Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar – San Francisco
Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar - San Francisco
Photo from Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar
Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar at a glance
San Francisco Inner Sunset
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 84 of the guests
#154 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#30 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
540
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality food
- Attentive service
- Pleasant ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Wait times
- Upselling
- Value perception
The restaurant Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar in San Francisco’s vibrant Inner Sunset neighborhood offers you a delightful dining experience. This cozy spot is known for its authentic sushi, healthy options, and a wide selection of sake, making it a perfect destination for a casual yet trendy meal.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner.
Overview: Introducting Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar
Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar offers a dining experience where the high quality fish and excellent service often stand out. Guests frequently praise the fresh ingredients and the attentive, friendly staff who go the extra mile to make you feel welcome.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding long waiting times for food and occasional upselling tactics. While many find the experience reasonably priced, a few feel certain items don’t quite justify their cost.
Excellent
8.7
out of 10
540
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
39
negative
15
neutral
486
positive
Overall, Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar achieves an impressive restaurant score of 8.7 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This strong performance is backed by an excellent 90% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave happy.
These figures are drawn from a considerable pool of 540 customer remarks, with 486 positive observations against just 39 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Service (9.3) truly shines, consistently earning high praise for its attentiveness.
The Food (8.8) also receives excellent marks, with many appreciating the quality and preparation. The restaurant’s Ambience (8.6) contributes significantly to the pleasant experience, while Value (6.8) is considered good, though it’s an area where some minor concerns occasionally arise.
What people like
- High-quality, fresh food
- Exceptional, attentive service
- Inviting, chic ambiance
What people don't like
- Occasional long wait times
- Perceived upselling tactics
- Some portion/price concerns
Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar comes with a strong recommendation score of 9, suggesting it’s a place well worth considering. If you prioritize high-quality fish and excellent service in a pleasant setting, this restaurant is likely to impress.
While some minor issues like occasional long waiting times or upselling might arise, they generally don’t detract from the overall positive experience. For a satisfying sushi and sake outing, Zentarou offers a compelling choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting an impressive score of 8.8 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 90.8%. With 315 positive comments out of 347 total remarks, diners consistently rave about the impeccable freshness and high quality of the sushi and sashimi, often highlighting the creative omakase experiences and fantastic sake selection. It's clear the culinary team delivers delicious, memorable Japanese cuisine.
However, a smaller number of 23 negative remarks point to a few areas for improvement. Some guests found portions to be smaller than expected for the price, and there were occasional mentions of inconsistent rice quality or issues with certain fish items. While these concerns exist, they are significantly outweighed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the overall dining experience.
Food
347
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
23
negative
9
neutral
315
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Impeccably fresh fish
- Creative, delicious omakase
- Excellent sake selection
What people don't like
- Portions can be small
- Inconsistent rice quality
Often praised
- foodThe chef demonstrated talented serving of a variety of nigiri styles. The food was delicious, prompting us to order additional appetizers and their Zentarou roll. The service was outstanding; our server even knelt to converse with us at eye level.
- sushi⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ As someone who recently moved from NYC and is always seeking top-quality sushi, I can confidently say that Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar is my go-to spot in the neighborhood. I find myself returning for both lunch and dinner because the experience is consistently excellent.
- fishWe’ve been talking so much about how we missed the food in Japan and the omakase here transported us back. Biggest highlights: -Incredibly high quality fish, imported from Japan -Carefully and successfully accommodated my allergies and ensured I never missed any dishes I couldn’t have -Made our celebration special with a birthday treat (pictured) ❤️ a perfect desert that was not too sweet and rounded out the meal beautifully. Tiny bit of feedback for improvement: -We sat at the counter but couldn’t really see the chefs work due to the height of the counter- it would’ve been cool to see the chefs slicing/choosing fish.
- nigiriThe staff treated us so well and provided excellent recommendations from the chef. Every bite of nigiri was absolutely delicious, perfectly balanced and seasoned, needing no soy sauce. We also enjoyed several rolls, which were all delicious as well.
- qualityWe wandered in spontaneously and were glad we did. The Unagi don (my favorite), chirashi don, zuke toro, and onigiri were all very good and reasonably priced for the quality and quantity. The servers were very friendly.
- sakeYou absolutely need to come here! This is a great sushi place with tasty sake, and they conveniently take reservations. I had the pleasure of speaking with the owner, who not only designed this warm, inviting, and chic environment but also traveled the world researching Japanese cuisine and sake.
- sake selectionThe craft cocktails and sake selection are great
- sashimiBella, our host/server, was amazing and provided the best recommendations for sashimi. I can honestly say it was the best sashimi I’ve ever had. Bella's expertise extended to sake pairings, with fantastic recommendations that complemented the food perfectly.
- menuThe owners are also super friendly, so don't hesitate to chat with them! I've been a handful of times, and my favorite rolls are the Flaming and Zentarou, but you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. If you're willing to splurge, try out the new omakase menu.
- omakaseMy experience at this restaurant was the best bang for your buck for an omakase in SF. For $92, I enjoyed a 6-course meal that was absolutely delicious.
Frequently criticized
- Kisetsu TastingWe agreed. When they brought out the 2nd Kisetsu Tasting, it was completely different from the first - it was still 9 pieces, but they took out the Toro 🫤. The pieces of nigiri were small - from the rice to the thinly cut sashimi.
- sushireally mid at best sushi
- Zentarou's BoxMy other dinner buddy also ordered the mini chirashi don, but was up sold to the $58 Zentarou's Box - 9 mini chirashi bowls. Impressive looking and once again, nothing wrong with the quality, but O-M-G that price tag! Not sure how they plan to survive amongst all the other sushi restaurants in the area 😬.
- chirashi bowlThere was nothing wrong with the quality of the dish, but it was not worth $34. I have never paid so much for such a small chirashi bowl. My other dinner buddy also ordered the mini chirashi don, but was up sold to the $58 Zentarou's Box - 9 mini chirashi bowls.
- eggplantThe eggplant in that same dish was also tougher than expected
- fishsome of the fish was hard to eat it was kind of nasty
- food poisoninggot food poisoning and threw up
- freshness and qualitylack in freshness and quality
- gyudonI'd pass on the gyudon lol
- hamachithe hamachi tasted slightly overcooked
If you're seeking an exceptional Japanese dining experience with incredibly fresh fish and creative dishes, this place is definitely worth a visit. While some find the portions a bit small for the price, the overwhelming quality and deliciousness make it a strong contender for your next meal.
Service (9.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.3 and a fantastic 94.5% customer satisfaction, it's clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 91 opinions, a whopping 86 rave about the attentive and professional staff, friendly servers, and their knowledgeable recommendations, making you feel welcomed immediately with genuine hospitality.
However, a few of the 91 opinions did mention some minor hiccups. A handful of guests noted concerns about waiting time and slow service, with one even feeling a bit put off by subtle upselling. But these are isolated instances amidst overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Service
91
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
86
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, professional staff
- Knowledgeable recommendations
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Long waiting time
- Slow service
- Subtle upselling
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was very good. The food quality was excellent, complemented by excellent service. I was pleasantly surprised by the reasonable prices.
- staffAll staffs are energetically attentive and greeting us like one of their family.
- serverOur server even bent her knee on the floor to talk with us
- recommendationsMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely incredible! Bella, our host/server, was amazing and provided the best recommendations for sashimi. I can honestly say it was the best sashimi I’ve ever had.
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceexcellent customer service
- ownersowners, Zen and Bee. They’ve created such a genuine, inviting atmosphere.
- teamThe food and service were amazing. The team at Zentarou are so lovely, and the sushi is fresh and creatively made. We ordered the Zentarou box, Miracle roll, and Zeitaku don, and everything was so decadent and yummy!
- waiterthe waiter was kind enough to let me taste a couple options before committing
- B and BellaB and Bella were our amazing host and waitress.
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice didn’t quite justify the price
- 40 minutes to come outFood took 40 minutes to come out
- upsellingWe were the only table. The server was attentive and very proud of the establishment, but not subtle in upselling, which was kind of a turn off. One of my dining buddies ordered the $60 Kisetsu Tasting - chef's choice of 9 pieces of nigiri.
- waiting timeDon’t come if you’re in a rush
If youre looking for a dining experience where youll be well taken care of, this spot is definitely worth a visit. The service is overwhelmingly praised for being attentive and friendly, ensuring a memorable meal. Just be mindful of potential wait times during busy periods.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
The ambiance at this spot truly shines, earning a good score of 8.6 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 93.2%. With 68 positive remarks out of 73, guests frequently praise the intimate dining room, welcoming atmosphere, and beautiful Japandi decor. Many find it perfect for a date night vibe, creating a wonderful experience.
However, a few of the 73 comments point out some minor concerns. The noise level was occasionally described as loud, and one guest noted issues with the counter height impacting their experience. These are minor points, given the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Ambience
73
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, intimate atmosphere
- Beautiful Japandi decor
- Great date night vibe
What people don't like
- Loud noise level
- Counter height issues
Often praised
- atmosphereWe typically order special and regular rolls, bento boxes, miso soup, and seaweed salad, and they always deliver delicious food! The restaurant is discreetly located on the lower level of a little corner square, making for a super cute atmosphere.
- experiencefeel the care they put into both the food and the overall experience
- restaurantIt's the best place to get sushi, and all the food is great. The staff are kind and thoughtful, and the restaurant itself is clean, offering great vibes.
- vibesThe sushi was incredibly fresh and tasty. The owner was very friendly, contributing to the good vibes. There was also ample seating.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancethe ambiance lovely
- ambiencethe ambience is really nice and calm
- environmentThis is a great sushi place with tasty sake, and they conveniently take reservations. I had the pleasure of speaking with the owner, who not only designed this warm, inviting, and chic environment but also traveled the world researching Japanese cuisine and sake. The uni flight was truly exceptional.
- placehow great this place is on every level
- Kyoto bar styleThis restaurant is a great addition to the Inner Sunset. It matches the energy of Fiorella with its look and feel, reminiscent of a classic Kyoto bar style. It appears to be a good alternative to Ibitsu, especially with its current soft opening.
Frequently criticized
- ambienceI honestly don't understand the positive reviews; the sushi was really mid at best. The atmosphere was also a letdown, being really loud with a lackluster ambience. This place is a definite 'no' for me.
- counter heightBiggest highlights: -Incredibly high quality fish, imported from Japan -Carefully and successfully accommodated my allergies and ensured I never missed any dishes I couldn’t have -Made our celebration special with a birthday treat (pictured) ❤️ a perfect desert that was not too sweet and rounded out the meal beautifully. Tiny bit of feedback for improvement: -We sat at the counter but couldn’t really see the chefs work due to the height of the counter- it would’ve been cool to see the chefs slicing/choosing fish. It also could’ve been nice to get served omakase style directly from the chefs at the counter!
- noise levelReally loud too
If you're looking for a restaurant with a fantastic atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Its cozy, stylish, and intimate setting makes it ideal for a special evening, though be mindful that it can get a bit lively.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some real gems! Many customers rave about the lunch special and how its "worth every penny, " often feeling like a great "upgrade" for the "price. " With 17 positive remarks out of 29 total, it seems many find the offerings quite reasonable, contributing to a 6.8 score thats almost hitting the good mark.
However, it's not all sunshine and savings. A notable portion of diners, 8 to be exact, felt the price or price tag was a bit steep, leading to a 58.6% customer satisfaction, which is a bit mixed. Some found certain items overpriced or simply not worth the price for the quality received.
Value
29
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
8
negative
4
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great lunch specials
- Reasonably priced
- Worth every penny
What people don't like
- Can be overpriced
- Not worth price
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was a wonderful Omakase dining experience. The amazing apps and rolls were a highlight, and I was pleasantly surprised by how super reasonably priced it was.
- pricessurprisingly reasonable prices
- reasonably pricedEverything was so fresh, and I was impressed to see the chefs cutting the fish right during lunch. If you're looking for something high quality and reasonably priced, this is the place. The sake selection is amazing as well.
- breaking the bankwithout breaking the bank
- every pennyWorth every penny
- lunch specialGreat deal on the lunch special
- lunch special pricesLunch special prices are quite good
- lunch specialsThe lunch specials are a great value
- money spentThe small dining room created an intimate and fancy atmosphere, making it feel like a special occasion. This was the best money we’ve spent dining out in months, if not years.
- upgradeThe upgrade was totally worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceUnfortunately, the food took 40 minutes to come out, and the portions were smaller than anticipated. In my opinion, it was not worth the price. As part of their soft opening, they did serve a free appetizer (crunchy fried rice with tuna and a piece of avocado), which tasted okay and was the saving grace of this meal.
- price tagMy other dinner buddy also ordered the mini chirashi don, but was up sold to the $58 Zentarou's Box - 9 mini chirashi bowls. Impressive looking and once again, nothing wrong with the quality, but O-M-G that price tag! Not sure how they plan to survive amongst all the other sushi restaurants in the area 😬.
If youre looking for a great deal, especially the lunch specials, youll likely find good value here. However, be mindful that some items might feel a bit pricey for what you get. It's worth a try if you stick to the well-regarded options.
How are the prices at Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar?
On average, you’ll spend around 73 $ per person – based on 84 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $71–$80 category. For a Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s definitely leaning towards the higher-end.
While the average sits here, our data shows a wide spread of spending, with many guests enjoying more premium experiences well above 100 $, indicating a mix of offerings rather than prices clustering tightly around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 84 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the diverse spending patterns and the San Francisco market, we think the pricing feels fair for a restaurant offering a range of experiences, from solid mid-range to more premium options. It’s good to know there are choices for different budgets within the establishment.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Omakase Experience!
This was my first time at the restaurant, and it certainly won't be my last. We opted for the 139 omakase menu, and it truly did not disappoint! We were delighted to receive not one, not two, but three dishes featuring nigiri – an unheard-of offering!
Our hosts, B and Bella, were absolutely amazing. We've become fans and love the team here! We called ahead and were assured of two seats.
Despite a line out the door upon arrival, B stayed true to his word, which we were very thankful for. The customer service here is 5 stars. We also loved the wooden Japandi decor.
- omakase menu10
- nigiri10
- B and Bella10
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious Food, Excellent Service, Beautiful Ambiance
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed the toro and wagyu box, which was absolutely delicious. The service from the wait staff was excellent, and the interior design was beautiful.
I will definitely be visiting again!
- toro and wagyu box10
- service10
- interior design10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
A Soul-Soothing Sushi Sanctuary
This place has become my second home. I frequently visit during lunch, and it consistently soothes my soul. The tranquil atmosphere, combined with delectable and truly fresh fish that they import, makes for a special experience.
The people are wonderful, and the food is even better. I highly recommend it if you enjoy sushi. You truly can't go wrong with anything on the menu, though I'd suggest passing on the gyudon.
- tranquil atmosphere10
- delectable fish10
- fresh fish10
- gyudon3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Sushi Near Golden Gate Park
My son and I had an excellent lunch at this really great sushi place. It was conveniently located just two blocks from the Golden Gate Park 9th street entrance, making for an easy walk. The atmosphere was very nice, with tables spaced well so as not to feel crowded.
The food was fantastic and very fresh. Additionally, the service was quick and friendly.
- sushi place9
- atmosphere9
- tables8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Absolutely Delicious and Memorable Experience!
My experience at Zentarou was 10/10! The food and service were amazing. The team at Zentarou are so lovely, and the sushi is fresh and creatively made.
We ordered the Zentarou box, Miracle roll, and Zeitaku don, and everything was so decadent and yummy! The craft cocktails and sake selection are also great and pair wonderfully with the food. I definitely recommend Zentarou for any occasion!
- food10
- service10
- team10
What Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Does Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar offer accessible options and convenient service?
Yes, you’ll find Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restrooms. For your convenience, they also provide no-contact delivery, takeout, and traditional dine-in service, ensuring a comfortable visit for you.
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar?
At Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar, you can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer table service, catering, and even high chairs for families, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar?
Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar holds an excellent restaurant score of 8.7 out of 10, with 90% customer satisfaction. Its Service (9.3), Food (8.8), and Ambience (8.6) are highly rated, while Value (6.8) is considered good.
What do customers appreciate most about Zentarou Sushi and Sake Bar?
Patrons frequently praise the high quality fish and delicious nigiri, along with the excellent service provided by the attentive staff. The warm, inviting environment also contributes to a positive dining experience.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Some customers have noted long waiting times for food and occasional upselling attempts. There are also a few comments regarding smaller portions or the perceived price tag for certain dishes.