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Best Japanese Speciality Restaurants in Forest Hill / West Portal

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6 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Nisei restaurant
1. Nisei
4.8
Exceptional(70)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese speciality • Russian Hill
Booked 4 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 Niku Steakhouse restaurant
2. Niku Steakhouse
4.8
Exceptional(783)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese speciality • SOMA
Booked 36 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 Yakiniku Shodai restaurant
3. Yakiniku Shodai
4.8
Exceptional(63)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese speciality • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 4 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of San Francisco's Civic Center/Hayes Valley/Van Ness area, Yakiniku Shodai offers an unparalleled yakiniku dining experience that truly stands out in the realm of barbecue cuisine. This restaurant prides itself on serving high-quality Japanese Wagyu, grilled to perfection by skilled chefs who bring over 20 years of expertise to each dish. Guests rave about the “extraordinary taste of meat” and the “world-class wagyu,” highlighting the meticulous attention to detail and passion evident in every bite. With accolades noting it as a “hidden gem,” Yakiniku Shodai is celebrated for its exceptional service, where the knowledgeable staff and personal chefs like Andy and Chris make every meal an intimate and enlightening culinary journey. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, Yakiniku Shodai guarantees an authentic, high-end barbecue experience that is both memorable and unmatched.
A photo of Nakama Sushi - San Francisco restaurant
4. Nakama Sushi - San Francisco
4.8
Exceptional(345)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese speciality • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 17 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 Bar Iris restaurant
5. Bar Iris
4.9
Exceptional(2)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese speciality • Russian Hill
Bar Iris in Russian Hill, San Francisco, is not just a cocktail bar; it's a celebration of Japanese craft and culture in every sip. With an extensive selection of Japanese alcohols like whisky, sake, umeshu, and shochu, this high-end bar offers an authentic and unique experience that transports guests straight to Japan. The cocktails, inspired by Japanese ingredients, are a hit among patrons, with one guest raving, "The drinks were phenomenal. 10/10." The bar's close connection to the Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant Nisei ensures that even the Izakaya-inspired snacks are of the highest quality. Whether it's the ambiance, the expertly crafted cocktails, or the warm hospitality, Bar Iris is a gem in San Francisco's culinary scene, promising an enchanting evening that's both intimate and innovative.
A photo of Ozumo - San Francisco restaurant
6. Ozumo - San Francisco
4.6
Exceptional(3397)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese speciality • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 28 times today
At Ozumo in San Francisco's vibrant Financial District / Embarcadero area, sushi lovers find an exceptional haven for authentic Japanese cuisine. Established in 2001, Ozumo has been setting the standard with its fusion of sushi and robata cooking. Under the expert guidance of Chef Yukinori Yamamoto, Ozumo offers an unforgettable dining experience. Reviewers rave about the sushi's unmatched quality, with one noting it as "the best sushi we have ever tasted!" Another highlights the "fatty tuna nigiri" for its "remarkable freshness and deliciousness." Ozumo's commitment to quality is further emphasized by its curated selection of top-tier sake, ensuring each bite is complemented perfectly. For those seeking the pinnacle of sushi excellence, Ozumo is a must-visit destination 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
From verified diners like you
  • 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!
    More info
    Niku SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• SOMA
    •
    4.8
  • KALLENvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Nakama is great. Food service are constantly consistent. The staff so friendly and helpful with suggestions on sake and sushi options.
    More info
    Nakama Sushi - San FranciscoPrice: Moderate• Sushi• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    •
    4.8
  • Tiffany
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 10 Nov 2024
    From the moment you walk through the doors, you're met with a beautiful modern room that is perfectly decorated with Japanese flower arrangements. The persimmons hanging down from one of the tables is stunning. Every server seemed to be doing a perfectly choreographed dance, as they moved across each table delivering beverages, different courses, or simply providing new utensils. Definitely an experience that I won't forget. The little bites were small in size but big in flavor. They were all perfectly plated with such attention to detail. My favorite dish, one that the chef wasn't sure about, was the omurice. I joked that I was having a "Ratatouille" moment with that first bite. Being taken back to childhood and just eating a bowl of rice for lunch. Everyone was so knowledgeable and so very friendly. Natalie, our main server was so sweet and such a blast to be around. She even knew the brand of the drinkware!
    More info
    NiseiPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Russian Hill
    •
    4.8
  • monicavip
    Philadelphia County •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 10 Nov 2024
    It’s my son’s favorite restaurant they have a kids menu so went for his birthday. I Great quality of meat reminds me of being in Japan.
    More info
    Yakiniku ShodaiPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese Speciality• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    •
    4.8
  • hihowareyou
    San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 6 May 2024
    Quality, in-demand collaboration, warm hospitality, thoughtful cocktails
    More info
    Bar IrisPrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Russian Hill
    •
    4.9

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