Okaeri Japanese Bistro

3515 20th St, San Francisco
(415) 655-9588

Recent Reviews

NickyN

Chef Master Lo's omakase was delicious. Took the wife for Mothers Day and had a great time. Ambience is nice, wait staff were very attentive, and added the added the supplements with the omakase. Dishes were beautiful and well played. Even great place for kids as they also had tables. Toddler loved the chicken karaage.

Amazing value for price the omakase was out of this world. master lo is a boss and one of the best in the business. Highly recommend attending and sitting at the bar for a fantastic night of fresh and unique creations all for under $100.

NismaZ

This has become our go-to place for ?? because they use Tamari instead of soy sauce on the tables and many rolls and mains are gluten-free. The quality and taste has been excellent every time we've eaten there. On this visit, I got the panna cotta dessert to sooth my mouth after a spicy dish.

Shreya K.

The flavors were crazy good. I loved every bite of my food and I will definitely go back here. The drinks were awesome and the restaurant was so pretty as well. The ambiance was amazing and the people in the restaurant handled each order with such care. I loved my experience and will definitely go back soon.

Tanya Yared, MPH

Made a reservation for a Friday night and had a peaceful experience. The ambience is clean with traditional Japanese elements, and still modern music. I ordered the Sake Oyako Donburi and it was some of the freshest seafood I’ve had in the Bay Area. I also ordered the brown rice tea which wasn’t too hot and comforting. I’m looking forward to coming back to try the omakase.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Miso Soup, Sushi

Candy W.

This restaurant has the perfect aesthetic and ambiance for date night. Went here with friends on a Friday night and do recommend making reservations as it can get quite busy around dinner time. We tried a bit of everything on the menu and each time we took the first bite of a dish, all of our eyes widen and we all become speechless. The seafood was fresh, buttery, flavors are amazing. We occasionally frequent other fine-dining and Michelin star restaurants and none of them could compare to Okaeri. Service was spectacular. 10/10 would recommend!

Audrey Li

12 piece nigiri great value

Ayca Y.

The restaurant's design was strikingly intense. I wished their sushi and rolls had a touch of humor, perhaps a signature creation. Unfortunately, I couldn't include it on my list of recommended Japanese restaurants.

Ken Tien

Love the tastings and the clams ?

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

ayush kalani

Ideally, I'd give this place a 4.5/5, but I'm rounding up.Okaeri Japanese Bistro is a hidden gem that deserves all the praise. From the moment you walk in, you're enveloped in a 4.5-star experience. The ambiance is a perfect blend of modern Japanese decor and a warm, inviting atmosphere. It's a welcome respite from the bustling Mission District. The restaurant offers a tranquil space to savor the culinary artistry.Speaking of artistry, the food was nothing short of phenomenal. I was leaning towards their $90 omakase experience but ended up choosing the 12-piece nigiri tasting menu for $60. I'm glad I picked that option because it was very affordable for the quality and quantity of fish you get. Each piece was incredibly fresh and bursting with flavor. There were some miniscule inconsistencies with 1 or 2 nigiri pieces in terms of flavor, but it didn't take away from my overall satisfaction with the dish. The attentive service only added to the experience, with the staff knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions.Now, let's get to the highlights! The rock and roll – yes, that's the actual name – was a delightful combination of eel and avocado, offering a perfect balance of savory and creamy. The salmon rolls were "heavenly," with melt-in-your-mouth salmon and a perfect amount of seasoning. But the true star of the show was the Hamachi truffle. The yellowtail was incredibly fresh, and the combination of seasonal fruit, garlic shoyu, and truffle made for an explosion of flavor in every bite.Overall, Okaeri Japanese Bistro is a fantastic restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine. The ambiance is stunning, the service is impeccable, and the food is absolutely delicious. I highly recommend their tasting menu.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Julie K.

Heard many good things and decided to book this for date night. We ordered the omakase along with the supplements and oysters. The oysters were fresh but had way too much yuzu foam on top - making the ratio of oyster to foam way off. We enjoyed the supplements but the actual omakase bites felt a bit small. Fave bite was probably the uni toast. Presentation was on point though. They did call to confirm our reservation and I did say it was a celebration both when I booked online and on the phone. However, if it's not a birthday or anniversary, they won't do anything to help commemorate the occasion which is quite disappointing considering other places do something nice if you mention you're celebrating.

Ayush K.

Ideally, I'd give this place a 4.5/5, but I'm rounding up. Okaeri Japanese Bistro is a hidden gem that deserves all the praise. From the moment you walk in, you're enveloped in a 4.5-star experience. The ambiance is a perfect blend of modern Japanese decor and a warm, inviting atmosphere. It's a welcome respite from the bustling Mission District. The restaurant offers a tranquil space to savor the culinary artistry. Speaking of artistry, the food was nothing short of phenomenal. I was leaning towards their $90 omakase experience but ended up choosing the 12-piece nigiri tasting menu for $60. I'm glad I picked that option because it was very affordable for the quality and quantity of fish you get. Each piece was incredibly fresh and bursting with flavor. There were some miniscule inconsistencies with 1 or 2 nigiri pieces in terms of flavor, but it didn't take away from my overall satisfaction with the dish. The attentive service only added to the experience, with the staff knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions. Now, let's get to the highlights! The rock and roll - yes, that's the actual name - was a delightful combination of eel and avocado, offering a perfect balance of savory and creamy. The salmon rolls were "heavenly," with melt-in-your-mouth salmon and a perfect amount of seasoning. But the true star of the show was the Hamachi truffle. The yellowtail was incredibly fresh, and the combination of seasonal fruit, garlic shoyu, and truffle made for an explosion of flavor in every bite. Overall, Okaeri Japanese Bistro is a fantastic restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine. The ambiance is stunning, the service is impeccable, and the food is absolutely delicious. I highly recommend their tasting menu.

Janet F.

Dined in around 6pm on a Wednesday. We had a reservation but it was empty on arrival. Started filling in around 7-8pm. Ordered: Hamachi Truffle, karaage, Saba, cyclone, angry fish, snow mountain, and some nigiris. Fish was great quality. Snow mountain roll was fantastic - all the ingredients meshed well together. Otoro nigiri was our favorite. Unfortunately all of the rolls fell apart very easily. Restaurant interior was very aesthetic, clean, cozy, and simple. Food came out quickly and we loved the variety of choices for o-choko.

Sharon Hwang

Nestled discreetly in the bustling streets, Okaeri Japanese Bistro stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, offering patrons a tantalizing glimpse into the world of authentic Japanese cuisine. From the moment you step through the door, you are greeted with an atmosphere that seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern elegance, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.One of the highlights of Okaeri Japanese Bistro is undoubtedly their omakase tasting menu. A true culinary adventure, each course is a masterpiece crafted with precision and care, showcasing the freshest ingredients and innovative techniques that pay homage to Japan’s rich culinary heritage. From delicate sashimi to perfectly grilled seafood, each dish is a symphony of flavors and textures that dance harmoniously on the palate.What sets Okaeri apart is not only the quality of their cuisine but also the impeccable service that accompanies it. The knowledgeable staff are passionate about Japanese cuisine and take pride in guiding diners through the intricacies of each dish, ensuring that every aspect of the dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.The attention to detail extends beyond the food, with the elegant presentation adding an extra layer of sophistication to each course. From the meticulously arranged sushi platters to the artfully crafted desserts, every dish is a feast for the senses that delights both the eyes and the taste buds.In addition to their omakase tasting menu, Okaeri Japanese Bistro also offers a diverse selection of à la carte options, ensuring that there is something for every palate. Whether you’re craving classic favorites like tempura and teriyaki or eager to explore more adventurous dishes, the menu offers a delightful array of choices that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning of diners.Overall, Okaeri Japanese Bistro is a shining gem in the culinary landscape, offering a dining experience that is as memorable as it is delicious. With its exquisite omakase tasting menu, impeccable service, and inviting ambiance, it’s no wonder that Okaeri is beloved by both locals and visitors alike.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Omakase Tasting

Joey N.

This place has been on my list for so long and finally we made it here. Probably the cheapest omakase you can find in SF. We arrived right when they open so we didn't have to wait at all. Loved everything being served with all the fresh cuts and they paces it out right, which didn't make us feel too rushing or heavy after eating. It was a solid 2 hours lunch and you have the option to sit at the bar or by tables. We chose the tables since we wanted to enjoy some sun for lunch. We still wanna try their entrées so definitely will be back soon.

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