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Best Japanese Restaurants in Russian Hill

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41 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Nisei restaurant
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1. Nisei
4.7
Exceptional(164)
$$$$
• Japanese • Russian Hill
Booked 7 times today
At Nisei, nestled in the heart of Russian Hill, San Francisco, Japanese Speciality cuisine transcends into an art form, offering an "exquisite experience" that celebrates both tradition and innovation. The restaurant beautifully marries deep Japanese flavors with Northern California's finest ingredients, thanks to the brilliance of Michelin-starred Chef David Yoshimura. Guests rave about the "phenomenal" and "creative" dishes, meticulously crafted and served with warmth and passion. The ambiance, akin to dining in an art gallery, complements the visually stunning presentations. From "fantastic" sake pairings to delightful omurice, each bite is a testament to the authenticity and elegance of Japanese culinary artistry.
A photo of Bar Iris restaurant
2. Bar Iris
4.7
Exceptional(3)
$$$$
• Japanese • Russian Hill
Booked 1 time today
Bar Iris is a High-End Bar with Unique Craft Cocktails Inspired By Japanese Culture & ingredients with a collection of eclectic spirits with a heavy focus on Japanese alcohols such as whisky, sake, umeshu and shochu. Bar Iris is connected to Chef David Yoshimura's Nisei, a Michelin starred Japanese restaurant, which also prepares Izakaya inspired food for the bar out of the highest quality ingredients.
A photo of Niku Steakhouse restaurant
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3. Niku Steakhouse
4.7
Exceptional(1158)
$$$$
• Japanese • SOMA
Booked 57 times today
Niku Steakhouse in San Francisco's vibrant SOMA district is a haven for Japanese Speciality cuisine enthusiasts, renowned for its exceptional quality and authenticity. Offering a "truly memorable" dining experience, the restaurant is celebrated for its exclusive cuts of Japanese A5 wagyu, expertly prepared over a custom binchotan charcoal and wood-fired grill. "The 6oz filets were cooked and seasoned perfectly," one diner raves, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to precision and flavor. Executive Chef Dustin Falcon, with his impressive credentials, ensures that each dish combines American and Japanese culinary sensibilities, making Niku Steakhouse a must-visit for any discerning palate.
A photo of Roka Akor - San Francisco restaurant
4. Roka Akor - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(2475)
$$$$
• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 31 times today
Roka Akor in San Francisco’s Financial District is a beacon of authentic Japanese cuisine, offering an unparalleled dining experience with its exquisite Wagyu and Certified Kobe Beef. As one of fewer than 40 U.S. restaurants licensed to serve these delicacies, Roka Akor stands out for its commitment to quality and authenticity. Diners rave about the "exceptional omakase experience," where guests are treated to the finest selection of Japanese dishes. The open flame charcoal Robata Grill imparts a unique flavor to expertly grilled meats and vegetables, making each dish a culinary masterpiece. Coupled with a stellar service team, Roka Akor promises a memorable dining adventure.
A photo of Bar Shoji restaurant
5. Bar Shoji
4.7
Exceptional(161)
$$$$
• Japanese • SOMA
Booked 27 times today
*PLEASE NOTE: All guests must be 21+ to enter with a physical ID/Passport. Photos of ID/Passport will not be accepted. Guests without valid physical ID will not be seated inside, regardless of original reservation, nor will they be served alcohol*Bar Shoji focuses on Japanese-inspired craft cocktails, as well as a great selection of premium sake and wine. We also offer bar bites with Japanese-inspired flavors to accompany each cocktail. We bring the Japanese practice of omotenashi into our service, ensuring a delicious, intimate , and hospitable experience.*Reservations are limited to 90 minutes per seating, this allows for all guests to enjoy the Bar Shoji experience. We are only able to wait up to 15 min after your reservation time. Thank you for understanding. We look forward to having you join us soon! All inquiries can be sent to hello@shojisf.com
A photo of TBD restaurant
6. TBD
4.8
Exceptional(24)
$$$$
• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 24 times today
TBD is a new modern Japanese izakaya coming soon to downtown San Francisco — a casual yet refined space designed as an everyday destination. Our menu balances cold and hot dishes with a focus on seasonality and technique, including a yakitori program featuring dry-aged chicken grilled over binchotan charcoal.Stay tuned for our official opening.
A photo of Pabu Izakaya San Francisco restaurant
7. Pabu Izakaya San Francisco
4.6
Exceptional(1436)
$$$$
• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 11 times today
Pabu Izakaya San Francisco offers an unparalleled Izakaya experience, blending tradition with modern flair. Nestled in the heart of the Financial District, this gem is praised for its "world-class sashimi, sushi, and grilled meats" expertly crafted by Chef Keita Tominaga. The restaurant’s dedication to authenticity shines through with seafood flown in daily from Japan’s renowned Toyosu Market, ensuring "melt-in-your-mouth fresh" sushi. Guests rave about the "exceptional service" and the energetic ambiance that enhances every visit. Pabu Izakaya is not just a dining destination but a journey into the heart of Japanese culinary excellence, making it a must-visit in San Francisco.
A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant
8. Chotto Matte San Francisco
4.6
Exceptional(203)
$$$$
• Japanese • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 11 times today
Chotto Matte San Francisco is a vibrant gem nestled in the heart of Downtown San Francisco, renowned for its exquisite Nikkei Cuisine—a harmonious blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. The restaurant's chic, contemporary design, paired with tropical foliage and a theatrical robata grill, crafts an unforgettable dining experience. Guests rave about the "amazing ambience" and "exceptional food," highlighting Chotto Matte as a standout in the city's culinary scene. The expertly crafted cocktails, like the "spicy Japanese margarita," further elevate the experience, making it a must-visit for those seeking authentic and innovative Japanese cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
A photo of Ace Wasabi Rock-N-Roll Sushi restaurant
9. Ace Wasabi Rock-N-Roll Sushi
4.8
Exceptional(306)
$$$$
• Japanese • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 32 times today
Ace Wasabi Rock-N-Roll Sushi is the crown jewel of Asian cuisine in San Francisco's Marina district, offering "amazing fresh sushi" that has captivated locals for over 28 years. Its reputation for "outstanding" sushi is well-earned, with dishes like the Spice Girls roll and tuna tartare over crispy rice receiving rave reviews. Diners can enjoy a unique blend of vibrant atmosphere and delectable fare, where "high quality fish" is paired with a "modern and hip" ambiance. Whether indulging during their half-price happy hour or partaking in the lively bingo nights, Ace Wasabi promises a memorable culinary adventure that keeps patrons returning time and again.
A photo of HINODEYA Ramen Chestnut restaurant
10. HINODEYA Ramen Chestnut
4.6
Exceptional(37)
$$$$
• Japanese • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 25 times today
Experience authentic Japanese ramen at Hinodeya Ramen Chestnut, where tradition meets modern comfort in the heart of San Francisco. Born in Japan and crafted with centuries-old culinary expertise, Hinodeya specializes in dashi-based ramen, a lighter, delicate style made from bonito, kombu, and other premium ingredients. Each bowl is prepared to highlight deep umami flavors while maintaining a balanced, healthy profile.In addition to our signature ramen, enjoy a variety of flavorful Japanese appetizers such as gyoza, karaage, takoyaki, and other small plates that pair perfectly with our selection of sake and Japanese beer. Served in a warm and inviting atmosphere, Hinodeya is ideal for casual dining, gatherings with friends, or a comforting solo meal.Discover ramen and appetizers crafted with authenticity, quality, and heart at our Chestnut Street location.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jon
    Oklahoma City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Hands down the best experience we've ever had at any restaurant! Everyone was so accommodating, explained the food, and was so considerate and courteous. I have never tasted such a combination of flavors, and when we go back, I may just order all of the sides because they were my favorite part! The steak was amazing, but I expected that. I was not prepared for side dishes that kept us discussing which flavors we ghouth we detected. This is a place we will never stop talking about!
    More info
    Niku Steakhouse$$$$• Steakhouse• SOMA
    •
    4.7
  • Amanda
    Hawaii •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Ate here as a celiac, they were very accommodating and the food was delicious. Shell out for the top wagyu $70 an oz, it was amazing. Also recommend the Hon, the mushroom rice, and the gold smoke!
    More info
    Roka Akor - San Francisco$$$$• Steakhouse• Financial District / Embarcadero
    •
    4.7
  • RustyGold
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    The food was over the top in its taste and creativity. The servers made the experience extra fun!
    More info
    Nisei$$$$• Japanese• Russian Hill
    •
    4.7
  • RandyGold
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 22, 2026
    One of my favorite spots to hit. Shoji really grew on me. And I love it. Quality you can taste. The miso soup is impeccable. Lisa is really sweet. Fat shout to the boys at the bar. Adrian, Jay & the rest.
    More info
    Bar Shoji$$$$• Japanese• SOMA
    •
    4.7
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on May 7, 2024
    Cocktails were incredible ! They were on a level above vast majority of cocktail bars.
    More info
    Bar Iris$$$$• Cocktail Bar• Russian Hill
    •
    4.7

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