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oChef » Wasabi Bistro – San Francisco
Wasabi Bistro - San Francisco
Photo from Wasabi Bistro
Wasabi Bistro at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 19 of the guests
#1362 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#119 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
114
Reviews
74.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Hot pot
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Info accuracy
The restaurant Wasabi Bistro, a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Richmond District, invites you to a casual dining experience. You can enjoy a variety of offerings, from healthy options and small plates to a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed lunch or a delightful dinner, this spot offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can dine in, grab takeout, or opt for convenient delivery.
Overview: Introducting Wasabi Bistro
Wasabi Bistro offers a compelling dining experience, particularly for those seeking satisfying meals. Many appreciate the diverse menu, with particular praise for the hot pot and well-prepared sushi rolls.
The all you can eat and drink options also stand out, providing a generous offering that customers find quite appealing. However, some visits have been marred by inconsistent service, including occasional communication barrier issues.
While the atmosphere is generally pleasant for groups, a few guests found the environment could be loud at times, and parking sometimes presents a challenge.
Good
7.3
out of 10
114
Reviews
74.6%
Satisfaction
18
negative
11
neutral
85
positive
Wasabi Bistro generally garners a positive reception, reflected in its 7.3 Restaurant Score and 74.6% Customer Satisfaction. The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring a strong (8).
Guests frequently commend the quality of dishes, making it a primary draw. Value also performs well at (7.1), with many finding the pricing fair for the experience, especially the all-you-can-eat options.
However, Service (6.4) and Ambience (6.4) present areas for potential improvement, indicating a mixed experience for some diners. These scores suggest that while many have good interactions, others encounter occasional difficulties.
This assessment is drawn from 114 customer observations, comprising 85 positive remarks against 18 negative ones, providing a solid basis for these insights.
What people like
- Delicious hot pot
- Varied sushi options
- Excellent AYCE value
What people don't like
- Service communication issues
- Unreliable closure updates
- Inconsistent dining atmosphere
Wasabi Bistro appears to be a solid choice for those prioritizing a satisfying meal and good value, especially if you enjoy hot pot or a variety of sushi. The generous all-you-can-eat options make it particularly appealing for group outings or a hearty meal.
However, be mindful of potential service inconsistencies and check ahead for operational hours, as some have faced unexpected closures. With a 7.8 Recommendation Score, it’s generally worth a visit, but managing expectations regarding service and ambience could enhance your experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Wasabi Bistro
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really shines! With a fantastic score of 8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 86.4%, its clear guests are loving whats on their plates. From delicious broths and amazing sushi options to the incredible value of the all-you-can-eat option and quality meats, there are 51 positive remarks out of 59 total, making it a definite culinary highlight.
However, no place is perfect, and a couple of minor points came up. Out of 59 comments, only 2 were negative, mentioning things like the orange chicken and some of the sake not quite hitting the mark. While these are few, it's worth noting for those with specific preferences.
Food
59
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
2
negative
6
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious broths
- Amazing sushi options
- Quality meats
What people don't like
- Raw food served
Often praised
- foodThis place is the spot that you need to bring your families to enjoy the great, delicious hot pot on points. Love it and will definitely come back for more…
- brothsThe broths are nothing short of legendary
- hot potThis place is the spot that you need to bring your families to enjoy the great, delicious hot pot on points. Love it and will definitely come back for more…
- miso soupMiso soup was not included with the meal, but tasty
- AYCE dinner menuThe AYCE dinner menu includes appetizers and drinks
- California rollCalifornia roll was real snow crab and well made
- FoodFood:5
- Iris rollThe California roll was made with real snow crab and was well-prepared. The Iris roll with mango was delicate, the double tuna had a slight spice, and the Pink Lady roll was well-blended. All were good.
- Pink LadyPink Lady was well blended
- agedashi tofuagedashi tofu which was pretty good
Frequently criticized
- orange chickenreceived multiple pieces that were fully raw
- sakeSake was not good
If youre looking for a place with great food variety, quality ingredients, and excellent value, especially with all-you-can-eat options, this restaurant is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful of a couple of minor critiques regarding specific items like the orange chicken or sake, but overall, youre in for a treat.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, things are a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.4 with 63.6% customer satisfaction. On the bright side, many guests (14 out of 22 opinions) rave about the warm greetings from the sushi chef and hostess, the great staff, and super speedy service. They even accommodate large tables and offer complimentary drinks!
However, 7 opinions point to some bumps in the road. Issues like online orders not being fulfilled, inaccurate website information, and a server with a communication barrier can lead to frustrating experiences. This suggests that while the in-person staff can be fantastic, there are some areas needing attention, particularly with online systems and clear communication.
Service
22
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Staff is great
- Service is speedy
- Accommodates large groups
What people don't like
- Online orders fail
- Website info inaccurate
- Server communication barrier
Often praised
- serviceGreat staff and great service
- ServiceService is pretty good
- staffThe staff? They’re like a team of well-trained ninjas
- amazing serviceMy experience at this restaurant was great! We arrived at 1 am and were still served hot food with amazing service. Thank you to the team for working so late!
- complimentary drinksoffered us complimentary drinks
- hostess/serverwarmly greeted by hostess/server
- managerManager was really cool
- sushi chefwarmly greeted by sushi chef
- table of 10The all you can eat and drink for $40 is truly a steal. The restaurant was also able to accommodate for a table of 10, which was great, and they were also able to cater to gluten-free eaters.
- working till lateThank you very much guys for working till late!
Frequently criticized
- Google MapsNeither their own website or Google Maps indicated that they are closed
- communication barrierOur experience at the restaurant was extremely frustrating. The server did not speak English, making it impossible to understand him. We attempted to order by pointing at the food, but he repeatedly said 'no'.
- customer serviceThat's poor customer service
- online orderOnline order was accepted and the only message back was to pick up the order
- serverThe server did not speak english and we could not understand what he was saying
- websiteNeither their own website or Google Maps indicated that they are closed
- website ordering systemI walked for 10 minutes to the restaurant, only to find a handwritten sign in the window stating they are closed from 6/24 - 6/26. I cannot get a refund from the website ordering system and will have to chargeback the credit card transaction. Neither their own website nor Google Maps indicated that they were closed.
If youre dining in, youll likely enjoy the great staff and speedy service, especially if you have a large group. However, be cautious with online orders or relying on their website for up-to-date information, as these can be a source of frustration.
Ambience (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
The ambience here gets a 6.4 score, landing it squarely in the average range, but with some definite bright spots! Many guests love the fun, chill environment and warm atmosphere, making it a nice place for a date night or even a big group thanks to plenty of seats. Plus, parking is often easy, and the noise level is generally quiet, allowing for good conversation.
However, its not always smooth sailing, as reflected in the 58.8% customer satisfaction, which is a mixed bag. Some found the place quite loud, making conversation difficult, and a few struggled with difficult parking. There were even mentions of dirty dishes, which can definitely detract from the overall environment.
These 4 negative comments out of 17 total suggest theres still room for improvement.
Ambience
17
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fun, chill environment
- Inviting atmosphere
- Easy parking
What people don't like
- Too loud for talk
- Hard to park
- Dirty dishes seen
Often praised
- environmentTotally a fun lighthearted environment.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- ParkingParking is pretty easy
- atmospherethe atmosphere was just as warm and inviting
- big groupso great for a big group
- date night$110 for a date night with unlimited eats
- nice placenice place to meet up with some friends
- plenty of seatsThere are plenty of seats too
Frequently criticized
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- conversationyou couldn't hear the person you were talking to
- dirty dishesa lot of dirty dishes and utensils
- loudit was so loud
Overall, the ambience here is a bit of a mixed bag. While it can be a fun, inviting spot for groups or dates with a generally pleasant atmosphere, be prepared for potential noise issues that might hinder conversation. Its worth a try if youre looking for a casual, lively spot, but perhaps not for a guaranteed quiet, intimate evening.
Value (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.1 score. Many guests rave about the value for money and how the all you can eat and drink deals are worth every penny, with 10 positive remarks highlighting these fantastic offers where the price includes drinks. However, the customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 62.5%, suggesting not everyone feels the same way.
A few of the 5 negative comments, out of 16 total opinions, mention that it can feel pricy or that some aspects just dont think its worth it, indicating that while many find it a steal, others might not.
Value
16
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- All you can drink
- Great value for money
- Worth every penny
What people don't like
- Can be pricy
- Not always worth it
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a fun place to eat for a cheap price. The all you can eat and drink for $40 is truly a steal.
- all you can drinkincredible value of the $10 all you can drink offer
- All You Can Drink deal$10 All You Can Drink deal for sake, American wine, the aforementioned Sapporo and some fruit punch cocktails
- all you can eat and drinkall you can eat and drink for $40 is a steal
- billOur bill without tip was $76
- value for moneyGreat value for money for sure!
- worth every pennyit was worth every penny
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking is unavailable
- discountdiscounted $3
- drinksit is pricy
- worth itdon't think it's worth it
If youre looking for a great deal, especially with all you can eat and drink options, this place offers solid value. However, be mindful that some find it a bit pricy if youre not taking full advantage of those specific offers, so choose wisely to get your money's worth.
How are the prices at Wasabi Bistro?
You’re looking at roughly 35 per person – reported by 19 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests spend in the $31–$40 or $41–$50 range, showing a consistent mid-to-upper-mid pricing experience rather than a mix of budget and premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 19 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a consistent experience without extreme highs or lows, making it a reliable choice for its price point.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Wasabi Bistro
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Good Value All-You-Can-Eat Hot Pot
My experience at this restaurant was a good one, offering an inexpensive option for all-you-can-eat hot pot in the Richmond district. For $36, the price was inclusive of both food and alcoholic beverages. The service was rated a 2, and the atmosphere also received a 2, with a moderate noise level.
Food quality was rated a 3.
- all-you-can-eat hot pot8
- price9
- food6
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Hotpot with Excellent Service
Our go-to hotpot spot offers amazing quality of meats. The excellent service and the all-you-can-drink option for dinner are nice pluses. While the name might be a bit confusing, it's definitely a great hotpot spot!
- quality of meats9
- service9
- all-you-can-drink8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Unable to order, had to leave
Our experience at the restaurant was extremely frustrating. The server did not speak English, making it impossible to understand him. We attempted to order by pointing at the food, but he repeatedly said 'no'.
Due to this significant communication barrier, we ended up leaving without eating. It's essential to have staff who can communicate effectively with customers.
- server1
- communication barrier1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Hot Pot, Worth the Visit!
This place is the spot that you need to bring your families to enjoy the great, delicious hot pot on points. Love it and will definitely come back for more…
- hot pot9
- food9
- Atmosphere10
- Parking3
- Parking space3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Favorite Hot Pot with Great Value
This is our favorite hot pot place. We found the food quality to be good, with large portions. The price is a great value because it includes drinks.
- food quality8
- large portions8
- price9
What Wasabi Bistro offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services are available at Wasabi Bistro?
At Wasabi Bistro, you can enjoy a casual dining experience for both lunch and dinner, complete with table service. For your convenience, the restaurant also offers takeout and delivery services, ensuring you can savor their Japanese cuisine wherever you are.
What payment methods and accessibility features does Wasabi Bistro provide?
Wasabi Bistro makes dining easy with multiple payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. The establishment is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for all guests.
How does Wasabi Bistro generally perform according to customer feedback?
Wasabi Bistro holds a Restaurant Score of 7.3 and a Customer Satisfaction of 74.6%. Its **Food** (8) and **Value** (7.1) are highly rated, while **Service** (6.4) and **Ambience** (6.4) are considered average.
What are the standout culinary offerings at Wasabi Bistro?
Customers frequently praise the delicious **hot pot** and the well-prepared sushi rolls, including the **California roll** and **Iris roll**. The **AYCE dinner menu** is also a popular highlight.
Are there any common issues customers have experienced at Wasabi Bistro?
Some customers have reported **communication barrier** issues with service and found the restaurant’s closure information to be unreliable online. Occasional complaints about a **loud** atmosphere and parking difficulties also arise.