Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Tenmatsu – San Francisco
Tenmatsu - San Francisco
Photo from Tenmatsu
Tenmatsu at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 7 of the guests
#901 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#79 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
97
Reviews
81.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food variety
- Quick service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Tight space
- Long lines
- Limited availability
The Japanese restaurant Tenmatsu in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood offers you a delightful culinary experience. You can expect a casual atmosphere perfect for both a quick bite and a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re seeking healthy options for lunch or dinner, this spot provides a welcoming setting to enjoy authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting Tenmatsu
Tenmatsu offers a solid option for those seeking Japanese fare, particularly noted for its impressive variety of dishes. Many appreciate the generous portions and the overall quality of the food, making it a satisfying choice for a quick meal.
While the quick pickup and efficient service are often highlighted, some find the tight space a bit challenging. Opinions on value are a bit mixed, with some items considered quite reasonable, while others lean towards being a bit pricey.
Good
7.7
out of 10
97
Reviews
81.4%
Satisfaction
9
negative
9
neutral
79
positive
Overall, Tenmatsu earns a respectable 7.7, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 81.4%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These insights are drawn from 97 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 79 positive observations against just 9 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (7.9) stands out as a particular strength, consistently praised for its quality and diverse offerings.
Service (7.8) also performs well, often described as quick and helpful. While Value (6.8) and Ambience (6.6) are considered good, they sit at the lower end of that range, suggesting there’s room for slight improvement or more mixed opinions in these areas.
What people like
- Wide food variety
- Quick, efficient service
- Good overall value
What people don't like
- Limited dining space
- Potential for lines
- Limited item availability
If you’re looking for a convenient and satisfying Japanese meal, Tenmatsu is certainly worth considering. With a strong recommendation score of 8.5, it clearly hits the mark for many, especially those prioritizing efficiency and a good selection of dishes.
It’s a solid choice for a quick, flavorful bite, though you might want to plan your visit to avoid peak times and manage expectations regarding the dining space. For a reliable and tasty option, particularly for lunch, you’ll likely find it delivers.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tenmatsu
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction soaring at 85.5%, its clear most diners are loving whats on their plate. Out of 69 comments, a whopping 59 rave about the delicious Japanese bentos, fresh food quality, and abundant veggie options.
Many also praise the variety of handrolls and the satisfying salmon teriyaki donburi. However, its not entirely perfect. While overwhelmingly positive, a few of the 69 comments did point out some areas for improvement.
Specifically, there were concerns about the beef in the gyudon bowl being of low quality. Also, popular items tend to sell out quickly, so you might miss out if you don't arrive early.
Food
69
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
3
negative
7
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality food
- Wide food variety
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Low quality beef
- Popular items sell out
Often praised
- foodthey give a decent amount of rice and food. It’s pretty filling!
- bento boxesMy experience with this restaurant was for a takeout lunch. They offer a wide variety of food, including sushi, bento boxes, and bowls.
- handrollshandrolls, which were tasty
- variety of optionsvariety of options, from rolls to bowls
- veggie optionsplenty of delicious veggie options
- Buta DonThe Buta Don is delicious
- Crispy Salmon SkinCrispy Salmon Skin... they are all so good
- Japanese CurryYou can also order Japanese Curry at the counter.
- Japanese bentosthese Japanese bentos are the real deal, and really tasty
- SalmonSalmon... they are all so good
Frequently criticized
- beef in the gyudon bowlbeef in the gyudon bowl was very low quality
- gyudon bowlbeef in the gyudon bowl was very low quality
- stuffI ate the food faster than I could take a pic. I recommend getting there early because lots of stuff are bought out towards the end of lunch time. The food was so good that it disappeared quickly, and I wish I had arrived sooner to try more.
If youre craving fresh, varied Japanese fare, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that popular items can disappear fast, and perhaps steer clear of the gyudon bowl if youre particular about beef quality. Overall, you'll likely leave satisfied with your meal.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at a high 84.6%, its clear guests are generally pleased. Many appreciate the convenience of ordering ahead and the quick pickup, often noting the helpful staff and excellent service.
The owners are even described as very sweet, contributing to 11 positive remarks. However, its not entirely without its snags. The main point of contention, mentioned in 2 comments, revolves around the lines.
During peak lunch hours, these can get quite long, prompting advice to visit early to avoid the wait. It's a minor hiccup in an otherwise smooth operation.
Service
13
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick pickup
- Helpful staff
- Excellent service
What people don't like
- Long lines
Often praised
- conveniencethe convenience is almost unmatched
- counter serviceMy experience at this restaurant was great! It's an easy, quick counter service spot with plenty of delicious veggie options available at a good price. It has become a go-to spot for my lunch.
- excellent serviceDelicious food and excellent service!
- grab something quicklyGreat place to grab something quickly
- helpful staffMy experience at this restaurant was consistently positive during the couple of years I worked in the Financial District. I visited at least once a week due to the huge variety of options, quick pickup, and helpful staff. They offer many really yummy vegetarian options, including donburi, Japanese curry, and udon.
- ordering aheadThis is a small grab-pay-and-go place. It can get pretty crowded, so ordering ahead is a good idea. The salmon teriyaki donburi is so good!
- ownersThe owners are very sweet
- pick up really quicklyI ordered a salmon teriyaki donburi on Ritual around lunch time. It was ready to pick up really quickly. This is a small grab-pay-and-go place.
- quick pickupMy experience at this restaurant was consistently positive during the couple of years I worked in the Financial District. I visited at least once a week due to the huge variety of options, quick pickup, and helpful staff. They offer many really yummy vegetarian options, including donburi, Japanese curry, and udon.
- serviceSuper quick and courteous service
Frequently criticized
- linesThe fish quality was about right for the price, and it felt authentic. I recommend going there early, before noon, to avoid lines.
If you're looking for a quick and convenient meal with genuinely helpful service, this place is a great bet. Just be mindful of peak lunch hours, as you might encounter a bit of a wait, but the overall experience is highly positive.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youll likely find it a very cozy place that feels genuinely authentic, and customers often note its nice and clean. With a solid score of 6.6 and a 60% customer satisfaction rate, the vibe here is generally well-received, based on 3 positive remarks out of 5 total observations. However, its not all spacious comfort.
Theres been one comment about it being a pretty tight space, suggesting that while charming, it might feel a bit cramped for some. This tight space aspect is something to keep in mind if you prefer more room to spread out.
Ambience
5
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Authentic feel
- Clean environment
What people don't like
- Tight space
Often praised
- authenticFeels authentic
- cozy placeVery cozy place
- placeNice and clean place
Frequently criticized
- tight spaceIt’s a pretty tight space
If youre seeking a cozy, authentic, and clean spot and dont mind potentially a snug setting, this place could be a good fit for you. Just be aware that the tight space might be a dealbreaker if you value spaciousness above all else.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, but leans positive overall. With a score of 6.8, its generally considered good, and customer satisfaction sits at a 60% mixed rating. Many folks appreciate that the prices are reasonable, especially for fresh items like their really good rice balls, which are often highlighted as a great deal.
They offer a variety of options, from bento boxes to curry, often at a good price, making it a go-to for many. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. Out of 10 total comments, 3 did point out that some items can be a little expensive, or even a bit pricey.
While the overall sentiment is positive, with 6 positive remarks, its worth noting that a few customers felt the cost of certain items didnt quite align with their expectations, suggesting some inconsistency in pricing across the menu.
Value
10
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good value
- Fresh options
What people don't like
- Some items expensive
Often praised
- pricefor a good price
- pricesThey offer a variety of options, including bento boxes, donduri, curry, rice balls, and hand rolls. Everything is made fresh, and the prices are reasonable. I was particularly impressed with the rice balls, which are really good and only $1 each!
- good valueThey offer many really yummy vegetarian options, including donburi, Japanese curry, and udon. The good value, especially for the area, made it a go-to spot.
- rice ballsEverything is made fresh, and the prices are reasonable. I was particularly impressed with the rice balls, which are really good and only $1 each! The curry is a huge portion, and I appreciate that they offer fish options.
Frequently criticized
- priceA bit pricey
- itemsSome items are a little expensive
If you're looking for reasonable prices and fresh options, especially their rice balls, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that a few items might feel a bit pricey, so choose wisely. Overall, it offers good value for many of its offerings.
How are the prices at Tenmatsu?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 7 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
All 7 customers spent within this $11–$20 range, showing a clear focus on this price point. While the data is limited with only 7 customers, it gives us a good indication of what to expect.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 7 reviews. While the data is limited, it gives a good indication of typical spending.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese spot in San Francisco. It hits that sweet spot for a casual, mid-range meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tenmatsu
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Gyudon Bowl
I came here to grab a quick rice bowl for lunch. Unfortunately, the beef in the gyudon bowl was of very low quality, effectively all fat. This did not sit well in my stomach.
- beef in the gyudon bowl2
- gyudon bowl2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Good Hand Roll, Tight Space
I had lunch with a couple of other people. There were many good options, but to pick from everything, it's best to arrive when they open. I ordered a hand roll and a teriyaki salmon bowl, and we shared the special roll.
I enjoyed the hand roll the most and also liked the cabbage in the teriyaki bowl. The special roll consisted of shrimp tempura topped with imitation crab, some sauces, and roe. I plan to try another roll on my next visit.
The space is quite tight, and you have to go elsewhere to eat. It's a great place to grab something quickly and get back to work.
- hand roll9
- teriyaki salmon bowl7
- special roll6
- tight space3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Fresh Sushi and Clean Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was great! They serve huge and fresh sushi rolls. I tried a classic roll for $7 and special rolls for $10.
The place is also nice and clean.
- sushi rolls9
- classic roll7
- special rolls7
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious food, get there early!
My experience at the restaurant was great! I ate the food faster than I could take a pic. I recommend getting there early because lots of stuff are bought out towards the end of lunch time.
The food was so good that it disappeared quickly, and I wish I had arrived sooner to try more. It's definitely worth getting there early to ensure you get the best selection.
- food9
- stuff4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Sweet owners, great quick bite
My experience at this lovely little store was great! They offer a variety of options, from rolls to bowls. I appreciated the convenient station for grabbing utensils, napkins, and condiments.
The owners are very sweet, and I highly recommend coming here for a quick bite.
- variety of options9
- utensils, napkins, and condiments8
- owners10
What Tenmatsu offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Tenmatsu, and when can you visit?
At Tenmatsu, you can enjoy both lunch and dinner service. The restaurant offers flexible dining options, allowing you to dine-in for a full experience or opt for convenient takeout if you’re on the go. It’s a great choice for any meal of the day.
Does Tenmatsu cater to specific dietary needs or offer easy access?
Yes, Tenmatsu provides healthy options for those mindful of their diet. Additionally, the restaurant ensures accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, making it a welcoming spot for all guests. You can also grab a quick bite if you’re short on time.
How does Tenmatsu generally perform?
Tenmatsu holds a good overall score of 7.7, with customer satisfaction at 81.4%. Its Food (7.9) and Service (7.8) are particularly well-regarded, while Value (6.8) and Ambience (6.6) are also considered good.
Is Tenmatsu a good option for a quick meal?
Yes, many customers highlight its quick counter service, helpful staff, and the convenience of ordering ahead for a fast pickup, making it ideal for grabbing something quickly.
What kind of food can I expect at Tenmatsu?
Tenmatsu offers a wide variety of Japanese options, including bento boxes, handrolls, and curry, with many delicious veggie choices. Popular items include the Buta Don and Crispy Salmon Skin.