Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » SHOWA – San Francisco
SHOWA - San Francisco
Photo from SHOWA
SHOWA at a glance
San Francisco Hayes Valley
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $100+
mentioned by 20 of the guests
#31 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#4 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
9.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
242
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food Quality
- Service
- Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Value
- Carb Portions
- Reservations
The Japanese restaurant SHOWA Le Gourmet Tonkatsu in San Francisco’s vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood offers you a truly unique dining experience. You will discover a trendy and inviting atmosphere perfect for a memorable evening out.
This spot is known for its authentic flavors and meticulous preparation, ensuring a delightful culinary journey.
Overview: Introducting SHOWA
SHOWA offers a distinctive Japanese dining experience, where the culinary journey is often described as a true-to-origin exploration of flavors. Guests frequently highlight the fresh ingredients and the beautifully crafted dishes, though some noted specific flavor profiles or portion sizes that didn’t quite hit the mark.
The atmosphere at SHOWA is consistently praised for its thoughtful design and inviting feel, creating a setting that complements the meal. The service stands out as particularly warm and attentive, making diners feel genuinely welcomed and cared for throughout their visit.
Excellent
9.1
out of 10
242
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
5
negative
7
neutral
230
positive
SHOWA garners an impressive overall Restaurant Score of 9.1, reflecting a largely positive guest experience. This is supported by an excellent Customer Satisfaction rate of 95%, indicating that nearly all diners leave content.
These high marks are built on a strong foundation of positive feedback, with 230 positive remarks compared to just 5 negative ones across 242 total customer observations. The restaurant truly shines in its Service (9.5), which guests consistently rate as exceptional, and its inviting Ambience (9.2).
The Food also receives high praise, scoring a solid (9). However, the Value (6.5) is perceived as more average, suggesting that while the experience is highly regarded, some guests find the pricing to be a point of consideration.
What people like
- Exceptional Food Quality
- Impeccable Service
- Beautiful Ambiance
What people don't like
- Average Value Perception
- Small Carb Portions
- Reservation Difficulty
If you’re seeking a Japanese dining experience where impeccable service and a thoughtfully designed setting are paramount, SHOWA is a strong contender. The culinary offerings are generally well-received, providing a unique journey, though a few specific dishes or portion sizes might not appeal to everyone.
With a robust Recommendation Score of 9.5, SHOWA is clearly a place many guests enthusiastically endorse. It’s particularly suited for those prioritizing a refined atmosphere and attentive hospitality over strict budget considerations, promising a memorable occasion.
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Verdict: Our expert take on SHOWA
Food (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food! Its clear from the get-go that the culinary experience here is something special. With an excellent score of 9 and a whopping 94.2% customer satisfaction, diners are consistently raving.
Out of 138 total remarks, a fantastic 130 were positive, highlighting delicious food, high-quality ingredients, and creative meals with gorgeous presentations and incredible flavors. While the praise is overwhelming, there were a couple of minor points. Just 2 negative remarks out of 138 mentioned the Tuna and Crab Tartar's dressing being too strong, and some found the carb portions a bit small.
These seem to be isolated instances in an otherwise stellar culinary journey.
Food
138
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
2
negative
6
neutral
130
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, high-quality food
- Creative presentations
- Excellent tonkatsu
What people don't like
- Small carb portions
Often praised
- foodThe space is beautifully crafted, offering an excellent tour of Japanese cuisine. The owners are incredibly kind and hospitable, and the food was excellent. I was impressed by the gorgeous presentations, very fresh flavors, and impeccable service.
- dessertThe final dessert paints a Japanese springtime sakura Motif
- dishesMy experience at the restaurant was a really enjoyable night out. The service was great, and each dish was really interesting and flavourful. I especially enjoyed each fried dish, particularly the dry age pork tonkatsu.
- tonkatsuIt's a fantastic spot if you're looking for something different from the usual sushi omakase. The tasting menu offers a creative and unique experience centered around tonkatsu and beautifully crafted appetizers. They also offer sake and wine tastings, featuring some of the best selections from their list—things you wouldn’t typically find included at other restaurants.
- delicious foodBeyond the delicious food you feel like your childhood friend has welcomed you back home.
- ingredientsAll the ingredients were top shelf, fresh
- Japanese cuisineMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. The space is beautifully crafted, offering an excellent tour of Japanese cuisine. The owners are incredibly kind and hospitable, and the food was excellent.
- Tonkatsu pork cutletsThe almond tofu caprese was a standout dish on its own. For the main course, we enjoyed substantial Tonkatsu pork cutlets and wagyu items, served unapologetically Yoshoku style. The menu is rigorous and true to tradition, yet remarkably casual, lacking the strict formalities often found in similar Kaiseki or sushi omakase settings.
- Washoku routineMy experience at SHOWA was a unique and true-to-origin Japanese culinary journey. The restaurant offers a well-thought-out presentation of robust Washoku (和食) routines, blended with the casual and friendly flavors of modern Yoshoku (洋食). Chef Koji and Joe began our meal with traditional kaiseki (懐石) items, including pickled appetizers and incredibly fresh sashimi sourced directly from Tokyo’s Toyosu market.
- Watermelon Shaved IceLove the watermelon shaved ice dessert!
Frequently criticized
- Tuna and Crab TartarTuna and crab tartar: dressing takes over the seafood, too sweet and too strong.
- carb portionsCarb portions are small. 2 small scoops of rice and 1 bite of noodles.
If you're looking for an exceptional dining experience where the food truly shines, this place is a must-try. Expect delicious, high-quality dishes with creative flair, though you might find the carb portions a tad modest.
Service (9.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
The service at this spot is truly something special, earning an excellent score of 9.5 and an impressive 96.4% customer satisfaction. Based on 53 glowing remarks out of 55 total, guests consistently praise the warm welcome, hospitality, and attention to detail from the team, especially Joe. Its clear they make everyone feel like welcomed guests in their home, delivering an impeccable and heartfelt experience.
However, a couple of minor points came up in the 2 negative comments. Some found reservations a bit tricky to secure, and one felt that having one waiter' might be a stretch for the entire restaurant. These are small notes in an otherwise overwhelmingly positive picture of dedicated and passionate service.
Service
55
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional service
- Warm hospitality
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- Difficult reservations
- Limited staff
Often praised
- serviceThe owners are incredibly kind and hospitable, and the food was excellent. I was impressed by the gorgeous presentations, very fresh flavors, and impeccable service. I will 100% be back.
- attention to detailIt's the best of the best among SF tasting-style restaurants. The service was flawless, with exceptional attention to detail. Most importantly, each and every course was phenomenal.
- staffWe arrived late to our reservation due to unforeseen circumstances and felt terrible about it, especially since it was a coursed dinner. Thankfully, the staff was incredibly accommodating and reassured us we wouldn’t miss a thing. They paced it so we could catch up and finish around the same time as the other diners.
- JoeThe best part is Joe. His hospitality is truly what sets Showa
- hospitalityHis hospitality is truly what sets Showa in a class of its own
- Joe and chef KojiJoe and chef Koji were personable, attentive, and kind
- Maître d’ JoeThe Maître d’ Joe is absolutely incredible
- ServiceService:5
- awesome banterThe watermelon ice, which takes 20 hours to prepare, was also a highlight. Joe guided us through every step, offering delicious wine pairings, yummy food, and awesome banter, making us feel like '自己人' (same people). Regardless of how you arrived, Joe treats you like family.
- back housethe back house and front house are awesome
Frequently criticized
- one waiter1 waiter is a bit stretch for the entire restaurant.
- reservationsReservations were a little hard to get, but the experience itself is great. The food is good, although a bit heavy (as one would expect from fried food, with several meat dishes).
If youre looking for an experience where youre treated like royalty and feel right at home, the service here is absolutely worth seeking out. Just be prepared that getting a table might require a bit of planning, but it's clearly worth the effort for the exceptional hospitality.
Ambience (9.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines, boasting an excellent score of 9.2 and an incredible 100% customer satisfaction! Based on 45 positive remarks, guests consistently rave about the attention to detail, beautifully decorated spaces, and the intimate environment. Many also highlight the unique wabi sabi style decor that creates a special experience.
Whats truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the ambience. With 0 negative mentions out of 45 total, its clear that the restaurant has perfected its atmosphere, leaving every guest thoroughly impressed and without a single complaint.
Ambience
45
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attention to detail
- Beautifully decorated
- Intimate environment
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereFrom the decor to the food to the atmosphere
- decorAppreciate their decor and all the components used for putting it together
- ambianceservice and ambiance was among the warmest & friendliest
- spacethe space makes quite an impression
- dinnerwareMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional, extending beyond just the food. The beautiful dinnerware, the ambiance created by the lighting, and the overall thoughtful and chill vibe all contributed to a wonderful evening. I also appreciated the careful ingredients selection.
- experiencethe experience itself is great
- restroomlove love love their restroom. ❤️
- special occasionJust what you want for a special occasion
- ambienceFrom the ambience, the service to food, you will not be disappointed.
- atmosphere and aestheticsimpeccable atmosphere and aesthetics
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place where the atmosphere is as impressive as the food, this restaurant is a definite must-try. Its meticulously crafted decor and intimate vibe make it perfect for a special occasion, ensuring a memorable experience from start to finish.
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres some good news! Guests appreciate the availability of free street parking, especially around dinner time, and many find the prix fixe menu not unreasonably priced. With 2 positive comments out of 4 total, the sentiment is somewhat positive, contributing to an average score of 6.5.
However, the value aspect isnt entirely clear-cut. Theres a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at 50%, indicating some room for improvement. A few guests felt the overall price point was a bit high, especially considering whats offered, which is reflected in one negative comment among the 4 discussions.
Value
4
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Free street parking
- Reasonable prix fixe
What people don't like
- High price point
Often praised
- prix fixe menunot unreasonably priced for a prix fixe menu
- street parkingplenty of free street parking around dinner time
Frequently criticized
- price pointespecially given the price point.
If you're looking for a decent deal, especially with the prix fixe menu and easy parking, it might be worth a try. However, be mindful that some guests found the overall price a bit steep for what you get, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at SHOWA?
On average, you’ll spend around 101 per person – based on what 20 guests reported. That places this Japanese Restaurant firmly in the $100+ category, which is definitely on the higher-end, leaning towards a premium dining experience. What’s interesting is that all 20 diners consistently spent 101 $ or more, suggesting a very focused, high-value offering rather than a mix of cheaper and more expensive options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 20 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the premium price point of 101 $ per person, wed say this Japanese restaurant is positioned for a special occasion or a high-end dining experience in San Francisco. If youre looking for top-tier Japanese cuisine, the pricing seems to reflect that ambition.
Customer Reviews: what people think about SHOWA
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Food, Friendly Staff, Worth the Wait
Reservations were a little hard to get, but the experience itself is great. The food is good, although a bit heavy (as one would expect from fried food, with several meat dishes). The food is aiming to give an authentic Japanese experience, and the staff were extremely nice and friendly.
- experience9
- food8
- meat dishes5
- reservations4
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Beautiful Decor, Delicious Light Bites
My experience at this restaurant for a birthday celebration was wonderful. The beautifully decorated space set a lovely tone. We started with a treasure box of small bites, which were delicious and light.
The subsequent dishes were also light, though the deep-fried options became heavier, but the fry itself remained light. The drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, were good. The service was amazing and attentive, contributing significantly to the positive experience.
- beautifully decorated9
- small bites8
- dishes8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Incredible Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. The food was exceptional, from its aesthetic presentation to its delicious taste. The hospitality and service were incredible, with a special thank you to Joe for being such a great host.
He went above and beyond to ensure a fantastic dining experience.
- food10
- hospitality10
- service10
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Exceptional Prix Fixe Experience
It’s rare that I genuinely enjoy every course in a prix fixe menu, but this place delivered across the board. We arrived late to our reservation due to unforeseen circumstances and felt terrible about it, especially since it was a coursed dinner. Thankfully, the staff was incredibly accommodating and reassured us we wouldn’t miss a thing.
They paced it so we could catch up and finish around the same time as the other diners. From the dry-aged pork tonkatsu skewer to the hot-stone grilled beef tongue, the perfectly fried cod, and refreshing watermelon shaved ice — every dish was solid. My partner, who’s a big eater, could’ve gone for a bit more food, but the portions were perfect for me.
The ambiance also stood out: the wooden tables, elegant glassware, and semi-open kitchen added to the experience. The chef personally served the final two courses and came out to say goodbye, which gave us serious Japan nostalgia. Even the bathroom was delightfully Japan-coded with toilet seat sanitizer and flavorful mouthwash.
Small touches really do matter. Honestly, I’m surprised this restaurant isn’t more well-known. We were lucky to snag a last-minute reservation, and I’m really rooting for them to earn a star soon.
Already looking forward to returning and trying the uni tofu add-on!
- dry-aged pork tonkatsu skewer9
- hot-stone grilled beef tongue9
- perfectly fried cod9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
An Unforgettable Dining Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The attention to detail, the little surprises, and the quality of food were all top notch. Our entire party left feeling full and completely blown away.
This is a must-visit!
- attention to detail10
- little surprises9
- quality of food10
What SHOWA offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need a reservation to dine at SHOWA Le Gourmet Tonkatsu?
Yes, reservations are required to dine at SHOWA Le Gourmet Tonkatsu. It is highly recommended that you make dinner reservations in advance to secure your table and ensure you can enjoy their exquisite Japanese cuisine without a wait.
What kind of atmosphere and amenities can you expect at SHOWA Le Gourmet Tonkatsu?
You will find a cozy, quiet, and trendy atmosphere awaiting you at SHOWA Le Gourmet Tonkatsu. For your convenience, the restaurant offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, paid street parking options nearby, and a clean restroom.
How does SHOWA perform overall?
SHOWA achieves an excellent overall score of 9.1, driven by exceptional Service (9.5), high-quality Ambience (9.2), and strong Food (9). Value (6.5) is noted as average.
What kind of food experience can I expect at SHOWA?
You can expect a unique Japanese culinary journey with fresh, flavourful dishes, including excellent tonkatsu and wagyu, presented beautifully. Some found the tuna and crab tartar dressing too strong or carb portions small.
Is the service and atmosphere at SHOWA noteworthy?
Yes, the service is consistently described as impeccable, kind, and hospitable, with staff making guests feel like family. The ambiance is also highly praised for its beautifully crafted space and thoughtful decor.