Hotei

i've never been but i am looking forward to trying it while i'm in san francisco this summer. Noodles, noodles, noodles.......................

Posted 04/02/09

This place has the best noodle soups anywhere. Perfect for a cold day or when you just want something comforting and delicious. There's a wide variety of different soups, noodle dishes, and sushi as well. The ingredients are fresh and delicious, and you can't beat the prices. The sushi rolls are also very good. Love it!

Pros: Soups, Sushi

Cons: None

Posted 08/12/08

I came here because of the good reviews also. The price is good for what I pay for. However, seems like the waitress are pretty not that nice... to their own people. They serve the White folks really well... Jessh, I wonder why? However, only one or two waitress was doing that. The environment was dimming and its a really nice place to have noodles. The sushi, however, wasn't as great. I love the choices and their specialties... but it doesn't taste as great as I expected them to. So my over all experience wasn't as delightful. But I will go back again for sure just for the noodles itself, and possibly try more of their sushi selections.

Pros: Price, Noodle, Cozy environment

Cons: Parking, Service

Posted 02/09/08

Hotei is my go to place for reasonably priced sushi. The food is not "cheap" by any stretch but it is inexpensive compared to what you would get at other places of the same level. The food is absolutely delicious and consistent from visit to visit. Some of my favorite things to order are the 49er Roll which contains fresh salmon with lemon on top. I order this roll every single time, you pretty much have to if you like fresh salmon. Double Hamachi roll is great for hamachi lovers. Another great dish is the Nabeyaki Udon if ya feel like a hearty boll of noodles. I usually split it with a friend as it is too much for me alone. Gayoza is not bad ether. Their great service deserves a mention also. I have never had a problem with any of the waiters and always receive great service over the years of being a regular. Ones I took some friends here for dinner and they wanted fresh wasabi (not the colored horse radish you get at most sushi places) We asked the waiter for some and he was willing to actually go across the street to Ebisu and grab us some. We felt bad and declined his offer but I really liked his dedication to our dining experience. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a casual, yet delicious sushi place.

Pros: Reasonable Prices, Great Service, Consistent & Delicious Food

Cons: Parking. Gets a bit stuffy on rainy days.

Posted 08/27/07

This place is not as good as the review. food portion is really large but the taste is just below standard. I would not recommend this to anyone

Pros: Can find seat easily

Cons: overall

Posted 01/26/07

I was surprised that our lovely meal for two - two hearty soups and saki for two - came to $25 with tip. Good pricing, great food, friendly staff, and spare decor. A great neighborhood place.

Posted 10/09/06

I found this place when I used to live in the neighborhood almost 7 years ago.. However even after I moved to Potrero, I still make the 15 minute drive over here almost once a week.

Absolutely the best noodle soups and their sushi is excellent too! Best of both worlds.

Posted 09/08/06

I love this place. Friendly service, great prices, amazing food. Try the delicious seafood ramon with tons a wonderful sea creatures in it and a broth to die for. Great potstickers and vegetable tempura. Goes down great with a Kirin Ichiban!

Pros: Amazing food for cheap with friendly service

Cons: Parking and wait. (less crowded than Ebisu!)

Posted 07/31/06

Me and the wifey's favorite local casual japanese. Though small (approximately 25 seats), is kid friendly (we bring our 3 yr old there and always see at least 1-2 kids in the restaurant). The food is good, though we have not tried the sashimi. Rolls are excellent and wifey loves the Udon. Their curry is savory and phenomenal (my current favorite). Good sized portions and the pricing is terrific as well. Definitely a place worth trying out - it has become a regular place for me and my family.

********EDIT: As of this edited posting - something appears to have happened to management / ownership since my initial review. My family were regulars up until several weeks ago, when we noticed some wholesale changes. The entire waitstaff appears to have been let go and replaced, with the possible inclusion of the kitchen staff. Though the sushi / sashimi does seem to be very close to the food we were used to - there has definitely been a change in cooking styles for the noodles and the rice dishes. Because of the changes, we are no longer regulars. I believe that one day we will give Hotei another chance, but in the meantime, we are mourning the lost of one of our most favorite Japanese restaurants. Though we previously rated Hotei at a 10, we have reduced the rating to 6. Former diners, please be aware of the changes.********

Pros: Good Food and Cheap! Family Friendly - quick kitch

Cons: Very Small.

Posted 06/12/06

This place has good udon and sushi. I always come here if I am in the mood for a good bowl of udon. Their sushi is a lot better than many places in the city also. Try this place out. You'll like it.

Pros: service, food, price

Posted 05/05/06

I recently started a job only 2 blocks from Hotei. On lunch I can place an order and in less than five minutes walking over there they have my order ready! Everything I have had has been prepared just as it should. The food is authentic japanese, delicious, and perfect every time! I recommend the Uakyu sushi, the Oden dinner and the udon w/vegetable tempura. i'm hooked!

Posted 08/03/05