Best Japanese Restaurants in Mission Bay / South Beach

Discover the best restaurants in Mission Bay / South Beach

Explore must-try spots, new openings, and hidden gems.

Price

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Regions

East BayMarinPeninsulaSan Francisco

Neighborhoods

AlamedaBerkeleyCivic Center / Hayes Valley / Van NessDowntown / Union SquareFinancial District / EmbarcaderoJapantown

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELINWorld's 50 Best

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

47 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Niku Steakhouse

4.8

Exceptional(881)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • SOMA

Booked 25 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

2. Roka Akor - San Francisco

4.8

Exceptional(2304)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 53 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.

3. Live Sushi Bar

4.7

Exceptional(597)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Potrero Hill / Dogpatch

Booked 1 time today

Live Sushi Bar, located in the vibrant Potrero Hill of San Francisco, is a true treasure for seafood lovers, offering a unique and authentic sushi experience. The restaurant is renowned for its "consistently fresh and high-quality" seafood, with patrons frequently praising the "freshest fish and creative rolls in SF." With specialties like live scallop, live uni, and fresh oysters, Live Sushi Bar captivates diners with its exceptional selection. Guests rave about the "amazing omakase" and the "perfect balance of sashimi, nigiri, and special rolls." This neighborhood gem is a must-visit for anyone seeking top-notch seafood cuisine with a creative flair.

A photo of Pabu Izakaya San Francisco restaurant

4. Pabu Izakaya San Francisco

4.5

Awesome(1400)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 36 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 Okaeri Japanese Bistro restaurant

5. Okaeri Japanese Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(179)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Mission District

Booked 21 times today

Okaeri Japanese Bistro in the Mission District of San Francisco stands out for its exceptional Sushi cuisine. Renowned for its "incredible sushi and authentically Japanese decor," Okaeri delivers a dining experience that is both traditional and innovative. The talented chefs, led by Chef Master Lo, craft exquisite omakase meals that highlight the freshest seasonal ingredients, ensuring each dish is "a delight and unforgettable." Patrons rave about the "delicious and fresh" fish, masterfully prepared to melt in your mouth, while the attentive and friendly staff enhance the welcoming atmosphere. For sushi enthusiasts seeking quality and authenticity, Okaeri is a must-visit destination.

6. AKIKOS

4.7

Exceptional(1620)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • SOMA

Booked 20 times today

Nestled in the vibrant East Cut neighborhood of San Francisco, AKIKOS offers an exceptional Sushi experience that beautifully marries tradition with innovation. Known for its contemporary take on the traditional Omakase, the restaurant sources its fish directly from Tokyo’s esteemed Toyosu Fish Market, ensuring only the freshest, highest quality ingredients are used. Signature dishes, like the Shokupan topped with toro and Kaluga caviar, and the aged soy-cured bluefin tuna nigiri, stand out for their "creative flair" and exquisite taste. Guests rave about the "phenomenal service" and "unforgettable dining experience," making AKIKOS a must-visit for Sushi enthusiasts.

7. Okane

4.6

Exceptional(450)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • SOMA

Booked 17 times today

Okane specializes in izakaya and sushi, providing the Bay Area with an engaging new dining and drinking option that affords guests one of the City’s most authentic Japanese izakaya experiences with an emphasis on traditional dishes.

A photo of Ozumo - San Francisco restaurant

8. Ozumo - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(3423)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 48 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.

A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa) restaurant

9. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa)

4.5

Awesome(301)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • SOMA

Booked 15 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 Benihana - San Francisco, CA restaurant

10. Benihana - San Francisco, CA

3.8

Excellent(3254)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Japantown

Booked 32 times today

Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

‘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

R
RyanVIP
Los Angeles •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The best sushi ive had in the city. The owner is an absolute gem. The quality is amazing, the staff is friendly and the experience was to die for. Recommend to sit at the chef's table. We were able to do the omakase there and i was not disappointed. Ive spent well over $250 a person for Omakase before and it was not as good as what we had at Okane. The prices are reasonable and well worth it for the quality of what you get
More info
OkanePrice: Moderate• Japanese• SOMA
•
4.6
K
Koyi
Hawaii •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Greatly appreciate the crew at Niku for allowing us to switch to a window-side table for my birthday! Loved the food and service. Thank you for the additional glasses of wine tonight, and for allowing us to stay passed the closing hours!
More info
Niku SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• SOMA
•
4.8
B
BrianVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Order the Omakase Tasting Box. What a great selection of fish and wagyu for $75
More info
Live Sushi BarPrice: Moderate• Sushi• Potrero Hill / Dogpatch
•
4.7
C
CrystalVIP
New York City •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The food was excellent!! The service was very good too. We had a very good meal.
More info
Roka Akor - San FranciscoPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.8
J
Jonathan
San Francisco Bay Area •45 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 12, 2025
Pabu continues to be my go-to restaurant when entertaining out-of-town guests. My friends from New York and Los Angeles were just as impressed with their dining experience. The food, the service, and the ambience were all world class!
More info
Pabu Izakaya San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.5

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