Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Shokudou – San Francisco
Shokudou - San Francisco
Photo from Shokudou
Shokudou at a glance
San Francisco Bernal Heights
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 29 of the guests
#518 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#53 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
295
Reviews
83.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh food
- Attentive service
- Quiet ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Loud environment
- Inconsistent dishes
- Dry food
The restaurant Shokudou offers an authentic Japanese dining experience right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Bernal Heights neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious small plates and a curated selection of wine and beer.
Whether you’re seeking a casual lunch or a delightful dinner, this spot provides a welcoming escape. It’s a fantastic choice for those who appreciate quality Japanese cuisine in a relaxed setting.
Overview: Introducting Shokudou
Shokudou offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its attentive service and a menu featuring several standout dishes. Guests frequently highlight the fresh ingredients and the overall quality of the cuisine, making it a reliable choice for many.
However, it’s worth noting that the ambience can become quite lively, bordering on noisy, during peak hours. While many dishes receive acclaim, some patrons have found certain items to be dry or occasionally lacking in flavor, suggesting a slight inconsistency in the kitchen.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
295
Reviews
83.7%
Satisfaction
24
negative
24
neutral
247
positive
Shokudou earns a solid 8.1 overall score, indicating a good dining experience, complemented by a strong 83.7% customer satisfaction rate. This positive reception is built on a substantial 247 positive observations against just 24 negative ones, out of 295 total customer remarks.
The restaurant particularly shines in Service (8.9), which customers consistently praise for its attentiveness. Ambience (8.2) also contributes positively, offering a generally comfortable setting.
While Food (8.0) is well-regarded, some specific dishes occasionally miss the mark. Value (7.3) is considered fair, rounding out a generally positive picture.
What people like
- Fresh, delicious food
- Attentive, quick service
- Relaxing atmosphere
What people don't like
- Noisy when busy
- Inconsistent food quality
- Some dry dishes
With a strong 8.3 recommendation score, Shokudou presents itself as a worthwhile option for those seeking a Japanese meal with reliable service and generally good food. It’s a place that often delivers on its promise of a satisfying experience.
If you prioritize attentive staff and a comfortable setting, and are willing to navigate potential noise during busy times, Shokudou is certainly worth considering. Just be mindful that while many dishes impress, a few might not hit the mark as consistently.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Shokudou
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 81.9%, its clear many diners are happy. Out of 204 opinions, a whopping 167 praise the fresh seafood, delicious sashimi, and excellent yakitori skewers, all made with quality ingredients.
Youre in for a treat with their tasteful food and variety. However, not every dish is a home run. A smaller number of 19 comments point out that the menu sometimes lacks focus, and some dishes, like tonkatsu or mune skewers, can be surprisingly dry.
There are also mentions of overly salty sauce or beef enoki, suggesting a bit of inconsistency in execution.
Food
204
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
19
negative
18
neutral
167
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality seafood
- Excellent Hamachi Kama
- Delicious yakitori skewers
What people don't like
- Menu lacks focus
- Dishes can be dry
- Salty flavors sometimes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was a delightful dining experience. It's a true hidden gem with truly delicious food. The eggplant is an absolute must-have, so good that even my husband, who doesn't typically like eggplant, always wants to order it!
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed everything we ordered, including the fresh sushi, nigiri, grilled squid, and cucumber salad. The sake selection was good, and there was a great variety of other Izakaya foods.
- agedashi tofuagedashi tofu (I would argue best in the city)
- Hamachi KamaI ordered the yakitori, seared tuna tataki, the Hamachi Kama, and the chirashi don. All were excellent. The bluefin o-toro was so rich!
- eggplantA party of 3 split a handful of appetizers, and they were all excellent. We particularly enjoyed the collar of yellowtail, eggplant, and tofu. It's a go-to spot on Bernal.
- hamachi collarthe hamachi collar (definitely listen to other reviews on this one!)
- sakea sake brewed with yeast from strawberry blossoms
- skewersexcellent place to have skewers
- black codI liked the black cod
- grilled squidShokudou always has a wide range of fish for their nigiri and sashimi, and I’m always excited to try different kinds of fish here. As for appetizers and other dishes, we’ve tried the agedashi tofu, karaage, grilled fish, tonkatsu, and grilled squid, and they were all very solid! I do think that the nigiri/sashimi options are more worth it than the -don dishes they offer.
Frequently criticized
- misoThe miso was room temperature and too salty
- beef enokiMy husband particularly enjoyed the chicken skins. The chicken drumstick katsu and beef enoki were okay, though the latter was slightly too salty and overcooked. Overall, the food and service were amazing.
- beef enoki skewerAt the very least I feel I should be served fresh greens. 2) I nearly broke my tooth on the beef enoki skewer. There was a bone piece in the beef.
- bento boxesthe bento boxes were very small for $18 lunch special
- chicken karaagechicken karaage, far from bite-sized as it should be and smothered in an odd tapioca-like batter
- flavorWhile I am happy to support small local restaurants, this was not a good dining experience. We ordered a wide variety of things off the menu but a lot of it fell short in flavor. In addition, everything was bone dry — the mune skewers were so tough, it wasn’t pleasant to eat at all.
- foodNot authentically Japanese. The owners and cooks are not Japanese
- mediocre deliverygenerally mediocre delivery on dishes
- menu lacks focusthe menu however lacks focus
- mune skewersWe ordered a wide variety of things off the menu but a lot of it fell short in flavor. In addition, everything was bone dry — the mune skewers were so tough, it wasn’t pleasant to eat at all. Same with the tonkatsu, incredibly dry.
If you're craving fresh Japanese cuisine, especially sashimi, Hamachi Kama, or yakitori, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that while many dishes shine, there might be some inconsistencies in execution or flavor, so choose wisely from the menu.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an 8.9 score, its clear the team is doing an excellent job, and customers agree with an outstanding 92.3% satisfaction. Out of 39 comments, a whopping 36 praise the staff, service, and attentive servers.
Many highlight the friendly staff, amazing service, and even the owners personal touch, like greeting guests and doing special things for kids. However, its not entirely without a tiny hiccup. Just one comment mentioned feeling a little rushed by a waitress.
This is a very minor point, especially considering the overwhelmingly positive feedback, suggesting its an isolated incident rather than a recurring issue.
Service
39
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Outgoing owner
What people don't like
- Felt rushed
Often praised
- serviceI do think that the nigiri/sashimi options are more worth it than the -don dishes they offer. Never had to wait long if at all for groups of 2-4, and service is always very quick and friendly. Photos are from various nights we’ve been here 😀
- staffThe Hamachi collars, chicken skins and thighs, garlic edamame, and the uni were all awesome. The chef, owner, and staff were outgoing and answered all our questions, making it an all-around fantastic experience.
- serversthe servers are attentive and kind
- ServiceService:5
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- answered questionsanswered questions
- chefThe chef was outgoing
- customer serviceThe ambiance and customer service are great
- deliveryThey also do delivery, which makes it a great casual option
- food servicefood service
Frequently criticized
- waitressa little rushed by waitress
If you value top-notch hospitality, youre in for a treat! The service here is consistently praised for being friendly and attentive, making it a definite highlight of the dining experience. Dont hesitate to visit if excellent customer care is high on your list.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.2 and a strong customer satisfaction of 88.6%. Guests frequently praise the relaxing atmosphere, spacious and clean interior, and smartly decorated interior. Many appreciate it as a family friendly and date night spot, often described as a hidden gem with natural light and wood decor, making for a lovely dining experience, as noted in 39 positive remarks.
However, it's not entirely perfect. A few guests, in 3 comments, mentioned concerns about noise when the restaurant gets busy. Some suggested that soundproofing or sound dampening would greatly improve the conversational ease, indicating that while generally quiet, it can get loud during peak times.
Ambience
44
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Relaxing atmosphere
- Spacious and clean
- Family-friendly spot
What people don't like
- Can get noisy
- Needs sound dampening
Often praised
- atmosphereThe servers were very attentive throughout the meal. Overall, it was a nice, quiet dinner in lovely Bernal Heights.
- decorNice decor (used to be hair cutting salon)
- family friendlyThe sake selection is also superb. Being in Bernal, Shokudou is also family friendly!
- open kitchenRelaxing decor with a open kitchen
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- ParkingI definitely recommend getting that as well. Parking was easy to find. I'm so happy to have found such a gem!
- amazing experiencean amazing experience!
- ambianceThe ambiance and customer service are great
- cleanThe restaurant is quite spacious and clean
Frequently criticized
- noisewhen it's busy it gets noisy.
- sound dampeningSome sound dampening would make conversation easier
- soundproofingapply some sound proofing as when it's busy it gets noisy.
If youre looking for a comfortable, clean, and inviting spot with a great vibe for a date night or family outing, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that it might get a bit lively and noisy when its packed, so plan accordingly if you prefer a very quiet meal.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this spot generally hits the mark! Many diners rave about the value for money and find the prices to be quite reasonable, often noting theyre typical but not too high for what you receive. With 5 positive remarks out of 8 total, the sentiment is strong, contributing to a good score of 7.3.
However, its not entirely without its caveats. A few guests felt it was a little expensive, though they often added that the quality made it acceptable. This mixed feeling is reflected in the customer satisfaction, which stands at 62.5%, indicating theres still a bit of room for improvement in perceived affordability for some.
Value
8
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Prices are reasonable
- Offers great value
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
Often praised
- pricesPrices are typical but not too high
- pricingreasonable pricing for what you get
- valueWhat a treat to find this place! I had an excellent experience with food, friendly staff, and great value. I called ahead to ask if they take walk-ins, and they do.
- value for moneyReally value for your money.
Frequently criticized
- expensiveThe food was very good, and the guys were very nice. While it was a little expensive, it was acceptable.
Overall, if youre looking for a place where the quality generally justifies the cost, youll likely find good value here. While a few folks found it a tad pricey, most agree the pricing is reasonable for the experience. It's definitely worth checking out if you prioritize a good experience over rock-bottom prices.
How are the prices at Shokudou?
On average, you’ll spend around 51 per person – from 29 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what others have paid, prices are quite spread out, with a good number of diners spending more in the $61–$70 range, suggesting a mix of options from mid-tier to more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 29 reviews.
A comparison of this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, a 51 price point feels quite fair. We think it offers a good balance, providing quality without breaking the bank for a nice meal out.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Shokudou
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fresh Sashimi & Sushi, Great Value
My experience at this restaurant was great for lunch. I felt it offered real value for your money. I enjoyed the sashimi lunch set, and my wife had the chicken wing and salmon sushi set.
Both were incredibly fresh and good. We will definitely come again! For weekdays, reservations aren't really needed, but I've visited on weekends and recommend making reservations.
- sashimi lunch set8
- chicken wing and salmon sushi set8
- fresh9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Good Service, Standard Izakaya Fare
My experience at the restaurant was positive, primarily due to the wonderful staff and quick service. The food was standard izakaya fare, with the Oyako don being good and the butter fish being just okay. I would come again.
- staff9
- Oyako don7
- butter fish5
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Japanese Food Experience
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We visited for lunch on a Saturday, and everything we tried was absolutely delicious. The food was excellent, and the service was top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
The atmosphere was also very pleasant, described as quiet and easy to talk in, with a score of 5. We had no wait time and enjoyed indoor dining with a group of 2 people.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Experience with Dry Food and Poor Greens
While I am happy to support small local restaurants, this was not a good dining experience. We ordered a wide variety of things off the menu but a lot of it fell short in flavor. In addition, everything was bone dry — the mune skewers were so tough, it wasn’t pleasant to eat at all.
Same with the tonkatsu, incredibly dry. There were two things that really did it in for me though, and make me not want to return unless there’s a drastic overhaul: 1) the leaves in our salad were decaying and looked like they were on the verge of going bad. At the very least I feel I should be served fresh greens.
2) I nearly broke my tooth on the beef enoki skewer. There was a bone piece in the beef. The 4.
6 star rating is not an accurate representation of the food/experience here. Nice friendly server but other than that, not much going for it.
- server8
- flavor2
- mune skewers2
- tonkatsu2
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Sushi, Go-To Spot!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Everything we ordered was delicious. I live nearby and can easily see this as my go-to sushi place.
- everything ordered10
- sushi place9
What Shokudou offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Can you make reservations at Shokudou in Bernal Heights?
Yes, Shokudou accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot. You can plan ahead to ensure you get a table for your preferred dining time.
Is Shokudou in San Francisco accessible for all guests?
Absolutely. Shokudou is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
How does Shokudou rate overall?
Shokudou holds a good overall score of 8.1, with customers particularly appreciating the Service (8.9) and Ambience (8.2). The Food (8.0) is also well-regarded, and Value (7.3) is considered fair.
What are some standout dishes at Shokudou?
Customers frequently praise the fresh sushi, the eggplant, and the hamachi collar. Many also enjoy the agedashi tofu and various grilled items.
Are there any common complaints about Shokudou?
Some patrons have noted that the restaurant can get noisy when busy. There have also been occasional comments about certain dishes being dry or lacking flavor, such as the mune skewers or tonkatsu.