Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Great tea selection
oChef » Ozumo – San Francisco
Ozumo - San Francisco
Photo from Ozumo
Ozumo at a glance
San Francisco Rincon Hill
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 112 of the guests
#1220 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#109 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
679
Reviews
71.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Inviting ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Pests observed
The restaurant, a sophisticated Japanese establishment, invites you to an unforgettable dining experience in San Francisco’s vibrant Rincon Hill neighborhood. As you step inside, you’re immediately enveloped by an upscale and trendy atmosphere, often enhanced by captivating live music.
Ozumo San Francisco masterfully blends a cozy ambiance with a romantic touch, making it perfect for any occasion. You’ll find a diverse menu, from healthy options to small plates, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
Overview: Introducting Ozumo
Ozumo offers a compelling dining experience, often praised for its inviting ambiance and the high food quality that leaves a lasting impression. Guests frequently highlight the expertly prepared dishes and the overall pleasant setting, making it a popular choice for many.
However, potential diners should be mindful of the value proposition, as some find the pricing to be on the higher side. While the culinary offerings are generally well-received, there are occasional concerns regarding the consistency of service speed, which can sometimes detract from the experience.
Good
7.4
out of 10
679
Reviews
71.6%
Satisfaction
152
negative
41
neutral
486
positive
Overall, Ozumo achieves a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.4, indicating a generally good experience. This aligns well with a Customer Satisfaction rate of 71.6%, suggesting that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial pool of 679 customer opinions, with 486 positive and 152 negative remarks. Delving into specifics, the Food (7.8) stands out as a strong point, frequently lauded for its quality and authenticity.
The Ambience (7.6) also garners high marks, contributing to a pleasant dining atmosphere. Service (7.3) is generally good, though some experiences point to inconsistencies.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (3.8), which is notably lower than other aspects, indicating that many find the cost disproportionate to the experience.
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Excellent sushi selection
- Warm, inviting ambiance
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Mice observed inside
- Inconsistent service speed
Ozumo presents a solid option for those prioritizing a quality culinary experience and an appealing setting. The strong Food and Ambience scores suggest it delivers on these fronts, making it suitable for special occasions or when you’re willing to invest in a memorable meal.
With a Recommendation Score of 7.6, it’s clear that many find it worth a visit. However, be prepared for a potentially higher bill and understand that while service is generally good, there might be occasional hiccups.
It’s a place to consider if the culinary journey is your main focus.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ozumo
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.8 with a 78% customer satisfaction rate. With 297 positive comments out of 381 total, guests frequently rave about the fresh fish, delicious food, and sushi, with wagyu nigiri often singled out for praise. Many find the quality exceptional and the flavors delightful.
However, 58 negative observations suggest some areas for improvement. A few diners found portions to be small, with occasional complaints about underwhelming sushi or meek flavors. Some dishes were also noted for being salty, indicating inconsistency in execution.
Food
381
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
58
negative
26
neutral
297
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh fish quality
- Delicious sushi options
- Wagyu nigiri praised
What people don't like
- Portions often small
- Sushi sometimes underwhelming
- Flavors occasionally meek
Often praised
- foodOur favorites included the karaage, gindara (grilled fish), matcha ice cream, and black sesame mochi. The food was so delicious and authentic that we even ordered a second dish of Gindara.
- sushiMy experience at the restaurant was GREATEST. I particularly enjoyed sitting at the bar, where the drinks were amazing and the sushi was SO good. I even came back two nights in a row!
- drinksFor dessert, the choco-chan is a must-try! The only area for improvement was the bar service, which took too long to get our drinks, although the taste was good. Overall, a great dining experience with fantastic food.
- fishThe rice in each piece of sushi was perfectly textured and beautifully seasoned. However, the fish was consistently the star of the show, with each bite melting in my mouth. My favorites were the buritoro (yellowtail belly) and the chutoro (medium bluefin tuna belly).
- nigiriThe service was amazing, and their appetizers were good. The nigiri was delicious, and they had a good selection of rolls. The restaurant is spacious, with tables not too close, offering more privacy and contributing to the overall good vibes.
- rollsWhile the nigiri and sashimi offerings seemed a bit overpriced compared to some other restaurants, they were still delicious. I would definitely return for the rolls.
- gyozaHad a delicious dinner here! We ordered miso soup, garlic edamame, gyoza, miso black cod, and sushi. Don't skip on the mango mochi for dessert.
- miso soupHad a delicious dinner here! We ordered miso soup, garlic edamame, gyoza, miso black cod, and sushi. Don't skip on the mango mochi for dessert.
- sushi rollssome sushi rolls. Everything was very delicious.
- food qualitythe quality of the food is outstanding
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was astonishingly mediocre
- sushisushi was not high quality and flat out not good
- fishMy experience with the Aburi roll from Ozumo, ordered via Uber Eats, was quite disappointing. For $30, I expected much more, especially considering there was barely any fish in the sushi. I hope the quality is better when dining in person.
- portion sizeportion size for the sushi platter was surprisingly small
- portionsthe portions are very small
- A5 wagyuMy toro nigiri was not topped on sushi rice, and it didn’t even have a dash of wasabi in the center to help accentuate the flavor. The A5 wagyu was soaked in sauce that I couldn’t taste the tenderness of the wagyu itself. The nori didn’t smell of the ocean, and there was cheese sauce topped on shishito.
- Aburi rollvery disappointing for $30 with barely any fish in the sushi
- EdamameEdamame came unsalted
- Spicy tuna rollSpicy tuna roll was extremely skimpy on the tuna
- WagyuWagyu at the waiter’s suggested medium rare but it came medium-well to well done
If youre seeking generally delicious and fresh Japanese cuisine, especially sushi and nigiri, this spot is a strong contender. Be aware that some dishes might come in smaller portions, and flavors occasionally miss the mark. Its worth a visit for the highlights, but manage expectations on portion sizes.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.3 score. Many of the 170 customer comments, with 117 leaning positive, praise the friendly staff, excellent service, and warm hospitality. Guests frequently highlight the attentiveness of servers and bartenders, making for a welcoming and smooth experience.
However, the customer satisfaction, sitting at a 68.8%, suggests a mixed bag. Some of the 47 negative remarks point to slow service and disinterested servers, with occasional order mix-ups or attempts to upsell. While not widespread, these instances indicate areas where consistency could improve.
Service
170
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
47
negative
6
neutral
117
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Professional, knowledgeable service
- Warm, welcoming hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Order errors, forgotten items
- Disinterested, rude staff
Often praised
- serviceOur first priority on return to San Francisco was this restaurant, and we were delighted to secure an early seating for a long, relaxed dinner. Despite being a busy establishment, our table was comfortable and the service was superb. We began our meal with the Hanabi appetizer, a delightful combination of sliced Hachimi, avocado, shredded daikon, and leeks, all brought together with a warm ginger-chili ponzu.
- staffMy experience at Ozumo was one of the best sushi experiences of my life. I sat at the bar, and the staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, even assisting me with ordering from the expansive menu. Following their recommendations, I embarked on a “fish belly journey” that included all the fish bellies on the menu, plus my personal favorite, shiro maguro.
- serverEach roll felt thoughtfully crafted, and the rice was perfectly seasoned. Service started off a bit slow, but once our server got to us, everything flowed smoothly and professionally. My son ordered 8oz A5 Wagyu from the Miyazaki Prefecture, and it absolutely lived up to the reputation.
- bartendersThis is one of my favorite spots in the city. I love to sit at the bar, and Ben is one of the best bartenders. While the sake bar side might seem chill, the back of the restaurant is HUGE and can be slammed without you knowing it.
- ServiceService impeccable!
- experienceMade our experience here so special
- waitressthe waitress who was taking care of us (Miri) is a true gem.
- bartenderKind of lol). Our bartender for the evening was Nicole, and she was very cool! I asked her about the house sake and she gave me a brief history of the restaurant's in house sake sommelier, and let me do a quick tasting.
- recommendationsreceived very helpful recommendations
- Ben and CarlosBen and Carlos are the best.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe nori didn’t smell of the ocean, and there was cheese sauce topped on shishito. The service was just as American and I had expected more from a restaurant advertising itself as Japanese in origin.
- serverWe asked 4 different staff members about it, and they used to disappear and then ignore us. Finally, the server came, saying that it's not available, behaving as if this service is the new normal at Ozumo. The food, however, was excellent, as usual.
- orderasking someone about my order which had been sitting in the front for quite some time
- staffWe ordered a few items from their happy hour menu and kept waiting for a dish to arrive for 30 minutes. We asked 4 different staff members about it, and they used to disappear and then ignore us. Finally, the server came, saying that it's not available, behaving as if this service is the new normal at Ozumo.
- wait timewaited an hour for the most mediocre sushi
- Manager LouisLouis came over, but he dismissed our concern
- bar serviceTook too long to get our drinks
- basic respectit's about basic respect
- compensationOur waitress forgot part of our order, leading to a significant wait. She did not offer any compensation for the mistake. Furthermore, the meal was very expensive.
- counter staffThe counter staff is also not good and speaks very rudely.
Overall, the service here is generally good, though it has its occasional hiccups. If youre looking for a welcoming atmosphere with attentive staff, youll likely have a great experience. Just be prepared that on a busy night, things might be a little slower or less consistent.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a 7.6 score indicating a good experience and 78.6% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the stunning location, incredible views, and the overall serene atmosphere and vibe. Out of 84 total opinions, a solid 66 were positive, highlighting a pleasant and inviting environment.
However, its not all perfect. A smaller number of 12 negative opinions mentioned issues like uncomfortable temperature, distracting noise levels, and, concerningly, even mice running around. While these seem to be isolated incidents, theyre definitely worth noting for a complete picture of the environment.
Ambience
84
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
12
negative
6
neutral
66
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning views
- Inviting atmosphere
- Clean environment
What people don't like
- Pests present
- Uncomfortable temperature
- High noise levels
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. We came as a group and were impressed by the excellent service in a cozy atmosphere. The prix fixe menu was a highlight, featuring 12 items served in an order that felt like the unraveling of a story.
- ambianceThe ambiance is fantastic—warm lighting, spacious, and inviting.
- barEverything was delicious, and the sushi was truly what dreams are made of. The staff was amazing, and I also loved the bar downstairs. We enjoyed it so much that we went back for dinner on consecutive nights because it was so good!
- locationStellar location with lovely views
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibeThe vibe was excellent
- vibesAlso discovered the Hibiscus Palmar—a dangerously smooth drink that tastes like summer on vacation and now lives rent-free in my head. Great vibes, sexy lighting, and food that makes you consider licking the plate (don’t worry—I didn’t… probably).
- Japanese culturetour over the Japanese culture through their different dishes
- ambienceGreat ambience
- bay bridge viewyou may have a close up view of the immensity of the bay bridge - pretty with lights at night
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere was also not as good since there was one very loud birthday group
- bad environmentI asked one of the waitresses if she knows there's a mouse and then she responded it's fine. No one was comped for anything given for the bad environment, we all loved our appetite. Will never go there again after how they dealt with that situation.
- cold and drafty roomThe room was very cold and drafty
- drip in the patio roofthere was a drip in the patio roof
- five star placenot the five star place it used to be
- gym musicthey are playing gym music (why??)
- mice running aroundThe temperature started to drop, and I put on my jacket, only to find my right sleeve was soaked due to a drip in the patio roof. To make matters worse, we then saw mice running around. Overall, the food was just okay, not enough to compensate for the other issues.
- mouse running aroundsaw a mouse running around
- noisemakes it too loud
- ratsaw a rat in the restaurant
If you're seeking a spot with great views and a generally pleasant atmosphere, this place is worth checking out. Just be mindful that some guests have reported issues with temperature, noise, or even pests, which could affect your visit.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
While the overall value perception sits at a poor 3.8 score with only poor 13.6% customer satisfaction, some diners did find bright spots. They particularly praised the happy hour deals, which some rave are among the best in the city. For these 6 positive opinions out of 44 total, the price was justified for the experience or a special occasion, believing you truly get what you pay for.
However, the overwhelming sentiment, with 35 negative opinions, points to significant concerns. Many found the restaurant to be quite pricey and expensive, often feeling it was overpriced for the quality received. Issues like high bills, costly parking, and extra fees like a health and safety fee frequently left guests feeling that the overall value for money was disappointing.
Value
44
Reviews
13%
Satisfaction
35
negative
3
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour deals
- Worth it for occasions
What people don't like
- Overall expensive experience
- Poor value for money
- Unexpected extra fees
Often praised
- pricenot too pricey for what it is and where it is
- happy hourWe enjoyed it so much that we had to come back! The sushi is super fresh, and the happy hour is awesome. I highly recommend the spicy tuna tartare and the geisha cocktail!
- costCan be expensive but worth the cost for a special occasion.
Frequently criticized
- priceIt offered more food than we expected, and the food quality was amazing. While the atmosphere was excellent, the restaurant is slightly overpriced.
- billour bill was $600+ for 7 people
- expensiveIt's expensive
- priceyTheir miso soup was subtle and perfect. The wagyu beef was melt-in-your-mouth delicious, although it was a bit pricey. I want to give a special mention to Army, who provided excellent service.
- $300+ for 2 peopleSuper easy to get $300+ for 2 people
- get what you pay forYou won't get what you pay for
- happy hourhad no idea. Waited about 45 minutes before finally asking someone about my order which had been sitting in the front for quite some time. Thankfully, everything was still warm, so I left to go back to Harbor Court Hotwl, which was where I was staying. Gyoza were delicious. Spicy tuna roll was extremely skimpy on the tuna…honestly the least amount of tuna I’ve ever had in a roll, however it tasted good. Edamame came unsalted, which was unfortunate considering I paid full price when it was half off for happy hour. If I was desperate, I would go back. Otherwise, pass.
- health and safety feecharged a health and safety fee
- overpricedoverpriced, underwhelming sushi
- parkingParking was very expensive, $30
If you're considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially high bill, as many found it quite expensive for the overall experience. While happy hour might offer some relief, for regular dining, it often disappoints in terms of value for money. It might be best for a special occasion where cost is less of a concern.
How are the prices at Ozumo?
You’re looking at roughly 80 per person – reported by 112 diners. That puts it in the $71–$80 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While 80 is a good benchmark, it’s interesting to see that a large number of diners actually spend quite a bit more, with a significant cluster of prices over 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 112 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, and many places go even higher, we think 80 per person offers a fair balance for a quality experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ozumo
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Top-notch experience despite receipt mix-up!
My experience at the restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. Despite a minor mix-up with the receipts, everything else was top notch. The ambience was great, and the food and drinks were tasty.
The staff were also very friendly. I would definitely come back!
- ambience9
- food9
- drinks9
- receipts3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Heavenly Food and Amazing Manager!
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The food was some of the best I've ever had, with every dish ordered being heavenly. The fish was incredibly fresh, and even the dessert was a perfect 10/10.
The manager, Marco, was amazing, contributing significantly to the overall positive experience. I am eagerly looking forward to returning.
- food10
- dishes10
- fish10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Exceptional Food, Service, and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The atmosphere was beautiful, and the food and service were outstanding. I absolutely loved it and would definitely return when in SF!
- atmosphere10
- food10
- service10
Visit Type
- Business Meeting
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Exceptional Japanese Experience at Ozumo
I had a business lunch at Ozumo and it was probably the best Japanese experience I've had so far outside of Japan. The fish quality was exceptional. Our waitress, Miri, was a true gem and took great care of us.
I can only recommend this place.
- fish quality10
- waitress10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Food, Relaxed Atmosphere
My son and I really enjoyed our experience at this restaurant after attending a recent Commonwealth Club event. The location was very convenient, being close to the event, and there was plenty of parking available in the area. The food was just great, and we appreciated that we didn't feel at all rushed.
- food10
- location8
- parking9
What Ozumo offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Does Ozumo San Francisco accept reservations and what are the parking options?
Yes, Ozumo San Francisco accepts reservations, and it’s recommended to book ahead for both lunch and dinner to secure your spot. Regarding parking, it can be somewhat challenging to find a space, but you do have options for paid parking garages and paid street parking nearby.
What kind of dining experience and amenities can you expect at Ozumo San Francisco?
At Ozumo San Francisco, you can expect an upscale and romantic dining experience with options for lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with table service. The restaurant offers amenities like a bar onsite, free Wi-Fi, and wheelchair accessibility for entrance, seating, and restrooms. Outdoor seating is also available, and dogs are allowed outside.
How does Ozumo generally score with customers?
Ozumo holds a Restaurant Score of 7.4 and a Customer Satisfaction of 71.6%, indicating a generally good experience. Its Food (7.8) and Ambience (7.6) are highly rated, while Service (7.3) is also good. However, Value (3.8) is a weaker point.
What do customers appreciate most about Ozumo?
Customers frequently praise Ozumo for its delicious and authentic food, particularly the excellent sushi and nigiri selections. The warm, inviting ambiance and the generally attentive staff also contribute to positive dining experiences.
What are the main drawbacks or concerns at Ozumo?
The primary concern for many diners is the perceived poor value for money, with some finding it expensive. Additionally, there have been isolated but significant negative reports regarding the atmosphere, including observations of mice, and occasional inconsistencies in service speed.