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Best Japanese Restaurants in SOMA

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42 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa) restaurant
Booked 18 times today
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in San Francisco's SoMa district is a premier destination for authentic Japanese barbecue cuisine. Renowned for its "fantastic value and great cuts of meat," this spot offers an immersive dining experience where you become the chef, grilling top-quality meats like the Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib right at your table. Guests rave about the "amazing food and fun experience," with a vibrant atmosphere perfect for gatherings. The attentive service and "stellar" staff enhance the experience, making Gyu-Kaku a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable barbecue adventure in the heart of San Francisco.
A photo of Dragon Horse restaurant
4.3
Awesome(7)
$$$$
• Japanese • SOMA
Booked 2 times today
🎉 Host Your Private Event at Dragon Horse! 🎄Dragon Horse is the perfect spot for a company gathering, business meal, friends’ night out, or family celebration!✨ Private & semi-private spaces available - Large Groups Welcome! ✨No room rental fee — just low food & drink minimumsFree karaoke for groups — perfect for party fun!Free AV equipment for presentations - perfect for meetings, trainings, and corporate events! A dedicated team to make your event stress-free📅 Dates fill up fast — reserve your preferred night today!📞 Email us at dragonhorsesf@gmail.com
A photo of The Roll restaurant
4.5
Awesome(38)
$$$$
• Japanese • SOMA
Booked 1 time today
All our dishes are created by Sushi Hakko Omakase’s Executive Chef Alex, and we started The Roll to share his incredible Japanese cuisine with more people in a casual and approachable way. Our main offerings include Futomaki (sushi rolls), Kaisen-Don (sashimi rice bowls), and Large-Sized Nigiri and Inari Sushi.
A photo of Niku Steakhouse restaurant
Icon
4.7
Exceptional(1156)
$$$$
• Japanese • SOMA
Booked 62 times today
Niku Steakhouse in San Francisco's vibrant SOMA district is a haven for Japanese Speciality cuisine enthusiasts, renowned for its exceptional quality and authenticity. Offering a "truly memorable" dining experience, the restaurant is celebrated for its exclusive cuts of Japanese A5 wagyu, expertly prepared over a custom binchotan charcoal and wood-fired grill. "The 6oz filets were cooked and seasoned perfectly," one diner raves, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to precision and flavor. Executive Chef Dustin Falcon, with his impressive credentials, ensures that each dish combines American and Japanese culinary sensibilities, making Niku Steakhouse a must-visit for any discerning palate.
A photo of Bar Shoji restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(160)
$$$$
• Japanese • SOMA
Booked 54 times today
*PLEASE NOTE: All guests must be 21+ to enter with a physical ID/Passport. Photos of ID/Passport will not be accepted. Guests without valid physical ID will not be seated inside, regardless of original reservation, nor will they be served alcohol*Bar Shoji focuses on Japanese-inspired craft cocktails, as well as a great selection of premium sake and wine. We also offer bar bites with Japanese-inspired flavors to accompany each cocktail. We bring the Japanese practice of omotenashi into our service, ensuring a delicious, intimate , and hospitable experience.*Reservations are limited to 90 minutes per seating, this allows for all guests to enjoy the Bar Shoji experience. We are only able to wait up to 15 min after your reservation time. Thank you for understanding. We look forward to having you join us soon! All inquiries can be sent to hello@shojisf.com
A photo of Pabu Izakaya San Francisco restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1436)
$$$$
• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 21 times today
Pabu Izakaya San Francisco offers an unparalleled Izakaya experience, blending tradition with modern flair. Nestled in the heart of the Financial District, this gem is praised for its "world-class sashimi, sushi, and grilled meats" expertly crafted by Chef Keita Tominaga. The restaurant’s dedication to authenticity shines through with seafood flown in daily from Japan’s renowned Toyosu Market, ensuring "melt-in-your-mouth fresh" sushi. Guests rave about the "exceptional service" and the energetic ambiance that enhances every visit. Pabu Izakaya is not just a dining destination but a journey into the heart of Japanese culinary excellence, making it a must-visit in San Francisco.
A photo of Roka Akor - San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2474)
$$$$
• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 55 times today
Roka Akor in San Francisco’s Financial District is a beacon of authentic Japanese cuisine, offering an unparalleled dining experience with its exquisite Wagyu and Certified Kobe Beef. As one of fewer than 40 U.S. restaurants licensed to serve these delicacies, Roka Akor stands out for its commitment to quality and authenticity. Diners rave about the "exceptional omakase experience," where guests are treated to the finest selection of Japanese dishes. The open flame charcoal Robata Grill imparts a unique flavor to expertly grilled meats and vegetables, making each dish a culinary masterpiece. Coupled with a stellar service team, Roka Akor promises a memorable dining adventure.
A photo of TBD restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(24)
$$$$
• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 22 times today
TBD is a new modern Japanese izakaya coming soon to downtown San Francisco — a casual yet refined space designed as an everyday destination. Our menu balances cold and hot dishes with a focus on seasonality and technique, including a yakitori program featuring dry-aged chicken grilled over binchotan charcoal.Stay tuned for our official opening.
A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(203)
$$$$
• Japanese • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 21 times today
Chotto Matte San Francisco is a vibrant gem nestled in the heart of Downtown San Francisco, renowned for its exquisite Nikkei Cuisine—a harmonious blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. The restaurant's chic, contemporary design, paired with tropical foliage and a theatrical robata grill, crafts an unforgettable dining experience. Guests rave about the "amazing ambience" and "exceptional food," highlighting Chotto Matte as a standout in the city's culinary scene. The expertly crafted cocktails, like the "spicy Japanese margarita," further elevate the experience, making it a must-visit for those seeking authentic and innovative Japanese cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
A photo of Ozumo - San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3417)
$$$$
• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 47 times today
Ozumo, nestled in San Francisco's vibrant Financial District, offers an exquisite Japanese culinary journey that effortlessly marries tradition with modern flair. As one of the city’s premier destinations for Japanese Speciality cuisine, Ozumo delights with its “amazing food and impeccable service.” Guests rave about the sushi, describing it as “some of the best we’ve ever had,” while the robata-cooked delicacies are hailed as “incredibly fresh and flavorful.” The refined ambiance, crafted by the renowned Super Potato design firm, enhances the dining experience. With an impressive selection of chilled sake from Japan’s esteemed brewers, Ozumo is a must-visit for authentic Japanese flavors.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jon
    Oklahoma City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day 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$$$$• Steakhouse• SOMA
    4.7
  • MeaganGold
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Dragon Horse is THE BEST izakaya in the city! The best quality, flavor, and value, not to mention paired with the best cocktails! Derrick is a genius when it comes to flavor combinations and it’s always a treat to dine here! So much so, we had our wedding rehearsal dinner there! It’s the best!
    More info
    Dragon Horse$$$$• Sushi• SOMA
    4.3
  • Samantha
    Las Vegas •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    This was for my daughters birthday, she LOVES Japanese food, but struggles with going out do to ptsd, and the lowkey but amazing atmosphere was completely comfortable for her, thank you!!!! Absolutely amazing!!! From the moment we walked in, until we left, everything was top notch. The staff was beyond attentive, they completely spoiled us. The food was incredible, the experience was so much fun, for the first time everyone in our entire group walked away with nothing but positive to say.
    More info
    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa)$$$$• Japanese• SOMA
    4.6
  • Glenda
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Excellent! Sashimi was very fresh and the sushi rice had just the right amount of vinegar and stickiness. We usually stick with sashimi and nigiri but decided to try a roll. We had the specialty, The Roll, and it was really good. I liked that they highlighted the fish and vegetables and didn’t cover it up with extra stuff (mayo, sauce). We’ll definitely go back.
    More info
    The Roll$$$$• Sushi• SOMA
    4.5
  • Adan
    1 review
    5.0
    Dined on May 9, 2026
    This burger made me question my existence. Upon entering this majestic palace, I felt like I was driving a jeep without doors. It was absolutely marvelous, and I would bring every person from my future lineage to dine. It’s an absolute 15 out of 10 thank you and I will be back for more. - Nada
    More info
    Bar Shoji$$$$• Japanese• SOMA
    4.7

Discover best Japanese restaurants in SOMA

Discover the essence of Japanese cuisine in the vibrant SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco, where a variety of restaurants serve up authentic and innovative Japanese dishes. Whether you're a fan of traditional sushi, sashimi, or seeking a unique omakase experience, the culinary offerings in SOMA cater to every palate. The dining scene here is characterized by an emphasis on freshness, quality ingredients, and meticulous preparation, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions of Japanese culinary arts. Patrons can expect exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere that complements the high-quality dining experience. From hyper-seasonal ingredients flown in from Tokyo's Toyosu fish market to locally sourced produce, each restaurant strives to deliver both authenticity and creativity. Perfect for both casual outings and special occasions, the Japanese restaurants in SOMA are a testament to San Francisco's diverse and rich gastronomic culture. Enjoy a memorable dining experience where each meal is not just eaten, but celebrated.

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