Welcome to Akari Japanese Bistro

“ Akari’s fixed seafood and meat menu is incredible. The fish is fresh, featuring Hokkaido scallops and uni directly from Japan. Pacing and portions were perfect. While the decor could be warmer and more curated, the food quality is amazing. A must-visit—we will definitely be back soon! ”

“ The vegetarian hotpot was great in the windy cold weather, make sure you get the zosui. It’s a great finisher with the soup. Great service, decor is decent but dated. ”

“ As the third group dining here since they opened, I’m very glad that a new authentic Japanese restaurant has just opened right here near my home. It’s truly a surprise for us! Food here is way above our expectations and the price is surprisingly affordable! They are serving very authentic Japanese fine dining cuisine Kaiseki for dinner. Also, they have the best Yosenabe (a fish hot pot dish, very rare to find in SF) I’ve ever had. All the fish items were super fresh. The scallops were just sweet. (Confirmed with the manager, they’re all shipped from Hokkaido, Japan). If you haven’t had Yosenabe before, come here and try it. Seems like they have a secret recipe for its soup base, it’s even better than restaurants in Japan. This place is operating by people from Japan. They bring their authentic home cuisine all the way from Osaka. Compared to those “fake” Japanese Omakase restaurants that just serve expensive food ingredients without even knowing the true Japanese culinary culture, this restaurant is just a gem. It feels like, they can definitely open a “Omakase” with the price of $300 per person with bar seat only for Tock/Resy fine dining reservation blah blah…BUT they decided to make it an affordable bistro for everyone who wants to experience the true Japanese cuisine. Go give it a try. If you don’t like a certain dish here, don’t question that, it’s just the way it is in Japan. :) As a person who used to live in Kyoto, I highly recommend this place! ”

“ I had the opportunity to enjoy Sukiyaki, one of the traditional Japanese hot pots, in San Francisco. From the carefully prepared appetizers to the rich, flavorful meat, every detail was exceptional. The owner provided a thorough and thoughtful introduction to the dishes, enhancing the dining experience. This is definitely a restaurant worth visiting and savoring! ”

“ A new favorite place to get high quality Japanese food where you can choose from good to great. I started off with the good here with a simple sukiyaki. But after experiencing the quality of their appetizer and sashimi, I’ll have to come back for the wagyu course. I just need to save up a little more. ”

“ My girlfriend and I have explored numerous Japanese restaurants worldwide, and we're delighted to recommend Akari as one of San Francisco's most authentic gems. Not only does Akari excel in authenticity, but its dishes also boast consistently high quality and irresistible flavors. From savory entrees to delectable desserts, every bite is a testament to their culinary mastery. If you're in search of exceptional Japanese cuisine and aiming to avoid disappointment, Akari is a must-visit. Indulge in an unforgettable dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. ”

“ I came here for a private event featuring a live bluefin tuna cutting, and it was my first time experiencing something so incredible. Watching a master sushi chef expertly carve an enormous, fresh tuna was truly mesmerizing—something I had never seen before except videos. The bluefin was exceptionally fresh and delicious, with different cuts served sashimi-style as well as incorporated into rolls, allowing us to experience the variety of flavors and textures throughout the fish. In addition to the tuna, the restaurant also served other standout dishes, including rich and flavorful sukiyaki beef. What really elevated the evening was the attentiveness and care of the staff—you could genuinely feel how invested they were in making sure every guest had an unforgettable experience. As a bonus, I even won the raffle and was able to take more tuna home! An exceptional and truly special experience. I will absolutely be returning to dine here again! ”

“ This Japanese restaurant is a true gem in the city. Authenticity is unmatched anywhere else in the US. I’ve had their Makunouchi lunch sets, which are carefully crafted from the best ingredients for a balanced meal. I’ve also tried their sukiyaki with Washu beef, which is already melt in the mouth tender. Flavors are completely on point. You can tell the kitchen staff takes a lot of pride and care in preparation. Sure, it’s not cheap, but this is one of the few Japanese places that I feel is worth the price for authenticity. ”