Namu

(415) 386-8332

439 Balboa St
San Francisco, CA 94118 37.7772 -122.4634

Neighborhoods: Northwest, Inner Richmond

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Price:

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Last updated 7.02.09

Namu

What People Are Saying About Namu

The Editor

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
White lights outline the windows of this single-room neighborhood haunt. An open kitchen is visible behind a rustic wooden counter-top, and is the focus of the grey-green dining room. Diners can watch the staff carefully assemble orders, or turn their focus to the large flat-screen TV above the counter. A dark ceiling and low light give ambience to the otherwise sparse interior. Tables are dark, and set with small, intricately glazed plates.

The Food
Japanese and Korean influences are woven into a diverse but coherent menu. Ocean salad features crisp yet chewy pieces of brightly colored seaweed tossed with cucumbers and ume dressing. Shitake dumplings arrive in an intensely flavorful mushroom dashi broth, while plump lamb chops are cooked on Namu's custom grill and served with Thai-basil pesto and spicy sambal. The apple-tart dessert, with its crumbling pine nut crust, is irresistible with a scoop of creamy ginger ice cream.

JustAlady6

June 02, 2009

The best burger in the city($12)!! Also try Kumamoto oysters, crudo, panko halibut with creamed leeks, Korean chili marinated pork ribs and shitake dumplings in dashi broth, just to name a few. Small share plates allow you to try 8-12 dishes for a table of four. Every dish was soooo delicious and creative. Extremely fresh ingredients. Seasonal menu that focuses on local and organic. Extensive premium sake selection. The executive chef owns the restaurant with his two brothers. Beautifully designed contemporary minamilist and great ambiance. The bathroom sink is rad! I hear they have tasty brunch on the weekends and late night/happy hour drinks and food wed-sat 11-1am. My new favorite place in SF!

carolinekim79

March 21, 2009

Tasty but somewhat overpriced west meets east (yes, there's a burger on the menu) fusion out in the Inner Richmond. Sleek and modern decor is a bit of a surprise on this unassuming block on Balboa, and a mismatch with the clientele, both older (t65+) and younger (families with toddlers), even on a Friday night. Verdict: SF is still in need of a great Korean restaurant.

Anonymous

November 09, 2008

my cousin, who has just graduate from a culinary school, brought us to this place. it has asian fusion food. we went for an early dinner, but she said during they weekend they are open late nights and even have a dj spinning in the corner. one thing i didn't like was that they have a dinner dinner menu than the late night menu. we were looking to try the loco moco there, but it's only on the late night menu.

The Details on Namu

Where to Sit:

Ask for a table by the windows or along the walls to avoid the less peaceful seating in front of the door.

Fun Fact:

Namu uses imported Japanese sumi charcoal for grilling.

What to Drink:

Jasmine pearl tea arrives in a metal teapot and provides a soothing end to a meal.

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Lunch Spot

General Info:

Open 7 Days

Cuisine:

Korean, Tapas / Small Plates, Pan-Asian & Pacific Rim, Japanese, Asian

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Namu

439 Balboa St
San Francisco, CA 94118

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