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Best Japanese Restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

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46 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant
1. 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 ANZU restaurant
2. ANZU
4.5
Awesome(2625)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 16 times today
Restaurant ANZU, nestled in the Union Square district of Downtown San Francisco, is a beacon of sushi excellence. Renowned for its fusion of contemporary Japanese cuisine with California and Asian flavors, ANZU consistently impresses with its high-quality sushi. Guests rave about the sushi's freshness and exquisite presentation, describing it as the "best Sushi we have ever eaten!" The restaurant's dedication to quality and service shines through, with one diner noting, "Their Omakase has been one of the best experiences I have had in a sushi restaurant in a long time!" Whether it's the meticulous preparation or the vibrant setting, ANZU offers a sushi experience that is both authentic and unforgettable.
A photo of Sushi Hashiri restaurant
3. Sushi Hashiri
5.0
Exceptional(215)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • SOMA
Booked 1 time today
At Sushi Hashiri in SOMA, San Francisco, the art of Kappou cuisine is elevated to an exquisite level, offering diners a deeply authentic and meticulously crafted dining experience. Celebrated for its "hyper-seasonal ingredients" sourced directly from Tokyo's Toyosu fish market, Hashiri showcases a blend of Kappou and Omakase Edomae Sushi with unparalleled freshness and innovation. Patrons rave about the "amazing food - very, very authentic Japanese sushi" and the "elite great chef," highlighting the skill and dedication evident in every dish. With glowing reviews like "the most authentic edomae sushi I've ever had in San Francisco," it's clear that Sushi Hashiri stands out as a pinnacle of Japanese culinary excellence, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the true essence of Kappou cuisine.
A photo of Niku Steakhouse restaurant
4. 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 Roka Akor - San Francisco restaurant
5. 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 Pabu Izakaya San Francisco restaurant
6. 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.
A photo of Ozumo - San Francisco restaurant
7. Ozumo - San Francisco
4.6
Exceptional(3398)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 26 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.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa) restaurant
8. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa)
4.7
Exceptional(276)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • SOMA
Booked 29 times today
Gyu-Kaku in San Francisco, nestled in the vibrant SOMA neighborhood, is a treasure trove of authentic Japanese BBQ delights. Celebrated as the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand since its inception in Tokyo in 1996, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience where guests become chefs at their own table-top smokeless grills. Patrons rave about the "exceptionally delightful" dishes like the Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib. One enthusiast mentioned, "Every bite was a symphony of flavor," highlighting the top-notch, well-seasoned meats. The atmosphere is perfect for a range of occasions, from casual dinners to celebratory gatherings, making every visit a magical culinary adventure. With its extensive menu and dedicated service, Gyu-Kaku stands out as a must-visit spot for Japanese cuisine aficionados in San Francisco.
A photo of Sato Omakase restaurant
9. Sato Omakase
4.7
Exceptional(226)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Tenderloin
Booked 5 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 AKIKOS restaurant
10. AKIKOS
4.8
Exceptional(1607)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • SOMA
Booked 10 times today
Experience the pinnacle of sushi craftsmanship at Akikos in SOMA, San Francisco, where the traditional omakase experience is transformed with a modern flair. Sourced directly from Tokyo's prestigious Toyosu Fish Market, the fish at Akikos is of unmatched freshness and quality. Diners rave about the "absolutely decadent" signature dishes like the shokupan with toro and golden Kaluga caviar, and the aged, soy-cured bluefin tuna nigiri. At Akikos, every dish is a testament to the meticulous care and creativity that defines their sushi, making each bite a luxurious indulgence. Patrons consistently laud their experiences, noting that it is "by far the best set menu Japanese restaurant I have ever been to in the U.S." and celebrating the "phenomenal" omakase that makes Akikos a must-visit destination for sushi connoisseurs.
‘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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