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oChef » Wabi-Sabi – San Francisco
Wabi-Sabi - San Francisco
Photo from Wabi-Sabi
Wabi-Sabi at a glance
San Francisco South Beach
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 80 of the guests
#1227 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#111 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
392
Reviews
71.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh sushi
- Great value
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Limited space
- Hygiene concerns
The Japanese restaurant Wabi-Sabi SF at Soma invites you to experience a delightful culinary journey right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant South Beach neighborhood. You’ll find a truly cozy atmosphere here, perfect for unwinding and enjoying authentic flavors.
This spot is renowned for its commitment to fresh ingredients and a welcoming ambiance, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Japan.
Overview: Introducting Wabi-Sabi
Wabi-Sabi offers a compelling experience, primarily driven by its truly remarkable sushi and sashimi, praised for freshness and delicious flavors. Many find the fish quality to be among the city’s best, with creative rolls and thoughtful presentation.
It’s a spot where the culinary offerings often exceed expectations. However, the dining experience can be a mixed bag.
While the staff is often described as kind and friendly, some patrons have encountered slow or inattentive service. The cozy atmosphere, though charming, can feel quite cramped due to limited seating, which might impact comfort for some.
Good
7.4
out of 10
392
Reviews
71.7%
Satisfaction
88
negative
23
neutral
281
positive
Wabi-Sabi holds a respectable overall score of 7.4, indicating a generally good dining experience, with customer satisfaction at 71.7%, which is also considered good. This positive sentiment is built on 281 positive remarks against 88 negative ones out of 392 total customer observations.
The restaurant clearly excels in certain areas, while others present opportunities for improvement. The standout categories are Value (8.8) and Food (8.3), both scoring well into the good range.
Customers consistently appreciate the quality of the sushi and sashimi for the price. However, Ambience (6.1) and Service (5.8) hover around average.
While the setting is often called cozy, its small size and occasional service lapses prevent these aspects from reaching the same high marks as the cuisine and pricing.
What people like
- Exceptional sushi and sashimi
- Great value for money
- Friendly, kind staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Cramped, limited seating
- Occasional hygiene concerns
If you prioritize excellent sushi and sashimi at a fair price, Wabi-Sabi is certainly worth considering. The culinary offerings, from fresh fish to creative rolls, consistently impress, making it a strong contender for a satisfying meal.
Just be prepared for a potentially intimate setting and a focus on the food itself. With a recommendation score of 7.9, Wabi-Sabi generally earns a positive nod.
While service can be a bit inconsistent and the space is cozy, the quality of the cuisine and its value often outweigh these points. It’s a place to visit when the food is your primary focus.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Wabi-Sabi
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with a 8.3 score and a fantastic 84.1% customer satisfaction! Based on 180 positive remarks out of 214, diners consistently rave about the fresh fish, sushi quality, and the incredible skill of the artisans crafting each omakase piece. Many found the sushi to be artfully prepared, bursting with flavor, and of superb quality, making it a memorable experience.
However, it's not without its minor hiccups, with 24 negative comments. Some guests felt the portion size could be small, and a few experienced sushi quality issues or found specific items like cold gyoza disappointing. There were even rare mentions of plastic in roll, indicating occasional lapses in quality-control that could mar an otherwise great meal.
Food
214
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
24
negative
10
neutral
180
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh fish quality
- Artisanal sushi
- Exceptional flavors
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent quality
- Cold side dishes
Often praised
- sushiThe freshness of the sushi is remarkable, and the flavors are absolutely delicious. As someone with a Spanish palate, I often find sashimi challenging to enjoy, but here, both the sushi and sashimi exceeded my expectations.
- foodWe had a really nice time here! It is tiny and can get cramped if you want to use the restroom a lot (squeezing in and out of tables), but the experience is pleasant, the staff was very kind, and the food was great! Definitely reserve a spot in advance, but we've gotten takeout from here as well which was also good.
- fishMy experience at this restaurant was so good that I almost didn't want to share it! We felt like we were served some of the best fish in the city. For those needing celiac safe sushi, this team will take care of you like very few others will.
- sashimiThe team consists of 3 employees: a sushi chef, a helper, and a server. I felt the price was very good for the amount and quality of the sushi, especially considering $44 for 10 pieces of quality sashimi. The Osama roll with lobster was very creative and nicely presented, and my favorite of the night; it looked and tasted good.
- rollsrolls were next level (esp the fire-singed jalapeño on the spicy salmon! wow!)
- miso soupThey also gave us a complimentary little dessert (forgot its name, but it’s sweet something with rice inside). This was also the first time I had miso soup in a cup.
- nigiriI drove 40 minutes from Fairfield for sushi and wouldn’t change a thing with my choice of Wabi-Sabi. Initially, I usually stick to nigiri or sashimi, but after trying the first roll, I was sold on trying more. I hope to see you again, Kiwi, and thank you for the excellent meal.
- fish qualityFish quality was all good
- flavorsthe flavors are absolutely delicious
- presentationThe presentation was just gorgeous
Frequently criticized
- foodUnfortunately, our dinner experience was marred by very poor service. Half of our food never arrived, despite other tables seated after us receiving their orders. After waiting for over an hour, we realized our remaining order wasn't even in progress and had to cancel it, pay, and leave to eat elsewhere.
- gyozagyoza was microwaved and it was cold inside
- FoodFood:1
- alcoholthey dont serve alcohol
- chirashi bowlthe $49 chirashi bowl was just a sad mess of rice
- eggI would recommend all the rolls. However, the uni onsen egg was a bit underwhelming; the egg was cold and bland, which was a slight disappointment.
- flavorsWhile the sashimi was fresh, it didn't fully cover the rice, with about a third of the bowl topped with shredded daikon. This composition made the flavors feel a bit incomplete and lacking in richness. Considering the portion size and the overall experience, I felt the price was a bit on the higher side for what was offered.
- food poisoningMy friend got food poisoning from the food here
- menuor a long menu
- miso soupplastic in the miso soup
If you're seeking exceptional sushi with incredibly fresh fish and masterful preparation, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that portions might be on the smaller side, and there have been a few isolated quality control concerns. Overall, the food is a major draw, making it a strong recommendation for sushi lovers.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, guests often rave about the incredible attention from the dedicated staff, friendly chefs, and overall warm hospitality. Many found the server helpful and the team performing a culinary dance, making for a truly pleasant experience. With 52 positive remarks out of 98 total, theres a good foundation here.
However, the service isnt without its challenges, reflected in an average score of 5.8 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 53.1%. Several customers reported frustratingly long waiting times, slow service, and a general lack of attention. Be prepared for a potential long wait, as 44 negative comments highlight these areas needing improvement.
Service
98
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
44
negative
2
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great hospitality
- Helpful servers
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Slow service
- Lack of attention
Often praised
- serviceThis is a very small and cozy neighborhood spot with very limited seating, tucked away underneath a building. Despite its size, it offers wonderful service and fresh, creative sushi. It's the perfect place to go when you want some good sushi but don't want to dress up for it – you can comfortably wear your sweatshirt and sweatpants and announce, "I am here to eat sushi!
- staffWe had a really nice time here! It is tiny and can get cramped if you want to use the restroom a lot (squeezing in and out of tables), but the experience is pleasant, the staff was very kind, and the food was great! Definitely reserve a spot in advance, but we've gotten takeout from here as well which was also good.
- chefsThe chefs and waitresses were so friendly
- Chef TiChef Ti is such a wonderful person
- ServiceService:5
- chef/ownerWhile this location near 3rd & Bryant doesn't currently offer sake, the super-clean and friendly setting more than makes up for it. Kudos to the chef/owner; I hope to be back!
- confirmationcalled the other location to confirm my order
- dedicated individualsFour dedicated individuals are working tirelessly
- foodWhile there isn't a ton of seating, the good rolls and miso were highlights. Despite the crowd, our waters never ran low and the food came reasonably soon.
- friendly staffMy favorite sushi spot in the neighborhood! It's a small place with friendly staff. I love their nigiri tasting.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a stark contrast between the food quality and the service. While the only dish we managed to try was good, the overall experience was significantly hampered by slow and inefficient service. We waited 30 minutes just to order, and despite other tables who arrived later receiving their orders, we felt completely forgotten.
- waitThe sushi rolls were very good, but the service was slow and didn't meet expectations. It gets extremely busy if you arrive late due to the small size, so be prepared for a wait. I'm not sure I'd return solely for the food.
- waiting timewaited for 15 mins for the waiter to take my order
- ordercancel the remainder of our order
- ServiceService:1
- attentionwe were completely forgotten
- behaviorand not good behavior
- bossWe found plastic in the roll and the miso soup. To make matters worse, the boss did not even apologize or offer any reimbursement. We also waited for the food for almost an hour.
- expect a waitexpect a wait
- experiencedisappointing and incredibly awkward experience
If youre patient and the restaurant isnt too busy, you might experience truly exceptional service. However, be prepared for potential delays and slow attention, especially during peak times, which could impact your overall visit.
Ambience (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a mixed bag, with a score of 6.1 and customer satisfaction at 43.4%. Out of 53 total observations, 23 lean positive, highlighting a charming and often intimate atmosphere. Many appreciate the cozy vibe, super-clean setting, and authentic feel, making it a pleasant experience that some say feels just like being in Tokyo.
However, 19 negative comments point to some significant drawbacks. The main concerns revolve around the limited seating and cramped place, with many finding the tiny size challenging. Some also noted issues like the lights being off or worrying hygiene, which can definitely impact the overall experience.
Ambience
53
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
19
negative
11
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, intimate vibe
- Clean, friendly setting
- Authentic atmosphere
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Cramped space
- Hygiene concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereI was looking for delicious sushi during my trip in San Francisco, and this place delivered. The food was fantastic, and the atmosphere was very cozy. I highly recommend it for a great meal.
- experienceWe had a really nice time here! It is tiny and can get cramped if you want to use the restroom a lot (squeezing in and out of tables), but the experience is pleasant, the staff was very kind, and the food was great! Definitely reserve a spot in advance, but we've gotten takeout from here as well which was also good.
- vibeThe vibe is relaxed but elevated
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancethe ambiance is adorable
- cozy vibethat gives a cozy vibe
- friendly settingsuper-clean & friendly setting
- placeCute little place
- super-clean settingsuper-clean & friendly setting
- tablesI'm really excited about trying wagyu next time. The place is tiny, and I was really happy that when I arrived with 2 more friends for dinner, there were available tables. I don't know if we'll have that luck again, even though it's worth it.
Frequently criticized
- seatingIt was also at a very affordable price. The atmosphere is very hole in the wall vibes with limited seating, but if you're in the area, it's a great place to stop by for a meal!
- spaceWe had a really nice time here! It is tiny and can get cramped if you want to use the restroom a lot (squeezing in and out of tables), but the experience is pleasant, the staff was very kind, and the food was great! Definitely reserve a spot in advance, but we've gotten takeout from here as well which was also good.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- cold and windy weatherit was cold/windy
- cramped placeIt’s a little cramped place
- decorDon’t expect fancy decor
- hand soapno hand soap in the employee restroom
- hygienethe hygiene of the place was worrying
- lightsthe lights were still off
- limited seatinglimited seating so expect a wait
If youre seeking an intimate, cozy spot and dont mind a tight squeeze, this place could be a delightful find. However, if spaciousness, guaranteed seating, or pristine hygiene are top priorities, you might want to consider other options.
Value (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.8 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 96.3%, guests consistently rave about the fantastic value. Out of 27 remarks, a whopping 26 highlight how affordable and reasonably priced everything is, often praising the quality and calling it a "bang for your buck.
"While the value is overwhelmingly positive, theres a tiny whisper of dissent. Just one person out of 27 felt the price was a bit on the higher side. However, this single opinion is a rare outlier, suggesting that for most, the pricing is more than fair for what you receive.
Value
27
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent value
- Affordable prices
- Great quality
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was centered around enjoying great quality sushi that tasted really fresh. It was also at a very affordable price. The atmosphere is very hole in the wall vibes with limited seating, but if you're in the area, it's a great place to stop by for a meal!
- pricesWhile other rolls were generally okay, the hamachi roll could have had a better overall flavor, even though I love hamachi. Despite this minor point, Wabi Sabi remains one of the most delicious sushi places, boasting nice management and reasonable prices, which is why it earns a 5-star rating.
- moneyMy experience with the take-out Chirashi Deluxe was outstanding. The fish was incredibly fresh and the ingredients were truly worth the money. It was so good that I ordered again the very next day!
- affordablefood is great and affordable
- bang for your buckBest bang for your buck sushi
- lunch specialtheir lunch special of 6 chef's choice nigiri, a spicy tuna roll, and miso soup for $26
- qualitywhen compared to the quality
- reasonable pricevery reasonable price
- reasonably pricedvery reasonably priced
- value sushifavorite value sushi in SF
Frequently criticized
- pricefelt the price was a bit on the higher side
If youre looking for great quality without breaking the bank, this place is definitely worth a visit. Youll likely find the prices very reasonable for the delicious food, making it a smart choice for an affordable meal.
How are the prices at Wabi-Sabi?
You’re looking at roughly 41 per person – reported by 80 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners are in the 21 – 50 $ sweet spot, showing a good concentration around the average price, with a few venturing into higher-end experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 80 reviews.
A comparison of value for money at this restaurant versus similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant, offering a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Wabi-Sabi
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Exceptional Food Despite Long Wait
My experience at this restaurant was marked by an exceptional and fresh food offering, which truly stood out. Despite a long wait of over 50 minutes, the dedication of the four individuals working tirelessly to provide the best possible experience was evident. Their efforts ensured that the quality of the food was paramount.
- food10
- dedicated individuals9
- long wait3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Amazing Sushi Value and Quality
My experience at Wabi Sabi was fantastic! It's a small and simple sushi spot, but what truly impressed me was the simplicity combined with high-level sushi at an amazing price. I was amazed by the 11 Nigiri omakase (chef's choice) for $48, especially when neighboring competitors charge around $100.
I managed to snag an even better deal with their lunch special: 6 chef's choice nigiri, a spicy tuna roll, and miso soup for just $26. You really can't go wrong with this place. The sushi is not only top quality but also artful.
It's hands down the best price in town for sushi. One important note for potential visitors is that they don't serve alcohol.
- sushi10
- price10
- omakase9
- alcohol4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Sushi and Cold Gyoza
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The sushi was marginal, and I felt I could prepare much better myself. To make matters worse, the gyoza were cold on the inside, which made me suspect they were microwaved.
Overall, the food quality was not up to par.
- sushi3
- gyoza2
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Hidden Gem for Fresh Sushi
My experience at this cozy sushi place, tucked away in an alley, was great. The sushi was incredibly fresh and tasty. While it's not a fancy establishment, the good food made for a satisfying dinner.
The atmosphere and service were both rated a 4 out of 5, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
- sushi10
- food8
- atmosphere8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Great Food, Slow Service
My experience at this restaurant was marked by awesome tasty food. The staff were friendly, but the service was very slow. It's definitely not a place to go if you are in a rush.
- tasty food10
- staff8
- service3
What Wabi-Sabi offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
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
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Wabi-Sabi SF at Soma?
At Wabi-Sabi SF at Soma, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert. They also offer catering services and provide comfortable seating with table service for your convenience.
Does Wabi-Sabi SF at Soma accommodate families with children?
Absolutely! Wabi-Sabi SF at Soma is good for kids and even provides a dedicated kids’ menu, making it a welcoming spot for families looking to dine out in San Francisco.
What is the overall dining experience like at Wabi-Sabi?
Wabi-Sabi generally offers a good dining experience with an overall score of 7.4. It particularly shines in Food (8.3) and Value (8.8), while Ambience (6.1) and Service (5.8) are more average.
What do customers appreciate most about Wabi-Sabi's food?
Customers frequently praise the freshness and delicious flavors of the sushi and sashimi, often highlighting the high quality of the fish and creative rolls. Many consider it some of the best in the city.
Are there any common drawbacks to consider before visiting Wabi-Sabi?
Some patrons have noted that service can be slow or inconsistent, and the restaurant’s small size can lead to a cramped atmosphere with limited seating. There have also been occasional mentions of hygiene concerns.