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Izakaya Rintaro
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Izakaya Rintaro
8.4
Handmade tofu, yakitori, and seasonal small plates from chef-owner Sylvan Mishima Brackett in a warm, wood-forward space. It’s where diners share skewers, sashimi, and sake with restaurant-world regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tsukune chicken meatball skewers, Handmade tofu with ginger, Udon with seasonal broth
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Seasonal izakaya cooking with house-made staples and charcoal grill.
Who should go: Izakaya fans and natural-wine drinkers
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8pm for smoother pacing
What to order: Tsukune; handmade tofu; sashimi plate
Insider tip: Counter seats offer a front-row view of yakitori grilling.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on 14th Street; nearby garages on Mission or Valencia are more reliable after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate buzz—lively but still possible to hold conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar counter may open up faster.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch; only dinner service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—handmade tofu dishes, seasonal vegetable skewers, and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes like seasonal greens or pickles can be adapted, but menu leans toward meat and fish.
Gluten-free options: Some skewers and sashimi are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce substitution available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—warm wood interiors, shareable plates, and lively but not overwhelming energy make it an excellent first date choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky on weekends; try arriving early at opening or ask for counter seats for better chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to skewers and sake bar vibe; older teens with adventurous palates may enjoy.
Best For
Better for: Casual yet polished group dinners where diners share skewers and sake in a social setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet fine-dining kaiseki or a broad vegetarian/vegan selection.
Izakaya Rintaro
8.6
NorCal produce meets Tokyo izakaya craft—binchotan yakitori, handmade tofu, and seasonal small plates in a warm wood-lined room. A Mission favorite for dates and serious sake.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yakitori set, Daily handmade tofu, Tonkatsu with cabbage
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Crafted izakaya cooking with binchotan grill and seasonal attention.
Who should go: Izakaya and sake lovers
When to visit: Weeknights before 7:00 pm for easier seating
What to order: Yakitori, daily tofu, pork katsu
Insider tip: Counter seats face the yakitori grill for the best view.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the Mission can be tough—metered spots fill quickly, especially after 6pm. No valet service offered.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a button-down or a simple dress fit the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—bustling izakaya energy, but you can hold a date-night conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; book ahead if possible.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch—dinner only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several thoughtful options like handmade tofu, seasonal vegetable plates, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited; 1–2 small plates can be adapted, but core menu leans meat/seafood.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes (like grilled skewers and sashimi) are gluten-free, but soy sauce is common—ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—warm lighting, wood-paneled interiors, and a lively but not overwhelming hum make it a charming first date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early on weekdays, but weekends usually require a reservation. Walk-ins may face long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—menu skews adventurous and space is tight. Better suited for adults or teens open to Japanese cuisine.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Tokyo-style izakaya fare with serious sake selection, plus handmade tofu and binchotan-grilled yakitori that few competitors match.
Skip if: You want a quiet, spacious dining room or a long menu of sushi rolls—this is more about seasonal small plates and charcoal grilling.
Izakaya Rintaro
8.5
A Japanese izakaya with a California lens where sashimi and seafood specials sit alongside charcoal-grilled plates. Since 2015, it’s been a go-to for balanced seafood dishes, handmade udon, and a lively, polished room.
Must-Try Dishes:
San Ten Mori sashimi plate, Ika no Nuta (squid with white miso), Kanpachi Kama (grilled collar)
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Seasonal sashimi and seafood-focused izakaya plates with craft.
Who should go: Sashimi lovers and izakaya fans
When to visit: Book early; arrive at open for fastest seating
What to order: Sashimi plate, squid nuta, kanpachi collar
Insider tip: Request counter seats to watch the open kitchen at work.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the Mission can be tough after 6pm; nearby garages on 16th and Hoff are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most diners lean a bit dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate—lively buzz but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; prime hours fill up quickly.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; easier walk-in experience.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several dishes like agedashi tofu, seasonal vegetables, and udon can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items may be adapted, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some options available (sashimi, certain grilled plates); soy sauce is standard so ask for modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the polished yet casual izakaya vibe, open kitchen energy, and balanced noise level make it a strong first-date choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays if you arrive at open, but reservations are strongly advised for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the menu and vibe skew adult. Better for teens and up rather than young children.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal seafood specials and handmade noodles that feel more curated than most casual izakayas in SF.
Skip if: You want a fully vegan menu, or need quiet, hushed dining instead of a lively izakaya setting.