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Omakase
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Omakase
8.9
Edomae-style sushi served in a focused, reservation-only setting with top-flight fish and precise knife work. Locals book it for milestone dinners where pristine nigiri and calm service lead the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro flight (chu/otoro), Hokkaido uni nigiri, A5 wagyu nigiri torch-seared
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 9
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Tightly curated omakase with world-class sourcing and classical Edomae technique.
Who should go: Sushi purists and anniversary diners
When to visit: Evenings with counter seats for chef interaction
What to order: Chef’s omakase; toro progression; uni nigiri
Insider tip: Request end-counter seats for the clearest view of plating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; private lots available within 2–3 blocks (around $10–15 for evening hours). No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—button-downs, dresses, or blazers fit best. Jeans acceptable if polished.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for intimate conversation at the counter or tables.
Weekend wait: Reservations required; walk-ins rarely seated. Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—possible vegetable nigiri substitutions if arranged in advance.
Vegan options: Very limited—omakase format is seafood-driven, not recommended.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free soy sauce available upon request; inform staff ahead of time.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate, calm atmosphere with precise service makes it a memorable first date for sushi lovers.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely—reservations are required, and walk-ins are almost never accommodated due to the limited seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—menu is tailored to adults with acquired taste for raw fish; no children’s options or high chairs provided.
Best For
Better for: Best for curated, high-end Edomae sushi with personal chef interaction in a quiet setting.
Skip if: Skip if you want à la carte variety, casual group dining, or broad menu flexibility.
Omakase
9.1
Twelve-seat Edomae experience where the chef’s counter drives a photogenic progression of nigiri and kappo bites. Precision cuts, premium neta, and minimalist design make it a destination for sushi purists and special nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Edomae nigiri flight (seasonal), Chawanmushi with crab, uni & ikura, A5 wagyu bite
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Intimate, chef-led Edomae omakase with meticulous sourcing.
Who should go: Omakase devotees and anniversary diners
When to visit: Weeknights for calmer pacing and attention
What to order: Seasonal nigiri, chawanmushi, wagyu bite
Insider tip: Ask about seasonal uni varieties to compare textures and sweetness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; best option is paid garage at 8th & Brannan (5-minute walk). No valet offered.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual—collared shirts, dresses, or elevated separates. Jeans acceptable if paired with dress shoes/jacket.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversations remain private given the 12-seat counter format.
Weekend wait: Reservations required weeks in advance; walk-ins rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—dinner only seatings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—possible vegetable or egg nigiri if requested in advance.
Vegan options: Not accommodated—menu centers on raw seafood.
Gluten-free options: Generally yes—soy sauce can be swapped for tamari upon request; cross-contact minimal at sushi counter.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a high-stakes or special first date—it’s intimate and impressive, but the structured format leaves less room for casual conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. With only 12 seats, advance booking is essential. Occasionally last-minute cancellations open, but these are rare.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children. The format is long, formal, and seafood-focused. Suitable only for older teens with adventurous palates.
Best For
Better for: Precision Edomae technique, rare seasonal neta, and a minimalist, photogenic setting that rivals top-tier omakase experiences in Japan.
Skip if: You want à la carte ordering, flexible pacing, or a casual sushi outing. Choose alternatives if dietary restrictions prevent enjoying raw seafood.
Omakase
8.9
Intimate Michelin-recognized Edomae sushi counter by Jackson Yu delivering a tightly choreographed omakase. A destination play for board-level hospitality in the Design District.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s Nigiri Flight, Uni & Ikura Chawanmushi, A5 Wagyu Bite
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 9
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Twelve-seat Tokyo-style omakase with precision and sourcing pedigree.
Who should go: Small executive groups and investors
When to visit: Book prime counter times well in advance
What to order: Full omakase; seasonal uni; wagyu bite
Insider tip: Request counter seats closest to the chef for the most interaction.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the Design District can be tight; limited metered spots nearby. Best bet is to use a rideshare or reserve a garage space a block away on Henry Adams Street.
Dress code: Business formal or smart dressy; suits and cocktail attire are common given the Michelin recognition.
Noise level: Low; the 12-seat counter is intimate and allows for easy, private conversation.
Weekend wait: Reservations required weeks in advance; no walk-in availability.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—strictly dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited; chef can adjust a few courses with advance notice but experience is seafood-driven.
Vegan options: Not suitable; core omakase relies heavily on fish and shellfish.
Gluten-free options: Yes; soy sauce alternatives available if requested at booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date is a serious sushi lover and appreciates luxury dining—otherwise the formality and price point may feel too intense.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No—reservations are mandatory and often book out weeks ahead; walk-ins are not accepted.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended; the intimate counter setting and fixed tasting menu are best for adults and business occasions.
Best For
Better for: One of the most refined omakase experiences in San Francisco, ideal for impressing high-level clients or celebrating milestone deals.
Skip if: Skip if you want a casual sushi outing, have dietary restrictions against seafood, or are seeking flexible à la carte ordering.
Omakase
8.9
Michelin-starred, 14-seat Edomae counter renowned for precise nigiri and traditional techniques. While roll options are limited, craftsmanship and sushi quality set the standard in SoMa.
Must-Try Dishes:
Edomae Nigiri Progression, Chawanmushi with Crab/Uni, Monkfish Liver (ankimo)
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Michelin-starred Edomae mastery with an intimate chef’s counter.
Who should go: Serious sushi purists
When to visit: Late seatings for a more relaxed pace
What to order: Chef’s omakase, sake pairing, seasonal add-ons
Insider tip: Counter seats offer the best interaction and pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; private garages within a 5-minute walk—no valet service.
Dress code: Upscale attire recommended; smart casual at minimum, jackets or dresses preferred for the setting.
Noise level: Low—intimate 14-seat counter where quiet conversation is easy.
Weekend wait: Reservations required weeks in advance; no walk-in seating.
Weekday lunch: Not offered—dinner-only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extremely limited; occasional vegetable nigiri if requested in advance.
Vegan options: Not accommodated—menu is seafood-focused.
Gluten-free options: Partially accommodated—soy sauce alternatives available if requested ahead.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for serious food-focused dates—quiet, luxurious, and intimate, though the formality may not suit casual first meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No; seating is strictly reservation-only due to its 14-seat size.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for children—formal, extended service and lack of kid-appropriate menu items.
Best For
Better for: Precision Edomae nigiri and Michelin-level intimacy unmatched by larger sushi houses.
Skip if: You’re seeking casual rolls, lively atmosphere, or broader menu variety—choose a larger SoMa sushi spot instead.
Omakase
8.9
Twelve-seat Edomae counter where precise nigiri and kappo courses lead the show. Calm service and top-flight sourcing make it a special-occasion destination in Showplace Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chutoro/otoro nigiri flight, Uni with warm rice, A5 wagyu bite
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 9
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Intimate chef-led Edomae progression with meticulous sourcing.
Who should go: Sushi purists and celebratory diners
When to visit: Book weeks ahead; arrive exactly on time
What to order: Omakase progression, uni course, wagyu
Insider tip: Two evening seatings—being late means missing courses.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in Showplace Square; can be difficult after 6pm. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—collared shirts and dresses preferred. Jeans acceptable if polished.
Noise level: Low to moderate—calm counter environment where conversation is easy.
Weekend wait: Reservation required—no walk-in availability. Book at least 3–4 weeks ahead.
Weekday lunch: Not offered; dinner only with two seatings per night.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—chef can create a few vegetable-forward courses with advance notice.
Vegan options: Not recommended—fish and seafood are central to the menu, with very few substitutes.
Gluten-free options: Yes—soy sauce substitutions available upon request; inform staff when booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its intimate 12-seat counter and refined service make it ideal for an impressive, memorable first date, especially for sushi enthusiasts.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No—reservations are mandatory. Walk-ins are not accepted due to the extremely limited seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for children—multi-course progression and formal pacing are designed for adult diners. No child menu or accommodations.
Best For
Better for: Elite, chef-led Edomae sushi with seasonal precision—superior for serious sushi lovers and celebratory occasions.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte ordering, casual group meals, or have strict vegan/child-friendly needs.
Omakase
8.9
Twelve-seat Edomae counter from chef Jackson Yu (since 2015) with fish flown in from Japan and a tightly choreographed omakase progression. It’s a splurge-worthy, intimate setting built for special-occasion sushi with precise nigiri and warm hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro nigiri, Uni chawanmushi, A5 wagyu nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Michelin-level, 12-seat Edomae omakase led by Chef Jackson Yu.
Who should go: Serious sushi fans celebrating something
When to visit: Prime seats at 5:00 or 7:45 reservations
What to order: Omakase progression, toro, Hokkaido uni
Insider tip: Request counter seats; the experience centers on chef interaction.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking in SoMa; nearby paid garages on Townsend and 8th are most reliable.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual—collared shirts, dresses, or stylish attire recommended; avoid overly casual wear.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for intimate conversation, with soft background ambiance.
Weekend wait: Reservation-only; book 2–3 weeks ahead. No walk-in availability.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; dinner-only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—omakase is fish-forward, but chef may prepare a few vegetarian pieces with advance notice.
Vegan options: Not available—the format centers on seafood and traditional preparations.
Gluten-free options: Partially—soy sauce and some marinades contain gluten; request tamari substitutions when booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date appreciates fine dining and sushi. The intimate 12-seat counter and chef interaction create a memorable, elevated experience, though the price and formality may feel high-pressure for very early dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No. Omakase is strictly reservation-only, and counter seats are booked weeks in advance. Walk-ins are not accommodated.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for children. The format is a multi-course progression in a quiet, intimate setting best suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: One of the most refined omakase counters in San Francisco, offering Michelin-level precision, chef engagement, and rare imported fish.
Skip if: Skip if you prefer à la carte sushi, casual dining, or need vegetarian/vegan flexibility. Alternative sushi spots in SoMa or Japantown may suit those needs better.
Omakase
9.0
An intimate 12-seat Edomae counter where the team sources fish from Toyosu and serves it with meticulous curing and aging. Locals book it for precision nigiri, a deep sake list, and a focused, transportive experience in Showplace Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro nigiri flight, Hokkaido uni with nori, A5 wagyu nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Toyosu-sourced, Edomae-style omakase executed with rigorous technique.
Who should go: Serious sushi traditionalists and collectors
When to visit: Early seatings for relaxed pacing at the counter
What to order: Toro flight; Hokkaido uni; A5 wagyu nigiri
Insider tip: Reserve counter seats—only a handful are available nightly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Showplace Square is limited at night; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale; jackets or dresses are common but not required.
Noise level: Low – intimate 12-seat counter with quiet background music, easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: No walk-ins; reservations required weeks in advance.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch – dinner-only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited; occasional vegetable nigiri but not a full menu.
Vegan options: Not accommodated – the format is heavily seafood-focused.
Gluten-free options: Can be accommodated with advance notice; soy sauce substitutions available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date is a sushi enthusiast. The intimate counter format makes it feel special and memorable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No – seating is strictly reservation-only due to the small size.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children; the format is slow, quiet, and tailored to adult diners.
Best For
Better for: Omakase excels at traditional Edomae technique and Toyosu-quality sourcing in an intimate setting.
Skip if: Skip if you want à la carte rolls, a lively atmosphere, or a casual group meal.