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AKIKOS
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
AKIKOS
8.9
Flagship omakase by chef-owner Ray Lee showcasing dry-aged fish and Toyosu imports in a sleek, photo-ready room. Since relocating here in 2023, it’s a destination for precise nigiri and elegant plating that lights up feeds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nigiri-centric omakase flight, Dry-aged bluefin toro, Hokkaido uni with ikura
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 9
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Rigorous dry-aging and Toyosu sourcing presented in cinematic omakase.
Who should go: Omakase devotees and special-occasion diners
When to visit: Weeknights for calmer pacing and chef interaction
What to order: Omakase; extra toro; seasonal uni
Insider tip: Lunch omakase offers a shorter, slightly softer price point.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated valet; nearby paid garages at One Market and 201 Spear. Street parking is scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to upscale; jackets optional but polished attire recommended.
Noise level: Low–moderate; music is subtle and room design allows for clear conversation.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: No wait with reservation; limited walk-in availability at bar seats.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited options; vegetable-based nigiri and seasonal small plates on request.
Vegan options: Minimal; chef may offer custom vegetable progression with advance notice.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available and most dishes can be adapted with prior request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate seating, refined atmosphere, and visually striking omakase make it memorable for a special first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely; the omakase format and limited seating mean reservations are strongly required.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—no children’s menu and long tasting format; better suited for adults and teens with adventurous palates.
Best For
Better for: Precision dry-aging, Toyosu imports, and presentation that excels in both culinary craft and photo appeal.
Skip if: You want à la carte sushi, casual pricing, or a fast in-and-out meal.
AKIKOS
8.9
Chef-driven omakase with Toyosu sourcing and dry-aged fish served in a sleek Transbay setting. A focused lunch omakase makes it viable for high-stakes daytime meetings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lunch omakase nigiri progression, Toro course, Seasonal uni
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Dry-aged fish and Toyosu product delivered in a precise omakase.
Who should go: Executive lunches and VIP clients
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30–1:30 lunch seating
What to order: Lunch omakase, toro flight, seasonal uni
Insider tip: Book early; request counter seats to watch the knife work.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking in the Transbay/East Cut area; nearby paid garages at Salesforce Transit Center and 555 Mission are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Business formal or elevated smart casual; suits and blazers common at lunch.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for confidential conversation, with background ambiance from the sushi counter.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Lunch omakase is reservation-only; expect no wait if booked.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extremely limited; chef may provide a few vegetable nigiri pieces if arranged in advance.
Vegan options: Not accommodated—fish and seafood are central to the omakase format.
Gluten-free options: Yes, with advance notice; tamari substitution is available and cross-contamination is minimized.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for high-end, impression-focused first dates; the omakase counter provides intimacy, though it may feel formal for casual dating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely; lunch and dinner seatings are almost always booked. Call ahead for same-day cancellations.
Is it kid-friendly? No—this is a refined omakase experience best suited for adults; there are no child-friendly menu items or amenities.
Best For
Better for: AKIKOS excels at precision-driven omakase with Toyosu sourcing, making it unmatched for executive lunches and VIP impressing.
Skip if: Skip if you need flexible menus, vegetarian/vegan options, or a casual pace—this is a focused, high-commitment experience.
AKIKOS
9.0
High-end omakase led by chef-owner Ray Lee featuring dry-aged fish and pristine Toyosu imports in a polished, intimate room. Ideal for splurge-worthy dates where precision nigiri and a serious sake list set the tone.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase nigiri progression, Dry-aged bluefin toro (when available), Hokkaido uni nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 9
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Dry-aged fish omakase with Toyosu sourcing and exacting technique.
Who should go: Omakase devotees and special-occasion couples
When to visit: Weeknights 5:30–7:30 for calmer service
What to order: Omakase; chef’s toro course; seasonal uni
Insider tip: Ask about the day’s dry-aged cuts—availability changes nightly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; nearest option is paid garages on Folsom or Howard, street parking scarce after 6pm
Dress code: Upscale attire recommended; cocktail dresses, blazers, or smart casual leaning formal
Noise level: Low to moderate – quiet enough for intimate conversations, hushed room tone
Weekend wait: Reservations booked weeks in advance; walk-ins rarely accommodated
Weekday lunch: No lunch service – dinner only
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extremely limited; occasional vegetable nigiri or seasonal dishes by request
Vegan options: Not accommodated – menu is fish-focused
Gluten-free options: Yes – soy sauce alternatives and rice-based courses available with notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want to impress – the intimate setting and chef-led omakase make for a memorable night, but the serious format may feel too formal for casual first meetings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Highly unlikely; AKIKOS is reservation-only and books out quickly. Plan several weeks ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended – the experience is adult-oriented with a focus on precision dining, no children’s menu, and a quiet, formal room.
Best For
Better for: Exceptional dry-aged nigiri and intimate luxury omakase experience that few competitors in SF match.
Skip if: You want à la carte sushi, casual group dining, or budget-friendly options – this is a splurge-only destination.
AKIKOS
8.6
SoMa’s luxury sushi flagship from Ray Lee centers on a seasonal omakase that highlights Toyosu-market fish and dry-aging technique. Expect pristine nigiri, meticulous rice, and a sleek room that works for milestones or executive dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal omakase nigiri, Dry-aged bluefin toro, Hokkaido uni
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: High-end omakase with Toyosu sourcing and fish dry-aging.
Who should go: Omakase seekers and client dinners
When to visit: Weeknights; late lunch omakase for quieter pacing
What to order: Omakase nigiri, toro, uni
Insider tip: Ask about limited dry-aged cuts featured that day.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited metered street parking nearby, best bet is garages at Transbay Terminal or Salesforce Transit Center (5–10 min walk).
Dress code: Upscale smart casual—blazers, dresses, or sharp separates; jeans acceptable only if polished.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation-friendly even at peak dinner service.
Weekend wait: Reservation essential; walk-ins rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Late lunch omakase has limited seating but typically no wait if booked.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—occasional seasonal vegetable nigiri but no full menu.
Vegan options: Not accommodated—fish-focused omakase format.
Gluten-free options: Yes—soy sauce substitutions available on request, prep handled carefully.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—refined, intimate setting with attentive service makes a strong impression, though price point is high.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Highly unlikely; book well in advance. Limited walk-ins may be offered bar seating only.
Is it kid-friendly? No—best for adults. Omakase pacing and quiet atmosphere aren’t suited to young children.
Best For
Better for: Precision omakase sourcing from Toyosu and rare dry-aged fish techniques that few SF sushi spots match.
Skip if: If you want casual rolls, lower prices, or broad menu variety—opt for mid-tier sushi bars instead.