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oChef » Takara – San Francisco
Takara - San Francisco
Photo from Takara
Takara at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 36 of the guests
#301 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#32 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
266
Reviews
88.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality sushi
- Cozy ambiance
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- Small portions
- Old decor
- High prices
The restaurant Takara Sushi SF is a delightful Japanese restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Duboce Triangle neighborhood. You’ll find a cozy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
This spot offers a genuine taste of Japan, inviting you to experience its unique charm and culinary delights. Whether you’re seeking a quiet dinner or a casual lunch, this place provides a welcoming setting for you.
Overview: Introducting Takara
Takara offers a compelling sushi experience, with many praising its creative and high-quality sushi and fresh fish. Guests often enjoy the cozy ambiance and appreciate the attentive staff who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.
However, some diners have noted that portions can be skimpy, and the overall decor might feel a bit dated. There are also occasional concerns regarding prices for certain items and inconsistencies in service.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
266
Reviews
88.7%
Satisfaction
18
negative
12
neutral
236
positive
Takara generally performs well, earning a strong overall score of 8.4 and a high customer satisfaction of 88.7%. This positive sentiment is largely driven by its culinary offerings, with Food scoring an impressive (8.7).
Diners frequently commend the quality of the ingredients and preparation. The Service also stands out, achieving a good (8.1), reflecting the attentive and friendly interactions reported by many.
The dining environment, or Ambience, is rated well at (7.6), often described as cozy. While Value comes in at a respectable (7.1), some find certain items pricey.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 266 customer observations, with 236 positive remarks outweighing 18 negative ones, indicating a generally favorable experience for most patrons.
What people like
- High-quality sushi
- Cozy atmosphere
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Skimpy portions
- Dated decor
- Specific items pricey
For those seeking a reliable sushi spot with a welcoming feel, Takara is a solid choice. Its strong 8.6 recommendation score suggests many leave satisfied, particularly with the quality of the food and the personal touch from the staff.
It’s a place that often feels like a neighborhood favorite. If you prioritize fresh sushi and a cozy setting over modern aesthetics or consistently generous portions, this restaurant is worth considering.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and some higher-priced items. It’s a good option for a casual, quality sushi meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Takara
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.7 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 93.5%, diners are consistently thrilled. Based on 158 positive comments out of 169 total, guests rave about the specialty rolls, fresh fish, and overall sushi quality, often calling it delicious food and praising the artful preparation.
However, a few of the 6 negative comments suggest theres some room for improvement. Some guests felt that "non-sushi items" like "miso soup" and "appetizers" werent quite up to par with the main offerings. There were also isolated concerns about portions being skimpy and the overall quality compared to other places.
Food
169
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
6
negative
5
neutral
158
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh fish
- Delicious sushi rolls
- Artful dish preparation
What people don't like
- Non-sushi items
- Skimpy portions
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was great. It's a great little place that offers creative, high-quality sushi at a fair price. We often choose it for takeout, but we also enjoy the coziness of the restaurant itself.
- foodThe menus and specials were clearly introduced and explained to us. The food was as always fresh, delicious, and beautifully served. The staff is super nice too.
- fishImagine your favorite neighborhood sushi spot in the outskirts of Tokyo, where everyone is framily and the fish is fresh today, every day, the need is cold and the sake is from a secret cellar in the mountains of Hokkaido. Then imagine that spot is in your back yard, in the Castro.
- fresh fishMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the fresh fish and the quick service. Our server was particularly great – funny, friendly, and ensured we received good service throughout our meal.
- sakeImagine your favorite neighborhood sushi spot in the outskirts of Tokyo, where everyone is framily and the fish is fresh today, every day, the need is cold and the sake is from a secret cellar in the mountains of Hokkaido. Then imagine that spot is in your back yard, in the Castro.
- sushi rollsMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around their creative and delicious sushi rolls and equally tasty sushi specials. The prices were surprisingly reasonable for San Francisco, making it hard to believe.
- garlic edamamegarlic edamame which comes out in it's own little skillet with thinly sliced garlic cooked in - amazing!
- ricethe rice just flavorful enough to complement the fish
- rollsits the best sushi (rolls) ive found here
- sashimithe sashimi just melts in your mouth
Frequently criticized
- appetizersappetizers aren't up to the same standards
- miso soupmiso soup...aren't up to the same standards
- non-sushi itemsnon-sushi items aren't up to the same standards
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The portions were skimpy and the quality was lower than Osaka. The waiter kept vanishing and got my order wrong.
- qualityquality was lower than Osaka
- saladsalad...aren't up to the same standards
If you're craving exceptional sushi and fresh fish, this spot is a must-try. While a few non-sushi items might not impress as much, the delicious rolls and overall quality consistently delight most diners, making it a satisfying choice for sushi lovers.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at a great 84.9%. Many guests raved about the friendly staff, quick service, and warm service, often describing it as AMAZING service. With 45 positive remarks out of 53 total, its clear the team makes a strong positive impression.
However, a few experiences werent as smooth. There were 7 negative comments mentioning slow service, rushed service, and even a vanishing waiter. Some felt customer service could be improved or experienced long waits, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in an otherwise good showing.
Service
53
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Attentive team
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rushed feeling
- Long waits
Often praised
- serviceThe lunch special, priced at USD 14 for 4 pieces of sushi, one roll, and miso soup, offered great value despite the slightly smaller portion sizes. The space is small but cosy, and the service is good. Takara consistently delivers for a sushi craving in San Francisco.
- staffthe staff is the nicest staff youll find
- BettyWe always have to get the garlic edamame, and our last bite is always the lobster leg nigiri (which is on the specials board). We also love Betty, who remembered our names after our first visit and has treated us more as friends than customers. She always has a smile on her face and hugs to give out.
- AMAZING serviceAMAZING service!
- Menus and specialsThey immediately brought us out tables to accommodate our party. Menus and specials were introduced and explained to us. The high quality fish imported A5 Japanese Wagyu was a highlight.
- awesome staffEqually awesome staff!
- chefs prepare my rollI've only ordered the Sunshine Roll each time I've visited, and it's so good it makes me crave more sushi. I appreciate being able to see the ingredients on display and watch the chefs prepare my roll, which assures you that you get what you're paying for. The location is a bit off the beaten path, but it's well worth the two-block walk up 18th Street from Castro.
- employeesAll the employees are very friendly and high quality people
- feel rushedThey also offer a non-alcoholic beer, which was perfect for dry January. The service was good too; my friend and I didn't feel rushed.
- foodthis place dropped the food off quick
Frequently criticized
- serviceI always feel the service is always rushed
- customer serviceCustomer service could be improved
- long waitslong waits to be waited on
- orderThe portions were skimpy and the quality was lower than Osaka. The waiter kept vanishing and got my order wrong. I won't be back and hope Osaka opens again soon.
- waiterThe portions were skimpy and the quality was lower than Osaka. The waiter kept vanishing and got my order wrong. I won't be back and hope Osaka opens again soon.
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and efficient staff, youll likely be pleased. While there might be an occasional hiccup with timing, the positive experiences far outweigh the negatives, making it worth a visit for good service.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 7.6 and a solid 74.1% customer satisfaction. Guests frequently describe it as a gem with a cozy ambiance and great atmosphere, often highlighting the comfortable bar seating. With 20 positive remarks out of 27 total, its clear many find this a delightful neighborhood sushi spot.
However, there was one opinion noting the place felt dated and worn out, ' suggesting it could use a refresh. This single negative comment stands in contrast to the strong positive feedback, indicating that while it might not be ultra-modern, most patrons appreciate its unique charm and inviting feel.
Ambience
27
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
1
negative
6
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy ambiance
- Great atmosphere
- Neighborhood gem
What people don't like
- Dated decor
Often praised
- atmosphereMiss the staff and atmosphere
- restaurantenjoy the coziness of the restaurant
- spaceI requested for sake don (salmon) which wasn’t on the menu, and they graciously made me a gorgeous and delicious plate. The space is cozy and they have multiple TVs so you can keep track of the score of the game.
- ambianceThe ambiance is cozy
- bar seatinggot seats at the bar, which is nice
- cozyit’s cozy as….its really cozy
- cozy ambianceTakara Sushi is such a gem! It’s a small restaurant, which adds to its unique charm and cozy ambiance. I didn’t need a reservation, and honestly, I think this place is underrated; this was my second time eating here!
- cozy atmospherecozy atmosphere
- eating sushi indoorseating sushi with friends indoors again
- gemTakara is a nice little gem
Frequently criticized
- placethe place needs a lil bit of work, pretty dated and worn out
If youre seeking a warm, inviting, and cozy spot for sushi, this place comes highly recommended for its charming atmosphere. While one person found it a bit dated, the overwhelming sentiment points to a delightful and comfortable dining experience thats definitely worth trying.
Value (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at 76.5%, most folks find the pricing quite agreeable. Many rave about the reasonable prices, fantastic happy hour deals, and the lunch special offering great bang for your buck, as seen in 13 positive remarks.
However, not everyone is completely sold on the value. A few patrons, 4 to be exact, felt that some prices were a tad high or even very pricey. While the overall sentiment is positive, it seems certain items might not always feel like the best deal.
Value
17
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Best happy hour
- Great lunch special
What people don't like
- Prices too high
- Some items overpriced
Often praised
- pricethe price is great
- pricesThey also offer one of the best happy hours. The food is all reasonably priced compared to other sushi places in the city. The place is small and only has a handful of tables.
- happy hourhappy hour offers many good choices
- $5.00good choices under $5.00
- Price per personspent 400 a month for five years eating there
- get what you're paying foryou know you get what you're paying for
- good pricinggood pricing
- lunch speciallunch special seems like great value at USD 14
Frequently criticized
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was that the place needs a lil bit of work, it's pretty dated and worn out. I think the prices are very high, and the food is just ok, in my opinion.
- negi toro hand rollThe salmon avocado roll was the standout dish, truly awesome. The king salmon and trout nigiris were decent, and the negi toro hand roll was fine, though I found it to be super overpriced at $19. I enjoyed the salmon avocado roll so much that I ordered a second one.
- priceit is very pricey
If youre looking for good deals, especially during happy hour or for lunch, this place is definitely worth checking out. While a few items might feel a bit steep, the general consensus is that youll find plenty of reasonable options to enjoy.
How are the prices at Takara?
You’re looking at roughly 51 per person – reported by 36 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around this mark, the data shows a nice spread, with many guests enjoying options in the $21–$30 range, and others opting for a more premium experience above 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 36 reviews.
Compare this restaurant’s value for money against similar places in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good range of options, catering to both those looking for a mid-range meal and those ready to splurge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Takara
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Sushi, Please Don't Go When I Want To!
I'm hesitant to share this gem because you can get amazing sushi here even without a reservation. They've truly earned their reputation, and while I'm torn, I have to let you know. Just.
Try not to go when I want to go. /s
- amazing sushi10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
S.F. Roll Amazed Me!
My experience at the restaurant was quite positive, especially with the food. The S. F.
Roll truly amazed me. I'm looking forward to returning.
- S.F. roll9
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Takara: My Favorite Sushi in SF
Imagine your favorite neighborhood sushi spot in the outskirts of Tokyo, where everyone is framily and the fish is fresh today, every day, the need is cold and the sake is from a secret cellar in the mountains of Hokkaido. Then imagine that spot is in your back yard, in the Castro. Boom!
You’re here at Takara. By far my favorite sushi in SF, and California. You won’t be disappointed, unless you’re a party of 10 - because it’s cozy as….
Its really cozy :)
- fish10
- sake10
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Phenomenal Sushi and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was phenomenal! The sushi was outstanding, and the service was equally impressive. Our server, Betty, was incredibly nice.
I will definitely be coming back here!
- sushi10
- service10
- Betty10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Underrated Gem with Fantastic Sushi
Takara Sushi is such a gem! It’s a small restaurant, which adds to its unique charm and cozy ambiance. I didn’t need a reservation, and honestly, I think this place is underrated; this was my second time eating here!
The sushi rolls and appetizers were fantastic! We started with the baked eggplant appetizer topped with shrimp—absolutely delicious—and the wok-tossed edamame with garlic, which was packed with flavor. For the rolls, we ordered the SF roll and the Pink Dragon roll.
The SF roll was beautifully presented with crispy flakes and tobiko, and the spicy tuna had the perfect balance of heat (kind of mild) and texture; it was definitely a standout dish! The Pink Dragon roll was baked and served in foil, with a mild yet flavorful spicy dressing that complemented the salmon perfectly. Highly recommend Takara Sushi for anyone looking for excellent food and last but not least, AMAZING service!
- sushi rolls9
- appetizers9
- baked eggplant appetizer topped with shrimp10
What Takara offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
Can I easily park and access Takara Sushi SF?
Yes, you’ll find convenient free street parking available when you visit Takara Sushi SF. The restaurant also ensures accessibility for all guests, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance for your comfort and ease of access.
What dining and service options does Takara Sushi SF offer?
Takara Sushi SF provides a range of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating and table service. You can also choose from dine-in, takeout, or delivery services, and they accept reservations for your planning convenience.
How does Takara generally score with customers?
Takara holds a strong overall score of 8.4, with customer satisfaction at 88.7%. Its Food (8.7) and Service (8.1) are particularly well-regarded, followed by Ambience (7.6) and Value (7.1).
What kind of food can I expect at Takara?
Customers frequently praise the creative, high-quality sushi and fresh fish, noting that the sashimi melts in your mouth. However, some non-sushi items like appetizers and miso soup might not meet the same high standards.
Is Takara a good value, and what's the atmosphere like?
Many find Takara offers good value, especially with its happy hour and lunch special options. The ambiance is consistently described as cozy and charming, though some mention the decor could be dated.