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Hours
| Friday | 5:30–11 PM |
| Saturday | 5:30–11 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5:30–11 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30–11 PM |
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Friends Only – San Francisco – a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant
Friends Only. 1501 California St., San Francisco, CA, 94109, USA. $$$$ · Sushi, Contemporary. Notes. Visited. Save. Favorite. Reserve a table. Book. Friends …
Friends Only (@friendsonlysf) · San Francisco, CA – Instagram
4.5K+ followers · 13 following · 7 posts · @friendsonlysf: “Restaurant for the insiders @akikosrestaurant”
Friends Only Restaurant – San Francisco, CA | OpenTable
Friends Only is the R&D restaurant for AKIKOS at Avery Lane on Folsom Street in San Francisco’s East Cut neighborhood.
Reviews
Randy F.
Friends Only
When it comes to high end Japanese dining, there has been an explosion of choices that has coincided with the acceleration of tourism to Japan and the greater knowledge of Japanese cuisine
Omakase or a set chef curated menu most often associated with sushi is by far the most predominant with kaiseki and izakaya less so
For awhile, it seemed like diners were almost price insensitive with new places opening at increasingly higher price points and with minimal background
That’s settled somewhat with some closures, slightly more reservation availability and the economy changes
Friends Only is a wonderful experience from the team behind long-running Akiko’s in San Francisco
The intimate dining room exhibits both elegance and service and the entire meal is a front-row seat to the best their team offers
The menu is in some senses more modern, especially with the dishes prior to the traditional nigiri, but the technique and preparation is stellar
We came for a special occasion and Friends Only fit the bill perfectly
Friends Only (San Francisco, CA)
Reservations are available on Tock and Opentable and all dining is indoor counter only.
… moreWhen it comes to high end Japanese dining, there has been an explosion of choices that has coincided with the acceleration of tourism to Japan and the greater knowledge of Japanese cuisine
Omakase or a set chef curated menu most often associated with sushi is by far the most predominant with kaiseki and izakaya less so
For awhile, it seemed like diners were almost price insensitive with new places opening at increasingly higher price points and with minimal background
That’s settled somewhat with some closures, slightly more reservation availability and the economy changes
Friends Only is a wonderful experience from the team behind long-running Akiko’s in San Francisco
The intimate dining room exhibits both elegance and service and the entire meal is a front-row seat to the best their team offers
The menu is in some senses more modern, especially with the dishes prior to the traditional nigiri, but the technique and preparation is stellar
We came for a special occasion and Friends Only fit the bill perfectly
Friends Only (San Francisco, CA)
Reservations are available on Tock and Opentable and all dining is indoor counter only.
Calvin Tran (MellowJello)
Right from the first item, an amazing flavor explosion. Every item was exceptional, and lovers of uni won’t be found lacking.
Dessert isn’t listed on the menu, but it is included. So is a starting champagne and a finishing dessert sake.
The price is reserved only for incredibly rich patrons though. Make sure everyone is in the mood for sashimi and seafood.
Atmosphere is very casual. We were the quietest couple inside, and had no problems keeping to ourselves while still communicating with the staff. They will also accommodate simple requests with the food as well!
… moreDessert isn’t listed on the menu, but it is included. So is a starting champagne and a finishing dessert sake.
The price is reserved only for incredibly rich patrons though. Make sure everyone is in the mood for sashimi and seafood.
Atmosphere is very casual. We were the quietest couple inside, and had no problems keeping to ourselves while still communicating with the staff. They will also accommodate simple requests with the food as well!
Isa
Amazing food and even better service! Can’t wait to come back again. Super accommodating of my partner’s dietary restrictions
… moreJud Valeski
Nice, tight, ship. Team has a great vibe. Chef leads with respect. Fantastic fish knowledge. Emphasis on dry aging much of the fish… hadn’t had that before; delicious.
Not afraid to use uni :). Appreciated ginger chunks vs sliced.
Tempura’d, vs boiled or raw, milt was yummy, but a tad timid.
Fantastic experience.
… moreNot afraid to use uni :). Appreciated ginger chunks vs sliced.
Tempura’d, vs boiled or raw, milt was yummy, but a tad timid.
Fantastic experience.
Steph Kwan
I had the best premium uni I have tasted to date, it was so creamy and sweet. The set menu price is definitely on the higher end, but I felt that everything was of high quality. The quality of all the fish was devine. We ended the night with some truffle ice cream; just had the right level of subtleness. Overall we had a great meal.
… moreAngela Chetina (Psychology and sexology)
Friends Only in San Francisco is a unique sushi omakase experience that feels both refined and approachable. I’ve had the chance to visit several omakase spots in the Bay Area, and this one definitely stands out as a place I would gladly recommend.
The atmosphere is intimate and modern, with just the right amount of energy in the room to make it feel special without being overwhelming. Sitting at the counter gives you a clear view of the chefs at work, which makes the evening more engaging. You can really see the care and attention they put into each course.
The menu highlights a thoughtful progression of flavors. I especially enjoyed the first courses — a creative mix that set the tone for the rest of the meal. The uni here was exceptional, some of the best I’ve had locally, and the toro was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Each dish felt well balanced, and even small touches, like the seasoned rice, showed a high level of skill. The pacing of the meal was also very good — not rushed, but not too slow either.
Service was attentive and professional, and the staff made sure we were comfortable throughout the evening. The wine and cocktail list is well-curated, offering pairings that complement the food nicely.
Overall, Friends Only delivers a memorable omakase experience that combines high-quality ingredients, creativity, and hospitality. It’s a place I would happily return to and recommend to anyone looking for excellent sushi in San Francisco.
… moreThe atmosphere is intimate and modern, with just the right amount of energy in the room to make it feel special without being overwhelming. Sitting at the counter gives you a clear view of the chefs at work, which makes the evening more engaging. You can really see the care and attention they put into each course.
The menu highlights a thoughtful progression of flavors. I especially enjoyed the first courses — a creative mix that set the tone for the rest of the meal. The uni here was exceptional, some of the best I’ve had locally, and the toro was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Each dish felt well balanced, and even small touches, like the seasoned rice, showed a high level of skill. The pacing of the meal was also very good — not rushed, but not too slow either.
Service was attentive and professional, and the staff made sure we were comfortable throughout the evening. The wine and cocktail list is well-curated, offering pairings that complement the food nicely.
Overall, Friends Only delivers a memorable omakase experience that combines high-quality ingredients, creativity, and hospitality. It’s a place I would happily return to and recommend to anyone looking for excellent sushi in San Francisco.
Marissa Huang
We celebrated my husband’s birthday here and the team went above and beyond to make it special. The food is absolutely exceptional, but it’s the atmosphere and the “little touches” that really set it apart. It’s rare to find a spot that’s this high-end but still feels so fun and welcoming. Such a vibe—highly recommend for your next celebration!
… moreYon Burke
Recently visited SF for the first time and made a point to dine at this restaurant based on my research. Very intimate and private setting. Dinner service took about 2.5 hours however it didn’t feel like it. Service was great and everything was clearly well thought out. A small, but cohesive team that made the evening inviting and memorable. Food was fantastic. Meticulous attention to detail and it was very evident the time and care put in to everything that was prepared. Hope to make it back!
… moreMaria Bruno
Spectacular service, stellar cocktails and every dish was out of this world. Definitely a unique experience if you can get a reservation.
The whole restaurant only sits 10 people – it’s very intimate but not stuffy or snobby.
The only thing that would have made it better is if we were with only our friends 😉
… moreThe whole restaurant only sits 10 people – it’s very intimate but not stuffy or snobby.
The only thing that would have made it better is if we were with only our friends 😉
Han
Every dish truly amazed me!
The flavors, presentation, and attention to detail were outstanding.
I’m a huge fan of uni, and theirs was absolutely delicious — fresh, rich, and unforgettable.
The chef and staff were incredibly warm and attentive, which made the whole experience even better.
Highly recommend!
… moreThe flavors, presentation, and attention to detail were outstanding.
I’m a huge fan of uni, and theirs was absolutely delicious — fresh, rich, and unforgettable.
The chef and staff were incredibly warm and attentive, which made the whole experience even better.
Highly recommend!