Best Japanese Restaurants in South San Francisco

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

PeninsulaSan Francisco

Neighborhoods

BurlingameCivic Center / Hayes Valley / Van NessDowntown / Union SquareFinancial District / EmbarcaderoFoster CityJapantown

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELINWorld's 50 Best

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

45 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Benihana - Burlingame, CA restaurant

1. Benihana - Burlingame, CA

4.3

Awesome(5074)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Burlingame

Booked 117 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. Ichika Izakaya

4.7

Exceptional(26)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • San Bruno

Booked 6 times today

Ichika Izakaya in San Bruno is a culinary treasure trove for aficionados of authentic Japanese cuisine. This hidden gem offers an exquisite dining experience that has earned it glowing reviews for both its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional food. Patrons rave about the "fabulous omakase" and the expertly crafted dishes, such as the highly recommended double toro roll. The restaurant's dedication to quality and authenticity is evident in every dish, with "super flavorful" offerings that are "cooked to perfection." Friendly, attentive staff and a lively environment further enhance the experience, making Ichika Izakaya a must-visit for Japanese food enthusiasts.

3. Gintei

4.4

Awesome(507)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • San Bruno

Booked 4 times today

Gintei in San Bruno offers an unmatched Japanese dining experience, praised for its “super fresh fish” sourced directly from Japan's renowned Tsukiji market. This authentic sushi haven delights with its rich array of dishes, from the exquisite Omakase to the “best braised pork belly” that patrons have ever tasted. The sophisticated yet simple ambiance complements the high-quality cuisine, making it a standout choice for sushi enthusiasts. Diners rave about the exceptional service, noting it as a “hidden gem” that surpasses many of San Francisco's favorites. With a Michelin recommendation to its name, Gintei is a must-visit for those seeking genuine Japanese flavors.

4. Niku Steakhouse

4.8

Exceptional(842)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • SOMA

Booked 28 times today

Niku Steakhouse in San Francisco's vibrant SOMA district is a haven for Japanese Speciality cuisine enthusiasts, renowned for its exceptional quality and authenticity. Offering a "truly memorable" dining experience, the restaurant is celebrated for its exclusive cuts of Japanese A5 wagyu, expertly prepared over a custom binchotan charcoal and wood-fired grill. "The 6oz filets were cooked and seasoned perfectly," one diner raves, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to precision and flavor. Executive Chef Dustin Falcon, with his impressive credentials, ensures that each dish combines American and Japanese culinary sensibilities, making Niku Steakhouse a must-visit for any discerning palate.

A photo of Benihana - San Francisco, CA restaurant

5. Benihana - San Francisco, CA

3.9

Excellent(3212)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Japantown

Booked 95 times today

A photo of Mokutanya Yakitori Charcoal restaurant

6. Mokutanya Yakitori Charcoal

4.5

Awesome(898)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Burlingame

Booked 21 times today

Mokutanya Yakitori Charcoal in Burlingame is a haven for authentic Japanese Barbecue cuisine that truly stands out. Known for its exquisite charcoal-grilled skewers, "the salt and pepper Wagyu skewers are absolute heaven," as praised by delighted patrons. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its semi-private rooms and sunken Japanese tables, providing a cozy and intimate setting for savoring the delicious offerings. Guests rave about the "friendly and attentive service," which complements the high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. Whether it's the tender yakitori or the flavorful Wagyu beef, Mokutanya promises an unforgettable culinary journey that keeps diners coming back for more.

A photo of Roka Akor - San Francisco restaurant

7. Roka Akor - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(2280)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 41 times today

Roka Akor in San Francisco’s Financial District is a beacon of authentic Japanese cuisine, offering an unparalleled dining experience with its exquisite Wagyu and Certified Kobe Beef. As one of fewer than 40 U.S. restaurants licensed to serve these delicacies, Roka Akor stands out for its commitment to quality and authenticity. Diners rave about the "exceptional omakase experience," where guests are treated to the finest selection of Japanese dishes. The open flame charcoal Robata Grill imparts a unique flavor to expertly grilled meats and vegetables, making each dish a culinary masterpiece. Coupled with a stellar service team, Roka Akor promises a memorable dining adventure.

A photo of Ozumo - San Francisco restaurant

8. Ozumo - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(3420)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 45 times today

Ozumo, nestled in San Francisco's vibrant Financial District, offers an exquisite Japanese culinary journey that effortlessly marries tradition with modern flair. As one of the city’s premier destinations for Japanese Speciality cuisine, Ozumo delights with its “amazing food and impeccable service.” Guests rave about the sushi, describing it as “some of the best we’ve ever had,” while the robata-cooked delicacies are hailed as “incredibly fresh and flavorful.” The refined ambiance, crafted by the renowned Super Potato design firm, enhances the dining experience. With an impressive selection of chilled sake from Japan’s esteemed brewers, Ozumo is a must-visit for authentic Japanese flavors.

9. AKIKOS

4.8

Exceptional(1620)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • SOMA

Booked 12 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

10. Pabu Izakaya San Francisco

4.4

Awesome(1392)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 8 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.

‘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

OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Niku was amazing. Everything was prepared to perfection, very flavorful and decadent. The playlist in the background was jamming, an unexpected pleasure.
More info
Niku SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• SOMA
•
4.8
B
Brendan
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Went on Valentine’s Day!!! had reservations at 8, showed up at 7:45 and didn’t get seated until after 9. You would think for a business that’s been open for so long they would have a system for seating during busy holidays. Our Chef James made the wait worthwhile though , he made great jokes and interacted with my son who gets shy in these types of situations. By far the best chef I’ve had here. thank you James
More info
Benihana - Burlingame, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Burlingame
•
4.3
L
Lira
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The amaebi and Hokkaido Scallops were my favorite. They were fresh and had a hint of sweetness. We also had the Chutoro and chicken-age, they were exquisite!
More info
GinteiPrice: Moderate• Sushi• San Bruno
•
4.4
W
Wyman
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The food was good, and the speed it came out was excellent.
More info
Ichika IzakayaPrice: Expensive• Izakaya• San Bruno
•
4.7
K
Kathryn
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 25, 2025
Amazing ambiance and incredible food! Such great variety in the small bites!
More info
Mokutanya Yakitori CharcoalPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Burlingame
•
4.5

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