0 Followers
Kibatsu
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Kibatsu
8.4
Lower Haight sushi bar known for nigiri-first omakase at the counter and a tight list of seasonal specials. Service leans personal and conversational, making it a relaxed, grown-up date option without fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase Nigiri Flight, Cherry Bomb (tuna + crab), Goldeneye Snapper (tai)
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Counter-led omakase with personable pacing and seasonal fish.
Who should go: Nigiri lovers who prefer the counter
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30pm for calmer service
What to order: Omakase; cherry bomb; snapper nigiri
Insider tip: Ask for bar seats—interaction with the chef elevates the experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Haight and Fillmore is limited after 6pm; look for side streets or rideshare for convenience.
Dress code: Smart casual—dark jeans and a button-down or blouse fit the relaxed yet stylish tone.
Noise level: Moderate—quiet enough for conversation at the counter, livelier near small groups.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30–45 minute wait without a reservation; counter seats fill first.
Weekday lunch: Closed at lunch—dinner-only service means smoother weekday evening flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable nigiri, cucumber rolls, and omakase substitutions available upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 veggie roll options, but soy-based sauces may contain fish elements.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available on request, with gluten-free soy and separate prep awareness.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate counter setup encourages conversation, and the omakase flow creates a shared experience that feels organic and personal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are possible for bar seats early evening, but the compact space fills quickly; reservations recommended for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—focused sushi bar experience with limited seating and no kid’s menu, best suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Omakase purists who prefer intimate, chef-led interaction and subtle pacing over scene-heavy sushi lounges.
Skip if: You want a large-group dinner or fusion-style rolls—space is limited and the focus is traditional nigiri craftsmanship.
Kibatsu
8.6
Intimate Lower Haight counter with an omakase focus supplemented by well-executed classic rolls. Fish quality and knife work lead; sit at the bar for the best pacing and guidance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rainbow Roll, Dragon Roll, Chef’s Seasonal Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Omakase-level sourcing with classic rolls for a balanced experience.
Who should go: Roll fans seeking top-tier fish
When to visit: Midweek bar seats for chef guidance
What to order: Rainbow Roll, Dragon Roll, seasonal hand roll
Insider tip: Note omakase on reservation for prioritized counter seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots along Haight can be scarce after 6pm, but residential side streets open slightly after dinner rush.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—collared shirts, blouses, or dressy denim work well; avoid overly casual attire like flip-flops or gym wear.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for conversation, especially at the counter; gentle ambient music and soft chatter from the small room.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation; counter seats book early.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; reservations still recommended for omakase service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, tofu options, and seasonal vegetable tempura are available.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2–3 options; request no mayo or bonito flakes for clarity.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available upon request and most fish prep is gluten-free; tempura and soy-based sauces should be avoided.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice for an intimate, elevated first date. The small counter layout, attentive pacing, and elegant plating create a refined but comfortable atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible for walk-ins early in the evening or late night, but the room is compact and fills quickly—reservations are strongly advised, especially for omakase.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—no kids’ menu or booster seating, and the serene environment suits adults or older teens who appreciate sushi.
Best For
Better for: Best for sushi purists who value omakase technique and ingredient quality over volume or fusion rolls.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking loud group dining, heavy sauces, or casual all-you-can-eat sushi experiences.
Kibatsu
8.3
Cozy Lower Haight counter known for a chef-guided, nigiri-first experience that can feel like a private session. Fish selection leans premium without the formality of larger temples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s nigiri set, Wagyu skewer, Honey-glazed prawn bite
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Personal, chef-steered nigiri with an intimate counter feel.
Who should go: Nigiri purists and counter regulars
When to visit: Midweek first seating for most attention
What to order: Nigiri set; wagyu skewer; seasonal white fish
Insider tip: Request a comparative cut to taste rice temps side-by-side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots on Haight or Steiner can be tough after 6pm, but nearby residential blocks often open up around 9pm.
Dress code: Smart casual — neat jeans or slacks fine, but most guests dress up a bit for the intimate counter.
Noise level: Low to moderate — quiet enough for conversation across the counter.
Weekend wait: Reservations required; small capacity fills weeks in advance.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service — dinner only, two nightly seatings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — can accommodate with advance notice, but primarily fish-focused.
Vegan options: Not recommended — nearly all courses involve seafood or egg.
Gluten-free options: Yes — soy sauce substitutions available if mentioned when booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for an intimate, refined first date where you want focused conversation and chef interaction — seating is close and service is personal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely — only a handful of counter seats and both seatings typically sell out days in advance. Walk-ins are rare.
Is it kid-friendly? No — it’s an omakase counter with quiet pacing and adult-oriented service; better for adults or mature teens familiar with sushi dining.
Best For
Better for: Personalized, high-end omakase in a small, relaxed room without the stiffness of larger fine-dining spots.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte sushi, louder energy, or a full bar — Kibatsu is about focus and precision over variety.
Kibatsu
8.3
Cozy Lower Haight counter where the chef steers a flexible, nigiri-first experience that can feel like a private session. Fish selection leans premium without the formalities of big-ticket temples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro nigiri, Kinmedai with yuzu zest, Chef’s choice hand roll
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Personal, chef-guided nigiri sessions with a small-room feel.
Who should go: Nigiri purists and counter-spot regulars
When to visit: Midweek first seating for most attention
What to order: Nigiri set; seasonal white-fish; final toro roll
Insider tip: If offered, ask for a comparative two-bite cut to taste rice temps.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—spots along Haight and Fillmore fill quickly after 6pm; nearby residential blocks are your best bet.
Dress code: Smart casual; most diners opt for neat jeans, button-ups, or dresses—avoid overly casual wear like gym gear.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet hum from the counter; ideal for conversation and omakase focus.
Weekend wait: Reservations required; walk-ins rarely seated due to limited counter spots.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early evening reservations easiest to secure.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—some vegetable nigiri or tamago available on request.
Vegan options: Not recommended—menu centers around raw fish; minimal plant-based substitutes.
Gluten-free options: Yes—chef accommodates gluten-free soy sauce requests and avoids cross-contact when notified in advance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for an intimate first date—quiet, chef-led pacing, and refined atmosphere without pretension make conversation easy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Highly unlikely; the counter has fewer than ten seats, so booking ahead online is essential, especially weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—limited seating, long service pacing, and raw fish menu cater to adults only.
Best For
Better for: A more relaxed, personal omakase compared to larger, high-end spots like jū-ni or Ken; the chef interaction feels tailored.
Skip if: You want a broad cooked menu or group setting—this is a focused, minimalist counter built for serious sushi sessions.