Top 5 Japanese Restaurants for Date Night in San Francisco
By Cassindy Chao | Elite Matchmaker & Founder of AWM Love
There’s something inherently romantic about Japanese dining: the pace, the precision, the intention. Whether it’s omakase at the chef’s counter or shared plates in a cozy izakaya, Japanese restaurants have a way of creating space for connection—without needing to say too much.
In a city like San Francisco, where global flavors meet West Coast energy, these restaurants stand out not just for their food, but for their ambiance and ability to elevate a date from “nice” to unforgettable.
Here are five Japanese restaurants in San Francisco we actually recommend to clients—each one with its own kind of spark.
1. Akikos – Elevated Omakase, Hidden in Plain Sight
📍 431 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA
🌐 akikosrestaurant.com
Akikos is sleek, intimate, and quietly luxurious. With just a few tables and a minimalist design, this Financial District gem is all about the details—of the fish, the plating, and the energy in the room.
Why we love it: It’s an omakase experience without the ego. Thoughtful, personal, and full of delight.
Client Tip: Let the chef guide you through the full omakase. Highlights often include dry-aged bluefin and Hokkaido uni. Pair it with their curated sake list or a glass of crisp Grüner Veltliner.
2. Robin – Playful Omakase in Hayes Valley
📍 620 Gough Street, San Francisco, CA
🌐 robinsf.com
Robin is bright, modern, and artful. With a pink-toned interior and a menu full of seasonal surprises, it’s an unconventional take on omakase—and that’s part of the charm.
Why we love it: Great for creatives, foodies, and anyone who appreciates a little whimsy on the plate. It’s intimate, but not too serious.
Client Tip: Go for the customizable omakase (you set the price range), and let the kitchen have fun with it. Their caviar-topped nigiri and yuzu-forward cocktails are fan favorites.
3. Nari – Upscale Thai-Japanese Fusion in Japantown
📍 1625 Post Street, San Francisco, CA
🌐 narirestaurant.com
Nari blends Japanese technique with bold Thai flavors, all inside the beautifully reimagined Hotel Kabuki. The room is dramatic, with high ceilings and lush, modern décor—a statement date spot.
Why we love it: It’s for the confident dater—someone ready to try something new, flavorful, and full of personality.
Client Tip: Don’t miss the Khao Soi with braised beef cheeks. Cocktails lean botanical and spicy—try the Lemongrass Gin & Tonic. And yes, they have great desserts if you’re extending the night.
4. Ju-Ni – Michelin-Starred and Intimate
📍 1335 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA
🌐 juni-sf.com
With just twelve seats and a deeply personal omakase experience, Ju-Ni feels more like a private dinner party than a restaurant. Every guest is paired with a chef, creating a conversational, highly tailored meal.
Why we love it: It’s special. Ideal for a one-year anniversary or an intentional first date with serious potential.
Client Tip: Expect an 18-course journey of seasonal perfection—no menus, just trust. The Hokkaido scallop and shima aji are usually standouts. They also offer excellent sake pairings.
5. Izakaya Rintaro – Warm, Soulful, and Very San Francisco
📍 82 14th Street, San Francisco, CA
🌐 izakayarintaro.com
Rintaro is a hand-built hideaway with a menu of house-made soba, yakitori, and shareable small plates. It’s warm, wood-lined, and effortlessly romantic. The kind of place that reminds you why going out still matters.
Why we love it: It feels like home, if home had a Japanese chef and a wood-burning grill. Great for a second or third date that doesn’t want to try too hard.
Client Tip: Order the house tofu, chicken meatball yakitori, and a bottle of sake to share. Their Japanese-style pudding for dessert is light, silky, and the perfect ending.
Final Thought
Japanese dining invites you to slow down, tune in, and savor. It’s not about rushing through a meal—it’s about presence, ritual, and chemistry. The same things great relationships are built on.
Whether you're celebrating something new or someone lasting, these San Francisco gems offer the right mix of ambiance and authenticity to make your next date night truly unforgettable.
Ready to Find Someone Worth Sharing a Tasting Menu With?
At AWM, we match high-character singles with real relationship potential—because the best meals (and lives) are meant to be shared.
Dinner for two is just the beginning.
