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Roka Akor - San Francisco
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Roka Akor - San Francisco
8.8
Japanese steakhouse with a polished robata grill program and a focused sushi lineup. Rolls lean on pristine fish and composed flavors, making it a strong pick for upscale dinners in Jackson Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi Serrano Chili Roll, Crunchy Spicy Tuna Roll, Dungeness Crab California Roll
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Robata-fired precision meets a refined sushi and maki program.
Who should go: Upscale sushi-and-steak seekers
When to visit: Weeknights after 8 for a calmer room
What to order: Hamachi Serrano Chili; Crispy Spicy Tuna; Dungeness California
Insider tip: Bar seats offer quicker access to the full sushi menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available on weekends (~$15) with limited metered street parking nearby; garages on Clay and Sansome within two blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—collared shirts, dresses, or stylish jeans and jackets fit the room’s polished crowd.
Noise level: Moderate buzz from the robata grill and bar; intimate enough for conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:30pm; light business crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several maki rolls and small plates like avocado cucumber roll, grilled vegetables, and miso eggplant.
Vegan options: Limited – a few sides and simple rolls can be adapted; best to inform staff ahead.
Gluten-free options: Yes – soy sauce alternatives and marked gluten-free dishes are available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice for an elegant first date—the lighting, attentive service, and polished presentation make a strong impression without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can try for bar or lounge seating, but prime tables fill fast on weekends. Booking ahead is strongly advised.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids; it’s a fine-dining environment better suited to adults or teens comfortable in a quiet setting.
Best For
Better for: Refined robata and sushi in a sleek atmosphere—ideal when presentation, premium cuts, and polished service matter most.
Skip if: You’re seeking a casual or budget sushi night; this is a destination for upscale dining, not quick rolls.
Roka Akor - San Francisco
8.8
Japanese-inspired steakhouse centered on a robata grill, known for premium Wagyu and precise, charcoal-fired cooking. Sleek Jackson Square setting suits celebratory dinners and executive nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Japanese A5 Wagyu (by the ounce), Prime Ribeye with yuzu accents, Wagyu Tataki
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Robata-grilled steaks and rare Wagyu in a polished room.
Who should go: Steak lovers seeking premium Japanese cuts
When to visit: Weeknights after 8 for a calmer pace
What to order: A5 Wagyu, prime ribeye, robata vegetables
Insider tip: Ask about limited Wagyu cuts by the ounce.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available in the Jackson Square area ($15), limited metered street parking after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy; blazers or cocktail attire fit right in for evening service.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing energy but still comfortable for conversation at smaller tables.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating can open faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though reservations recommended for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—robata-grilled vegetables, tofu dishes, and composed salads available.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for customized vegetable plates or rice-focused sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes—staff can guide selections and avoid soy-based sauces upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. Dim lighting, elegant presentation, and attentive pacing make it ideal for first impressions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at the bar or early in the evening, but reservations are advised for dinner service.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—best for adults or teens comfortable with upscale dining; no children’s menu.
Best For
Better for: Superior Wagyu execution and polished ambiance compared to other local steakhouses; standout robata flavors.
Skip if: You’re looking for traditional American steakhouse sides or oversized portions—this leans refined and Japanese-inspired.
Roka Akor - San Francisco
8.6
Polished robata and sushi destination in Jackson Square known for pristine sashimi flights, charcoal-grilled seafood and steaks, and a deep sake/whisky list. Service runs tight and the room’s dramatic glow makes it a reliable pick for client dinners and celebratory nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro sashimi, Hamachi serrano, Yuzu-miso black cod
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: High-end sushi meets charcoal robata in a design-forward space.
Who should go: Clients, special occasions, and sashimi purists
When to visit: Weeknights before 7 pm for easier seating
What to order: Toro sashimi; hamachi serrano; yuzu-miso black cod
Insider tip: Ask for limited daily cuts—uni and toro often sell out early.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available at $15; limited metered street parking nearby, especially tough after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—think elevated denim or cocktail attire; jackets optional but common.
Noise level: Moderate buzz from the open robata grill, but still suitable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: Typically 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating fills fast.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quieter crowd from nearby offices.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—robata vegetables, tofu dishes, and multiple small plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for custom grilled vegetable selections or seaweed salads.
Gluten-free options: Yes—staff can guide substitutions and many items can be made gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the moody lighting, open kitchen energy, and attentive pacing create an impressive but relaxed vibe for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are possible early in the evening or for bar seating, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends and prime hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—the space skews adult with dim lighting and a fine-dining tone. Older teens comfortable with sushi will fare fine.
Best For
Better for: High-end robata and sashimi service in a polished downtown setting—ideal for impressing clients or dates.
Skip if: You prefer casual izakaya or value-focused sushi; nearby spots like Elephant Sushi or Ebisu better suit that mood.
Roka Akor - San Francisco
8.5
Sleek robata and sushi destination known for pristine sashimi flights, premium nigiri, and a deep sake/whisky list. The open kitchen and polished service make it a reliable pick for celebratory nights and client dinners in Jackson Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro sashimi, Yellowtail sashimi with serrano, Yuzu-miso black cod (robata)
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-end sushi meets charcoal robata in a dramatic, design-forward space.
Who should go: Date nights, clients, special occasions
When to visit: Weeknights before 7pm to avoid long waits
What to order: Toro sashimi; hamachi serrano; yuzu-miso black cod
Insider tip: Ask for the day’s limited cuts—toro/uni often sell out early.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available at nearby garage ($15-20). Street parking is limited and metered until 10pm in Jackson Square.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual—think blazers, dresses, or dark denim with polished footwear.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing atmosphere but easy to hold a conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats fill quickly after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; tables available until around 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—robata vegetables, salads, and several maki options accommodate vegetarian diners.
Vegan options: Limited—2–3 small plates can be modified, but menu leans seafood-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free soy sauce available upon request; kitchen trained to accommodate.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice—the lighting, presentation, and attentive service create an impressive, polished vibe without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at off-hours; the bar and robata counter sometimes seat walk-ins before 6:30pm or after 9:00pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—menu pricing and ambiance cater more toward adults, though well-behaved teens are welcome.
Best For
Better for: Sleeker ambiance, superior sake list, and precision-cut nigiri compared to nearby omakase spots.
Skip if: You prefer casual sushi rolls or budget-friendly all-you-can-eat options—this is a fine-dining experience.