Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Sushi Goemon – San Francisco
Sushi Goemon - San Francisco
Photo from Sushi Goemon
Sushi Goemon at a glance
San Francisco Inner Sunset
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 36 of the guests
#938 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#83 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
443
Reviews
77.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh sushi
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Small portions
- Service timing
- Difficult parking
The restaurant Sushi Goemon is a Japanese restaurant nestled in the vibrant Inner Sunset neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
This spot, known as Sushi Goemon Restaurant, offers a delightful array of healthy and vegetarian options, alongside a selection of happy hour drinks, wine, beer, and cocktails. Whether you’re looking for small plates or a full dinner, you’ll discover a welcoming dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Sushi Goemon
Sushi Goemon offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests praising the fresh fish and thoughtful presentation of its dishes. The atmosphere is often described as comfortable and clean, contributing to a relaxed meal.
However, some diners have noted that the portions can be on the smaller side, leading to questions about overall value. While the staff are generally friendly, there have been instances of inconsistent service that could impact your visit.
Good
7.7
out of 10
443
Reviews
77.9%
Satisfaction
71
negative
27
neutral
345
positive
Looking at the bigger picture, Sushi Goemon holds a solid 7.7 out of 10 for its overall score, with customer satisfaction sitting at a healthy 77.9%. This indicates a largely positive reception, backed by 345 positive remarks against 71 negative ones out of 443 total opinions.
Most diners leave feeling quite pleased with their experience here. The Food (8) truly stands out, consistently earning high marks for its quality and preparation.
The Ambience (8.1) also receives strong appreciation, creating a pleasant setting for your meal. While Service (7.1) is generally good, some experiences suggest room for more consistency.
The Value (6), however, appears to be a more average aspect, with some finding the portions small for the price.
What people like
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Pleasant dining atmosphere
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Small portions, pricey
- Inconsistent service timing
- Challenging evening parking
Sushi Goemon is a solid choice if you prioritize fresh, well-prepared Japanese cuisine and a comfortable setting. The overall experience is quite positive, making it a place worth considering for a relaxed meal where the food quality shines.
With a recommendation score of 7.8, it leans towards a definite ‘yes’ for many. Just be mindful of the portion sizes and potential for occasional service delays, especially during busy times.
If you’re seeking quality sushi, it’s certainly worth a visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sushi Goemon
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a solid score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 81%. With 217 positive remarks out of 268 total, diners frequently rave about the incredible freshness and quality of the sushi and sashimi, often highlighting the delicious rolls and unique flavors. However, not every dish is a home run, as indicated by 33 negative comments.
Some guests felt the portions were small, leading to small servings, while others found certain items like the broth to be flavorless or the tempura greasy. It seems consistency can be a minor issue for some cooked items.
Food
268
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
33
negative
18
neutral
217
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, high-quality fish
- Delicious sushi, sashimi
- Unique flavors
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Flavorless broth
- Greasy tempura
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was marked by warm and attentive service and delicious food. As a vegetarian, I was pleased to find a few good choices available.
- sushiMy experience at Goemon was that of a great zero-pretense place to get sushi. The owner and operator, Gansan, is a class-act.
- rollsThe on-the-board fish specials for sashimi are consistently great, with a particular fondness for the varieties of tuna and their varying grades of fattiness. I also appreciate the rolls, like the standard California and the house-special Goemon, as they are well-presented, flavorful, and complement the sashimi perfectly. While starters like kara age are just 'ok' and not the main draw, the true highlights are the sashimi and the friendly wait staff, who ensure my tea is always full.
- fishThe fish here is undeniably fresh
- sashimiFantastic sushi, sashimi, and Nigiri
- presentationPresentation was elegant without being over the top
- HamachiThe Hamachi was fresh and tender
- Uniit's delicious and it just melts away on your tongue
- baked salmon rollI really liked the tasty baked salmon roll. So creamy and good
- chirashiThe chirashi is a great value
Frequently criticized
- portionsMy experience at the restaurant involved enjoying fresh sushi and sashimi, though the portions were small. The cooked food, specifically the yakitori and calamari, was flavorful and perfectly executed.
- foodMost of the food came all at once
- portion of fishfound the portion of fish really small
- Beef SukiyakiBeef Sukiyaki which was like eating candied beef
- Karage KatsuKarage Katsu, which was gross and oily
- bento boxesDon't come here for bento boxes
- brothThe broth was flavorless
- chicken karaagechicken karaage wasn’t that well-seasoned
- chirashiThe chirashi was very so so, kind of disappointing
- drinkssoda which took 10-15 mins to reach out table
If you're seeking fresh, high-quality sushi and sashimi with unique flavors, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some cooked dishes or portion sizes might not always meet expectations, so stick to their strengths.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
Service here generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7.1, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 67.7%. Based on 67 positive remarks, many diners raved about the great service and friendly staff, often highlighting how accommodating and attentive service made for a pleasant experience. However, out of 26 negative comments, some experiences pointed to areas for improvement.
Issues like a wait for water or waiting for food were noted, with a few mentioning slow service or even a challenging server attitude, suggesting consistency can be a hurdle.
Service
99
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
26
negative
6
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Long waits
- Poor customer service
- Order issues
Often praised
- serviceThe prices were fair for the quality; while not bargain sushi, they were very reasonable considering the freshness and variety. Overall, Sushi Goemon feels like a hidden gem, offering patient service, high-quality fish, and a level of care that makes me want to return. I definitely recommend this place for anyone seeking sushi that balances quality with value.
- staffI really love the high quality sushi and other Japanese dishes they serve. The staff are super friendly, contributing to a great dining experience. While you can walk in, I recommend making a reservation for peak Friday or Saturday dinner times to ensure a table.
- friendly staffIf you're patient, you'll have a blast. My experience was characterized by amazing food, decent service, very friendly staff, great sake, and a great price. For a party of three, we ate like royalty.
- wait staffThe wait staff are very gracious and pleasant and caring
- LilyLily was the best!!
- Michelin Star quality serviceMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional, offering Michelin Star quality service and food. It also provided the comfort of a local neighborhood restaurant that feels like a place I frequent often.
- Polite servicePolite service
- ServiceService was excellent
- accommodatingthey were very accommodating
- care and effortwatched the care and effort that was put in
Frequently criticized
- serviceAbsolutely nothing good to say about the service.
- orderMost of the food came all at once and we had to follow up on our drink order which arrived after we were halfway done with our meal. One part of our order never arrived. And the spicy tuna roll was mushy and so spicy it was inedible.
- waiting timeHad to wait more than 30 minutes after my reservation
- customer servicethe customer service was terrible
- drink orderfollow up on our drink order which arrived after we were halfway done
- food arrivalEveryone was done eating and I hadn't gotten my food
- food item timingthe time it took for each food item was excruciating.
- no careAbsolutely no care in the food or for the customers
- order of serviceThe sushi rolls came in first, the appetizers second
- server attitudeshe replied “You can’t, you have to order now”
If you value a friendly and attentive team, youll likely have a great experience here. Just be prepared that service speed can sometimes be inconsistent, so it might not be the best spot if youre in a rush.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
When it comes to the overall feel, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.1 and an impressive 90.6% customer satisfaction, it's clear guests love the vibe. Out of 52 remarks, 48 rave about the warm atmosphere, beautiful garden, charming decor, and its welcoming neighborhood spot feel.
Many found the interior cozy and the outdoor seating delightful. However, a few minor points (4 out of 52 remarks) did come up. Some found the music a bit too loud, which can sometimes disrupt the calm.
Also, a couple of guests mentioned that parking can be a hassle, especially in the evenings, which is something to keep in mind.
Ambience
53
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, cozy atmosphere
- Beautiful garden/patio
- Clean, inviting interior
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Parking difficulty
Often praised
- atmosphereWe found the food quality to be excellent, complemented by excellent service. The atmosphere offered a comfortable and easy vibe, making it a high-end dining experience. We would definitely return and are now happy to consider Goemon a sushi option alongside Saru in Noe Valley.
- interiorBeautiful newly remodeled interior
- placeIt's tucked away in a neighborhood, we almost missed it, lol. The atmosphere of the tiny restaurant was pretty and pleasant. The food was fresh and delicious.
- vibesI like the vibes
- ambianceI really, really wanted to love this place. The staff is friendly and the ambiance is warm. But the service was off.
- ambienceenjoyed the ambience here
- barsit at the bar
- bathroomthe bathroom is adorable.
- cheery placestill a cheery place to be
- cleanlinessThe food was good and the service was great. The environment was homely and clean.
Frequently criticized
- parkingEvening parking is very challenging (especially with construction)
- musicthe music was very loud
- situationwe were put in an awkward and uncomfortable situation
If you're looking for a place with a genuinely warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential parking challenges and the music volume, but overall, it promises a lovely dining environment.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found the pricing quite reasonable, with terms like great price, fair prices, and reasonably priced popping up frequently. Out of 23 total comments, 13 leaned positive, suggesting that for many, the experience felt worthwhile. The overall score for value sits at an average 6, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 56.5%.
However, not everyone felt they got their moneys worth. Some customers mentioned high prices, cost, and feeling it was too pricy for what they received. With 8 negative comments, concerns arose about small portions for the price, leading to a feeling of less-than-ideal value.
It seems theres room for improvement in consistency.
Value
23
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair pricing
- Reasonable cost
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
- Poor value
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this Japanese restaurant was fantastic! The atmosphere was clean and chill, and they offered a full menu of choices at decent prices. We enjoyed the chicken teriyaki and sushi, which were both delightful!
- priceNot too pricey either
- reasonably pricedreasonably priced
- fair pricesfair prices
- good priceat a really good price
- great priceIf you're patient, you'll have a blast. My experience was characterized by amazing food, decent service, very friendly staff, great sake, and a great price. For a party of three, we ate like royalty.
- pricingMy experience at Goemon was fantastic! I was impressed by the great food, wonderful staff, and decent pricing. The service was great, with everyone being so friendly and patient.
- valuegreat value as well
Frequently criticized
- priceThe rolls were disappointingly small for the cost. While the fish itself was pretty good, I found it to be a bit too pricy for the quality. Given the high price per person for dinner, I expected better value.
- almost $50out almost $50 for dinner for 2
- costMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. The rolls were disappointingly small for the cost. While the fish itself was pretty good, I found it to be a bit too pricy for the quality.
- pricesprices are high as anywhere else
- pricingThe cooked food, specifically the yakitori and calamari, was flavorful and perfectly executed. I found the pricing to be slightly high, but I would most probably return.
- valueThe food was decent, but the portions were small. I found it to be expensive for the value I received. I ended up feeling hungry and had to get more food elsewhere.
If you're looking for a great deal, this spot might be a bit of a mixed bag. While some find the pricing fair for the quality, others feel the portions are small for the cost. Go in with realistic expectations, and you might find it perfectly acceptable.
How are the prices at Sushi Goemon?
You’re looking at roughly 47 $ per person – reported by 36 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While many guests spend right around this average, with a good chunk falling between 31 – 50 $, the pricing also offers a nice spread, catering to both those seeking a quicker bite and those ready for a more premium Japanese experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 36 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value compare to other great spots in San Francisco?
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a quality Japanese dining experience in San Francisco. It offers good value for what you get, whether you’re looking for something quick or a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sushi Goemon
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Okay Experience with Good Vibes
My experience at this restaurant was okay. The vibes and service were nice, and it seemed to be a family-run affair. However, the food itself was average.
For instance, the rice wasn't Japanese rice, and the chicken karaage wasn't well-seasoned. Despite the food quality, it's still a cheery place to be with friends.
- vibes8
- service8
- food5
- rice3
- chicken karaage4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Hidden Gem: Fresh Sushi with Patient Service
I recently visited Sushi Goemon and opted for the nigiri set. The fish here is undeniably fresh, with clean cuts and a great texture that allows you to truly taste the quality in each piece. My personal favorites were the buttery toro, smoky salmon, and the sweet uni, all of which stood out.
While the set took a little while to arrive, the staff made the wait more pleasant by offering complimentary edamame, a thoughtful gesture that enhanced the welcoming atmosphere. Once the sushi was served, it was absolutely worth the wait. The presentation was elegant without being over the top, and everything tasted as good as it looked.
The prices were fair for the quality; while not bargain sushi, they were very reasonable considering the freshness and variety. Overall, Sushi Goemon feels like a hidden gem, offering patient service, high-quality fish, and a level of care that makes me want to return. I definitely recommend this place for anyone seeking sushi that balances quality with value.
- fish10
- toro10
- salmon10
- wait4
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Cute Spot with Delicious Sushi
Don't be fooled by the small entrance; this place has a spacious dining area and even a small garden in the back (though it seemed closed off). It's a super cute place, nicely decorated. I had a couple of sushi rolls and they were delicious.
The service was polite, with no complaints! I will definitely come back again to try some of their other dishes.
- spacious dining area9
- super cute place9
- sushi rolls10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Amazing Food, Rude Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of incredible food and disappointing service. The food was absolutely amazing, receiving a perfect score. However, the waitresses were rude and not welcoming at all.
They seemed very selective about who they spoke and looked at when tending to tables. The atmosphere was great, also receiving a perfect score.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- waitresses2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Food and Service!
I had dinner here last night with my wife, and our experience was excellent. We ordered a variety of dishes, and each one was very good. We enjoyed everything so much that we ate everything, no leftovers.
The restaurant also offers a great selection of sushi and sake. Don't overthink it; the food here is good.
- variety of dishes9
- food9
- sushi8
What Sushi Goemon offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and offerings can you expect at Sushi Goemon?
At Sushi Goemon, you’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere, ideal for dinner with table service and seating. The menu offers Japanese small plates, healthy options, and vegetarian choices, including vegan dishes. Enjoy happy hour drinks, wine, beer, and cocktails, with dessert available to complete your meal.
What convenient services and accessibility features does Sushi Goemon provide?
Sushi Goemon offers flexible service options including no-contact delivery, takeout, and dine-in. For your convenience, you’ll find free street parking nearby. The restaurant is also fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What is the overall rating for Sushi Goemon and what are its key strengths?
Sushi Goemon has an overall score of **7.7** out of 10. Its **Food** (8) and **Ambience** (8.1) are particularly well-regarded, while **Service** (7.1) is good, and **Value** (6) is considered average.
Is the sushi and fish fresh at Sushi Goemon?
Yes, many diners highlight the freshness of the **fish** and the quality of the **sushi** and **sashimi**. The **presentation** of dishes is also frequently praised.
What are some common concerns or areas for improvement at Sushi Goemon?
Some customers have noted that **portions** can be small for the **price**, impacting the perceived **value**. There are also occasional comments about inconsistent **service** timing and challenging evening **parking**.