Best Tempura Restaurants in Cole Valley

18 restaurants available nearby

1. Niku Steakhouse

4.8

Exceptional(787)

Price: Very Expensive

• Tempura • SOMA

Booked 30 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 Roka Akor - San Francisco restaurant

2. Roka Akor - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(2246)

Price: Expensive

• Tempura • 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.

3. Nisei

4.8

Exceptional(73)

Price: Very Expensive

• Tempura • Russian Hill

Booked 6 times today

Nestled in the charming Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, Nisei exemplifies the pinnacle of Contemporary Asian cuisine, merging Japanese flavor intricacies and Northern California's freshest ingredients. Chef David Yoshimura, a Michelin-starred talent, crafts a menu that is both a personal and cultural narrative, deeply rooted in his Japanese American heritage. Reviews rave about the "exceptional culinary skill" and "artfully layered flavors" that make each dish a masterpiece. Guests consistently commend the "world class service" and the intimate interactions with Chef Yoshimura, who often explains his dishes personally, adding a unique touch to the dining experience. The thoughtful combination of ambiance, meticulous service, and innovative cuisine at Nisei makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking an exceptional Contemporary Asian dining experience.

A photo of Okaeri Japanese Bistro restaurant

4. Okaeri Japanese Bistro

4.7

Exceptional(153)

Price: Expensive

• Tempura • Mission

Booked 18 times today

Okaeri Japanese Bistro, nestled in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco, is a celebrated destination for authentic Japanese cuisine. Patrons rave about the "incredible sushi" and the "phenomenal chef-curated omakase" which highlights the freshest seasonal ingredients. The ambiance, described as a perfect blend of traditional and modern, complements the expertly crafted menu that includes favorites like nigiri, sashimi, and unique fusion dishes. Reviewers consistently praise the attentive service and the tastefully simple decor, making Okaeri a must-visit for those seeking a genuine and exquisite Japanese dining experience. As one diner puts it, it’s "a hidden gem that deserves all the praise," perfect for any occasion from a casual dinner to special celebrations.

A photo of Elephant Sushi Hayes Valley restaurant

5. Elephant Sushi Hayes Valley

4.5

Awesome(291)

Price: Expensive

• Tempura • Western Addition

Booked 21 times today

Elephant Sushi Hayes Valley in San Francisco's Western Addition neighborhood is a beacon of culinary excellence in the world of sushi. Patrons rave about the "freshest fish" and "incredible" Flaming Seabass, noting the food's "high-quality" and "beautiful presentation." The restaurant offers a delightful array of both traditional and modern sushi, making it a gem for both sushi purists and adventurous eaters. The atmosphere is described as "warm and friendly," perfect for a memorable dining experience. Whether it's the "melt-in-your-mouth toro" or the unique Hamachi Truffle Sashimi, Elephant Sushi consistently delivers an authentic and exceptional sushi experience, making it a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike.

A photo of Nakama Sushi - San Francisco restaurant

6. Nakama Sushi - San Francisco

4.8

Exceptional(346)

Price: Moderate

• Tempura • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 13 times today

Nakama Sushi in San Francisco's Civic Center offers an authentic Japanese dining experience that stands out in the city’s bustling culinary scene. Famed for its affordable omakase-style menu, Nakama Sushi presents a rich array of the freshest fish, paired beautifully with an excellent selection of beer, wine, and sake. Reviewers rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes; one delighted customer exclaimed, “The nigiri and sashimi taste super fresh and delicious… the best sushi in SF!” Another patron highlighted the outstanding service, noting, “Benjamin was a great host… made our time there fun with his friendly personality.” Nakama Sushi's commitment to combining high-quality cuisine with genuine hospitality makes every meal memorable, ensuring diners leave planning their next visit.

A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant

7. Chotto Matte San Francisco

4.5

Awesome(58)

Price: Very Expensive

• Tempura • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 11 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.

8. Okane

4.5

Awesome(431)

Price: Moderate

• Tempura • SOMA

Booked 9 times today

Okane specializes in izakaya and sushi, providing the Bay Area with an engaging new dining and drinking option that affords guests one of the City’s most authentic Japanese izakaya experiences with an emphasis on traditional dishes.

9. Sato Omakase

4.7

Exceptional(226)

Price: Very Expensive

• Tempura • Tenderloin

Booked 4 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.

A photo of Pabu Izakaya San Francisco restaurant

10. Pabu Izakaya San Francisco

4.4

Awesome(1378)

Price: Expensive

• Tempura • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 16 times today

Nestled in the bustling Financial District of San Francisco, Pabu Izakaya is a gem for aficionados of authentic Izakaya cuisine. Founded by the acclaimed Chefs Michael Mina and the late Ken Tominaga, and now helmed by Chef Keita Tominaga, Pabu delights diners with a modern twist on traditional Izakaya-style dining. The restaurant is renowned for its "world-class sashimi, sushi, and grilled meats from the robata," with seafood flown in daily from Japan's prestigious Toyosu Market and a "signature selection of A5 Japanese Wagyu" that is simply unmatched. Customers rave about their experiences, describing the sushi and sashimi as "some of the best we’ve ever had in SF" and praising the "phenomenal" pear bourbon drink. With its vibrant ambiance and impeccable service, Pabu Izakaya San Francisco offers a dining experience that is both "impressive" and "consistently enjoyable," making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

‘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.

Explore OpenTable

Cole Valley

Tempura

Best Tempura Restaurants in Cole Valley

Price

Regions

Neighbourhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

18 restaurants available nearby

1. Niku Steakhouse

2. Roka Akor - San Francisco

3. Nisei

4. Okaeri Japanese Bistro

5. Elephant Sushi Hayes Valley

6. Nakama Sushi - San Francisco

7. Chotto Matte San Francisco

8. Okane

9. Sato Omakase

10. Pabu Izakaya San Francisco

Explore OpenTable