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Minako

(Now Closed)

Sushi Restaurant, Japanese Restaurant, and Restaurant$$$$

Mission District, San Francisco

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Minako

58 Tips and reviews

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Lindsay EyinkFebruary 28, 2014
Owned by a Japanese-American woman who grew up in SF. Her mom is usually cooking in the back and if you get to know them she will start making things off-menu. Super awesome. Love love. <3
Frances JamesDecember 1, 2014
Really good, "homestyle" Japanese. Lots of gluten free/healthier options. Sushi rolls are freaking huge. We usually order all the other stuff & skip sushi (though it is tasty, just non-traditional)
Elaine CourtneyJune 3, 2014
This place changed my impression of organic, brown rice sushi FOR THE BETTER. And you have to at least get one item from their interesting special menu. A great hole-in-the-wall-foodgasmic experience.
Grace S.June 20, 2014
Judy the owner is wonderful! Meals highlights = hamachi w/ mint, vegan ramen, & the massive brown rice rolls! Also remember to check out the funky fish-decor bathroom before you go.
Kelly 🍰September 21, 2012
Tempura soba is yummy. Udon is of a thinner variety. Fish is fresh! Expect to wait. If you want a table you need to walk to the back of the restaurant to inquire. It's also stuffy/hot. $$$
Hugo BarraJune 23, 2013
Recommended by David S. Do read the sign at the door and do what it says! Become friends with the daughter and you'll get the best service. If possible, get introduced by someone who knows them.
Alissa SHJune 23, 2011
this is the best japanese restaurant i know. yes everything takes a while but so so worth it.be nice to the owners, be patient, and they will treat you like family. dont be an entitled jerk.
Nina SNovember 10, 2014
Family owned very friendly but not he most efficient and you will wait a lot for everything including getting seated but food is great
Adriaan MoorsSeptember 20, 2013
My recommendations: uni & natto nigiri, miso soup, corn fritters, collar of hamachi, dragon roll, unagi nigiri, agedashi tofu
@SDWIFEYJune 17, 2013
Specials menu is all you need. Tell Minako that Christine from San Diego sent ya! Also. Disco Star Wars Medley. #StormyApproved
Agatha YuJanuary 10, 2014
Can't order until you get the special board lol. But the food there is delicious, esp their boro tofu special
Natalie VillalobosMarch 5, 2011
The waitstaff is so sweet. Took the time to sit with us and enjoy pleasant conversation after our meal. A genuine family run business that deserves open hearted guests. +1!
Yelena KnoxJanuary 4, 2015
Everything!!! The menu is so extensive for every potential guests' palate. The owner super helpful in ensuring you order THE perfect dish/experience.
Andy StevensSeptember 3, 2012
Such an great local, family run spot. Judy is awesome and sassy. Food is delicious. Try the eel for ultimate eating pleasure
ReetMay 12, 2014
Amazing warm service from the chef's daughter and food is all fresh, organic and super tasty!
CaterinaOctober 31, 2014
The crispy California rolls are just incredible.
Natalie VillalobosMarch 5, 2011
Get hamachi with mint! Mushroom tempura with curry salt! Spicy tuna roll and chicken with pepper! All divine. Tea? Get the barley - homemade.
Clara BayarriOctober 19, 2014
Very original Japanese place, the chicken gyozas were really good, the marinated tuna could have been better.
Tom McGhanJuly 5, 2010
Make a reservation, for sure, but the food here is amazing! The udon sports house-made noodles, and you MUST get the corn fritters. The owner is super-nice too :)
Nina SNovember 10, 2014
It's a small family owned place with mother and daughter serving the tables. Unfortunately they are not the most efficient but very friendly but don't come hungry as you will be waiting a lot
Jonathan Ragan-KelleyOctober 16, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Like eating in a (largely vegetarian, obsessively organic) Japanese woman's home—a whimsical and delicious delight every time. Ask the waitress to suggest your menu.
Kansinee AdsanathamOctober 6, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Love spicy vegan ramen, homemade nutto, and vegan chicken karaage.
Kevin ⚡ LiuApril 21, 2014
Very particular owner/waitstaff. Follow protocol, choose from the pinboard/collage specials menu.
Noele L.October 14, 2013
their house, their rules, their pace. and that's ok by me.
Anton ShusterFebruary 12, 2013
Try the tempura fried eggplant with miso glaze.
AndrewMay 8, 2014
It's all good. And the owners are amazing.
Sophia YenOctober 29, 2012
Been here 10+ times
Very child friendly! Wonderful food. Chicken udon with ume
Martin KreichgauerMarch 2, 2014
Try the scallop nigiri or hamachi tataki.
Mina RAugust 16, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Two words - corn fritters. Also, read the signs or you'll be frowned upon.
Chan DNovember 19, 2011
Try the Tempura-fried Eggplant with Miso Glaze - Yummy!!
Camille BrenkwitzOctober 15, 2012
Don't be in a hurry. Don't seat yourself. The food is worth it!
Aman KarmaniNovember 18, 2013
Try the chicken gyoza and deleno roll
Margaret TsengOctober 13, 2013
Not a good choice on a Saturday night. 10 min to get seated, 15 minutes to get the menu, looked at the menu for 15 minutes and nobody came to take the order, so we left- epic fail, Minako.
jonathan gettingerMay 28, 2014
Try the Vegan Unagi at Minako Organic Japanese
Katherine LohJanuary 8, 2014
Judy is very helpful with suggestions!
Harris ChuAugust 8, 2013
Tempura Agedashi dofu was great!
Christian NilesJune 21, 2010
Keep walking. All of the great restaurants within eyeshot of here are better than waiting 40 minutes for a table, and another 20 minutes for the wait staff to wake up.
Lindsay EyinkApril 12, 2013
One day I will eat one of the pickled plums from 1960.
coco hMarch 17, 2013
The eggplant roll was excellent! You must get this.
c0uPMay 12, 2014
Judy is the sweetest hostess ever!
jonathan gettingerJanuary 9, 2012
Tempura fried eggplant with Miso glaze
Grace WangJune 2, 2012
Be sure to close the menu when you're ready to order.
Kelly 🍰September 21, 2012
Sushi is made with BROWN RICE!
William JohnsonApril 8, 2015
Has lost their lease. April 10th is the last day of service!
c0uPJanuary 10, 2014
Great for vegetarians!
Mo KudekiJuly 23, 2016
ordering here is kind of a process.
Frost LiMay 10, 2014
Small cute restaurant :)
Michael BOctober 14, 2013
Don't seat yourself :)
Jenn HylandJuly 19, 2011
almond crusted tofu. order it now, thank me later.
Suraj AcharyaMarch 9, 2013
Visit the bathroom, it's magical!

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