Domo — Restaurant in San Francisco

DISCRIMINATION I have lived in the bay area 15 years with five of those in San Francisco. A lot can change over a decade. In 2012 I lived at oak and filmore and would often walk down to hayes valley to go to get dinner outside one of the many places to eat. By far one of mine and my partners favorite was Domo. One the food seemed fresh and quick and everyone that worked there was kind in a no frills kind of way. Well today was very different. I first noticed the tables were slightly different and then I looked in and noticed the inside long window table was now a bunch of tables. When I walked in two ladies were eating (5:15) and the waitress was getting orders. I looked to the man making sushi and he said “closed” the waitress turned but then went back to bagging an order and answering a phone. I asked him when do you open. He just stared at me? I then look to the guy next to him and he just looks away confused. I then expressed my confusion and say how Ive been eating here for over a decade?! He says closed. Then the waitress walks over then to him first because she is also confused. I ask her what is going on and she brushes it off. I then think ok this man who either has a problem with my skin color or my queer appearance(wearing silk pants,tabis and a button up top with a cropped top…). Is going to make my food? No way! I tell the waitress Im confused and don’t feel comfortable and leave. I then call later to see if I could speak to an owner or manager ( maybe it was a mistake or language barrier). The waitress tells me there is no manager and the owner comes and goes and she could not give the name…?! (Found online easily..)Ok well that kind of throws the misunderstanding idea out. I am going to say that this is not the same neighborhood sushi restaurant it once was. You have to think if the owner is never there there is no manager the waitress is a teen and the person making the food is not kind. Best idea is to stay away. It is sad the neighborhood is not the cool bohemian area...

From the moment I walked in, the staff made me feel genuinely welcome. The service struck that perfect balance of warm and attentive without being overbearing. Every recommendation they made felt spot-on, and you can tell they actually love what they’re serving.

But let’s talk about the food—because wow. This isn’t your standard sushi spot; it’s fusion done with real creativity and respect for tradition. Each dish was beautifully plated, almost too pretty to eat, and the flavors were layered in a way that kept surprising me with every bite. The rolls had a perfect balance of fresh fish, inventive toppings, and just the right kick of spice. Even the small plates were incredible—thoughtfully seasoned, balanced, and clearly crafted with skill.

The sushi chef is an artist in the truest sense. You can taste the passion and precision in every dish. It’s rare to find a chef who can push boundaries while still honoring the essence of sushi, but that’s exactly what’s happening here.

Bottom line: if you want sushi that’s playful, refined, and absolutely unforgettable, Domo is the place. Huge praise to the chef and the entire team for creating such a special dining experience—I’m already planning my next visit.

To the low follower influencer that was crying about her spoiled childhood, find someone...

Cute and cozy sushi place in Hayes Valley. My sister and I were so happy we stumbled upon Domo right before it became crowded for dinner. We grabbed a seat at the sushi bar and were able to place our order directly through the sushi chefs. Service was prompt and our food came out quickly. We tried the following three dishes:

Fried Baby Octopus (chalkboard special) - this was amazing, probably my favorite dish out of the three. Succulent baby octopus fried to a perfect crisp with some spicy mayo and micro screens scattered on the plate, what more could you ask for in an appetizer?

Fire Cracker Balls - Loved this. A perfect blend of spicy tuna, crispiness, tobiko, sriracha, and spicy mayo.

Castro Roll - It's nice to find a place that uses 'real' crab instead of 'imitation' crab in their rolls. This was decent but definitely over-shadowed by our appetizers. I would probably go for something else on the menu next time.

All-in-all a tasty meal--we plan on returning soon to try the crudos, toro, and other chalkboard specials! Street parking is available but you will need search for it and may have to walk a few blocks. There is indoor and outdoor seating...