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PABU Izakaya
$$$$ · Japanese, Sushi

101 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111 (415) 535-0184
Closed
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Business Lunch Japanese in San Francisco Best Date Night Sushi in San Francisco Best Sushi Rolls in San Francisco Best Sushi in San Francisco Best Japanese in San Francisco Best Luxury Dining Japanese in San Francisco

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

PABU Izakaya 8.4
Financial District
Vibes: Business Lunch Power Players Trendy Table Hotspots Group Dining Gatherings Happy Hour Hotspots
Modern izakaya in the heart of FiDi with a focused sushi program, robata items, and a legit weekday lunch service that plays well for client meetings. Efficient pacing and a polished room make it a reliable executive lunch choice.
Must-Try Dishes: Nigiri Set Lunch, Chicken Karaage, Salmon Teriyaki Don
Scores:
Value: 6.8 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8.1 Food Quality: 8.9 Atmosphere: 8.7 Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Full-service izakaya with weekday lunch and strong sushi execution.
Who should go: Client lunches and executive teams
When to visit: Tue–Fri 11am–1:15pm for smoother service
What to order: Nigiri set, karaage, robata skewer add-on
Insider tip: Ask for a corner banquette for quieter business conversations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking available at the nearby 100 Pine or Embarcadero Center garages; limited metered street parking on Front Street.
Dress code: Business casual to smart casual; collared shirts or blouses recommended, jeans acceptable if neat.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing energy at peak hours but still easy to converse across the table.
Weekend wait: Typically reserved in advance; 30–45 minute wait for walk-ins during happy hour.
Weekday lunch: No significant wait before 12:00pm; reservations advised after 12:15pm rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several small plates and sushi rolls available without meat or fish.
Vegan options: Limited – a few vegetable robata skewers and salads, but not a full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free soy sauce available; servers knowledgeable about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for professional or established relationships; the ambiance is polished but slightly formal for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes during early weekday lunch hours, but reservations are strongly recommended for groups or peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children; atmosphere leans adult and business-focused, with limited kid-appropriate menu items.
Best For
Better for: More upscale and refined than typical FiDi sushi bars, with a strong beverage program and professional service ideal for business dining.
Skip if: You’re seeking casual takeout sushi or budget-friendly lunch options—pricing and formality cater to an executive crowd.

Hours

Monday4pm - 9pm
Tuesday11am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm
Thursday11am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm
Friday11am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm
Saturday4pm - 9pm
SundayClosed