KUSAKABE

Kusakabe is the ceiling for omakase in the Bay Area!! The best of the best in my books. I have been here multiple times over the course of a couple years and it has never disappoint. First off, omakase here isn't cheap but it is definitely worth every penny. The quality and amount of food that you get is unbeatable. I'm always waddling out the restaurant because I'm stuff from all the delicious bites that they are feeding me. The menu changes each season so I feel like I am always getting something different when I dine here. Customer service is phenomenal. Servers will make sure that your water is never empty and that your tea pot is always filled with hot tea. Kusakabe offers counter and table seating but I highly recommend snagging a seat at the counter for the full experience and so that you can see all the action. Every chef that I've dined with was extremely friendly and always try to make small conversations with me and my party. The interior is simple and modern with relaxing music playing in the background. I've been to plenty of omakases around the world and Kusakabe always has a special place in my heart. You need to try Kusakabe's omakase at least once in your lifetime. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

Kusakabe had been on my list for a while, && after trying quite a bit of Omakase places in SF, I was more than excited to come here for dinner in HIGH HOPES that it would become one of my FAVES (...at which it def is!)My in-laws and I made reservations in advance for my bday and was hoping to sit at the bar seating, but instead we were seated at a table. Def. would have paid extra to sit at the bar, but oddly it wasn't an option when booking. Regardless of seating, I did appreciate that our experience and quality was still handled with the same experience (which was our main concern)...i.e. each nigiri piece was brought to us as a single to enjoy slowly VS. other places that would bring 4 pieces out on a plate and explain them all at one time (little lackluster of an experience and just TMI at one time).The ambiance of the restaurant was intimate, warm, and cozy (although outside was a bit sketch per the usual SF crazies lol). Given that there is actual table seating, the restaurant is def. a bit larger than others. Service was immaculate ofc, as expected, and it was a nice to see the head chef looking around and checking literally every dish before it went out. We opted for the 18 course which was about $200/pp ++ a bottle of sake. There was a printed menu which laid out the details of each dish, so we knew what was coming up which was also a nice touch. Food Breakdown:(1) Chawanmushi - this egg custard was soooooo velvety smooth and flavorful with a delish dashi broth, while the fish roe added the perf. popping texture. (2) Otsumami - these 7 bite size apps overall had a lot of interesting textures and flavors (although a bit too seasoned/saucy for my taste) - but a few of my faves was the tamago, eggplant, and crab claw. (3) Nigiri (12 pcs) - these came 1 beautiful piece at a time, but was broken up into 3 rounds within our course which was a nice balance. Each nigiri was super fresh and just very simple, not too much sauce or seasoning which really highlighted the flavor/texture of each fish. I'd have to say - this was ONE OF THE BEST authentic nigiris I've had so far, compared to other omakase places, that sometimes just OVER sauces, cures, or scorches their fish too much overall.(4) Wanmono cooked fish dish - the grilled fish was so flaky/tender, but still had such a beautiful crispy skin, while the dashi broth was clean yet flavorful. (5) Wagyu Jibu-Ni - I was a bit worried about the sauciness of this since I've read the reviews...BUT I thought it was tasty! The meat quality was very tender, while the poached egg and sauce was just straight up UMAMI. (6) Miso soup - simple and tasty, for a red miso it was not too salty which I appreciated. There were no toppings, just simple broth/soup, which was perfect to settle in all the goods, per my almost full belly. (7) Dessert options - Matcha ice cream/mochi, Yuzu whiskey sorbet, & Black Sesame pudding. Since we had 4 people we were able to try all 3, which were ALL SO GOOD in their own way! The matcha ice cream/red bean/mochi was a classic combination that was lightly sweet and hit every texture I liked. The Black sesame pudding was also tasty with a smooth texture, nutty flavor, and sweet crunch on top. And the Yuzu whiskey sorbet was unique, tart/sharp, and def. boozy.

Hands down the best value for money omakase experience in San Francisco. I have been here twice, one for a family dinner and one for my birthday and both dining experiences were amazing. The interior is cozy with exposed brick walls and warm lighting. Service is top tier as well. Staff are welcoming, accommodating, and attentive. They always ensure our tea is hot and wait to serve the next course if one of the members of the party is in the restroom.The food itself is spectacular. I have never been disappointed by any of the 18 courses. From the beautiful presentation to the freshest fish that requires little to chew to a flavor and texture bomb in your mouth. Highly recommend everyone come dine at Kusakabe, this is one place that is worth spending.

One of my favorite top omakase I've been to. That says a lot bc I've been to many. Went with the higher omakase as I do and it didn't disappoint. Great service. Loved our itamae..who actually worked in Tokyo. Stuffed by the end. Love the vibe the food. I tell everyone I know to come here. The best!

Came here for my bday, and it was sooooooooo good! We had bar seating and our sushi chef was so nice! Everything was so good and I just kept wanting more and more and more! It was so fresh and everything was seasoned so you don't need soy sauce. Would def come back for more!

My boyfriend and I came here to celebrate our anniversary and it did not disappoint. Kusakabe offers an unforgettable kaiseki omakase experience. They serve the experience in 2 waves, one starting at 5M and again at 8PM. We had reservations for 6PM and were seated immediately at the bar counter upon check in. The inside seats a handful of people, with maybe 20ish bar seats and a few tables on the side for larger parties. The highlights of the meal were the bluefin tuna chutoro, which practically melted in your mouth, and the wagyu dish -- a tender, perfectly seared piece of beef with rich, buttery flavor. Every piece of sushi was meticulously crafted, with top-tier ingredients like rotate and uni standing out for their freshness and quality.Our sushi chef was incredibly knowledgeable with explaining each dish and the ingredient origins, adding a personal touch to the experience. While on the pricier side, this meal experience is well worth it for anyone looking for exceptional sushi and outstanding service in San Francisco. Can't wait to return!

If I could treat myself to this meal every day I would. Kusakabe exceeded all my expectations and then some. The service was amazing along side dishes you can't get anywhere else. The quality of fish was so good (and extra points for a solid amount of uni dishes.) We were seated at the bar and were able to chat with the chefs a bit during the night which is always a nice treat. We were also celebrating a birthday and appreciated the nice touch of a small gift at the end. Dreaming of the next time I'll have Kusakabe.

Amazing Omakase place in SF!!!I would say this is my favorite spot in the Bay Area from all the ones I've tried!The chef was really sweet and everyone was very friendly and attentive. In terms of the food, I was full from 13 courses and the sushi tasting was different for every chef so I got different kinds of fish compared to the couple sitting next to me.Overall, I would say that this place is worth it and I would recommend locals and visitors to check this place out!

I brought my wife here to celebrate her birthday and we both had an amazing experience! The food and service were top notch. We both got the 18 piece omakase and left extremely full (this is rare since we both have quite the appetite). We got a bottle of sake to go along with our meal. Chef Leo guided our sushi journey and answered all of our questions. You can taste the quality and care they take into making each dish. We will definitely be back!

Came here to celebrate a birthday and we were thoroughly impressed. From the service to the ambiance to the food everything was perfect. I was glad to be seated at the bar for the omakase. I read when reserving that if we don't book early enough we may get seated at the tables which would kind of ruin the omakase experience. I booked about a month in advance and only saw options for a 5 pm or an 8 pm. I went with the 8pm and it was a good time for us. I was also glad that it wasn't dead quiet and that people were actually talking. I think it gets uncomfortably quiet at some other omakase spots. We got the petite omakase and it was more than enough. It was so filling for a great price of $130 per person. For two people after tax, 20% tip, sf mandate, and drinks, the total came out to about $500. Petite omakase course:1. Chawanmushi (Japanese Umami Dashi egg custard with seasonal ingredients)2. Otsumami (7 kinds of seasonal Japanese "Otsumami" appetizers3. Four kinds of Sushi (Seasonal and signature sushi from Tokyo Toyosu Fish Market)4. Wanmono (Bincho-tan grilled Ocean Trout with Yuzu miso and soybeans Umami Dashi)5. Four kinds of Sushi (Seasonal and signature sushi from Tokyo Toyosu Fish Market)6. Miso Soup (Today's fish broth Umami soup with Kyoto red miso and Aosa-nori seaweed from Shimanto River)7. Sweets (Your choice from the selection of desserts featured on today's menu)At the end of our meal, they were kind enough to gift us a yuzu sparkling drink for a birthday gift.I will probably come back again to celebrate a special occasion.