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Best Japanese Restaurants in South San Francisco

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47 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Benihana - Burlingame, CA restaurant
1. Benihana - Burlingame, CA
4.4
Awesome(4981)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Burlingame
Booked 72 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.
A photo of Gintei restaurant
2. Gintei
4.5
Awesome(500)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • San Bruno
Booked 5 times today
At Gintei in San Bruno, the allure of authentic Japanese sushi is vividly brought to life. Renowned for its fresh fish sourced directly from Tokyo's Tsukiji market, Gintei offers an unparalleled sushi experience. Patrons rave about the "amazing food, service, and romantic/quiet ambiance," with one noting it's the "best I've had south of S.F." The expertly crafted omakase is a standout, inviting diners to "trust the chef" for a sublime tasting journey. Additionally, their extensive sake selection perfectly complements the sushi, enhancing the dining experience. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or a newcomer, Gintei's combination of top-notch ingredients, elegant ambiance, and attentive service promises a memorable culinary adventure.
A photo of Aji Ichi Japanese Restaurant restaurant
3. Aji Ichi Japanese Restaurant
3.6
Very Good(2)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • San Bruno
Aji Ichi Japanese Restaurant is a neighborhood Japanese restaurant located in San Bruno. We take pride in providing our guests with only the very best sushi, sashimi, and teriyaki bowls. We can make you the freshest and most delicious choices of sushi and sashimi for all of your tastes, no matter what type of sushi roll or sashimi you desire. The sushi chefs here are highly skilled when it comes to the making of sushi, and our sushi restaurant and Japanese restaurant of Aji Ichi Japanese Restaurant will certainly be the very best sushi restaurant that you have ever or will ever come to. Find your new favorite nearby Japanese restaurant, by looking to us here at Aji Ichi Japanese Restaurant. We are sure to be the very best choice of Japanese restaurant around to offer up to you fresh, delicious, and varied selections of sushi, sashimi, and teriyaki bowls in the area of San Bruno and Daly City, California...
A photo of Ichika Izakaya restaurant
4. Ichika Izakaya
4.7
Exceptional(15)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • San Bruno
Booked 7 times today
Ichika Izakaya in San Bruno is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Japanese Izakaya cuisine. With its vibrant, upbeat atmosphere and a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, diners consistently praise its offerings. Many reviewers highlight the "authentic Japanese food" and "excellent service" that make each visit memorable. Standout dishes like the "Uni toro bites" and "chicken heart skewer" receive special mentions for their flawless execution and delightful flavors. The omakase experience at Ichika is particularly recommended, allowing guests to enjoy the chef's selections directly at the bar, enhancing the authenticity and overall dining experience. Whether you're near the airport or local to San Bruno, Ichika Izakaya promises a culinary journey worth taking.
A photo of Niku Steakhouse restaurant
5. Niku Steakhouse
4.8
Exceptional(787)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • 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 Mokutanya Yakitori Charcoal restaurant
6. Mokutanya Yakitori Charcoal
4.8
Exceptional(889)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Burlingame
Booked 14 times today
Mokutanya Yakitori Charcoal in Burlingame offers an unparalleled Japanese dining experience, specializing in authentic charcoal-grilled skewers. Patrons rave about the "absolute heaven" of the salt and pepper Wagyu skewers and the "bursting flavors" of meticulously prepared ramen. The unique sunken Japanese tables and private glass-divided rooms create an "amazing atmosphere" that enhances each visit, making it not just a meal but a cultural immersion. Recognized as the "best Japanese spot within a 100 mile radius," Mokutanya provides an exceptional blend of local ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and meticulous service, ensuring a memorable dining experience that keeps guests returning.
A photo of Roka Akor - San Francisco restaurant
7. Roka Akor - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(2246)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • 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.
A photo of Benihana - San Francisco, CA restaurant
8. Benihana - San Francisco, CA
4.2
Awesome(3118)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Japantown
Booked 60 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.
A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant
9. Chotto Matte San Francisco
4.5
Awesome(58)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 12 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.
A photo of Pabu Izakaya San Francisco restaurant
10. Pabu Izakaya San Francisco
4.4
Awesome(1378)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 15 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Rickvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •51 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We have been here 4-6 times. As always the food was phenomenal. The service is discrete but attentive. The tomahawk is cooked perfectly. The bone marrow is unbelievable. The salads are tasty and lightly dressed. The potato stack amazing. We tried pig ears tonight: wow. The deserts have different flavors, different textures and colors. Mainly good. And one does not get bored with it
    More info
    Niku SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• SOMA
    •
    4.8
  • Patrishia Annvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    My family had a pleasant, memorable experience at Benihana last night! We’ve had dinner here multiple times, but last night was one of our favorites! Our chef, Zane, perfectly cooked our food at a good pace and kept us entertained with his hilarious jokes and impressive tricks. We hope to get him as our chef again the next time we dine here!
    More info
    Benihana - Burlingame, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Burlingame
    •
    4.4
  • Karla
    San Francisco Bay Area •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 7 Nov 2024
    Delicious food and gracious service. They were also helpful in letting me know which menu items are gluten free .
    More info
    GinteiPrice: Moderate• Sushi• San Bruno
    •
    4.5
  • JINvip
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 4 Nov 2024
    Great food and service! Love the variety of dishes.
    More info
    Ichika IzakayaPrice: Expensive• Izakaya• San Bruno
    •
    4.7
  • Shannon
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 29 Aug 2021
    Our favorite sushi restaurant in the Bay Area—You don’t even have to ask if they have real crab because that’s all they have! They also have Hamachi cheeks, lobster, and O Toro. We also love the hamachi crudo appetizer. The staff are super friendly and efficient.
    More info
    Aji Ichi Japanese RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Japanese• San Bruno
    •
    3.6

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