Yakiniku Shodai

Hands down the best yakiniku experience you can find in SF. The food quality, service, and atmosphere are all top-notch. Every chef clearly knows what they’re doing — the way they handle and grill those beautiful cuts of wagyu is pure skill. They also have an impressive selection of wines and exclusive sakes that pair perfectly with the meal. Whether you’re coming for a casual night out with friends, a romantic date, or a special celebration like a birthday, this place always delivers. Every piece of meat was cooked to perfection, and they constantly surprise you with seasonal seafood dishes or special cuts depending on what’s available that day. It shows how much care and attention go into every detail. Definitely worth every dollar you spend here — the experience easily rivals any Michelin-starred restaurant, if not better. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience in San Francisco

Pretty good place overall. The meat is very flavorful, tender, and juicy cooked well and seasoned just right. You can really taste the quality in every bite. The staff are attentive, friendly, and quick to check in without being intrusive, which makes the dining experience feel comfortable and welcoming. The atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable, making it a nice spot to sit back and enjoy the meal

Went here yesterday for my boyfriend and I’s anniversary and it was amazing! We got the tasting menu and every plate in that course was delicious. The meat was grilled perfectly and the side dishes they provided were also lovely. Besides the food, all the chefs provided a comfortable and friendly atmosphere! They talked to us like we were friends and it made the whole dinner even better. 10/10 for everything and if you’re considering this place for a special occasion, go for it, it’s definitely worth!

Wowowowowoowow!!! Shout out to Circle and Mark for rocking our world with excellent sake recommendations and incredible cuts/ perfectly cooking servings of Wagyu. The egg custard is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. I will be dreaming of coming back. If they recommend to eat something one way- trust them. They know what they’re talking about.

The only downside was the price otherwise I would come a lot more often😂 Yakiniku is the one thing that I missed the most living abroad, and it’s a blessing that shodai exists. This is the same quality of food and service that you would expect from a high end location in tokyo. Can’t wait for the ala carte menu to be ready!

Surada Saeyang

Glad I chose this spot for my birthday night with my girls. We got the reservation a few days ahead. It seems to be quiet popular. The chef and the host gave us such an impressive experience. The food and service are what I would expect from an authentic upscale Yakiniku place. I also enjoyed the conversation with the chefs and the host. The chefs here cook the meat in front of you and serve to you directly. All the meats are cooked to perfection with just the right amount of seasonings. I’m glad they don't over season the meat nor over complicate it like other American upscale Japanese restaurants.(I enjoy food creativity if they taste good and if the complexity makes sense but sadly a lot of upscale restaurants failed to make it makes sense to me.) Reading some other reviews on the bbq smell got me a bit surprised. I wouldn’t mind if the upscale bbq restaurant smells like a bbq place, so I am surprised ppl complained about the smoky smell in this kind of restaurant. Thank you Chris and Circle for the fun experience!

John Kim

Hands down the best yakiniku experience you can find in SF. The food quality, service, and atmosphere are all top-notch. Every chef clearly knows what they’re doing — the way they handle and grill those beautiful cuts of wagyu is pure skill. They also have an impressive selection of wines and exclusive sakes that pair perfectly with the meal. Whether you’re coming for a casual night out with friends, a romantic date, or a special celebration like a birthday, this place always delivers. Every piece of meat was cooked to perfection, and they constantly surprise you with seasonal seafood dishes or special cuts depending on what’s available that day. It shows how much care and attention go into every detail. Definitely worth every dollar you spend here — the experience easily rivals any Michelin-starred restaurant, if not better. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience in San Francisco

b

Went here yesterday for my boyfriend and I’s anniversary and it was amazing! We got the tasting menu and every plate in that course was delicious. The meat was grilled perfectly and the side dishes they provided were also lovely. Besides the food, all the chefs provided a comfortable and friendly atmosphere! They talked to us like we were friends and it made the whole dinner even better. 10/10 for everything and if you’re considering this place for a special occasion, go for it, it’s definitely worth!

Alexis Rutledge

Wowowowowoowow!!! Shout out to Circle and Mark for rocking our world with excellent sake recommendations and incredible cuts/ perfectly cooking servings of Wagyu. The egg custard is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. I will be dreaming of coming back. If they recommend to eat something one way- trust them. They know what they’re talking about.

Albert Huang

The only downside was the price otherwise I would come a lot more often😂 Yakiniku is the one thing that I missed the most living abroad, and it’s a blessing that shodai exists. This is the same quality of food and service that you would expect from a high end location in tokyo. Can’t wait for the ala carte menu to be ready!

Manish Bhatt

One of the best meals I have ever had in my life. Amazing food quality, preparation, and guidance. I loved being able to taste different parts of the cow all in one meal.

Vy Pham

I’m honestly speechless after our incredible meal at Yakiniku Shodai. Every dish was cooked to absolute perfection, and you can truly taste the exceptional quality of their meat selection. The attention to detail in their cooking process is remarkable. Chris, who expertly cooked for us, took his time to ensure that every piece of meat was prepared flawlessly. My favorite was the oyster blade—it just melted in my mouth. Andy, the chef, also recommended some outstanding sake pairings that elevated the entire experience. We left already thinking about when we can come back for another meal. Highly recommend! Here are some photos from our unforgettable dining experience.

Jason Lam

Wonderful selection of meat and excellent service. Great recommendation of sake to celebrate a birthday. Ideal place for date night or one on one business meeting. Not so good for family because I think mainly adults would fully appreciate the dishes and services offered. I am sure kids would enjoy the meat. But I think it's a bit too pricy as a family dinner. We picked the smaller set menu which is perfect amount of food. You can still order a la carte if needed. Highly recommend and definitely repeat. There is a comedy club next door. Although I didn't go, would be great as a next thing after dinner.

Janice Bae

My husband & I wanted a nice Japanese dinner and this absolutely met that. While it's not a cheap meal, the quality of the food makes it worth it - the wasabi is real in-house wasabi, the meat is flown in from Japan, and the servers really know how to cook the meats just right. The service was also great and the servers really knew a lot about meats, which we could tell from their detailed responses to our many questions. They knew we were celebrating an occasion and even upgraded one of our meals for free and gave us a round of sake on the house. If you enjoy BBQ, this place is highly recommended!

SUE

It’s such a blessing to enjoy high-quality A5 Japanese Wagyu here in the Bay Area! The owner of this restaurant, Andy, used to work at the famous Michelin-starred “Da-Wan Yakiniku” in Taipei for four years. On the day we visited, we were lucky to be served by Chef Chris, who also worked at Da-Wan. His precision and expertise in grilling were truly impressive — perfectly bringing out the flavors of these premium cuts! If you’re a meat lover, this is definitely a spot you need to try! Follow Instagram @itssuechen for more NorCal contents!

Google Alias

It was a last-minute booking with a friend, and we didn't expect to find a hidden gem! Arguably one of the best places to have meat in SF. The wagyu was good, and the set menu was carefully curated. Chris and Andy were knowledgeable and sincere about food; you can feel their passion for their business. Will definitely come back again.

Emily S

The beef are well prepared, tender, juicy and grilled perfectly by the chef in front of the table. The sake selections on the menu are excellent to pair with the meal. All the chefs, waiters and waitresses are friendly to provide the service as expected.

Yellow Bluebonnet

This place was nice and a great place to relax and chat. Not too loud or too quiet. The service here is phenomenal and all the staff are super kind and attentive. The food was phenomenal! Absolutely some of the best beef I've ever had and the servers took care to explain everything. Each course was delightful and this place was a good refuge from the streets of SF. ,

Nicole Liu

Nestled in the heart of San Francisco on Market Street, Shodai Yakiniku offers a delightful escape into the world of Japanese BBQ. The menu is a meat lover’s paradise, featuring two tasting sets of high quality cuts ranging from American wagyu, Australian wagyu, to Japanese A5 wagyu, or you can go with the a la carte option. The staff is extremely attentive as they do all the grilling for you tableside. Overall, Shodai delivers an authentic and interactive dining experience that showcases the best of Japanese yakiniku. Whether you’re a yakiniku veteran or trying it for the first time, this restaurant is sure to impress.

Kevin Kao

A hidden gem of a yakiniku restaurant in SF! Just so you know you're getting the real deal, the chefs/owner formerly worked at a 1 star Michelin yakiniku restaurant in Asia. Food: There are two set menu options, a tasting menu and a "full version" of the tasting menu. We opted for the full version because we came in hungry and really wanted to try the additional cuts of Japanese wagyu that's included with the full set. The set came with some complimentary sides and a soup. The wagyu was all delicious! There were multiple cuts of Australian, Japanese, and American wagyu. Our favorite was the oyster blade of the Japanese wagyu and the beef tongue. We also ordered two cups of sake recommended by the chef and a Suntory - it all paired pretty well with the meal. We were pretty stuffed by the end of the meal. Service: The service was fantastic. Everyone was very friendly. Our chef Chris in particular was very sociable and told us a bit about his background and how the restaurant opened. He even offered to give us some recommendations for yakiniku restaurants in Asia! Ambiance: Modern decor inside, nice ambiance. Most of the seating is counter seating where the chef will cook on a grill in front of you. Parking: If you're taking public transit, the F line or BART will get you pretty close to the restaurant, which is on market street. We parked less than a block away on a Friday night and it was easy to find parking. There are also several parking garages nearby. Overall, very enjoyable meal and would highly recommend if you want to eat high quality wagyu.

Mikey Chang

A yakiniku experience to remember! What a treat!! I don’t think this new concept has ever been done before. I absolutely love wagyu and Kobe beef and this experience did not disappoint! It was a multi course set meal centered around perfectly marbled steaks from around the world. The presentation was fantastic. Each group had a personal chef that prepared the food right in front of them! My fav was the wagyu topped with caviar and gold flake. So extra! Super decadent. Flavors were amazing. Definitely an amazing date night idea if you are looking to impress your date! They change up their menu seasonally as well so we will be back every season! Can’t wait to see y’all again. 💖

We had an amazing dinner at Yakiniku Shodai, a hidden gem in SF with cozy vibes and intimate countertop seating. The chef's service was exceptional and every ingredient was top-notch. We enjoyed all the side dishes and the premium cuts of Wagyu beef, and my favorite meat was the Australian Wagyu finger rib cut and the oyster blade Japanese A5 Wagyu, a rare find in the Bay Area. The scallops were huge and freshly flown in from Japan. The sake pairing was really just perfect with the tasting menu. All in all, a fantastic spot for an elevated yet relaxed evening out.

This Japanese restaurant is an absolute gem in San Francisco. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is warm, elegant, and thoughtfully designed—beautiful without feeling pretentious. Every detail feels intentional. The food is truly exceptional. Each dish is crafted with incredible care, using the freshest ingredients, and the flavors are perfectly balanced. You can taste the quality and authenticity in every bite. The sushi is outstanding—delicate, flavorful, and artfully presented—and the hot dishes are just as impressive. What really elevates the experience is the service. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind, making you feel welcomed and well taken care of throughout the meal. This is the kind of place you go for a special night out—or anytime you want to remind yourself how amazing Japanese cuisine can be. Easily one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in San Francisco. Highly, highly recommend.✨

Yakiniku Shodai is such a cozy spot for grilled meat lovers, the quality of the meat is impressive, and cooking it right at your table makes the experience really fun. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Definitely a great choice for a casual night out or a small gathering with friends.

Amy Wang

We had an amazing dinner at Yakiniku Shodai, a hidden gem in SF with cozy vibes and intimate countertop seating. The chef's service was exceptional and every ingredient was top-notch. We enjoyed all the side dishes and the premium cuts of Wagyu beef, and my favorite meat was the Australian Wagyu finger rib cut and the oyster blade Japanese A5 Wagyu, a rare find in the Bay Area. The scallops were huge and freshly flown in from Japan. The sake pairing was really just perfect with the tasting menu. All in all, a fantastic spot for an elevated yet relaxed evening out.

had a great experience here at the counter with a group of 6. not too busy, and they cooked the meats for you to perfection. i thought the meal was done well, would’ve preferred more seafood / seasoning, and definitely greasy so had to replenish the banchans a few times.

Yakiniku shodai has an attractive tasting menu for 150 and also a more luxurious menu for 225 (pre tax and service charges in 2024). We went there with high expectations from online reviews, and it was a solid experience. The atmosphere is a little underwhelming, with the chairs at the counters rather uncomfortable and the decorations not really making the place cozy, rather making it more like a warehouse. The courses were good. The mixture of American, Australian, and Japanese A5 wagyu was a treat! I also really enjoyed their fresh wasabi. The seafood was also a treat. I would say the raw ingredients are definitely top notch. However, I left feeling like I haven't really savored the Japanese A5, and only one piece, the A5 olive wagyu nigiri, really stood out to me. Otherwise, the staff are extremely friendly and they made the experience really enjoyable. Oh the dessert, homemade frozen ice cream, was also stellar!

Winnie Xu

had a great experience here at the counter with a group of 6. not too busy, and they cooked the meats for you to perfection. i thought the meal was done well, would’ve preferred more seafood / seasoning, and definitely greasy so had to replenish the banchans a few times.

Zhizhuo Zhou

Yakiniku shodai has an attractive tasting menu for 150 and also a more luxurious menu for 225 (pre tax and service charges in 2024). We went there with high expectations from online reviews, and it was a solid experience. The atmosphere is a little underwhelming, with the chairs at the counters rather uncomfortable and the decorations not really making the place cozy, rather making it more like a warehouse. The courses were good. The mixture of American, Australian, and Japanese A5 wagyu was a treat! I also really enjoyed their fresh wasabi. The seafood was also a treat. I would say the raw ingredients are definitely top notch. However, I left feeling like I haven't really savored the Japanese A5, and only one piece, the A5 olive wagyu nigiri, really stood out to me. Otherwise, the staff are extremely friendly and they made the experience really enjoyable. Oh the dessert, homemade frozen ice cream, was also stellar!

Tracy

Upscale Japanese yakiniku featuring bar seating. 🥩 the ingredient quality is excellent (as reflected in the price lol) I really enjoyed the seafood dishes as well. Portion was big for me. ⭐️ service is attentive (shout out to our server for accommodating our gluten allergy and making sure that everything is gluten free) 🪞ambience fell short (sadly did not live up to price and food) the decor looked a bit run down and the overall vibe felt disengaged