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Best Japanese Restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

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48 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant
1. Chotto Matte San Francisco
4.3
Awesome(85)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 21 times today
Chotto Matte San Francisco is a vibrant gem nestled in the heart of Downtown San Francisco, renowned for its exquisite Nikkei Cuisine—a harmonious blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. The restaurant's chic, contemporary design, paired with tropical foliage and a theatrical robata grill, crafts an unforgettable dining experience. Guests rave about the "amazing ambience" and "exceptional food," highlighting Chotto Matte as a standout in the city's culinary scene. The expertly crafted cocktails, like the "spicy Japanese margarita," further elevate the experience, making it a must-visit for those seeking authentic and innovative Japanese cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
A photo of ANZU restaurant
2. ANZU
4.2
Awesome(2647)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 7 times today
ANZU, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Francisco's Union Square, is a delightful destination for steak lovers seeking quality and authenticity. Known for its contemporary Japanese cuisine infused with California and Asian flavors, ANZU offers a "singular sensation" with their Wagyu beef cooked on a rock. This unique dish is raved about by patrons who appreciate "the excellent staff and great chef" that ensure an unforgettable dining experience. The steak's presentation and flavors are superb, making it a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a high-quality, authentic steak amidst a sophisticated and welcoming ambiance.
A photo of Alexander's Steakhouse - SF restaurant
3. Alexander's Steakhouse - SF
4.6
Exceptional(2515)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 7 times today
Alexander's Steakhouse - SF in the vibrant SOMA district of San Francisco offers an extraordinary dining experience by seamlessly blending Modern American Steakhouse elegance with authentic Japanese influences. Renowned for its exquisite selection of Japanese A5 Wagyu, diners are treated to a "buttery, melt-in-your-mouth steak" that leaves a lasting impression. The Hokkaido and Shiga Omi Wagyu cuts are particularly celebrated for their unique flavors. Guests rave about the restaurant's "exceptional service," making each visit a special occasion. With an ambiance that combines sophistication and warmth, Alexander's Steakhouse is a must-visit destination for those seeking top-tier Japanese cuisine in the city.
A photo of Sushi Hashiri restaurant
4. Sushi Hashiri
4.9
Exceptional(224)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • SOMA
Sushi Hashiri in San Francisco's SOMA district offers an unparalleled Kappou cuisine experience, drawing diners into the heart of Japanese culinary tradition. With its deep roots in Kappo and Omakase Edomae Sushi, Hashiri captivates with "hyper-seasonal ingredients and premium fish selections," directly sourced from Tokyo's Toyosu fish market. Renowned for its authenticity, one glowing review touts it as "the most authentic Edomae sushi" outside Japan, while another highlights the "incredible, intimate omakase experience" that leaves guests yearning for more. Chef Ono-San's "imaginative cuisine" and the "extraordinarily attentive service" ensure an exquisite dining journey that is truly unforgettable.
A photo of Niku Steakhouse restaurant
5. Niku Steakhouse
4.8
Exceptional(861)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • SOMA
Booked 36 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 Roka Akor - San Francisco restaurant
6. Roka Akor - San Francisco
4.8
Exceptional(2288)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 43 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 Pabu Izakaya San Francisco restaurant
7. Pabu Izakaya San Francisco
4.5
Awesome(1398)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 28 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.
A photo of Ozumo - San Francisco restaurant
8. Ozumo - San Francisco
4.6
Exceptional(3417)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 55 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.
A photo of AKIKOS restaurant
9. AKIKOS
4.7
Exceptional(1618)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • SOMA
Booked 18 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 Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa) restaurant
10. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa)
4.4
Awesome(298)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • SOMA
Booked 16 times today
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in San Francisco's SoMa district is a premier destination for authentic Japanese barbecue cuisine. Renowned for its "fantastic value and great cuts of meat," this spot offers an immersive dining experience where you become the chef, grilling top-quality meats like the Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib right at your table. Guests rave about the "amazing food and fun experience," with a vibrant atmosphere perfect for gatherings. The attentive service and "stellar" staff enhance the experience, making Gyu-Kaku a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable barbecue adventure in the heart of 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.

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