Have you ever experienced something that while it was happening, you already wish it could be for the first time again? Filipino-Japanese fusion has been a tried and true combination, including my boyfriend and I's relationship (ba dum tss). However, Ox and Tiger have MASTERED the fusion aspect. Ox and Tiger is an intimate dining experience, with 8 seats, and gorgeous plating, menu, and cute chopstick rests! Comes with 3 courses with an additional 4th add-on. They also have a drinking menu, and they noted that the menu changes every 2 months (every even month!) EJ is such a wonderful story teller, and Hitomi (who created the menu for the month of May) had a great twist on everyday classics in Japanese cuisine. As the dishes were prepared and presented, EJ would tell the backstory on the dish(es), a personal note about each, and Hitomi's take on it to sweeten the deal. As soon as the experience starts, EJ tells us that the doors will be locked to prevent any distractions from outside (aka if you're late, you're outta luck), but we were encouraged to go outside for air if necessary. (I tried taking these notes on the food while EJ was talking about each dish so bear with me). ESL lunch The backstory was that Hitomi loved caesar salad while going to school in America, so she created a "perfect bite" with a Japanese twist to it. The word "gomoku" literally translates to "5 ingredients," to which I was only able to remember 2 of 5 of the vegetables, which were snappeas and roasted beets, with quinoa and tinapa (smoked fish). The fish that was used wae a cured Spanish makerel. T.A.M.M.Y I wish I remembered the words for this, but this is actually Hitomi's English name when she moved to the states. The acronym aspect was for the class at the time to think of ways to learn to like their name (each letter was a positive attribute and I can't remember what EJ said). The backstory to this was that Hitomi, being born and raised in Japan, was actually the biggest fan of California roll - did not like traditional sushi (or raw fish for that matter). - T.A.M.M.Y. is Hitomi's take on that. This was monk fish, with the fish scraps dipped into dashi sauce and kyuri (Japanese cucumber). In other words, no part of the fish was wasted in the making of this dish (in true Japanese AND Filipino fashion). This also had pinipig (granola-like topping glazed in shoyu) [Shoyu = soy sauce] Omiotsuke Now this is where I was blown away. First of all, I did not know what the hell this word was in English, but I watched every part of this dish being prepared and was even more confused when it was presented as dessert. When EJ started explaining, it made all the sense in the world. There is a tofu skin roll, vanilla ice cream, a mushroom topping, cherry miso compote concoction (this is where I butchered the exact creation - this is where the flavor was distracting me from what it actually was). Did you notice the ingredients? What is one thing one will eat at any Japanese restaurant, almost as a courtesy/complimentary item? Omiotsuke is, as polite as one could possibly say, is miso soup. This is Hitomi's take on miso soup, the flavor was spot on. I never thought to pair dashi-like flavors with ice cream (there is already shoyu with vanilla ice cream, but this was a flavor sensation). EJ was so kind when my boyfriend and I admitted we came for an anniversary, and we even got to see his reaction when we said we were also Japanese/Filipino (I'm also an Ox, but no Tigers here). They took this lovely photo of us to commemorate the evening, which sits on our fridge to this day. Again, gochiso-salamat :) to EJ and staff! We hope to come back soon. read more

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First started as a pop-up in 2018, Ox+Tiger offers Filipino/Japanese fusion cuisine inspired by the lives of the two chefs behind the kitchen. Situated in a small, 8 seat counter, dinner is intimate with dishes being prepared right in front of you. The menu features three courses, an appetizer, main, and a dessert - with the option for an additional add-on. Our meal featured a focus on fish, in particular mackerel and monkfish. Each of the dishes were deconstructions of familiar concepts such as Caesar salad and a California roll, but enhanced with new flavors. The mackerel was sublime, perfectly charred exterior with a still raw interior. The monkfish was tender, coated in a ginger, wasabi sauce next to crispy sweet rice and avocado. The dessert was by far the most unique, being a miso dashi, mushroom cherry coated coconut ice cream with a tupig-like mochi on the side. The savory, sweet, sour combination completely catches you off guard but becomes increasingly addictive the more you eat. So bold and absolutely memorable. Ox&Tiger takes familiar concepts, breaks them apart, then fuses them back together with a flair of Filipino and Japanese flavors. This results in dishes that are utterly unique and innovative. Additionally, with menus and playlists designed by family, this truly feels like the epitome of a family-run business and a meal cooked with so much care in front of you. This is absolutely worth a visit and an opportunity to try new flavors you've never experienced before. read more

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My bestie already celebrated my birthday with me, but she still wanted to take me out on a little date -- which was honestly so sweet. She surprised me with a reservation at Ox + Tiger and I was immediately impressed. The restaurant only seats 8 people, making the whole experience super intimate and personal. When Japanese and Filipino flavors come together, you get such a unique fusion cuisine inspired by chef couple Ej and Hatomi. Dinner was more than just a meal it was a 2 to 2.5 hour storytelling experience about their menu creations, how they met, and the grind behind keeping their dream alive. The menu changes monthly, so even if I told you what we had, you probably wouldn't get the same dishes unless you book now lol. It's a 3-course menu with optional add-ons, and definitely unlike any restaurant I've been to before. As a Filipino, I'll admit I can be picky with Filipino-inspired food because we grow up spoiled by our parents' cooking but this? I was genuinely impressed. Think familiar flavors recreated in their own creative and elevated way. Highly recommend. read more

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Delicious, albeit rather expensive for the portion sizes and number of courses. Really enjoyed the stories and storytelling throughout the meal. read more

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Chef is so creative, entertaining, and kind. Every plate was delicious, the menu is constantly evolving, and I appreciated the personal story and inspiration that came with each course. read more

I made a reservation about three weeks in advance. The meal was ~$120 per person including tax and tip. The first course was scallop with black sesame and a yogurt-based sauce. Personally, I didn't find the combination very cohesive. The scallop and black sesame didn't really complement each other, and it felt a bit like innovation for the sake of being different. My portion was also quite salty. The main course was beef with rice. The quality of the beef was fairly average. Not very tender and a bit chewy with some connective tissue. At this price point, I would have expected better quality ingredients. The dessert was inspired by halo-halo, featuring Earl Grey-infused cream, coffee jelly, rice crackers, ice cream, orange, and more. I think the concept was interesting, but in execution it felt somewhat disjointed, like too many elements put together without a clear harmony. Service was nice and friendly overall, but there's room for improvement in attention to detail. For example, when we dropped our chopsticks, they weren't replaced promptly. Overall, it's a decent spot if you're curious to try a Filipino-Japanese fusion experience for a casual meal. However, for a restaurant positioned closer to fine dining, I think there is still quite a bit of room for improvement. Would rate it 7 out of ten. read more

Ox & Tiger - Scallops with black sesame - Filipino Near Me - San Francisco, California

I recently visited this small and cozy restaurant with a Filipino & Japanese fusion flavor. They have 8 counter bar seats and the husband & wife team deliver the service from behind the bar. It's a pre-fix menu that changes every couple of weeks the owner said. They have add-ons as well as beverage choices like saki and beer. The first course was smoked mackerel served with broth similar to sinigang. The main dish was grilled skirt steak and then ended with cake and sorbet of green mango with Bagoong on top. I would highly recommend this place but make a reservation since it's a very small place and make sure they have cooked food for you. read more

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Ox & Tiger is a tiny counter tasting menu built around Filipino and Japanese flavors. Chef EJ cooks every course in front of you. The format is intimate and cozy and the pacing is consistent. The opening dish, "Collabs Only," ties back to the restaurant's early pop up days when guest chefs contributed ideas that shaped the direction of the menu. The plate featured octopus, mentaiko, shrimp, and tamago, with what I believe I heard was a sort of pancit sauce. We added the optional extras. The sisig inspired sizzling dish was excellent. Serious crisp, clean seasoning and bright calamansi that tasted sweet and fresh. The kinilaw hand rolls were another strong plate. No funk, no muddiness, just clean fish and crisp nori. This dish could compete with some of the best sushi restaurants in the city. Don't forget to eat it all with little shreds of the shiso leaves. "Hey Hilla" was the highlight. Beef chuck lacquered with bagoong, paired with cabbage and sunchoke. It was a reference to corned beef and cabbage that many Filipinos grow up eating for breakfast. Chef EJ framed it as something his mom would make for him. For me, this was the most memorable dish of the night. Dessert, "DJ Doctor Manong," was built around sweet rice, bacon, eggplant and hazelnut. Biko with bacon, hazelnut on top, eggplant miso ice cream, pomegranate seeds. The story behind it involved a sibling tossing at him a pack of bacon and telling him to cook. He reacted by biking away for a bit, but with the hills of Richmond district, he had to turn back and bury the hatchet. The dessert tasted balanced and closed the menu neatly. Service was attentive and steady. The seven seat format keeps things tight and focused. The Tenderloin location is what it is, but once you are inside the attention stays on the meal. The tasting price matches the amount of work going into each course. Portions are controlled but satisfying. Ox & Tiger remains one of the more thoughtful fusion menus in the city. The cooking has a clear point of view and the stories add context without overshadowing the food. read more

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I like Filipino and Japanese food already, but really love how Ox & Tiger combines the flavors in a unique way. The menu consists of three courses with an optional fourth course add-on. My husband and I shared one add-on course between the two of us. The menu changes every two months, so I won't mention my current favorites as they will have changed by the time you read this review. It's safe to say that all dishes were my favorites though. There are only eight seats, so the ambiance is intimate, but still casual enough where you can easily chat with the chefs-owners. There are only two to three seatings on Thursdays-Sundays, so be sure to book a reservation! read more

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I went here for our anniversary and I just want to say thank you so much for the staff for being attentive and making the experience so intimate. This place made sense to have a reservation and having less than 10 people eating at this spot is an introverts dream. The menu stuck to its roots of Filipino and Japanese fusions. Each dish that we had was tied to its origin story or the meaning behind it. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and journey EJ, you really made our day special and I'm so happy that you continued you and your partners passion. More years to come! read more

Had an incredible experience here. Went here to celebrate my anniversary with my partner and we had such a great time! The owners and chefs are so sweet and friendly, and it was so fun hearing their stories and the inspiration behind each dish. They have so much passion for cooking and it's evident from the way they speak about their food. They are taking a break soon to care for their first child, so I was so glad to have caught this last menu before their hiatus! This month's menu was based on their favorite dishes from the past 3 years. My favorite dishes were the scallop + eggplant tempura, and the pork jowl with mung beans. All the dishes were very creative and used ingredients in unexpected ways. The dessert was so fun and interactive too, and was based on the classic yam yam dessert! We also both got the drink pairing ($35, can do wine or sake pairing) and the wines I tried were pretty good. The sake was much stronger! It's only 8 seats inside so the ambiance is very intimate, but it's still quite lively inside. Such a lovely vibe for a special occasion. They took a polaroid of us and wrote us a card for our anniversary. I would absolutely come again after they return! read more

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Ox and Tiger is a great restaurant for a special occasion or for a great experience. This 8 seat restaurant is really intimate, giving it a really personal feel with every meal. I was really impressed by the creativity chefs EJ and Hitomi brought to the table. We came in for their February Pasalubong + Omiyage II service and were wow'd by the way they incorporated different ingredients and flavors in a way that felt both exotic and familiar. They shared their stories from when they visited Japan and the Philippines, and how these experiences inspired their dishes. I was also pregnant at the time, and they made sure the dishes they served were all safe for me to eat. Vibes were also on point with the music! They even shared their playlist at the end. I'd love to be back to share another meal with these amazing chefs! read more

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I have tried to book for Ox & Tiger for a long time end of September. So glad that they decided to reopen. Went before Thanksgiving and it was fantastic. Very unique combinations that are pleasantly surprising and very well balanced, in both flavor and texture. Both chefs are so adorable and I love the vibe of this restaurant. They changed their manual every two months and I'm going to try to go 5 to 6 times a year then. Ps: definitely had one of the best desserts I've ever had: Interestingly with miso and eggplant ice cream. Sweet rice cake is fantastic. I wish I can eat meat because I bet salty bacon pieces go really well to balance the sweetness and smokiness read more

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Ox & Tiger may look like any other small restaurant from the outside, but the experience it offers is something truly special. What makes this place stand out isn't just its exquisite blend of Japanese and Filipino flavors, but the unique warmth and personal touch infused into every aspect of the dining experience. The impressive couple who plays the role of chef and host is incredibly welcoming from start to finish and it makes you feel like a guest in someone's home rather than a mere customer. One of the most memorable aspects of my visit was the way each dish was introduced. The chef didn't just list the ingredients or explain the cooking method; instead, they shared heartfelt stories behind each dish, giving them life and meaning. The food itself was also great - perfectly balanced flavors, fresh ingredients, and a creative yet respectful nod to both culinary traditions. They're also very conscious of dietary restrictions and do a great job accommodating. The only downside is the location, which can be a little sketchy. Doors are locked during the meal for safety, but would recommend staying alert on your way in/out of the restaurant. read more

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An eight-seat (when we went, the restaurant was only half-full because of a no-show (shame on them)) counter-service restaurant; that means the chefs cook in front of you and serve it straight from the kitchen to the bar-seating you're at. Dishes are beautiful (plating is excellent here, and the pictures don't do it justice). And for the quality of the ingredients (crab, monkfish, and beef cheeks were all part of the four-course tasting menu) the price is quite affordable. What I particularly appreciated was the stories behind the dishes; for my boyfriend (still somewhat of a novice at fine dining) this was a great way of understanding that food can be more than just something you shovel down your throat. There's a lot of beauty in creative cooking. I also appreciated dietary accommodations. He's gluten free and I avoid dairy. But we didn't feel like we "missed out" on anything. Yes, the location is terrible, but this is an upstart restaurant that isn't necessarily after the Michelin cred, but is clearly interested in telling a story. read more

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Absolutely amazing! You need to book online to make a reservation. There's only 8 seats in the restaurant which makes it feel very intimate and team of 3 is very attentive. The food was delicious. They mention they rotate the menu every 6-8 weeks. Every dish has a story of where the inspiration came from. The flavors were all so unique. Highlights were the crab and dessert. read more

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It's no coincidence that Ox & Tiger has a close to (4.9 as of today) 5 star rating. The string of accolades of highly rated and raving reviews is an indicator of how truly memorable this dining establishment is. The recent dining scene has been a bit meh to me these days, but Ej and Hitomi ( an amazing husband and wife duo) have proven to me that there are still hidden gems in hidden places. This restaurant is tucked away and unassuming, but prepared to be wowwweeed. Ox & Tiger showcases a symphony of Japanese and Filipino flavors. Each dish is accompanied with a heartfelt story that transports the diner into the actual point of time of a memory that is reminiscent to a good friend or family member accounting a past favorite scene in their life. I truly felt mesmerized both in story and in the actual flavors of each dish, wanting more (especially the dessert). The service is also impeccable. I have a shellfish allergy and Ej and Hitomi kindly accommodated for this. *BONUS FEATURE* The restaurant has a dinosaur egg aka Asin Tibuok, the rarest salt in the world. Pay close attention when the main dish is being prepared to get a glimpse of this very special culinary item. The restaurant space is cozy so for the ladies- I'd advise bringing a smaller or maybe even no bag at all. The menu rotates so definitely will be back to try all their new dishes! read more

Our second time at Ox & Tiger for dinner resi! Update: Surprise! It was still amazing! This time we added on the octopus dish to the set menu and it was not disappointing. Worth it! We're looking forward to coming back for brunch soon, as they've started brunch services. read more

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If you're lucky enough to score a reservation it's a culinary treat. The owners/chefs are very passionate about the food they create. Everything is a fancy twist on classic flavors from their home country. Each course tells its own story. Would highly recommend read more

Ox & Tiger - Filipino Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This place is a 4 course (5th course optional add on) Filipino-Japanese intimate tasting menu with only 8 seats per reservation time (5pm, 7pm, & 9pm). Their menu changes every 6-8 weeks and we happened to catch the Family's Choice menu for their 6th anniversary, which is essentially their best hits of the year! Everything was so flavorful and no dish was a miss for us. Ox & Tiger was perfectly adapt to our palette, even tho my boyfriend isn't the biggest fan of pinoy food as a Filipino lol. We were wowed with every dish and it far exceeded our expectations. Chef EJ and Chef Hitomi were great chefs and hosts! They really made it feel like home and had a story for every dish which made it even more special, and they were very interactive with the guests, or should we say family. We did the sake and wine pairing, we both preferred the sake. All the sakes we tried were soooo good and paired so well with each plate. As far as location, it's at the old Tselogs location and on a pretty tough street to find parking, I suggest taking an uber/lyft/waymo. Overall, 15 out of 10 hella recommend catching a reservation to try this place out! read more

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OMG. I first saw this place on tik tok. I was intrigued because it is a Filipino Japanese fusion restaurant. For the longest time I have been trying to get reservations. Months prior to my anniversary, I constantly checked because I was set on celebrating my anniversary here. No luck. Fast forward to yesterday, my boyfriend and I decided to have a date night and were looking for restaurants to go to. This place pops up into my mind again. after many failed attempts to secure a reservation, I decide to look if there were any reservations even though I knew it would be impossible. To my surprise, there was an available reservation on a FRIDAY night at 7pm!!! I snatched that reservation so quick as if I'm trying to hurry and buy tickets to a concert that sells out in minutes lol. Now to the food!! You ever look at a tasting menu and think like how will these flavors work and uhh I'm not sure. I honestly did not know what to expect because it was a menu that I've never seen nor did it make sense to me. I loved it because I knew it's going to be an experience like no other. I was right, every dish combination served was something I NEVER tasted before in my life even though I was familiar with the ingredients. First course- black sesame crusted scallop with a yogurt sauce and chili bagoong. First of all that chili bagoong needs to be bottled up and sold by itself. That was amazing!! The whole dish was so different and it just made me dance in my seat! Second course- octopus with coconut sauce, tomato and sunchokes. This was an add on and I'm glad we did. My favorite dish of the night! Honestly it was difficult to choose a favorite because every dish was just sooooo goood. But if I had to choose, this dish would be my absolute favorite. The octopus was incredibly tender and every component just worked. Third course- hotpot style on a sizzling platter with beef, vegetables, squid topped with mentaiko and a coconut foam. It was also paired with a raw egg and steamed white rice. So yummy! The beef melted in your mouth and the squid so tender! It was an explosion of flavors!! The chef was so accommodating. Offered extra rice or foam sauce if requested. Last course- halo halo ice cream with puffed rice, cake, mandarin oranges, a coffee jelly, and earl gray whipped cream! i do not like sweets nor do i ever order dessert at restaurants. If desserts are included in a tasting menu, I typically taste it just to try it but it usually goes to my boyfriend who has the biggest sweet tooth. Works for him because he always gets a second portion. Not today. I ate majority of it leaving him a tiny bit of leftovers. If I was not stuffed at that point, I would have licked that bowl clean. That halo halo ice cream was the best ice cream I have ever had in my life. PLEASE SELL THAT BY THE PINT! I would definitely buy it all the time lol. The whole dining experience was just amazing. THE BEST PLAYLIST plays in the background. The restaurants seats 8 people at a time. The chefs are very warm and welcoming. The chefs were interacting with every guest. Felt so comfortable as if you were eating at a friends/family's home. We didn't get a chance to meet his wife who is the chef as well. Every dish is explained and we get to hear the back story of every dish. I loved how we get to learn the story that brought each dish to life. The chef also heard that we tried to get reservations for our anniversary. Our dessert had a little heart on it and they also gave us a card that included a Polaroid picture of us to celebrate our late anniversary which I did not expect. The little things made this experience memorable. The menu changes every few months, I believe they said every two months. if you are lucky to get a reservation, please try it out! You will not be disappointed! I will be making another reservation for the next tasting menu, that's if I can get one! 10/10!! read more

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Ox & Tiger is hands down the best restaurant my partner and I have ever experienced in San Francisco. We've been there four times, and each visit has featured a brand new, equally fantastic menu. The food, service, and environment consistently surpass all the Michelin-starred restaurants we've visited. The owner and chef are a wonderfully kind and sweet couple. Every dish is inspired by their cherished memories, and they beautifully translate those emotions into incredibly delicious food. As diners, we somehow feel a genuine connection to their experiences through the dishes. The restaurant, with its intimate eight counter seats, offers a remarkably warm and cozy atmosphere. There's a real sense of camaraderie; sometimes, if a guest is celebrating a birthday or anniversary, everyone joins in to congratulate them. Occasionally, between the second and third main courses, the owner even hosts fun, easy games where winners receive a special drink (with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options). But as true foodies, excellent service and ambiance alone aren't enough. The food is always paramount. Ox & Tiger specializes in Japanese and Filipino fusion cuisine, and it's simply phenomenal. The owners are incredibly creative and true experts of taste, skillfully combining ingredients to create flavors where the sum is truly greater than its parts. Overall, this is the only restaurant we wholeheartedly agree we'll return to every time the menu changes. read more

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This is a unique experience. The chef, unlike others, took time to tell the story of the food. He cares about customers and really cook from his heart. This is more of a home cook meal that is full of flavor while have a lot of fiber ingredients that is hard to find nowadays. This is the restaurant that I would go back just to have someone brighten my day. I also love that it's intimate. read more

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This place is incredible! Definitely one of the best restaurants we have tried this year, which is impressive in that when just looking at the menu, I was worried because being the relatively picky eater I am I didn't actually like many of the ingredients listed on the menu. Somehow, EJ and Hitomi worked their magic and transformed these ingredients into incredible dishes leaving me wanting to lick the plate. It only adds to the magic that there is a story from their travels that pairs with each dish, and since it is just them + 8 diners there is an intimate dining at a friends house atmosphere that truly makes this restaurant unique. Yes, it is located in a not so great area (they lock the doors during meal service but we had several individuals knocking on the glass, although we never felt unsafe), but the food more than makes up for this. I can't wait to be back to try more of the wonderful food these two create. read more

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EJ & Hitomi ~ sweetest chefs. Pre paid reservation. 8 seats max. Intimate setting. Bar seating with the front door locked during dining. The most epic dining experience. There is a beautiful story behind every dish. The food was amazing and so fresh. Good portion sizes. 4 courses tasting menu with new menu every 6-8 weeks. Sake, beer and wine for purchase. Open thurs-sun. Easy online reservations. Uber/Lyft or free meter parkings after 6pm. read more

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Top 3 meals I've had in the city. I'm so glad I went with the pescatarian menu! Everything was absolutely delicious. It's been awhile since I've truly enjoyed every dish. Menu is simple with 3 entrees and a dessert but every dish is curated with so much thought and heart. We got the crab with mushroom as an add on. Wow so good! My favorite was the second dish that had clams, pickled cauliflower, layered potato cake with coconut broth and taro sour bread. Dipping that bread in the broth was icing on the cake. The Japanese cheesecake sitting on a bed of crumble with mushroom ice cream was a fantastic way to end the meal. Above all, I enjoyed the intimacy of the meal and interactions with chefs Hitomi Wada and EJ Macayan, the power couple who owns Ox + Tiger. The place seats 8, and the chefs do everything from cooking, prepping, and entertaining. I felt like I was enjoying comfort food from their home. My sparkling cold sake was a perfect pairing to the seafood. The chefs were so sweet to help celebrate our cousin's birthday. The reason why I chose the place. They also let us sample their Pinot Negro, a red that had notes of coffee. They rotate their menu every 8 weeks and have only repeated one dish. Can't wait to come back and try more of their creations. They're so nice and hospitable and make me want to support their business even more. Been awhile since I've come across a place I'd highly recommend, and I'd recommed Ox + Tiger without a doubt to anyone. read more

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Great and unique experience. The restaurant offers a relaxed and non-stuffy atmosphere, while providing a high-quality dining experience with robust flavors. We are instant fans and will be back to try out their new menu changes. read more

Truly lives up to the hype... such a unique and intimate experience with yummy food and drinks. To say any more would spoil it, but I did see other reviews mention the neighborhood. The restaurant is in the Tenderloin but in a relatively nicer part. We parked in Japan Center and Ubered to and from the restaurant. read more

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My girlfriend surprised me with a birthday celebration here and I enjoyed every bit of it! The crew provided a unique experience - providing stories to why they made the dish and how to properly enjoy their creation. Their menu rotates every 6-8 weeks too. On top of it all, the ambiance at this small restaurant was intimate as we were sitting side by side with 6 other guests. I highly recommend coming here for any celebration coming up read more

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Love love love everything about this place. You're seated at a well-decorated omakase-style bar only good for up to 8 people. It's reservations only, so make sure to plan ahead. Dining at this Asian fusion spot was immersive, engaging, and so special! The tasting menu (theme: summer) consisted of 4 courses, and we got the drink pairing to go along. My personal fave dish was the octopus. Ended with a dessert any Asian would love because it was "not too sweet." As a Filipino American, it was so interesting to see how they incorporated so many of the ingredients (coconut milk, bagoong, calamansi) I grew up with into these modern dishes. For the amount of food and drinks we received, I think it was well worth the price. I believe they said they change the menu every 6-8 weeks? And they almost never make the same dish twice. Will definitely be back when the new menu comes out! read more

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I was pretty excited to try this place. A small intimate dining experience with a couple who does it all. I loved the feeling and the story they told. As for the food, I am torn. I thought it was good but not outstanding like I was expecting. read more

Ox & Tiger is a very special experience! The owners are very thoughtful when putting together their ever changing menu, provide amazing service, and work hard to make sure that you have a great time at their restaurant. There is some storytelling incorporated into the meal and some parts are even interactive such as creating your own sauce to your liking. The menu I tried was inspired by EJ and Hitomi's recent trip to the Philippines and Japan. It started with sea bream dish and fish spread dish. Next was a maitake mushroom in mentaiko sauce. My favorite dish of the night was the beef rib. It was cooked very nicely and was very comforting to eat. The rice dessert could've been sweeter in my opinion. I think this may have just not been the menu for me. However, I would come back to give it another try. I do wish there was a way to know what type of menu I would be signing up for beforehand or at least have the menu sent out before the night begins so that you can get a better idea of what you're heading in for. read more

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What a treat! We had the four course menu "Never say never" and everything was absolutely delectable! The menu changes every 6-8 weeks, with hardly any repeats. Hitomi and EJ are the best, sharing stories about the dishes and food that you almost feel like you're getting dinner and a show. Loved the curated music. It seems like every detail is lovingly thought out down to the menu card. The oysters were so unique and I love that they were served with calamansi. The tempua?! (Tuna hand roll) was seasoned with some of my favorite flavors. The octopus was braised and grilled to perfection. Better than I've ever had it prepared previously. The beef cheek melted in our mouths and I loved the sauce! The dessert was the right about of sweetness and who knew carrot ice cream would be that fabulous?! I hope we can come back every two months because it was such a great experience. I love how they mix their two cultures together (Filipino and Japanese) in such a way that is creative and really unique and fabulous. read more

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What an amazing way to end the year by having the year end menu at Ox & Tiger! I honestly ... probably should have paid more attention to the reviews, photos and other aspects of Ox & Tiger before I insisted on coming here for a double date, because had I known it was so small, I would have treated it differently. However, maybe that was good because I was literally blown away when we showed up, and it turned out to be so much more than food. Here I was, thinking I'd just get some dishes to share, and we ended up with an incredible 4 course menu of highs & lows for the chef/owners of Ox & Tiger that took me through awesome stories they had experienced in 2023. I absolutely loved that each dish came with a story, so not only were they great dishes that were well 'fused' between Japanese & Filipino, but the story made it so much more delicious and tasty. Beyond food, I think this is absolutely a highly recommended experience that you must check out in SF. Definitely commit and go all the way in, buy tickets and show up with an appetite. I can't wait to try other menus in the future! read more

Tl;dr: honestly wasnt impressed by this restaurant. Maybe I'm just not big on Filipino food. Nothing gave me that smack in the face of happiness that I've received from high end restaurants. 5 tasting courses and then a dessert for $160 but it was definitely not worth it. Very friendly and nice staff/owners. Kept us engaged and slightly feel bad for the review because they were such nice people but I have to keep it 1hunnid. -foOoOod- Started off with pickled vegetables. Nice way to start the palette off. Corned beef: a little bit of everything to bounce off the tongue. Tomato definitely stuck out a little more than I hoped which took away from the soul of corned beef I was hoping. Wagyu added a nice flare.2.5/5 Hiyayakko: Tofu was locally sourced. All the extra toppings didn't really do too much in my opinion. A little bland overall, just texture in this dish. 1/5 Pinakbet: The meat was the best part of the meal. So tender and fatty. Along with the sauce that you add on top. Everything was such great balance. This was the only dish that felt fulfilling.4/5 Saba: was a little bit fishy. Caramel was a nice touch but overall, felt like the ingredients didn't blend too well. 1.5/5 Sinuglaw: raw halibut was nice and fresh. Used as a ceviche type and really refreshing. Pork belly was charred nice outside and soft inside. Everything was a great blend and balance. My favorite of the night. 5/5 Should've done more research before coming in, their previous menu looked A lot better. read more

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Such a homey vibe with unique dishes I have never tried before! It was so fun to try all these unique, creative dishes with a Filipino touch, all with unique stories from the head chef! Ox&Tiger is owned by a couple and the interior has 8 seats, all facing the kitchen so we could see them cook and prep our 6 course meal :) I would definitely recommend this place for something new and fun! Highlights of the meal for me included the pinakbet (in which we grinded out own sesame seeds and mixed in with squash paste to make the sauce for our kurobuta), salmon tataki (the mango coconut sauce was so refreshing and blended well with the shrimp paste), and the kare kare was so tender and paired so well with the vegetables and crunch of the peanuts. The dessert was also so good! The carioca had such a nice chewy mochi texture and the mugicha ice cream was so refreshing (not sweet at all)... I loved it! Filipino food is not usually my cuisine of choice, but it was so nice trying such novel flavors crafted so creatively. The menu is also family's choice this time around, meaning that the dishes were all voted for by customers on Ox &Tiger's instagram! Such a fun experience. read more

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I went here 2 years ago and had a fabulous and enjoyable dinner to celebrate a good friend's 50th birthday! We appreciated the hospitality and delicious menu! Thank you Ox and Tiger owners! read more

EJ + Hitomi are the hardworking duo behind Ox & Tiger and the love and passion they have for food and their family shows through their cooking. It's an intimate affair with just 8-seats in the small space. Since it's bar seating, you get to see the chefs in action as they build the plates. Both EJ and Hitomi also share personal stories that inspired their dishes and it was just really lovely! The Dec 2022 dinner was the result of bracketed voting of fam/friends favorite menu items served throughout the year. Each plate was delicious and I highly recommend you secure a reservation on Tock for Chef's Tasting - or roll through when they serve brunch throughout the week! read more

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Literally one of the best meals and dinner experiences I have ever had. Like if every meal could be like this, I'd just need to ensure to be in a different tax bracket. That is all. From the service to the chefs to the stories to the dishes to the pairings. Everything was unbelievable! To be honest I have no idea half of what we had but I loved, loved it all! Every dish came with a short and sweet story and they were all phenomenal. Date I say that the only thing that had barely any points off of my liking was some fruit sauce on the dessert and this is so minor that it's a stretch to even mention. The chefs were so amazing and friendly and interacted with all the guests. We opted to pay extra for the alcoholic beverage pairings. Just absolutely incredible experience and I cannot wait to go back! Make reservations early. Doors open no earlier than the time on your reservations. Also it's max 8 people for the most intimate experience. I made a love-note video of the experience on my insta if you ever find it! read more

I left my heart at Ox & Tiger. Thank you EJ and Hitomi! (Incredibly late review because I've been finding the words to express my gratitude towards this spot.) One of the most intimate and memorable food experiences I've had. Just 2 parties were there. One being me and my partner, the other being EJ's brother. RESERVATIONS ONLY (05/20/2022). You can purchase a ticket online and it'll display what menu is going to be served. (Rotating menu every 4-5 weeks). Every dish has unique ingredients and a story behind it... making it not only memorable, but incredibly delicious. Growing up with my traditional Filipino foods has became a big part of who I am. To see an entire restaurant take that culture and put their own twist and story to it is endearing. I have high hopes for how far EJ and Hitomi will take Ox & Tiger. And I can't thank them enough for reminding me how important your roots are and how much influence food has on it. Go!! Buy those tickets and reserve. Let them blow your mind with spins on classic Filipino food. Everything was presented so beautifully. And it tasted even better. You'll leave feeling completed. Like I did. read more

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