6 Best Creative Japanese Restaurants In South San Francisco

6 restaurants available nearby

1. Nisei

4.8

Exceptional(89)

Price: Very Expensive

• Creative japanese • Russian Hill

Booked 5 times today

At Nisei, nestled in the heart of Russian Hill, San Francisco, Japanese Speciality cuisine transcends into an art form, offering an "exquisite experience" that celebrates both tradition and innovation. The restaurant beautifully marries deep Japanese flavors with Northern California's finest ingredients, thanks to the brilliance of Michelin-starred Chef David Yoshimura. Guests rave about the "phenomenal" and "creative" dishes, meticulously crafted and served with warmth and passion. The ambiance, akin to dining in an art gallery, complements the visually stunning presentations. From "fantastic" sake pairings to delightful omurice, each bite is a testament to the authenticity and elegance of Japanese culinary artistry.

A photo of Okaeri Japanese Bistro restaurant

2. Okaeri Japanese Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(172)

Price: Expensive

• Creative japanese • Mission

Booked 24 times today

Okaeri Japanese Bistro in the Mission District of San Francisco stands out for its exceptional Sushi cuisine. Renowned for its "incredible sushi and authentically Japanese decor," Okaeri delivers a dining experience that is both traditional and innovative. The talented chefs, led by Chef Master Lo, craft exquisite omakase meals that highlight the freshest seasonal ingredients, ensuring each dish is "a delight and unforgettable." Patrons rave about the "delicious and fresh" fish, masterfully prepared to melt in your mouth, while the attentive and friendly staff enhance the welcoming atmosphere. For sushi enthusiasts seeking quality and authenticity, Okaeri is a must-visit destination.

3. AKIKOS

4.7

Exceptional(1619)

Price: Very Expensive

• Creative japanese • SOMA

Booked 23 times today

Nestled in the vibrant East Cut neighborhood of San Francisco, AKIKOS offers an exceptional Sushi experience that beautifully marries tradition with innovation. Known for its contemporary take on the traditional Omakase, the restaurant sources its fish directly from Tokyo’s esteemed Toyosu Fish Market, ensuring only the freshest, highest quality ingredients are used. Signature dishes, like the Shokupan topped with toro and Kaluga caviar, and the aged soy-cured bluefin tuna nigiri, stand out for their "creative flair" and exquisite taste. Guests rave about the "phenomenal service" and "unforgettable dining experience," making AKIKOS a must-visit for Sushi enthusiasts.

A photo of Pabu Izakaya San Francisco restaurant

4. Pabu Izakaya San Francisco

4.5

Awesome(1397)

Price: Expensive

• Creative japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 35 times today

Pabu Izakaya San Francisco offers an unparalleled Izakaya experience, blending tradition with modern flair. Nestled in the heart of the Financial District, this gem is praised for its "world-class sashimi, sushi, and grilled meats" expertly crafted by Chef Keita Tominaga. The restaurant’s dedication to authenticity shines through with seafood flown in daily from Japan’s renowned Toyosu Market, ensuring "melt-in-your-mouth fresh" sushi. Guests rave about the "exceptional service" and the energetic ambiance that enhances every visit. Pabu Izakaya is not just a dining destination but a journey into the heart of Japanese culinary excellence, making it a must-visit in San Francisco.

5. Izakaya Ginji

4.5

Awesome(236)

Price: Expensive

• Creative japanese • San Mateo

Booked 8 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown San Mateo, Izakaya Ginji is a haven for lovers of authentic Japanese cuisine. Specializing in Yakitori and tapas-style dishes, this Japanese gastropub offers a "consistently great experience" that keeps patrons returning time and again. Diners rave about their "delicious authentic izakaya food" and the use of genuine binchotan charcoal, which infuses the skewers with flavors that "pop better than other Izakayas." With a vast selection of rare sake, unique beers, and shochu, every visit promises a "genuine and satisfying" Japanese dining experience. A lovely family-owned establishment, Izakaya Ginji is truly a local gem.

A photo of Elephant Sushi Hayes Valley restaurant

6. Elephant Sushi Hayes Valley

4.6

Exceptional(319)

Price: Expensive

• Creative japanese • Western Addition

Booked 23 times today

Elephant Sushi Hayes Valley is a gem in the heart of Western Addition, San Francisco, offering an unmatched sushi experience that combines both traditional and modern culinary artistry. Renowned for its "exceptional service and high-quality sushi," this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Diners rave about the "flaming seabass" and "hamachi truffle sashimi," which are not only flavorful but also beautifully presented. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, making every visit feel like a special occasion. With its dedication to quality and a menu that delights every palate, Elephant Sushi Hayes Valley is a must-visit for sushi enthusiasts.

‘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.

Best Creative Japanese Restaurants in South San Francisco

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6 restaurants available nearby

1. Nisei

2. Okaeri Japanese Bistro

3. AKIKOS

4. Pabu Izakaya San Francisco

5. Izakaya Ginji

6. Elephant Sushi Hayes Valley