Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » sQwers – San Francisco
sQwers - San Francisco
Photo from sQwers
sQwers at a glance
San Francisco Laurel Heights
- š£ Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31ā$40
mentioned by 50 of the guests
#307 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#37 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
442
Reviews
88.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Affordable sushi
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Bland dishes
The restaurant sQwers, a delightful Japanese restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Laurel Heights neighborhood, invites you to a truly authentic culinary journey. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
They offer a fantastic selection of small plates and healthy options, ensuring there’s something delicious for every palate. Whether you’re craving traditional Japanese flavors or something new, this spot promises a memorable experience.
Overview: Introducting sQwers
SQwers offers a generally positive dining experience, with many guests praising the quality of its Japanese fare, particularly the sushi and rolls. You’ll often find the atmosphere to be quite welcoming, making it a pleasant spot for a meal.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the authenticity of certain dishes and the occasional blandness of others. The service at sQwers frequently receives high marks for its friendly staff and attentive approach, with specific individuals often highlighted for their exceptional care.
While the value is consistently seen as a strong point, offering affordable prices for generous portions, there have been isolated instances of frustrating service interactions, including rudeness or issues with order fulfillment.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
442
Reviews
88.7%
Satisfaction
37
negative
13
neutral
392
positive
SQwers achieves a commendable Restaurant Score of 8.4, indicating a very good to excellent overall performance. This is strongly supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 88.7%, which falls into the good category.
These figures are derived from a substantial 442 customer opinions, with a clear majority of 392 positive remarks against just 37 negative ones, painting a largely favorable picture. The individual aspects of the restaurant also fare well.
The Service leads with an impressive 8.8, reflecting the highly praised staff interactions. Value follows closely at 8.5, highlighting its affordability.
The Food scores a solid 8.3, with many appreciating its quality, while the Ambience also contributes positively with an 8.1, suggesting a comfortable dining environment.
What people like
- Excellent service
- Great food quality
- Exceptional value
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food authenticity
- Occasional rude service
- Unpleasant restrooms
If you’re seeking a Japanese spot that delivers on both flavor and affordability, sQwers is certainly worth considering. Its strong scores for food, service, and value suggest a reliable choice for a casual meal.
Just be mindful that while most experiences are positive, some specific menu items or service interactions might not always hit the mark. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.7, sQwers generally comes highly recommended.
It appears to be a solid option for those prioritizing good sushi and friendly service without breaking the bank, making it a place you’ll likely enjoy for its consistent offerings.
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Verdict: Our expert take on sQwers
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With a solid score of 8.3 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 86.8%, its clear most diners are leaving happy. Many rave about the incredibly fresh sushi and the diverse, massive menu, offering everything from home-style Japanese cooking to quality fish.
Based on 204 positive remarks, it seems theyve got their culinary game down. However, not every dish hits the mark. Out of 23 negative comments, some found the food bland, particularly mentioning the ramen, miso soup, and deep fried tofu as areas needing improvement.
While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, it's worth noting these few items might not be their strongest suit.
Food
235
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
23
negative
8
neutral
204
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Diverse menu options
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Bland specific dishes
- Subpar ramen
- Weak miso soup
Often praised
- foodWhile the service staff was friendly, their attire resembled maintenance staff, which initially made me question if the restaurant was even open. However, the food arrived quickly and was good. The lunch was inexpensive, especially the bento boxes which included soup and salad.
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding. I ordered the Winter Wonderland Roll (no house salad dressing) and was so impressed that I "plowed through sushi that quickly since college. " I've visited this place about 4 times now, and everything is consistently top notch.
- sakeI was impressed by the great quality fish and the amazing prices. I typically opt for a simple roll, some poke, sake, and miso, which usually comes out to around $20. The service from Mr.
- rollsthe rolls matched the service and were delicious
- fishI feel like the fish was a little fresher
- SushiAmazing Sushi and everything tasted amazing
- miso soupmiso soup provided as a compliment
- sashimiHighly recommend their sashimi
- sushi rollstheir sushi rolls are delicious too
- tastyfood itself was tasty
Frequently criticized
- foodand rubbish food go elsewhere
- Japanese foodleast authentic Japanese food Iāve had in a long time
- miso soupdrank the miso soup which was incredibly sub-par
- broth and batterHowever, the deep fried tofu wasn't that great. I'm going to mostly forgive this since delivery fried foods always get a bit soggy, but the broth and batter itself was quite bland. I also thought it was kind of odd to put the soy sauce packets directly touching the food.
- deep fried tofuThe deep fried tofu wasn't that great
- dumplings in hot and sour soupDumplings in hot and sour soup? Not Japanese.
- karaagekaraage feels like from McDonaldās
- menumostly-predictable menu
- noodle dishesbland noodle dishes
- pork gyozawasn't a huge fan of the pork gyoza
If you're looking for a place with overwhelmingly positive food experiences, especially for fresh sushi and a huge menu, this is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that a few specific dishes like ramen or deep-fried tofu might not live up to the high standards set by the rest of their offerings.
Service (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an 8.8 score and an impressive 91% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are consistently delighted. Out of 133 comments, a whopping 121 rave about the friendly and welcoming staff, comically fast delivery, and attentive service, often making you feel like family and providing excellent service.
However, not every interaction was perfect. A small handful of 9 comments mentioned issues like turning away two parties close to closing, feeling disrespected, or experiencing rude behavior and incomplete orders. ' While these instances are few, they highlight areas for improvement.
Service
133
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
121
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Comically fast service
- Attentive, personal care
What people don't like
- Turned away customers
- Rude staff incidents
- Incomplete orders
Often praised
- serviceOur experience at the restaurant was wonderful, especially for my grandson's 15th birthday. We were warmly welcome by Simon, who immediately set a fantastic ambiance for the evening. He went above and beyond by bringing my grandson a perfect and special stuff toy and also prepared special drinks for both my grandchildren.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the service was exceptionally good, with super friendly staff, the food was a significant letdown. The miso soup was described as horrible, and the tea was also not enjoyable.
- deliveryI order delivery ... and itās fantastic every time!
- ownerMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. The owner was very nice and even provided treats for my dog. I ordered a variety of dishes including salmon and hamachi sashimi, lamb chops, california maki, and salmon skewer, all of which were excellent.
- customer serviceexperienced really great customer service
- peoplethe people here are awesome! Super friendly
- serversI had the best Japanese sushi I've had in a long time. The servers were very friendly, and I would love to come back here again.
- SimonMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! We had a blast with "crazy" Simon, who provided excellent service. I absolutely loved the sake and, of course, the Hamachi.
- friendly staffSuch friendly staff
- super friendlythey were super friendly
Frequently criticized
- delivery servicethey forgot to deliver my order
- disrespectedmost disrespected I've ever been by a restaurant
- infuriatingAbsolutely rude and infuriating
- orderthey left off 1/3rd of the order
- prior to closingThe Sake was great. A notable point of frustration was the service; I observed them turning away two parties who wanted to take out, even though it was 20 minutes prior to closing, which I found strange. I recommend getting there at least half an hour before closing.
- rudeAbsolutely rude and infuriating
- screamedman I spoke too on the phone screamed at me
- staff attiredressed like maintenance staff
- turning away two partiesthey turned away two parties that just wanted to take out
Overall, if you value a warm welcome and speedy service, you're likely in for a treat. The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests a fantastic experience, though a rare hiccup might occur. Definitely worth a visit for their excellent hospitality!
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner! With a good score of 8.1 and a fantastic 87.2% customer satisfaction, its clear most guests love the atmosphere. Many of the 34 positive comments praise the "warm and inviting atmosphere, " calling it an "easygoing spot" and a "family friendly restaurant" perfect for a "fun, social experience.
"However, its not entirely perfect. A few of the 4 negative comments mentioned the place being completely empty at times, and some felt it needs a power wash. There were also a couple of remarks about the decor and the restrooms needing a bit of attention.
Ambience
39
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, inviting atmosphere
- Fun, social vibe
- Family-friendly setting
What people don't like
- Can be empty
- Needs power wash
- Restrooms need improvement
Often praised
- atmosphereLee and Simon are also amazing hosts and make everyone feel like family. It's always a fun night out at Sqwers!
- placejust a great place to hang with friends
- Japanese experiencea genuine casual dining Japanese experience.
- TV display and musicThe TV display and music were perfect.
- ambiancethe ambiance for the evening was set
- ambiencethe ambience is so cool
- cleanPlace is very clean
- decorthe decor is top notch
- easygoing spota very easygoing spot
- experiencea wonderful experience
Frequently criticized
- placeThe place needs a power wash.
- decorIf you want fancy decor and rubbish food
- restroomsThe restrooms which could be a bit nicer
If you're looking for a place with a genuinely warm and inviting atmosphere, often described as a fun, social, and family-friendly spot, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that on quieter nights, it might feel a bit empty, and some minor decor and restroom updates could enhance the experience.
Value (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, this place truly hits the mark! Boasting an impressive score of 8.5 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 94.3%, diners consistently rave about the affordable price, amazing value, and reasonable prices. With 33 positive remarks out of 35 total, many highlight the generous portions for the cost, offering great sushi and Japanese food that feels well-worth every penny spent.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there was a single comment touching on prices. One diner mentioned San Francisco-level prices, yet still found the experience surprisingly positive due to the outstanding freshness and attention to detail. This suggests that while prices might align with the local market, they don't diminish the strong perception of value, making any concerns minimal.
Value
35
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Amazing value
- Generous portions
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true hole-in-the-wall gem offering delicious rolls that are also unbelievably cheap. The waitstaff was nice and lively, bringing great energy to the dining experience.
- pricesThe fish was of good quality, wonderfully fatty, and the portion sizes were very generous. All of this came at very reasonable prices. The servers were friendly, contributing to an overall great experience.
- well pricedI was thrilled to have found this place. The food was delicious and well priced. The service was incredibly friendly and welcoming.
- affordabilityMy experience at this restaurant was positive, offering satisfied and affordable Japanese food. I particularly enjoyed their offerings during the time I was studying there.
- affordable pricefantastic sushi at an affordable price
- amazing valueimpressed by the amazing value
- bento box pricesIt wasn't too full, making it easy to get a seat. The staff were super friendly, and the bento box prices were very good, among the least expensive I've seen in San Francisco.
- bento boxesbento boxes which come with soup and salad
- costGenerally only about $20
- generous priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The home-style Japanese cooking was top notch and offered at a generous price. The menu is huge and diverse, with decent sushi.
Frequently criticized
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was surprisingly positive, despite the predictable menu and San Francisco-level prices. The sushi was of outstanding freshness and showed great attention to detail.
If youre looking for fantastic Japanese food that wont break the bank, this restaurant is a clear winner. You'll likely be impressed by the generous portions and high quality for the price, making it an excellent choice for an affordable and satisfying meal.
How are the prices at sQwers?
Youāre looking at roughly 34 per person ā reported by 50 diners. That puts it in the $31ā$40 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, itās comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average hovers around 34, we see a good mix of spending. Many guests enjoy options in the 11 – 30 $ range, suggesting some great value finds. But there are also plenty who opt for more premium dishes, pushing the average up with spends in the $41ā$50 range and even higher.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 50 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the variety in spending and the mid-range average for a Japanese spot, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers flexibility for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about sQwers
Price per Person
- $11ā$20
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Wonderful Birthday Celebration with Great Food!
Our experience at the restaurant was wonderful, especially for my grandson's 15th birthday. We were warmly welcome by Simon, who immediately set a fantastic ambiance for the evening. He went above and beyond by bringing my grandson a perfect and special stuff toy and also prepared special drinks for both my grandchildren.
The food was great, and we are eager to return.
- ambiance8
- stuff toy10
- special drinks9
Price per Person
- $41ā$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Hidden Gem with Fire Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true hidden gem with incredibly flavorful food. I highly recommend trying the los locos wings and the red hot chili snapper roll ā they were all absolutely fire.
The food quality was rated a 5 out of 5, and the service was also excellent at 5 out of 5.
- los locos wings10
- red hot chili snapper roll10
- food10
Price per Person
- $21ā$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fantastic Sushi, Great Value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I enjoyed fantastic sushi at an affordable price. I've had their sushi both at the restaurant and delivered, and it's always incredible.
The free miso when you eat in is a nice touch! I highly recommend listening to the non-5-star reviews at your own loss.
- fantastic sushi10
- affordable price9
- free miso8
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0ā5 min.)
10
Authentic Sushi, Great People!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I enjoyed great sushi, including nigiri and maki, which was the real deal. The people were also lovely.
If you're looking for fancy decor and poor food, this is not the place for you. It was the best sushi in years.
- sushi10
- people9
- decor2
- food2
Price per Person
- $21ā$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious and Affordable Sushi Experience
I grabbed a pickup order, and the look of the whole restaurant was great. I definitely want to experience their sushi bar, where they make the rolls in front of you. I ordered a Lion King roll, crunchy roll, and super dynamite roll.
The food was delicious, as well as cheap, especially for three people in Richmond. I can't recommend this place enough; I will definitely be back soon, and will eat in!
- sushi bar9
- food10
- price9
What sQwers offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features and parking options are available at sQwers Japanese Restaurant?
At sQwers Japanese Restaurant, you’ll find excellent accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring comfort for all guests. For parking, you have convenient options including free street parking, paid street parking, and usually plenty of parking available in the area.
Can you tell me about the dining and service options at sQwers Japanese Restaurant?
At sQwers Japanese Restaurant, you can enjoy various service options including dine-in with table service for lunch and dinner. If you prefer, they also offer convenient takeout, delivery, and even no-contact delivery. Planning your visit is easy as they accept reservations, ensuring you can secure your preferred time.
What is the overall customer sentiment for sQwers?
sQwers enjoys a strong overall positive sentiment, reflected in its Restaurant Score of **8.4** and Customer Satisfaction of **88.7%**. Customers particularly appreciate the **Service** (8.8), **Value** (8.5), **Food** (8.3), and **Ambience** (8.1).
Does sQwers offer good value for money?
Yes, sQwers is frequently praised for its excellent value. Many customers highlight the affordable prices, generous portions, and inexpensive bento boxes, making it a budget-friendly option for Japanese cuisine.
How is the service at sQwers?
The service at sQwers generally receives high praise for its friendly and attentive staff, with many positive mentions of specific individuals. However, there have been isolated reports of rude interactions or issues with delivery and customer handling near closing time.