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Ryoko's Japanese Restaurant & Bar
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Ryoko's Japanese Restaurant & Bar
8.1
Since 1987, this lively basement spot has poured late-night energy into polished sushi and cocktails. Expect upbeat music, strong sake options, and dependable nigiri after theater hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi Jalapeño, Spicy Tuna Roll, Chef’s Nigiri Selection
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Iconic late-night sushi bar with steady nigiri and cocktails.
Who should go: Night-owls craving quality rolls and nigiri
When to visit: After 9 pm for peak vibe; earlier for shorter waits
What to order: Hamachi jalapeño, spicy tuna roll, chef’s nigiri
Insider tip: Join the waitlist and request bar seats for fastest service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Lower Nob Hill is limited and competitive after 6 pm; nearby paid garages along Mason and Post are the best bet.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean stylish given the nightlife vibe.
Noise level: Loud after 9 pm with music and bar chatter; conversation is possible earlier in the evening but challenging late-night.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation after 8 pm; joining the online waitlist is strongly advised.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch; doors open late afternoon and crowds build after 7 pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, tofu dishes, and several starters available.
Vegan options: Limited—basic cucumber, avocado, and seaweed rolls, but few hot vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many sashimi and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce substitution available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if your date enjoys lively energy—dim lighting, upbeat music, and a bar-driven scene create a fun, late-night atmosphere. For quieter conversation, go earlier in the evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, but expect long waits on weekends after 8 pm. The online waitlist and bar seating are your best strategies for faster access.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is more of a nightlife spot with a bar-centric crowd and loud music. Best suited for adults and teens rather than young children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night sushi with a buzzing atmosphere—few spots in Union Square keep energy and quality this consistent past midnight.
Skip if: You want a quiet, serene sushi experience or an early lunch option—choose a more traditional omakase bar or daytime Japanese restaurant instead.
Ryoko's Japanese Restaurant & Bar
8.4
Lively late-night sushi bar since 1987 offering nigiri, sashimi, and classic rolls in a moody, downstairs setting. Popular with couples who want energy over hushed tones and solid fish without the omakase price tag.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nigiri Sushi Dinner, Chirashi, Dragon Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Iconic late-night basement sushi with strong nigiri and sashimi.
Who should go: Night-owl couples who like energy
When to visit: Arrive by 6:15pm or after 9:30pm
What to order: Nigiri dinner, chirashi, dragon roll
Insider tip: Waits can be long—bar seats turn fastest.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and often challenging in the Tenderloin after 6pm; best bet is the nearby Mason/O’Farrell Garage a 5–7 minute walk away.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but many couples lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Loud and lively—expect energy, music, and chatter. Conversation is possible but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 60–90 minutes without a reservation; arrive early or very late to shorten wait.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—restaurant opens in the evening only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of veggie rolls, tempura, and small plates.
Vegan options: Limited—basic cucumber/avocado rolls and seaweed salad available.
Gluten-free options: Partial—sashimi and most nigiri are safe; soy sauce contains gluten unless you request tamari.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if your date enjoys a lively, buzzy atmosphere—it’s energetic and fun but not intimate or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait on weekends. Bar seating is your best bet for faster turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—late-night hours, basement vibe, and loud music make it better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Late-night sushi with energy and affordable pricing compared to omakase-focused competitors.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner or refined omakase experience—choose a higher-end sushi bar instead.
Ryoko's Japanese Restaurant & Bar
8.3
Basement sushi bar (since 1987) with neon-lit, late-night energy, cocktails, and a lively soundtrack. Go for classic nigiri and crowd-pleasing rolls that hit the spot after shows or a night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi nigiri, Spicy tuna roll, Dragon roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Iconic, neon-drenched, late-night sushi with a full bar.
Who should go: Night owls and downtown showgoers
When to visit: Arrive after 10pm to dodge peak waits
What to order: Hamachi nigiri; spicy tuna; dragon roll
Insider tip: Sit at the sushi bar for fastest service and best photo angles.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Taylor St. is limited and competitive, especially after 6pm. Paid garages are available within a 2–3 block walk near Union Square.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Most guests come in jeans and casual wear, though some lean dressier for the night-out vibe.
Noise level: Lively to loud, with a bar soundtrack and chatter. Conversation requires raising your voice at peak hours.
Weekend wait: 60–90 minutes without a reservation, often longer between 8–10pm.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch; evenings only starting at 6pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – avocado rolls, cucumber rolls, veggie tempura, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited – a few rolls (avocado, cucumber) and edamame, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes – sushi rice and many nigiri are gluten-free; soy sauce alternatives available if requested.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want energetic, late-night atmosphere over intimacy. The neon vibe and music create excitement, but it’s not ideal for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect long waits on weekends. Arriving after 10pm improves your chances significantly.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. It’s a late-night bar-oriented spot with loud music. Better suited for adults and groups of friends than families with children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night sushi with energy and a bar scene – few downtown sushi spots serve this late with a party-like vibe.
Skip if: You want quiet, refined omakase or fast in-and-out service. Choose other sushi spots for a calmer or more traditional experience.
Ryoko's Japanese Restaurant & Bar
8.6
Basement late-night standby known for lively energy and a deep roll list—from classics to playful signatures—plus a serious sake and cocktail program. Consistent execution and fast bar service make it a downtown favorite after shows.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dragon Roll, 49ers Roll, Orange Delight
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Decades-strong late-night sushi with creative specialty rolls.
Who should go: Night owls and cocktail-minded sushi fans
When to visit: After 9pm for faster seating and full vibe
What to order: Dragon; 49ers; Orange Delight
Insider tip: Grab bar seats for the quickest service and best view.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Lower Nob Hill; paid garages are a short walk away on Sutter or Post.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean trendy for a night out.
Noise level: Loud and lively—conversations can be difficult at peak hours, quieter earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: 60–90 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open faster.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—Ryoko’s opens late afternoon into night.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian rolls and appetizers are available.
Vegan options: Limited—some veggie rolls can be ordered without mayo or sauces.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free soy sauce is available on request, though cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re looking for lively, energetic vibes and don’t mind some noise—better for fun nights than quiet romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible but expect long waits on weekends; arriving after 9pm or aiming for the bar is the best strategy.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—late hours, basement space, and loud atmosphere make it better for adults and groups than families with small children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night sushi, energetic bar service, and a broad roll menu at accessible prices.
Skip if: You want a quiet, upscale omakase experience or kid-friendly dining—choose calmer sushi spots instead.
Ryoko's Japanese Restaurant & Bar
8.0
Late-night basement sushi bar (since 1987) known for lively energy, a solid nigiri lineup, and strong sake/cocktails. Industry folks and night owls crowd in for reliable rolls and classic cuts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi nigiri, Spicy tuna roll, Uni nigiri (market)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Iconic late-night sushi with a lively underground vibe since 1987.
Who should go: Night owls craving sushi and sake
When to visit: Arrive before opening to avoid the line
What to order: Nigiri flight; spicy tuna; uni
Insider tip: Bar seats move fastest—ideal for solo sushi runs.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Taylor St. and Post St. is metered and scarce at night; nearest paid option is the Mason O’Farrell Garage two blocks away.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners dress up a bit for the nightlife vibe.
Noise level: Loud—expect energetic music and chatter; conversations require raising your voice during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 60–90 minutes without a reservation; lines form before doors open.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch—opens late afternoon into the night.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, edamame, seaweed salad, and egg dishes are available.
Vegan options: Limited—avocado roll, cucumber roll, and a few sides; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some nigiri and sashimi are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce contains gluten unless you bring or request tamari.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want lively, high-energy fun; less ideal if you’re seeking quiet intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a long line; solo diners fare better at the sushi bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—late-night hours, crowded basement vibe, and loud music make it better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Late-night sushi energy with cocktails and a social crowd, rare in San Francisco.
Skip if: You want serene fine dining or a quiet omakase experience—opt for Robin or Akiko’s instead.
Ryoko's Japanese Restaurant & Bar
8.0
Basement sushi bar known for late hours, DJs on weekends, and a big menu of classic and specialty rolls. A fun, energetic spot that keeps the sushi coming after most kitchens close.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rainbow Roll, Volcano Roll, Spicy Scallop Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Late-night sushi with a lively bar vibe and deep roll menu.
Who should go: Night owls and post-event crews
When to visit: After 9pm on weekdays for shorter waits
What to order: Rainbow; Volcano; Spicy Scallop rolls
Insider tip: Counter seats turn faster—add nigiri between roll rounds.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the area, especially after 7pm; paid garages nearby on Mason and Geary are your best bet.
Dress code: Casual to trendy—jeans are fine, but many diners lean stylish given the bar vibe and nightlife crowd.
Noise level: Loud, especially after 9pm and on weekends when DJs play—expect a buzzing social scene rather than quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 60–90 minutes without a reservation; the line is common late into the night.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch—this is a dinner and late-night spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of veggie rolls, tempura, and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited—avocado rolls and a few sides, but options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Partially—some nigiri and sashimi are fine, but soy sauce and many rolls contain gluten; request gluten-free tamari if available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into nightlife energy—fun and social, but the volume and crowds make it less ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a line, especially on weekends. Arriving before 8pm helps, or try counter seating for faster turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is more of a late-night bar scene with loud music. Best suited for adults and groups of friends.
Best For
Better for: Late-night sushi and a party-like vibe when most other spots are closed.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, gluten-free reliability, or a family-oriented experience.