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Kitaro Japanese Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Kitaro Japanese Restaurant
8.2
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Long-running Geary Boulevard standby turning out generous classic rolls and combo lunches with quick pacing. Reliable service and ample seating make it a practical, low-friction client or team lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lion King roll, Rainbow roll, Sushi/sashimi combo
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Speedy, big-portion sushi with dependable lunch execution.
Who should go: Teams needing fast, familiar sushi
When to visit: 11:30–1:00 for best rotation and seating
What to order: Lion King, rainbow roll, lunch sushi combo
Insider tip: Ask for window tables along Geary for quieter conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Geary and side streets; metered spots turnover regularly before 2pm, but expect light competition during peak lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual or business casual—comfortable for midday client lunches; no formal attire needed.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush but still easy for conversation; quieter at off-peak hours after 1:30pm.
Weekend wait: Typically a short 10–20 minute wait due to quick table turnover.
Weekday lunch: No wait before noon; brief 5–10 minute waits at peak 12:00–12:45pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several veggie rolls and tempura options on both lunch and dinner menus.
Vegan options: Limited – avocado and cucumber rolls plus edamame, but sauces may contain fish stock.
Gluten-free options: Partially – sushi and sashimi are fine, but soy sauce and tempura are not; BYO gluten-free soy sauce recommended.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual or working lunches rather than romantic dates—efficient and comfortable, but lacks intimate ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – walk-ins are standard at lunch; the room moves fast with high turnover. Reservations are rarely necessary for weekday visits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – staff are patient and the menu has approachable items for kids like teriyaki chicken and California rolls; best before 6pm.
Best For
Better for: Consistent lunch pacing and value—ideal for teams that want reliable sushi without long waits or high prices.
Skip if: You’re looking for premium omakase, high-end ambiance, or creative chef specials—head to Shoshin or Wako instead.
Kitaro Japanese Restaurant
7.6
Long-running Geary mainstay with big menus, shareable rolls, and easygoing energy. Not fancy, but reliable for an unfussy sushi date with generous portions and quick pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lion King roll, Rainbow roll, Sushi combo
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Decades-loved Richmond staple with big, shareable classic rolls.
Who should go: Casual dates who want large portions
When to visit: Later evenings after the early dinner rush
What to order: Lion King; rainbow roll; sushi combo
Insider tip: Split a couple of baked rolls—portions are substantial.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Geary or nearby side streets; metered spots turn over often after 7pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but neat attire fits the date-night crowd.
Noise level: Moderate; lively energy but you can comfortably hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of vegetable rolls and tofu appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 vegetable rolls and edamame; sauces may contain mayo or fish stock.
Gluten-free options: Some options—sashimi and basic rolls are safe if you bring your own tamari.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a relaxed, no-pressure sushi night. It’s casual enough to keep things easy but still feels social and upbeat.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes—walk-ins are common. Avoid 6:30–8:00pm weekends if you want to skip the short queue.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids; the space is bright and informal. Not ideal for toddlers during busy dinner hours.
Best For
Better for: Group-friendly rolls, generous portions, and a laid-back Geary vibe.
Skip if: You’re looking for refined omakase or a quiet, candlelit setting.