Mamanoko

My gosh. The saddest part about writing this review is that I live on the other side of the country and it was one of the best meals I've ever had. This food is insane. The service... also impeccable. Do yourself a favor and go to Mamanoko!We had reservations outside on a Monday evening, but it was pretty chilly, so luckily we were able to sit at the bar without a wait! They did have heaters outside that were pretty warm, so we would've been okay. Ashley (one of the owners) took care of us, and she was awesome. So helpful with food recommendations, let me try multiple wines without asking before making a decision, and was just so personable and fun to talk to. We landed on 2 rolls (the hotsui and wiki wiki) and the tuna tacos. Everything was perfect. Truly. My friend had a soy allergy, and they were even able to accommodate that (not easy at a Japanese restaurant). We finished with the ice cream cookie dough roll - SO fun. I will dream of this meal!!!

I had the pleasure of dining at Mamanoko in San Francisco to celebrate my anniversary with my partner, and I have to say it was worth the wait (literally). We had tried to walk in once before but the wait was way too long, and now I completely understand why. The ambiance and overall experience really set this place apart.Upon walking in, the first thing that hits you is the dimly lit atmosphere with a unique, trendy interior. It's cozy but gets a little loud, making it perfect for a date night or a lively dinner with friends. We were seated immediately, which was great, and given several menus - and I do mean several. The choices were overwhelming at first! There's the main izakaya menu, a nigiri/sashimi/roll menu, a cocktail menu, and even a happy hour menu. It took us a while to decide because everything looked amazing, and we were eager to try it all.We started off with the carpaccio and toro cakes. Both came out quickly, and I have to say, the fish on the carpaccio was fresh, and the ponzu gave it a really refreshing kick. The toro cakes, however, were the standout for me. The truffle oil and wasabi crème fraiche on the crispy rice made for an unforgettable combo.Next up, we tried the tonkatsu sliders, which we ordered off the happy hour menu. These were crispy and flavorful, and for just $10, they were a great deal. While they were tasty, I think I might try something else from the happy hour menu next time - maybe one of the rolls!Speaking of rolls, we went for the Wiki Wiki, which my partner adored. It had spicy ahi tuna, tobiko, avocado, and albacore tuna with a crispy garlic oil that really brought the flavor to life. My personal favorite was the Hotsui roll - a unique blend of snow crab, avocado, cucumber, Japanese butterfish, yellowtail, and sesame-chili oil. It was unlike anything I've ever had before and totally blew me away.We also tried the Citrus Roll, which was an elevated version of the classic 49er roll with king salmon, ahi tuna, avocado, and some citrusy yuzu aioli. It was fresh, light, and definitely something we'd order again.To top off our meal, we ordered a couple of cocktails, which were a perfect pairing for our meal. The drinks were just as flavorful as the food, and they rounded out our experience nicely.Overall, Mamanoko is a solid spot for a fun, flavorful meal. Some items were a bit hit-or-miss, but when they hit, they really hit out of the park. By the end of the night, we were both stuffed and completely satisfied. Worth every bite, and we'll definitely be back!

Hostess was so incredibly rude I will not be coming back. Came here on a Saturday night and called to find out the wait time. Hostess told us they aren't allowed to reveal the wait time but there wasn't a wait ...very weird interaction. Arrived and stood at the hostess stand where multiple waiters and staff passed us. Hostess finally turned around where she was chatting with her friends at the bar. She was very curt and rude and let us know it was a two hour wait. I don't care how good your food is. Service starts at the door. Will not attempt to return.

Loved the experience at Mamanoko! The sushi was delicious and I loved the portion sizes. The restaurant vibes are great for business dinners and date, they have so many great plates to share.The service was just okay, our server acted like we were bothering her with any questions until the very end when she suddenly became nice. We didn't let that ruin the experience as the food and drinks were devious so would definitely return!

I wanted to love this place because of its great reviews but have to say in terms of food it was just okay. However, in terms of ambiance and service I had a great experience!I came here for two of my friend's birthdays and the staff were great and very accommodating, ensuring that my friends had great birthdays. The vibes inside are very nice as well with great lighting and layout.The food was just slightly underwhelming. The sushi rolls weren't my favorite and the apps were just alright as it felt slightly gimmicky and not super authentic. If there was one dish I would go back for though, it would be the tuna tutaki. You can probably skip on the umami sliders and the toro cakes were just alright.

Okay safe to say that I'm obsessed with mamanoko. I came for a second time and even the simplest rolls are above and beyond.This second time, I went specifically for the toro cakes and the two tables beside us also got it. The waitress was kind and suggested getting 4 instead of the 3 it comes with since I was sharing it when a friend.The cod was delicious too. I didn't take a photo but we got the cookie dough roll (?) which was surprisingly amazing.. not just a ton of sweet flavors tossed together, but really well done with a depth of flavors, and textures.Overall really great - I would make reservations when you can!

I have been to this place a handful of times & I am never disappointed! From the sushi rolls to the sashimi & nigiri everything is delightful. The tuna belly legit will melt in your mouth. There's a wide variety of delicious cocktails & sake. And you can't leave without trying a dessert sushi roll ! Out of this world!

Incredible Japanese food in the Marina. The ambiance is very elegant with glowy lighting and paper lanterns. We came on a weekday night and got seated right away at an outdoor patio. Food was delicious. Standouts were the steak tartare and wiki wiki sushi roll. While portions were smaller, the taste quality makes up for it.Steak tartare: 10/10 So fresh with a tangy richness to it. Also came with a side of thick-cut gourmet potato chips that you can dip with the tartare. An unlikely yet great combo!Miso cod: 9/10 Juicy miso served over crispy baby kale. The miso glaze adds a savory sweet crisp. Fish was so tender, just wish there was more. Waki waki roll: 9/10 Amazing! Tuna cuts are buttery soft, paired well with crispy garlic oil.Rock n roll: 4/10 Bland and only comes with 6 tiny rolls, tasted like convenience store sushi. Was surprised this roll was so different from the rest. Would be careful ordering off the "usual suspects" section of the menu. This was definitely the suspect our meal.Citrus roll: 7/10 A little sour but still refreshing.Cookie dough roll: 8/10 A cool dessert spin on sushi rolls. Ice cream wrapped with cookie dough like mochi. It's pretty sweet.Also funny experience with the restrooms, they play audio clips of common Japanese phrase translations while you're in there so you can learn while you're in there. Overall this place is one of the best Japanese food spots I've tried in the city, would recommend if you're looking for fancy sushi!

Mamanoko was a great Saturday night date spot! We came around 6pm without a reservation and the wait was about 45 minutes for a table for 2. Went and got a drink nearby and came back when they called us. We ended up being seated at the bar which was perfectly fine. The restaurant feels small and cozy but the music and acoustics aren't too loud so it was easy to sit at the bar and still be able to hear each other. The bar seats also felt pretty spacious without patrons being crowded together too closely.The bartender/waiter was really friendly and helpful! He gave his opinion on a roll we were thinking about and suggested the Citrus instead. We ended up going with the Dojo, Citrus, and Alaska rolls. 3 rolls was plenty of food for us but then we also tried the Chu Toro nigiri at the end of our meal. The rolls were really delicious and the nigiri was also very good! For drinks we just got ginger beers which went well with the sushi. The service overall was fast and friendly without feeling rushed. I would return to Mamanoko in the future when I'm in the mood for a little bit fancier sushi again. The bites we got were all really tasty and again the service was great and made the experience even better!

Great vibes and delicious food! I got the toro cakes and the tonkotsu sliders and they did not disappoint! I had a snack before grabbing dinner here and it was such a mistake as I didn't have room to try everything else on the menu. Happy that I live nearby as I'll for sure be back.