Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great tea selection
oChef » Roka Akor – San Francisco
Roka Akor - San Francisco
Photo from Roka Akor
Roka Akor at a glance
San Francisco Telegraph Hill
- 🥩 Steak House
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 114 of the guests
#572 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Steak House out of 7 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
685
Reviews
80.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional cuisine
- Elegant setting
Frequently criticized
- Premium cost
- Noise levels
The restaurant Roka Akor – San Francisco, a premier Steak House in the vibrant Telegraph Hill neighborhood, offers you an unforgettable dining experience. You’ll discover an upscale and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a special evening.
Known for its great wine list, this trendy spot ensures you have access to an impressive selection to complement your meal. Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated dinner or a lively happy hour, this establishment caters to your desires with exceptional service and offerings.
Overview: Introducting Roka Akor
Roka Akor offers a dining experience where the culinary creations truly shine, often described as exquisite and thoughtfully presented. Many guests appreciate the fresh ingredients and creative approach to dishes, making for memorable meals.
However, some find that the overall experience can be marred by inconsistent service and a sometimes overwhelming noise level, particularly when the restaurant is busy. The atmosphere at Roka Akor is generally considered stylish and well-suited for a date night or special occasion, with its sleek design and mood lighting.
Yet, a few patrons have noted issues with the seating arrangements feeling cramped or the general dining room being cumbersome to navigate, which can detract from the otherwise appealing setting.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
685
Reviews
80.4%
Satisfaction
95
negative
39
neutral
551
positive
Looking at the overall picture, Roka Akor achieves a commendable restaurant score of 8.1, indicating a good dining establishment. This is further supported by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 80.4%, suggesting that most diners leave pleased with their visit.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 685 customer observations, with a clear majority of 551 positive remarks against 95 negative ones. Delving into specifics, the Food (8.4) stands out as a particular strength, consistently receiving high praise for its quality and presentation.
Service (8.1) also performs well, with many appreciating attentive staff, though some experiences point to organizational hiccups. The Ambience (7.9) is generally well-regarded for its stylish setting, but the Value (4.7) score indicates that many find the pricing to be on the higher side, making it a point of consideration for potential diners.
What people like
- Exquisite, fresh food
- Attentive, welcoming service
- Slick, stylish ambiance
What people don't like
- High price point
- Inconsistent service
- Loud dining room
If you prioritize exceptional food and a sophisticated setting for a special occasion, Roka Akor is certainly worth considering. The culinary team consistently delivers on flavor and presentation, contributing significantly to its solid 8.4 recommendation score.
Be prepared for a lively atmosphere, which some find energetic and others find a bit loud. However, it’s wise to manage expectations regarding the cost, as the value score suggests it’s a premium experience.
While service is often excellent, there are occasional reports of inconsistency. For those seeking a high-quality meal and are comfortable with the price point, Roka Akor offers a distinctive experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Roka Akor
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food at this spot truly shines, boasting a strong 8.4 score and leaving a remarkable 84.8% of diners satisfied. With 346 positive remarks out of 408 total, guests frequently rave about the extraordinary Omakase experience, melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu dishes, and delicious desserts like the chocolate lava cake, alongside fresh sashimi and creative cuisine. However, not every dish hits the mark, with 36 critical comments.
Some found the cod overdone, wagyu sirloin occasionally dry, and sushi quality inconsistent, with certain desserts also receiving mixed reviews, suggesting a few areas for improvement.
Food
408
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
36
negative
26
neutral
346
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional Wagyu dishes
- Extraordinary Omakase
- Delicious chocolate cake
What people don't like
- Overcooked cod
- Subpar sushi/sashimi
- Dry Wagyu sirloin
Often praised
- foodThis happened three times and made me anxious, preventing me from fully enjoying the early parts of the meal. I wish I could have savored the wonderful and delicious food without feeling the need to rush. Otherwise, the food and environment were great; the service could use some tuning to allow customers paying over $600 to enjoy their meal in peace.
- sashimiMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great sushi and good sashimi, which were complemented by excellent presentations. The dessert platter was also great and a nice touch to end the evening.
- FoodFood:5. Everything was fantastic
- cocktailsI absolutely loved all the rolls, finding them super fresh and delicious. The cocktails were great, but my absolute favorite part was their desserts. While the Japanese cheesecake was good, the chocolate lava cake was the best I’ve ever had in my life – it was truly out of this world.
- dishesMy only critique is that one item (shrimp tempura) I ordered never made its way to the table. But, I was so pleased and full, from all the other dishes we tried, that I never mentioned it to our host. Superb!
- presentationI had the Omakase here to celebrate my birthday. The food was delicious and so well presented. The courses were well timed and the service was great.
- menuThe sushi was incredibly fresh, creative, and beautifully presented – truly some of the best I've ever had. The entire menu felt thoughtfully crafted with spot-on flavors, indicating the chefs' expertise. While I ordered multiple appetizers, entrees, and all the desserts, I found the desserts to be pretty mediocre and wouldn't reorder them.
- steakThe steak was also incredibly flavorful.
- sushiThe sushi was fresh, creative, and beautifully presented
- bone marrowThe sashimi was fresh. The wagyu sirloin was a bit overcooked and dry, but the bone marrow was sweet and delicious. It was a very good portion size for a 4-course meal.
Frequently criticized
- codthe cod was overdone & wasn't really great
- fishthe fish is not excellent
- foodhilariously bad and expensive food
- food qualityfood quality was a dismal 1
- sushisushi at less fancy places in SF that was the same or better quality
- GF yuzu smoothiethe GF yuzu smoothie with gold flakes they had me sample was too sweet
- Grilled BroccoliniThe Grilled Broccolini was very undercooked and hard to chew.
- Japanese cheesecakeJapanese cheesecake was also subpar
- OctopusThe Octopus was also flavorless and unseasoned.
- Salmon SashimiThe sashimi was distastefully chewy and flavorless.
If you're seeking an exceptional Omakase or Wagyu experience with standout desserts, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some specific dishes, like the cod or certain sushi items, might not always live up to the overall high standard.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at a good 80.6%, guests frequently rave about the attentive, knowledgeable servers and friendly bartenders. Many of the 112 positive remarks highlight accommodating management and staff who go above and beyond for special occasions.
However, not every experience is perfect. Out of 139 total remarks, 24 point to some areas for improvement. A few guests mentioned feeling rushed, while others experienced inattentive waiters or slow kitchen timing, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in service attentiveness and organization.
Service
139
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
24
negative
3
neutral
112
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Knowledgeable servers
- Accommodating requests
What people don't like
- Feeling rushed
- Inattentive waiters
- Slow kitchen timing
Often praised
- serviceThe mood lighting perfectly complemented the enticing smells and sounds from the robata grill, creating a space that felt both open and cozy. Our service from James was absolutely exquisite; he patiently guided us to a delicious bottle of pinot noir without any rush. The wine selection is approachable yet memorable, offering reds that pair beautifully with seafood and red meats, with flavor profiles that linger.
- staffI don't believe I've ever had a more delicious meal. The service and staff were excellent, complementing the wonderful ambience and outstanding taste. I highly recommend this restaurant.
- ServiceThe decor was also great. Service was on point, and while the cocktails were just okay, the sake was incredible! For appetizers, we tried the beef kimchi dumplings (so good!), the beet and burrata salad (delicious), and the eggplant tempura (a must-try!).
- serverserver although a little overwhelmed at first, ended up much better
- Chef IsraelThe food was exquisite, the service was impeccable, and the restaurant itself was very cozy. Chef Israel was very attentive to us. Thanks for everything!
- customer serviceIt was an AMAZING experience. The entire staff was welcoming, providing great customer service. The manager was pleasant and respectful, checking on us a few times and offering menu assistance.
- experienceVery happy with our experience
- hostThe entire staff was incredibly attentive and went above and beyond. The host was super pleasant, ensuring we had a cute table at a booth and even took pictures for us. Our server provided incredible dish recommendations and was very pleasant.
- serversservers provide options beyond the menu and go above and beyond
- Nicknick was an amazing spirit to have in the environment
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food quality was excellent, and the interiors were aesthetically pleasing. However, the service was messy and slow. It was confusing to have three different people introduce themselves, and the only staff member available when I needed assistance was a fourth person who never introduced himself.
- staffthree different people introduced themselves (confusing
- communicationNo further communication what so ever
- errorrefused to admit their error
- experienceWe spoke with the manager, who was apologetic, but no compensation could make up for how our family felt, especially on our daughter's birthday. This was a horrible experience for our kids, and we will never return. I hope the owners are careful about who they hire, as one bad employee can ruin the reputation of the entire establishment.
- hostessHostess was completely absent
- kitchensometimes slow kitchen
- missing itemsover half the items were missing
- online orderthey completely butchered it
- organisationplace seems quite poorly organised
Overall, you can expect a very positive service experience here, with staff often praised for their attentiveness and knowledge. Just be aware that a few guests have noted occasional issues with feeling rushed or slower kitchen times. If you value attentive and friendly staff, it's definitely worth a visit!
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.9 and a strong customer satisfaction of 82.2%. Based on 83 positive remarks out of 101 total, guests frequently praise the atmosphere, vibe, and mood lighting, making it a fantastic choice for a date night or special occasion. Many find the environment inviting, beautiful, and perfect for a memorable dining experience.
However, it's not without its quirks. With 14 negative comments, some patrons found the place could get noisy or loud when full, especially in the downstairs bar area. There were also mentions of cramped seating and music being a bit too loud, which occasionally detracted from the otherwise pleasant environment.
Ambience
101
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
14
negative
4
neutral
83
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing atmosphere
- Perfect for dates
- Elegant, sophisticated vibe
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Cramped seating
- Music too loud
Often praised
- atmosphereThe artistry and love put into each dish compensate for some of the food's shortcomings. The atmosphere is slick and perfect for a date night, with plenty of wood incorporated into the curved interior design, graduating it from a traditional Japanese setting. It's dark enough downstairs with soft, good music, making it a great place for special occasions.
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was marred by terrible service, despite the great food and great ambiance. Our waiter, Arthur, provided no further attention after taking our order, leaving our table dirty for the duration of our dinner.
- ambienceI don't believe I've ever had a more delicious meal. The service and staff were excellent, complementing the wonderful ambience and outstanding taste. I highly recommend this restaurant.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4. Everything was fantastic
- experienceRoka Akor is a freaking experience!!!
- bar areaThe bar is much quieter than the general seating area
- date nightperfect spot for a date night
- environmentamazing spirit to have in the environment
- Japanese style speakeasyfelt like a Japanese style speakeasy
- ambiance and atmosphereAmbiance and Atmosphere were incredible
Frequently criticized
- noisethe noise was so loud that we had to simply wait for the din to die down
- noise levelnoise level is higher than I like
- busy and loudit was busy and loud
- dining roomnavigating dining room is cumbersome
- loud when fullCan be loud when full
- musicthe music was a bit too loud
- noisyDownstairs is noisy
- parkingParking was difficult to find
- restroomthe restroom was in poor shape
- seatingseating is cramped
If you're seeking a place with a beautiful, sophisticated atmosphere perfect for a special evening, this spot is definitely worth trying. Just be aware that it can get a bit noisy and crowded, especially during peak times, so choose your visit wisely if quiet conversation is a priority.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.7, placing it in the average range. Many folks appreciate the reasonable pricing, especially for happy hour deals, generous portions, and the overall menu. With 10 positive remarks out of 37 total, some customers found the price, happy hour cocktails, and even a 4-course meal to be quite a steal.
However, the customer satisfaction for value sits at a rather poor 27%, and a significant 21 negative comments highlight concerns. Many found the overall experience to be pricey or expensive, particularly for drinks and dinner. Some felt the food quality didnt match the cost, with mentions of high dinner prices and even an SF Mandate charge' adding to the bill.
Value
37
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
21
negative
6
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour deals
- Reasonable menu price
- Good portions for price
What people don't like
- Overall pricey experience
- Expensive drinks
- High dinner prices
Often praised
- pricePrice is on the higher end for sure but worth it
- $10 cocktailsTheir $10 cocktails — a steal for San Fran
- $90 for a 4-course meal$90 for a 4-course meal was a little pricey but a good deal nonetheless
- Happy HourThis is one of my favorite places in SF for Happy Hour right now. You can enjoy drinks like the Lychee Fields and Hawaiian Bonfire for $10, and Salmon, Tuna, and Hamachi handrolls are about $6 each.
- Happy Hour dealHappy Hour is a better deal
- PortionsPortions are good for the price.
- happy hourHappy hour Mon-Fri 4-6 downstairs
- menuThe menu is worth every penny
Frequently criticized
- priceThe side dish of broccolini was okay, but the portobello mushrooms were excellent. It was a little on the pricey side, as an entry-level steak is going to be around $50ish bucks with no sides, but I would definitely go back.
- disposable chopstickspaid $500 to eat with disposable chopsticks
- drinksI felt this was about 25% more than the food was worth, which prevented a 5-star rating. To keep costs down, I'd recommend sticking with water, as the drinks were exorbitant.
- pricesprices are a little high
- Genmai teaI was annoyed that Genmai tea costs $10… like come on.
- SF Mandate chargewhy the SF Mandate charge got the sales tax?
- basement diningpay less for basement dining
- dinner pricesdinner prices are on the higher side
- expensiveexpensive food
- fine dining establishmentfell too short for its price especially considering this is a fine dining establishment
If you're looking for a good deal, definitely check out their happy hour for drinks and smaller bites, as that seems to be where the value shines. However, be prepared for a potentially pricey bill if you opt for dinner or multiple drinks outside of happy hour, as many found it a bit too expensive for what you get.
How are the prices at Roka Akor?
You’re looking at roughly 85 per person – reported by 114 diners. That puts it in the $81–$90 category. For a Steak House, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits here, it’s interesting to see that a large number of guests actually opt for the more premium options, with many spending well over 100 $!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 114 reviews.
A comparison of value for money (price vs. Score) for this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
For a Steak House in San Francisco, 85 per person feels like a fair price point, especially considering the range of options available. We think it offers good value for those looking for a quality steak experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Roka Akor
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Steak and Amazing Corn!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The sashimi was of very high quality. The steak was delicious, and the corn side was truly the best thing I ate.
The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, indicating an excellent dining environment and attentive staff.
- sashimi9
- steak8
- corn side10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Amazing Food, Very Loud Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic when it came to the food, which was super, super delicious! 😋😋😋 I highly recommend it. The only issue was the serious noise level; it was very loud, making conversation difficult.
There's a quieter bar downstairs, so eating there might be more sensible.
- food10
- noise level2
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Food, Attentive Service, Great Ambiance
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I went as a solo diner and had a great first dinner in San Fran. The food was delicious, the staff were attentive, and the ambience was really nice.
- food10
- staff10
- ambience9
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
1
Terrible Experience with Order and Service
My experience with this restaurant was extremely negative. I placed an online order, and they completely butchered it, missing over half the items. When I returned to inquire about the missing items, the staff was extremely rude and refused to acknowledge their mistake.
I would definitely not order from them again.
- online order1
- missing items1
- staff1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Overpriced but Solid Experience
Roka Akor has a definite vibe and can get busy. We tried a variety of appetizers, sashimi, sushi, and wagyu. While everything was fine, given the high cost, I expected more unique or memorable dishes for the quality of ingredients.
Overall, it felt a bit overpriced for what you get, but it was still a solid experience.
- apps6
- sashimi6
- sushi6
- price3
What Roka Akor offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Catering
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Roka Akor - San Francisco?
At Roka Akor, you can anticipate an upscale, romantic, and trendy atmosphere perfect for dinner. The restaurant offers a diverse menu with healthy options, alongside a great wine list, extensive tea selection, and a full bar with hard liquor, beer, and cocktails. You’ll find comfortable seating and table service available.
What service and planning options are available when visiting Roka Akor - San Francisco?
You can enjoy dine-in service, or opt for takeout and delivery. Roka Akor accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot. For special occasions, a private dining room is available, and catering services can also be arranged for your events.
What is the overall dining experience like at Roka Akor?
Roka Akor generally offers a good dining experience, reflected in its restaurant score of 8.1 and a customer satisfaction rate of 80.4%. While the food (8.4) and service (8.1) are highly rated, the ambience (7.9) is also appreciated, though some find the value (4.7) to be on the pricier side.
Is Roka Akor a good choice for a special occasion or date night?
Yes, many guests describe the atmosphere as slick and perfect for a date night or special occasions, with mood lighting and a stylish interior. However, some note that the noise level can be high when the restaurant is full, which might affect the experience for some.
What are the common concerns customers have about Roka Akor?
Customers frequently mention that the price is on the higher end, with drinks being particularly expensive. Additionally, some experiences highlight inconsistent service, with reports of slow or disorganized staff, and a few find the dining room can be quite loud.