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San Francisco

Rintaro is praised for its authentic Japanese izakaya experience, offering a cozy atmosphere and high-quality dishes. The hojicha panna cotta and yakitori skewers are particularly recommended. Some reviewers note that while the food is excellent, the prices are on the higher side.

Discover Rintaro: San Francisco's Authentic Japanese Izakaya Experience

Nestled in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco at 82 14th Street, Rintaro offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of traditional Japanese izakaya dining. This intimate and hip spot is renowned for its exposed wood interiors that create a welcoming and buzzy atmosphere, perfect for foodies, digital nomads, and trend-conscious travelers craving an authentic experience.

Rintaro shines with its meticulously crafted menu, focusing on dishes meant for sharing, such as their celebrated yakitori skewers which are grilled with heart and precision. Diners rave about the fresh, delicate flavors and the outstanding desserts like the hojicha panna cotta and Japanese soufflé cheesecake—desserts that many call the best they've ever tasted in the Bay Area.

 is evident not only in the food but also in the knowledgeable service staff who take time to explain each dish, enhancing your dining experience. The cozy ambiance complemented by outdoor seating options makes it an ideal spot for groups looking to indulge in dinner and cocktails.

While the overall sentiment towards Rintaro is positively charged, some visitors mention that the prices tend to be on the higher side, and a limited menu variety compared to traditional izakayas in Japan. Service can occasionally feel a bit formal or aloof, a quirk of the local San Francisco dining scene. However, these aspects do little to diminish the allure of this culinary gem.

 — Rintaro is popular and busy, so securing a table in advance is highly recommended.

 — Free street parking is available around the restaurant, but guests are advised to ensure their vehicles are secure.

 — Open from 5 PM to 10 PM, Monday through Saturday; closed Sundays.

 Street parking is available around the restaurant. It's advisable to ensure your vehicle is secure and avoid returning to your car after parking to minimize risk.

 Yes, reservations are accepted and recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

 Rintaro operates from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, and is closed on Sundays.

North America

United States

Nestled in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco, Rintaro is a Japanese izakaya that offers a unique dining experience in a lively atmosphere. This establishment is known for its traditional menus, served in a space adorned with warm, exposed wood, creating a cozy yet buzzing vibe. With a focus on communal dining, Rintaro invites guests to share dishes, making it a perfect spot for gatherings with friends or family.

Rintaro’s menu is a celebration of Japanese cuisine, featuring a variety of izakaya-style dishes that highlight fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Guests can indulge in an array of flavors, from savory yakitori skewers to delicate sashimi. The restaurant prides itself on its attention to detail, ensuring that each dish is crafted with care and precision.

Standout dishes include the grilled yakitori, which showcases perfectly charred chicken skewers, and the tuna sashimi, known for its freshness and flavor. For dessert, the hojicha panna cotta and Japanese soufflé cheesecake have garnered rave reviews, often described as the best of their kind.

 - Tender chicken skewers grilled to perfection.

 - Fresh and flavorful, a must-try for seafood lovers.

 - A delightful dessert that leaves a lasting impression.

 - Light and fluffy, a perfect end to your meal.

Japanese izakaya serving traditional menus in a hip, buzzy space decked in exposed woods.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQLWZHTDFBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJgcIdeSZ-j4AR1BE-49mhR-E/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQLWZHTDFBRRAB

Arrived on time with a reservation but had to wait an extra 15 minutes to be seated. The hostess was on a personal call when we arrived and chatted with her friend for at least a minute before putting her friend on hold and acknowledging us—not a great first impression.

Thankfully, the rest of the evening was much better. The servers were attentive, knowledgeable, and took time to explain each dish. The food was excellent, well-paced, and designed for sharing, which we really enjoyed.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfd3ViVlNnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJgcIdeSZ-j4AR1BE-49mhR-E/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfd3ViVlNnEAE

Awesome food! Especially the yakitori as you can tell it was grilled from the heart ❤️. However, can’t say the same about the service as it has the typical SF pretension 🥲.

Recommend the tuna sashimi, any yakitori. Skip the ‘carbonara’ udon.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYMl9DdW9nRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJgcIdeSZ-j4AR1BE-49mhR-E/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYMl9DdW9nRRAB

The food here is outstanding—fresh, delicate, and crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Although our waiter had a bit of an attitude, it didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the meal. Our group of five ordered 14 dishes, and while we were quite full, we couldn’t resist ordering dessert—and it was absolutely the right choice. The Hojicha Panna Cotta and Japanese Soufflé Cheesecake were both exceptional, easily the best we’ve ever tasted.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURidFpXakJnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJgcIdeSZ-j4AR1BE-49mhR-E/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURidFpXakJnEAE

Wanted to try Rintaro for a while and finally got around to it. It’s quite busy so make sure you get a reservation. The restaurant is very cozy and the staff is very friendly.

Unfortunately, I found the food to be just okay. Nothing bad but nothing stand out.

The fish had a pretty fishy taste and there was a lot of stringy membranes.

The chicken skewers were quite Smokey but lacked any other flavors.

Our favorite was the hojicha panna cotta.

Overall a cute restaurant but just not to my palette and with the above average price and below average portions I personally wouldn’t visit again.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ3bjhIc3lnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJgcIdeSZ-j4AR1BE-49mhR-E/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ3bjhIc3lnRRAB

We are visiting the SF area, and this place is our first dinner restaurant in town. We didn't try the tasting menu, but instead, we ordered a few Izakaya style dishes.

We like the taste of the Oden and Iwashi the most. But we felt the Iwashi was a bit over fried. We also ordered some Yakitori, the meat was soft, but we felt it was less salt and tare source.

The varieties of the food are limited and at a higher price. This is very different from our past experience, including in Japan, where izakaya usually has a lot of options and at a relatively cheaper price.

The service and the overall atmosphere were average. Not much customer engagement, but simply took the order abs brought the dishes. But 20% service charge was, by default, added to the total bill😒

Reservation is highly recommended as the place does get busy.

Rintaro: Authentic Japanese Izakaya in San Francisco's Mission District

Rintaro, located in San Francisco's Mission District, offers an authentic Japanese izakaya experience with a California twist. The restaurant is known for its cozy ambiance, featuring wood-framed booths crafted from redwood wine casks and a Hinoki cedar bar.

History of Rintaro in San Francisco's Mission District.

Nestled in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco, Rintaro stands as a beacon of authentic Japanese izakaya culture infused with a fresh California twist. This restaurant offers a uniquely cozy atmosphere, where wood-framed booths crafted from repurposed redwood wine casks complement the warm tones of the Hinoki cedar bar, creating an inviting and intimate dining experience.

Rintaro first opened its doors in 2014, quickly establishing itself as a beloved spot for both locals and visitors seeking traditional Japanese izakaya fare in a stylish setting. Its dedication to authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients set it apart in the bustling San Francisco food scene.

By 2017, Rintaro broadened its menu to include Teishoku, or set meal lunch service, providing guests with an opportunity to enjoy meticulously crafted meals during the day. This addition reinforced its status as a versatile dining destination, catering to both lunch and dinner crowds with equal finesse.

A true testament to its community roots and dedication to quality

 came in 2023 when the restaurant triumphantly reopened after enduring significant flood damage. Resuming operations in February, Rintaro demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment to maintaining its place as a cherished culinary landmark in San Francisco.

The enduring appeal of Rintaro lies in its seamless blend of traditional Japanese culinary techniques with a warm, inviting space that resonates with San Francisco's diverse and trend-savvy diners. Its signature use of wood elements, from the redwood wine cask booths to the cedar bar, enhances the dining experience, transporting guests to a refined yet relaxed environment.

 - Marked its entry as an authentic izakaya in the Mission District.

 - Introduced the Teishoku set meals, catering to daytime diners.

 - Overcame flood damage to continue serving its community with renewed vigor.

Dine In

Restroom

Outdoor Seating

Good for Groups

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Cocktails

Serves Dessert

Rintaro is a Japanese izakaya located in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco, offering traditional menus in a hip, buzzy space decked in exposed woods. The restaurant invites patrons to enjoy a culinary adventure with a menu that features classic Japanese dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

Rintaro

Authentic Japanese izakaya dishes with a California twist, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Hojicha Panna Cotta

Chicken Oyster

Chiizu Tori Katsu

Kama Tama Udon

Yosedofu

King Trumpet

Hearts

Hanetsuki Gyoza

Kake Udon

Teba No Karaage

Kabocha Korokke

Shungiku Kamo Sarada

Gizzards

Rintaro Menu

Nestled in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco, Rintaro offers an authentic Japanese izakaya experience with a fresh California twist. This cozy spot features a thoughtfully curated menu showcasing traditional dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients, perfect for food enthusiasts and lovers of refined yet approachable Japanese cuisine.

Begin your meal with a variety of enticing starters that highlight delicate textures and bold flavors. The Chicken Oyster offers tender chicken oyster meat seasoned to perfection, while the Yosedofu features silken tofu with soy sauce, scallions, ginger, and bonito flakes for a light and savory bite. For mushroom lovers, the King Trumpet starter brings richly seasoned king trumpet mushrooms, and the Hearts dish showcases seasoned chicken hearts. Don't miss the Hanetsuki Gyoza dumplings filled with pork, cabbage, garlic, and ginger, or the crispy Teba No Karaage chicken wings, marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before frying. The Kabocha Korokke offers comforting kabocha squash croquettes with a crunchy breadcrumb crust, and the Shungiku Kamo Sarada salad balances peppery greens with succulent duck breast dressed in citrus.

Rintaro's mains are designed to satisfy cravings with comforting, shareable plates. The Chiizu Tori Katsu is a standout, featuring crispy chicken thigh breaded and filled with melted cheese, delivering a rich and savory flavor. For noodle lovers, the Kama Tama Udon combines thick udon noodles with egg, soy sauce, and fresh green onions for a silky, umami-packed dish. The classic Kake Udon immerses udon noodles in a delicate dashi broth, garnished with green onions and tempura flakes for a hint of crunch.

 is a must-try dessert, featuring creamy panna cotta infused with roasted hojicha tea, offering a delicate balance of earthiness and sweetness that perfectly caps off your meal.

Complement your dining experience with Rintaro's selection of beers, wines, and cocktails carefully chosen to enhance the rich and varied flavors of the menu. The bar crafts cocktails that reflect both traditional Japanese influences and contemporary trends, delivering a perfect sip to accompany your meal.

 with a unique California twist for a fresh dining experience.

 and enjoying a variety of flavors in a lively, cozy atmosphere.

 that highlights seasonal produce and authentic Japanese techniques.

Savor authentic Japanese cuisine at Rintaro in San Francisco's vibrant Mission District. Indulge in exquisite flavors today!

Rintaro: Authentic Japanese Dining in SF's Mission

San Francisco County

Traditional Japanese set meals with multiple courses, including miso soup, pickles, and a main dish.

Teishoku Lunch Sets

An intimate counter seating experience offering a seasonal omakase menu.

Omakase Rintaro

Rintaro San Francisco: Authentic Japanese Izakaya in the Mission District 

Nestled in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco at 82 14th Street, Rintaro offers a captivating Japanese izakaya experience that combines traditional flavors with a modern, hip ambiance. This cozy restaurant is renowned for its exposed wood interiors that create a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for intimate dinners or lively group gatherings.

Distinctive Dining Experiences at Rintaro

Rintaro specializes in traditional Japanese dishes designed for sharing, offering a menu that emphasizes fresh, delicate flavors executed with meticulous attention to detail. Whether you’re a foodie eager to sample authentic izakaya-style cuisine or a trend-conscious traveler seeking unique dining in San Francisco, Rintaro’s culinary offerings promise a memorable meal.

Traditional Japanese set meals featuring multiple courses including miso soup, pickles, and a savory main dish, priced at $19.

An intimate counter seating experience that showcases a seasonal omakase menu, allowing guests to savor expertly crafted dishes for $85.

From perfectly grilled yakitori skewers that burst with smoky flavor to delicately prepared tuna sashimi, Rintaro’s menu is designed to please discerning palates. While some guests note the service carries a touch of San Francisco’s characteristic flair, the attentive and knowledgeable servers excel in guiding diners through the menu’s highlights, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Cozy and stylish interior with exposed wood accents that create a hip, buzzy ambiance.

Outdoor seating options that let diners soak up the Mission District vibe while enjoying their meal.

Accepts credit and debit cards as well as NFC payments for added convenience.

A menu designed with sharing in mind, perfect for groups seeking to explore a variety of dishes.

Given its popularity and intimate seating, booking a reservation ahead of time is highly recommended to avoid waiting. While the restaurant does not offer delivery or brunch service, it shines as a dinner destination where guests can indulge in expertly prepared cocktails, wine, and beer. The dessert options, including the highly praised hojicha panna cotta and Japanese soufflé cheesecake, provide a sweet finish to an exceptional meal.

California

Experience the cozy ambiance, fresh seasonal ingredients, and unique Japanese dishes at Rintaro in San Francisco's Mission District. Reserve now!

Discover Rintaro in Mission District, SF - Authentic Japanese Izakaya Experience

Enjoy high-quality, seasonal Japanese cuisine with a California twist at Rintaro in San Francisco. Perfect for dinner, private dining, and special occasions!

Rintaro San Francisco - Top Japanese Restaurant in Mission District

Learn about Rintaro, the authentic Japanese izakaya in San Francisco's Mission District, established in 2014, known for its cozy ambiance and high-quality dishes.

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