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oChef » Sakana – San Francisco
Sakana - San Francisco
Photo from Sakana
Sakana at a glance
San Francisco Lower Nob Hill
- π£ Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41β$50
mentioned by 89 of the guests
#210 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#27 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
408
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Friendly service
- Affordable
Frequently criticized
- Parking issues
- AC problems
- Food inconsistency
The restaurant Sakana is a Japanese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Lower Nob Hill neighborhood. You’ll find a cozy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a full dinner, this spot offers a delightful escape. It’s an ideal choice for those craving authentic Japanese flavors in a casual setting.
Overview: Introducting Sakana
Sakana offers a generally positive dining experience, often praised for its high-quality Japanese cuisine and attentive staff. Many appreciate the affordable prices, making it a good option for regular visits.
However, some guests have noted occasional inconsistencies with certain dishes and practical concerns regarding the dining environment. While the food and service receive strong marks, the ambience can be a mixed bag, with mentions of a cozy feel alongside issues like comfort and parking.
It’s a place that balances strong culinary offerings with a few areas that could see improvement for a smoother visit.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
408
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
29
negative
16
neutral
363
positive
Sakana earns a solid Restaurant Score of 8.5, reflecting a largely positive reception from its patrons. This is further supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 89%, indicating that most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial pool of 408 customer opinions, with 363 positive remarks outweighing the 29 negative ones. Delving into the specifics, the Food (8.8) stands out as a major highlight, frequently described as delicious and high-quality.
Service (8.7) also performs exceptionally well, with staff often noted for being friendly and efficient. The Value (8.4) is considered good, offering reasonable prices for the quality.
However, Ambience (6.7) presents a more moderate picture, suggesting it’s an area with room for enhancement.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Attentive, friendly service
- Affordable pricing
What people don't like
- Parking, accessibility issues
- Comfort concerns (AC)
- Occasional food inconsistencies
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.8, Sakana is certainly worth considering, especially if you prioritize excellent Japanese cuisine and friendly service without breaking the bank. It’s a place that consistently delivers on its core offerings, making it a reliable choice for many.
If you’re seeking a cozy spot for quality sushi or ramen and are prepared for potential practicalities like parking or occasional comfort issues, Sakana could be a great fit. However, if a flawless, high-end dining environment is your top priority, you might find the ambience a bit more casual.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sakana
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with a 8.8 score, indicating a good to excellent culinary experience. Customer satisfaction is also remarkably high at 92.7%, reflecting excellent dining experiences. With 228 positive remarks out of 246 total, guests frequently rave about the freshness and quality of the sushi and ramen, often highlighting the delicious food and omakase options.
However, a small number of 11 negative comments suggest some areas for improvement. A few diners found the sushi and rolls to be inconsistent in taste and presentation, with some mentioning small portions in certain dishes. While these are isolated incidents, they are worth noting for a balanced perspective.
Food
246
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
11
negative
7
neutral
228
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, high-quality sushi
- Excellent omakase options
- Delicious ramen & rolls
What people don't like
- Inconsistent sushi quality
- Small salmon don portions
- Poor roll texture
Often praised
- sushiThe miso-marinated salmon cheek was spectacular; it basically melted in my mouth! The sushi was great; I had an order of negitoro nigiri and a salmon, cucumber, avocado hand roll, which was perfect. For yakitori, I had the chicken hearts and pork belly, both of which were cooked perfectly and tasted incredible.
- foodI couldn't have had a better waitress. It is very rare that I have dessert at a restaurant, but I enjoyed my food so much I couldnβt stop at the main course! The service was outstanding, and the food was so delicious that I ended up ordering dessert, which is something I rarely do.
- fishEvery fish was cut to perfection fresh light
- ramenThis was the best ramen I've ever eaten, and I've tried it in at least 15-20 places. I was so impressed that I returned the very next day!
- sashimiFrom the sashimi to the maki rolls they outdid my expectations
- FoodFood:5
- qualityexcellent quality and quantity of food
- sakethe sake was a great accompaniment
- sushi omakaseAbsolutely fantastic sushi omakase
- dinnerOverall excellent dinner!
Frequently criticized
- Maki rollsOn general, my experience was good. Having been to Japan and tasted different sushi in many sushi bars and restaurants, I believe the sushi here were more American style and there was too much rice on Maki rolls. Overall, it was quite good.
- amazingdont expect it to be amaizing
- fishThe fish in each was not fresh
- nigiriThe fish in each was not fresh
- portionsThe portions, especially in the salmon don, were very small
- presentationalittle worries on the presentation thou as it came out looking like tinned tuna
- rollsThe rolls are horrible. Grey, mushy
- salmon donThe portions, especially in the salmon don, were very small
- sushiworst sushi Iβve ever had
- sushi comboThe fish in each was not fresh
Overall, if you're seeking fresh, high-quality Japanese cuisine with excellent omakase and delicious ramen, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a very small minority of experiences mention inconsistent quality in some sushi rolls or smaller portions for specific dishes.
Service (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
The service here truly stands out, earning a good score of 8.7 and an impressive customer satisfaction rate of nearly 90%. Guests consistently rave about the friendly service and attentive service from the waitress, chef, and staff. With 78 positive remarks out of 87 total, many highlight the team's kindness, efficiency, and quick food preparation.
However, a handful of experiences, accounting for 6 negative comments, point to areas for improvement. Some patrons noted occasional waiting time or that the service was kinda slow. There were also mentions of limited opening hours, suggesting that while generally excellent, there might be minor inconsistencies or specific times to consider.
Service
87
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
78
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Quick food prep
What people don't like
- Occasional slow service
- Limited opening hours
Often praised
- serviceI found this place by accident while walking to another sushi restaurant, and it turned out to be the best sushi we have had in a long time. The service was quick and attentive. While we didn't try anything too adventurous, our experience was based on the CA roll, Negi Toro special, and ebi tempura roll.
- waitressThe broth was exceptional! The waitress was very helpful and kind! Overall, an excellent dinner!
- staffSuper friendly, cool, & considerate staff.
- serverour server brought a tray of sake glasses to choose from
- ServiceService:5
- chefThe chef is so good.
- Chef MikeChef Mike kept orders flowing without missing a beat
- Friendly serversFriendly servers
- Japanese ownersNot many sushi restaurants are run by Japanese folks but this is one of them!
- Japanese peopleA place of true Japanese people
Frequently criticized
- service1 star for its service
- waiting timewait sometimes 35mins for your meal
- opening hoursMy experience at this restaurant was a great Japanese dinner, and the food was very delicious! I wanted to come again before leaving SFO, but unfortunately, it is not open on Monday.
- seating othersseated others who also had reservations
If you're looking for a dining spot with genuinely friendly and attentive staff, this place is a solid choice. Just be aware that a few guests experienced occasional slower service or specific opening hour limitations, so plan accordingly.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a sweet spot, earning a good 6.7 score, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 63%. Many of the 29 positive remarks out of 46 total observations praise the cozy atmosphere and describe it as a hidden gem. Guests often enjoy the laid-back vibe and appreciate the family-friendly and small, cozy space for a relaxed dining experience.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 11 negative remarks highlighting some issues. Concerns include poor accessibility with no flat entrance, and past incidents where the AC went out, making it uncomfortably warm. Difficult parking and limited seating also occasionally detract from the overall comfort, suggesting areas for improvement.
Ambience
46
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
11
negative
6
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, chill atmosphere
- Hidden gem vibe
- Family-friendly space
What people don't like
- Poor accessibility
- AC issues
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereI enjoyed the very relaxed feeling and atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placesuch a cute small place
- Union Square areaIt's in the Union Square area
- business for a long timeThis is perhaps the owner-chef's small shop that has been in business for a long time. It's open until a little later than other restaurants, around 10 pm or 11 pm.
- chef in actionalways nice seeing the chef in action
- chill vibea chill vibe
- cozy atmospherefor a cozy atmosphere
- cozy spotMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a nice cozy spot for authentic Japanese food. The servers were friendly, and we really enjoyed the food π.
- everythingEverything was perfect.
Frequently criticized
- ACthe AC goes out
- ParkingHowever, the experience was dampened by the Texas summer heat, as the AC went out, making it a rather warm 81 degrees where we were seated. Parking was also a significant downside, described as 'sucks' and requiring a walk in the heat. Despite these issues, I will definitely go back in the fall-winter when it's cooler.
- accessibilityMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing due to its very poor accessibility. There is a step to get in and not a single flat entrance.
- ambienceThe rather run-down ambience
- degreesa solid 81 degrees
- flat entranceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing due to its very poor accessibility. There is a step to get in and not a single flat entrance. This is completely ridiculous and unacceptable in 2021.
- florist next doorTo make matters worse, they seated other patrons who also had reservations before us. The atmosphere was further soured by the florist next door screaming at patrons waiting near his doorstep. I would not recommend wasting your time here.
- parkingparking (sucks)
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- seatingnot much seating available
If youre seeking a cozy atmosphere and a chill vibe for a relaxed meal, this spot could be a great fit, especially if youre walking or don't mind a bit of a hunt for parking. Just be aware of potential accessibility challenges and check the weather, as AC issues have been noted.
Value (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! Customers are overwhelmingly pleased, with an excellent 96.6% satisfaction rate and a solid 8.4 score. Many rave about the affordable and reasonable prices, often mentioning great value and even impeccable and affordable sushi.
Based on 28 positive remarks, its clear guests feel they get a lot for their money. However, out of 29 total comments, theres one dissenting voice. While most find the prices fantastic, one customer felt they spent $100 for two people and had to eat a second dinner, suggesting that for some, the perceived value or portion size might occasionally fall short of expectations.
Value
29
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great value
- Quality sushi
What people don't like
- Portions can be small
Often praised
- pricesVery reasonable prices for very decent sushi
- priceUpdate Nov 2022: My experience at this restaurant has been consistently positive. They continue to serve high quality sushi at an affordable price. The service is attentive and helpful, making it a good place to go when you're craving sushi but don't want to overspend.
- $6My experience at the restaurant was great! I enjoyed the fried crepe banana with ice cream, which was a good serving for $6. The sushi was also very fresh.
- AffordableAffordable and tasty
- PricesPrices were low
- affordabilityIt was my second time here, years after my first visit, and it was still worth the experience. The quality is very nice, and it's more affordable than some nearby Japanese restaurants. I had a dine-in dinner, and the price per person was between $30β50.
- affordableso affordable
- affordable fresh fishThis may not be the fancy, top-end restaurant for your first date. Instead, you want to go there every Tuesday for a cozy atmosphere and affordable fresh fish. I ordered hot green tea, which was filled constantly and very hot, a tradition at Japanese sushi restaurants.
- affordable sushiimpeccable and affordable sushi
- reasonable pricesWe also enjoyed the great matcha green tea. Overall, it was great food with reasonable prices.
Frequently criticized
- priceI spent $100 for two people and had to eat a second dinner
If you're looking for a place where your dollar stretches far, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Most diners agree it offers fantastic value with affordable and reasonable prices for quality food. Just be mindful that while generally excellent, a rare experience might leave you wanting a bit more food for your buck.
How are the prices at Sakana?
Youβre looking at roughly 43 per person β reported by 89 diners. That puts it in the $41β$50 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, itβs comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 43, prices are quite spread out. Most diners spend between 21 – 50 $, showing a strong mid-range appeal. But hey, some guests definitely go for a more premium experience, with a few spending over 90 $!
Hereβs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 89 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It strikes a nice balance, offering good value for a mid-range experience while also having options for those who want to splurge a little.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sakana
Price per Person
- $21β$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0β5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Delicious Food, Excellent Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, and the prices were even better. I was also impressed with the excellent customer service.
Beyond the sushi rolls, I tried one of their specials featuring eggplant, and it was sooo delicious! I highly recommend this place.
- food10
- prices9
- customer service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Loved it so much, came twice!
We were in SF for 4 nights and came here twice because we loved it so much. Their daily specials are great, along with their hand rolls and everything we tried. Highly recommend it!
- daily specials9
- hand rolls9
- everything we tried9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Wait and Service
My experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing. We made reservations for 6: 30 PM but ended up waiting outside past 7: 14 PM. To make matters worse, they seated other patrons who also had reservations before us.
The atmosphere was further soured by the florist next door screaming at patrons waiting near his doorstep. I would not recommend wasting your time here.
- waiting time2
- seating others2
- florist next door1
Price per Person
- $71β$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic Japanese Sushi Experience
If you are missing authentic Japanese sushi, Sakana is the place to go. I ordered Omakase Sushi Nigiri ($35 as of August 2025). All sushis will meet your expectations, including taste, freshness (I believe this is the most critical factor in judging a sushi restaurant, and Sakana met my standards), and presentation.
I did not expect to find fresh, high-quality sea urchin. If you're looking for tasty side dishes, I recommend Nanbanduke or Hamachi-kama. On the healthy side, you may try Eggplant Nibitashi or Ohitashi.
If you try rolls, I recommend the California Roll. This may not be the fancy, top-end restaurant for your first date. Instead, you want to go there every Tuesday for a cozy atmosphere and affordable fresh fish.
I ordered hot green tea, which was filled constantly and very hot, a tradition at Japanese sushi restaurants. Small details matter, and I liked them all. Easy five-star.
- Omakase Sushi Nigiri9
- taste9
- freshness10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Affordable and Tasty Japanese Home Cooking
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a nice place with friendly service, owned by a Japanese couple who serve fresh, home-cooked food. I tried the sushi omakase, philly roll, and tuna bomb.
Everything was affordable and tasty.
- place9
- service10
- food10
What Sakana offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Can you dine in or get takeout at Sakana Sushi Bar & Grill?
Yes, you can enjoy both dine-in and takeout service at Sakana Sushi Bar & Grill. Whether you prefer to savor your meal in their cozy setting or grab a quick bite to go, they accommodate your needs for lunch and dinner.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Sakana Sushi Bar & Grill?
Sakana Sushi Bar & Grill offers a cozy and casual atmosphere. You can enjoy a variety of offerings including alcohol, wine, beer, and small plates. They also provide healthy options, making it a versatile choice for your dining experience.
What is Sakana's overall rating and customer satisfaction?
Sakana holds a strong Restaurant Score of 8.5 and Customer Satisfaction of 89%. Its Food (8.8) and Service (8.7) are particularly well-regarded, with Value (8.4) also scoring highly, though Ambience (6.7) is more moderate.
What kind of food experience can I expect at Sakana?
You can generally expect high-quality Japanese cuisine, with many praising the sushi, ramen, and sashimi. However, some opinions mention concerns about maki rolls having too much rice or occasional issues with fish freshness and portion sizes.
Are there any practical considerations for visiting Sakana?
While many enjoy the cozy atmosphere, be aware that parking can be challenging, and there have been reports of accessibility issues due to steps. Some past experiences also noted comfort concerns like the AC not working.