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KAIYŌ Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
KAIYŌ Restaurant
8.5
Nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese) sushi, tiraditos, and cocktails served on a 12th-floor rooftop overlooking South Beach. Opened in 2022 atop the Hyatt Place, it’s the neighborhood’s camera-friendly spot before or after Oracle Park events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Acevichado Roll, Nikkei Nigiri Set, Tuna Tiradito
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Skyline-view Nikkei sushi and tiraditos on a true rooftop.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers chasing sunset sushi with views
When to visit: Golden hour; pre-game evenings; late Fridays and Saturdays
What to order: Acevichado roll; Nikkei nigiri set; tuna tiradito
Insider tip: Reserve windscreen lounge seating for warmer, calmer sunset dining.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated self-parking is available in the Hyatt Place garage beneath the building (enter on Townsend St); valet available on weekends for around $15. Street parking is scarce after 6pm on game days.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Most guests opt for elevated evening attire—think cocktail dresses, button-ups, and sleek sneakers or heels.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can chat over dinner early, but it turns buzzy and DJ-forward after 8pm on weekends.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer around Oracle Park events.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—open evenings only; early happy hour tables are easiest to snag.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several rolls, small plates, and tiraditos can be prepared vegetarian upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 menu items can be adapted, but the focus leans on seafood-driven Nikkei fare.
Gluten-free options: Partial—gluten-free soy sauce available; some rolls and ceviches can be adjusted, though shared fryers are used.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for an early-evening drink or light dinner with city views. The setting feels upscale yet playful, perfect for breaking the ice without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly if you arrive before 6pm or later in the night after 9:30pm, but prime-time tables are booked weeks out on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is an adults-oriented rooftop with cocktails, lounge seating, and a 21+ crowd after dark.
Best For
Better for: KAIYŌ Rooftop outshines competitors for its genuine rooftop setting, panoramic skyline views, and fusion of Peruvian-Japanese flavors rarely found elsewhere in SoMa.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking a quiet sushi omakase or traditional Japanese experience—the scene here skews social and high-energy.
KAIYŌ Restaurant
8.6
Vibrant Nikkei spot next to Oracle Park with tropical lighting, color-forward plates, and camera-ready cocktails. Sushi and tiradito presentations pop against lush interiors—great for reels before a game.
Must-Try Dishes:
Acevichado roll, Tuna tiradito, Hamachi nigiri with yuzu
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Nikkei plates with bold colors in a photogenic, tropical room.
Who should go: Fans seeking buzzy, stylish pre-game sushi
When to visit: Early evening before ballpark rush
What to order: Acevichado roll; tuna tiradito; hamachi nigiri
Insider tip: Request bar seats for best plating views and lighting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; garages on 3rd Street and Townsend are the most reliable before games.
Dress code: Smart casual—dressy jeans and stylish tops work; many guests lean trendier for photos.
Noise level: Lively with music and game-day crowds; conversation is possible but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; book ahead for prime times.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; faster turnover before afternoon games.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several rolls, veggie tiradito, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2–3 options, mostly rolls and salads.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available; staff will guide on safe choices.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, colorful plating, and cocktails create an energetic but intimate vibe for an impressive first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at off-hours or at the bar, but expect long waits around games and weekends—reservations strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—best for adults and older teens; high chairs and kids’ menu are not provided.
Best For
Better for: Bold plating, cocktail flair, and Instagram appeal—ideal for stylish group outings or pre-game photo ops.
Skip if: You want a quiet sushi omakase or strictly traditional Japanese—choose a calmer, classic spot instead.