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Kiki Japanese Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Kiki Japanese Restaurant
7.7
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Casual sushi-and-street-food spot with all-day hours and takeout-friendly trays. Generous rolls and quick counter flow make it an easy, budget-conscious lunch near the park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rainbow Roll, Assorted Sashimi Plate, Chicken Katsu Bento
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Broad menu with speedy lunch service and party-tray options.
Who should go: Budget-minded sushi teams
When to visit: 12:00–1:00 for fresh turnover
What to order: Rainbow roll, sashimi plate, katsu bento
Insider tip: Call ahead for platter-style trays when feeding a small team.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along 9th Ave and Irving St; availability improves slightly after 1:30pm. No private lot.
Dress code: Casual—work attire or jeans are fine; no need to dress up for lunch.
Noise level: Moderate—steady lunch chatter but manageable for small team conversations.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak dinner hours; takeout moves faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait if arriving before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado rolls, veggie tempura, tofu dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited—few options like cucumber rolls and salads, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some sashimi and grilled options work; soy sauce substitutions available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic setting—better for casual meetups or team lunches due to quick counter service and simple atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are standard; tables turn quickly, especially during weekday lunches.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—welcomes families; bento boxes and mild tempura options work well for kids 6 and up.
Best For
Better for: Quicker service and larger portions than most Inner Sunset sushi counters at this price point.
Skip if: You’re seeking an omakase or upscale experience—try Zentarou or Ebisu instead.
Kiki Japanese Restaurant
7.7
Neighborhood staple with a sprawling menu—sashimi, classic rolls, and combo plates—at approachable prices. It’s casual but comfortable for a simple sushi date without fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Assorted sashimi (10pc), Rainbow roll, 49er’s roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Large, value-friendly sushi menu with quick service on 9th Ave.
Who should go: Budget-minded sushi pairs
When to visit: Weeknights for easiest seating
What to order: Assorted sashimi, Rainbow roll, 49er’s roll
Insider tip: Party trays can be a good value for double dates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along 9th Avenue and nearby side streets; metered until 6pm and can be tight during dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—comfortable for a neighborhood date, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate—steady hum from families and takeout traffic but quiet enough for conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; plenty of open tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie rolls, tempura, and tofu dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options like cucumber roll and veggie udon, but sauces may contain fish base.
Gluten-free options: Partially—sashimi and plain rice safe, but soy sauce and tempura batter contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a low-pressure, casual sushi spot—simple setting, quick service, and solid quality without pretense.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes; walk-ins are fine on weeknights, but larger groups should call ahead for weekend dinners.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families dine here often; high chairs available and combo plates suit younger eaters.
Best For
Better for: Casual sushi dates or family dinners where value and variety matter more than ambiance.
Skip if: You’re looking for refined omakase or intimate counter experiences—go to Zentarou or Ebisu instead.