Came for lunch and we were happy with our meal. Service was friendly and gracious. Good variety menu items. Portions and prices were reasonable. Chicken katsu was not dry. The food will not knock you out of this world but it will fill you up and not break the bank.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Andrew Turner
Portions were great for the money
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Michelle Chan
I’ve now been to Kitaro twice for lunch, and both times I left thoroughly satisfied. Their lunch specials are easily some of the best deals in San Francisco. Unlike many Japanese restaurants where a lower price means smaller portions, Kitaro serves full dinner‑sized portions at lunch for around $13–16.
The quality is excellent. The tempura here is some of the best I’ve ever had—crispy, light breading with vegetables cooked perfectly inside. I especially enjoyed the broccoli, zucchini, and green beans, which paired beautifully with the crunchy batter. The shrimp tempura was great too, but the vegetables really stood out.
Their rolls, like California and spicy tuna, are larger than what you typically find elsewhere. On my first visit, I ordered the nigiri special and was impressed by both the presentation and the generous portion. The server even advised me to wait before ordering more, and he was right—I was full and happy with just the platter.
On my second visit, I tried the bento boxes and lunch combos, which were equally satisfying. Next time I’m excited to try the udon and donburi bowls.
The miso soup and salad are also very good, generously portioned, and well seasoned.
Kitaro has quickly become my favorite spots in the city, and I look forward to returning often with my son.
We have been been eating here as our casual Japanese spot for like 15 years+ They made my daughter a sushi lover at 4 years old. She does not say let's get sushi, she says I hungry for Katrio Mom.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stacey
Love this sushi spot! The service is extremely fast and kind, wonderful staff who remember locals 💗, and great food. The price is also amazing for the quality that you get. Thank you Kitaro 🤗
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Roll, Edamame, Avocado
D J
Kitaro has been a fixture in the Richmond district as far back as the early 90’s when it was located on the north side of Geary, next the municipal parking lot. Since the founding owner sold it, it Now it sits opposite side in the south side and the food is still equally good. Lunch specials are a great deal: 2 items combo for about $19 Sashimi portions are generous and fresh. Chicken Karaage is juicy and crunchy. The Beef teriyaki is so-so, the beef could use a longer searing to char the meat and create that burnt crisp that would go well with the sweet Teri sauce. It can be noisy when is at full capacity.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
wally c
Local spot
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
louie
There is a lady server during the lunch shift and she seems to think that asking for wasabi and ginger is not reasonable. She sensed my disappointment and aggressively insisted to leave a TIP before we where even finished eating. I've been going here for over a decade and this server is not good for business. Please get rid of her because the other servers are exceptional and they are the reason I keep returning.
Very welcoming and nice staff. Food is reasonably priced and feels good for the price. Love coming here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
S. Anthony Bettencourt
This place is still a bargain for sushi
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brindha Subramanian
Amazing, amazing restaurant! I came in a little bummed and left the happiest person alive. Service was delightful and food was flavorful. . My LO said it was the best garlic edamame he ever had. Fresh sushi and good portion . Totally recommend! It has good food and really happy vibes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carey Yip
Miso soup was good and not too salty. Tempura is good and not soggy. Chicken teriyaki is tasty and not drenched in sauce. Salmon is very fresh and soft. Karaage has lots of flavor and a dipping sauce. Overall, not a bad meal for the price.
Jose G Ornelas
Great place to eat with the family at a very good price !
Came for lunch and we were happy with our meal. Service was friendly and gracious. Good variety menu items. Portions and prices were reasonable. Chicken katsu was not dry. The food will not knock you out of this world but it will fill you up and not break the bank.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Portions were great for the money
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
I’ve now been to Kitaro twice for lunch, and both times I left thoroughly satisfied. Their lunch specials are easily some of the best deals in San Francisco. Unlike many Japanese restaurants where a lower price means smaller portions, Kitaro serves full dinner‑sized portions at lunch for around $13–16.
The quality is excellent. The tempura here is some of the best I’ve ever had—crispy, light breading with vegetables cooked perfectly inside. I especially enjoyed the broccoli, zucchini, and green beans, which paired beautifully with the crunchy batter. The shrimp tempura was great too, but the vegetables really stood out.
Their rolls, like California and spicy tuna, are larger than what you typically find elsewhere. On my first visit, I ordered the nigiri special and was impressed by both the presentation and the generous portion. The server even advised me to wait before ordering more, and he was right—I was full and happy with just the platter.
On my second visit, I tried the bento boxes and lunch combos, which were equally satisfying. Next time I’m excited to try the udon and donburi bowls.
The miso soup and salad are also very good, generously portioned, and well seasoned.
Kitaro has quickly become my favorite spots in the city, and I look forward to returning often with my son.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious food, friendly staff, reasonable prices, highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We have been been eating here as our casual Japanese spot for like 15 years+ They made my daughter a sushi lover at 4 years old. She does not say let's get sushi, she says I hungry for Katrio Mom.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this sushi spot! The service is extremely fast and kind, wonderful staff who remember locals 💗, and great food. The price is also amazing for the quality that you get. Thank you Kitaro 🤗
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Roll, Edamame, Avocado
Kitaro has been a fixture in the Richmond district as far back as the early 90’s when it was located on the north side of Geary, next the municipal parking lot. Since the founding owner sold it, it Now it sits opposite side in the south side and the food is still equally good.
Lunch specials are a great deal: 2 items combo for about $19
Sashimi portions are generous and fresh.
Chicken Karaage is juicy and crunchy.
The Beef teriyaki is so-so, the beef could use a longer searing to char the meat and create that burnt crisp that would go well with the sweet Teri sauce.
It can be noisy when is at full capacity.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Local spot
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
There is a lady server during the lunch shift and she seems to think that asking for wasabi and ginger is not reasonable. She sensed my disappointment and aggressively insisted to leave a TIP before we where even finished eating. I've been going here for over a decade and this server is not good for business. Please get rid of her because the other servers are exceptional and they are the reason I keep returning.
Loved it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Very welcoming and nice staff. Food is reasonably priced and feels good for the price. Love coming here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
This place is still a bargain for sushi
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing, amazing restaurant! I came in a little bummed and left the happiest person alive. Service was delightful and food was flavorful. . My LO said it was the best garlic edamame he ever had. Fresh sushi and good portion . Totally recommend! It has good food and really happy vibes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Miso soup was good and not too salty. Tempura is good and not soggy. Chicken teriyaki is tasty and not drenched in sauce. Salmon is very fresh and soft. Karaage has lots of flavor and a dipping sauce. Overall, not a bad meal for the price.
Great place to eat with the family at a very good price !
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