Sato Omakase — Restaurant in San Francisco

For $750, myself and a date got a dozen pieces each of medium quality nigiri (or other dish like chawanmushi), a couple glasses of sake, a complimentary tiny glass of amazing muscato, and 3 people hovering over me in a pantomime of what it'll be like when i'm 90 and can't lift a carafe of tap water to refill my glass.

The food was bland. Maybe two pieces actually made me go "Ooh, this is good!", and the rest were comically tasteless, cold, over-wasabi'd, etc. I found myself wondering where a little saucer of soy sauce was, so I could drop a globule of green horseradish, mix it around, and give the fish some flavor. The rice was good, though, as was the sake, and that amazing muscato.

Service was good, up to a point. We couldn't understand anything the chef said, so we had to just stare at the food menu to understand what we were eating. Towards the end of the meal, after the chef was done talking to the couple who were seated closer to him (all 3 spoke Mandarin, so I'm guessing they understood him better), he bailed without saying goodbye or telling us what we had left to eat.

And amazingly, my date didn't get her water refilled, nor was offered another glass of sake; I don't mind asking staff for these things, but after an hour of being jumped on every moment that our glasses were half full, it was jarring to suddenly receive no service while we still had courses left. I would also say that you shouldn't go here expecting privacy. I felt like I was on display, like holding my date's hand was somehow improper, a kiss too obscene for all this pomp and circumstance.

Comically, I almost didn't arrive, as Google Maps takes you to the back door, where there is no door bell nor sign to tell you to walk around the street to the front entrance, and nobody answers the phone. They say they've been trying to get Google to move the entrance on Maps, yet they can't afford $2 for a piece of paper, a pen and scotch tape to tell their customers to go around the corner?

I'm glad I had this experience, though. It has confirmed for me that these places solely exist to provide a means for people with money to chuck it in the bin. There is much better sushi at a much lower price all over town. I highly recommend you go to those places, drop a quarter of what you'd spend here, and have an amazing time.

p.s. my date says the uni bowl was the best part, as it was both tasty and they actually assemble it in front of you, unlike the pieces that just show...

Sato Omakase is a new spot (opened Dec 3rd 2021) nestled inside of the more casual Sato Sushi. There are about 10 seats available at the sushi bar and you can book through OpenTable.

We snagged a spot for our anniversary this past Saturday. To this point the best Omakase we've had in the city has been at 'The Shota' so that serves as the best point of comparison. Pound for pound we found Sato to be better. The fish quality between the two was comparable, both fly fish in from Tokyo Fish Market and serve seasonal bests. The non-nigiri dishes at Sato were very memorable with Lobster Bisque and Heirloom Tomato Ceviche stealing the show. On the nigiri side the wagyu with truffle, o-toro, and the uni saved for last were incredible. The hand roll supplement is also a must have and I highly recommend not to skip it. For the nigiri, I found the wasabi at first over powered the fish but Chef Lee checked in and customized it to my pallet which was great. The sushi rice matched the fish perfectly; a little more vinegar than other places but matches the fattier cuts better in my opinion.

On the finish was a miso soup and a matcha panna cotta which were ok, not great, and felt more like an afterthought. Cocktails here are also quite good (we got 4).

It goes without saying that this is a pricey meal. There is an 'omakase service charge' that isn't gratuity and that confused everyone at the bar. For two people, (food (2x$175) + 4 drinks ($60) + 1 supplement ($35) + tax (40) + service charge (80) + actual tip (80)) be prepared to pay $600+ with drinks or around...

Our experience at Sato Omakase was truly exceptional, from the exquisite food and thoughtfully curated sake pairings to the impeccable service and engaging education provided by the chef. Having enjoyed numerous omakase experiences in the Bay Area and across the country, we were intrigued by this restaurant based on its glowing reviews, and it exceeded every expectation.

Each dish was a masterpiece, surprising and delighting us with its flavor, presentation, and artistry. The chef’s personal touch, sharing insights about the ingredients and preparation, added an intimate and educational layer to the evening. The staff’s meticulous attention to detail—whether in the perfectly timed service or the artful plating—enhanced the entire experience.

The ambiance of Sato Omakase was equally charming. The minimalist, harmonious design created a serene and sophisticated atmosphere that complemented the culinary artistry perfectly. It felt both refined and approachable, a delicate balance that elevated the dining experience.

This restaurant has firmly secured a spot on our list of must-visit omakase destinations in San Francisco. While the city offers countless dining options, Sato Omakase stands out as a top choice for anyone seeking world-class Japanese cuisine. We eagerly look forward to returning and reliving this unforgettable experience. Thank you for delivering excellence on...