NIHON

12/06/2007 Posted by speakeasy32

I realize we all have different tastes and not everyone is going to like the same things, but I've gone here five plus times and the food is always excellent. I like it better than Sushi Groove, Ozumo, Mas Saki, etc. I love the spicy tuna. Most rolls that I have tried are excellent and are always fresh. Everyone I have taken here (friends from out of town) have liked it. The reason it is not 5 stars is because the service can be slow at times and the waitresses don't always check on you that often. The bartender downstairs can be slow too. That has been pretty consistent with all the times that I've been there. Overall, I think most people would like the food here. Those people complaining about small portions don't have a clue. Just as the review says it is izakaya cuisine so they serve in small portions. It can be pricy on certain items so if you are looking for a cheaper dinner, this may not be the place for you. Good mix of folks from Mission hipsters to white collar workers. I hang out with both types so it suits me just fine. Hope this helps.

Pros: Food, Food, Food....it's excellent. Good drinks and a great Whiskey selection

Cons: Service, Bartenders

07/13/2007 Posted by zanetheory

I went to this restaurant because people gave it such great review, but it wasn't even that great nor was the food spectacular. I really wouldn't recommend this restaurant to anyone that is trying to dine somewhere nice with friends or spouses. But they do have a huge whiskey menu if that's what your into.

Pros: whiskey menu

Cons: food

05/17/2007 Posted by nyc45

The service leaves room for improvement, although knowledgeable but hardly attentive server was able to answer all our questions she was not seen by us after the food started arriving. The food runners were in disarray; they have chosen to bring dishes out one by one, which is counterproductive and considering that the kitchen is on the first flour could be tiresome. The dishes are extremely delicate: toro carpacio with hints of truffle oil and lemon melts away on your tongue even deep fried tempura of shitaki mushrooms stuffed with hamachi is amazingly airy. Traditional rolls are accented with spicy jalapeno aioli, which too overpowering.

04/18/2007 Posted by phields

I did not enjoy my experience here. The bartender barely spoke any English, poured me the wrong drink, refused to take it back, rude and not friendly at all. The place was too loud to have any conversation and the service at the tables were slow. It's sleek and trendy but not a fun place to go. There are plenty of other swanky places to see and be seen.

Pros: Swanky decor

Cons: Service and too loud.

04/01/2007 Posted by cariieyo

This is a well run venue. It is a must see for anyone curious to know what a specialty whisky venue looks like. Over 250 whiskies... What a selection. I enjoyed the setting which is sophisticated, classy, not over bearing. Service was good, food excellent both on the cooked items and the raw sachimi... I was impressed with thier generous whiky pour of 2oz. Most places pour 1 1/2 ozs and even though pricing looks expensive I think not realy. I'm a whisky lover and whisky is expensive unless its Jack or Jim beam or cutty sark what you drink. When you go ask to be seated upstaires.. I liked it m ore than the bottom floor. You can actually see the whole operation. Good spot that is here to stay...

Pros: Atmosphere, Whisky, Food 7 service thus everything!

Cons: Location

03/18/2007 Posted by bankgeek

Ive been to Nihon few times that I must admit by now that I know few of the servers & the manger. I told some of my coworkers to visit with me and was surprised that one told me that they got some "not so good" reviews here. Being surprised, I read them & I thought I should add my 2 cents even though I never write reviews since I disagree with most. Most people complaints are due to them simply being cheap. Many people likes to hang out & go to great places but they are either cheap or dont have the money to party. It is a fact that Nihon is not cheap "drink wise' but I cant remmebr where you can get a cocktail now for less than $10 and thats what you seem to pay at Nihon, even though I always bought bottles there. The food is darn fresh "sachimi" I know as unlike most, I can afford to eat out & I know whats good & whats fresh. I must advise those who budget to hang around few of the cheap mission bars and simply leave Nihon to people like us. People like us I mean are those who work hard, make good money & wants to hang in places with excllent service, they know you by name & take care of you. Plaese stay away if you cannot afford it.

Pros: Whisky, Service, Food

Cons: Out of the way

02/28/2007 Posted by ttotat

Unlike many lounges in the city Nihon seems to have done it correct. Its design is faboulous similar to many hot spots in London or New York and even though the space is not large they manged to take adavantage of every small part in it. Now their whisky list is for ceratin the lragest in any place Ive seen. Check the cabinet next to bar.. bottles that are 40 or 50 year olds.. waoo.. I was very happy with service and couple of appetizers i tried. I will be back.

02/22/2007 Posted by april20012000

I took my boyfriend for a romantic dinner. The reviews are mixed, but wanted to give it a chance. That was a huge mistake, but we made the best of it. The cuisine was lousy and they own another sushi location. Management needs to work with the kitchen crew to improve dramatically. The prices are way over priced for both the cuisine and cocktails. The place isn't one of the high demand sushi lounges, in the city. We're better off with places like Tokyo Go-Go, Blowfish, or even Deep Sushi. The ambiance isn't bad, but its not great either. I'm confused by some of the reviews. I'm betting that its coming from the owner, friends and staff members. I don't reccomend this establishment for the bar, ambiance, location and food quality. If so, please post your review and let everyone else know.

Pros: none

Cons: food, cocktail, prices, quality & location are poor

02/10/2007 Posted by prophotographer

I've never written a review before but last night has inspired me. I took my boyfriend to Nihon for his birthday as he LOVES whiskey and Japanese food. We had amazing whiskeys and my champagne cocktail was nice. The service was slow but very friendly. Here is the thing, our food was tasteless and poorly constructed. Upon contact, every single roll we ordered FELL APART. Not only that, it had no flavor. And considering our strong drinks, we needed something of equal strength to match. The food is overpriced, the drinks were insanely overpriced. I will never go back. Not only this, I will tell everyone I know not to go.***When we got home I made myself a piece of toast***

Pros: For Rich Whiskey Lovers

Cons: Terrible Food

12/22/2006 Posted by ttola

I'm taken by this place in terms of atmosphere, whiskey selection & service. Staff are very good and barkeeper was willing to taste me on some of the whiskies which is unheard of in bars. This place is not for the avearge people who like to budget when they go out & from the bad notes I read on few past reviews, I noticed that spending was often time what bothered them! many dive bars are the answer to that & I would not agree that service is bad.. are you kidding me ? maybe bad if you were a smart A & fell on your head drunk boys ? check it out it is an owsome place... Food is excellent & sachimi is very fresh.. they seem to know their stuff

Pros: Atmosphere, Service.