Friends Only in San Francisco: photos, reviews

About

MICHELIN

Selected: Good cooking

Friends Only is an exquisite dining destination located in the vibrant Polk Gulch area of San Francisco. This intimate sushi omakase restaurant delivers a refined culinary journey, offering a thoughtfully crafted progression of flavors. With a cozy and fashionable atmosphere, it's an ideal spot for celebrating a birthday or enjoying a peaceful solo dining experience. The expertly prepared dishes highlight exceptional uni and melt-in-your-mouth toro, all presented with attentive, professional service.

The small, 10-seating open kitchen provides diners with a front-row view of expert chefs creating innovative dishes in real-time. Guests can enjoy a well-curated selection of wines and cocktails, including the remarkably smooth Smoky Old Fashioned. Each meal is well-paced to leave guests comfortably satisfied.

With its remarkable 4.7-star rating, Friends Only is highly recommended for sushi enthusiasts, particularly those with a love for aged sushi and uni. Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited, ensuring each visit is a memorable encounter with high-quality cuisine and warm hospitality. Don't forget to enjoy the thoughtfully curated Spotify playlist that enhances the dining ambiance.

Price

$$$$ 100+ $

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Cuisines

Modern, Japanese

Services

Reservations available, Dine-in, Reservations required, Reservations recommended

Dietary options

Healthy options

Offering

Serving alcohol, Serving desserts, Serving cocktails, Serving beer, Serving wine

4.7

based on 49 reviews

Google

4.7/5 49 reviews

Angela Chetina (Psychology and sexology)

Food: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Friends Only in San Francisco is a unique sushi omakase experience that feels both refined and approachable. I’ve had the chance to visit several omakase spots in the Bay Area, and this one definitely stands out as a place I would gladly recommend. The atmosphere is intimate and modern, with just the right amount of energy in the room to make it feel special without being overwhelming. Sitting at the counter gives you a clear view of the chefs at work, which makes the evening more engaging. You can really see the care and attention they put into each course. The menu highlights a thoughtful progression of flavors. I especially enjoyed the first courses — a creative mix that set the tone for the rest of the meal. The uni here was exceptional, some of the best I’ve had locally, and the toro was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Each dish felt well balanced, and even small touches, like the seasoned rice, showed a high level of skill. The pacing of the meal was also very good — not rushed, but not too slow either. Service was attentive and professional, and the staff made sure we were comfortable throughout the evening. The wine and cocktail list is well-curated, offering pairings that complement the food nicely. Overall, Friends Only delivers a memorable omakase experience that combines high-quality ingredients, creativity, and hospitality. It’s a place I would happily return to and recommend to anyone looking for excellent sushi in San Francisco.

Patrick Fong

Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Incredible 17 course omakase meal in a small 10 seating open kitchen venue. The Smoky Old fashioned had great presentation and the smoothness of the drink easily makes it one of the best made that should be tried. Being able to see every dish made by expert chefs in real time from the bar is one of the great experiences that one had to try. The pacing of the dishes was done very well and we left full, but not overly full to being uncomfortable. The chefs were very friendly and relaxed, you could see they were having fun working together to create an memorable experience for guests. Bonus points for the music that was playing and that they have it as a Spotify playlist "Friends Only San Francisco"

Han

Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Every dish truly amazed me! The flavors, presentation, and attention to detail were outstanding. I’m a huge fan of uni, and theirs was absolutely delicious — fresh, rich, and unforgettable. The chef and staff were incredibly warm and attentive, which made the whole experience even better. Highly recommend!

What is the address of Friends Only?
Friends Only is located at 1501 California St, 94109, San Francisco, Polk Gulch, USA.
How to get here by public transport?
The nearest public transport options provide quick and easy access:
- Bus stop Polk St & Pine St (135 m walk)
- Bus stop Hyde St & Pine St (178 m walk)
- Bus stop Hyde St & California St (164 m walk)
- Bus stop Polk St & Pine St (170 m walk)
How is Friends Only rated by visitors?
Friends Only has an average rating of 4.7 based on 49 reviews across platforms such as Google.
What is the average price for a meal at Friends Only?
The average price for a meal is 100+ $ (it is very expensive - $$$$).
What type of cuisine does Friends Only specialize in?
The menu includes modern, japanese dishes.

Friends Only in San Francisco