Ju-ni Sushi Bar

All around amazing. 😊 Food was incredibly fresh and creative, and our omakase chef was awesome! Nice laid-back ambiance for a quiet evening and/or celebration.

+4

Omakase via outdoor dining! They've done a great job with the set up. Delicious flavors all around. My favorite was the soy cured fatty tuna with caviar. They have a heating element set up above each bench of 2 and there are chefs per 4 customers.

+6

Wow, what an amazing omakase experience! After extensive research on Japanese restaurants in the San Francisco area, we stumbled upon ju-ni, and we're so glad we did! The food was absolutely delicious and I loved how intimate and interactive the whole dining experience was. You could clearly tell that not only were the chefs extremely talented, but also very passionate and knowledgeable. Each course was unique and the quality was exceptional! Everything just melted in my mouth! The progression of the meal was perfection as well. I thoroughly enjoyed how they played with flavours, temperatures and textures. My favorite dishes of the night were the house cured salmon roe with shaved monkfish pate, fresh unagi, uni, and tuna handroll. The restaurant itself is simple, clean and bright. The wait staff was extremely attentive without being intrusive. And it was nice being able to converse was Chef Lee while he was serving us. Like having a nice dinner amongst friends. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

+5

Their Chirashi bowls are 100% worth it! The Ju-Ni bowl is a beautiful assortment of fish that was fresh and delicious. The uber pricey Hokkaido Uni, Toro and Ikura bowl is pure oceanic luxury. Some of the best Uni I’ve had to date. The bowls are heavy too. The fish to rice ratio was perfect. The wife and I were definitely satisfied with our order. A well deserved Michelin star and a definite reorder in the future. Two sushi’s up 🍣🍣

Every bite was incredible! Chef was friendly and had a super cozy atmosphere.

Every bite is mouth watering, and interacting with the chef and your party in an intimate setting is a joy. My favorite piece was the ume madai!

+6

One of the best Sushi/Nigiri experiences ever. Very impressed with the creativity in techniques to bring out bold and unique flavors. Our favorites were the Wagyu, Soy Cured Fatty Tuna, Amberjack and Soy Cured Salmon. Enjoyed the Miso soup as well. Very pricey but worth the experience.

+6

Every piece in the omakase was delicious (even their miso soup was amazing!) and the staff is very friendly! Highly recommend coming here Also their ice cream is soooo good! The owner’s wife is the one who makes the desserts and *chef’s kiss*

+5

I really missed going out for omakase and this was my first outdoor omakase. It did not disappoint. I really appreciated Juston for being honest and very helpful with our drink selections for the evening. The water service was attentive without feeling overbearing. I feel like being outside let’s other patrons feel they can talk extra loud which is not my usual omakase experience but what can you do about that. As usual the food is fresh and complex

+6

A truly exceptional experience, not just the food but the service is spectacular as well. Mouth melting fresh fish selections directly from Japan served as excellent omakase combinations. Ju-ni absolutely deserves all the 5 star ratings. Highly recommended!

Phenomenal experience from start to finish. The experience is very intimate with an amazing chef for every four guests. Our chef was Kevin and he went all out to make this dinner one of the best meals we’ve ever had. Hands down the best sushi I’ve had. Kevin also served us some sushi (he called it “advanced sushi”) I would’ve been hesitant to try on my own; but by this point Kevin had my full trust and he did not disappoint. The price was concerning to me. I went back and forth on whether to book the reservation. In the end, I’m glad I did. Fully recommended. Would absolutely come back.

My new favorite sushi omakase restaurant in the US! (Definitely top 3 on my list globally). I can't wait to go back again soon. It's difficult to make a reservation to, but totally worth it to book 6 weeks in advance and worth the $. First off, the food was high quality, beautifully made and tasted amazing. The progression of the sushi was also perfectly compiled only making me want more bite after bite. If you prefer traditional edomae sushi, this is one step towards the more westernized/fusion influenced type of sushi restaurant. But not as far as Robin. I personally prefer this type of sushi that is not fully traditional edomae but still doesn't cover the quality and natural taste of the fish with other overpowering sauces & ingredients. Secondly, service was impeccable. Very attentive. Each chef only serves 4 people so you're not waiting too long and can still chat with the chef. We had chef Jason and he is super knowledgable and easygoing. Highly recommend requesting for him when making a reservation. :) Lastly, the atmosphere is bright, simple, and comfortable. You won't feel crowded or too far from the chef. I like the decor and all the pottery that they display and use for teacups/plates. Thinking about it just makes me want to go back now. Highly recommend!

+6

The king salmon belly and the uni was amazing. I also ordered another 6pc nigiri and it was the perfect portion. The have a great selection of sakes too and im happy to see such great quality food and service at such a reasonable price

A highly anticipated omakase dinner for me. They definitely lived up to my expectation. From the decor to their dinnerware to the attention to details of the staff and chef, all around a 5 star experience. I loved especially their chopsticks with 十二 engraved on it. Everything was so beautiful and delicious. Looking for my next occasion to dine there again.

+6

The best omakase experience I've ever had. Every dish had a unique flair to it that made the meal unforgettable. Highly recommend and I would definitely go back.

+5

What a fantastic experience. All of the food was amazing, from the first bite to the last. Brian was an amazing chef & host, and we not only got to learn about the food, but about him. It was so nice to be able to talk with him as the chef. I left full, happy, and look forward to returning.

+6

My wife and I went as our Valentine's date night, expecting maybe a quiet-ish time at the bar and some polite banter perhaps with our chef and maybe the couples next to us. What we got instead quite by happy happenstance was a rollicking good time chatting with the super friendly couples next to us at the bar, while our chef JK obliged with friendly comments within our conversation while still preparing the delectable courses of the omakase. Of course, the happenstance of the chatty friendly couples sitting next to us can't be replicated, but our chef JK really rolled with it and knew how to adjust the service to the cadence of our conversation -- our lucky accidental group ended up being the last guests at the restaurant, at which time the chefs broke out some japanese sake for us on the house, and we proceeded to chat another 20 minutes before leaving with the distinct conclusion that this was unquestionably the best time we have ever had at an omakase and that we shall return!

Ju-Ni literally means “twelve” in Japanese, a nod to the original 12-seat counter and the tight, timed omakase format. Service is mostly nigiri, paced one piece at a time, with a lot of torch work at the counter.  Chef-owner Geoffrey Lee’s signature bite is the “ikura with ankimo”: salmon roe topped with shaved, deep-frozen ankimo (monkfish liver, often called “foie gras of the sea”). Lee has described it as “our dish at Ju-Ni,” and it’s a standout. 

16-course omakase service in this tiny location. The fish was outstanding, half of the courses were interesting, memorable, and outstanding and only two courses were "just fine" but that's gonna come down to personal preferences. Limited drink options, and service was fine but nothing to write home about. Come for the fantastic fish and creative courses. Was pretty loud whole I was there for to a business dinner that was very boisterous, but seems like that's probably rare for this place.

Ju-Ni is a standout. ​Every component of the experience was flawless. The shari (sushi rice) was seasoned to perfection, providing the ideal foundation for the fish. The chef's application of sauces and glazes was subtle yet enhanced every bite without overpowering the star of the show: the fish. ​The quality of the neta (toppings) was exceptional, and for good reason -- I learned that everything, aside from the salmon, is imported directly from Japan just the day before service. You can truly taste the difference that level of freshness makes. From the delicate madai to uni, each piece was a testament to quality and skilled preparation. It's been a long time since I've had high-end nigiri this satisfying in the Bay Area, especially post-pandemic. Highly recommended for any serious sushi lover.

Super fun, tasty, intimate experience. We dined here for my sisters birthday, with chef Brian. He graciously answered all of our questions about the from what they looked like, so where they were from, to questions about how he got into the business. He was very detailed in showing us how he preps each piece and explaining the details of what each ingredient adds. We had so much fun. My favorites were the ikura with monkfish liver, scallop, and the o-toro, but they were honestly all so unique and good!

Hands down the best traditional omakase I have ever had. Each bite was perfection. (Chefs kiss) I liked this more than all the omakase I had even in Japan. It’s definitely a treat and worth the price. The chef was amazing and made the experience and ambiance as great as the food.

Dinning at Ju-Ni was an extraordinary experience from the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with warm, attentive service that set the tone for an unforgettable evening. Our chef Kevin is truly talented each course was a work of art, showcasing the freshest ingredients and masterful technique. Highly recommended whether your a seasoned sushi lover or trying omakase for the first time.

Ju-Ni offers an exceptional Omakase experience that feels both intimate and personal. With one chef serving just two parties at a time, the setting creates the perfect environment to ask questions and engage deeply in the experience. The attention to detail in the preparation and presentation of each dish really highlights the artistry of Omakase. While it is on the pricier side, the portion sizes and quality more than justify the cost. For anyone interested in learning more about Omakase, I highly recommend being proactive and asking questions, it truly enhances the experience. Overall, this was an unforgettable dining experience that I would highly recommend. :))))

Anything with fatty tuna is my favorite, fish liver too, it was so creamy. The chefs were so sweet and humble. The hostess was so patient, polite, and attentive. Very welcoming and good atmosphere. Can’t wait to return. Just fyi, make reservations in advance, we made them last minute.

May 2023: Celebrated my birthday 🎂 here and truly enjoyed the omakase dinner. We had the honor of Brian as our chef. We were treated to a wonderful intimate experience. Some favorites were the toro, aji, the salmon roe with monkfish liver, and the uni. The drink menu is quite extensive. I tried a Japanese rice lager that went very well with the sushi. Overall, a wonderful meal and experience! Thank you Chef Brian for making my birthday very fun and tasty!

Ju Ni in San Francisco is an exceptional dining experience that deserves no less than five stars. Specializing in Japanese cuisine, the restaurant offers an intimate and meticulously crafted menu that showcases the finest ingredients and culinary skills. Holding two Michelin stars for two years is a testament to its consistent quality and innovation. The chef at Ju Ni is not only professional but also engaging and interesting, adding a unique touch to the dining experience. This place is a must-visit for anyone seeking an unparalleled sushi experience in San Francisco P.S. I believe the dinner menu starts around 200 per person. Adding drink and some other items, it’s around 300$ per person.

this might be the best dining experience I have ever had the tasting menu was so well crafted and I loved how the chef explained each piece of sushi must try in san francisco if you are an omakase fan! also their hand roll was surprisingly one of the highlights of the dinner! easily the BEST hand roll of my life thank you Ju Ni for the birthday candle as well! we celebrate my bfs bday here, you definitely it made it extra special

Update 2024: After a 6 year hiatus, we finally made it back to Ju-Ni. Although it may have lost its Michelin Star, the experience was just as great, and we left full and satisfied. Not much has changed, although prices have increased, as one would expect. Price for two people with plenty of drinks, was ~$800. Original Review 2018: Ju Ni is one of the best omakase options in the city. It's a bit contemporary, not as classic as some of the more traditional spots, but well worth the price of admission. 12 seats, 3 sushi chefs (with 1 chef per 4 seats), 14 pieces of nigiri, and option to go a la carte after. While everything was stellar, the standouts for us were the sake (salmon), the toro with caviar (I mean come on, who doesn't like that), the oyster with caviar (again, how can you go wrong), and their house cured ikura with shaved ankimo (monkfish liver, frozen, and microplaned) was my favorite of the night. Kanpachi (amberjack) a la carte was stellar, as was the uni a la carte too. Price for 2 people was in the neighborhood of $600 out the door with tax and a good tip. Great experience.

This omakase style sushi restaurant was amazing. They have very high quality sashimi and their specific way of preparing the glazes and sauces to accentuate the taste and mouth feel of the dishes were impeccable. I throughly enjoyed the food and was never overwhelmed by the amount of food. Definitely a great place to enjoy sushi. Service and sushi chef were very on point! My favorite dishes were the Zuke Toro with caviar, the Hon Maguro, and the Ikura w/Ankimo. There menu changes quarterly, but those were the highlights and if they are not on your omakase you could probably ask for it. They also finished off our meal with a poke style hand-roll with the left over pieces from the fish he used. Each group of 4 had their own chef and they only run two seatings a night. Anyways a great dining experience and all of their food was melt in your mouth. They were able to show that you can get amazing sushi from Bonoito and Mackeral. If you are a scallop lover they also have scallop from Hokido that qas delicious. All the photos should be in the order of our menu!

We had a fantastic dining experience at Ju-Ni. Our chef, Brian, was knowledgeable, friendly, and made amazing food. He did a wonderful job explaining everything, answering all of our questions and making us feel truly welcomed. The fish was top notch and the service was amazing. We each had 1 piece from the a la carte menu and absolutely loved the chef's hand roll at the end. It's definitely pricey but a very special experience for an occasion.

Incredible omakase experience. All of the ingredients are flown from Japan and you can taste the quality of them through the preparation of the skilled chefs they have. My favorite item was the Hokkaido uni, which is ordered a la carte. It was definitely an experience I will never forget.

I had a wonderful time with chef Kevin. My partner and I came here for dinner and enjoyed the omakase experience. We love the fish selection, service, and will definitely come again. Thank you ju-ni and Kevin for making the dinner extra special!

Neal Mueller

Ju-Ni literally means “twelve” in Japanese, a nod to the original 12-seat counter and the tight, timed omakase format. Service is mostly nigiri, paced one piece at a time, with a lot of torch work at the counter.  Chef-owner Geoffrey Lee’s signature bite is the “ikura with ankimo”: salmon roe topped with shaved, deep-frozen ankimo (monkfish liver, often called “foie gras of the sea”). Lee has described it as “our dish at Ju-Ni,” and it’s a standout. 

Mike, and sometimes Llewellyn.

16-course omakase service in this tiny location. The fish was outstanding, half of the courses were interesting, memorable, and outstanding and only two courses were "just fine" but that's gonna come down to personal preferences. Limited drink options, and service was fine but nothing to write home about. Come for the fantastic fish and creative courses. Was pretty loud whole I was there for to a business dinner that was very boisterous, but seems like that's probably rare for this place.

Janet K

Ju-Ni is a standout. ​Every component of the experience was flawless. The shari (sushi rice) was seasoned to perfection, providing the ideal foundation for the fish. The chef's application of sauces and glazes was subtle yet enhanced every bite without overpowering the star of the show: the fish. ​The quality of the neta (toppings) was exceptional, and for good reason -- I learned that everything, aside from the salmon, is imported directly from Japan just the day before service. You can truly taste the difference that level of freshness makes. From the delicate madai to uni, each piece was a testament to quality and skilled preparation. It's been a long time since I've had high-end nigiri this satisfying in the Bay Area, especially post-pandemic. Highly recommended for any serious sushi lover.

Zinnia Xu

Super fun, tasty, intimate experience. We dined here for my sisters birthday, with chef Brian. He graciously answered all of our questions about the from what they looked like, so where they were from, to questions about how he got into the business. He was very detailed in showing us how he preps each piece and explaining the details of what each ingredient adds. We had so much fun. My favorites were the ikura with monkfish liver, scallop, and the o-toro, but they were honestly all so unique and good!

brooke kragness

Hands down the best traditional omakase I have ever had. Each bite was perfection. (Chefs kiss) I liked this more than all the omakase I had even in Japan. It’s definitely a treat and worth the price. The chef was amazing and made the experience and ambiance as great as the food.

Adam G

Dinning at Ju-Ni was an extraordinary experience from the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with warm, attentive service that set the tone for an unforgettable evening. Our chef Kevin is truly talented each course was a work of art, showcasing the freshest ingredients and masterful technique. Highly recommended whether your a seasoned sushi lover or trying omakase for the first time.

Patrick K

Ju-Ni offers an exceptional Omakase experience that feels both intimate and personal. With one chef serving just two parties at a time, the setting creates the perfect environment to ask questions and engage deeply in the experience. The attention to detail in the preparation and presentation of each dish really highlights the artistry of Omakase. While it is on the pricier side, the portion sizes and quality more than justify the cost. For anyone interested in learning more about Omakase, I highly recommend being proactive and asking questions, it truly enhances the experience. Overall, this was an unforgettable dining experience that I would highly recommend. :))))

Karina Garay

Anything with fatty tuna is my favorite, fish liver too, it was so creamy. The chefs were so sweet and humble. The hostess was so patient, polite, and attentive. Very welcoming and good atmosphere. Can’t wait to return. Just fyi, make reservations in advance, we made them last minute.

Ken Wong

May 2023: Celebrated my birthday 🎂 here and truly enjoyed the omakase dinner. We had the honor of Brian as our chef. We were treated to a wonderful intimate experience. Some favorites were the toro, aji, the salmon roe with monkfish liver, and the uni. The drink menu is quite extensive. I tried a Japanese rice lager that went very well with the sushi. Overall, a wonderful meal and experience! Thank you Chef Brian for making my birthday very fun and tasty!

AhmdReza “Reza” K

Ju Ni in San Francisco is an exceptional dining experience that deserves no less than five stars. Specializing in Japanese cuisine, the restaurant offers an intimate and meticulously crafted menu that showcases the finest ingredients and culinary skills. Holding two Michelin stars for two years is a testament to its consistent quality and innovation. The chef at Ju Ni is not only professional but also engaging and interesting, adding a unique touch to the dining experience. This place is a must-visit for anyone seeking an unparalleled sushi experience in San Francisco P.S. I believe the dinner menu starts around 200 per person. Adding drink and some other items, it’s around 300$ per person.

Annie

this might be the best dining experience I have ever had the tasting menu was so well crafted and I loved how the chef explained each piece of sushi must try in san francisco if you are an omakase fan! also their hand roll was surprisingly one of the highlights of the dinner! easily the BEST hand roll of my life thank you Ju Ni for the birthday candle as well! we celebrate my bfs bday here, you definitely it made it extra special

Max Stanton

Update 2024: After a 6 year hiatus, we finally made it back to Ju-Ni. Although it may have lost its Michelin Star, the experience was just as great, and we left full and satisfied. Not much has changed, although prices have increased, as one would expect. Price for two people with plenty of drinks, was ~$800. Original Review 2018: Ju Ni is one of the best omakase options in the city. It's a bit contemporary, not as classic as some of the more traditional spots, but well worth the price of admission. 12 seats, 3 sushi chefs (with 1 chef per 4 seats), 14 pieces of nigiri, and option to go a la carte after. While everything was stellar, the standouts for us were the sake (salmon), the toro with caviar (I mean come on, who doesn't like that), the oyster with caviar (again, how can you go wrong), and their house cured ikura with shaved ankimo (monkfish liver, frozen, and microplaned) was my favorite of the night. Kanpachi (amberjack) a la carte was stellar, as was the uni a la carte too. Price for 2 people was in the neighborhood of $600 out the door with tax and a good tip. Great experience.

Liz Helms

Every bite was incredible! Chef was friendly and had a super cozy atmosphere.

Mike Chang

This omakase style sushi restaurant was amazing. They have very high quality sashimi and their specific way of preparing the glazes and sauces to accentuate the taste and mouth feel of the dishes were impeccable. I throughly enjoyed the food and was never overwhelmed by the amount of food. Definitely a great place to enjoy sushi. Service and sushi chef were very on point! My favorite dishes were the Zuke Toro with caviar, the Hon Maguro, and the Ikura w/Ankimo. There menu changes quarterly, but those were the highlights and if they are not on your omakase you could probably ask for it. They also finished off our meal with a poke style hand-roll with the left over pieces from the fish he used. Each group of 4 had their own chef and they only run two seatings a night. Anyways a great dining experience and all of their food was melt in your mouth. They were able to show that you can get amazing sushi from Bonoito and Mackeral. If you are a scallop lover they also have scallop from Hokido that qas delicious. All the photos should be in the order of our menu!

Em Siegel

We had a fantastic dining experience at Ju-Ni. Our chef, Brian, was knowledgeable, friendly, and made amazing food. He did a wonderful job explaining everything, answering all of our questions and making us feel truly welcomed. The fish was top notch and the service was amazing. We each had 1 piece from the a la carte menu and absolutely loved the chef's hand roll at the end. It's definitely pricey but a very special experience for an occasion.

Andy Tan

Incredible omakase experience. All of the ingredients are flown from Japan and you can taste the quality of them through the preparation of the skilled chefs they have. My favorite item was the Hokkaido uni, which is ordered a la carte. It was definitely an experience I will never forget.

Sarrynna Sou

I had a wonderful time with chef Kevin. My partner and I came here for dinner and enjoyed the omakase experience. We love the fish selection, service, and will definitely come again. Thank you ju-ni and Kevin for making the dinner extra special!

Α truly exceptional omakase experience. Ju-Ni offers something incredibly rare: an intimate, perfectly curated journey into Japanese haute cuisine. With only 12 seats and three dedicated chefs—one for every four guests—the experience feels deeply personal and almost theatrical, as each dish is prepared right in front of you with absolute precision. The quality of the fish is outstanding, impeccably fresh, and the variety is impressive, showcasing both classic and inventive Japanese techniques. Every course is beautifully balanced, thoughtful, and refined, reflecting an extraordinary respect for ingredients and craftsmanship. This is not just a dinner, but a unique culinary experience—elegant, immersive, and truly one of a kind. An absolute must for anyone seeking the highest level of Japanese dining in San Francisco.

Ariadni Alexiadou

Α truly exceptional omakase experience. Ju-Ni offers something incredibly rare: an intimate, perfectly curated journey into Japanese haute cuisine. With only 12 seats and three dedicated chefs—one for every four guests—the experience feels deeply personal and almost theatrical, as each dish is prepared right in front of you with absolute precision. The quality of the fish is outstanding, impeccably fresh, and the variety is impressive, showcasing both classic and inventive Japanese techniques. Every course is beautifully balanced, thoughtful, and refined, reflecting an extraordinary respect for ingredients and craftsmanship. This is not just a dinner, but a unique culinary experience—elegant, immersive, and truly one of a kind. An absolute must for anyone seeking the highest level of Japanese dining in San Francisco.

Kathryn Wang

The king salmon belly and the uni was amazing. I also ordered another 6pc nigiri and it was the perfect portion. The have a great selection of sakes too and im happy to see such great quality food and service at such a reasonable price

Pros: high quality fish, creative but classic preparations, good atmosphere, professional friendly chefs, helpful explanations of each piece, 14 pieces filled us up Cons: $50 corkage is the highest we’ve paid in the city (yes I know this is Michelin Star but that’s high), price of the meal didn’t feel worth it even for super high quality fish I’m glad we tried it but I don’t think we’ll be back. Going to stick to Robin for our special occasion sushi

+5

This is a good omakase with good quality fish. The service is good as well. It all happens in a bar seating setting. Some of the fish are wild caught from Japan and others are farmed (like some of their tuna). The reason I removed 1 star is because it is pricey. For the price you pay, which at the time of writing is about $250 per person, I think it's missing some elements (could be more courses, or more creative fish/ingredient combinations).

Meh. I wanted to love it since it was a birthday treat from the boyfriend. For the price, it wasn’t worth it. Some good pieces but overall, an underwhelming experience. Boyfriend and I each had pieces that were overpowered by wasabi; we had to tell the preparer to lighten up on it so we could taste the fish. I ended up going to a poke-bowl after since I was still hungry.

+6

Great quality and superb service from Brian. Creative stuff like fermented cherry blossom are a plus. But the portion is just way too small. Be more generous with miso soup!

+4

ju-ni focuses on the fish with some delicious nigiri pieces, but overall the ambiance & service was distracting and overpriced for the number of pieces served. overall, glad I tried it and loved the standout pieces, but wouldn’t recommend. service: our chef wasn’t bad but the difference of service between our seating and the one next to us was night and day. ended up listening to the other chef more since he explained each dish with detail while ours mumbled his way through. standout dishes: fatty tuna, red snapper, salmon roe with monkfish pate

Andrea Santos

ju-ni focuses on the fish with some delicious nigiri pieces, but overall the ambiance & service was distracting and overpriced for the number of pieces served. overall, glad I tried it and loved the standout pieces, but wouldn’t recommend. service: our chef wasn’t bad but the difference of service between our seating and the one next to us was night and day. ended up listening to the other chef more since he explained each dish with detail while ours mumbled his way through. standout dishes: fatty tuna, red snapper, salmon roe with monkfish pate

The service was very disappointing. I had an 8pm reservation yet had to wait 25 minutes to be seated. While normally I do not mind waiting, it is frustrating that they are so strict about customers arriving on time but do not uphold the same standards for themselves. There was also a mandatory service fee, which should have been reflected in far better service. The food itself was okay but not great compared to the price. You can get better sushi at similar prices elsewhere. Nothing special, and each nigiri was not very cohesive. Also the starting dish was just bad and doesn’t make sense.