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oChef » NARA – San Francisco
NARA - San Francisco
Photo from NARA
NARA at a glance
San Francisco Lower Haight
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 101 of the guests
#366 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#41 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
569
Reviews
84.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh sushi
- Great service
- Good ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Loud environment
- High cost
The restaurant NARA, a Japanese restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Lower Haight neighborhood, invites you to a truly cozy dining experience. You’ll discover a trendy spot perfect for enjoying small plates and cocktails.
Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner or late-night food, this welcoming establishment offers a delightful escape. It’s a fantastic choice for a relaxed evening out, where you can unwind and savor authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting NARA
NARA offers a compelling experience, often praised for its fresh fish and attentive service. Many guests appreciate the pleasant vibe, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
While the culinary offerings and staff attentiveness stand out, some visitors have noted occasional issues with the overall atmosphere, including noise levels or cleanliness, and concerns about the overall price point.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
569
Reviews
84.2%
Satisfaction
68
negative
22
neutral
479
positive
NARA generally earns a strong reception, reflected in its overall score of 8.3 and a solid customer satisfaction rate of 84.2%. Guests frequently highlight the exceptional Service (8.7) and the quality of the Food (8.4) as particular strengths, often describing staff as friendly and the dishes as fresh and well-prepared.
The Ambience (7.3) is generally considered good, though some find it a bit lively. Value (6.2), however, sits in the average range, with some finding it a bit steep despite positive comments about happy hour deals.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 569 customer comments, with 479 positive observations outweighing 68 negative ones.
What people like
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Attentive, friendly service
- Pleasant dining atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Loud, unclean environment
- Perceived high prices
NARA generally delivers a strong experience, particularly if you prioritize excellent Food and attentive Service. With a solid recommendation score of 8.6, it’s a place worth considering for those seeking quality sushi and a welcoming staff.
While the Ambience can sometimes be lively and Value might be a consideration for some, NARA remains a compelling choice. It’s especially appealing for a pleasant evening out, perhaps during happy hour, where its strengths truly shine.
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Verdict: Our expert take on NARA
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to food, this place truly shines with a good score of 8.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 87.6%. With 297 positive remarks out of 339, diners consistently rave about the incredibly fresh fish, quality food, and creative specials. Many appreciate the unique flavor combinations that make each dish stand out.
However, not every bite is perfect, as noted in 29 less favorable comments. Some found the Flaming Glory roll underwhelming, while others mentioned concerns about the rice or portion size. A few felt basic sushi rolls were not their strong suit, and some experienced bitter Hokkaido uni.
Food
339
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
29
negative
13
neutral
297
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality fish
- Creative sushi specials
- Unique flavor combinations
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Underwhelming basic rolls
- Bitter Hokkaido uni
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant on the 4th of July was exceptional. I received amazing service and enjoyed delightful food. The atmosphere was also very relaxing.
- sushiMy partner and I had an absolutely incredible experience trying the nigiri Omakase, complemented by the Sake flight. The service was excellent, and the fish was truly outstanding, hands down some of the best sushi we've ever had. We cannot recommend this place highly enough!
- fishWe ordered the 10 pc nigiri omakase, which was absolutely delicious. Each piece of fish was buttery, and our favorite was the yellowtail with truffle. We loved it so much that we got two more orders!
- oystersoysters, calamari, and salmon sashimi were absolutely to die for
- rollsgot some rolls and entres and they were all delicious
- hamachi truffleI had the hamachi truffle, the fried squid and many other bites. Quite lovely!
- presentationWe initially had an idea of what we wanted, but Jenny expertly guided us in a BETTER direction. Every dish was incredibly fresh, tasty, and presented beautifully. What elevated the experience even further was the exceptional service we received from Jenny and Astrid.
- sakeMy experience at this restaurant was pretty awesome. They offer high-end sushi and sake. I particularly enjoyed the fresh Hokkaido uni, which is a must for any quality sushi place.
- fresh fishMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a great sushi spot with super fresh fish. The vibe was chill, and our server, Gina, was awesome – she was friendly, helpful, and on top of everything.
- Agedashi TofuAgedashi Tofu were excellent
Frequently criticized
- fishBetter fish is available for less elsewhere
- sushifirst time I’ve had it from sushi
- 1.8L sake bottleDon't go for the 1.8L sake bottle
- Chirashi bowlsvery underwhelming Chirashi bowls
- Flaming Glory rollThe rolls are fantastic and the service is fast and friendly. If I were to give feedback, the Flaming Glory roll was my least favorite of the bunch (our group got each roll on the menu). Besides that, everything we ordered was fantastic.
- Hokkaido uniThe Hokkaido uni was a little bitter
- Loco SpidermanLoco Spiderman were underwhelming
- Special KSpecial K were underwhelming
- basic sushi rollsIf you just want the basics (CA roll, etc…) this is probably not the place for you.
- better fishBetter fish is available for less elsewhere
If you're seeking fresh, creative sushi with unique flavors, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some basic rolls or portion sizes might not always hit the mark, but the overall food experience is highly praised.
Service (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
The service here truly shines, earning a strong score of 8.7 and an impressive 89% customer satisfaction. With 129 positive remarks out of 145, guests consistently rave about the exceptional service and hospitality from staff like Bryan and Jenny, praising their attentiveness and helpful recommendations that elevate the dining experience. However, it's not without its minor hiccups.
A smaller number of 14 negative comments point to occasional distracted or curt service, with some finding staff rude or mumbling. A few patrons also mentioned feeling rushed during their meal, indicating some room for consistency in busy moments.
Service
145
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
129
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional service
- Attentive staff
- Personalized recommendations
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Distracted service
- Feeling rushed
Often praised
- serviceI found it to be a great sushi spot with super fresh fish. The vibe was chill, and our server, Gina, was awesome – she was friendly, helpful, and on top of everything. We will definitely be back.
- staffđź’• From 5 to 7, you can enjoy fresh and delicious Oysters and Beer at Happy Hour. The Maguro Tartare, Mushroom Fried, and Salmon Roll are all delicious, and the staff are so friendly. It's a great place for group gatherings, too!
- serverMy experience at Nara was amazing, as always. I was pleasantly surprised when my server remembered me from months ago; she's been my server twice and is extremely kind. I also enjoyed sitting at the bar solo a few weeks ago, appreciating everything from my topped-off champagne to the interactions with the sushi chefs and my server.
- recommendationsGreat with recommendations especially with the dry and sweet sakes
- JennyWe had the edamame, miso soup, maple salmon steak, golden gate roll, and bonito caterpillar roll. Jenny was sweet and had a sick vibe. We took a birthday shot that was smooth and had mochi for dessert to celebrate.
- ServiceService was great
- chefThe server and the chef were super nice
- experienceThis place is a real gem! Shout out to Brian for making our experience extra special :)
- server JennyOur server Jenny was helpful and a great hostess
- waitthere wasn’t too much of a wait
Frequently criticized
- serviceHorrible service and really bad attitude from the server
- cake cutthe guy didn’t bother to ask if we want the cake cut
- customer service skillsshe doesn't know how to talk to people
- early evening staffThe early evening staff (one young lady in particular) was curt
- food deliveryall our food came out at the same time which made our dining feel rushed
- interactionthe interaction was really off putting
- lady at counterlady working at the counter is a total rude
- large groupsneed to rsvp for large groups
- restaurant nameshe just dirty the name of the restaurant
- serverHe was mumbling and saying rude things
You can generally expect genuinely warm and attentive service that often goes above and beyond here. While a few isolated incidents suggest minor inconsistencies, the overwhelming majority of experiences are positive, making it a great choice if excellent hospitality is a priority for you.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
The vibe here is generally quite good, with a solid score of 7.3, indicating a good overall atmosphere. Many guests, about 38, loved the warm and inviting atmosphere, often describing it as a chill vibe perfect for a date night or even just a wonderful evening out. Plus, its a great spot for group gatherings and being open late is a huge plus!
However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 69.1%, as some experiences werent quite as stellar. Around 15 folks pointed out issues like limited parking, music being too loud, or even a musty smell. A few also noted dirty tables and front windows, which can definitely detract from the overall environment.
Ambience
55
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, inviting atmosphere
- Great for date night
- Open late night
What people don't like
- Limited parking
- Loud music
- Cleanliness issues
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is perfect - both elegant and comfortable.
- experiencea better experience passing through SF
- environmentThe end of the evening was a highlight, spent hanging out with the chefs and servers, which was a true treat. The environment was both very welcoming and modern, making this a sushi destination you should not miss. Even the "uni" was palatable, and the "nihonshu" shots throughout the evening just made this place perfect.
- vibeThis is one of my favorite places in the Haight and a top sushi spot in SF! The food is always delicious, the atmosphere has a great vibe, and the service is the best. I went on a really nice date here, and the staff ensured we had the best time, making it unforgettable.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ParkingThe atmosphere was perfect – both elegant and comfortable. Parking was a breeze, which added to the overall smooth experience. NARA truly embodies the commitment to quality and culinary passion.
- ambianceAmbiance is great
- cute restaurantSuch a cute restaurant
- date nightmaking the sweetest date night
- great ambiancewith a great ambiance
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereit was quite packed, hence we could barley hear each other tall even when we weren’t loud
- parkingHard to find parking around here during busy hours
- bar lightingbar lighting should be 20% darker
- club musicclub music blasting
- dirty dishesthe table is full of dirty dishes
- environmentEnvironment was a bit loud
- front windowsDirty front windows
- grease accumulationThe front windows were dirty, and there was a noticeable musty smell throughout the entire restaurant. The wooden tables, particularly near the long bench seating, were not cleaned properly, with heavy black grease accumulation around the bolts. Despite these issues, the staff's helpfulness in explaining the sushi options was a positive aspect of the service.
- musicThe music was too loud
- musty smellmusty smell. Entire restaurant had a musty unclean smell
If youre looking for a lively spot with a generally good atmosphere for a date or group outing, especially late at night, this place could be a hit. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and a potentially loud environment, and hope you dont encounter any cleanliness issues.
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found some real gems, especially with their fantastic happy hour pricing and overall deals. Guests often felt the experience was worth the price, even highlighting an affordable sushi experience. Out of 30 total comments, 15 specifically praised the value, showing a decent appreciation for whats offered.
However, the value score of 6.2 and a customer satisfaction of 50% indicate theres room for improvement. Some guests found the overall experience to be quite expensive or pricey, with a few even mentioning an unexpected cake fee. These 10 negative comments suggest that while some find deals, others feel the cost doesn't always align with expectations.
Value
30
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
10
negative
5
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Worth the price
- Affordable sushi
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Small portions
- Unexpected cake fee
Often praised
- happy houryou can have fresh and delicious Oysters and Beer at Happy Hour.
- pricerestaurants 2x the price
- Happy HourHappy Hour 5-7 pm, daily. Oysters 1/2 off
- affordable priceat an affordable price
- affordable sushi experiencelooking for an affordable sushi experience
- deal7 pieces for $35 was a really good deal
- happy hour pricesGreat happy hour prices
- happy hour pricingThe happy hour pricing is a good value
- omakaseThe omakase was pretty cheap
- pricesreasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- priceEach bowl contained only one piece of fish per type and half a bowl of rice. This was much less food than I would expect for the price. Also, lol at the wasabi.
- cake feeHe told us that he will charge cake fee if he cleans the table
- expensiveMy experience at this restaurant was that it was expensive
- inexpensive dinnerWe absolutely loved it, and it was a nice gesture from our host. We will return, although it's not an inexpensive dinner.
If youre looking for specific deals like happy hour or an affordable omakase, you might find some great value here. However, be prepared that the regular menu can lean towards the pricier side, and some guests felt portions didnt always match the cost. It's a mixed bag, so go in with clear expectations.
How are the prices at NARA?
You’re looking at roughly 63 $ per person – reported by 101 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people spend, prices are quite varied. While the average sits in the mid-range, we see a good mix of diners opting for both more budget-friendly and more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 101 reviews.
How this Japanese restaurant in San Francisco stacks up against similar spots on value for money.
Considering it’s a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, and the average spend, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good range of options, so you can tailor your experience to your budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about NARA
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
9
Underrated Gem with Amazing Sushi
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. The fish quality and attention to detail are on par with establishments twice the price. It's a truly underrated and amazing spot!
The Chirashi bowls were a perfect 10/10, featuring ikura seasoned with a slightly sweetened soy sauce. The Santa Barbara uni was also incredibly fresh.
- fish quality10
- attention to detail10
- Chirashi bowls10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Phenomenal Tuna and Exceptional Service
I visited for a late dinner and was pleased to find a seat at the bar. Our server, Jenny, was wonderful and guided me through some incredibly delicious choices, including the chef special bluefin flight and fresh caught uni. She was very helpful in explaining the different cuts of tuna and the sake list.
As an out-of-towner and first-time visitor to Nara, I found her to be very friendly and warm. The tuna flight was phenomenal, with the two cuts of toro being the highlights. The tuna hand roll was also super bright and a great finish to the flight.
Jenny provided excellent recommendations for ordering and pairing the sake and fish. Overall, it was a wonderful experience. The food arrived quickly, and it was fascinating to watch the chefs prepare the dishes with such delicate care.
If I lived in San Francisco, this would definitely be my go-to spot to impress a date. 10/10.
- chef special bluefin flight10
- fresh caught uni9
- tuna10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Absolutely Amazing Sushi Experience!
No words can describe how amazing this place is. Our party all agreed this was some of the best sushi we’ve ever had. The oysters, calamari, and salmon sashimi were absolutely to die for.
There was not a single thing we tried that we did not care for. If you are anywhere near this establishment, and enjoy sushi, then we would 100% recommend. No kids menu, but our youngest got the salmon collar and loved it.
- sushi10
- oysters10
- calamari10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Fun Service, Great Food!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The service was amazing, with Jenny being very fun and friendly. The food was great and matched the excellent service.
- service10
- food8
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Excellent Food and Service in SF!
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. The food was outstanding, and the service was equally impressive. It's hard to ask for a better experience when passing through San Francisco.
I highly recommend trying the sake bomb!
- food10
- service10
- experience10
What NARA offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What service and accessibility options does NARA offer for its guests?
At NARA, you can enjoy flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. You’ll find it easy to navigate and enjoy your meal.
Is NARA suitable for families and what dining options are available?
Yes, NARA is good for kids and provides high chairs, making it a family-friendly destination. You can enjoy dinner with table service and even dessert. For your convenience, the restaurant accepts reservations, allowing you to plan your visit ahead of time and secure your seating.
What is NARA's overall rating and what do customers say about its key aspects?
NARA holds an overall score of 8.3 with 84.2% customer satisfaction. Guests particularly praise the Service (8.7) and Food (8.4), while the Ambience (7.3) is generally good, and Value (6.2) is considered average.
What are the standout positive features of NARA?
Customers frequently highlight the restaurant’s fresh fish, delicious sushi, and the attentive, friendly staff. Many also appreciate the pleasant vibe and good happy hour deals.
Are there any common complaints or areas for improvement at NARA?
Some guests have reported issues with inconsistent service, a loud or occasionally unclean environment, and a perception that the overall price can be high for the portion sizes.