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Noren Izakaya - San Francisco
Photo from Noren Izakaya
Noren Izakaya at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 56 of the guests
#1298 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#105 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
558
Reviews
72.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent Food
- Intimate Ambiance
- Friendly Staff
Frequently criticized
- Poor Value
- Slow Service
- Loud Music
The restaurant Noren Izakaya is a vibrant Japanese Restaurant nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for unwinding, where you can catch up on sports while enjoying delicious small plates.
This trendy izakaya offers a fantastic atmosphere for both dinner and late-night food, making it a go-to destination for authentic Japanese flavors and a lively social scene.
Overview: Introducting Noren Izakaya
Noren Izakaya offers a compelling experience, particularly with its highly praised food and a generally pleasant atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the quaint contemporary setting and the friendly staff who strive to make your visit enjoyable.
It’s a spot where the culinary offerings often leave a strong positive impression. However, it’s worth noting that the overall value can be a point of contention for some, with concerns about the final bill.
While the ambiance is often intimate, there are occasional remarks about loud music affecting the dining experience, suggesting a varied atmosphere depending on the visit.
Good
7.4
out of 10
558
Reviews
72.9%
Satisfaction
124
negative
27
neutral
407
positive
Noren Izakaya achieves a solid Restaurant Score of 7.4, indicating a good overall performance, supported by a Customer Satisfaction rating of 72.9%. This suggests that a majority of guests leave content with their experience.
These insights are drawn from 558 customer remarks, with 407 positive and 124 negative observations. The restaurant’s strongest suit is its Food (8.1), which consistently receives high marks from patrons.
The Ambience (7.9) also scores well, contributing positively to the dining experience. Service (6) is rated as average, while Value (4) is identified as an area needing significant improvement, often leading to customer dissatisfaction.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Intimate ambiance
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Poor value
- Slow service
- Loud music
If you prioritize excellent Japanese small plates and a charming setting, Noren Izakaya is certainly worth considering. The culinary execution is a clear highlight, making it a good choice for those focused on the quality of the dishes.
Just be prepared for a potentially lively atmosphere. However, with a Recommendation Score of 7.4, it’s important to manage expectations regarding the cost.
If budget is a primary concern, or if you prefer a quieter dining environment, you might find the experience less satisfying. It’s a place to enjoy the food, but perhaps not for a budget-conscious outing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Noren Izakaya
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
With a solid score of 8.1 and a customer satisfaction of 84.3%, the food here is definitely a highlight! Out of 356 opinions, a whopping 300 rave about the delicious wagyu and skewers, praising the quality and authentic Japanese food. Guests consistently find the dishes tasty, well-cooked, and a true culinary experience.
However, not every bite hits the mark, with 43 comments pointing out areas for improvement. Some found the portion size a bit small, while a few chicken breast dishes were reportedly dry. There were also mentions of specific cocktail issues and an occasional gas taste from the grill, though these were less frequent.
Food
356
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
43
negative
13
neutral
300
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- High quality meats
- Authentic Japanese flavors
- Delicious skewers
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Occasional dry chicken
- Gas taste
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive, with excellent food, great service, and a wonderful atmosphere, all rated a 5 out of 5. However, I consistently found that the bill ended up being too huge every time, despite the quality of the experience.
- skewersHowever, for an Izakaya, their offerings were quite limited. We tried one from the majority of their skewers, and they were nice, but not to the level where we'd want a second round. It was surprisingly not busy for a Saturday dinner time, which perhaps should have been a sign.
- gyozaThe stars of the show are the small plates and skewered meats cooked over special charcoal. We always order favorites like the chicken heart, gizzard, short rib beef, and wagyu beef, along with the gyoza. This visit, we also tried the new salmon dish with truffle oil, which was simply delicious.
- drinksfantastic food and drinks
- pork bellyOur favorites included the two types of mushrooms, but all the skewers we tried were noteworthy. These included chicken thighs, shishito peppers, tomatoes, fresh water eel, pork belly, and wagyu beef tongue. There were so many options that we couldn't try them all!
- beef tongueMy experience at the restaurant was primarily focused on the food. I highly recommend purchasing the lean shrimp, beef tongue, and wagyu beef, as these were my absolute favorites. My boyfriend also enjoyed the chicken gizzards and center.
- chicken gizzardsI particularly recommend the Chicken thigh, beef short rib, and scallop. For those seeking more adventurous options, the chicken hearts and chicken gizzards are also noteworthy. The small dishes were excellent, especially the crisp seaweed crackers with spicy salmon and avocado.
- chicken heartThe establishment was clean and adhered to covid friendly practices. I particularly loved the skewers, specifically mentioning the wings, scallops, wagyu, and chicken heart. The yakionigri was also delicious.
- cocktailstheir cocktails are also really good
- menuChicken oyster and wings are my favorite. Even with a small menu, everything is delicious, and their cocktails are also really good! It's the perfect spot for a casual and tasty meal.
Frequently criticized
- foodMy only complaint was the food was only okay. Though it certainly wasn't bad, it was a bit lackluster for the price.
- portion sizeMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The food was overpriced with small portions. I could also taste the gas used to grill the meat, which was unpleasant.
- cocktailThe cocktail is really awful
- drinksNot much drinks to choose from
- Agadashi tofuAgadashi tofu is fried tofu
- HeartYour food is excellent and will ensure repeat customers; the drinks, however, are not the draw. My personal ratings for the dishes were: Thigh: 5*, Bacon scallop: 5*, Meatballs: 5*, Rice cake: 5*, Breast: 4*, Mushrooms: 4*, Truffle salmon: 4*, Tail: 4*, Short rib: 4*, Pork belly: 4*, Heart: 2*, Cocktail (yuzu beer /michelada): 2*, Dessert (Ube and sesame): 4*.
- beef tonguethe beef tongue was disappointing
- chicken breastchicken breast was disappointingly dry
- chicken karaagechicken karaage was also a bit overwhelming
- chicken skinChicken skin is extremely salty
If youre looking for an authentic Japanese izakaya experience with high-quality "wagyu" and "skewers, " this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that portions can be on the smaller side, and some specific items might not always impress. Come ready to enjoy delicious grilled meats and a vibrant atmosphere, but dont expect to be overly stuffed.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
Youll often find the service here shines, with 57 positive remarks highlighting friendly staff, attentive service, and knowledgeable recommendations from servers like Kristy. Many guests have enjoyed a genuinely pleasant experience, noting the teams effort to make their visit special. Yet, the service can be a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6 and customer satisfaction at 51.8%.
Out of 110 total comments, 49 point to frustrations like slow service, long waiting times, and reservation issues, sometimes leaving guests feeling overlooked or rushed.
Service
110
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
49
negative
4
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Knowledgeable recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Reservation problems
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive, with excellent food, great service, and a wonderful atmosphere, all rated a 5 out of 5. However, I consistently found that the bill ended up being too huge every time, despite the quality of the experience.
- staffI also really enjoyed my Machacorada (matcha piña colada). All of the staff were incredibly nice. We had a great time and will definitely return anytime we're craving that izakaya experience!
- ServiceService was great!
- KristyKristy was incredibly sweet
- ownerThe food was amazing, especially the Japanese skewers. I really enjoyed doing sake shots with the owner after eating. We really loved it!
- servers5 ounces, and the server's suggestion of a 720 ml bottle for $108+ felt inappropriate for two people. On the positive side, the servers were nice and friendly. When our signature meatballs came out underdone, they were promptly re-made and offered on the house.
- Friendly staffFriendly staff
- attentive servicevery cute restaurant with attentive service
- friendly servicefriendly service
- good serviceI was lucky to walk in on a Friday night and grab the last bar spot, as reservations seemed required. The staff were friendly and provided good service throughout my meal. They offer lots of skewers, which is a highlight of their menu.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service isn't great - it took a while to get each dish
- waiting timeI have tried to come here twice, both times with a reservation, and have not been able to be seated either time. The first time, I waited 30 minutes after the time of my reservation. The second time, I waited 20 minutes after my reservation and ultimately had to leave both times because I was hungry and didn’t see a possibility of being seated.
- receiptdouble-check your receipt at this place
- attentiveness of serviceif they had been more attentive with their service
- beer arrivalMy beer arrived when we were basically done with the food
- business conductedthe manner they conducted business felt misleading and unprofessional
- changeplanning on keeping the change aswell
- checkThe service wasn't great either. It took a while to get each dish, and it took about 20 minutes to ask for the check. Our tea never arrived, even after we asked.
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was terrible due to the awful customer service. The staff were rude and useless, making this my first and last order.
- drink wait timeit took almost half an hour just to get those first two drinks
Overall, the service here seems to be a bit of a gamble. While you might encounter incredibly friendly and attentive staff, be prepared for potential delays or reservation hiccups. If youre patient and the restaurant isnt too busy, you'll likely have a good experience.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to the atmosphere, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.9 score and a solid 82.7% customer satisfaction. Out of 52 total comments, a whopping 43 rave about the positive aspects! Guests frequently praise the intimate and decorative ambiance, often highlighting the cool gaming machine and the great music and overall vibe that creates an authentic izakaya experience.
Many also appreciate the outdoor seating options. However, its not always perfect, with 7 opinions noting some downsides. A few patrons found the atmosphere didnt quite deliver, especially on busy weekend nights.
Concerns were raised about loud music, with some describing the vibes as a bit trashy or more like a bar with loud background music rather than a traditional izakaya.
Ambience
52
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate, decorative ambiance
- Fun gaming machine
- Great izakaya vibe
What people don't like
- Loud music on weekends
- Vibes can be trashy
- Atmosphere didn't deliver
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive, with excellent food, great service, and a wonderful atmosphere, all rated a 5 out of 5. However, I consistently found that the bill ended up being too huge every time, despite the quality of the experience.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancequaint contemporary Japanese ambiance was lovely
- outdoor seatingOutdoor seating in covid was surprisingly warm even without a heater on the windy night
- placethis cool (and tasty) place
- AmbianceAmbiance is very intimate & decorative
- Small and intimateSmall and intimate about ten tables
- Street Fighter 2 gamethere was a street fighter 2 game there to play
- Wheelchair accessible100% Wheelchair accessible
- ambiencethe ambience was wonderful
Frequently criticized
- Saturday nightnot managing the situation on a Saturday night
- atmospheredidn’t deliver on the atmosphere
- busy weekenddon’t bother on a busy weekend
- loud BGMa bar with loud BGM instead of an izakaya
- musicI didn’t love the music, blasting Justin Timberlake
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- vibesVibes are a trashy kind of Asian karaoke party place. Super loud party music.
If youre looking for a spot with an intimate, fun izakaya vibe and dont mind a lively atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that on busy weekend nights, the music can get loud, potentially shifting the vibe from cozy to party-like.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
While the overall score for value sits at an average 4 and customer satisfaction is a low 17.5%, a few diners did find some bright spots. With 7 positive opinions out of 40 total, some guests appreciated that the price and prices were often priced reasonable, feeling they got a fantastic meal for a great price, even highlighting high quality without a high price tag. However, the majority of feedback, with 25 negative opinions, points to significant concerns.
Many felt the restaurant was overpriced and expensive, leading to a pricey side menu and a too huge bill. Issues like pre-charged gratuity, service fee, and credit card fee also contributed to a feeling of poor value, suggesting that the food wasn't tasty enough for the cost.
Value
40
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
25
negative
8
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good quality value
What people don't like
- Overpriced menu
- Automatic service fee
- Credit card fee
Often praised
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was amazing for a great price. The skewers were cooked just right and had a nice charcoal flavor.
- pricesMy experience at this Izakaya was very positive. The food was tasty and the prices were reasonable. It's easy to get carried away trying a bit of everything because most options are around $4-6 each.
- priced reasonabletonkotsu sandwich was priced reasonable
Frequently criticized
- pricelackluster for the price of it
- additional tipsIt was surprisingly not busy for a Saturday dinner time, which perhaps should have been a sign. Our waitress was very nice, but they added an automatic 18% service fee for a party of 2 and then asked for additional tips as well. I didn't appreciate this “double feature”.
- auto gratuitiesThey charge 18% auto gratuities without telling you
- billend up with a too huge bill
- bottle of sakebottle (720 ml) of sake 30% alcohol content ($108+)
- cheapest sakecheapest sake is $12 for 4.5 ounce
- cheapest skewerNot a surprise when the cheapest skewer is over 5$ each.
- credit card fee2.5% credit card fee added onto our bill
- expensivebut very expensive
- foodOverpriced food - it's definitely a lot of money
If youre highly sensitive to cost, this might not be your spot, as many found it overpriced with hidden fees. While some found reasonable prices, the overall sentiment suggests you might end up with a too huge bill and feel the value isnt there.
How are the prices at Noren Izakaya?
You’re looking at roughly 60 per person – reported by 56 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what guests actually spent, prices here are quite spread out. While the average is 60, we see a good mix of both more budget-friendly options (like in the $21–$30 range) and some premium experiences (with many guests spending $91–$100 or even $101+ and beyond). It suggests a diverse menu or different dining styles available.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 56 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair. It hits a sweet spot, offering a good experience without being overly extravagant, especially considering the city’s diverse culinary scene.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Noren Izakaya
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Noren's Izakaya Experience
As I walk down Union street, Noren’s unusual combination of grey pants and yellow shirt always gets my attention. One day I hope to meet her. I spent two years as an expat in Tokyo sampling these izakayas, which are more conducive to neighbor-ships than bars.
- izakayas8
- neighbor-ships8
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Fantastic Izakaya with Great Skewers
Walking by this izakaya on my way home from work, I was always drawn in by the incredible smell of charcoal and grilled food over the street. I finally decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did. The food is fantastic, especially the chicken skewers.
Chicken oyster and wings are my favorite. Even with a small menu, everything is delicious, and their cocktails are also really good! It's the perfect spot for a casual and tasty meal.
- food10
- chicken skewers10
- Chicken oyster10
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
North Beach Favorite with Great Recommendations
My experience at this North Beach favorite was excellent! Bookings are advised on Friday and Saturday nights. I highly recommend asking Kristy for her Sake recommendations, as she always has something interesting to try and a story or two to share.
- Sake recommendations10
- service9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Hit-or-Miss Izakaya Experience
I used to walk past this Izakaya when I lived in SF and finally tried it on a recent trip. The skewers were hit-or-miss: the meatball, chicken tail, and unagi were delicious, but the beef tongue was disappointing, and the pork skewers had sour meat. Walked in easily on a Friday evening with no wait.
- skewers5
- meatball8
- chicken tail8
- beef tongue3
- pork skewers3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Sake Flight & Ambiance
My experience at this restaurant was centered around enjoying a flight of sake and their Japanese Roasted Rice Green Tea. The unique sake flight, priced at $20 for four selections, was a highlight. The green tea was described as super earthy.
The ambiance was very intimate and decorative, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. The service was great, and I'm looking forward to returning to try the food.
- sake flight8
- Japanese Roasted Rice Green Tea6
- Ambiance10
What Noren Izakaya offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Noren Izakaya, and do they accept reservations?
Noren Izakaya offers a cozy, casual, and trendy Japanese dining experience in North Beach, San Francisco. You can enjoy dinner, lunch, or late-night food, with offerings like small plates, cocktails, and vegetarian options. Yes, they accept reservations for your convenience, ensuring a smooth table service experience.
What service options and amenities are available at Noren Izakaya, including parking and accessibility?
Noren Izakaya provides various service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, no-contact delivery, and outdoor seating. You’ll find free and paid street parking nearby. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Amenities include a restroom and an onsite bar.
How does Noren Izakaya generally perform?
Noren Izakaya holds a Restaurant Score of 7.4 and a Customer Satisfaction of 72.9%. Its Food (8.1) is a strong point, followed by Ambience (7.9) and Service (6). Value (4) is its weakest area.
What are the standout dishes at Noren Izakaya?
Customers frequently praise the skewers , including pork belly , beef tongue , chicken gizzards , and chicken heart . The gyoza and cocktails also receive positive remarks.
Are there any common complaints about Noren Izakaya?
Many guests find the restaurant to offer poor value , citing expensive items and auto gratuities . Some also note slow service and loud music affecting the atmosphere.