Kabuki Kitchen
San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: (415) 409-6878
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Fillmore Street
- Hours:
- Daily 5pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Kabuki Kitchen – by Michael Peck
The Scene
There's no question, given the time and money Robert Redford's Sundance organization put into revamping the Kabuki theaters and adding a bar, bistro and separate restaurants, that they were mounting a serious effort to create a new level of entertainment destination in Japantown. The only question was, how serious? Judging by what they got right with this portion of it, very: This is no pizza-and-popcorn stand. Rather, it's two levels of simple-yet-sleek decor with an earth-tone color scheme, open kitchen, small bar and a healthy customer base of culture vultures and indie-film aficionados who keep the crowd leaning toward the artsy and urbane. Service is speedy and attentive, and the result is a deserving addition to the neighborood. It's worth a visit not only for moviegoers, but for those seeking out a spot that stands on its own within shouting distance of the Fillmore corridor.
The Food
How does one say "better than it has to be" without it sounding like something less than the intended compliment? A merely respectable effort from the kitchen would have been a pleasant surprise for what might be too easily written off as just a movie-theater add-on. However, the fare sampled here was, with only one exception, downright tasty. For starters, house-made chorizo with fried garbanzo beans and tomatoes in a garlic paprika broth gets things going with a little gusto. A mahi ahi poke with taro chips is worthy of the restaurant's name and locale, and a braised oxtail accompanied by winter ratatouille and mirepoix with natural jus is a hearty, filling and flavorful main course. Dessert-wise, the german chocolate cake with coconut sauce and coconut ice cream is a sweet treat, but the pumpkin bread pudding with vanilla ice cream is a mouthful of autumn splendor.
Hits: At the risk of belaboring the surpassed expectations here, the wine list is well considered and comparable to those at level-or-two-above establishments. We were very happy with a jammy Acorn zin, and there's something to make fans of most varietals happy.
Misses: Alas, a cheese pizza with smoked ricotta, spinach and mushrooms was the sole disappointment. Lacking in taste and character, it doesn't stand a chance in a town with numerous top-notch specialists schooling slice seekers in the difference between an exemplary pie and a lesser entry.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
The ExtrasThinking of checking out a movie after dinner? Look to the hostess stand for monitors displaying what's playing and when in the theaters next door.
Save TimeIf you plan to catch a flick, let your server know; he or she will steer you toward dishes that don't take long to get onto the table. FYI, management suggests showing up to eat at least an hour before showtime.
ParkingChoose from two Japantown lots--one at Fillmore and Post, the other at Post at Webster. Kabuki Kitchen validates for the first hour. Also, street parking's free after 6pm, but know that spots are tougher to find on weeknights.
Know Before You GoPublic transportation is a decent option: The locale is well served by MUNI buses, including the 3 Jackson, 22 Fillmore and 38 Geary lines.
Fun FactRedford kicked off the Sundance empire in 1969 when he purchased Timphaven, a former (centuries-ago former) Utah canyon retreat for Ute Indians turned family-run ski resort. Film fans of a certain age don't need to be told, but the younger set may be interested to know he borrowed the name from the outlaw he played alongside Paul Newman in the classic "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."
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