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San Francisco

North America

United States

Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District, Niku Steakhouse is a culinary gem that redefines the steakhouse experience. With its modern yet cozy ambiance, this upscale restaurant invites diners to indulge in a unique Japanese-American menu that features house-cut wagyu and locally sourced sides. The moment you step through the door, the rich aroma of grilled meats and the sizzling sounds from the open kitchen set the stage for an unforgettable dining adventure.

At Niku Steakhouse, every dish tells a story, and the menu is a testament to the artistry of its chefs. Start your meal with the Beef Tartare, a dish that perfectly balances rich flavors with a refreshing twist. The tender beef is complemented by a zesty dressing that awakens the palate, making it a must-try for any meat lover. For a unique crunch, the Crispy Pig Ears deliver an addictive texture and a hint of Asian-inspired seasoning, making them a favorite among regulars.

As for the main event, the Bryan Ribeye, aged for 14 days, is a standout. Each bite melts in your mouth, showcasing the depth of flavor that only comes from expert aging and preparation. Pair it with the Million Layer Potatoes, which are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, for a side that elevates your meal to new heights. Don't forget to explore their cocktail menu; the Mr. Bob Harris is a refreshing choice that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the steak.

What sets Niku Steakhouse apart is not just the food, but the entire dining experience. The restaurant features a chef's counter where diners can watch the culinary team in action, adding a theatrical element to your meal. This intimate setting allows for a closer connection to the cooking process, making every dish feel like a masterpiece crafted just for you.

Conveniently located at 433 Clay St, Niku Steakhouse is surrounded by the vibrant energy of San Francisco's Financial District. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll to nearby attractions such as the iconic Ferry Building Marketplace or the bustling Embarcadero waterfront. The area is rich in history and culture, making it the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening.

Niku Steakhouse is renowned for its exceptional wagyu steaks and a unique blend of Japanese and American culinary influences.

For an unforgettable dining experience that combines top-notch service, a vibrant atmosphere, and exquisite food, Niku Steakhouse is a must-visit.

There are both free and paid street parking options available in the vicinity.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a night out, Niku Steakhouse promises an experience that tantalizes the senses. Book your table today and discover why this steakhouse is a beloved destination for food enthusiasts in San Francisco!

Japanese-American menu of house-cut wagyu & local sides by the Omakase Group (Omakase, Dumpling Time).

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURnOU9TQ193RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ9fZ1hrV_j4AR-j0CLhwaYc0/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURnOU9TQ193RRAB

Heard a lot of positive reviews so I came to check it out. Here's a few recs...

Sit at the chefs counter! It's such a special experience looking into the cooking process and this is what made the dining top notch.

NY strip was my favorite. The marbling was exceptional, the dry age flavor was subtle, and the meat was so tender. Order this!

Crispy pig ears were a second favorite -- crispy, fatty, and asian flavors. Hit the spot for me

Lastly, even though we went in hungry, the majority of the menu is quite heavy. One steak can easily be enough for two along with a few sides

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURBNUlQWmJBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ9fZ1hrV_j4AR-j0CLhwaYc0/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURBNUlQWmJBEAE

We had the privilege of hosting our wedding reception dinner at Niku Steakhouse, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we walked in, the service was impeccable—attentive, warm, and tailored to every need. The food was absolutely amazing, with each dish being not only delicious but also uniquely crafted to elevate the entire dining experience. The steaks were beyond incredible—so tender and perfectly cooked that they literally melt in your mouth. We were initially worried there wouldn’t be enough food, but we were SO stuffed by the end of the night, and ended up with five to-go bags! Even with our small group, there was more than enough to satisfy everyone. Niku Steakhouse truly made our wedding dinner unforgettable, and we highly recommend it for anyone looking for exceptional food and service. We want to give a special shoutout to our Event/catering coordinator Chloe, & primary 2 servers Reuben and Carolina for exceptional service.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURRMF9yLUp3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ9fZ1hrV_j4AR-j0CLhwaYc0/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURRMF9yLUp3EAE

Popular upscale steakhouse. The ambiance is modern and cozy. We sat at a table and thought sitting at the kitchen/grill bar would have been better. We had crispy potatoes, broccolini, crab salad and Waygu tasting. Everything was delicious, however we weren't blown away by the Waygu, it was more like a prime cut of a ribeye.
The service is excellent. $$$$

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfcXF5WDV3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ9fZ1hrV_j4AR-j0CLhwaYc0/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfcXF5WDV3RRAB

Seasonal and inspired appetizers.
A good selection of steak cuts, including a Wagyu tasting.
Niku offers an inspired steakhouse experience.
The space is rather intimate and can get loud, but having a conversation is still easy.
Counter seatings allow diners to get really close to the grilling and kitchen actions.
----
I really enjoyed the whole experience at Niku Steakhouse. Everything seems to be just right. The room was lit just enough so that you didn't need to use your cell phone flashlight to read the menu. The music was played just loud enough so you don't have to endure awkward silence on a date or yell to have a conversation. The service was friendly and attentive despite having a full house. The menu offers enough options for everyone, from traditionalists to adventurous eaters, without being overwhelming. Niku really sets the bar for a modern Steakhouse experience.

We sat at the counter, which offered a great view of the grill. We got to see the chefs making appetizers and grilling steaks, and really saw the passion and attention to detail when preparing the food. It was amazing to watch the chef at the grill station moving the steak around for the perfect doneness, relying on metal testers and experience. By the way, it really made you want to get a tomahawk steak, but we resisted the urge.

The service staff offered suggestions without being pushy. They confirmed my wife's aversion to Shiso and made sure it wasn't in the food. We saw the staff go to great lengths to accommodate the many modification requests made to the menu items.

We had two different house cocktails that were really tasty. The chicory salad was crisp, and the vinaigrette offered a sharp acidity that really balanced the otherwise rich meal. There are interesting twists in the components of the Wagyu charcuterie. The flavors were intense and sometimes unexpected. I was going to complain about the portion size, but I can see it becoming too much. For the main event, we had the wagyu flat iron and the ribeye. They were simply seasoned, which really allowed the beef to shine (literally and figuratively). I am glad we got two cuts that had different textures and meatiness. The pickled vegetables side provided much-needed acidity, and we ordered the broccolini, pretending to be healthy. The broccolini was amazing. The time it spent on the grill imparted smokiness and the black garlic dressing the umani.

We did not have room for deserts.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNnNXBlZzJBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ9fZ1hrV_j4AR-j0CLhwaYc0/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNnNXBlZzJBRRAB

Niku Steakhouse

1) Drinks: Mr Bob Harris + Ichiban
2) Apps: Beef tartare + Crispy Pig Ears + Crispy Potatoes + Bone Marrow
3) Main: Bryan Ribeye 14 days dry aged
4) Dessert: mandarin sorbet

Cocktails were fine—nothing extraordinarily special there. We started with the Beef Tartare, which was absolutely delicious & really set the tone of the meal. We then got served the Crispy Pig Ears & Bone Marrow, which were also really good, but fell a bit short of the tartare. My big problem with the ears was that the sauce made them more and more soggy as you went through + inadvertently made it too salty down at the bottom. The bone marrow looked pretty and tasted good but I felt like there was too little bread to complement the marrow.

The ribeye was overall tender & flavorful, but their cook technique leaves a few areas of very stringy/hard to chew tissue. Again, the meat was excellent and more in the zone of rare/blue rare than medium rare, but I loved it overall. The potatoes were delicious as well, given they were the "million layer" style.

For a special occasion, I think I would go again, but probably get primarily the beef tartare & ribeye & one carby side. We definitely ordered a bit too much food for two people :)

Btw: they’re on InKind! Get your discounts

Niku Steakhouse: Luxury Japanese-American Dining in SF

Savor the finest meats at Niku Steakhouse in San Francisco's Financial District. Indulge in an unforgettable culinary experience today!

Niku Steakhouse: Fine Dining in SF's Financial District

San Francisco County

Niku Steakhouse

California

Savor top-tier steak cuts and a luxurious dining experience at Niku Steakhouse in SF's Financial District. Book your unforgettable dinner now!

Indulge at Niku Steakhouse in San Francisco

Discover must-try dishes, ambiance insights, and tips for an unforgettable culinary experience at Niku Steakhouse in San Francisco.

Your Ultimate Guide to Dining at Niku Steakhouse

Learn about Niku Steakhouse, its unique Japanese-American menu, and exceptional dining experience in San Francisco's Financial District.

Niku Steakhouse: Luxury Japanese-American Dining in SF

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