30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Luxury Dining Japanese in SoMa
Best Japanese in SoMa
Best Seafood in SoMa
Master Critic Review
Izakaya Rintaro
8.4
Handmade tofu, yakitori, and seasonal small plates from chef-owner Sylvan Mishima Brackett in a warm, wood-forward space. It’s where diners share skewers, sashimi, and sake with restaurant-world regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tsukune chicken meatball skewers, Handmade tofu with ginger, Udon with seasonal broth
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Seasonal izakaya cooking with house-made staples and charcoal grill.
Who should go: Izakaya fans and natural-wine drinkers
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8pm for smoother pacing
What to order: Tsukune; handmade tofu; sashimi plate
Insider tip: Counter seats offer a front-row view of yakitori grilling.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on 14th Street; nearby garages on Mission or Valencia are more reliable after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate buzz—lively but still possible to hold conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar counter may open up faster.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch; only dinner service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—handmade tofu dishes, seasonal vegetable skewers, and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes like seasonal greens or pickles can be adapted, but menu leans toward meat and fish.
Gluten-free options: Some skewers and sashimi are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce substitution available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—warm wood interiors, shareable plates, and lively but not overwhelming energy make it an excellent first date choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky on weekends; try arriving early at opening or ask for counter seats for better chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to skewers and sake bar vibe; older teens with adventurous palates may enjoy.
Best For
Better for: Casual yet polished group dinners where diners share skewers and sake in a social setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet fine-dining kaiseki or a broad vegetarian/vegan selection.
Hours
Monday5pm - 10pm
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 10pm
Saturday5pm - 10pm
SundayClosed