Friends Only — Restaurant in San Francisco

It's honestly shocking that Friends Only doesn't have a Michelin star yet.

Truly one of the best omakase experiences in the Bay Area and comparable to omakases in Honolulu and dare I say, Japan as well.

As it's name alludes to - dining at Friends Only is akin to hanging out with friends at home in the living room and having great sushi with wine and sake pairings. This is by no means a negative but rather a reflection of the warmth and welcoming embrace as you enter the front door. Chef Weman, Linda, and Quade are spectacular.

Chef Weman Li is both fun and educational which is a welcome change to some omakase experiences that are a "sacred temple and hush hush." He actively interacts and chats with guests and can talk endlessly about fish, dry aging techniques, and whatever wild dishes he's thinking about next.

Friends Only specializes in dry aged fish and it's remarkable the textural transformation dry aged fish undergoes similarly to that of a dry age steak. More umami, deeper concentration of flavors, and complexity.

Every course is grounded in "core" Japanese ingredients but with a flair of a mad man scientist with an unlimited budget and through the roof creativity.

Hokkaido scallop served on a sesame tostada with Kaluga caviar and uni? Yup. It's possibly the most luxurious amuse bouche / first course with 0-100 roller coaster acceleration to kickstart the meal with a bang.

Chawanmushi with shaved black Perigord truffles served in a clay vessel that looks like a cross of a lantern and a Moai Easter Island statue / Squidward's home? Yup.

Lastly, Quade and Carson whip up possibly the best cocktails I've had in SF. Honestly Friends Only should also open a cocktail bar...

Friends Only in San Francisco is a unique sushi omakase experience that feels both refined and approachable. I’ve had the chance to visit several omakase spots in the Bay Area, and this one definitely stands out as a place I would gladly recommend.

The atmosphere is intimate and modern, with just the right amount of energy in the room to make it feel special without being overwhelming. Sitting at the counter gives you a clear view of the chefs at work, which makes the evening more engaging. You can really see the care and attention they put into each course.

The menu highlights a thoughtful progression of flavors. I especially enjoyed the first courses — a creative mix that set the tone for the rest of the meal. The uni here was exceptional, some of the best I’ve had locally, and the toro was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Each dish felt well balanced, and even small touches, like the seasoned rice, showed a high level of skill. The pacing of the meal was also very good — not rushed, but not too slow either.

Service was attentive and professional, and the staff made sure we were comfortable throughout the evening. The wine and cocktail list is well-curated, offering pairings that complement the food nicely.

Overall, Friends Only delivers a memorable omakase experience that combines high-quality ingredients, creativity, and hospitality. It’s a place I would happily return to and recommend to anyone looking for excellent sushi in...

Friends Only💯

When it comes to high end Japanese dining, there has been an explosion of choices that has coincided with the acceleration of tourism to Japan and the greater knowledge of Japanese cuisine

Omakase or a set chef curated menu most often associated with sushi is by far the most predominant with kaiseki and izakaya less so

For awhile, it seemed like diners were almost price insensitive with new places opening at increasingly higher price points and with minimal background

That’s settled somewhat with some closures, slightly more reservation availability and the economy changes

Friends Only is a wonderful experience from the team behind long-running Akiko’s in San Francisco

The intimate dining room exhibits both elegance and service and the entire meal is a front-row seat to the best their team offers

The menu is in some senses more modern, especially with the dishes prior to the traditional nigiri, but the technique and preparation is stellar

We came for a special occasion and Friends Only fit the bill perfectly 🙏

📍Friends Only (San Francisco, CA)

Reservations are available on Tock and Opentable and all dining is indoor...