Highlights
- Sports
- Great tea selection
oChef » Rock – San Francisco
Rock - San Francisco
Photo from Rock
Rock at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 57 of the guests
#1106 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#94 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
244
Reviews
76.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh food
- Friendly service
- Generous portions
Frequently criticized
- Cleanliness issues
- Slow service
- High prices
The restaurant Rock is a Japanese Restaurant located in the vibrant South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco. You can enjoy a casual and cozy atmosphere here, perfect for catching a game with its sports highlight.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a delightful dinner, or even catering for an event, this spot has you covered. With options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, you can experience their offerings however you prefer.
Overview: Introducting Rock
Rock offers a dining experience where the food often stands out, with many appreciating the quality and generous portions. Guests frequently commend the service, noting staff are often friendly and efficient, ensuring meals arrive promptly.
It’s a spot where culinary satisfaction seems to be a consistent highlight for many. However, some experiences at Rock suggest areas for attention.
While many find the pricing reasonable, a few consider it overpriced. Concerns have also surfaced regarding the cleanliness of certain areas, particularly the bathrooms, which can detract from the overall visit.
Good
7.5
out of 10
244
Reviews
76.2%
Satisfaction
46
negative
12
neutral
186
positive
Overall, Rock earns a solid 7.5, reflecting a generally positive dining experience, with customer satisfaction sitting at a good 76.2%. This assessment draws from 244 customer remarks, with 186 positive observations outweighing 46 negative ones.
Guests particularly praise the attentive Service (8.1), often described as fast and friendly. The Food (7.6) also receives strong approval, with many enjoying the quality and variety.
While the culinary offerings and hospitality shine, other aspects present a more mixed picture. The Value (6.9) is generally considered good, though some find it a bit steep.
The Ambience (6.4) registers as average, with some appreciating the cozy environment or a unique neighborhood cat, while others note issues with cleanliness in certain areas.
What people like
- Fresh, quality food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Cleanliness issues
- Occasional slow service
- Perceived high prices
Rock presents a generally positive dining option, earning a solid 7.6 recommendation score. It’s a place where you can often expect well-prepared dishes and attentive service, making it a reliable choice for many.
However, be mindful that some aspects, particularly cleanliness and occasional service delays, might not always meet expectations. If you prioritize fresh food and good service, Rock is certainly worth considering.
Just manage your expectations regarding the overall ambiance and be prepared for potentially higher prices. It’s a spot that delivers on its core offerings, but with a few minor caveats to keep in mind.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Rock
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, many diners are quite pleased! With a good score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 78.9%, its clear theres a lot to love. Out of 142 total comments, 112 praise the delicious flavor, generous portions, and fresh ingredients, highlighting a wide variety of tasty options from sushi to teriyaki.
However, not everyone has had a perfect culinary journey, with 23 negative remarks. Some guests have unfortunately encountered issues like poor food quality, old rice, or even alarming discoveries such as bones in sashimi. There have also been concerns about food safety, including mentions of food poisoning, which are certainly deal-breakers for some.
Food
142
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
23
negative
7
neutral
112
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, delicious food
- Generous portion sizes
- Wide menu variety
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bones in sashimi
- Food safety concerns
Often praised
- foodThis place has become a go-to for our nights out. It's nice and quiet with great food and an awesome view. I usually get the beef teriyaki and the fish katsu; the fish katsu is probably the best I've ever had.
- sushihad basically all the sushi we we could fit in our mouths
- ingredientsI tried the rolls, and while I wouldn't call them the absolute best, they were definitely not poorly made Japanese food like you might find abroad. Each roll had its own distinct flavor, and they were generously filled with ingredients. Considering the US prices, the portion size and cost were reasonable.
- portion sizesThe portion sizes are generous relative to the price
- portionsI found the sushi to be of high quality and at reasonable prices. I've visited multiple times and appreciate the good-size portions and the wide variety of options available. My "sushi dinner" (chef's choice) included a generous selection of fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, whitetail, eel, shrimp, crab, and octopus.
- tunaThe tuna had that perfect, buttery texture
- Beef TeriyakiBeef Teriyaki was perfect
- California rollThe California roll with avocado is delicious
- Fire Cracker RollTempura California Roll and Fire Cracker Roll via pickup, and both were delicious
- Fish tastedFish tasted very fresh
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food is mediocre at best
- rollsThe rolls are mostly rice with a bit of filling
- food qualityfood quality below japanese super market bento
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was terrible. I ordered sushi, but it was the worst sushi I've ever had. I visited San Fran and thought I couldn't go wrong with sushi.
- body weaknessmy body was still weak and I was shaky
- bones in sashimiMy experience at this restaurant was alarming due to the food quality. I was shocked to find bones in my sashimi. I accidentally swallowed one and almost choked, as it scraped my throat all the way down.
- fishliteral maggot in our fish.. old fish and gross
- food poisoningvomiting and diarrhea after eating in this restaurant
- fried itemsall the fried items (Katsu and Tempura) were burnt
- miso soupmiso soup just salty watered substance
Overall, if youre looking for a place with a wide variety of fresh, flavorful dishes and generous portions, its definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that a few guests have reported inconsistencies in food quality and some serious concerns regarding freshness and safety.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.1 and a customer satisfaction rate of 83%, its clear most diners have a good experience. Many of the 39 positive remarks highlight the friendly and welcoming staff, timely food arrival, and attentive waiters and waitresses, making for a pleasant visit.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. Out of 47 total comments, 7 did point out some areas for improvement. A few guests mentioned the service being a bit slow or experiencing longer wait times for their food.
While most staff received praise, a couple of opinions noted some waitresses were not up to par.
Service
47
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick food arrival
- Welcoming service
What people don't like
- Service can be slow
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceWe were here for Thanksgiving. The service was extremely fast and very friendly, and the food was incredible. The Beef Teriyaki was perfect, and the Rock Mix (3 types) had very large portions.
- staffThey also offer bento boxes which are a great deal, including soup and salad. The service really seals the deal here, with very cool staff. On some nights, a neighborhood cat strolls through the dining area, adding a nice vibe.
- ServiceService is very nice
- serverOn a positive note, the service was great. The server was very nice and attentive throughout the meal.
- Japanese girlJapanese girl serves you with harmony and hospitality.
- deliverydelivery a few times and it always comes perfect
- food arrivalour food arrived quick enough
- harmony and hospitalityJapanese girl serves you with harmony and hospitality.
- hostthe host was very helpful
- notification systemThe notification system for order readiness was convenient
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service is extremely bad and disrespectfully put on the table
- fooddoes take a bit for the food to come
- waitit makes you wait excessively
- waitressesThe waitresses was kinda bad tho
Overall, you can expect good service here, with a friendly and efficient team. While there might be an occasional wait, the positive experiences far outweigh the minor delays, making it a worthwhile visit.
Ambience (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.4 with a customer satisfaction of 57.9%. Many guests appreciate the cozy atmosphere, calm vibe, and the great city views from the large windows. Plus, the presence of a cute restaurant cat adds a unique charm, making for 22 positive remarks out of 38 total.
However, there's definitely room for improvement, as 13 negative comments highlight some significant issues. Guests have noted cleaning problems, including dirty windows, sticky floors and tables, and particularly unclean bathroom areas. These aspects can unfortunately detract from an otherwise pleasant environment.
Ambience
38
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Cute restaurant cat
- Great city views
What people don't like
- Cleaning problems
- Dirty windows
- Unclean bathrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was amazing! I came here for a 222 to make my own sushi and hangout with ppl. I even made the sushi shown in the photo!
- catrestaurant has a cute little cat
- cute catcute cat roaming the restaurant which added to the ambience
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- busyit’s less busy than the surrounding more touristy spots
- decent localsI enjoyed the nice food and the personnel was friendly. The prices were decent, and it was a pleasant place with decent locals. I didn't find anything to complain about.
- environmentCozy environment
- good timeWe had a good time in this place!
- large windowsLarge windows to view the city streets
- neighborhood catadds a nice vibe
Frequently criticized
- cleanlinessdue to the cleanliness
- ambiencedid not have trash can
- bathroom areathe bathroom area is also not very clean
- bathroom cleanlinesscleanliness of the bathroom
- cleaning problemsthere are cleaning problems in the store
- decorThe price was very correct for San Francisco. From the outside, the restaurant doesn't look very inviting and the decor isn't exceptional, but the food is truly excellent. The tea served upon arrival is a real delight.
- exterior appearanceDa fuori non gli daresti una lira
- floors and tablesthe floors and tables were sticky
- hallway cleanlinessThe sushi was really good, with big pieces of fish and good quality. However, the cleanliness of the hallway and bathroom was a significant issue. It's unsettling when a place that serves food struggles to maintain a clean bathroom.
- platesThe plates were not clean
If a unique, cozy vibe with a friendly feline and nice views is your priority, you might enjoy this place. However, if cleanliness, especially in the restrooms, is a dealbreaker for you, you might want to consider other options.
Value (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark with a 6.9 score, indicating a good experience. Customers are quite happy, with satisfaction at a solid 76.5%. Many folks found the price and portion size to be reasonable, especially for San Francisco, with 13 positive remarks highlighting the cost as correct and even affordable.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as a few voices (3, to be exact) felt differently. Some customers mentioned feeling like they were getting ripped off or that certain items were overpriced. While the overall sentiment is positive, these comments suggest that price' can sometimes be a sticking point for a small number of diners.
Value
17
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
- Good portion sizes
- Affordable for SF
What people don't like
- Can be overpriced
- Feeling ripped off
Often praised
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was positive overall. The staffs were nice and the foods were great for the price. Personally, I found the sashimi to be cut a little too thick, but this is just my preference.
- pricessushi at reasonable prices
- costEach roll had its own distinct flavor, and they were generously filled with ingredients. Considering the US prices, the portion size and cost were reasonable.
- SF pricingAffordable for SF pricing
- freeÇorba salata pilav ücretsiz geliyor
- less than $300walked out of there with for less than $300
- portion sizeEach roll had its own distinct flavor, and they were generously filled with ingredients. Considering the US prices, the portion size and cost were reasonable.
Frequently criticized
- getting ripped offwithout getting ripped off
- overpricedVery overpriced
- priceat 3x price
If you're looking for good value, especially considering SF pricing, this place generally delivers. Most diners find the prices fair for the quality and portion sizes. However, be mindful that a few experiences suggest some items might feel a bit steep.
How are the prices at Rock?
You’re looking at roughly 34 per person – reported by 57 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 34, many guests actually spend a bit less, with a good number falling into the $21–$30 and even $11–$20 ranges. This suggests a nice spread of options, from more budget-friendly bites to slightly more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 57 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, especially given the variety of spending options available. Its a good spot if youre looking for quality without necessarily breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Rock
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Sushi Event and Staff!
I came here for a sushi making event. My experience was fantastic! The food was great, and the staff were even better.
It was a truly enjoyable time.
- sushi making event9
- food9
- staff10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Sushi Craftsmanship and Service
My experience at this sushi spot was truly exceptional. From the moment I walked in, I could feel the seriousness with which they approach their craft. The rice was seasoned just right, and the fish melted in my mouth instead of chewing.
Every bite felt balanced rather than showy. What stood out most was the attention to detail – the temperature of the rice, the precision of the cuts, and the pacing of the meal. The nigiri lineup was clean and deliberate, offering pure flavor without overcomplication.
The tuna had that perfect, buttery texture, confirming that freshness is standard practice here, not just a marketing claim. Even the simple tamago and miso soup felt elevated. The service was quietly attentive, always there when needed without hovering.
The vibe was calm yet confident. If you're looking for a place that honors sushi for its craftsmanship, simplicity, and balance, this place is absolutely worth the visit.
- rice9
- fish10
- balance9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Sushi Making Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing! I came here for a 222 to make my own sushi and hangout with ppl. I even made the sushi shown in the photo!
The staff is really friendly and nice, and the ingredients are top notch. It’s great!
- sushi9
- staff10
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Great Value in Chinatown
We were very well received and honestly, we ate very well. The price was very correct for San Francisco. From the outside, the restaurant doesn't look very inviting and the decor isn't exceptional, but the food is truly excellent.
The tea served upon arrival is a real delight. Plus, we found it nice to stroll through Chinatown in the evening. I have food allergies, and despite the language barrier, the server was very attentive to what I could or could not eat.
- food9
- price8
- tea10
- restaurant exterior4
- decor4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Good food and friendly staff!
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food portions were a good size, and the staff were very friendly. We had a good time in this place!
- food8
- staff10
- good time9
What Rock offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Rock Japanese Cuisine?
At Rock Japanese Cuisine, you’ll find a casual and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal. You can enjoy lunch or dinner with comfortable seating, and it’s even a great spot for sports enthusiasts. They also offer a bar onsite, free Wi-Fi, and clean restrooms for your convenience.
Does Rock Japanese Cuisine cater to specific dietary needs or families with children?
Absolutely! Rock Japanese Cuisine offers a variety of options, including both vegan and vegetarian dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. For families, it’s considered good for kids, providing high chairs and changing tables for your little ones’ comfort.
How does Rock generally perform according to customer feedback?
Rock achieves an overall score of 7.5, with customer satisfaction at 76.2%. Its strengths lie in Service (8.1) and Food (7.6), while Value (6.9) is good, and Ambience (6.4) is considered average.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at Rock?
Many customers appreciate the fresh ingredients and generous portion sizes, with specific mentions of high-quality sushi and well-prepared dishes like Beef Teriyaki.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Some diners have noted issues with cleanliness, particularly in the bathrooms, and a few have found the pricing to be on the higher side.