Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Osakaya – San Francisco
Osakaya - San Francisco
Photo from Osakaya
Osakaya at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 63 of the guests
#2178 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#167 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Average
5.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
410
Reviews
51.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Fast service
- Affordable lunch
Frequently criticized
- Gratuity concerns
- Cramped ambiance
- Slow attention
The restaurant Osakaya invites you to a delightful Japanese culinary journey right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Japantown. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic flavors.
This Japanese Restaurant is particularly known for its great tea selection, complementing a menu that includes delicious small plates. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner, you’ll find a welcoming spot here.
Overview: Introducting Osakaya
Osakaya offers a somewhat varied dining experience, with many guests appreciating the generally good food and the affordable options available. Specific dishes often receive positive remarks for their flavor and authenticity.
However, the restaurant isn’t without its drawbacks. Some patrons have noted concerns regarding the service and the overall atmosphere, which can occasionally detract from the dining experience.
Average
5.9
out of 10
410
Reviews
51.2%
Satisfaction
151
negative
49
neutral
210
positive
Osakaya holds an overall score of 5.9 out of 10, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction registers at 51.2%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This assessment is drawn from 410 customer observations, comprising 210 positive and 151 negative remarks. Delving into specifics, the Food (6.6) stands out as a relative strength, often described as authentic and flavorful.
Service (5.4) also performs adequately, with many noting its speed and the friendly staff. However, Ambience (5.1) and Value (4.7) are areas where Osakaya appears to struggle, with concerns about pricing practices and the dining environment.
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Quick, friendly service
- Affordable lunch options
What people don't like
- Automatic gratuity issues
- Uncomfortable atmosphere
- Inattentive service
With a recommendation score of 6, Osakaya presents a balanced proposition. If you’re seeking good Japanese food and quick service, especially for an affordable lunch, it could be a suitable choice.
However, it’s wise to be aware of potential issues with value and the dining atmosphere. This establishment might satisfy a specific craving but may not consistently deliver a smooth experience for every visitor.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Osakaya
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
Let's talk about the grub! Many folks have raved about the delicious ramen, fresh sushi, and generous bento box servings here, with 122 positive remarks. The flavorful curry also gets a lot of love, contributing to a solid food score of 6.6, indicating a generally good experience for many.
However, the customer satisfaction for food is a more mixed 57.8%, with 56 negative comments. Some diners have noted concerns about inconsistent food quality, thinly sliced sashimi, undercooked teriyaki chicken, and bland tonkatsu broth, suggesting that not every dish hits the mark.
Food
211
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
56
negative
33
neutral
122
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious ramen
- Flavorful curry
- Generous bento boxes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Thinly sliced sashimi
- Undercooked chicken
Often praised
- food” Other patrons dining in the restaurant tried to advocate for me, explaining that the host's actions were in violation of federal law, but the host completely ignored everyone. We ended up taking our business two doors down to the new udon place, where we were treated kindly and enjoyed delicious food.
- authentic Japanese foodGreat authentic Japanese food
- ramenand ramen. All was very good!
- FoodFood:5
- yakinikuThe yakiniku was just right not too sweet and grilled to perfection
- Takoyakirecommend ordering the Takoyaki from here! It’s super good.
- brothThe broth was flavorful but not too salty, a very nice balance.
- oyakodonoyakodon was big portion and delicious
- takoyakiI also got the takoyaki and it was bomb af too
- unagiunagi was so fatty and good
Frequently criticized
- foodI found a piece of hair in my food, and when I pointed it out, the waitress rolled her eyes at me. The food itself was disappointing; it didn't taste authentic and wasn't anything special. To add insult to injury, 18% tips were included in my bill, leaving me no choice but to pay it.
- food qualityTerrible food quality
- mixed tempuraThe squid tempura and mixed tempura are really flavorless.
- portionsThe portions feel somewhat small for the price
- sushisushi tasted like gas station sushi
- Japanese restaurantswould not recommend this eatery and all Japanese restaurants
- Karaage chickenKaraage chicken... is now just 3-4 strips
- Lobster rollsLobster rolls are also gone
- Non-Japanese ownedMajority of Japanese restaurants in Japan Town are Non-Japanese owned
- alcoholalcohol was bitter
If you're craving Japanese comfort food like ramen or curry, this spot might hit the mark for you. Just be aware that while some dishes shine, the overall food quality can be a bit inconsistent, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
Service (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag. Many customers, based on 53 positive remarks out of 106 total, praised the friendly staff and fast service, noting that food often came out fast and servers were super nice. You'll find plenty of appreciation for quick seating and attentive waitstaff here.
However, with 46 negative comments, there are definite areas for improvement. Some patrons encountered rude waitress behavior, bad customer service, and issues with wait times. Concerns also arose around untransparent tipping practices and staff not being attentive, leading to frustrating experiences for others.
Service
106
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
46
negative
7
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long waits
- Unclear billing
Often praised
- servicethey were quick to get us seated, gave us decent time to look over the menu and also got us our meals in a timely manner
- staffa very friendly staff. They all work as a team.
- ServiceService was fast!
- waitressesThe restaurant could have easily earned 5 stars, but the quality of the beef in the sukiyaki was lacking. Interestingly, all the waitresses are Thai and speak Thai fluently. When I asked a waitress for a recommendation between the sukiyaki and tonkatsu, she strongly recommended the sukiyaki.
- PayLook for Pay, she is the best there
- attentionThe attention was nice
- customer serviceOne of the servers actually ran out of the restaurant to return it to me. This is 10/10 customer service🙏💯. I'm IMMEDIATELY coming back for that medium spicy curry the next time I'm in SF.
- food arrived quicklyThe food come quickly
- food came out fastthe food came out fast
- food servedFood was served fast
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marred by horrible service. While the food was just okay, nothing special, the waitress's behavior was unacceptable.
- waitressone of the waitress (Ploy) took it with an anger and I wasn't sure why she was rude
- customer servicerude for me. customer service we received
- staffThe staff aren’t friendly and extremely rude
- waiterMy experience at the restaurant was marred by poor service. The waiter got my friend's order wrong and then ignored him whenever he spoke up. To top it off, they charged us a tip without asking.
- apologizeMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. The waitress was rude and impatient, she got my order wrong and didn't even bother to apologize. To make matters worse, she argued that she was right.
- attention of the serversIt's just another option in the area, but the prices are slightly more affordable here. While the lines don't seem to get quite too long, it takes quite some time to get the attention of the servers. I would only recommend this spot if everywhere else is packed.
- bad serviceGave me bad service
- business practiceMediocre business practice
- cashierthe cashier rudely say why am I not tipping
With a score of 5.4 and customer satisfaction at 50%, service here is average and quite mixed. You might get a wonderfully friendly and fast experience, or you could encounter some significant frustrations with staff attitude or wait times. It's a bit of a gamble, so go in with tempered expectations.
Ambience (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, some guests found things to appreciate, with 12 positive remarks out of 34 total observations. Many enjoyed the general atmosphere and vibe, noting a very quiet noise level that contributed to an overall great experience. It seems the place can offer a pleasant setting when things align.
However, the overall sentiment leans negative, reflected in an average score of 5.1 and a poor customer satisfaction of 35.3%. With 17 negative observations, many found the atmosphere to be cramped and uncomfortable due to close tables and hard seats. Significant concerns also arose about unpleasant establishment smells, dirty plates, and even reports of bugs or rats, pointing to hygiene issues.
Ambience
34
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
17
negative
5
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quiet atmosphere
- Good vibe
What people don't like
- Cramped seating
- Unpleasant smells
- Hygiene concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereLove the atmosphere as well.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- experienceThe food was delicious and well-priced. The service was friendly and easy, contributing to an overall great experience. I definitely would recommend this place!
- noise levelNoise level:Very quiet
- reliableIt’s reliable
- restaurant10/10 restaurant
- vibethe vibe was there though
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereI also found the yakitori chicken to be undercooked or semi-raw, which is unpleasant. The atmosphere is also a concern, with tables placed very close together, making it uncomfortable if neighbors are loud. While I haven't tried the curry, the nabe is decent.
- Japan Townnot alike 20-years ago
- Wi-Fino tiene wifi
- ambianceambiance - meh! There was a nice theme going on, wooden roof slabs, then they turned it into storage.
- bug crawlingHad a bug crawling on the table
- crampedRestaurant is very cramped
- dirty plateswe were served dirty plates
- establishment smellsThe establishment smells like dishwater and pee
- health code violationLiterally a health code violation
- placeThe place is pretty dark and dreary
If you prioritize a comfortable and clean environment, this spot might disappoint. While some find the vibe okay, the frequent complaints about cramped spaces and hygiene suggest you should manage your expectations or consider other options.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag. While the overall score sits at an average 4.7, customer satisfaction is quite low at just 39%. Many diners appreciate the affordable prices and reasonable price points, especially highlighting the lunch special as a good deal.
There are 23 positive remarks praising the budget-friendly options and competitive pricing. However, the value proposition takes a hit with 32 negative comments, often citing the restaurant as expensive or overpriced. A significant concern revolves around an 18% gratuity or extra charge being automatically added to bills, leading to frustration and a feeling of being misled.
This mandatory tipping practice and unclear billing are major points of contention for many.
Value
59
Reviews
39%
Satisfaction
32
negative
4
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable lunch special
- Reasonable prices
- Good deal
What people don't like
- Mandatory 18% gratuity
- Overpriced menu items
- Unclear extra charges
Often praised
- priceThe price was amazing for the amount of food you get.
- lunch specialthis place has lunch special $13.95 2 dishes plus soup
- pricesthe prices are slightly more affordable here
- lunch dealThe lunch deal is very affordable
- affordablereally good and affordable
- affordable priceWhile the flavor was good, the beef was rough and chewy. Overall, it was a decent lunch experience at an affordable price in the heart of the Jtown mall.
- affordable sidethis more on the affordable side but it’s just delicious!
- budget friendlythis is somewhat budget friendly
- competitive fair pricea very competitive fair price
- crabit's very affordable too
Frequently criticized
- tipMy experience at this restaurant was quite concerning. The bill initially included a tip, which I found unusual. Later, after the payment was canceled, they charged me an additional amount.
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the average food and overpriced nature of the meal. They automatically added an 18% tip without clear communication, and when we inquired about adding noodles, we were told it was okay but not informed about an extra charge.
- billPeople at other tables were gawking at their bill
- expensivepretty expensive for what it’s worth
- gratuity18% gratuity was automatically added without consent
- tipsThe food itself was disappointing; it didn't taste authentic and wasn't anything special. To add insult to injury, 18% tips were included in my bill, leaving me no choice but to pay it. I strongly advise against coming here if you have any other options; the service was horrible.
- 10% service feestill imposed over a 10% service fee
- 18% of billsI write down the exact amount of tips I want to give. But they suddenly charged 18% of bills without any permission after! Worst experience ever.
- additional amountLater, after the payment was canceled, they charged me an additional amount
- billing practicewill charge you 18% AFTER charging it on the bill
If you're looking for an affordable lunch special, this place might be a good deal. However, be prepared for potentially higher prices and scrutinize your bill carefully, as automatic gratuities and extra charges are a common complaint that could leave you feeling overcharged.
How are the prices at Osakaya?
You’re looking at roughly 28 $ per person – reported by 63 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend in the 11 – 30 $ range, showing that prices cluster nicely around the average, with just a few opting for more premium experiences.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 63 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels pretty fair. It offers good value for a mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Osakaya
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
3
Overpriced food with hidden charges
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the average food and overpriced nature of the meal. They automatically added an 18% tip without clear communication, and when we inquired about adding noodles, we were told it was okay but not informed about an extra charge. The bill was unclear, and the pre-added tip was only discovered upon payment, leading to a lack of transparency.
- food5
- price3
- tip2
- extra charge3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
7
Good Sushi, Okay Katsu
My experience at this restaurant offered good sushi and katsu at a reasonable price, especially for the lunch special. The sushi was very flavorful and fresh. However, the katsu was slightly overcooked.
The wait staff seemed a little rough around the edges. The atmosphere was great, and the food was generally good.
- sushi9
- lunch special8
- atmosphere10
- katsu4
- wait staff4
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Health Hazard: Rat in Kitchen!
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. While I initially enjoyed my food, the situation quickly deteriorated. We were served dirty plates, and my friend found the alcohol to be bitter, which is unusual.
The atmosphere was very dirty. The worst part was discovering a rat in the kitchen, on the floor. The staff saw it and did nothing, which is a serious health code violation.
I have reported this incident and am awaiting a response. I strongly advise against going here unless you want to encounter rodents.
- dirty plates1
- alcohol2
- atmosphere1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Service and Bland Food
I visited this restaurant based on a friend's recommendation. Unfortunately, the food we ordered was bland. The service also left much to be desired; when my sister requested a to-go box, the waitress threw it and the bag onto the sushi, making them dirty.
This felt quite rude. I've lived in San Francisco for over 7 years and have dined at many restaurants, but this was the first time a restaurant automatically added a 16. 02 tip.
While other establishments allow customers to choose their tip amount, this place automatically charged 18%. Although they might justify adding their tip to the check, I found it to be a bit high considering the level of customer service we received.
- food2
- customer service2
- to go box2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Experience with Added Gratuity
I recently dined here after a long absence and was quite surprised when the check arrived. An 18% gratuity was already added to the total. When I inquired, my server stated it was a POS system setting, but I believe this was a decision made by the owner/manager.
Regarding the food, the teriyaki beef was made from low quality beef, and the food temperature was not up to par upon serving. I have no reason to return.
- teriyaki beef2
- low quality beef1
- food temperature3
What Osakaya offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience does Osakaya Restaurant offer in Japantown?
At Osakaya Restaurant, you can expect a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal. They offer table service for lunch and dinner, with options for small plates and desserts. You can also enjoy a selection of alcohol, including wine and beer, alongside their great tea selection.
Is Osakaya Restaurant accessible and suitable for families with children?
Yes, Osakaya Restaurant is designed to be welcoming for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring comfort for all guests. It’s also considered good for kids, providing high chairs to accommodate younger diners during your visit.
How is Osakaya rated overall by customers?
Osakaya has an overall score of 5.9 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 51.2%. Its strongest aspect is **Food** (6.6), followed by **Service** (5.4), while **Ambience** (5.1) and **Value** (4.7) are areas for improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about Osakaya?
Customers frequently praise the authentic Japanese food and the quick service. Many also find the lunch options to be quite affordable.
Are there any common complaints about Osakaya?
Yes, some customers express concerns about the automatic gratuity practices and the cramped atmosphere. There are also mentions of inattentive service at times.