Namu
(415) 386-8332
439 Balboa St
San Francisco,
CA
94118
37.7772
-122.4634
Neighborhoods: Northwest, Inner Richmond
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.
User Reviews
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!
read full reviewcarolinekim79
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.
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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.
read full reviewThe 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:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
General Info:
Cuisine:
Korean, Tapas / Small Plates, Pan-Asian & Pacific Rim, Japanese, Asian
