Izakaya Sozai

Cozy atmosphere, with nice lighting and very few tables. The service was excellent, as the waitress was efficient and there was also another super friendly woman who checked on us regularly. The food was perfect – the tonkotsu ramen was probably the best I’ve ever had. They brought us free dessert, as they were out of the one I ordered. The yuzu cheesecake was also amazing. My only complaint, though, is that it was a bit too noisy.

One of the better spots in the City for a killer Ramen. Their ramen menu is very easy to navigate with plenty of very tasty add ons if you want. The ambiance is top notch. Its a small restaurant but as soon as you get into the restaurant you feel very at home. Large windows surround the seating area and make it feel like a very special location. Great for dates and great for tasty foods.

This was a really fun destination for a birthday party. The atmosphere is lively and the servers are helpful. I recommend ordering tapas-style for a table of ~4 people. Prices are high but the food is excellent. The strawberry pate wasn't a great flavor combination for any of us, and we wish there was more bread to enjoy it with. The noodle bowls were solid but not exceptional.

We absolutely loved everything we ordered and highly recommend it all—the tuna tartare, monkfish liver, eggplant, and mochi were outstanding. The sea bass was perfectly cooked, and the noodles in the tonkotsu ramen were incredible, with a rich, decadent broth that was full of flavor. Beyond the amazing food, the owner was incredibly friendly and brought such great, positive energy to the experience. We’ll definitely be coming back!

What a hidden gem! I came here with some family and we ordered several things from across the menu, and at multiple points in the evening. Every single thing was beautifully presented, stunningly delicious, and we stuffed ourselves. They also have an exceptional collection of Japanese beers and sake that are all divine. Be aware this small place fills up every night of the week, so either plan ahead or get there early. I will absolutely be back the next time I’m in town. The agedashi tofu is the best I’ve ever had.

We arrived 20 minute prior to our reservation and the table was set and ready to receive us. We were seated within a few minutes and put in an order for a bottle of Sake. Our 2 other friends arrived in time when the bottle showed up at our table in an ice bin. After a round of Sake to quench our throats, we were ready to place our food orders. We scanned the QR Code on the table. We not only orders foods off the menu but from the Chefs Menu posted on the wall. This is a Tapas concept so hope other customers don't expect portions to be plentiful. It's all about the varieties, great place for groups and a wonderful selection of Sake offered. Our party of 4 sat indoor, next to the entrance. The place was cozy and the staffs were really friendly. I noticed there's a chefs table for 2, at the high counter. A party for 2 would be perfect for that spot. Maybe I'll request for that spot on a future visit.

LOVED IT. For some reason, I’m quite picky about my ramen. We started with wagyu sausage, which was good — although I wished there were more. My partner and I both ordered the tonkotsu ramen, but I added on the spicy miso and garlic chips… chefs kiss. I used about half of the spicy miso to get to desired heat. The host and server were super nice and HUSTLED all over the full restaurant. We’ll definitely be back!

A very homey feeling as you walk in you're greeted right away. I tried some bbq items and their ramen. I gotta say i was extremely impressed with the food! The skewers were very flavorful with a lot of different options. The ramen was flavorful and creamy very rich with flavor. And the service was awesome! I don't think my water cup ever got empty or without someone tending on us.

Food was good. I was so impressed with their special for the night-fresh uni with fresh wasabi, fresh seaweed and seaweed paper. Good Beer and sake completed our night. Servers were pleasant and helpful. Will definitely go back.

Step right up, my fellow food aficionados! Let me spill the soy sauce on Izakaya Sozai – a culinary gem still reigning supreme in the Bay Area. Picture this: tantalizing tastes that transcend ordinary izakaya fare, from their celestial ramen to a parade of palate-pleasers. With each bite, you're dancing on a cloud of flavor, and let's not forget the sake – it's so good, it's practically a spiritual experience! At Sozai, it's not just about the food; it's a whole vibe – the kind of place where good friends dive into great food, excellent service, and awesome sake converge in a harmonious symphony of culinary delight.

We arrived at around 5:40 PM on Wednesday and there was no wait. Small and cozy environ, and remarkable food. We liked the tonkotsu ramen with its rich-flavored soup (though the added pork belly was not that tender), and judging from the beef tongue yakitori, we believe that all the skewers should be nice. The real showdown came with the CHAZUKE - highly recommended! The fish is always on a seasonal rotation; the makerel offered that night was ume-shiso flavored (if I'm correct) - so tasty that reminded me of one extraordinary makerel sushi I once had in Kyoto. My only little complaint would be about the service - there did not seem to be enough waiters/waitresses at that time. . . . IG: phootopia19

I had the salmon sashimi on top of a bed of a crispy rice patty. I also had the ramen with pork and a soft boiled egg. Both dishes were really tasty. The attention to detail is excellent.

The ramen was amazing! It’s a small restaurant so get their early. We arrived at 5:15pm and the place was already full. We grabbed the last two seats at the bar. 15 minutes later there was a line out the door.

After coming home from Japan my wife and I miss the quality and taste of authentic Japanese cuisine. When the craving become to much to bare we go to Izakaya Sozai. With a wide variety of delicious street food and Yakitori dishes, fresh daikon salad, and the centerpiece the tonkatsu ramen you will never miss. If you're looking to step out of your comfort zone i recommend the chicken cartilage. If you want to keep it simple the dry pepper chicken wings. You can never miss. If you are in the sunset or visiting Golden gate park please stop in you will have a wonderful time.

Fantastic izakaya, right by Golden Gate Park. Pretty small, there were people already waiting outside before they opened at 5:30 on a Thursday evening. I was by myself and was able to get seated at the small bar with no problem. Bonus - got to watch some good prep going on! I had the pickled vegetable and the Ramen which were both so delicious. Everything else coming out of the kitchen looked great, too. Highly recommend!

The staff here was very friendly and accommodating. The food was also good. Just make sure you RSVP b/c this place gets busy!

Shelley Carr

What a hidden gem! I came here with some family and we ordered several things from across the menu, and at multiple points in the evening. Every single thing was beautifully presented, stunningly delicious, and we stuffed ourselves. They also have an exceptional collection of Japanese beers and sake that are all divine. Be aware this small place fills up every night of the week, so either plan ahead or get there early. I will absolutely be back the next time I’m in town. The agedashi tofu is the best I’ve ever had.

Betty L

We arrived 20 minute prior to our reservation and the table was set and ready to receive us. We were seated within a few minutes and put in an order for a bottle of Sake. Our 2 other friends arrived in time when the bottle showed up at our table in an ice bin. After a round of Sake to quench our throats, we were ready to place our food orders. We scanned the QR Code on the table. We not only orders foods off the menu but from the Chefs Menu posted on the wall. This is a Tapas concept so hope other customers don't expect portions to be plentiful. It's all about the varieties, great place for groups and a wonderful selection of Sake offered. Our party of 4 sat indoor, next to the entrance. The place was cozy and the staffs were really friendly. I noticed there's a chefs table for 2, at the high counter. A party for 2 would be perfect for that spot. Maybe I'll request for that spot on a future visit.

Ryan Rovira-Lanzendorf

LOVED IT. For some reason, I’m quite picky about my ramen. We started with wagyu sausage, which was good — although I wished there were more. My partner and I both ordered the tonkotsu ramen, but I added on the spicy miso and garlic chips… chefs kiss. I used about half of the spicy miso to get to desired heat. The host and server were super nice and HUSTLED all over the full restaurant. We’ll definitely be back!

C L

A very homey feeling as you walk in you're greeted right away. I tried some bbq items and their ramen. I gotta say i was extremely impressed with the food! The skewers were very flavorful with a lot of different options. The ramen was flavorful and creamy very rich with flavor. And the service was awesome! I don't think my water cup ever got empty or without someone tending on us.

Emilie Tanchuling

Food was good. I was so impressed with their special for the night-fresh uni with fresh wasabi, fresh seaweed and seaweed paper. Good Beer and sake completed our night. Servers were pleasant and helpful. Will definitely go back.

Raymond Kim

Step right up, my fellow food aficionados! Let me spill the soy sauce on Izakaya Sozai – a culinary gem still reigning supreme in the Bay Area. Picture this: tantalizing tastes that transcend ordinary izakaya fare, from their celestial ramen to a parade of palate-pleasers. With each bite, you're dancing on a cloud of flavor, and let's not forget the sake – it's so good, it's practically a spiritual experience! At Sozai, it's not just about the food; it's a whole vibe – the kind of place where good friends dive into great food, excellent service, and awesome sake converge in a harmonious symphony of culinary delight.

Jiahui Zhou

We arrived at around 5:40 PM on Wednesday and there was no wait. Small and cozy environ, and remarkable food. We liked the tonkotsu ramen with its rich-flavored soup (though the added pork belly was not that tender), and judging from the beef tongue yakitori, we believe that all the skewers should be nice. The real showdown came with the CHAZUKE - highly recommended! The fish is always on a seasonal rotation; the makerel offered that night was ume-shiso flavored (if I'm correct) - so tasty that reminded me of one extraordinary makerel sushi I once had in Kyoto. My only little complaint would be about the service - there did not seem to be enough waiters/waitresses at that time. . . . IG: phootopia19

Angela L

I had the salmon sashimi on top of a bed of a crispy rice patty. I also had the ramen with pork and a soft boiled egg. Both dishes were really tasty. The attention to detail is excellent.

Becky Klein

The ramen was amazing! It’s a small restaurant so get their early. We arrived at 5:15pm and the place was already full. We grabbed the last two seats at the bar. 15 minutes later there was a line out the door.

Jon “Sophlin” Munro

After coming home from Japan my wife and I miss the quality and taste of authentic Japanese cuisine. When the craving become to much to bare we go to Izakaya Sozai. With a wide variety of delicious street food and Yakitori dishes, fresh daikon salad, and the centerpiece the tonkatsu ramen you will never miss. If you're looking to step out of your comfort zone i recommend the chicken cartilage. If you want to keep it simple the dry pepper chicken wings. You can never miss. If you are in the sunset or visiting Golden gate park please stop in you will have a wonderful time.

Ivy Koelliker

Fantastic izakaya, right by Golden Gate Park. Pretty small, there were people already waiting outside before they opened at 5:30 on a Thursday evening. I was by myself and was able to get seated at the small bar with no problem. Bonus - got to watch some good prep going on! I had the pickled vegetable and the Ramen which were both so delicious. Everything else coming out of the kitchen looked great, too. Highly recommend!

Derek C

The staff here was very friendly and accommodating. The food was also good. Just make sure you RSVP b/c this place gets busy!

Melissa Li

Love the feel of the small restaurant. Lots of small plate grilled options. Bring lots of friends so you can share more!

I just wanna say that Izakaya says I might be the most delicious meal I’ve ever had in my entire life from the small bites that represent all delicious cuisines from around the world to special things that you can get only hearing in San Francisco. This is truly some of the best plates in the city you need to come try it, especially The spicy tuna crispy rice stuff, but also ranging to the chicken skin anyway super yummy

Love coming to Izakaya Sozai. We we fortunate enough to celebrate their 16 year anniversary and are happy to say we have been visiting them every one of those 16 years. The ramen is amazing. The Ankimo Pate is delicious. The staff is friendly and fun. Looking forward to many more visits.

First time walking it, it felt small but had character, you can tell this was a local's favorite. Only once have I seen this place not packed. Service was great, knowledgeable and kind. Chef was attentive to care to see if any guests had any food restrictions/allergies. The food was amazing, not the run of the mill Japanese dishes you'd find typically. Many of the dishes I was unfamiliar with. Lotus chips was one of the groups favorites, served with tuna. French fries! Not your normal fry, Japanese yam imported from Japan, everyone loved it. Just thinking about it makes me want some. Ramen bowls were great, flavors were roasted and peppered which is quite unique. You can tell the Chef is not scared to experiment. Bone Marrowww, can't go wrong with that. So much more....Savory and Sweet. Great experience, Great Staff, Great Food. Definitely should give it a try, I will be back soon.

Ethan Hyunbae Lee

I just wanna say that Izakaya says I might be the most delicious meal I’ve ever had in my entire life from the small bites that represent all delicious cuisines from around the world to special things that you can get only hearing in San Francisco. This is truly some of the best plates in the city you need to come try it, especially The spicy tuna crispy rice stuff, but also ranging to the chicken skin anyway super yummy

Cute little Japan izakaya. Limited menu, come for the ambiance and hot sake.

+6

Food is good. Kinda loud can't really talk. Only 4 star bcuz this place is lack of ventilation makes it like sitting inside an oven

The food here is delicious, particularly the ramen. It's a bit overpriced in my opinion, but it's not outrageous. The staff are really friendly and the ambience is nice, so it makes for a great place to bring a date.

Good ramen selection, great drink selection. More of a traditional ramen kind of place. Very small and very loud but good atmosphere. Long waits so be ready to wait an hour or more but definitely worth the wait.

Small, intimate place. Four ladies sharing most of everything. The skewers were mostly in threes but it worked out as one person didn't eat some of those. Service was fast and attentive for a monday. The ramen could be cooked a little longer and use a little more flavor.

Great ramen, but it feels very packed in when sitting down. You definitely have to be careful to not accidentally hit another person's table when getting up. The workers were nice, but it looks like they could use one or two more during busy times. The best time to come is 10 to 15 minutes before they open, as a line will already start to form by then.

I went on a Saturday evening and it was a 45 minute wait for a party of six, which was expected for SF at that time and location. The ramen was flavorful and the grilled eggplant was liked by all at the table, but it took a very long time for most of the food to come out and many of the skewers didn't stand out as amazing. The staff was friendly and hard-working though.

Food was good and place was very cozy. Put our names down but waited 1.5 hours for a take which wasn't great. Made the time go by faster by ordering a bottle of sake... Best texture and taste goes to the bacon wrapped mochi. So much so I reproduced it at home!

Now I have to say, for a small joint like Izakaya Sozai, they can sure serve up mini courses that will absolutely get your eyes wide open. Most of the dishes were very delicious and for a very decent price. Izakaya style, of course. My top favorite dishes were the Tako Wasabi, bacon wrapped enoki mushroom and mochi, and Ankimo pate. If you are a foodie like me and are adventurous, I recommend you come here to try it.

I used to love coming here a lot, I haven’t been for a bit because of the pandemic. The takoyaki, miso cod and clam chowder croquette are really tasty and cooked perfectly. The ramen however was way too peppery, it is a bit overwhelming! The noodles are decent and the pork was juicy but that pepper flavor is too much

It should/could be a 5 star review because the dishes are pretty unique and I think? Superb quality but I genuinely didn’t like any of it. Let me explain It’s very loud and a bit cramped, the music is too loud I couldn’t hear my party so we all could only speak to the person next to us. The chicken ramen was a ‘dipping ramen’ you grabbed your noodles and dipped it in the broth. Except it wasn’t broth it was more like bouillon fish paste with water...it was perplexing... like what is going on here. So 5 stars because that’s very unique I’ve never seen that before but I just didn’t like it at all. The noodles however were cooked to al debate. Beef tripe, chrysanthemum and nectarine - hmmm that’s a very interesting dish right it’s probably good. No, not really. The chrysanthemum was the main dish and it really has no flavor.. not very different from arugula the nectarine was good but very few pieces and same w/ tripe. The 3 ingredients had no cohesion just thrown in a salad bowl. Bacon wrapped mushroom? Hmmm sounds interesting! But again the bacon was a bit undercooked and the mushroom added no notable flavor.

Ivy N.

Now I have to say, for a small joint like Izakaya Sozai, they can sure serve up mini courses that will absolutely get your eyes wide open. Most of the dishes were very delicious and for a very decent price. Izakaya style, of course. My top favorite dishes were the Tako Wasabi, bacon wrapped enoki mushroom and mochi, and Ankimo pate. If you are a foodie like me and are adventurous, I recommend you come here to try it.

Wilson Tsang

I used to love coming here a lot, I haven’t been for a bit because of the pandemic. The takoyaki, miso cod and clam chowder croquette are really tasty and cooked perfectly. The ramen however was way too peppery, it is a bit overwhelming! The noodles are decent and the pork was juicy but that pepper flavor is too much

Pilar Johnson

It should/could be a 5 star review because the dishes are pretty unique and I think? Superb quality but I genuinely didn’t like any of it. Let me explain It’s very loud and a bit cramped, the music is too loud I couldn’t hear my party so we all could only speak to the person next to us. The chicken ramen was a ‘dipping ramen’ you grabbed your noodles and dipped it in the broth. Except it wasn’t broth it was more like bouillon fish paste with water...it was perplexing... like what is going on here. So 5 stars because that’s very unique I’ve never seen that before but I just didn’t like it at all. The noodles however were cooked to al debate. Beef tripe, chrysanthemum and nectarine - hmmm that’s a very interesting dish right it’s probably good. No, not really. The chrysanthemum was the main dish and it really has no flavor.. not very different from arugula the nectarine was good but very few pieces and same w/ tripe. The 3 ingredients had no cohesion just thrown in a salad bowl. Bacon wrapped mushroom? Hmmm sounds interesting! But again the bacon was a bit undercooked and the mushroom added no notable flavor.

Jose Viana Jr

Good ramen selection, great drink selection. More of a traditional ramen kind of place. Very small and very loud but good atmosphere. Long waits so be ready to wait an hour or more but definitely worth the wait.

This place is small and cozy. The food was alright. Ramen was delicious, the server was not kind to us.

Had the tsukemen and a variety of skewers. Idk what they think tsukemen is but what they served me wasn't it. It was basically a weak broth ramen served with the noodles on the side. All of the skewers I tried however were great, although a tad pricier then I'd like. The service was great but I doubt I'd ever come back here.

Note: did not eat their signature dishes. Had tonkatsu ramen. Broth is too salty. Pork was way too over done. Noodles tasted like super Al dente spaghetti. The ramen itself was very unsatisfying but given the cheap price ($11), I would say is a 3 star rating. Restaurant itself is somewhat loud and the music is way too loud. Waitress wasn't all too friendly and mumbled.

Grilled Sea Bass and Squid were good. Ramen was ok--broth was tasty; noodles needed a but more chewiness; egg was slightly overcooked; braised pork belly had nice texture, but needed more flavor.

Joon Park

Note: did not eat their signature dishes. Had tonkatsu ramen. Broth is too salty. Pork was way too over done. Noodles tasted like super Al dente spaghetti. The ramen itself was very unsatisfying but given the cheap price ($11), I would say is a 3 star rating. Restaurant itself is somewhat loud and the music is way too loud. Waitress wasn't all too friendly and mumbled.

David

Grilled Sea Bass and Squid were good. Ramen was ok--broth was tasty; noodles needed a but more chewiness; egg was slightly overcooked; braised pork belly had nice texture, but needed more flavor.

Nice place but just think we ordered the wrong dishes on our first visit. Tonkotsu was strangely peppery + chicken flavored, like no tonkotsu I've ever had. Tsukemen broth was yummy, more what I expected but the noodles served to dip with were so undercooked that the dish was tough to enjoy. Chicken thigh skewers were the yummiest thing we ordered, and recommend those. Maybe it's best after all to stick to smaller plates and skewers at an izakaya. Unfortunately don't think I'd return, with the price point and food I received.

We’ve been here loads of times and have always loved the vibe and food. Tonight was way different. We had an 8:30 reservation, which I understand is the last available reservation. We were hustled to pay and close well before 9pm. As industry for over 15 years, I understand wanting to close, but don’t post 8:30 reservations if that is a problem for the kitchen/staff. All orders from the kitchen were well before close, but we were brought the bill before half our food arrived. Our plates were cleared seconds after finishing them and staff ignored our goodbyes/thanks when we left at 9:05. This is the first negative review I have ever left any establishment.

To the owner of this place, your hostesses/ servers are not professional. We had reservations at 7 for 3 and when we arrived, there were 3 empty tables that can seat 3-4. We asked for a table away from the entrance because it was cold and they have outside seating which means the entrance door consistently open and close for the entire time that you eating. The young girl with the gray sweatshirt and short hair played hostess and she told us that the other 2 tables were reserved. We replied and said we have reservations so what is the difference between reserved versus reserved. She couldn’t give us an explanation and asked us if the table we don’t want was okay. Since the trip to the restaurant was far and it was getting late so we responded and said it has to be ok cause she was not giving us any other options. What made it worse was 2 parties arrived after us and were seated at the tables we asked for. Makes no sense other than we found out that one of the party were friends with the Japanese hostess/ owner/ who knows. Not cool. Overall, the food was decent except for the ramen. We ordered 3 appetizers, and various skewers; beef tongue, scallops, enoki wrapped with bacon, chicken. The Tonkatsu ramen was meh.., we waited for about 35 minutes and it was disappointing . The noodles were still very hard, soup was just warm and pork was dry. It could have been a better experience but that initial interaction with that hostess just pretty much left a sour taste with us, sorta like the wedge of lemon they served with the chicken. I normally tip at least 25% but tonight it felt like a 10% service. Added 5% for the other hostess who appeared nice. There are many good Japanese restaurants to choose from so no thanks to this one.

Visited this restaurant with a friend visiting from Denver who was craving Asian food. We ordered chicken karaage, gyoza, and ramen. The karaage was fantastic—crispy, flavorful, and one of the best I've had in the city. Definitely a highlight. The ramen was decent—nothing memorable but satisfying enough. The gyoza, however, was disappointing. None of us enjoyed it; the flavor and texture were just off. Unfortunately, everything we ordered arrived lukewarm, which was a letdown. Service was a bright spot—friendly and attentive staff made sure we were taken care of. The biggest issue was the atmosphere. The restaurant was so smoky that we almost walked out upon arrival but stayed since we had a reservation. Throughout the meal, the smoky environment was unbearable. I coughed the entire time and couldn’t wait to leave, and my friends felt the same way. They really need to check out their ventilation system—it completely ruined the experience. Overall, the food and service had potential, but the smoky environment was a dealbreaker for us.

I recently visited Izakaya Sozai to try their ramen and satisfy my craving for the best ramen in the area. As a solo diner, they asked me to sit outside, despite the chilly weather. However, they provided me with a heater, which was a saving grace. I placed my order for Ramen, gyoza, and Takoyaki, and after waiting for 20 minutes, the Takoyaki and Gyoza arrived. Although it took a while, I finished both dishes and eagerly waited for my ramen. However, after another 20 minutes, it still hadn't arrived. Disappointed with the delay, I asked for the bill and requested that they cancel my Ramen order as I had already been waiting for more than 40 minutes in the cold. While the Takoyaki and Gyoza were satisfactory, I didn't enjoy the dipping sauce of the Gyoza, as it tasted of sesame oil rather than soy sauce.

What a disappointment. I made a reservation for my husband & me to celebrate my birthday. It was a weekday & the place was crowded. There was no reserved table but luckily a couple was leaving. We were seated next to the door which wouldn't close completely when a customer entered or exited. We ordered & my husband got his okonomiyaki & finished it before I got my chicken thigh skewers and beef tongue skewers. Another disappointment: I thought beef tongue was tender not chewy and chewy and chewy. For our dinner of 1 okonomiyaki, 2 skewers, tofu and 2 beers the total was $70.00! $70.00!! What a ripoff. What a huge disappointment. I read the good reviews and decided to go here. I know I won't go there again. You might have a good time there but I certainly did not. Lesson learned.