Sozai Restaurant & Sake Lounge
San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: (415) 681-7150
- Cross Street:
- 16th Avenue
- Hours:
- Wed-Sun 5:30pm-10pm
Message from Sozai Restaurant & Sake Lounge
Sozai Restaurant & Sake Lounge - SF's New Izakaya!
- Contemporary Japanese Tapas
- Extensive Sake Menu
- Catering - Private Parties
Paid advertisement by Sozai Restaurant & Sake Lounge.
Editorial Review for Sozai Restaurant & Sake Lounge – by Michael Peck
The Scene
While it seems beside the point to call any one block in the Sunset dead--other than the Ninth-and-Irving area, much of the neighborhood is quite sepulchral, after all--it's called for in pointing out just how much the district needs the light and warmth of a place like Sozai. The izakaya concept, which started with Japanese drink lounges that serve food to their customers, stresses the community experience of dining and imbibing with friends as well as with new acquaintances one meets there. In keeping with that, the atmosphere here is no-frills: Small tables sit close to one another, as do stools at the exhibition-kitchen counter, making it easy to strike up a conversation (and liberal samplings from the sake list, put together y True Sake owner Beau Timken, provide even more social lubrication). To that end, partner Gil Payne and his staff maintain an atmosphere of affability. Locals are grateful for a good congration spot, and those outside the neighborhood find that it's worth the trip.
The Food
Even if you don't meet new people among those seated next to you, the wide range of tasty options--both for the plate and in the glass--is sure to keep the conversation flowing at your own table. Edamame hummus is a must-have starter, as are the steamed mushrooms with soy butter and the marinated tuna won ton. The food-and-sake pairings are a surefire hit, with the traditional (sashimi, yakitori, kobe-beef-wrapped green onions with lotus root, shrimp-and-lotus-root ball in dashi broth) and the contemporary (curried scallops, filet katsu, bacon-wrapped prawns, lamb chop with shiso pesto) line-ups and their corresponding sake matches providing equally good options. For dessert, the macha affogato--hot macha (powdered green tea) over lychee ice cream is a solid effort, but the green tea panna cotta with organic strawberries is the one you'll still be talking about at home.
Hits: The knowledgeable servers are quick with the answers to questions about sake selections-- how they differ from one another and how each pairs with a given dish--and when the big gun is called for, information-wise, Payne himself is always at the ready.
Misses: None to speak of. If you're worried about the misses, you're not concentrating enough on the menu or the companionship.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Save TimeSkip the parking hunt and let MUNI do the driving (which also allows for more sake sampling): The 7 and 71 bus lines and the N train will all get you within a short walk to the front door.
Fun FactSozai is Japanese for ingredients.
The ExtrasLet the tastes of the Izakaya come to you via the accompanying catering service run by chef-partner Mari Takahashi, who is also Payne's wife.
Look GoodLike what you hear? Ask Payne, who is also a musician, about the jazz being played. We walked out with a new to-buy item for our own personal collection--John Coltrane's "Live at Birdland."
User Reviews for Sozai Restaurant & Sake Lounge
07/20/2008 Posted by mingo_mama
Inviting was my first reaction to this charming, cozy neighborhood gem. The sincerely warm greeting confirmed my feelings. The staff are so interested in your enjoying an educational experience as well as dining with delight! The amazing, eclectic menu made decisions difficult-we wanted everything! And the sake flytes! Who knew there were so many different varieties? We do now!! We had fun, learned some stuff and pigged out You MUST try the edamame hummus-it is beautiful and divine and will be the first thing on our menu when we return. (Don't forget to notice the amazing flower arrangement!)
Pros: Friendly Staff, easy parking, great food, service, everything
Cons: nothing
04/14/2008 Posted by jessicakerns534
I went to this place expecting the regular sushi, and got exactly the opposite. THE MOST OUTSTANDING ORGANIC Japanese food I have ever eaten! The plates were beautifully decorated and the fish was the most fresh tasting in the bay area. The service was impeccable and the staff knowledge of Saki was very impressive. I can't wait to bring everyone I know to this restaurant. It is truly amazing!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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