Best Japanese Restaurants in South San Francisco

47 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Benihana - Burlingame, CA restaurant

1. Benihana - Burlingame, CA

4.4

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Burlingame

Booked 81 times today

Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

2. Gintei

4.5

Awesome(500)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • San Bruno

Booked 5 times today

At Gintei in San Bruno, the allure of authentic Japanese sushi is vividly brought to life. Renowned for its fresh fish sourced directly from Tokyo's Tsukiji market, Gintei offers an unparalleled sushi experience. Patrons rave about the "amazing food, service, and romantic/quiet ambiance," with one noting it's the "best I've had south of S.F." The expertly crafted omakase is a standout, inviting diners to "trust the chef" for a sublime tasting journey. Additionally, their extensive sake selection perfectly complements the sushi, enhancing the dining experience. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or a newcomer, Gintei's combination of top-notch ingredients, elegant ambiance, and attentive service promises a memorable culinary adventure.

3. Ichika Izakaya

4.8

Exceptional(15)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • San Bruno

Booked 9 times today

Ichika Izakaya in San Bruno is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Japanese Izakaya cuisine. With its vibrant, upbeat atmosphere and a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, diners consistently praise its offerings. Many reviewers highlight the "authentic Japanese food" and "excellent service" that make each visit memorable. Standout dishes like the "Uni toro bites" and "chicken heart skewer" receive special mentions for their flawless execution and delightful flavors. The omakase experience at Ichika is particularly recommended, allowing guests to enjoy the chef's selections directly at the bar, enhancing the authenticity and overall dining experience. Whether you're near the airport or local to San Bruno, Ichika Izakaya promises a culinary journey worth taking.

A photo of Aji Ichi Japanese Restaurant restaurant

4. Aji Ichi Japanese Restaurant

3.6

Very Good(2)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • San Bruno

Aji Ichi Japanese Restaurant is a neighborhood Japanese restaurant located in San Bruno. We take pride in providing our guests with only the very best sushi, sashimi, and teriyaki bowls. We can make you the freshest and most delicious choices of sushi and sashimi for all of your tastes, no matter what type of sushi roll or sashimi you desire. The sushi chefs here are highly skilled when it comes to the making of sushi, and our sushi restaurant and Japanese restaurant of Aji Ichi Japanese Restaurant will certainly be the very best sushi restaurant that you have ever or will ever come to. Find your new favorite nearby Japanese restaurant, by looking to us here at Aji Ichi Japanese Restaurant. We are sure to be the very best choice of Japanese restaurant around to offer up to you fresh, delicious, and varied selections of sushi, sashimi, and teriyaki bowls in the area of San Bruno and Daly City, California...

5. Niku Steakhouse

4.8

Exceptional(783)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • SOMA

Booked 46 times today

Niku Steakhouse in San Francisco’s SOMA district is a haven for aficionados of authentic Japanese cuisine, particularly its revered A5 wagyu beef. This meat-focused restaurant, part of the esteemed Omakase Restaurant Group, showcases an in-house dry aging program and a spectacular wood-fired grill, where the culinary magic happens. Reviewers rave about the "high quality wagyu" and the "Wagyu steak tasting plate" that offers a sublime, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Executive Chef Dustin Falcon masterfully blends Northern Californian influences with traditional Japanese techniques, creating dishes that are both innovative and steeped in authenticity. Guests particularly commend the "exceptional care and attention to detail" in every dish. Whether it’s a special occasion or a desire to indulge in top-tier Japanese cuisine, Niku Steakhouse promises an unforgettable dining experience with its perfect marriage of American and Japanese sensibilities.

A photo of Mokutanya Yakitori Charcoal restaurant

6. Mokutanya Yakitori Charcoal

4.8

Exceptional(888)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Burlingame

Booked 20 times today

Mokutanya Yakitori Charcoal in Burlingame offers an unparalleled Japanese dining experience, specializing in authentic charcoal-grilled skewers. Patrons rave about the "absolute heaven" of the salt and pepper Wagyu skewers and the "bursting flavors" of meticulously prepared ramen. The unique sunken Japanese tables and private glass-divided rooms create an "amazing atmosphere" that enhances each visit, making it not just a meal but a cultural immersion. Recognized as the "best Japanese spot within a 100 mile radius," Mokutanya provides an exceptional blend of local ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and meticulous service, ensuring a memorable dining experience that keeps guests returning.

A photo of Roka Akor - San Francisco restaurant

7. Roka Akor - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(2244)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 39 times today

Roka Akor is a premier steakhouse serving the finest steak, seafood, and sushi. Renowned for our exquisite Japanese Wagyu and Certified Kobe Beef, we are part of an elite group of fewer than 40 restaurants in the U.S. — and 1 of only a few in San Francisco — licensed to serve this coveted delicacy. All of our meats and vegetables are expertly grilled to perfection over an Open Flame Charcoal Robata Grill. Elevate your dining experience with our award-winning wine list, premium sake, craft cocktails, and an extensive selection of fine whiskey.

A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant

8. Chotto Matte San Francisco

4.5

Awesome(57)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 9 times today

Chotto Matte in Downtown San Francisco near Union Square is a vibrant gem that has swiftly captured the hearts of diners with its exquisite Nikkei cuisine—a tantalizing fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Guests rave about the "truly amazing" dishes such as the duck wagyu butter and the crispy spicy tuna, praising not only the taste but also the presentation. The ambiance, described as "electric" and "vibrant," perfectly complements the top-notch service provided by the friendly and attentive staff. Reviewers consistently highlight the unique dining experience, with comments like "the best Wagyu ribeye" and "incredible manager, Kevin," confirming that Chotto Matte is not just a meal, but a culinary event. Whether it's for a special birthday celebration or a luxurious night out, Chotto Matte delivers an unforgettable experience that makes it a must-visit spot in San Francisco.

9. Sato Omakase

4.7

Exceptional(225)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Tenderloin

Booked 7 times today

Sato Omakase in San Francisco's Tenderloin district is a beacon of Japanese culinary excellence, offering an authentic omakase experience that has become a gold standard in the area. With an intimate setting that allows diners to interact directly with the chefs, every dish served is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of traditional Japanese cuisine. From the luxurious ingredients like Hokkaido uni and Ossetra caviar to the expertly paired drinks, each element is carefully curated to ensure a memorable dining experience. Praised for its "outstanding" food and "phenomenal" service, Sato Omakase is highly recommended by diners, with reviews highlighting the "melt-in-your-mouth" nigiri and "amazing sushi." Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or seeking to indulge in a top-tier culinary journey, Sato Omakase promises an unmatched omakase that's worth every penny.

10. Sushi Hon

4.9

Exceptional(451)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Mission

Booked 7 times today

Located in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco, Sushi Hon offers an unparalleled sushi experience that leaves diners raving about its authenticity and excellence. Specializing in an exquisite 19-course Omakase, Sushi Hon sources only the finest global ingredients to create unforgettable culinary masterpieces. Patrons frequently praise the "amazing attention to detail" and the freshness of the offerings, with one guest noting, "Every course was beautiful and delicious." The intimate setting and the chefs' interaction add a personal touch, enhancing the dining experience. According to another diner, "This was by far my best Omakase experience... the chef is dedicated heart and soul into his craft." Sushi Hon is not just a meal; it's a gastronomic journey that encapsulates the essence of top-tier Japanese cuisine.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
Patrishia Annvip
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
My family had a pleasant, memorable experience at Benihana last night! We’ve had dinner here multiple times, but last night was one of our favorites! Our chef, Zane, perfectly cooked our food at a good pace and kept us entertained with his hilarious jokes and impressive tricks. We hope to get him as our chef again the next time we dine here!
More info
Benihana - Burlingame, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Burlingame
•
4.4
A
Autumn
Columbus •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing! Sitting at the chef’s table is a must! All the workers were friendly, amazing, and very personable! Food was spectacular! A definite SF must!
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Niku SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• SOMA
•
4.8
K
Karla
San Francisco Bay Area •14 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 7, 2024
Delicious food and gracious service. They were also helpful in letting me know which menu items are gluten free .
More info
GinteiPrice: Moderate• Sushi• San Bruno
•
4.5
J
JINvip
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 4, 2024
Great food and service! Love the variety of dishes.
More info
Ichika IzakayaPrice: Expensive• Japanese (Izakaya)• San Bruno
•
4.8
S
Shannon
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Aug 29, 2021
Our favorite sushi restaurant in the Bay Area—You don’t even have to ask if they have real crab because that’s all they have! They also have Hamachi cheeks, lobster, and O Toro. We also love the hamachi crudo appetizer. The staff are super friendly and efficient.
More info
Aji Ichi Japanese RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Japanese• San Bruno
•
3.6

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Best Japanese Restaurants in South San Francisco

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47 restaurants available nearby

1. Benihana - Burlingame, CA

2. Gintei

3. Ichika Izakaya

4. Aji Ichi Japanese Restaurant

5. Niku Steakhouse

6. Mokutanya Yakitori Charcoal

7. Roka Akor - San Francisco

8. Chotto Matte San Francisco

9. Sato Omakase

10. Sushi Hon

See what locals rave about

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