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Izakaya Sozai

Japanese Restaurant and Noodle Restaurant$$$$

Inner Sunset, San Francisco

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Izakaya Sozai

8.5^/10

624

ratings

Ranked #2 for ramen in San Francisco
"Hands down one of the best ramens in SF"(8 Tips)
"Get the ritsu tonkotsu ramen with added pork belly for $2 extra."(18 Tips)
"Chicken skin yakitori is a must."(17 Tips)
"The tonkatsu ramen with pork belly is delicious like everyone says!"(10 Tips)

187 Tips and reviews

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ramen
pork belly
good for dates
chicken skin
trendy
casual
pate
fried eggs
great value
tea
skewers
desserts
bacon
bar
fritters
happy hour
good service
beef tataki
green tea
crowded
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PeggyAugust 26, 2016
Definitely make a reservation! There's a wait even for a party of one on an uneventful weekday night. Very friendly service and do their best to get you seated, but… make a reservation.
Shen Ming MahJanuary 20, 2016
Had the Ritsu Tonkotsu Ramen, with additional braised pork belly and it does not disappoint! It is really the best ramen in SF! Place can get pretty crowded though, be sure to make a reservation.
EaterMay 18, 2012
Continues to deliver one of San Francisco's most superb ramen, uni, (seasonal) shirako, and friendly service with prices that won't rock your bank account. [Eater 38 Member]
Time Out San FranciscoFebruary 22, 2018
This izakaya specializes in yakitori and small plates—though in the winter, crowds throng for the Tonkotsu ramen. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with wrap-around windows facing Irving Street. Read more
Connie ChiuMarch 28, 2018
Tonkatsu ramen is tasty, though a little salty at the end. The braised pork belly nimoni (spelling?) melts in your mouth. Bacon wrapped mochi is unique! And the special “maze soba” is really good.
Brian StraussFebruary 10, 2016
Ramen is tasty. Don't know if it's ramen worth going out of your way for. However the yakitori, sake, and general atmosphere is festive and encourages fun drinking times. I'll be back.
Tobias SchmidtFebruary 26, 2017
That ramen... Rich broth, subtle flavors and all toppings cooked to perfection. Get the pork belly and the fried egg
WhiskeyAvengerJune 13, 2018
Been here 10+ times
Easily one of the best restaurants in the Sunset District+one of my absolute favorites. The yakitori is to die for. As for drinks don’t expect an amazing beer list. Sake is the name of the game here.
Michael LucasFebruary 16, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Possibly the best ramen in the city of SF. Absolutely delicious, and do get an extra egg and braised pork belly along with it – you won't be disappointed.
Jaka BlažonMarch 11, 2017
Very good ramen for good price, amazing taste with a little bit of pepper, meet was also great.
Emmiliese ClemmOctober 6, 2015
Everything we are was excellent. The skewers (we had bacon wrapped mochi and miso scallops with leeks), the mushroom fritters, the ramen (with added pork belly and spicy miso)... You can't go wrong.
_September 17, 2014
Get the Ritsu Tonkotsu Ramen!!! Hands down one of the best ramen places in the Bay Area. Also try the various yakitori!
Grace S.March 14, 2014
Best tonkatsu ramen broth I've ever had... in SF and NYC! Peppery and delicious! Tuna tartar and bacon wrapped mochi are good dishes too but the ramen was the star.
Ruby AnayaDecember 4, 2013
Been here 5+ times
You must try the Tonkotsu Ramen. The broth is my favorite. My favorite app is the shishito peppers. I can eat two orders by myself. Great chicken skin yakatori too!
Jason VieraMarch 17, 2018
Been here 5+ times
If you have a chance to sit at the counter bar, and connect with the chefs, you may get an off the menu item.
Lisa KotowskiOctober 14, 2015
I had the Takoyaki, chicken meatball skewers, bacon wrapped mochi skewers and the ramen. Everything was delicious and beautiful! Mesmerized by the open kitchen!
Tricia LeeAugust 30, 2015
Ramen, yakitori balls, bacon wrapped mochi skewers, Caramelized bananas.. All yummy. Solid place - will definitely return.
Tom McGhanMay 21, 2012
Happy Hour is Wed/Thurs 5:30-6:30; make reservations! Looking for something to go with your beer besides the happy hour menu? Get the Tako Wasabi, octopus marinated in wasabi. It's a perfect combo!
Tom McGhanMay 21, 2012
The tonkotsu ramen is a little bland for how much fat is added to the broth, but is a great combination to the ginger-y pork belly (you added some, RIGHT?) and the noodles are incredible (>Orenchi!)
Emily LeungJanuary 24, 2015
Grab a reservation online, squeeze in, forgive the spotty service (perpetually understaffed), shout & struggle to have conversations, and enjoy the most solid yakitori in SF.
BommyAugust 3, 2014
Best ramen in SF. Get the ritsu tonkotsu ramen with added pork belly for $2 extra. Make reservations because the wait is ridiculously long...
Nipun SachdevDecember 12, 2017
Best Tonkotsu Ramen in San Francisco.
Stephen SaribalisJune 20, 2015
Very unique menu, unlike anywhere else I've been. Fried chicken skins were amazing. Ramen with its peppery broth is my favorite in the city.
Melissa DagdaganOctober 27, 2016
Bacon wrapped mochi, takoyaki and ritsu tonkotsu is plenty for one person. Trust me. :)
Jimmy LuAugust 24, 2014
BEST Ramen in SF, hands down. Only 1 choice, but still the best there is. Comparable to Orenchi. Get the fried egg with it. It's good!
Paul MansfieldJune 11, 2018
Having the sweet & unfiltered Nigori sakè near the end of the meal, segues nicely into dessert 🍮
Matt SzenicsJanuary 28, 2016
Garlic blossom is gr8. Beef tounge. Obv, do the ramen + spicy miso + braised pork
Daddy said I'm specialJuly 24, 2017
It's better to make a reservation, the wait is long. Ramen is to die for.
James TMay 14, 2016
Check the extensive specials board (almost as big as the menu). We were able to get lamb chops with a wasabi mint sauce.
Dan KimAugust 20, 2013
The tonkatsu ramen with pork belly is delicious like everyone says! Chicken gizzard yakitori and takoyaki are also solid choices. Great izakaya food!
Henry WuOctober 13, 2014
Amazing tonkatsu ramen. Best in town so far. Also get the takoyaki.
Edna LoMarch 21, 2015
Pretty cool place hang with friends and to grab a bite and drink a beer. Unique menu and will definitely come again.
Helen ZhangOctober 6, 2014
Specials, chicken wings, pork jowl, seabass, chicken skin, daikon salad, ankimo pate
Minyi ShihJanuary 5, 2013
Try the Tonkatsu Ramen With Pork Belly And Spicy Miso - Best Ramen I have ever had. Super flavorful broth and perfect al dente noodles.
Rachelle CJanuary 4, 2020
We like the yummy skewers, ramen and hamachi Kama! Tiny spot. Get in early and make reservations.
May YeungOctober 19, 2014
Favorite Yakitori restaurant in SF - recommend grilled garlic, roasted pork belly ramen and grilled tofu and mushrooms
板津魁彦July 4, 2017
Pricy but good hangout spot and great izakaya and great food, must try gyu-tan and stuffed ika.
Al B.January 12, 2018
Can’t go wrong with the ramen! Get the fried belly fat
Charlotte AnderssonSeptember 8, 2015
Everything about the food is amazing. Get the tofu salad - it's served with sesame sauce from heaven.
fartz smellerFebruary 28, 2015
Excellent Izakaya. Plus great sake selection. Service is attentive. Just be prepared to wait if you don't make reservations.
Jessica FingerMarch 5, 2016
After delicious ramen, order the fried mochi with jasmine tea ice cream and red beans - solid 10/10.
Jae ClarkeDecember 13, 2018
Classic ramen is hard to beat. Also love the sea bass skewers and white pepper dry chicken wings.
Frances 미라November 25, 2013
Been here 10+ times
The ramen is the best in SF, IMO. Make reservations by calling or emailing ahead of time to avoid long wait times.
KarstenJanuary 6, 2015
Pork belly ramen, spicy tuna on crispy rice, and bacon wrapped mochi
Jin RickardJune 5, 2014
Awesome selection of izakaya! Make sure you don't over look the special board though. Btw... Make a reservation.
Ting SNovember 5, 2015
I am not a fan of their ramen(I prefer specific ramen shop), but they have the best Ankimo in the city.
Kenji TsukamotoApril 18, 2015
Always busy so make sure to arrive early or call for reservation. Ramen here is amazing!
Paul MansfieldJune 11, 2018
Ika, the squid, served with a zesty aioli sauce is really nice 👌
Agatha YuAugust 10, 2014
Come early and get their specials, if you cook consider buying their spicy miso to bring home!
Mikahla VicinoFebruary 12, 2017
Start with the fried oysters, the sashimi and hot sake. Get the ramen for your main.

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