Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Okoze – San Francisco
Okoze - San Francisco
Photo from Okoze
Okoze at a glance
San Francisco Russian Hill
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 33 of the guests
#1511 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#130 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
235
Reviews
68.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality sushi
- Chef interaction
- Quiet atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Pricey portions
- Rude service
- Bad smells
The Japanese restaurant Okoze, nestled in San Francisco’s charming Russian Hill neighborhood, offers a truly authentic dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying their exquisite menu.
A standout feature you’ll appreciate is their great tea selection, complementing a range of healthy and vegan options. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed dinner or small plates, Okoze provides a welcoming setting.
Overview: Introducting Okoze
Okoze offers a culinary experience centered around truly exceptional seafood, with many guests praising the fresh fish and expertly prepared sushi. While the quality of the food often shines, some aspects of the visit, such as the portion sizes, have left diners wanting more.
Despite the culinary highlights, some visitors have encountered challenges with the overall experience. Concerns around feeling unwelcome due to service interactions and the perceived small portions suggest that while the flavors are memorable, other elements might not always meet expectations.
Good
7.2
out of 10
235
Reviews
68.1%
Satisfaction
65
negative
10
neutral
160
positive
Okoze earns a respectable overall score of 7.2 out of 10, indicating a generally good dining experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 68.1%, suggesting that while many enjoy their visit, a notable portion leaves with reservations.
This divergence highlights areas where the restaurant could improve to align satisfaction with its solid overall rating. Delving into the specifics, the Food truly stands out with an excellent score of (8.3), reflecting the positive feedback from 160 patrons out of 235 total opinions.
Both Service (6.6) and Ambience (6.1) are rated as average, indicating room for refinement. The Value score, however, is notably poor at (3.8), with 65 negative comments often pointing to high prices relative to portion sizes.
What people like
- High-quality sushi and fish
- Engaging chef interaction
- Pleasant, quiet atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices, small portions
- Inconsistent, rude service
- Unpleasant restaurant smells
If your priority is high-quality sushi and expertly prepared fish, Okoze is certainly worth considering. The culinary execution is a clear strength, making it a destination for those who appreciate refined flavors and are willing to overlook other potential drawbacks.
However, if you’re sensitive to pricing, portion sizes, or expect consistently warm and attentive service, you might find the experience less satisfying. It’s a place for discerning palates, but be prepared for a potentially mixed overall impression.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Okoze
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.3 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 85.2%, diners consistently praise the fresh fish and authentic Japanese sushi. Many rave about the great flavors and high quality fish, making it a standout for sushi lovers, based on 115 positive remarks.
However, not every bite is perfect. A smaller number of 19 comments pointed out concerns like small servings and forgettable rolls. Some also mentioned issues with bad rice or chewy fish, suggesting there might be occasional inconsistencies in execution.
Food
135
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
19
negative
1
neutral
115
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, high-quality fish
- Authentic Japanese sushi
- Great flavors
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Inconsistent rice
- Forgettable rolls
Often praised
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I believe it offers the best sushi in San Francisco, and I've tried most places. I highly recommend sitting at the bar for the best experience.
- fishJason always delivers and does a spectacular job. He and the staff make us feel like family, and the fish is always superb. My favorite is the tai (sea bream), and you can’t go wrong with the toro!
- foodFinest food and service I've experienced
- miso soupMiso soup is made like the good stuff in Japan, dense and filled with mushrooms and clams
- fresh fishcombines fresh fish with great flavors
- sashimithe sashimi here is better than Fuki sushi
- seaweed saladit also comes with seaweed salad which this one was really good
- Nigirithe Nigiri pictured, both plates were executed with simple perfection
- nigirilarge pieces of nigiri with the highest quality fish
- rollsAlso the rolls are great
Frequently criticized
- rollsThe rolls are half the size of typical rolls!
- sushiThe Maki was absolutely delicious, and the service was very quick. We were amazed at how small the sushi ended up being 😅. If you have a lot of money, this is definitely a good spot!
- bad riceespecially with the bad rice
- chewy fisheat chewy fish
- edamamethe edamame is disappointing (cold and unsalted)
- main courseswe had to order main courses, or leave the restaurant
- menuwished they had photos in their menu
- nigiriNone of the nigiri... stood out
- portion sizenot be full
- portion sizesthe prices are high compared to the portion sizes
If youre seeking top-notch sushi with fresh, authentic flavors, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that portions might be on the smaller side, and some rolls could be hit or miss. Overall, its a strong contender for a delicious Japanese meal.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
The service here is quite a mixed bag, scoring 6.6 with 61.4% customer satisfaction, suggesting both high points and areas for growth. Many (27 out of 44 comments) praise the staff, especially Jason and the waitstaff, for their personality, making guests feel like family. Positive experiences often highlight friendly, helpful, and professional interactions, sometimes even noting quick service.
However, 15 comments reveal significant issues, with some encountering terrible service and feeling unwelcome. Complaints include rude treatment, being made to feel like a burden, long waiting times, and an unorganized approach, particularly with drink refills or seating. It seems while some experiences are stellar, others leave much to be desired.
Service
44
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional staff
- Friendly service
- Great personality
What people don't like
- Rude treatment
- Long waiting times
- Feeling unwelcome
Often praised
- serviceFinest food and service I've experienced
- staffJason always delivers and does a spectacular job. He and the staff make us feel like family, and the fish is always superb. My favorite is the tai (sea bream), and you can’t go wrong with the toro!
- JasonTime after time, we always end up comparing everything to Okoze, even when we went to Japan. Jason always delivers and does a spectacular job. He and the staff make us feel like family, and the fish is always superb.
- chef JasonJason is the best chef going!
- chefsthe chefs engage as much (or as little) as you want.
- waitstaffthe waitstaff apologized multiple times for the wait
- Jae Sonlet Jae Son serve you the chef’s menu
- personalityLove the personality
- recommendationI had the best sushi I've ever eaten. I recommend it without the slightest hesitation. The cost was $100 per person.
- reservationsMy favorite sushi spot in the city is one that doesn’t require reservations. Their salmon is incredible.
Frequently criticized
- serviceWe ordered one appetizer and two drinks (wine and tea). Unfortunately, we were treated very rudely and impudently. We were told that we had to order main courses or leave the restaurant, even though the place was almost empty!
- waitressour particular waitress did the very bare minimum
- drink refillsNever offered another round of drinks, even though our glasses were empty
- feeling unwelcomemade to feel like a burden and un-welcome
- foodFood took super long to come out
- guests who order littleUnbelievable! We explained that we only had a small appetite, but apparently, guests who order little are not welcome there. Truly a shame and sad.
- handling situationhandled this in a pathetic way
- organizationVery very unorganized
- reservation systemended up seating ppl who got there after me who did NOT have a reservations
- terrible serviceI was so excited to come here, but it was a major disappointment. If you want to eat chewy fish, overpriced food, and terrible service, this is the place for you. Otherwise choose somewhere else!
If youre looking for a place where service can truly shine, offering a personal touch and friendly staff, its worth a try. Just be aware that experiences can vary, and you might encounter some inconsistencies with wait times or attentiveness.
Ambience (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many guests appreciate the pleasant atmosphere and quiet noise level, making it easy to chat. With a score of 6.1, the ambience is generally considered average, and about 57.1% of customers are satisfied. Youll often find positive remarks about the parking situation and the great location, based on 16 positive comments.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. Some folks have noted issues with the decor and vibe feeling a bit strip mall-ish, and there are definite concerns about a funky smell or fishy smell in the restaurant. Parking can also be a challenge, and the waiting area is often described as small and unorganized, according to 11 negative observations.
Ambience
28
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Calm, quiet atmosphere
- Great location
- Pleasant interior design
What people don't like
- Unpleasant restaurant smells
- Challenging parking
- Dated decor/vibe
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at the restaurant was very positive, with a very nice and warm atmosphere. The food and service were also excellent, both rated 5/5.
- acoustic dampeningdue to the acoustic dampening on the ceiling (nice touch guys!) it meant the sound volume wasn’t too much.
- barSit at the bar!
- interiorlove the interior
- locationGreat location
- noise levelNoise level: Quiet, easy to talk
- parkingYou can usually find parking within a couple of blocks
- sound volumethe sound volume wasn’t too much.
- sushi counterSit at the sushi counter
Frequently criticized
- parkingExcept parking can be challenging
- capacitythis was a bit much for the quaint capacity
- decor and vibeDecor and vibe are also strip mall
- door2 people got hurt with the door when opening
- fishy smellThe rolls were forgettable and overpriced at $27 each. Adding to the experience, the restaurant had a strong fishy smell, which was unpleasant. I might consider it passable for a casual weekday dinner if I lived nearby, but it's absolutely not worth a detour.
- funky smellthe place just smells a little funky
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- restroomsthe floor was dirty, which made it clear that a deep cleaning is not done regularly
- smell in the restaurantsmelled like pee in the restaurant
- waiting areaextremely small, and very unorganized waiting area
The ambience is a mixed bag, with an average score of 6.1 and 57.1% customer satisfaction. If a calm, quiet atmosphere is key for you, it could be a good fit. Just be aware of potential parking issues and occasional concerns about the decor or smells.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
Despite a low score of 3.8 for value, some guests found the overall experience to be absolutely worth the price, noting it felt reasonable for the quality. While these positive sentiments are few, they highlight that for certain diners, the overall package delivered satisfaction, contributing to a customer satisfaction of 7.1 for this topic. However, the vast majority of feedback, with 20 negative opinions out of 28 total, points to significant concerns regarding prices and the value equation.
Many felt the food was overpriced, describing it as being on the expensive side and leading to high spending without feeling satisfied.
Value
28
Reviews
7%
Satisfaction
20
negative
6
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worthwhile experience
What people don't like
- High prices
- Overpriced food
- Poor value
Often praised
- experienceI also loved the great location and the interior. While it is on the pricier side, the experience was absolutely worth it.
- pricePrice seems v reasonable for the quality of food
Frequently criticized
- priceI would definitely eat here again. It's important to note that it can get pricey quickly, so setting aside some money is advisable. This is definitely a spot for a 3rd or 4th date.
- pricesthe prices are high compared to the portion sizes
- price per personExpect to pay almost $100 per person
- All You Can Eat SushiToo pricey for an "All You Can Eat Sushi" lover
- expensive sideDefinitely on the expensive side
- overpriced foodI was so excited to come here, but it was a major disappointment. If you want to eat chewy fish, overpriced food, and terrible service, this is the place for you. Otherwise choose somewhere else!
- payingTruly a shame and sad. When paying, we were even asked to leave a tip. Truly audacious!
- pieces of sushiwon't pay $50 for 9 pieces of sushi
- rollsThe tamago was decent, as were the age dashi tofu and fried amaebi heads. The rolls were forgettable and overpriced at $27 each. Adding to the experience, the restaurant had a strong fishy smell, which was unpleasant.
- spendingspending about $90 per person on just two rolls
If youre looking for an exceptional dining experience and dont mind a higher price tag, you might find some joy here. However, be prepared for many to feel the prices are steep and the value equation doesnt quite add up, potentially leaving you feeling like the food is overpriced'.
How are the prices at Okoze?
On average, you’ll spend around 67 $ per person – from 33 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning a bit higher.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a pretty wide spread. While some guests keep it in the $51–$60 range, a good number also go for a more premium experience, with many spending 101 $ or more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 33 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels fair. It suggests a quality experience, and the varied spend shows there’s something for different budgets, from a solid mid-range meal to a more indulgent treat.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Okoze
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Best Sushi in San Francisco
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I believe it offers the best sushi in San Francisco, and I've tried most places. I highly recommend sitting at the bar for the best experience.
The food was rated a perfect 5, and the service also received a 5. The atmosphere was rated 5, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. While parking was difficult to find, the wait time was non-existent.
For vegetarians, it comes with a highly recommendation.
- sushi10
- bar9
- food10
- parking space3
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Expensive but Delicious Seafood
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a significant cost, making it justifiable only for special occasions or those with substantial wealth. The presentation was exceptional, earning a perfect 10/10. The fish and scallops were incredibly delicious.
However, be prepared to spend nearly $100 per person and still not feel full.
- presentation10
- fish and scallops9
- price2
- portion size3
- price per person3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Experience: High Prices, Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. While the atmosphere was pleasant, the service was notably slow, with long waits between dishes. I also found the restrooms to be dirty, suggesting a lack of regular deep cleaning.
Although there was a good variety of sushi, the prices felt high for the portion sizes, as the rolls were cut very thin. When I inquired about the number of pieces per roll, the waitress was dismissive, stating, “This is a sushi place, ” instead of providing a clear answer. This felt unprofessional.
The situation worsened when the waitress was rude and argued about our tip, which was inappropriate. Despite the food tasting fine, I left feeling hungry after spending approximately $90 per person on just two rolls. This is the kind of restaurant I would visit only once due to the high prices for what you receive and the unpleasant service that discourages a return visit.
- atmosphere7
- variety of sushi7
- food5
- service2
- restrooms2
- prices3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Sushi in SF - Omakase Recommended!
My experience at this restaurant has been exceptional. We've lived in San Francisco for 10 years and have tried most sushi spots, but we always return here. Jason is the absolute best, and hands down, this is the best sushi in SF.
I can't recommend it enough. For the best experience, sit at the sushi counter and get the omakase.
- sushi10
- Jason10
- sushi counter9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Delicious Rolls, Pricey Experience
I was so nicely surprised by their chef’s special rolls 🤩. The food quality was excellent, and I would have given 5 stars if not for the price. The roll was $30+, which is a bit much.
- chef’s special rolls9
- price3
What Okoze offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Are there suitable dining options for those with dietary preferences at Okoze Sushi?
Absolutely! At Okoze Sushi, you’ll find a thoughtful selection of offerings to cater to various dietary needs. They proudly feature both healthy options and dedicated vegan options on their menu, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious meal tailored to your preferences.
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Okoze Sushi, and do you need a reservation?
Okoze Sushi offers a delightful atmosphere that is cozy, casual, and trendy, making it a comfortable spot for your meal. While walk-ins are welcome, dinner reservations are recommended, especially if you’re planning to dine during peak hours, to ensure you secure your seating.
How does Okoze generally score with customers?
Okoze holds a good overall score of 7.2 out of 10, though customer satisfaction is a mixed 68.1%. The Food is excellent (8.3), while Service (6.6) and Ambience (6.1) are average, and Value (3.8) is considered poor.
What do customers appreciate most about the food at Okoze?
Customers frequently praise the high quality of the sushi and fish, often describing it as superb and expertly prepared. Specific mentions include the fresh fish, delicious miso soup, and perfectly executed nigiri.
Are there any common complaints regarding the value or portion sizes?
Yes, many customers express concerns about the value, noting that prices are high compared to the portion sizes. Some found the rolls to be half the typical size and felt that the overall cost was expensive for the amount of food received.