Mamanoko

Japanese restaurant · Marina District

Mamanoko

Japanese restaurant · Marina District

1

2317 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA

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Mamanoko by Infatuation - Reviews
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Highlights

Creative Japanese fusion with standout toro cakes & creative rolls  

Featured in The Infatuation
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2317 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA Get directions

mamanokosf.com
@mamanokosf

US$50–100

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2317 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA Get directions

+1 415 346 8494
mamanokosf.com
@mamanokosf

US$50–100

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Last updated

Aug 21, 2025

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Mamanoko - Review - North Beach - San Francisco - The Infatuation

"Weep not, former acolytes of Umami in Cow Hollow. Mamanoko has risen with the Umami menu, like a phoenix from the ashes, in the former Mamacita space on Chestnut Street. You’ll find tasty rolls, plus the amazing tuna tataki and vegetable tempura fritters we love dearly. Prepare to spend more than you might expect for dinner, but also prepare to be very happy with your food." - Taylor Abrams

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/reviews/mamanoko
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Ararat Mnatsakanyan

Google
The food at Mamanoko was incredibly fresh and full of flavor. Their Miso soup is outstanding — a must-try. We were also pleasantly surprised by the dessert. The brownie dough roll was absolutely exceptional.

Debby

Google
Came at a recommendation from a friend. I’m half Japanese so I thought she was sending me somewhere authentic. Very disappointed. Toro cakes - rice was way too crispy and 3 relatively small pieces for $21?! I love my nigiri, but was surprised to see my ikura nigiri came out in cups and had to spoon it out. The menu doesn’t state this (I checked 3x unless I am missing something). Perhaps some like it this way, but sushi is meant to be eaten the authentic way. Lastly, I understand the restaurant is supposed to give off the hip, trendy vibe, but the servers dressed in their own attire made them look like any man in the restaurant. I hate to ask “excuse me, do you work here?”

Marcin G

Google
Place has a great vibe, bartender was on fire making drinks that looked great and super pro. Mirror in the center I have to give some respect to the construction team that thing Must weigh a ton. I had sushi rolls they were really good. Not the best but really good. Beer I had was really amazing Japanese ipa.

Brady Anderson

Google
It’s the sushi but also the apps that make this place special. Don’t forget to get Umami sliders as well as the ribs. Unique and special. Not to mention incredible quality of fish. I do wish the Nigiri didn’t come dressed, but you can ask for it without it. Probably my favorite restaurant in SF. Great vibes as well.

Julia David

Google
We’ve been to this restaurant many times and have always loved it — it’s been one of our favorite spots. That’s why this experience was so upsetting. I called ahead and made a reservation for four inside with Ashley. I specifically told her that my stepmother is perpetually cold, so we could not sit outside or anywhere drafty. She confirmed that we were all set for four people seated indoors. But when we arrived, the hostess claimed that I had canceled the reservation — which I absolutely did not. Instead of taking responsibility or even acknowledging the possibility of a mistake, they offered us a table outside or at the bar near the front door — exactly the type of seating I had said we couldn’t accept. They wouldn’t look us in the eye, wouldn’t apologize, and made zero effort to make it right. We left feeling disrespected, dismissed, and genuinely hurt. Mistakes happen, but the way this one was handled — especially toward loyal customers — made it clear that we’re not valued. Unfortunately, we won’t be returning.

Lars Hartmann

Google
The food has been great and the service attentive and welcoming. Overall a good experience. I’d recommend making a reservation on Saturday evenings or be early for walk-ins.

maximo

Google
The price is very good for such delicious food here. The salmon was super fresh. From starters to a dessert, it was fantastic. Service is also very kind and made the dinner even better. Definitely recommend!!

Adam Wong

Google
Not great food. If you love sushi, this place doesn’t cater towards you. Tried the omakase and 2 classic rolls. Really non standard rice on the sushi omakase, maybe brown rice?? Novel preparations on the sushi like aging in Pinot noir, but didn’t turn out great. Spicy tuna roll tasted off.
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Kathryn T.

Yelp
My gosh. The saddest part about writing this review is that I live on the other side of the country and it was one of the best meals I've ever had. This food is insane. The service... also impeccable. Do yourself a favor and go to Mamanoko! We had reservations outside on a Monday evening, but it was pretty chilly, so luckily we were able to sit at the bar without a wait! They did have heaters outside that were pretty warm, so we would've been okay. Ashley (one of the owners) took care of us, and she was awesome. So helpful with food recommendations, let me try multiple wines without asking before making a decision, and was just so personable and fun to talk to. We landed on 2 rolls (the hotsui and wiki wiki) and the tuna tacos. Everything was perfect. Truly. My friend had a soy allergy, and they were even able to accommodate that (not easy at a Japanese restaurant). We finished with the ice cream cookie dough roll - SO fun. I will dream of this meal!!!
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Alina L.

Yelp
3.5/5 stars Not that the food was bad, but it wasn't anything special and it wasn't filling either. I honestly don't eat a lot but for me to feel like I could still down an In n Out burger after the meal was a little surprising. I tried the toro cake, spicy hamachi roll (happy hour item), Alaska roll (happy hour item), and citrus roll. Toro cake came as three pieces and though I liked the crunchiness of the crispy rice cakes, the combination of the toro and crispiness contrasted a little too much for me. I thought the happy hour rolls were pretty worth it and tasted good (especially liked the Alaska roll). My only comment was that a couple of them looked like they could have been wrapped better. Service was great and ambiance was classy and romantic-like. Appreciated the experience but just felt like it didn't stand out that much!
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Jasmine C.

Yelp
I had the pleasure of dining at Mamanoko in San Francisco to celebrate my anniversary with my partner, and I have to say it was worth the wait (literally). We had tried to walk in once before but the wait was way too long, and now I completely understand why. The ambiance and overall experience really set this place apart. Upon walking in, the first thing that hits you is the dimly lit atmosphere with a unique, trendy interior. It's cozy but gets a little loud, making it perfect for a date night or a lively dinner with friends. We were seated immediately, which was great, and given several menus - and I do mean several. The choices were overwhelming at first! There's the main izakaya menu, a nigiri/sashimi/roll menu, a cocktail menu, and even a happy hour menu. It took us a while to decide because everything looked amazing, and we were eager to try it all. We started off with the carpaccio and toro cakes. Both came out quickly, and I have to say, the fish on the carpaccio was fresh, and the ponzu gave it a really refreshing kick. The toro cakes, however, were the standout for me. The truffle oil and wasabi crème fraiche on the crispy rice made for an unforgettable combo. Next up, we tried the tonkatsu sliders, which we ordered off the happy hour menu. These were crispy and flavorful, and for just $10, they were a great deal. While they were tasty, I think I might try something else from the happy hour menu next time - maybe one of the rolls! Speaking of rolls, we went for the Wiki Wiki, which my partner adored. It had spicy ahi tuna, tobiko, avocado, and albacore tuna with a crispy garlic oil that really brought the flavor to life. My personal favorite was the Hotsui roll - a unique blend of snow crab, avocado, cucumber, Japanese butterfish, yellowtail, and sesame-chili oil. It was unlike anything I've ever had before and totally blew me away. We also tried the Citrus Roll, which was an elevated version of the classic 49er roll with king salmon, ahi tuna, avocado, and some citrusy yuzu aioli. It was fresh, light, and definitely something we'd order again. To top off our meal, we ordered a couple of cocktails, which were a perfect pairing for our meal. The drinks were just as flavorful as the food, and they rounded out our experience nicely. Overall, Mamanoko is a solid spot for a fun, flavorful meal. Some items were a bit hit-or-miss, but when they hit, they really hit out of the park. By the end of the night, we were both stuffed and completely satisfied. Worth every bite, and we'll definitely be back!
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Honna L.

Yelp
The sushi is immaculately crafted and divine. The service is poor. Asked to have water filled twice and was handed the check before eating dessert but after ordering it to the table. Very strange considering it was not closing time and the tables around us were empty. Extremely noisy atmosphere so probably not the best spot for a date. I would opt for carry out instead. Tip: book on OpenTable instead of walking in and joining the waitlist, you will be seated immediately vs. being told to wait 30 minutes.
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Christiane F.

Yelp
Loved the experience at Mamanoko! The sushi was delicious and I loved the portion sizes. The restaurant vibes are great for business dinners and date, they have so many great plates to share. The service was just okay, our server acted like we were bothering her with any questions until the very end when she suddenly became nice. We didn't let that ruin the experience as the food and drinks were devious so would definitely return!
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Madeleine Y.

Yelp
I wanted to love this place because of its great reviews but have to say in terms of food it was just okay. However, in terms of ambiance and service I had a great experience! I came here for two of my friend's birthdays and the staff were great and very accommodating, ensuring that my friends had great birthdays. The vibes inside are very nice as well with great lighting and layout. The food was just slightly underwhelming. The sushi rolls weren't my favorite and the apps were just alright as it felt slightly gimmicky and not super authentic. If there was one dish I would go back for though, it would be the tuna tutaki. You can probably skip on the umami sliders and the toro cakes were just alright.
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Kimberly S.

Yelp
Great vibes and delicious food! I got the toro cakes and the tonkotsu sliders and they did not disappoint! I had a snack before grabbing dinner here and it was such a mistake as I didn't have room to try everything else on the menu. Happy that I live nearby as I'll for sure be back.
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Christina L.

Yelp
Okay safe to say that I'm obsessed with mamanoko. I came for a second time and even the simplest rolls are above and beyond. This second time, I went specifically for the toro cakes and the two tables beside us also got it. The waitress was kind and suggested getting 4 instead of the 3 it comes with since I was sharing it when a friend. The cod was delicious too. I didn't take a photo but we got the cookie dough roll (?) which was surprisingly amazing.. not just a ton of sweet flavors tossed together, but really well done with a depth of flavors, and textures. Overall really great - I would make reservations when you can!
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May L.

Yelp
Incredible Japanese food in the Marina. The ambiance is very elegant with glowy lighting and paper lanterns. We came on a weekday night and got seated right away at an outdoor patio. Food was delicious. Standouts were the steak tartare and wiki wiki sushi roll. While portions were smaller, the taste quality makes up for it. Steak tartare: 10/10 So fresh with a tangy richness to it. Also came with a side of thick-cut gourmet potato chips that you can dip with the tartare. An unlikely yet great combo! Miso cod: 9/10 Juicy miso served over crispy baby kale. The miso glaze adds a savory sweet crisp. Fish was so tender, just wish there was more. Waki waki roll: 9/10 Amazing! Tuna cuts are buttery soft, paired well with crispy garlic oil. Rock n roll: 4/10 Bland and only comes with 6 tiny rolls, tasted like convenience store sushi. Was surprised this roll was so different from the rest. Would be careful ordering off the "usual suspects" section of the menu. This was definitely the suspect our meal. Citrus roll: 7/10 A little sour but still refreshing. Cookie dough roll: 8/10 A cool dessert spin on sushi rolls. Ice cream wrapped with cookie dough like mochi. It's pretty sweet. Also funny experience with the restrooms, they play audio clips of common Japanese phrase translations while you're in there so you can learn while you're in there. Overall this place is one of the best Japanese food spots I've tried in the city, would recommend if you're looking for fancy sushi!
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Shelby S.

Yelp
Hostess was so incredibly rude I will not be coming back. Came here on a Saturday night and called to find out the wait time. Hostess told us they aren't allowed to reveal the wait time but there wasn't a wait ...very weird interaction. Arrived and stood at the hostess stand where multiple waiters and staff passed us. Hostess finally turned around where she was chatting with her friends at the bar. She was very curt and rude and let us know it was a two hour wait. I don't care how good your food is. Service starts at the door. Will not attempt to return.
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Pascale S.

Yelp
Mamanoko was a great Saturday night date spot! We came around 6pm without a reservation and the wait was about 45 minutes for a table for 2. Went and got a drink nearby and came back when they called us. We ended up being seated at the bar which was perfectly fine. The restaurant feels small and cozy but the music and acoustics aren't too loud so it was easy to sit at the bar and still be able to hear each other. The bar seats also felt pretty spacious without patrons being crowded together too closely. The bartender/waiter was really friendly and helpful! He gave his opinion on a roll we were thinking about and suggested the Citrus instead. We ended up going with the Dojo, Citrus, and Alaska rolls. 3 rolls was plenty of food for us but then we also tried the Chu Toro nigiri at the end of our meal. The rolls were really delicious and the nigiri was also very good! For drinks we just got ginger beers which went well with the sushi. The service overall was fast and friendly without feeling rushed. I would return to Mamanoko in the future when I'm in the mood for a little bit fancier sushi again. The bites we got were all really tasty and again the service was great and made the experience even better!
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Elizabeth S.

Yelp
I have been to this place a handful of times & I am never disappointed! From the sushi rolls to the sashimi & nigiri everything is delightful. The tuna belly legit will melt in your mouth. There's a wide variety of delicious cocktails & sake. And you can't leave without trying a dessert sushi roll ! Out of this world!
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Emmeline W.

Yelp
Oooo this is fire. Mamanoko has a modern, international twist on traditional cuisine. Great food and drinks. My friend and I walked in on a Saturday evening and were seated immediately. I chose outdoor as the lively interior was a bit loud for me... And there were heaters outside. Our server, Charlotte, was delightful and so attentive to our needs. Our orders were quick to arrive at our table, and our water glasses were never empty. - GINGER & HONEY: Basically ginger soda with the faintest hint of vodka. So fire - MIDORI: Heavy on the shiso, but not overwhelmingly so. Super savory - CITRUS: How did they manage to balance three citruses into the same roll, I have no idea. But this is deliciously fruity without overpowering the fish - KINOBI: All I can taste is the truffle and smoky sear LOL. Very dense - ALASKA: Simple & focused on the basics and freshness - SHRIMP SHUMAI: A little on the blander side for dim sum, but still tender and juicy. Do NOT recommend the mustard dipping sauce (this is a fucking wild combo) nor chili crunch LOL, I think it needed some vinegar instead One thing we noticed was that my friend and I were the only Asians there LMAO. Do with that information as you will ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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Jenny Z.

Yelp
Pretty solid, but really pricey... for the same price point, I prefer Elephant Sushi. But if you come here, here is what to get: -toro cakes (4.5/5): honestly probably one of my favorite bites of the meal. the truffle sesame oil was very apparent, the rice was warm and extremely crispy, and the freshness from the tuna belly came together for a multidimensional bite. -kinobi (4.5/5): my favorite of the three rolls... if you get one, this is a must. The negi-toro tuna inside the roll melted in my mouth, and there was definitely a good truffle flavor going! The seared tuna on the top though was a bit on the thicker side -Midori (4/5): my second favorite roll of the night. The tempura flakes on top added such a nice texture and the fish inside the roll was very fresh! Unique to have the avocado on the outside of the roll -Hotsui (2.5/5): my least favorite of the rolls. The snow crab was a bit overpowering and made the roll more one dimensional in flavor. Not my favorite. Fun to try, but definitely prefer elephant sushi for fun sushi rolls!
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Brian G.

Yelp
Mamanoko is a more upscale izakaya and sushi restaurant so expect a lot of small plates and sharable bites. We ended up ordering a lot as follows with my ratings. Miso glazed cod A Toro cakes: A+ Kakiage tempura: B+ Chicken karaage: B- Tonkatsu sliders: B- Wagyu croquette: C+ Eggplant nasu: A Heirloom tomato: B+ Budda roll: B California roll: A- Toro cakes were by far one of my favorite dishes I've had at any Japanese or fusion restaurant. Otoro is fatty tuna belly and it's so delicious, perfectly contrasted with the crispy bed of rice. Other standouts were the miso cod, one of the most tender delicate fillets of cooked fish I've had. Also, I loved the eggplant nasu. It just absorbs all the flavor and becomes intense.
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Katie L.

Yelp
Mamanoko is great spot on Chesnut. All of the sushi rolls are fresh - the eggplant is must get. The highlight is the cookie dough roll, save room for dessert and you won't be disappointed!
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Linda Y.

Yelp
Might be biased because I went on my birthday with my roomie so I was in a good mood - but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the vibe and food here! We sat at the bar and the bartenders and servers were really kind and frequently checked in. More importantly, the rolls we got were all really tasty! I'm not a sushi connoisseur but I was a big fan of the texture of the toro cakes (crispy race with nice fatty tuna) and the tartness of the citrus roll was very refreshing. The tanpopo also had a great crunch from the tempura. For two people, it was definitely on the pricey side but I felt pretty satiated and liked the uniqueness of the taste and presentation. Would come back for the toro cakes especially :)
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Lily S.

Yelp
The gyoza was pretty good. But the uni shot was just ok. The rice was too hard and too cold. the wagyu beef nigiri was decent but was too chewy
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Kevin C.

Yelp
I came here after work around 5pm for dinner and had an amazing experience from start to finish. The atmosphere immediately drew me in with its earthy wooden tones and cozy, laid-back vibe. We were seated at the high tables next to the large open windows, which let in a cool San Francisco breeze, which was just what you need to unwind after a long day. The service was top-notch from the moment we walked in. Our server had such a great sense of humor, even asking if we were on shrooms because we were so happy (loved his energy!). It made the experience that much more fun and added a personal touch that's hard to find. Now, onto the food, which was absolutely phenomenal! We ordered many of their signature house rolls, but the Kinobi roll stood out as my personal favorite. It was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The Izakaya dishes were just as impressive. The miso-glazed cod was outstanding, with the crispy kale and greens adding the perfect texture and balance. Each dish was crafted with care and attention to detail, making every bite a delight. We paired our meal with some warm sake, which was smooth and added a comforting touch to the overall experience. The sake complemented the flavors of the meal perfectly, making it all the more enjoyable. Between the amazing food, laid-back vibes, and friendly, humorous service, Mamanoko has easily become a favorite spot. Whether you're coming in for the sushi, Izakaya dishes, or just to unwind with drinks, this place is a gem. I'll definitely be back!

Darielle W.

Yelp
Mamanoko is my favorite sushi place EVER! I take all of my friends here, have had multiple birthdays here, go on MANY dates with my boyfriend here. It is everything it's hyped up to be! I would give it 6 stars if I could but I'm so sad about the Brownie roll being off the menu. Last night I dined here and was so excited to order it, and it's no longer on the menu - it's so upsetting. It was the best ice cream roll (way better than cookie dough roll in my opinion), and I'm so confused why it's been taken off! Is it going to be coming back? It's the best!!!
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Eugy H.

Yelp
Great appetizers and rolls, but would skip out on the nigiri. I would come back to try different appetizers. The nigiri tasted standard, and isn't something I would gravitate towards if I come back. The vibes are modern, classic, and perfect for date nights or dinners with friends. The staff was attentive and checked in regularly.
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Jennifer W.

Yelp
I recently checked out this super cute sushi spot, and it was a total vibe! The place has a trendy, chic atmosphere with modern decor, cozy seating, and just the right amount of mood lighting. Perfect for a date night or catching up with friends. Now, let's talk about the sushi--absolutely delicious! The fish rolls are fresh and flavorful, with creative combos that make your taste buds dance. The spicy tuna roll was a game-changer, and the dragon roll was packed with flavor. They have a fun selection of rolls that make it hard to choose just one, so be prepared to sample a few!
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Bally L.

Yelp
Mamanoko Sushi in the Marina is a cute spot for sushi lovers! We came on a Friday night with reservations for a party of 4 and were seated outside. They did have heat warmers but that is something to consider in SF. The toro cakes are an absolute standout--crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth on the inside, with a rich, savory flavor. Their cocktails are not only cute but also delicious and a great addition to girls night. We ordered a handful of sushi rolls and the taste and quality was so fresh. The atmosphere is cozy and laid-back, with friendly service that makes the whole dining experience even better. Highly recommend for a fun night out or a casual sushi fix!
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Hannah C.

Yelp
Food is always great here but service can be a hit or miss sadly. There was an issue with our bill and no one answered the phone days after when I called multiple times and had left a voicemail. I had to walk into the restaurant mid week to get our bill sorted out. They were kind and fixed it immediately but it should've never happened in the first place. Manager was nice about it though
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Lucy L.

Yelp
We had our dinner outside but the heaters made it extra comfortable. There were a lot of fresh nigiri and sashimi options straight from Tokyo that I was particularly excited to try. The rolls were filling and had a hearty amount of fish. It's definitely pretty pricey and the sashimi quantity was not a lot for the price. I'm sure it was high quality and worth a try!
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Chena N.

Yelp
UNI to check this place out if you trynna feast beCOD they got hella Japanese Tapas. .:: FOOD ::. Toro Cakes $21: blue fin tuna belly, truffle sesame oil, wasabi creme fraiche & crispy sushi rice cakes. Carpaccio $21: amber jack, serrano chilli, kombu ponzu, roasted shallot oil, moussaka wakame Salmon Tartare $18: ora king salmon, yuzu kosho granita, roasted nori gelee, sesame rice crackers Miso Glazed Cod $22: roasted fort bragg black cod, miso koji glaze, honshimeijis & mixed crispy leaves Kakiage Tempura $13: seasonal vegetable fritters & ginger tentsuyu dipping sauce Chicken Karaage $15: american meets japanese fried mary's chicken skewers & miso-sambal buffalo sauce Tuna Tataki $24: oregon coast albacore tuna, crispy shallots, radish tsuma & ginger-oroshi ponzu. Comes on a sizzling plate Babyback Nikomi $19: vande rose kurobuta pork spare ribs, pink peppercorn knob shichimi & jalapeño gari Umami Sliders $15: snake river farms gound "kobe" beef, spicy shallot aioli, cilantro sprouts & ginger pickles Unagi $14: japanese fresh water eel nigiri Citrus Roll $21: king salmon, ahi tuna, avocado, cucumber & yuzu aioli, ocean trout, Hokkaido scallop, sliced lemon & lime Green Tea Basque Cheesecake $11: very prominent green tea flavors. a bit more dense. Comes with sesame cookies Brownie Dough Roll $13: I actually really liked this. ice cream in the middle, chocolate on the outside encompassing the ice cream. SO good. .:: Service / Ambiance / Parking ::. The service was great by our waitress Daisy. She was patient with our party of 12. We did make resy so we got seated within 5 min on a Sunday night around 6pm. The place is super cute with lanterns. Great decor. Really gives off Japan vibes. Parking we got lucky on. We found street parking 1 1/2 blocks away
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Mauricio B.

Yelp
Pretty solid sushi spot! Definitely got more of a fusion vibe but really enjoyed some of the dishes. The toro crispy rice sizzler was definitely a highlight. A couple of the rolls were pretty solid too, I liked the ceviche roll as a Peruvian haha it was really well made. The service was solid and definitely good vibes all around.
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Lily N.

Yelp
The ambiance was very romantic perfect for date night! My server that day was okay. She walked up to the table and just said 'hi' and stood there. I was expecting her to greet herself, ask if we were ready to order or needed some more time. The food came out one by one at a reasonable time, but it took just a while to get our roll! The service wasn't all that great, but I guess the food makes up for it.

Nicole D.

Yelp
Great food and wonderful staff. They also have a gluten free menu (if you ask) and there's quite a few options. Appreciate the accommodation! Food was awesome!

Ashley V.

Yelp
1 star rating specifically for the hostess. I read some negative reviews about the hostess previously, and thought it might be a one off incident, but we were ignored upon arrival with a reservation and she was unnecessarily rude when my partner asked simple questions. Definitely did not set a positive impression for our evening celebration. The place itself is very modern and is an aesthetic choice for a date night or casual drinks on a weekend. It does get pretty crowded inside, so I was glad we were able to get seated outdoors and have a bit more private space from other parties. Food was okay as well, everything arrived very quickly, but some were not fresh as expected- ie the toro cakes were slightly cold and had a stale like texture (not crispy). However, the eggplant nasu was our favorite of the night. We highly recommend trying this dish if you can. :)
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Paris A.

Yelp
One of my favorite places to eat in the marina! The fish is always fresh and the rolls are greatly priced for what you get! We started off with the spicy tuna crispy rice. My friend and I split the midori and wiki wiki. The real show stopper was the dessert roll! We've never had anything like it. The service was super quick and attentive. We loved sitting inside because the lighting was super soft and inviting! Can't wait to go back.
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Stephon V.

Yelp
Wow, where do I even start? As a huge sushi enthusiast from Seattle, I did not expect a place like this to quickly become my all-time favorite restaurant. Mamanoko offers a delightful fusion of Japanese and Californian flavors. The ambiance is sleek yet cozy, perfect for a casual meal or a special occasion. My parents and I were seated outside, which was still warm thanks to the space heaters. We enjoyed our meals as we watched the sun set. The menu boasts a variety of creative dishes, from sushi rolls with a twist to inventive small plates. To name a few, the Citrus Roll, Dojo Roll, and Tuna Tataki were mind blowing-ly delicious. Their attention to detail shines through in both presentation and taste. Each dish is beautifully crafted and bursting with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Standouts include their variety of Salmon Sashimi/Nigiri and their Midori Roll. Did you know their wasabi is house grated? Absolutely top tier. Now onto the service. Our server was Matt. If anyone has the opportunity to have him, you will surely be in for a treat. Matt is extremely knowledgeable about the menu. He recommended me an excellent red wine, the Tables Creek Vineyard, GSM, Paso Robles 2022. Matt was very passionate when it came to the menu. He knew exactly what we would like despite it being our first time. He even went above and beyond to charge our phone! Not just him, but the staff in general made sure we were taken care of promptly. Our water was always filled, the food came out quickly and overall, I have never had such exceptional service before. With friendly service and a vibrant atmosphere, Mamanoko is a top choice for those seeking a memorable dining experience in the heart of San Francisco.
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Debbie B.

Yelp
Every time I eat here I'm blown away by the care the team takes of us. I have a sesame allergy and they always bring me an annotated menu showing me what to avoid and what they can modify. This is above and beyond service. Now on to the food. It's beautiful. It's creative. Fresh. Delicious. Everything I've ordered is my favorite in the moment. We're so lucky to have this iconic restaurant in our backyard.
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Karley L.

Yelp
super fresh and creative japanese fusion spot in the marina. standouts were the poke tacos and the rolls which were super unique and unlike any others i've had before. would be a fun spot for a date night or group dinner as it was decently packed on a sunday night while still being able to converse comfortably around the table. our waitress felt a bit standoffish at first to our group, but seemed to warm up a bit later into the dinner?
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Michelle T.

Yelp
I'm a little surprised at how the reviews RAVE about this place, I found it overall good / average. The rolls were pretty solid, everything else is pretty passable in my opinion with the exception of the Brussels sprouts which were super crispy and superb. Some staff are nice while others felt a bit standoffish.
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Tina D.

Yelp
Delicious! We have been here twice and it's our new go to spot if we are in town. We have a baby and they were very accommodating! Its a nice chill spot and a great place for lunch. Lots of options for food.
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Taylor J.

Yelp
My favorite sushi spot, probably ever. The food, ambiance, service, EVERYTHING is beyond every single time I come. The food comes out so fast and never misses with flavor. I can't recommend this place enough, I just wish everyone could have the opportunity to try.
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Abigail A.

Yelp
I loooovvvvveeeee mamanokos. It's my favorite sushi in San Francisco. Perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion or to treat yourself with friends. They have great cocktails and a full bar. Also a lot of traditional sushi and a variety of fun dishes. Some highlights are the toro sticky rice, wagyu sliders, and miso cod. The service is great. Everyone I recommend this place to loves it. Only thing is I wish it was open for lunch every day.
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Michelle Z.

Yelp
Wanted to love the place bc the reviews and photos looked stellar, but it didn't live up to my expectations unfortunately. The vibe of this place is amazing -- feels very trendy and hip, good music and dim lighting creates a nice ambiance -- and the service is great. The food sadly didn't match up though. We ordered the toro cakes, ribs, and the hotsui and nikkei rolls. Out of everything we ordered, only the hotsui roll stood out. The fish was really buttery and the flavor was super unique! The nikkei roll wasn't super memorable. I had heard so many good things about the toro cakes, but they didn't wow me as much as I expected. I'm also not a huge fan of truffle and caviar, so maybe that's why I wasn't won over -- if you're a big fan of those two you might like it. The ribs were not bad -- pretty tender, but the flavor wasn't anything special and I wouldn't be itching to order it again. Glad I visited once because it had been on my list for a while, but probably wouldn't come back again because there are so many other sushi options in SF!
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Kim O.

Yelp
Had a lovely SF night at Mamanoko. We tried some of their delicious sushi & small plates. We started off with poke tacos, toro cakes, umami sliders & shrimp shumai. Each were delicious but my favorite were the toro cakes! For sushi, we tried the Citrus roll & the Mamasan roll which is so spicy & delicious! For cocktails, we ordered the La Pagoda & a Spirited Away. We enjoyed the outdoor seating area which had beautiful lighting & heat lamps! Service was very friendly & our waiter gave great sushi recommendations!
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Anisha D.

Yelp
Incredible food and service! (wish I had gotten our waitresses name but she was incredible) I have been wanting to come here since I moved to SF two years ago, and wow... was I impressed. We got the Poke tacos, Kale salad and brussel sprouts as appetizers and everything was so fresh and flavorful. Packed a punch but was light! I got the Chutoro and Oro King salmon sashimi for my main - the quality was insane of the fish! My mom got the Miso Cod which was to die for (especially the crispy greens it comes with...) My brother and dad got the omakase set which obviously was a 10/10. They loved the bite with Uni and fish roe The vibe, the food, everything was outstanding! Hope to be back, and you know I actually thought the food was good, bc I was so focused on eating I didn't take any pictures...
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Ching C.

Yelp
Food was great but service was alright, felt a bit unwelcomed. We found lip stains and dirt on our glasses which makes me question how clean the rest of the utensils are... The food was amazing tho, we loved everything! Especially the eggplant dish, the base which was vinegary with ponzu and some oil (sesame?) made it the best dish of all, highly recommend! Our second favorite was the toro cake, fatty toro with fried crispy rice! Would definitely come back for the dishes but hopefully better service and cleaner utensils.
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Celine C.

Yelp
4.5 stars for the food, 2 stars for the service. We made rezzies for a Thursday night dinner and got seated after 5 minutes. Ordering with the initial male server was fine, he was actually delightful and checked up on us frequently. It was the woman that had a slight attitude that left a sour taste in our mouth. When our food came, I kindly asked if we can get ginger and extra wasabi and I guess she was in a rush? But she paused for a few seconds, then passively aggresively said "ok." and a few minutes later, aggresively set the ginger and wasabi plate and just walked away. We were truly perplexed by this and genuinely confused as to what we did that upset her. After dinner, as we were leaving, she was passing us and right as we crossed paths ahe said "pardon me?" with an obvious tone of annoyance in her voice and we let her pass. Maybe she was having a bad day but I'm not sure why we had to be her punching bag. Food wise, we ordered the toro cakes and kinobi roll which were fantastic. Could be a *tad* cheaper as the toro cake was $28 for only 4 pieces but it was delicious and savory. The kinobi roll was beautifully presented and the hints of truffle ponzu complimented the bluefin toro. I'd order these again and it was filling for 2 girls. I definitely want to come back for their famous cookie dough roll. Overall this would've been an excellent meal if the service had been better.
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Aubany G.

Yelp
In searching for a restaurant close to where we were meeting up with friends, I sent several Yelp profiles of restaurants on Chestnut for our friends to choose from since they are new to the city. They chose this place. I was super excited when looking at the menu before we arrived. I kinda wanted all the things. The restaurant itself is a simplistic blending of natural elements with modern vibes. We briefly were inside the restaurant to check in but we sat outside in the parklet that was nicely heated and set up. From the beginning the service was off putting as if we were a nuisance to the staff. Mind you we had a reservation and were on time. We were immediately told that our table would be needed and we'd need to leave by a certain time. Cool- understandable on a busy Saturday, but the tone and attitude that this was relayed was pretty rude. Then the server was not the nicest to our table but seemed to be a tad friendly to other tables nearby. Very annoyed acting with any interaction. (This alone deducted a star for me). The food itself didn't hit the mark for me. I love sushi and something about the flavor combinations and quality was just not it. Our friends ordered the Miso Black Cod and Chicken Karaage. Both were great. We ordered 3 of their house rolls, Kinobe, Dojo, and Mamasan and I ordered the Toro nigiri (I can never not order Toro). Not even the basic Toro was great to me and I live for that fish. The trek to the Marina for dinner wasn't worth it in this case for us, but it was a very busy restaurant and appropriately on brand for the neighborhood. I personally prefer more authentic sushi spots.
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Elisa R.

Yelp
Got introduced to this place by a TikTok videos of course with great reviews! It was my wife's birthday and she wanted to try it so that's what we did! She got the hamachi roll and some type of salmon on top of fish roe . I didn't really like what she ordered the hamachi is chopped up inside of the sushi vs just cutting a cube and putting it in the roll and the salmon was too fishy for me. Now what I got was the show stopper! The babyback short ribs were seasoned to perfection! When they're freshly hot you can still feel the sizzling in your mouth they're delicious! Will be back for those ribs! Now the roll I got was the Tanpopo! The roll was delicious with the tempura outside and the glazed sauce on top with a bit of sweet and heat. I think my wife just didn't order right. She likes to always try the least popular foods and that's ok too. The ambience is not really my speed. It's pretty loud and you can barely hear each other talk when you're sitting across from each other but that's ok for some as well so I'm not deducting any stars for that. Overall I think it was a good experience to try if you love sushi that's on the infused side! Will be back!
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Amani T.

Yelp
Lovely staff, excellent food and amazing ambiance! The Brussel sprouts, chicken skewers, seasonal sashimi are a must try!
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cupcakefiend L.

Yelp
One of the best Japanese fusion restaurants I've been to! So tasty. Service was also very quick and efficient.

Haleigh C.

Yelp
My girlfriend and I came to eat last Friday. I knew since it was a Friday in the city that there would probably be a wait (which we were fine with). I came in and talked to the host, she said we could sit at the high top table in the middle. I did politely tell her that my girlfriend has a service dog so the high top table in the middle might be a disruption to the workers & asked if there was anyway we could get one of the lower tables. She told me that they don't allow dogs in the restaurant at all so therefor we would have to sit outside. I told her it's not a regular dog, it's a working service dog & i would be happy to provide any paperwork she or her manager needed in order for us to be inside. I was refused service inside the restaurant, told my only option was sitting outside because someone might complain about the dog. This is not only discriminatory but also illegal. Horrible first impression, will never be back, will never recommend. This establishment should be ashamed of discriminating against people with disabilities.
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Felix N.

Yelp
2for the vibe 1 for the food 2 for the service Came here yesterday excited for the vibe and the food because I LOVE Sushi. Came with 3 people and we shared 4 rolls: May Ma (new) Buddha, Mamasan, and Midori. They sounded interesting. We must have ordered the wrong rolls because they were ALL bad. The reason I say bad is because the flavors were just weird combinations, the rolls weren't crafted as well as I've experienced at other establishments, and the tempura just wasn't hitting. Wouldn't go here if you truly want great sushi, especially for the price point. Regarding the service, we felt like an inconvenience to the guy. There's that. Nothing more to say. The vibe looks better from the outside. We were tricked. It was whatever. Wouldn't recommend.