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San Francisco

YUJI offers an exceptional omakase experience with a delightful blend of traditional dishes and innovative twists. The 10-course dinner, which changes daily, showcases the chef's mastery of advanced techniques honed over 25 years. Despite its unassuming exterior, the restaurant provides an intimate setting with personalized attention from the chef and friendly servers.

Experience the Intimate Flavors of Yuji in San Francisco's Japantown.

Nestled discreetly on the second floor of a modest building in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Japantown, Yuji is a hidden gem that promises a unique omakase dining adventure. This intimate Japanese restaurant captivates food lovers with its thoughtfully curated 10-course tasting menu, blending traditional flavors with innovative twists. Chef Yuji’s expertise shines through dishes that are prepared in various styles — from raw to grilled to fried — offering a delightful palette of tastes and textures.

A Culinary Journey Through Seasonal Delicacies

Yuji’s menu evolves seasonally to showcase the freshest ingredients and the chef’s mastery developed over 25 years of culinary experience. Signature dishes, like the seiko kani — a rare female Japanese snow crab bursting with roe — and the exquisitely grilled Chilean sea bass, have won over many patrons. The uni soba with a creamy, foamy texture offers a sublime harmony of flavors that guests describe as an “indescribable orchestra.” Whether you prefer hearty warm dishes or delicate sashimi, each course is crafted to impress and satisfy.

 is at the heart of the Yuji experience. With just nine seats at the omakase bar, diners enjoy personalized attention from Chef Yuji and friendly servers in a serene, speakeasy-like setting. The discreet entrance and no-sign policy add to the exclusive feel, making every visit feel like a secret discovery.

Beyond the exceptional food, guests appreciate the thoughtful service and the cozy ambiance that fosters a deep connection to the artistry on their plates. Though the restaurant is located upstairs and may not be wheelchair accessible, patrons often find the journey rewarding, with parking available nearby in Japantown plaza lots and street parking options.

 $158 per person for the omakase tasting menu.

 Street parking is available; however, parking can be challenging.

 The restaurant is located on the second floor and may not be wheelchair accessible.

 Yes, reservations are required and can be made up to two weeks in advance.

Yuji has earned an overwhelmingly positive reputation among diners who cherish its authentic Japanese culinary craftsmanship and the intimate dining atmosphere. Guests frequently praise the quality of ingredients, meticulous execution, and the engaging experience of Chef Yuji’s omakase. While the unassuming entrance may keep it under the radar, those in the know consider Yuji a must-visit destination for a distinctive, high-quality Japanese dining experience in San Francisco.

North America

United States

Nestled in the heart of Japantown, YUJI is a hidden gem that offers an intimate dining experience unlike any other. This speakeasy-style omakase restaurant, accessible only through a discreet entrance, invites guests to embark on a culinary journey that showcases the artistry of traditional Japanese cuisine. With just nine seats at the bar, diners are treated to a personalized experience where each dish is crafted with precision and care.

At YUJI, every meal is a celebration of seasonal ingredients and meticulous preparation. Highlights from the menu include the exquisite Seiko Kani, a female Japanese snow crab bursting with rich roe, and the perfectly grilled Chilean sea bass, which melts in your mouth with its delicate flavor. The experience is elevated by the chef’s signature uni soba, a dish that harmonizes the umami of sea urchin with the comforting texture of soba noodles.

The ambiance at YUJI is as much a part of the experience as the food itself. With its intimate setting and a strong speakeasy vibe, diners often find themselves in a cozy atmosphere that feels both exclusive and welcoming. A fun fact about YUJI is that the chef has over 25 years of experience collecting knives, which adds a unique touch to the culinary artistry on display. This dedication to craft is evident in every bite.

 YUJI is renowned for its unique omakase experience that focuses on warm dishes rather than the traditional nigiri.

 The restaurant offers an intimate setting with a carefully curated menu that changes seasonally, ensuring a fresh experience with each visit.

 YUJI is conveniently located in Japantown, close to various shops and cultural attractions, making it a perfect stop after exploring the area.

If you’re ready to indulge in a culinary experience that transcends the ordinary, make your reservation at YUJI today. With its unique offerings and intimate atmosphere, it promises to be a dining experience you won’t forget.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2MWQybDVnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJoXZ6aUuBhYAR2Zgh-8AH7xE/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2MWQybDVnRRAB

One of my favorite dining experiences in the city that has flown below the radar for far too long.

Kappo yuji is an intimate traditional Japanese restaurant that serves an array of dishes cooked in different ways: raw, fried, grilled, etc. If you like omakase but want to take a detour and still have that same quality of ingredients, this is a great place to go to.

I’ve been here around 3x and the menu has changed seasonally. Some of my favorite dishes that I’ve had include the seiko kani, which is a delicacy basically a female Japanese snow crab with a lot of roe, their grilled sea bass, and an uni soba dish.

Yuji has never failed to impress me, and get me rather full. Every time I’ve underestimated the set menu and always order extras and end up stuffed.

It is also a set menu worth the price at around $160, quite comparable to most set menus in sf, but in my opinion more worth it due to the intimate small seating setting and quality ingredients used.

Conveniently located in Japantown but easily missed in a humble no sign entryway. Parking is easy in the japantown plaza lot.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2d2JfTzVRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJoXZ6aUuBhYAR2Zgh-8AH7xE/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2d2JfTzVRRRAB

A speakeasy omakase with no signage that you have to be in the know and find your way to this amazing experience. The standouts for me were the female snow crab, wagu and probably the best Chilean sea bass I've ever had in my life. Everything was executed perfectly and with over 25 years of collecting knives in the background you'll have a lot to talk about. You need to make reservations on Tock. I went for my birthday. The sake pairing was delicious.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYdDllUnhRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJoXZ6aUuBhYAR2Zgh-8AH7xE/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYdDllUnhRRRAB

Food was good but with this price I expect at least one amazing dish, which I didn’t find…
Yuji is a super small Omakase place in Japantown with just 9 seats. The menu composed of mostly cooked dishes with 1 sashimi course (was hoping for more). My favorite was the chawanmushi (super soft egg, blends so well with fish roe) and wagyu (perfectly cooked). The spring roll (?) with mabo sauce is very creative. Didn’t like the sashimi as much, fish are rather on the leaner side. The steamed fish tastes good but is a little overcooked imo.
So overall pretty good, but probably won’t visit again.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3aXE3QlR3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJoXZ6aUuBhYAR2Zgh-8AH7xE/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3aXE3QlR3EAE

Our dinner at Kappo Yuji was a thoughtfully curated series of flavors and textures in nuanced layers. The highlights for us were a clear soup made with anago (a type of eels) and a bowl of soba noodles with three kinds of eggs, to our pleasant surprise. The soup was so clean yet rich with umami. The eggs (a type of large bird egg, salmon eggs, and uni) on top of soba mixed together created an almost indescribable orchestra in our mouths—subtle and complex, creamy with air, almost foamy, and smooth with presence. It was so surprisingly delicious. Service was also attentive and welcoming.

The restaurant itself has a very strong speakeasy vibe. It’s on the second floor of a rundown building that has multiple businesses. We were wondering where the entrance was because there’s no sign either. The locked metal gate on the second floor is only unlocked right at your appointment time. Also, there’s no restrooms inside—just the omakase bar. There’s a hotel across the street, diagonal from the restaurant building, where you can use their restrooms in their lobby.

Overall, I highly recommend tasting chef Yuji’s offerings.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURyMkpieGtBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJoXZ6aUuBhYAR2Zgh-8AH7xE/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURyMkpieGtBRRAB

This place is amazing. Finally a Omakase place that is not focused on Nigiri and serves warm food. And leaves me very satisfied and full! The fried belt fish was so tender and light, dobin mushi was hearty and full of umami flavor, and their yuzu cheesecake was delicious too. 10/10 would come back again.

Experience Luxury Omakase Dining at Kappo Yuji, Japantown SF

YUJI is a nine-seat Kappo-style restaurant in San Francisco's Japantown, offering a seasonal omakase menu.

Yuji restaurant history overview in san francisco japantown  

Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Japantown, YUJI is an intimate nine-seat kappo-style restaurant that has swiftly become a hidden gem for aficionados of authentic Japanese cuisine. Opening its doors in April 2022, YUJI took over the revered OzaOza space, marking a new chapter for fine dining enthusiasts seeking a unique omakase experience beyond traditional nigiri.

 omakase menus at YUJI showcase an array of cooking techniques — from raw and grilled to fried delicacies — all crafted using premium, fresh ingredients. The intimate setting, coupled with a speakeasy vibe and a humble no-sign entryway, creates an exclusive atmosphere that invites guests to savor every nuanced flavor and texture.

Since its inception in 2022, YUJI has quickly earned acclaim for its delicate bites and exceptional culinary craftsmanship. In 2024, the restaurant gained notable mention in the prestigious Michelin Guide, highlighting its dedication to refined flavors and quality. This recognition cements YUJI's status as a must-visit destination for gourmands exploring San Francisco's Japanese culinary scene.

YUJI's seating is limited to just nine guests, offering an intimate and personal omakase journey. The restaurant's speakeasy charm is enhanced by its discreet entrance situated on the second floor of a modest building in Japantown. Guests must arrive at their appointment time to gain access through a locked metal gate, reinforcing the exclusive and curated nature of the dining experience.

The menu changes seasonally to highlight fresh produce and seafood, featuring standout dishes such as the female Japanese snow crab with roe, grilled Chilean sea bass, and an exquisitely crafted uni soba. YUJI's offerings extend beyond sushi, favoring a variety of cooked preparations that satisfy both traditional palates and adventurous foodies alike.

 with only nine seats ensures personalized attention and an immersive dining experience.

 that includes a diverse range of cooking methods and seasonal ingredients.

 in 2024 affirms its status as a destination for refined Japanese dining.

A culinary gem hidden in the vibrant tapestry of Japantown, YUJI beckons with the promise of a unique dining experience that celebrates the exquisite flavors of Japanese cuisine. This cozy restaurant, nestled at 1700 Post Street, captures the essence of both tradition and innovation, creating a delightful atmosphere where the art of food intertwines seamlessly with culture. YUJI specializes in tantalizing options like chirashi bowls and a variety of sushi rolls, each crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients that reflect the heart and soul of authentic Japanese cooking.

YUJI

A 10-course tasting menu featuring traditional Japanese dishes with seasonal ingredients, prepared in the Kappo style.

Appetizer Platter

Dobin Mushi

Sashimi Moriawase

Grilled Chilean Sea Bass

Tai Shabu-Shabu

Chawanmushi

Japanese Wagyu Sukiyaki

Shirauo Tempura

Truffle Zosui with Blue Crab

Matcha Crème Brûlée

Seasonal Omakase Menu

Experience the exquisite flavors of kappo yuji in san francisco japantown

Nestled discreetly on Post Street, kappo yuji offers an intimate dining journey that artfully blends traditional japanese kappo-style cuisine with contemporary seasonal ingredients. This hidden gem in the heart of japantown invites guests to indulge in a meticulously curated 10-course omakase tasting menu, showcasing a range of expertly prepared dishes that highlight the essence of japanese culinary craftsmanship.

Begin your culinary adventure with an appetizer platter featuring marinated baby eels, silky uni tofu, refreshing goma-ae, and firefly squid dressed in mustard miso vinegar. The dobin mushi offers a delicate clear soup infused with the subtle umami of anago (sea eel), while the sashimi moriawase presents a refined selection of sayori, kinmedai, and luscious bluefin tuna (chutoro). Each starter is thoughtfully crafted to awaken your taste buds and set the stage for the courses ahead.

The mains at kappo yuji exemplify the rich textures and nuanced flavors of japanese cuisine beyond sushi. Savor the perfectly grilled chilean sea bass complemented by sansho leaves sauce, or enjoy the tender red snapper prepared in a delicate shabu-shabu style. The chawanmushi—a steamed egg custard enriched with ikura and mushrooms—provides comforting creaminess, while the japanese wagyu sukiyaki boasts premium wagyu beef simmered in an egg yolk-based truffle sauce for an indulgent experience. For tempura lovers, the shirauo tempura with shiso leaf batter offers a light, crisp delight, and the truffle zosui with blue crab blends fragrant rice soup with luxurious truffle and fresh crab meat to close the savory segment.

End your unforgettable dining experience with a matcha crème brûlée that harmonizes the earthy bitterness of matcha with the smooth decadence of egg custard, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

 with only nine seats ensuring a personalized and exclusive dining atmosphere.

 that evolves to highlight the freshest ingredients and innovative kappo techniques.

 options to complement each dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Savor authentic Japanese flavors at YUJI in Japantown, San Francisco. Indulge in fresh sushi and ramen today—book your table now!

YUJI Restaurant: Authentic Japanese Flavors in SF

San Francisco County

A 10-course seasonal menu showcasing traditional Japanese dishes prepared in the Kappo style.

Omakase Tasting Menu

A selection of sake expertly paired to complement the omakase menu.

Sake Pairing

Discover Yuji: Japantown's Hidden Omakase Gem

Tucked away on Post Street in San Francisco's iconic Japantown, Yuji offers a rare and intimate dining experience for lovers of authentic Japanese cuisine. This speakeasy-style omakase restaurant seats just nine guests, creating an exclusive atmosphere where every detail is thoughtfully curated by Chef Yuji himself. Known for its seasonal 10-course tasting menu, Yuji artfully blends tradition and innovation through 

 that include raw, grilled, and fried delicacies. Guests consistently rave about standout dishes like the female Japanese snow crab rich with roe, perfectly grilled Chilean sea bass, and the uniquely creamy uni soba noodles. With a menu evolving each season, every visit promises new flavors and surprises.

A Culinary Journey with Omakase and Sake Pairings

For around $158, Yuji’s Omakase Tasting Menu invites diners to savor a carefully selected series of dishes that showcase the best of traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist. To elevate this experience, the expertly curated sake pairing for $50 complements each course, enhancing the delicate umami and textures in every bite. This combination delivers an unforgettable, multi-sensory feast perfect for special occasions or refined evenings out in the city.

Inside Yuji’s Unique Ambiance and Practical Info

The restaurant’s unmarked and discreet entrance adds to its allure, giving it a true speakeasy feel. Located on the second floor of a modest building, Yuji unlocks its metal gate only at reservation times, reinforcing the exclusivity of the dining experience. Though small with only omakase bar seating, the attentive service and the chef’s passion make every visit special. Note that restrooms aren't available inside, but guests can use facilities at a nearby hotel just across the street.

 - Easy parking in the Japantown plaza lot nearby.

 - Accepts credit cards, no cash only limitation.

 - An intimate, cozy bar seating setup perfect for immersive dining.

California

Experience an exquisite omakase journey at Kappo Yuji, San Francisco's hidden gem in Japantown. Enjoy seasonal dishes and personalized service!

Amazing Omakase at Kappo Yuji in Japantown

Discover tips for dining at Kappo Yuji in Japantown! Explore the intimate omakase experience, seasonal menu, and more for an unforgettable meal.

Kappo Yuji: Your Ultimate Dining Guide

Learn about Kappo Yuji, a nine-seat omakase restaurant in San Francisco. Experience authentic Kappo-style cuisine since 2022!

Experience the exquisite flavors of kappo yuji in san francisco japantown

starters to awaken your palate

main courses showcasing seasonal mastery

dessert to complete your meal

unique specials and dining experience

Copra

Aji Kiji