Kiraku - CA 94704

My fav izakaya in bay area over the years, the most authentic food and vibes, quick-changing seasonal menu. Never had enough, never be bored. Only thing is I wish the waiting line is shorter!

Potato Croquette: Perfectly crispy outside, soft and creamy inside -- ultimate comfort bite. Grilled Angus Beef Tongue: Tender with a smoky char, brightened by a squeeze of lemon. Mini Kaisen Don: Fresh, flavorful seafood with just the right rice-to-topping ratio. Sashimi Sampler: Generous cuts, melt-in-your-mouth freshness. Overall, a go-to for authentic Japanese small plates. It has that cozy, intimate izakaya feel with warm lighting, lively but not overwhelming. The staff is friendly, attentive, and great with recommendations; dishes came out at a good pace. Expect about 30 minutes to 1 hour wait time during peak dinner hours.

Truly my best dining experience ever. The food was absolute perfection and there were options for everyone. The omakase sampler, shrimp tempura, beef tataki, and corn tempura were definitely standouts. The yuzu sake was one of the best drinks I’ve ever had. Celebrated my birthday here and when you order dessert they will sing for you.

Hidden gem with soul - this is where Japanese food feels right. Every dish at Kiraku is crafted with care, precision, and that rare sense of warmth that’s hard to find outside Japan. But what truly sets this place apart isn’t just the taste - it’s the consistency. Year after year, the quality doesn’t fade. It actually improves. The staff? Always kind. Always attentive. The atmosphere? Casual but cozy, like your favorite local spot back home. If you’re new to the Bay Area or just hunting for a place that gets Japanese food right, start here. Kiraku isn’t just a restaurant. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back before you’ve even left.

Food was ideal for me. I had the abalone with creamed spinach, the carbonara, and clam miso. The waitresses clearly work very hard to tend to everyone. The chefs make sure the meals are up to par. It does take a long time to be seated which is worth noting if you’re traveling from afar. However, after eating the food I am glad I waited. To be candid it was a 2 hour wait, but this goes to show how in demand the food is. Furthermore, they prep the food fast and as soon as one table leaves someone takes that spot so they restaurant should not be blamed for the long wait.

I love this place so much, have been here for years and their food never fails to impress me. Definitely check for reservations ahead of time if you can because it gets busy. Kiraku is definitely one of the best izakaya spots in the Bay Area with a wide range of dishes and fresh seasonal ingredients. You can’t go wrong from their tempuras, to sushi, to skewers. Highly recommend bringing a friend so you can maximize trying different dishes. Prices are a bit higher, but well worth it.