Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Nabe – San Francisco
Nabe - San Francisco
Photo from Nabe
Nabe at a glance
San Francisco Inner Sunset
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 18 of the guests
#1151 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#100 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
353
Reviews
73.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious hotpot
- Unique porridge
- Helpful service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Service delays
- Small space
The Japanese restaurant Nabe in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset neighborhood offers a truly cozy dining experience. You’ll find yourself in a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re looking for a delightful dinner or a satisfying lunch, this spot provides excellent table service. With healthy options available and a selection of wine and beer, it’s a welcoming destination for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting Nabe
Nabe offers a compelling hot pot experience, with many guests praising the exceptional food quality and the delicious shabu shabu options. The unique porridge served at the meal’s conclusion often stands out as a memorable highlight, adding a distinctive touch to the dining.
While the friendly staff generally provides helpful service, some initial delays have been noted. The atmosphere is often described as vibrant and clean, though opinions on the overall value can vary, with some finding it a bit on the pricier side.
Good
7.5
out of 10
353
Reviews
73.9%
Satisfaction
59
negative
33
neutral
261
positive
Nabe generally earns a solid reception, reflected in its overall score of 7.5. Customer satisfaction also sits comfortably at 73.9%, indicating that most diners leave pleased with their experience.
This positive sentiment is drawn from a substantial pool of 353 customer observations, with 261 positive remarks outweighing 59 negative ones. The Food (7.9) is clearly a strong point, frequently highlighted for its quality and variety.
Service (6.9) and Ambience (6.9) also perform well, contributing positively to the dining experience. However, the perception of Value (4.6) is more mixed, suggesting that while the quality is appreciated, some find the pricing a bit steep for what’s offered.
What people like
- Delicious shabu shabu
- Exceptional porridge ending
- Friendly, helpful service
What people don't like
- Perceived high pricing
- Occasional service delays
- Limited space/seating
If you appreciate quality ingredients and a distinctive hot pot experience, Nabe is certainly worth considering. With a strong recommendation score of 8, it promises a memorable meal, especially for those who enjoy the interactive dining style and the unique culinary touches like the finishing porridge.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher bill and some minor service hiccups, particularly during busy times. It’s a good choice for a special occasion or when you’re willing to invest in a flavorful and engaging dining adventure, perhaps with a group to share the experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Nabe
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, diners are generally quite pleased, with a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at 81.8%. Based on 202 positive remarks out of 247 total, guests frequently rave about the high quality meats, fresh ingredients, and flavorful broths. Many also highlight the delicious rice porridge served at the end, calling it a memorable and satisfying finish.
However, not every bite is perfect, as indicated by 24 negative comments. Some diners felt the portion sizes were a bit small and the food was overpriced for what it was. There were also mentions of inconsistent broths, with some finding them bland or overly sweet, and a few even noted the initial ingredients seemed cold and raw.
Food
247
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
24
negative
21
neutral
202
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious rice porridge
- High quality meats
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Perceived overpricing
- Broth inconsistencies
Often praised
- foodOverall food and service was very good
- porridgeWhile it's not cheap, the food quality is really, really good. The standout dish, surprisingly, was the porridge served at the end – it was probably the best part of the meal. They also boast a great sake selection, and the staff are excellent.
- sukiyakiI had spicy miso shabu shabu with beef and sukiyaki with beef.
- rice porridgeThe staff were really friendly, and the hot pot was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend saving room for the end, where they mix rice and egg with the broth to create a delicious rice porridge.
- shabu shabuMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the most delicious shabu shabu with so many choices. I've been to many places, and this one is awesome because they offer a hot porridge at the end.
- ingredientsThe ingredients were fresh, plentiful and of good quality.
- food qualityMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, despite the price point. While it's not cheap, the food quality is really, really good. The standout dish, surprisingly, was the porridge served at the end – it was probably the best part of the meal.
- sake selectionThe standout dish, surprisingly, was the porridge served at the end – it was probably the best part of the meal. They also boast a great sake selection, and the staff are excellent. The atmosphere can get a bit crowded and loud, but this might add to the overall experience.
- brothThe decor is perfect for a date, but it's best to bring a group of friends since you'll want to try a variety. The broth was completely savory, and they have a nice final touch once the broth is cooked down: scallions and rice are added to make it into a conger/porridge-like soup. It's perfect for a chilly night.
- hot potMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be the best hot pot in SF. The broths were incredibly flavorful, and the portions were generous.
Frequently criticized
- Kobeadded extra Kobe. Everything came cold and raw
- all you can eat optionno all you can eat option!
- beefI do have beef with the beef. It doesn't have as much marble as I'd expect.
- beef cutThe cut was also very thick.
- cold and rawEverything came cold and raw
- congee serviceThis is not a new inventory to me since I’ve tried a lot of high quality hotpot in Taiwan and they all have this “congee service.”
- diluting my soupThe servers were very helpful and guided us on how to eat shabu shabu in the most traditional Japanese way, which was different from other places like Shabuway. At the end, the server used the leftovers to make rice desserts, which I found interesting but was hesitant to eat as she was diluting my soup.
- do it yourself mealunaware that this was a do it yourself meal
- eggThe egg is raw
- foodfood to be overpriced for what it was
If you're looking for a hot pot experience with generally high-quality ingredients and a delightful rice porridge finale, this spot is worth a try. Just be mindful of the portion sizes and potential for some broth variations, which might make it feel a bit pricey for some.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
Many guests rave about the staff and service, often highlighting how attentive and friendly the servers are. With 38 positive remarks out of 59 total comments, its clear that the team often goes above and beyond, even guiding you on how to enjoy your meal. The service scores a solid 6.9, indicating a generally good experience.
However, its not always smooth sailing. Some diners experienced significant waiting time and felt the restaurant was under staffed, leading to delays in being acknowledged or getting basic items. With 16 negative comments, customer satisfaction sits at a 64.4%, suggesting a mixed bag where some service aspects could use improvement.
Service
59
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
16
negative
5
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable servers
- Excellent service
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Understaffed issues
- Slow initial service
Often praised
- serviceGreat service from the friendly waitresses
- staffThe standout dish, surprisingly, was the porridge served at the end – it was probably the best part of the meal. They also boast a great sake selection, and the staff are excellent. The atmosphere can get a bit crowded and loud, but this might add to the overall experience.
- serverOur server was super friendly and welcomed us with such a warm attitude
- serversI decided to try their Kobe shabu shabu with miso soup seasoning. The servers were very helpful and guided us on how to eat shabu shabu in the most traditional Japanese way, which was different from other places like Shabuway. At the end, the server used the leftovers to make rice desserts, which I found interesting but was hesitant to eat as she was diluting my soup.
- wait staffThere was no wait and we were seated promptly. The wait staff were very friendly and accommodating. I ordered the kimchi and my husband ordered the sukiyaki.
- IsaacOur server, Isaac, did an amazing job at crafting a delicious porridge
- driveI found great legit shabu shabu in the Bay Area. It was definitely worth the drive.
- great serviceThe experience featured high quality meats and a soul warming soup. The restaurant also offered a decent selection of sake's and great service. To top it off, an awesome porridge at the end truly glued together this culinary experience.
- how to eat shabu shabuguiding us on how to eat shabu shabu
- menu knowledgeThey are also very knowledgable in the menu
Frequently criticized
- serviceit was slow to get things in the beginning
- Google Maps hourseven though google maps said it closes at 10PM
- customer acceptancethey dont accept anymore customer
- deliverythey might deliver down the street
- full disclosureRestaurant should make full disclosure
- hasslePlease fix this hassle
- hire more staffManagement needs to hire more
- reservationTook 15 minutes to be acknowledged to even make a reservation
- staffnot enough people to serve customers
- tableDespite some technical difficulties with our table, the overall experience was very good. The ingredients were fresh and delicious.
If you catch them on a good day, you'll likely enjoy very friendly and attentive service. However, be prepared for potential waits or slower initial service, especially during busy times, as staffing seems to be a recurring concern for some.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
Alright, let's talk about the ambience! It seems like a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.9, which is pretty good, but customer satisfaction sitting at a more mixed 55.2%. Many folks, in 16 positive remarks out of 29 total, really enjoyed the vibe, calling it a cozy, steamy nabemono spot with a modern and clean design, making it a great place to take a group or even for an intimate date.
However, not everyone was swept away. Six negative comments pointed out that the place can feel small, leading to seating issues and tables that are quite small for all the food. Plus, the one restroom for the entire restaurant was a recurring concern, suggesting some practical limitations despite the overall positive atmosphere.
Ambience
29
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
6
negative
7
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, vibrant vibe
- Modern, clean design
- Great for groups
What people don't like
- Limited seating space
- Small tables
- Single restroom wait
Often praised
- atmosphereAfter numerous mediocre experiences with Shabu Shabu in San Francisco, we were excited to finally try Nabe. The steamed glass walls and crowded, vibrant atmosphere indicated that we had made the right decision – it did not disappoint. The service was slow at the beginning though it got better throughout the night.
- cleanlinessSuper clean hotpot restaurant
- VibeVibe is great
- amazing experienceOverall an amazing experience
- decorperfect decor for a date
- designloved the design
- environmentloved the environment
- groupGreat place to take a group
- intimateThe place is fairly small, but intimate
- modern and cleanmodern and clean for a shabu shabu restaurant
Frequently criticized
- nothing specialNo pictures here since nothing special.
- placeI would definitely go back. However, potential diners should expect a wait as it's a small place.
- restroomone restroom for the entire restaurant means you need to wait for it for a long time
- seatingplaced the next table (5 people) in 4 seats right next to us
- spacespace can become an issue depending on where you sit
- tablessome of the tables can be quite small for all the food
If youre looking for a cozy, vibrant spot with a modern feel, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. Just be prepared for potentially tight seating and a possible wait for the single restroom, especially during busy times.
Value (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the experience to be quite reasonable, feeling it was well worth it, especially considering the overall cost vs value. With 5 positive remarks, these guests appreciated the reasonable pricing, contributing to an average score of 4.6 for this aspect. However, the overall customer satisfaction for value is quite poor at just 27.8%, with 13 negative comments highlighting concerns.
Many found the food, particularly hot pot entrees and add-on costs, to be overpriced and on the pricey side, with some even noting issues like deceptive practice regarding tip amounts.
Value
18
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
13
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- High add-on costs
- Deceptive practices
Often praised
- price~70 for two with all the fixings and drinks
- cost vs valueFor the quality, the price is ok. Compared to other shabu houses, this place is more expensive.
- pricingpricing is very reasonable
- worth itBy that time, I was already full from two bowls of rice. While it's a little pricey, it's well worth it!
Frequently criticized
- priceI don't think the price is worth it
- $50Worth $50? Including tip, delivery, for 1 item. No.
- Wagyu upgradeI would not recommend getting the Wagyu upgrade, I think that it’s expensive
- add-on costEven very inexpensive ingredients were $3-$4 per add-on
- deceptive practiceThis is deceptive practice
- hot pot entreesHot pot entrees were a bit overpriced
- overpricedfood to be overpriced
- pricesPrices are a little steep
- pricey sidedefinitely on the pricey side in terms of quantity
- tip amountsbase these tip amounts on the post tax amount
If you're watching your wallet, be aware that many found the prices, especially for add-ons, to be on the higher side. While some felt it was worth the splurge, others found it simply overpriced, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at Nabe?
You’re looking at roughly 46 per person – reported by 18 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits at 46, the prices are quite spread out. Many guests spend around $21–$30, but a notable number also enjoy more premium options, pushing the average higher.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 18 most recent reviews.
Here’s how this restaurant’s value for money 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 options for different budgets, from more casual bites to a more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Nabe
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Intimate Japanese Hot Pot Experience
Save this for your next Date Night! Nabe is a modern Japanese hot pot spot with quality ingredients including Japanese Miyazaki A5 wagyu! The place is fairly small, but intimate.
Although this is not AYCE, you leave pretty comfortably full after but not bloated. Be sure to save room after the meal, because they use the leftover broth to make porridge right at your table! We enjoyed the Sukiyaki Set and the Shabu Shabu Set with the Japanese Miyazaki A5 Upgrade, and finished with the Matcha Cheesecake.
- quality ingredients9
- Japanese Miyazaki A5 wagyu10
- intimate8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Sukiyaki was really good!
My experience at the restaurant was great! The sukiyaki was really good! I even joked that the food was so fire I swallowed my tongue piercing while eating 😬😬😬😬.
- sukiyaki9
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Good Vibe, Mixed Food Experience
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the vibe was enjoyable and the restaurant wasn't packed for an early dinner, the service started off slow, with what seemed like only one person handling orders and serving. Things did pick up as more customers arrived and more staff appeared.
I really liked trying the flight and the porridge at the end was a definite highlight. The food was good and nicely portioned overall, but the soups were a bit bland compared to other shabu places I've tried.
- vibe9
- flight9
- food7
- soups4
- service4
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Nabe: A Must-Try for Japanese Hot Pot!
We're visiting from Montreal and had our first experience in San Francisco at Nabe. Having previously enjoyed sukiyaki and shabu shabu in Osaka, we were excited to share this with our French friends, and Nabe truly delivered. We ordered the sukiyaki and miso shabu shabu, both featuring generous portions of rich broth, fresh vegetables, and premium meats.
We also added extra pork and duck, which was more than enough for our group of four. The meal concluded with a delightful rice porridge, a cozy and satisfying finish. Our server was incredibly friendly and welcoming, exuding a warm attitude.
Despite the restaurant being packed with only two servers, the service was remarkably smooth and attentive. All our food and drinks arrived quickly and were perfectly timed. If you're in SF and craving delicious Japanese hot pot, Nabe is a definite must-try!
- sukiyaki9
- miso shabu shabu9
- generous portions9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Shabu Shabu Delivery
My experience with this shabu shabu delivery was very nice. The ingredients were fresh, plentiful, and of good quality. I found the portion size to be relatively good compared to its price tag.
The menu selection was great, offering a variety of bases and meats. I am definitely looking forward to reordering. 👍👍
- ingredients9
- portion size8
- menu selection9
What Nabe offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Does Nabe accept reservations?
Yes, Nabe accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are recommended to ensure you get a table at this popular Japanese restaurant.
Is Nabe accessible for wheelchair users?
Absolutely. Nabe is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience.
How does Nabe generally perform according to customer feedback?
Nabe receives a good overall score of 7.5, with customer satisfaction at 73.9%. Its Food (7.9) is highly rated, while Service (6.9) and Ambience (6.9) are also well-regarded. Value (4.6) is the area where opinions are more divided.
What is a standout dish or unique offering at Nabe?
Many diners highlight the delicious porridge served at the end of the meal, made from the leftover broth, as a particularly memorable and enjoyable part of the experience.
Are there any common concerns regarding the pricing at Nabe?
Some customers perceive the restaurant as being on the pricier side, with opinions suggesting that hot pot entrees and certain add-ons can be expensive, leading to mixed views on its overall value.