🏮 SF Must-Try Izakaya: Rintaro (And How I Used My Amex Platinum Perk!

I just opened an Amex Platinum card in October and I’m all about maximizing that $100 Resy dining credit every quarter 😎 This time, I picked Izakaya Rintaro — one of SF’s hottest spots. Fun fact: after booking, I found out it was featured in Foodie magazine! The chef’s father is a carpenter and handcrafted many of the beautiful wooden details inside — no wonder the vibe feels so authentically Japanese. Since I couldn’t decide what to order, I went all-in with their Fall Set Menu: 💰 $90 per person (upgraded sashimi +$15) That’s 6 courses + 1 dessert — seriously generous! 🍽️ Dish-by-Dish Review (Real Talk Edition): 1️⃣ Gindara Sunomono Miso black cod + crisp cucumber — a bright, tangy start. Refreshing! 2️⃣ San Ten Mori Tuna, sea bass, and yellowtail — all super fresh 🍣 But those wasabi leaves? Tasted like pickled veggies to me 😂 3️⃣ Hitokuchi Oden A comforting oden-style dish. The daikon was amazing! The yellow mustard packed a punch — cleared my sinuses real quick 💥 Fish cake with red bean inside? Interesting… but not bad! 4️⃣ Yakitori Tsukune A giant chicken meatball skewer! Dipped in raw egg yolk — so silky and rich. Loved it! 👍 5️⃣ Chizutori Katsu A massive fried chicken cutlet with cabbage slaw. Crispy outside, tender inside, with a hidden cheese core 🧀 The sweet-sour sauce balanced everything perfectly. 6️⃣ Mains – Matsutake Udon / Mabodofu Udon: Watched the chef hand-stretching the noodles! Chewy texture, light soy broth. Mabodofu: Japanese-style mapo tofu — mild, with curry and ginger notes. Great with rice! 7️⃣ Hojicha Panna Cotta The STAR of the meal 🌟 Roasted tea flavor + caramel + impossibly smooth texture. I wanted seconds! 🪵 Vibe & Ambiance From the wooden door and tableware to the lighting and even the restroom dividers — every detail felt handmade and heartfelt. It really transports you to a cozy izakaya tucked away in a Tokyo alley. 💳 Amex Platinum Perk Unlocked! This meal triggered my Resy dining credit — delicious food + instant savings = extra happiness 😆 If you have the Platinum card — don’t sleep on this benefit! #RintaroSF #IzakayaLife #JapaneseCuisine #SFfood #BayAreaEats #AmexPlatinum #ResyCredit