Best Japanese Restaurants in Chinatown (94108)
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Chotto Matte
Rooftop Nikkei experience pairing elegant sushi with skyline views.
Notable Picks
#1
Chotto Matte
8.6
High-energy Nikkei destination atop Union Square serving sashimi, tiraditos, and specialty rolls with polished cocktail service. Guests come for the dramatic indoor–outdoor setting and precise fish quality that holds up across the menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s sashimi selection, Tiradito flight, Nikkei specialty rolls
What makes it special: Rooftop Nikkei experience pairing elegant sushi with skyline views.
#2
Nomu Skewers
8.3
Modern izakaya near Union Square fusing charcoal-grilled yakitori with a concise sushi/nigiri program and sake list. Consistent execution and lively service make it a reliable pre-show or after-work stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso black cod, Chirashi don, Daily sashimi specials
What makes it special: Izakaya energy with a legit sushi counter in one room.
Worthy Picks
#3
Maru Sushi
7.9
Casual Powell Street standby offering classic rolls, nigiri, and bento with friendly, fast service. It’s a dependable Union Square option for straightforward sushi at fair prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
49er Roll, Rainbow Roll, Salmon Nigiri
What makes it special: Old-school menu breadth with dependable execution steps from Union Square.
#4
Zhu's Tea
7.6
Tiny Chinatown counter doing boba alongside made-to-order budget sushi rolls and simple sashimi sets. Best for quick, low-cost bites while exploring nearby alleys.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Roll, California Roll, Hamachi Maki
What makes it special: Alleyway grab-and-go with made-to-order budget rolls.