Best Hidden Gems in San Francisco

The sushi and other dishes are well-regarded for their excellent freshness, quality, and delicious flavor, with many diners highlighting expert preparation.

“The sushi was very fresh and flavorful.”

Staff and owners are frequently described as incredibly kind, friendly, welcoming, and attentive, contributing to a positive dining experience.

“The staff are kind and welcoming”

The atmosphere is described as simple, casual, modest, and unpretentious, with some noting it's quiet and feels like a family-owned business.

“A small casual sushi restaurant”

Diners consistently find the prices to be very reasonable, affordable, and offering fantastic value for the high quality and generous portions of food.

“Unbeatable prices.”

The food is consistently described as outstanding, delicious, and thoughtfully prepared, with many diners highlighting the tasting menu and wine pairings.

“Absolute perfection!”

Service is well-regarded as attentive, personal, warm, and first-rate, often noting the owner-chef's direct involvement.

“The service was attentive and caring.”

The atmosphere is repeatedly described as cozy, intimate, private, romantic, and unpretentious, often enhanced by the small number of tables.

“Cozy and intimate dinner”

Diners consistently find the prix fixe menus and wine pairings to be an top-notch deal for the quality and experience offered.

“Very reasonable price.”

The food is well-regarded for its excellent flavor, freshness, and authentic Himalayan and Nepalese preparation. Many dishes, including momos, curries, and specific items like Everest Wings and bhanta dip, are highlighted as standouts.

“We had one of the best meals”

Service is frequently described as friendly, warm, attentive, knowledgeable, and outstanding, contributing significantly to a positive dining experience.

“Great service and relaxing atmosphere”

The atmosphere is consistently described as cozy, warm, welcoming, relaxing, and charming, often evoking a sense of being in the Himalayas.

“Cozy little place with an amazing food”

While not explicitly detailed, the value is implied to be good, with mentions of generous portions and reasonable prices.

“Generous portions, and reasonable prices”

The banh mi are well-regarded for their excellent taste, fresh ingredients, and perfectly balanced flavors, with particular recognition for the bread's texture.

“Amazing Banh Mi! Everything about it was amazing.”

Service is frequently described as friendly, sweet, and welcoming, contributing to a positive customer experience.

“The worker was sweet !”

The atmosphere is consistently described as a small, unpretentious, to-go joint with limited or no seating.

“No frills atmosphere (and service)”

The restaurant is lauded for its generous portions and affordable prices, offering outstanding value for money.

“Generously sized banh mi for $9.”

The tasting menu offers a creative and unique experience, with dishes that are consistently described as delicious, innovative, and beautifully presented, highlighting fresh ingredients and expert preparation.

“One of THE BEST dining experiences”

Service is frequently lauded as excellent, warm, and attentive, with owners Joe and Chef Koji often singled out for their personal touch and hospitality.

“Incredible service, decor, plating”

The ambiance is well-regarded for its thoughtful, modern Japanese decor, creating an intimate and transportive atmosphere.

“Felt like I was transported to Tokyo”

While a prix fixe menu in San Francisco, the value is considered outstanding for the quality, creativity, and overall experience provided.

“Not unreasonably priced for a prix fixe”

The food is well-regarded for its authentic flavors, freshness, and high-quality ingredients, with particular recognition for the mole, birria, and enchiladas.

“The tacos here were some of the best”

Service is frequently highlighted as remarkably kind, friendly, attentive, and welcoming, with staff often offering samples to assist with ordering.

“Staff is very kind and attentive”

The atmosphere is described as homey, relaxed, clean, and inviting, with a family-run feel.

“Feels very nicely put together”

Diners find the prices reasonable for the generous portions and high quality of the food.

“Affordable food”

The food is consistently described as outstanding, innovative, and soulful, with a strong emphasis on unique flavor combinations and high-quality ingredients.

“Best meal we've ever had.”

Service is noted for its warmth, friendliness, and the personal touch provided by the chef-owners, who explain each dish with passion.

“Super friendly chefs and great service.”

The intimate, small-counter setting creates a personal and engaging atmosphere, making diners feel like part of a special experience.

“Feels like being part of something rare.”

While the experience is well-regarded, some diners note that the price point is high, with one diner suggesting some courses were basic for the cost.

“Not quite there for the price.”

The lasagna is well-regarded as outstanding, with a wide variety of flavors and options including gluten-free and meat-free. It's described as authentic, hearty, and delicious comfort food.

“Amazing lasagna with variety of flavors”

Service is generally positive, with owners responding warmly to reviews. While not explicitly detailed, the convenience of frozen options and farmer's market presence suggests efficient handling.

“Grazie lasagneria babbo!”

The vibe is not explicitly described, but the food is characterized as hearty, homey comfort food, suggesting a casual and satisfying experience.

“Great homey comfort food.”

The lasagna is considered a great price for its quality and portion size, making it a recommended option for gifting and regular meals.

“Great price!”

The food is well-regarded for its excellent freshness, authentic Mediterranean and Greek flavors, and beautiful preparation. Dishes are frequently described as delicious, flavorful, and high-quality, with many diners comparing it favorably to food experienced in Greece.

“Absolutely fresh and absolutely delicious”

Service is a standout aspect, with staff frequently described as kind, friendly, attentive, warm, and accommodating. Many diners highlight specific servers and the owner's personal engagement as contributing to a welcoming and memorable experience.

“Staff was very kind, friendly, and attentive”

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as beautiful, cozy, stylish, and energetic, often evoking a feeling of being in Greece. The decor and ambiance contribute significantly to the overall positive dining experience.

“Great vibes, and top-notch service”

While most diners find the food and experience worth the price, a few diners mention the restaurant being on the expensive side or having poor value for specific dishes, citing small portions or lack of included sides.

“Overpriced ~$35 souvlaki is a tiny serving”

The food is well-regarded for its excellent freshness, vibrant flavors, and expert preparation, with many dishes, particularly the lamb, receiving specific accolades.

“Everything tasted fresh and well-prepared.”

Service is frequently described as outstanding, friendly, attentive, and welcoming, with staff often making guests feel at home.

“The service was first-rate — friendly and attentive”

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as warm, cozy, intimate, and welcoming, contributing positively to the overall dining experience.

“The ambiance was amazing—so cozy and welcoming.”

While prices are noted as reasonable by some, one diner found it a bit pricey but ultimately worth it for the quality.

“The prices were very good”