks almost as if they sliced the prawn into many thin strips and fried each one. You don’t scam customers like that. It’s wrong.
- dine inYou also can’t dine in
- incorrect dishgave me an incorrect dish
- inquiredwhen I inquired about something she was not going to be able to help with she just hung up
If youre looking for a quick takeout and order ahead, you might have a smooth experience with friendly staff. However, be prepared for potentially long waits and inconsistent customer service, especially if you encounter issues or expect to dine in. Its a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot is often celebrated as a charming hole in the wall and a favorite spot for some, with a few hoping for the return of outdoor seats. Based on 28 total opinions, with 5 positive remarks, its clear a small group appreciates its unique character. Despite an average 4.3 score, customer satisfaction is a poor 17.9%, hinting at a mixed experience.
However, the majority of the 21 negative comments highlight significant challenges. Many describe it as a "tiny place" with "no indoor seating" or "extremely limited seating, " often leading to "crowded" conditions. The "narrow place" often means youll be taking your food to go, as there's little room for eating inside.
Ambience
28
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
21
negative
2
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming hole in wall
- Favorite spot for some
- Hope for outdoor seats
What people don't like
- No indoor seating
- Extremely limited seating
- Often crowded, tight
Often praised
- favorite spotsI used to frequent this place weekly when I spent more time in Chinatown. It's definitely one of my favorite spots in SF.
- hole in the walldefinition of hole in the wall
- hole in the wall placeThis is a great hole in the wall place
- outdoor seatshopefully they will reopen outdoor seats
- placeTop notch place
Frequently criticized
- seatingI'm a fan of their chicken katsu curry. Seating is available but limited; even if you do manage to find a seat, you'll likely be surrounded by people the whole time since it's a narrow place and the line takes up half the available space. I usually take my food to-go and go to a park or one of the other convenient public spaces nearby.
- chairsneed more chairs
- crowdedgets crowded really quick
- dining optionsThe chicken pieces were perfectly crispy, and the curry itself was incredibly flavorful. However, as of yesterday, the restaurant does not offer any dining options, either indoors or outdoors. This means you'll need to find your own seating, perhaps in a nearby park, to enjoy your meal while it's hot.
- hole in the wallIt's really a hole in the wall
- indoor seatingI particularly enjoyed the chicken katsu, which was delicious. It's important to note that there is no indoor seating, so be prepared to get your food to go.
- insideWe were a group of 5 people waiting for our food. We stayed inside because it was too cold to wait outside. Unfortunately, the cashier kicked us all out, saying, 'Get out, you can't be here, ' without any regard for an elderly woman.
- locationwish they could expand to the East Bay. Berkely and SF are just too far!
- lunchtimeit gets crowded during lunchtime
- narrow placeI'm a fan of their chicken katsu curry. Seating is available but limited; even if you do manage to find a seat, you'll likely be surrounded by people the whole time since it's a narrow place and the line takes up half the available space. I usually take my food to-go and go to a park or one of the other convenient public spaces nearby.
If you're looking for a cozy dine-in experience, this might not be your spot due to the extremely limited and often non-existent seating. However, if you appreciate a true hole in the wall vibe and are happy to grab your food to go, it could be a charming find. Just be prepared for crowds and plan your meal elsewhere.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners find a silver lining, noting that the price is often quite reasonable for a good deal on Japanese curry, especially given the generous portions. While the overall score for value sits at an average 4.5, there are 5 positive remarks out of 22 total, suggesting that for some, the quality and satisfaction make it feel truly worth it. However, the value proposition seems to be a mixed bag for many, with a low customer satisfaction of just 22.7%.
A significant 13 out of 22 comments point to it being on the pricier side or outright expensive, with some feeling it's not even worth it due to small portions or added costs like bags and automatic tips. The overall price often leaves customers feeling disappointed.
Value
22
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable deal
- Generous portions
- Quality justifies cost
What people don't like
- Often too expensive
- Poor value for money
- Unexpected extra charges
Often praised
- dealA reasonable deal for Japanese curry
- priceprice is reasonable
- reasonable pricesand have reasonable prices
- total costtotal cost was $32 (including tip)
- worth itI consistently order the katsu curry, and the portions are more than enough. While the prices are typical for San Francisco at $15 lunches, making it on the pricier side, the quality and satisfaction make it definitely worth it.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe breading was so thick to the point where the prawn had no flavour at all. If I’m going to pay that much for lunch, I want at least a full prawn in my dish. It looks almost as if they sliced the prawn into many thin strips and fried each one.
- pricier sideI consistently order the katsu curry, and the portions are more than enough. While the prices are typical for San Francisco at $15 lunches, making it on the pricier side, the quality and satisfaction make it definitely worth it.
- Chicken and vegetables curry soupridiculously overpriced at over $14
- Uber reimbursementUber decides to reimburse me $5
- bagAlso the bag is 25 cents which we didn’t need
- expensiveExpensive & not even worth it
- expensive side for lunchIt's also on the expensive side for lunch ($18)
- tiphad a $4 tip automatically added to my credit card for Take - Out
- whole orderwhole order hinges on the curry worth $45
- worth itnot even worth it
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal, this spot might not always hit the mark, as many find the prices a bit steep for what you get. However, if you prioritize quality and generous portions for certain dishes, you might find it worthwhile, just be prepared for potential extra costs.
How are the prices at Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill?
On average, you’ll spend around 18 per person – from 42 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners stick right to this sweet spot, with just a few exploring slightly higher-priced options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 42 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant, especially given its clear focus on the mid-range.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Delicious Katsu, Great for Takeout
My experience was centered around the delicious chicken Katsu. It's important to note that there is no seating available; everything is strictly takeout. The service was quick, making it a very great lunch grab.
- chicken Katsu9
- takeout8
- service8
- seating3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Curry and Katsu, Great Value
My experience at this restaurant was quite positive. The curry was delicious and flavourful with a medium spice level that was just right. The katsu was also excellent – crispy and not dry.
Ordering takeout at the window was easy, and I was pleased with the large portions and reasonable price. Overall, a very satisfying meal.
- curry9
- katsu9
- portions8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Disappointing Katsu and Limited Options
My experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing, primarily due to the Katsu meat, which was dry and had breading that was not crispy. The pieces were also very thick and hard to eat, leading me to believe it wasn't authentic Katsu but rather just fried meat. While the curry itself was decent, the rice was overly sticky.
Furthermore, the lack of dine-in options and the inability to even wait inside for orders significantly detracted from the overall experience.
- curry5
- Katsu meat2
- breading2
- pieces2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
4
Subtle Curry, Flavorless Katsu
I ordered the Katsu Curry for dinner via DoorDash. The curry itself was subtle and good. However, the katsu was flavorless and unseasoned.
On a positive note, I loved the pickled vegetables. Overall, I probably wouldn’t order again.
- Katsu Curry6
- curry7
- pickled vegetables9
- katsu2
1
Manager Hung Up During Call
My experience when I called the restaurant was not positive. The manager I spoke with was not super friendly and seemed annoyed. When I inquired about something she couldn't help with, she simply hung up the phone.
- manager1
- inquired1
What Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill?
At Muracci’s Japanese Curry & Grill, you can enjoy a casual and trendy atmosphere for both lunch and dinner. Seating is available, and it’s an ideal spot if you’re looking for a quick bite in the Union Square area.
What service options are available for convenience at Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill?
For your convenience, Muracci’s Japanese Curry & Grill offers several service options including outdoor seating, no-contact delivery, takeout, and standard delivery. You can choose what best suits your dining needs.
How does Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill generally rate among customers?
Muracci’s Japanese Curry & Grill holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.3, indicating an average experience. While Food is highly rated at (7.1), Service (4.8), Ambience (4.3), and Value (4.5) are considered average.
What are the standout food items at Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill?
Customers frequently praise the flavorful Japanese curry, often calling it a nostalgic comfort food. The katsu curry and crispy katsu dishes, including pork and chicken, are also highly recommended for their quality and generous portions.
Is Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill suitable for dining in?
Muracci’s Japanese Curry & Grill is primarily a takeout establishment. Many customers note the limited or non-existent indoor seating, often describing it as a “hole in the wall.” It’s best to plan for a grab-and-go meal.