See all
888 photos

Ryoko's Japanese Restaurant & Bar

Sushi Restaurant and Sake Bar$$$$

Lower Nob Hill, San Francisco

Save

8.7^/10

1,673

ratings

Ranked #1 for sushi restaurants in San Francisco
Go here. Experience the sashimi. It's worth it.
"Highly recommend the Jumping Tuna roll and the Spicy Beef Teriyaki!"(18 Tips)
"Pokemon Roll and the Volcano are awesome."(10 Tips)
"Get the omakase (chef’s selection)!"(8 Tips)
"Favorite rolls are jumping Unagi and spicy golden gate"(6 Tips)

420 Tips and reviews

Filter:

sushi
casual
DJs
good for dates
healthy food
trendy
pokemon roll
spicy food
omakase
bar
hand rolls
miso soup
music
gluten-free food
crowded
good for singles
daily specials
green tea
hole in the wall
off-menu items
(15 more)

Sort:

Popular
Recent

Mike WinstonApril 7, 2015
When late night munchies strike, there's no better place to be. The fresh fish in the sushi is outstanding and they also have a large number of imports from Tsukiji. Read more on WinstonWanders below! Read more
J CrowleyMarch 11, 2016
Been here 5+ times
Omakase off the specials board. If you're solo, hang by the front and make nice with the host to snag a quick seat at the bar. Avoid the octopus, unless you like chewing belts.
Graham SiegelApril 11, 2016
Been here 25+ times
Favorite sushi in SF. Sit at the bar and order everything off the specials board. If you have to wait for a seat, flag down a server and order a bottle of sake.
Noah WeissNovember 19, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Put down the menu. Look up at the daily specials. Tell your waiter your life is in her hands. But, demand the toro.
Simon FranklinDecember 9, 2018
After being in SF for a week, and making the most out of the various eateries it has to offer. Ryoko is easily crowned the best meal of the trip. Worth the wait for the sashimi and the hot tuna rolls
Wayne AndermanNovember 16, 2018
Fresh fish flown in from Japan daily. Incredible selections of bigeye and other delicious options. The rolls are highly creative as well and presentation is amazing.
Eric ShineNovember 19, 2018
Been here 10+ times
Best sushi I’ve ever had. Loved the special OToro roll. The specials can be expensive, but they're worth it. Service is very quick, but there can be a wait.
Sara Steele-RogersDecember 13, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Great mix of funky and traditional sushi, sashimi, and maki. Super friendly staff, cheap drinks, full bar. DJ on Friday and Saturday nights. Back tatami room for private parties. LOVE RYOKO!
Time Out San FranciscoFebruary 22, 2018
The seafood is delivered fresh daily and the menu spans small plates, sushi, and sashimi. Most diners order Japanese beer while they wait. Read more
Christopher LongJune 15, 2015
Excellent sushi. The Dragon Roll is fresh, with avocado, eel and real crab. Very kid friendly in this basement restaurant where they give kids ice cream at the end of the meal. Orange Delight=awesome.
Marcela SaponeSeptember 5, 2016
It's always good - get the sushi specials and skip the rolls. Oysters are insane here (like Maison premiere in NYC). Their miso and seaweed set the bar- go for the esoteric over sake and tuna
Yas AbJuly 6, 2016
Go solo if you want to be seated quickly without being wait listed. You can't go wrong with their rolls, my favorite is the Pokemon (mango!) and anything with eel.
Natalie KFebruary 20, 2018
Get here as it opens or you’re gonna be waiting in a very long line. Try to get seats at the sushi bar if you can...watching the chefs work is magical
Lindsay FloresOctober 21, 2015
The sushi here is SO GOOD!!! I'm from Phoenix and I would fly out just to have dinner here! Definitely worth the wait. Watch your step on those stairs!
Matteo SarzanaFebruary 7, 2014
Great sushi. Do not look at the menu. Get inspired by the board on the wall, you will not regret it. DJ is playing all night long and they accept Amex. Oysters are t e r r i f i c.
Steffen BornhoftMarch 22, 2017
Be prepared to queue but it's worth it! We went late in the evening and didn't have to wait long. Try the White Tuna from the specials board. But everything is delicious!
Bobak EsfandiariFebruary 17, 2016
One of my favorite Japanese places in SF. Get the toro when in season, it's so damn good! Also, while not on the menu, they can also serve you Takoyaki for appetizers which are delicious
Foxxy BFebruary 9, 2018
The rare gem in SF where great food can be had after 10pm. Sit at the bar, get the $100 omakase, & enjoy the awesome, sorta hilarious DJ (sushi & a shakira remix, anyone?). Great service & atmosphere.
StephanySeptember 7, 2018
Decent sushi but more importantly is open til 2am. V hard to find good food late night in SF, so this in a excellent option.
Sabina B.December 20, 2014
Enjoy the freshest sushi with killer daily specials from Japan (ask for reccos). The Volcano and/or Sexy Rolls are equally 💣.com. This & Saru Sushi Bar are two of the best joints in the state/land
eifehJune 30, 2016
Popular basement-floor sushi spot in Lower Nob Hill. Dinner seating starts at 6pm, but line starts by 5:30pm. Rolls are pretty good, but small (5-6 pieces). Big Mama, Pokemon and Dragon were good.
Billy JacobsonMay 19, 2016
I went on Wednesday at 6:30 and it was pretty busy, by 8 there was a huge line. I got edamame, a seaweed salad and mackerel to start which were all good, but the best part was the jumping tuna roll.
Steven ChanMay 24, 2016
Don't let the dive atmosphere fool you. The food is legit. Sashimi is super fresh! Good vibes all around!
Nishanth ChandranFebruary 5, 2017
Everything we ordered was great - Japanese mule, fried oysters, Dragon roll, Volcano roll, Jumping Tuna roll. Overall one of my new favorite sushi restaurants in the city!
Jessica GalianaFebruary 21, 2015
My favorite so far. Atmosphere is relaxed but nice. Long wait ! Iku is good but big, Tonkatsu is perfect, daishi soup with salmon is my old time favorite and sushis are the freshest
Bryan PangilinanJuly 15, 2013
Been here 5+ times
The sashimi here is top-notch! Really tasty and high quality. Ask the server for her recommendations off the daily chef specials. And the beef oroshi appetizer is a must! Generous portion and tasty!
Carlos PérezDecember 15, 2016
Don't be scared if someone yelling you at the entrance... This is the best sushi that I ever try. The spicy tuna, the typical california roll, and the jumping tuna are the best!
Divya MulanjurApril 12, 2016
Come here for some of the best sushi you've ever had. Get the golden gate roll, hamachi and salmon. Ask to be seated at the bar for a faster table, esp if solo. Expect long lines!
Andy JiangAugust 19, 2014
Cool place for japanese food of all kinds (rice and dashi soup, clam miso soup, grilled mackerel, etc) at an affordable price. Its open late and they play beats. Great for dates,
Cindy ParthonnaudJuly 12, 2018
Sushi here is incredible - worth the wait. Sit at the bar and watch the chefs work. I had the chef’s selection which also came with miso soup. So good!
Haden BlauJune 17, 2018
The best sushi roll I've ever had. Delicious.
Esra SokmenOctober 23, 2013
Best japanese restaurant ever! Sushi rolls are super delicious and prices are reasonable; can get a bottle of house wine for $15. Arrive early around 6.30 if weekend or expect 40 min wait on the line.
Pete MarcusJune 23, 2022
Looks like nothing from the outside and was dingy as hell when I had dinner there. But it’s the best sushi and freshest fish I found in SF. Yellowtail and salmon nigiri was superb.
Ana MartínezNovember 18, 2013
something that San Fran has is one of the best food in the country, and this restaurant is the king of the sushi. Try the pokemon Prices are okay and service is good. Perfect for families and friends!
Heather Noonan-HargrovesMay 7, 2016
Deep fried cheese? You bet! This is a wonderful little basement of sushi heaven. Some great combos found in their sushi rolls including the Pokemon roll... I'll let you ponder on it!
Heena KaraniJuly 7, 2016
Loved the vegetarian sushi here. Super big portions of 5 pieces. Best part was the dj. The place has such a chilled out vibe. Popular place with long queues.
Elliott CallenderApril 27, 2016
Fantastic Sushi & Sashimi. Highly recommend the Spicy Golden Gate Sushi Roll. Awesome non fussy, chilled and friendly atmosphere!
Illia SyniuhinFebruary 2, 2018
Sushis are perfect! Sashimi is tasty but I wish it was bigger :) Really nice atmosphere and music, welcoming masters and waitress
Natalee RukachantarakulApril 8, 2013
Sashimi is fresh. White fish is good. We had uni sushi which is good quality and fresh, no strong smell. Reasonable price. Cute little cozy place to hang out with friends. Recommend this place.
Annie 🌺 JalotaApril 4, 2017
This place is lively! Good food and good for groups. There were even some vegetarian options for me!
DensJune 10, 2014
Been here 10+ times
Always get the toro. It's so expensive ($18 for 2 pieces) but so worth it.
Nicole CravenSeptember 15, 2013
By far the best sushi place in SF. Awesome music. Recommend the checker board roll and volcano roll. Finish with Mochi Ice Cream
Alexander StrahleckAugust 12, 2016
This Place is outstanding. Great quality Sushi & sashimi. Be there early as they so not make reservations ( opens at 18:00) very crowed but very cool and In athmosphiere!
D.October 14, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Jumping Unagi is my long time favorite! You should definitely order one and try this very unique roll that comes with a special dip. I am sure that you will order more!
Andy FrancoOctober 21, 2015
Best sushi I've ever had! I tried the spicy golden state roll, Philadelphia roll, rainbow roll, and dragon roll!
Lianda den HartogMarch 8, 2019
Best sushi in town! Be there early, otherwise it's a wait, but still worth it! They are fast and everything is fresh. Love the music taste!
SvetlanaDecember 1, 2016
Amazing sushi! Probably the best outside of Japan. Try the fatty tuna, it's unbelievably mouthwatering!
Jenna FleuryMarch 19, 2013
Honestly some of the best sushi I've come by. Anything deep fried is amazing! They were short handed on a Monday night, so there was a bit of a wait, but staff was very apologetic and helpful.
Fox WoodsSeptember 10, 2013
Take a friend and enjoy the sashimi platter with rice & miso soup, the squid, edamame, and a pitcher of asahi beer, then fragrant plum wine and green tea ice cream for treats!
KyleJuly 3, 2015
Sushi is so good here! Big fan of the Pokemon roll and the 49ers roll. Staff is very nice, especially since they're running around all night. Was packed even at 11pm when we left.

1 2 3 4 5 6...9

888 Photos

Planning a trip to San Francisco?

Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.

Ryoko's Japanese Restaurant & Bar

Related Searches

You might also like

Places people like to go after Ryoko's Japanese Restaurant & Bar

Appears on 1,721 lists

Is this your business? Claim it now.