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Friends Only
Master Critic Review
Friends Only
8.9
Ten-seat omakase counter in Nob Hill focused on dry-aged seafood, served with polished pacing and strong sake/cocktail pairings. A high-commitment date night for serious sushi fans who want a choreographed experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry-aged bluefin nigiri with caviar, Cherrywood-smoked unagi, Binchotan-grilled spot prawn
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Dry-aged sushi omakase with meticulous beverage pairings.
Who should go: Omakase die-hards and celebration diners
When to visit: Mid-week late seating for a calmer room
What to order: Omakase progression; unagi course; spot prawn
Insider tip: Request a mixed wine-and-sake pairing for the best range.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Nob Hill is scarce after 6pm; no dedicated lot or valet offered.
Dress code: Smart casual to cocktail attire; most guests lean dressy given the intimate setting.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for intimate conversation across the counter.
Weekend wait: Reservations required weeks in advance; no walk-in availability.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—only dinner service is offered.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—possible with advance notice, but omakase is seafood-driven.
Vegan options: Not accommodated; the menu relies heavily on fish and shellfish.
Gluten-free options: Can adjust soy sauce and some courses with advance notice; best to request when booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a serious, high-commitment first date with someone who appreciates sushi; less ideal if you’re still in casual early stages.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No—this is a 10-seat omakase counter, and all guests must book ahead online.
Is it kid-friendly? No—this is an intimate omakase experience best suited for adults; no kids’ menu or accommodations.
Best For
Better for: Friends Only excels at dry-aged sushi and curated beverage pairings, offering a more choreographed, luxury-focused omakase than most Nob Hill spots.
Skip if: Skip if you want à la carte sushi, flexible pacing, or a budget-friendly meal; choose a larger sushi bar instead.