Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » YakiniQ – San Francisco
YakiniQ - San Francisco
Photo from YakiniQ
YakiniQ at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 125 of the guests
#2205 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#35 Korean Restaurant out of 36 in San Francisco
Average
5.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
716
Reviews
51.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality Food
- Attentive Staff
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Poor Ventilation
- High Price
- Loud Crowded
The restaurant YakiniQ is a vibrant Korean Restaurant located in San Francisco’s bustling Japantown. You will discover a fantastic all-you-can-eat experience here, perfect for satisfying your cravings.
This spot offers a casual yet trendy atmosphere, inviting you to enjoy delicious meals with friends and family. It’s a popular destination for those seeking authentic flavors and a lively dining scene.
Overview: Introducting YakiniQ
YakiniQ offers a compelling experience for those seeking Korean BBQ, with many praising the quality of the food and the overall selection. Guests frequently note the attentive service and efficient staff, contributing to a generally pleasant dining outing.
However, the atmosphere at YakiniQ can be a mixed bag. While some appreciate the lively ambience, others find it quite loud and smoky, with ventilation being a recurring concern.
Be prepared for a bustling environment.
Average
5.8
out of 10
716
Reviews
51.3%
Satisfaction
297
negative
52
neutral
367
positive
Overall, YakiniQ earns an average 5.8 out of 10, with Customer Satisfaction sitting at a mixed 51.3%. This indicates a place with notable strengths but also areas for improvement.
The Food (6.9) stands out as a clear highlight, with many positive comments about the quality of the meat and variety, gathered from 367 positive opinions out of 716 total. However, other aspects present a more average picture.
Service (4.8) receives mixed feedback, with some experiences being excellent while others mention rudeness or inefficiency. Similarly, Ambience (5.6) and Value (4.4) hover around average, reflecting concerns about noise, smoke, and pricing, as seen in 297 negative opinions.
What people like
- Quality Food Selection
- Attentive Staff
- Good Value
What people don't like
- Poor Ventilation
- High Price/Fees
- Loud/Crowded Atmosphere
YakiniQ presents a solid option for Korean BBQ, particularly if quality meat is your priority. With a Recommendation Score of 6.2, it suggests a generally positive experience, though not without its caveats.
If you prioritize flavorful food and attentive service over a quiet, well-ventilated dining space, YakiniQ could be a good fit. However, those sensitive to noise, smoke, or potential pricing surprises might want to explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on YakiniQ
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 6.9 score, indicating a good dining experience. Many of the 217 positive remarks rave about the quality of meat, especially the all-you-can-eat options and the variety of options available. Guests also frequently praise the banchan and side dishes, finding them delicious and plentiful.
However, with a customer satisfaction of 66.4%, it's a bit of a mixed bag. Some of the 83 negative comments point to low quality meats and a general lack of flavor in certain dishes. There are also mentions of a limited menu for basic options and bad sauces, suggesting some inconsistency in the culinary offerings.
Food
327
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
83
negative
27
neutral
217
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality meat selection
- Vast AYCE variety
- Delicious unlimited banchan
What people don't like
- Inconsistent meat quality
- Disappointing flavor profile
- Limited basic options
Often praised
- foodI was greeted by a friendly hostess upon the stairs, and the servers were also very friendly. The food was great, with the short rib being a particular standout. Overall, a very enjoyable dining experience.
- meatNone of the meat was old either, you can tell that everything is fresh!
- Korean BBQMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's hands down some of the best Korean BBQ in NorCal. I felt clean after eating there, as the food seemed to digest well without any issues.
- kimchiMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, thanks to the very kind workers and nice setups. I really enjoy going there and constantly eat the kimchi! The excellent service was a definite highlight.
- all you can eatMy experience at this great KBBQ place was fantastic. They offer all you can eat for a 2-hour period, and there are lots of options to choose from. The staff were friendly, and I highly recommend it.
- all-you-can-eatthe all-you-can-eat option was a hit
- banchanthe banchan is fresh and tasty
- brisketbrisket and bulgogi were great
- steamed eggthe only redeeming quality about this place is the steamed egg
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- foodI thought the food would be delicious, but it wasn't very impressive.
- meatIf Koreans were to visit, I would absolutely tell them not to go. All the meat tasted like cheap frozen meat, and the naengmyeon and some side dishes were truly the worst. I experienced a strange naengmyeon taste for the first time in my life.
- sidessides (that were sitting there upon my arrival)
- food qualityfood quality for the price is not even worth it
- beerordered a beer that didn’t come for about 20 minutes
- birthday cakeI had a bad experience last week because the establishment decided to destroy the birthday cake of our friend when we didn’t decide to dine in. We left the cake prior to our reservation and picked it up after we decided to cancel.
- meat optionscould have had more meat options
- meatsSome of the meats feel a bit unthawed
- mushroomsMushroom’s root is not cut. I can even see mud on it.
- saucesHorrible sauce: soy sauce is better than any sauces provided
If you're looking for a good variety of meats and enjoy the all-you-can-eat experience, especially with the premium options, this place could be a solid choice. However, be mindful that some guests have found the quality inconsistent, so manage your expectations for every dish.
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag. While the score sits at an average 4.8, customer satisfaction is a poor 39.6%, suggesting some real room for improvement. Many guests, however, praised the attentive staff, friendly staff, and fast service, especially noting how quickly grill plates were changed.
Out of 235 total opinions, 93 were positive, highlighting these bright spots. On the flip side, 131 negative opinions point to significant issues. Many experienced frustrating waiting times and reported instances of poor service from rude waiters, with some feeling rushed.
It seems consistency is a major challenge here, leading to a noticeable dip in overall guest happiness.
Service
235
Reviews
39%
Satisfaction
131
negative
11
neutral
93
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Fast service
- Grill plates changed
What people don't like
- Long waits
- Rude staff
- Poor service
Often praised
- serviceWe really enjoyed the premium AYCE option, which was priced at $40 per person. The service was great, and we only experienced a short wait of about 15 minutes for Sunday dinner around 6: 30 PM, which definitely beats the Daeho lines. My only complaint is that there are no vents at the tables, so we definitely left reeking of meat and garlic.
- staffstaff were attentive to the need of changing the grill plates
- serversMy first time at an AYCE KBBQ in SF was a good experience overall. The wait time was quite long, but the servers were very kind and friendly. The food was really good, especially the short rib and the cold noodles.
- ServiceService was friendly and efficient.
- customer servicethey really did have their customer service on point
- grillA note for diners: you have to cook the meat yourself, and it can get a little smoky towards one side of the table due to a less-than-great fan. It's advisable to request to have your grill changed regularly.
- waitersI recommend the buffet. The waiters were attentive in bringing the food and changing the hot plate.
- grill platesMy experience at this restaurant was delicious. The staff were incredibly attentive to the need of changing the grill plates, which was a great touch. The food was excellent, and the service made the dining experience very pleasant.
- hot plateI recommend the buffet. The waiters were attentive in bringing the food and changing the hot plate.
- waitBe prepared for a wait, as it's ALWAYS busy, so arriving when they open or leaving a reservation is recommended. However, it's worth every minute of the wait.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to racist employees and a complete lack of logic in their service. I was asked to leave after only 45 minutes because the table was supposedly reserved for someone else.
- managerOn top of that, the service was awful. The manager was rude to our party. Although we had 10 people, they doubled the order for one grill without asking, even when another table had dietary restrictions and had to order no beef.
- waiting time1 hour for a party of 3 is absolutely not enough time
- serverThe server in front of the door wearing a black glasses frame is very bad.
- staffThe staff was extremely rude.
- attitudeHe was very rude with all the attitude
- burnerchanged our burner several times and once he was sloppy and dropped it
- hostthe HOST did not say a word. He was not welcoming.
- menuMy experience at this restaurant was marked by confusing menu and confusing service. The quality of the meats was low, though the prices were cheap.
- reservationsStaff blamed customer for not making reservations correctly
If you're willing to gamble on potentially great service and quick grill changes, it might be worth a shot. However, be prepared for possible long waits and inconsistent staff attitudes that could sour your experience.
Ambience (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.6 (average) and customer satisfaction sitting at 42.5% (mixed). Many guests appreciate the lively atmosphere and Korean vibe, making it a great choice for a date night or just a fun experience. Positive comments often highlight the cleanliness of the restaurant and the overall good vibes from 34 positive expressions.
However, the ambience isnt without its challenges, as noted in 36 negative expressions. Common complaints revolve around "loud music" and the place getting quite "crowded. " The "poor ventilation" is a recurring issue, leading to a "smoky" environment and concerns about how youll smell afterwards.
It seems the fan and vents struggle to keep up with the cooking.
Ambience
80
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
36
negative
10
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively atmosphere
- Korean vibe
- Good location
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Poor ventilation
- Often crowded
Often praised
- atmosphereWe stumbled upon this restaurant when our other plans fell through, and I'm so glad we did! We were seated right away even though the place was packed and lively. A pro tip for those new to Korean BBQ: look at the menu ahead of time to know what type of meats and sides you want for each all-you-can-eat round.
- experienceThe grill was changed frequently, and the staff checked on us every 5 minutes. It was a truly great experience all around, with good quality food and 5-star service. I will definitely be back!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationThe location is nice
- placeSmall little place and felt authentic
- K-pop atmosphereAmbiance kpop au top
- Korean vibedefinitely had a Korean vibe
- cake reviewThe cake review cracked me up, not sure why but that’s hilarious
- cleanliness of the restaurantcleanliness of the restaurant, always love it
- date nightit would have to be a date night thing
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is busy, and the tables are a bit outdated.
- loudit can be fairly loud
- ventilationThe bad news is that I now have lung cancer. Horrible, almost non-existent ventilation. They clearly don’t clean their ventilators which are probably full of grease.
- loud musicLoud music and mediocre food
- smokeThe smoke is very heavy
- smokyMy experience at this restaurant was delicious and affordable, with great service even though it was insanely crowded. A note for diners: you have to cook the meat yourself, and it can get a little smoky towards one side of the table due to a less-than-great fan. It's advisable to request to have your grill changed regularly.
- cooking smellsSharp cooking smells.
- crowdedsometimes it can get crowded
- crowdshow insanely crowded/crazy it was
- family diningnot a family dining experience especially with kids
If youre looking for a lively, energetic spot with a strong Korean vibe and dont mind a bit of noise or a smoky atmosphere, you might enjoy it. However, if you prefer a quiet, well-ventilated dining experience, this might not be the best fit for you.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.4, placing it squarely in the average range. Many folks appreciate the price and all you can eat option, often finding it to be good value for the quality, especially the premium AYCE option. With 23 positive remarks, customers often feel they get good quality for their money, making it relatively affordable for an AYCE experience.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a poor 31.1%, largely due to 47 negative comments out of 74 total. Many find it expensive and are put off by various hidden charges like service fee, gratuity, and other random fees, which some even describe as a scam. These extra costs, often tied to tip policy or child pricing, can significantly inflate the bill and leave a sour taste.
Value
74
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
47
negative
4
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good quality for price
- Affordable AYCE options
- Reasonable price
What people don't like
- Hidden service fees
- Overpriced for quality
- Confusing pricing policy
Often praised
- priceWorth the price, isn’t too pricy for getting all you can eat
- pricessurprisingly great prices
- $29.99 per person optionI recommend the $29.99 per person option
- 3 year oldThe 3 year old was $18 which was reasonable
- AYCE optionthe 29.99 pp option and it did not disappoint.
- AYCE price pointswent for the $34.99 and it did not disappoint
- all you can eat$30 for all you can eat
- all you can eat optionrecommend the same one for everyone because for few bucks extra you are getting better food options
- good pricedgood priced nice and authentic Korean BBQ
- good valuestill pretty good value overall
Frequently criticized
- priceI've had better KBBQ in the East Bay for a cheaper price. The overall cost for this KBBQ was extremely expensive, making it feel like a scam. A significant issue was the restriction on meat choices; we couldn't select certain meats unless we opted for the premium version, and vice versa.
- billWhen the bill came, payment is on a iPad with the waiter waiting and default lowest tip is 18% (when there was already a SF healthcare fee on the bill).
- service feeA big issue was the automatic 18% service fee
- tipMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to the unacceptable service. After paying over $30 each for a meal, the staff became unhappy with our tip. They proceeded to harass us by dropping off a bill with the tip section circled and explicitly telling us "not to leave" until we had tipped more.
- expensiveit's very expensive
- All You Can Eatleft still hungry which is crazy for an All You Can Eat place
- CA Employee benefitThey charge a CA Employee benefit of 5?
- SF city taxcharge the SF city tax too
- additional feepay an additional fee for staff's health insurance
- all you can eatsupposed to be all you can eat for 39.99
If you're looking for an all-you-can-eat experience and are mindful of potential extra charges, you might find decent value here. However, be prepared for a potentially higher bill than expected due to various fees, which could make it feel overpriced for some.
How are the prices at YakiniQ?
On average, you’ll spend around 56 $ per person – based on 125 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For a Korean Restaurant in San Francisco, thats comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning a bit higher.
Looking at what others spend, while many guests enjoy a meal in the 31 – 50 $ range, theres also a good number opting for experiences in the $61–$70 and even 101 $+ brackets, showing a nice mix of options available.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 125 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Korean restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, allowing for both a more casual meal and a more indulgent experience, depending on what youre looking for.
Customer Reviews: what people think about YakiniQ
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Worst KBBQ Experience, Service Nonexistent
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The only positive aspect was the prompt arrival of the banchan, which tasted good and helped with our hunger. However, once the server took our order, they were completely absent.
They forgot my beer and bottle of soju, only bringing them out when I was already full from the meal. Our steam rice and mushroom were also forgotten. Beyond the nonexistent service, the soontofu lacked Korean depth, and the bibimcooksu was flavorless.
On a positive note, they did offer soft rice paper rolls, and the KalBi was good. Overall, this was one of the worst KBBQ experiences I've had, bordering on offensive due to the poor service.
- banchan8
- soft rice paper rolls7
- KalBi8
- server1
- beer2
- bottle of soju2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Service, Consistent Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service is great every time, with servers who consistently make the experience enjoyable. The food is also consistent, though it's important to note there's no wagyu.
I especially love all the Banchan!
- service10
- servers10
- food8
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Manager, Okay Food
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The food was fine, but the service, particularly from the manager, was very disappointing. We arrived at 9 pm for the Premium all-you-can-eat set for 4.
After our initial large plate, we started our first round of orders just before the kitchen closed at 10 pm. We were trying to finish everything when, shortly before 10 pm, we politely asked for a grill plate change, which a staff member kindly assisted with. However, the manager then approached us, appearing very upset, stating the restaurant was closed and we could no longer ask for service.
This was astonishing as it wasn't yet 10 pm. We continued to finish our meal, concluding at 10: 20 pm. The manager returned, even more upset, stating everyone was waiting to clean up.
His attitude and rudeness were unacceptable. If they were strict about closing time, a polite reminder 15 minutes prior would have been more appropriate than his angry demeanor. I don't think we will return.
- food6
- grill plate6
- staff8
- manager2
- service2
- closing time3
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious food and attentive service!
My experience at this restaurant was delicious. The staff were incredibly attentive to the need of changing the grill plates, which was a great touch. The food was excellent, and the service made the dining experience very pleasant.
- food10
- staff10
- grill plates10
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fantastic Premium Option - A Must-Try!
Our first visit here was 10 years ago on our honeymoon. Returning to San Francisco for a business trip, we had to make a stop for memory's sake. We DEFINITELY recommend getting the Premium option.
It was fantastic!
- Premium option10
What YakiniQ offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Offerings
- Late-night food
- All you can eat
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and services can you expect at YakiniQ Korean BBQ?
At YakiniQ Korean BBQ, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with comfortable seating and table service. For your convenience, the restaurant also offers dine-in, delivery, and no-contact delivery services, ensuring you can enjoy their food however you prefer.
Does YakiniQ Korean BBQ offer all-you-can-eat and late-night dining, and what's the atmosphere like?
Yes, YakiniQ Korean BBQ is well-known for its all-you-can-eat offerings and is a great spot for late-night food. You’ll find a casual and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed yet lively dining experience. They also serve a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails to complement your meal.
What is the overall rating for YakiniQ?
YakiniQ holds an average Restaurant Score of 5.8. Its Food (6.9) is highly rated, while Ambience (5.6), Service (4.8), and Value (4.4) are considered average.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at YakiniQ?
Many customers praise the quality of the meat, noting its freshness, and appreciate the variety of options available in the all-you-can-eat format.
Are there any common complaints about the dining experience at YakiniQ?
Yes, several customers mention issues with the ambience, specifically concerns about poor ventilation, a loud environment, and heavy smoke during their meal.