Ariake

415-418-7923

5041 Geary Blvd San Francisco, CA 94118

www.ariake-sf.com

view the menu
Solid sushi and wallet-friendly prices distinguish this Richmond crowd pleaser.

Categories:

Restaurants, Sushi Restaurants

Details:

$$, Dine At The Bar, Family-Friendly Dining, Quiet, Open 7 Days

Bookmark and Share See hours

Mon-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm Mon-Thu 5pm-10pm Fri 5pm-12am Sat 12pm-12am

Message from Ariake

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Welcome to Ariake Restaraunt where we serve the finest in Japanese cuisine from the freshest sushi to traditional udon and tempura. Enjoy the ever creative sushi of proprietor and master chef Jin at the sushi bar, or settle into a table for an unforgettable meal in the relaxing, traditional decor of Ariake. Come and experience the ultimate in Japanese dining at Ariake!

Editorial by Citysearch

In Short
This sushi bar embraces minimal decor, with blond-wood tables and paper lanterns. A warm, cozy ambience permeates the space, while neighborhood patrons chat with Jin, the sushi chef-proprietor who introduces himself to everyone. The restaurant is known for the quality of its traditional favorites, like soft-shell crab appetizers and shrimp tempura.

Key Points

  • Traditional & Fusion Plates
  • Let us cater your next event
  • Relaxing & warm atmosphere

The Inside Scoop

  1. What to Drink - A small selection of sake is available in addition to imported beers.
  2. The Extras - Ask Chef Jin to work his magic on whatever ingredients just came in and you're likely to experience some tasty creations not found on the menu.

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

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Insider Pages Reviews for Ariake

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Good Japanese Food

by aguib d. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 11,694

I came here with my girlfriend when we were on vacation. She loved it and so did I. They had such a good selection. I would highly recommend them to others. Also the cost was low and they always have good deals.

Posted 05/24/08 | Report Abuse

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good

by pamela o. | insider Insider | Rank: 28,536

I do alot of traveling and when I am hungry I always asked the locals where is the best place to eat. Usually we are on the same page and the food would be good. i came here just by walking in to see if I could find some great food myself. It turned out I was right on the nose. The food is fantastic, next time i come to this city I will stop by here again

Posted 05/20/08 | Report Abuse

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Latest reviews from Citysearch.

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Awesome Food and Nightlife

by martyr888

I went to his place on a guys night out. We were celebrating so we asked for the chefs special. It was awesome, however very pricey. We ordered anexpensive bottle of saki which was as good as I have ever tasted. go here it was fun!

Posted 11/15/08

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Excellent Excellent Excellent

by satie143

Ariake has great sushi. Hands down. In regards to the prior reviewer?s reference to the owner?s nationality and faith, I don?t get it. If you happen to be a snob in need of high prices, a long wait to be seated, and pretentious ambience, then this won?t be the place for you. If however you love great sushi, in a comfortable setting, with good people, I strongly recommend Ariake. For example, the Toro is always in perfect balance, never tough or sinewy. The Hamachi? Like butter. And the Santa Barbra Uni is always fresh and firm. I also appreciate the fact they serve Otokoyama sake. A high quality, dry junmai from Hokkaido at only $8 a glass.

Pros: Great food and service. They go out of their way to you feel welcome.

Cons: Parking on Geary. Weekend prime hours can be very busy.

Posted 01/31/07

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Try their "hail jesus roll." Koreans+sushi= what the...?

by super_japanese

Good sushi? Im going to have to disagree. First off the chef. Whats up with him naming all his rolls/combinations with super christian names? the "god bless you roll" or the "dont commit any sins or your going to he*l roll?" I just made those names up by the way, but seriously, the guys a hardcore christian.
I dont like the fact that the chef and the whole wait staff was korean. As my headline says, its just wrong.
The food was nothing special. I could find plenty of other restaurants as good or better than this place.
I would definitely not go here. dont waste your money.

Pros: looks like a nice little authentic place.....

Cons: until you go in.

Posted 09/14/06

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Great sushi

by bahiadave

This is my favorite sushi restaurant in town. Kabuto is right near it and may have more inventive sushi, bit this place is reasonable and super fresh. We feel lucky to live right near it.

Posted 08/19/06

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Disappointing

by alycel

It started off with a party of 5 being seated at a table for 4, leaving one person seated at one end, partially blocking a narrow walkway-even though we had made a reservation. Then the sashimi was served, with a large piece of bone still attached-not appetizing and definitely not safe! Luckily, the person didn't swallow the piece. Service was slow and definitely not attentive-had to ask for water several times and waitress neglected to pour for everyone on the table. We had asked the waitress for some japanese chili pepper which was never served. It was a disappointing evening as I had made a reservation based on the good reviews that I had read. I'll never go back.

Cons: Poor service

Posted 04/21/06

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Great Sushi

by proinsias75

Great place to get a good bit of sushi. The owner and all the employees always happy to see you. The sushi was the first sushi I tasted and haven't found any as good

Pros: sushi, people, wait

Posted 06/30/04

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So true...

by timskyscraper

Couldn't agree more. Screw the Sushi Zone two-hour-wait, get in your car and drive out to Ariake for the best fish. The decor is sort of boring and I wouldn't mind if they dimmed the lights a little, but the fish is mind-blowing and the stuff on the "specials" board is actually 'special' and not just stuff they've got to move. Try the tuna tatake, albacore and uni.

Posted 06/03/04

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THE BEST SUSHI AROUND!!

by tweetyangel

If you are looking for the freshest sushi, friendliest service and that extra personal touch, this is the place! I have been a sushi lover for years. I have not known great sushi until I came to Ariake. The owner Jin and his partner Eric are the nicest people around. They remembered my name after only one visit! It is this kind of personal touch that makes Ariake special. The prices are reasonable and the food is spetacular. I would not go anywhere else for sushi.

Posted 08/19/03

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Fresh sushi, expertly prepared

by steko

Freshest sushi in the city, expertly prepared by master chef & proprietor, Jin. The live scallop is divine; don't miss it if it's available. Also, I usually can't stand raw oysters, but I actually enjoyed this dish at Ariake. What a difference quality ingredients make. Attentive & friendly service. Better sushi than Ebisu, without the wait. Atmosphere is less lively, though, if that's what you're looking for.

Pros: Fresh ingredients, Excellent specials, Not crowded

Posted 08/25/02

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