SHOWA - Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

My experience at this restaurant was one of the best meals I’ve had in years! It'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. Every appetizer was incredibly flavorful, and the dessert was absolutely amazing. The service was impeccable, and a special highlight was having the chef personally serve the dessert at the end—a lovely touch that made the experience even more memorable. The space is very intimate, with only about six seats, so you’ll need to get on the list—and once you do, don’t miss it! FYI, someone mentioned that they only give a small scoop of rice but they served extra rice a couple more times when we visited, and that rice was super delicious!

My experience at this restaurant was absolutely incredible. It'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.

I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant. The food was delicious and beautifully presented, and the portions were generous – be prepared for a very full stomach! I really appreciated the decor and all the components used for putting it together. The wait staff was nice and friendly. I absolutely loved their restroom! ❤️ There was plenty of free street parking around dinner time.

My experience at Showa was truly exceptional. From the moment I entered, the ambiance was captivating, complemented by thoughtful table settings. The ingredients were incredibly fresh and delicious, showcasing the evident thoughtfulness behind the restaurant. The wines on the menu were also impressive and did not disappoint. Furthermore, the owner, Joe, provided absolutely wonderful service.

My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, and both the back and front house staff were awesome. The pacing of the meal was excellent, even on a busy day. I highly recommend this place.