SOHO Modern Japanese

Finally, we don’t need to drive all the way to San Francisco for an authentic Japanese omakase; located in a strip mall next to 880; in an unlikely city of Fremont; this restaurant gives you both visual and taste pleasure; standard menu is 5 courses, 100 dollars per person; quality and presentation of the courses match the expectation of an expensive meal. Service is excellent, but still have some room for staff training, my wife is allergic to shrimp and crab; we informed our waiter; and our meals were arranged perfectly, until the last one, the soup, her soup included a shrimp ball. But it is a minor imperfect; we love the place; we had a wonderful time; and our waiter and supporting staff are courteous, explaining each dish with detailed knowledge - certainly built up my expectation and appetites; will visit again soon with my family, and friends.

+2

In a city known for having more fast food and chain restaurants than fine dining, SOHO Modern Japanese is an absolute oasis in the center of the reheated packaged food desert. I honestly didn't have high expectations when booking a reservation for SOHO, but was utter surprised and delighted by the entire meal and dining experience. The food at SOHO was on par than many of the high end sushi restaurants I've tried in San Francisco, Las Vegas, and New York. Each dish that came out was clean, light, and did a fantastic job of highlighting the ingredients. The presentations of the dishes were visually appealing and each plate that came out tasted just as good as it looked. Each dish was so thoughtfully planned out, and I found myself excited for each dish to come. The service at SOHO was also delightful. My husband and I had the pleasure of being served by Rina, and she was friendly and very knowledgeable about each dish. The thing my husband and I really liked about the service was that it wasn't pretentious like other high end modern restaurants. The servers at SOHO were attentive without being overbearing and they were so comforting and welcoming. If you happen to get Rina as your server, you're in good hands. Finally, the overall ambiance of the restaurant is really pleasant. When you enter the restaurant, there's a nice modern and high end vibe, but there's also a comfortable feel to the restaurant. Maybe it was the chill music, the warm wood accents, or the Warriors game on the television playing on silent at the bar, but it was just so enjoyable to dine there. Overall, it was an absolute delight to dine at SOHO and it's a dining gem that Fremont sorely needed. While it is on the pricier side, it was definitely worth it and is a restaurant I will be returning to when the seasonal menu changes.

+6

THE most aesthetic brunch spot in the East Bay Area! 🥞🦞✨ Perfect for a brunch date or to just have a nice meal with friends/family. Highly recommend their mochi waffles and truffle lobster benedict. Even their drinks are almost too pretty to sip!

Pretty good price point for the food. We all left fairly full. Service could be a lil better (no one ever asked if I want another cocktail) but wasn't bad. The quality was solid. I would def recommend

Casual place with an upscale vibe. Interesting menu with traditional Japanese and American fare and fusion items as well. Service was excellent.

A truly spectacular dining experience. We were fortunate enough to experience the winter version of chef's dinner tasting menu. Every course was well thought out and featured amazingly fresh seafood. The presentation is almost too pretty to eat. I can't wait to go back and try every season

+6

Love their food quality and presentation. Service is wonderful! Not the Sushi bar kind of Omekase which you are served one dish at a time, you seat at your own table and you are served by courses. This is better for larger group of people. I ordered the 5 courses plus the Premium Nigiri Tasting from their supplemental menu. Almost every dish was beyond my expectation. My dinning experience here was better than some of the more expensive Omekase restaurants I've been. Will definitely come back more often.

+5

Came here for Fremont Restaurant Week 2024, where SOHO was offering their regular tasting menu for $88/person. Absolutely delicious food, absolutely fantastic service, and absolutely glad to have more fine dining options in Fremont. The starting course had four morsels that we were instructed to eat clockwise starting with an oyster mignoette (slightly sweet and fizzy from the sparking wine in the shell), a hotate tartare, an aburi shiromi, and an uni toro toast. The came the first course of nigiri. The standout was the amberjack on the right that had an intense smokiness without tasting dense. The halibut steak was delicate, and the purée underneath was delicious, but having only chopsticks made is kinda difficult to really get at that purée... There was another course of nigiri comprised of two different tunas and a tamago cube. We added on an ootoro nigiri, as well. Everything was delicious, especially the ootoro that just melted on the tongue. The clam soup that followed pretty good, and the ube charlotte that followed was a solid end to the meal. Our server was fantastic, introducing every course clearly and compile putting up with our questions throughout the night.

+3

This review is focused on their brunch menu only, and it’s hands down one of the prettiest and tastiest brunch spots in the area. The space is beautiful and relaxed—perfect for catching up with friends. Presentation is stunning, but more importantly, the food actually delivers. This is not one of those “looks good but tastes average” brunch places. Every time I’m in Fremont and have the time, I make a point to come here. Must-order items are the Ube Mochi Pancakes and Matcha Waffle—and a special note on the fruit served alongside them: they’re incredibly fresh and high quality. You can genuinely taste that the fruit is freshly sourced, not something that’s been sitting in a fridge for days, which makes a big difference. If you’re a mushroom lover like me, don’t skip the Wild Mushroom Truffle—so flavorful and satisfying. The Brussels Sprouts are also a standout: crispy, well-seasoned, and surprisingly addictive. For drinks, I really enjoy the Lavender Latte and Rose Latte. Pricing is very reasonable. Most of the time, it’s around $35 per person, and with ~$50 you’ll be very full. Great value for both quality and experience. Highly recommend for a beautiful, delicious, and genuinely satisfying brunch. 🌸🥞☕️

🌹 We spent Valentine’s Day here and it was honestly perfect. They only serve a fixed tasting menu, and you can tell how much care goes into it. Every course was beautiful, fresh, and just insanely delicious. The nigiri and uni were standout favorites, and the whole meal flowed so well from start to finish. Nothing felt rushed — just a relaxed, intimate vibe that made the night feel really special. Amazing food, great atmosphere, and the perfect place to celebrate with my wife. We’ll definitely be back. 🌹

We celebrated my birthday on a Thursday night during Happy Hour. There was no wait and we appreciated the 25% discount. The food was prepared perfectly and served attentively. We enjoyed bluefin toro nigiri, pan seared scallops, chicken croffle toast, matcha mochi pancakes, truffle chawanmushi, and okonomiyaki potato tots. We finished the magical night with ube panna cotta and complimentary mochi birthday cake. Thank you, Soho! =) I especially enjoyed tasting the edible flowers on my scallops and the chicken that melted in my mouth! I recommend this place with its relaxing and beautiful ambience.

Really pretty brunch spot with some pretty good food. Best thing I ate was the miso eggplant . Their savory offerings are cooked really well The Tonkatsu Sando was juicy and flavourful. Waffle was just okay, but nice to share with the table. The matcha was whatever and so was the cocktail. Not super notable but it bad. Definitely could get better match at a near by cafe.

Dining at Soho Modern Japanese feels like enjoying both a meal and a piece of art. The fish is fresh and delicate, each bite full of clean, refined flavors. What truly sets this place apart is the presentation, food is arranged so beautifully, with flowers, colors, and textures that make you pause before eating. It’s as if each plate tells a little story. The atmosphere is calm and refined, and the staff provide warm, attentive service. A truly memorable experience where food and art come together.

The ingredients are fresh, the presentation is beautiful, and the food is delicious. It's perfect for gatherings with friends and birthday parties, and the atmosphere is comfortable.

I heard the sushi options are average but I enjoyed the brunch here with friends. brunch is quite creative.

We stopped by for dinner with a set menu (no chicken and waffle) for an immersive dining experience. Crafted with esthetic and sensory creativity with matching delicious flavor. It was not just gimmicks here, the food was good. What I like was the generous mix of sashimi, delivered in traditional cuts and also in modern interpretations. I enjoyed both. The establishment is shared in a big lot with crowds of people, but we felt safe at all times and were not disturbed during our visit.

There were a lot of pineapple fruit juice, but we drank them before taking pictures. My friend and I ordered two dishes and they were both delicious. Overall, the price was a bit high, but it was worth it.

If you're a sushi lover, this place is non-negotiable. Every bite was a work of art - from the buttery toro to the melt-in-your-mouth uni. The rice was perfectly seasoned, and the fish was unbelievably fresh. I loved their excellent service. It's not just a meal - it's a sensory experience. 10/10!

We were in the area and decided to try to his restaurant. It was a little late lunch as it was a little after one. Restaurant was little over half full. We got seated pretty quick, water and menus followed shortly afterwards. We ordered ube mochi waffle, kalbu steak and eggs, and crispy chicken croffle. It didn't take long for the food to come out. First up the ube waffle for the kid. We all tried a piece and we all thought it was delicious and better than any other restaurant. Next up, my kalbi steak and eggs Everyone tried a piece of steak and again it was outstanding, grilled nicely and eggs were cooked perfectly. Lastly the crispy chicken croffle and man I dunno what they do to it but it was some of the most tender best tasting chicken I've had. And the gouchjang sauce for the chicken is bomb. Everything was delicious and portion size was good. There are several other items I'd like to try so will be back. Service was good too, never had to ask for water refill.

Leah

This review is focused on their brunch menu only, and it’s hands down one of the prettiest and tastiest brunch spots in the area. The space is beautiful and relaxed—perfect for catching up with friends. Presentation is stunning, but more importantly, the food actually delivers. This is not one of those “looks good but tastes average” brunch places. Every time I’m in Fremont and have the time, I make a point to come here. Must-order items are the Ube Mochi Pancakes and Matcha Waffle—and a special note on the fruit served alongside them: they’re incredibly fresh and high quality. You can genuinely taste that the fruit is freshly sourced, not something that’s been sitting in a fridge for days, which makes a big difference. If you’re a mushroom lover like me, don’t skip the Wild Mushroom Truffle—so flavorful and satisfying. The Brussels Sprouts are also a standout: crispy, well-seasoned, and surprisingly addictive. For drinks, I really enjoy the Lavender Latte and Rose Latte. Pricing is very reasonable. Most of the time, it’s around $35 per person, and with ~$50 you’ll be very full. Great value for both quality and experience. Highly recommend for a beautiful, delicious, and genuinely satisfying brunch. 🌸🥞☕️

Peg Su

We celebrated my birthday on a Thursday night during Happy Hour. There was no wait and we appreciated the 25% discount. The food was prepared perfectly and served attentively. We enjoyed bluefin toro nigiri, pan seared scallops, chicken croffle toast, matcha mochi pancakes, truffle chawanmushi, and okonomiyaki potato tots. We finished the magical night with ube panna cotta and complimentary mochi birthday cake. Thank you, Soho! =) I especially enjoyed tasting the edible flowers on my scallops and the chicken that melted in my mouth! I recommend this place with its relaxing and beautiful ambience.

Thuy Tran

Dining at Soho Modern Japanese feels like enjoying both a meal and a piece of art. The fish is fresh and delicate, each bite full of clean, refined flavors. What truly sets this place apart is the presentation, food is arranged so beautifully, with flowers, colors, and textures that make you pause before eating. It’s as if each plate tells a little story. The atmosphere is calm and refined, and the staff provide warm, attentive service. A truly memorable experience where food and art come together.

Yali You

The ingredients are fresh, the presentation is beautiful, and the food is delicious. It's perfect for gatherings with friends and birthday parties, and the atmosphere is comfortable.

Iuliia Zviagina

If you're a sushi lover, this place is non-negotiable. Every bite was a work of art - from the buttery toro to the melt-in-your-mouth uni. The rice was perfectly seasoned, and the fish was unbelievably fresh. I loved their excellent service. It's not just a meal - it's a sensory experience. 10/10!

APRIL Z

I heard the sushi options are average but I enjoyed the brunch here with friends. brunch is quite creative.

Hua Feng Kuan

We stopped by for dinner with a set menu (no chicken and waffle) for an immersive dining experience. Crafted with esthetic and sensory creativity with matching delicious flavor. It was not just gimmicks here, the food was good. What I like was the generous mix of sashimi, delivered in traditional cuts and also in modern interpretations. I enjoyed both. The establishment is shared in a big lot with crowds of people, but we felt safe at all times and were not disturbed during our visit.

Izzy H

Came here around 10:30 am, Saturday morning. The place was packed. We waited for about 15 min. For our drinks we ordered regular coffee and ube matcha. The ube macha has smooth texture. For our first course, we ordered spam fries. We expected it to be salty, but to our surprise, it's not. It's crunchy on the outside and has a firm spam inside. Main course we ordered steak and eggs & chicken and waffle. The portion size is big. All are so delicious, good flavor and cooked perfect. The prices are a bit high, but the portions are big, so one order can be shared. Highly recommend if you want a fancy breakfast/brunch.

Joyce Fu

There were a lot of pineapple fruit juice, but we drank them before taking pictures. My friend and I ordered two dishes and they were both delicious. Overall, the price was a bit high, but it was worth it.

Khiem Nguyen

I can thoroughly recommend this place for brunch. The decoration is modern, clean, and bright. The food was spectacular, however, our service was considerably poor for a place at this price point. Our server really didn't understand any of our menu questions and was constantly busy because they were understaffed. The standout for this locale is their sashimi platter. It is EXTREMELY fairly priced and the best sashimi platter we've had at the bay. Everything was freah and the soy sauce helped pop out the flavors. Besides the roe, everything was tender and sweet. The chicken croffle toast is the second best. You get an generous portion of chicken w/a gochujang sauce and a nice toasted croissant waffle topped with fresh fruits and maple butter. The chicken is the best fried chicken I've had in the bay area, though I guess that's not saying too much. The short rib poutine had barely any noticeable short rib and the tots weren't very crispy, well-seasoned, or memorable at all. I would never recommend it. On drinks, they were both alright. The blushing bae was incredibly meh. The yakultza was good and they present them well but I probably won't get drinks again at this place.

Dinner here was a pleasant surprise! We didn’t expect much of anything, but were blown away by the beautiful presentation & overall delicious taste/quality of the food. Usually when we want a nicer date spot, we don’t think of fremont area, but we’re so happy to have tried it out and will be back! They said their dinner menu (which is a tasting menu only, with the option of add-ons), changes every couple mos. We only got the classic tasting, as we weren’t sure what to expect, but look forward to trying their premium in the future.

Michelle P

Dinner here was a pleasant surprise! We didn’t expect much of anything, but were blown away by the beautiful presentation & overall delicious taste/quality of the food. Usually when we want a nicer date spot, we don’t think of fremont area, but we’re so happy to have tried it out and will be back! They said their dinner menu (which is a tasting menu only, with the option of add-ons), changes every couple mos. We only got the classic tasting, as we weren’t sure what to expect, but look forward to trying their premium in the future.

Amy Tran

The food here is absolutely amazing! Every dish is presented so beautifully that you almost don’t want to eat it—it looks like art on the plate. The flavors are just as impressive as the presentation. Service was also outstanding. Our server, Ben, did a fantastic job and recommended a great bottle of sake that perfectly complemented our meal. He really made the experience even better. Overall, we had an excellent dining experience and would highly recommend this restaurant.

Such a cute spot for brunch! The pancakes were tasty so we tried both flavors, the lobster benedict was delicious, and I am a fan of the eggplant and brussel sprouts. Rose tea latte was delicious btw. I want to try making one now.

+4

The Food (Lunch) Through friends, I discovered the SOHO Modern Japanese restaurant not far from me. Went with friends during lunch to check out their lunch menu. It is a contemporary upscale restaurant with a separate lunch and dinner menu. Lunch is more casual versus dinner is omakase. I ordered their SOHO Lunch Set of Sashimi Moriawase with Kaisen Nabe Bowl to share. We also ordered their Aburi Chutoro Truffle to share as well. The Aburi Chutoro Truffle came first. It has a very good flavor, with a hint of truffle, it was delicious. The Sashimi Moriawase was very fresh. It came with chutoro, blue fin, scallop, ocean trout, and halibut topped with ikura and caviar. The Kaisen Nabe Bowl was very flavorful, and it served as a good companion. Would want to come back and try out their other lunch set, they also seemed very good. The Miscellaneous SOHO Modern Japanese is within a plaza, so there should be no issue with parking. The interior gives an upscale vibe, with a dining area, a drink bar, as well as a sushi bar. There's a good amount of seating, but the sushi bar might only be for dinner. Their menu is separate into a lunch menu and a dinner omakase menu. Priced on a slightly higher end, but the quality is there so is worth a try. The staff were very sincere, the service and presentation was very well done. Would like to give their dinner omakase menu a try sometimes.

+3

Whether it's for brunch or dinner, I don't think you will be disappointed. We went for Brunch and every dish was really good and the fish quality was top notch. The sashimi just melted in our mouths like butter. My favorite was the Tonkatsu Sando and it might even possibly be better than Japan hehe. What we ordered: * Japanese Wagyu Tataki * Kalbi Style Steak N' Egg * Seared Scallops Uni Benedict * Sashimi Platter * Tonkatsu Sando (highly recommend!) * Belgian Syphon Coffee * Blooming Tea Overall, service was good minus this one server who when I asked if there was milk in the chai latte, he responded that they use lactose-free milk. But I explained to him that lactose and dairy are different, can he check if its dairy-free. He just kind of rolled his eyes and said ok then it has dairy. Ok, I guess I'm not getting a chai latte LOL. I just wish restaurants would educate the staff more on allergies.

It's a pretty good place and rather unique for a town like Fremont. But I have to say it felt overhyped because of TikTok influencers. To start off we got the Mochi Waffle, Puff Corn Chowder and 2x Okonomiyaki Tater tots without bonito. The mochi Waffle was pretty good and soft. personally not a big fan of the soup, it was just okay. The okonomiyaki was an absolute banger though and a must try. My main was the avocado croffle and it was also really good-layers of a croissant in the shape of a waffle. We paired all of it with the mimosa flights, though they felt a little light on the champagne. Overall the aesthetic was pretty cozy and the service was attentive and fast. Good vibes.

+2

I Ordered the Matcha Mochi pancakes and my mom ordered the chicken & waffles. The pancakes were nice, moist, and fluffy. While still holding that nice refreshing taste from the matcha. To boot the red bean paste and miso butter took it over the top. The fried chicken was rich with flavor, moist and crispy.

The atmosphere was very nice and the silverware are all very elegant. The food was very good, though maybe a bit overpriced. They had a decent selection of Japanese delicacies, brunch options, etc. It had more high quality options and less of normal foods you'd see such as udon or katsu, but their portions are good. Overall a nice place to dine in, albeit slightly pricey!

+4

I recently visited Soho Modern Japanese in Fremont, and we had an amazing experience. The decor definitely draws you into the restaurant. It was a sign of what to expect for our food presentation. We started off with the okonomiyaki tater tots, which were a delightful mix of crispy tater tots topped with all the yummy Japanese ingredients and cheese. It was a great start to the meal. For the main dishes, we tried the mochi ube pancakes and the lobster Benedict. The mochi ube pancakes were fantastic—soft, but not chewy, and with a lovely hint of ube sweetness and butter. Lots of fresh fruits accompanied the pancake. It was unique and delicious but I wish it was more chewy like mochi. The truffle lobster Benedict was delicious, featuring generous chunks of lobster, a perfectly poached egg, and a rich, creamy hollandaise sauce. The drinks were a highlight as well. We had the syphon Pete’s coffee, which was not only strong but also fascinating to watch being brewed. It’s definitely IG worthy lol. The ube iced latte was very refreshing and had a nice balance of flavors. Overall, Soho Modern Japanese combines creative looking dishes with excellent service. It’s a must-visit for anyone who enjoys a modern twist on Japanese cuisine. Will definitely go back to try the other dishes.

+1

Went for brunch. Their coffee is really good. Food wise, the portion is small, but tastes good overall. We ordered the unagi benedict and the lobster benedict. The only caveat though is the restaurant week’s menu’s (ube tiramisu) is not really a tiramisu. Tastes more like a cake and will not recommend. Otherwise a good experience.

Great and decent brunch! Recommend crispy chicken croffle and ube mocho pancake. Loco moco is also ok, it's different from normal loco moco which serves on rice. The matcha latte is a bit too sweet. The presentation of food is good and the environment is great. We arrived a few mins after 11 on a weekend morning and got the last table seat. There is a QR code at the front door to get in the line of waiting list, make sure you add yourself in the list first.

Pretty good Japanese fusion restaurant in the area. The menu has a lot of different options and variety to choose from. From brunch menu , sweet and savory to more authentic sashimi and sushi. They have some traditional egg Benedict dishes with an Asian twist on them. Totally recommended to at least give this restaurant a try. I thought their bold and creative approach or attempt was a breath of fresh air! Ebisu Benedict came with two big shrimp katsu patties, some mixed green salad and nice homemade hollandaise. That was pretty tasty and the portion was great for sharing! Pork katsu rice set looked so pretty. Served with some sides, a bowl of Japanese rice, mixed salad, miso soup with mushrooms and fried tofu inside! The soft mochi as dessert! Pork katsu- ends pieces were a little overcooked but the middle sections were juicy. Both Ube latte and dirty matcha were good! However the temperature of the drinks could be hotter though. The greeter and Server were both nice and friendly. Service was pretty decent! Would recommend to Make reservations!! Definitely would come back to try some other things on the menu!

Came by for a weekend brunch! Two of us ordered: belgian syphon coffee $14 mentaiko frittata $12 chicken croffle toast $22 smoked salmon benedict $26 espresso martini $14 Staff was a bit slow, not sure if they were understaffed. Flavors were good. I'd be interesting in coming in for dinner to try their raw fish items. Out of the dishes, I liked the chicken croffle toast the most. Parking in plaza.

Had an amazing lunch experience at this spot today. I thoroughly enjoyed the Impossible Benedict, which was perfectly prepared and truly delicious. My wife had Crispy Chicken Sando, and she found it to be equally impressive. The rose latte was a standout – truly amazing and one of the best coffees I've had. The restaurant's interior is also quite amazing, with a beautifully designed ambiance that enhanced the whole meal. We had such a positive visit and will definitely be returning to explore more of their menu.

Great atmosphere. We came when it opened at 10am, and it got packed within an hour. Decent quality food, but no wow factor. The fried chicken had good flavor, but the portion was off (thick batter and thinly sliced chicken). My favorite is the potato tots.

I really enjoyed my meal here! The ube mochi waffle was a standout, and the avocado toast was perfectly executed. While the fried chicken waffle toast was a bit oily, the chicken itself was incredibly juicy and flavorful.

Crystal Lee

Pretty good Japanese fusion restaurant in the area. The menu has a lot of different options and variety to choose from. From brunch menu , sweet and savory to more authentic sashimi and sushi. They have some traditional egg Benedict dishes with an Asian twist on them. Totally recommended to at least give this restaurant a try. I thought their bold and creative approach or attempt was a breath of fresh air! Ebisu Benedict came with two big shrimp katsu patties, some mixed green salad and nice homemade hollandaise. That was pretty tasty and the portion was great for sharing! Pork katsu rice set looked so pretty. Served with some sides, a bowl of Japanese rice, mixed salad, miso soup with mushrooms and fried tofu inside! The soft mochi as dessert! Pork katsu- ends pieces were a little overcooked but the middle sections were juicy. Both Ube latte and dirty matcha were good! However the temperature of the drinks could be hotter though. The greeter and Server were both nice and friendly. Service was pretty decent! Would recommend to Make reservations!! Definitely would come back to try some other things on the menu!

Arthur T

Came by for a weekend brunch! Two of us ordered: belgian syphon coffee $14 mentaiko frittata $12 chicken croffle toast $22 smoked salmon benedict $26 espresso martini $14 Staff was a bit slow, not sure if they were understaffed. Flavors were good. I'd be interesting in coming in for dinner to try their raw fish items. Out of the dishes, I liked the chicken croffle toast the most. Parking in plaza.

Ajay Arora

Had an amazing lunch experience at this spot today. I thoroughly enjoyed the Impossible Benedict, which was perfectly prepared and truly delicious. My wife had Crispy Chicken Sando, and she found it to be equally impressive. The rose latte was a standout – truly amazing and one of the best coffees I've had. The restaurant's interior is also quite amazing, with a beautifully designed ambiance that enhanced the whole meal. We had such a positive visit and will definitely be returning to explore more of their menu.

HARI CHARAN KALLURU

I really enjoyed my meal here! The ube mochi waffle was a standout, and the avocado toast was perfectly executed. While the fried chicken waffle toast was a bit oily, the chicken itself was incredibly juicy and flavorful.

My Hoa N.

Great atmosphere. We came when it opened at 10am, and it got packed within an hour. Decent quality food, but no wow factor. The fried chicken had good flavor, but the portion was off (thick batter and thinly sliced chicken). My favorite is the potato tots.

We went to SoHo Modern Japanese for brunch yesterday, and overall, the experience was really good. The food was delicious, the drinks were great, and the ambiance was beautiful, modern, cozy, and perfect for a brunch date. However, the service definitely needs improvement. Our server never checked in to ask how our food was, and when we wanted to order coffee and ask for a to-go box, we had to wait and flag her down ourselves. It made us feel a bit overlooked, especially since everything else about the restaurant was so nice. I would definitely come back for the food and atmosphere, but I hope the service becomes more attentive and consistent.

Diane Espino

We went to SoHo Modern Japanese for brunch yesterday, and overall, the experience was really good. The food was delicious, the drinks were great, and the ambiance was beautiful, modern, cozy, and perfect for a brunch date. However, the service definitely needs improvement. Our server never checked in to ask how our food was, and when we wanted to order coffee and ask for a to-go box, we had to wait and flag her down ourselves. It made us feel a bit overlooked, especially since everything else about the restaurant was so nice. I would definitely come back for the food and atmosphere, but I hope the service becomes more attentive and consistent.

We have to endure another 1.5 hours of waiting for the weekend brunch at Soho, which doesn't seem worth it. The service was slow and inattentive, with a suggested tip starting at 18% (lol). The food portions are small for the prices they charge. The Uni Hotate crudo lacked freshness, with barely any uni flavor. The Chutoro truffle portion was tiny (just 4 small pieces) but comes with a $26 price. It's hard to distinguish whether it's chutoro or regular toro, indicating low quality. The Tamago sando was disappointing; the toast seemed far from freshly baked, perhaps a week old, and you could easily found a similar one from a grocery store. While the other Benedicts were passable, one would expect better taste considering the price.

+5

SOHO Modern Japanese in Fremont presents a contemporary dining experience with an elegant ambiance and attentive service. However, despite its initial promise, the overall execution of the Chef's Tasting Menu resulted in a less than exceptional experience. My friends and I went there for dinner on a Friday night. The restaurant was busy but nothing too crazy- no wait time. Ambiance: The restaurant's minimalist aesthetic, warm lighting, and well-spaced tables created a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere. The subtle background music fostered comfortable conversation, setting the stage for a refined dining experience. Service: The service staff exhibited professionalism and courtesy, attentively addressing our needs without being obtrusive. Their clear explanations of the menu and knowledge of the ingredients were commendable. Dinner- Chef's Tasting Menu: All three of us tried their Winter Chef's tasting menu for $108 per person. They also had the option to add a $60 supplement, which includes 4-piece premium nigiri and bluefin Toro Temaki. Their menu showcased a creative fusion of traditional Japanese flavors and modern culinary techniques. All the dishes were presented beautifully but unfortunately they lacked in flavors and freshness. Some of the nigiri pieces that we got were very fishy. The oyster mignonette was very salty, and carpaccio was bland. Chawanmushi was bland and gritty and not as savory. It felt like the clams weren't cleaned properly. The matcha Panna cotta was good, but the matcha flavor was very mild. The nigiri pieces were small and had thin cuts of fish. The shabu shabu came in small individual boxes with mushrooms, tofu and vegetables, rice, and wagyu. The rice was undercooked. The wagyu wasn't cut into thin slices. It was pretty much one big piece of wagyu. Overall, the shabu shabu was decent. Some nigiri pieces were good and fresh while some other pieces were disappointing. Based on our experience with the initial few dishes, we decided not to add the supplement. I wish their food tasted as good as it looked.

+6

The hostess was very unprofessional and rude. 2 of my friends walked in while I looked for parking cause it’s packed outside. The hostess asked them if they’ve been here before and they said no. Then she asked them “are you aware of the pricing here?” as if they can’t afford it. The hostess name was Serena/Sirena. She did not apologize nor did she do or say anything to make the situation better. Other than that the service was really great. The waitress was really sweet. The ambiance was nice. The soup was creative in the presentation. The dessert was also really good. Overall there were definitely dishes that stood out and were really good. Most of the dishes were okay. We found bones in our nigiri which was definitely not good. Would not recommend this restaurant as of now but would give it another try.

+6

I rarely leave such a harsh review about a restaurant’s food, but this place honestly stunned me 😂. I’d had it on my list for a while, but every time I saw their photos I got the feeling it was all about plating with not much substance. Today I woke up late and decided to just grab something nearby with zero expectations. Somehow… it still managed to disappoint. You can already tell from the photos that the presentation has no real aesthetic sense. Then you actually taste the food, and I really start to wonder if the chef understands basic cooking principles. ⸻ 💣 Mac & Cheese One bite and it just screams cheap. The sauce is made with Japanese mayo instead of an American-style cheese or cream sauce, so it’s very sharp and heavy, with no creaminess, and completely out of place. It makes the whole dish taste low-quality. The macaroni itself is undercooked and hard — not even fast-food level. At least make your own sauce, please. Don’t just throw random things together. ⸻ 💣 Kalbi Style 2 Eggs The two fried eggs on top were probably the best part of the whole meal. The “kalbi style” beef tastes like the pre-marinated Korean BBQ meat you buy at the supermarket — like they just dumped it out of the package and cooked it. The texture isn’t super tough, but you can’t taste any natural steak flavor at all. It’s supposed to be “Korean-style short rib,” but it has none of the depth or balance you’d expect from an actual Korean preparation that still respects the taste of the beef. ⸻ 💣 Crab Cake (Eggs Benedict style) The crab cake was off — as in, that borderline spoiled seafood smell. Before I even reached the funky crab, the sauce on top already made me want to stop eating. They mixed lemon juice with Japanese mayo, then drowned the whole thing in it. Even just touching a bit with my fork felt heavy and cloying. There’s zero resemblance to a proper hollandaise. I’m totally open to creative twists, but this just felt like “let’s mix some things together and hope it works.” It doesn’t. ⸻ 💣 Uni & Scallop There was just a tiny smudge of uni — so small you couldn’t really taste it or tell if it was fresh. Honestly, I’ve had more generous portions at all-you-can-eat places. The sauce fails again: very heavy, no citrus, no yuzu, no vinegar to cut the richness. They even add sugar to the soy sauce, which is wild, because good raw seafood is naturally sweet. This sauce actually kills the natural sweetness and makes the dish taste more fishy. Compared to other Japanese spots, this dish is just below average: a bit fishy, quite greasy, and not bright or clean at all. ⸻ Portion & Price Portions are on the small side, but the flavors are not refined, and the prices are on the higher end for what you get. So value-wise, it doesn’t land either. ⸻ 🌟 The One Good Thing Service was actually nice. Staff were friendly and attentive, and that’s honestly the only positive I can give this place. ⸻ Overall Eating here felt like stumbling into a super bad “Western restaurant” in China where the chef has never really eaten proper Western food but is trying to recreate it from imagination. Both the plating and the flavors give off a very cheap vibe. Honestly, maybe they should just stop doing brunch. A simple bowl of miso soup with white rice would taste better than most of what I had here. 😂

Extremely Disappointed – Felt Like a Ripoff I ordered the otoro sashimi here, which was priced at a steep $36. What I received were three paper-thin slices - each barely 3mm thick - laid out to look more generous than they were. While I understand otoro is a premium cut, the portion size was shockingly small, even by high-end sushi standards. The flavor was decent, but not remarkable enough to justify the price. I’ve dined at many sushi spots, including upscale omakase-style restaurants, and never have I felt so underwhelmed or taken advantage of. For $36, you expect quality and reasonable quantity - this was neither. Won’t be returning. There are far better options out there that actually respect your wallet and your palate.

Sina -

I rarely leave such a harsh review about a restaurant’s food, but this place honestly stunned me 😂. I’d had it on my list for a while, but every time I saw their photos I got the feeling it was all about plating with not much substance. Today I woke up late and decided to just grab something nearby with zero expectations. Somehow… it still managed to disappoint. You can already tell from the photos that the presentation has no real aesthetic sense. Then you actually taste the food, and I really start to wonder if the chef understands basic cooking principles. ⸻ 💣 Mac & Cheese One bite and it just screams cheap. The sauce is made with Japanese mayo instead of an American-style cheese or cream sauce, so it’s very sharp and heavy, with no creaminess, and completely out of place. It makes the whole dish taste low-quality. The macaroni itself is undercooked and hard — not even fast-food level. At least make your own sauce, please. Don’t just throw random things together. ⸻ 💣 Kalbi Style 2 Eggs The two fried eggs on top were probably the best part of the whole meal. The “kalbi style” beef tastes like the pre-marinated Korean BBQ meat you buy at the supermarket — like they just dumped it out of the package and cooked it. The texture isn’t super tough, but you can’t taste any natural steak flavor at all. It’s supposed to be “Korean-style short rib,” but it has none of the depth or balance you’d expect from an actual Korean preparation that still respects the taste of the beef. ⸻ 💣 Crab Cake (Eggs Benedict style) The crab cake was off — as in, that borderline spoiled seafood smell. Before I even reached the funky crab, the sauce on top already made me want to stop eating. They mixed lemon juice with Japanese mayo, then drowned the whole thing in it. Even just touching a bit with my fork felt heavy and cloying. There’s zero resemblance to a proper hollandaise. I’m totally open to creative twists, but this just felt like “let’s mix some things together and hope it works.” It doesn’t. ⸻ 💣 Uni & Scallop There was just a tiny smudge of uni — so small you couldn’t really taste it or tell if it was fresh. Honestly, I’ve had more generous portions at all-you-can-eat places. The sauce fails again: very heavy, no citrus, no yuzu, no vinegar to cut the richness. They even add sugar to the soy sauce, which is wild, because good raw seafood is naturally sweet. This sauce actually kills the natural sweetness and makes the dish taste more fishy. Compared to other Japanese spots, this dish is just below average: a bit fishy, quite greasy, and not bright or clean at all. ⸻ Portion & Price Portions are on the small side, but the flavors are not refined, and the prices are on the higher end for what you get. So value-wise, it doesn’t land either. ⸻ 🌟 The One Good Thing Service was actually nice. Staff were friendly and attentive, and that’s honestly the only positive I can give this place. ⸻ Overall Eating here felt like stumbling into a super bad “Western restaurant” in China where the chef has never really eaten proper Western food but is trying to recreate it from imagination. Both the plating and the flavors give off a very cheap vibe. Honestly, maybe they should just stop doing brunch. A simple bowl of miso soup with white rice would taste better than most of what I had here. 😂

Kenny L

Extremely Disappointed – Felt Like a Ripoff I ordered the otoro sashimi here, which was priced at a steep $36. What I received were three paper-thin slices - each barely 3mm thick - laid out to look more generous than they were. While I understand otoro is a premium cut, the portion size was shockingly small, even by high-end sushi standards. The flavor was decent, but not remarkable enough to justify the price. I’ve dined at many sushi spots, including upscale omakase-style restaurants, and never have I felt so underwhelmed or taken advantage of. For $36, you expect quality and reasonable quantity - this was neither. Won’t be returning. There are far better options out there that actually respect your wallet and your palate.