WOW definitely the BEST sushi I've ever had in my life! Everything was superior quality and melt in your mouth. It was an UNREAL experince to be dining here. If you're lucky enough to snag one of the ten seats you're in for a treat. There is a 5:30pm and 8:00pm dining sessions so make sure to plan accordingly. I asked around in line and found out that one party stood in line at 4:45 to ensure a seat during the first round. So make sure to arrive early. First off the space has incredible character and life, you either sit at the sushi bar or at a small table in the corner. Everydish is either served up by the sushi chef or made in the back kitchen. The chefs sashimi combo is definitely a MUST. Every single fish we had was unique in flavor profile and texture. Notably what we think was makeral had a smokey and dense profile while the scallops were buttery smooth and incredibly sweet. The agdashi tofu was also jelly like and very smooth and silky in texture. We were lucky enough to order a Hamachi collar and it was delicious. Smokey oily, and packed with decadent meat. So yummy! Another highlight of the meal was the tea, my party of two went through 2.5 pots of tea and this helped pace our meal and aid in digestion! Would recomend stopping by but make sure to get in line early!! read more

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This is one of those SF iykyk experiences that I recommend everyone try at least once. They've been around for a long time and are a staple of sorts. Sushi is fresh, portions are big and the staff are the sweetest. Almost forgot about this place until I passed by a while ago. Support local business! read more

The restaurant is intimate since there is only enough seating for 8 people. When you walk in, you can see all the written signs and tiles with written messages from others thanking them for their services and meals. I had been wanting to go here for years, before the son took over, and yesterday night was the night. We got the dinner set for 2, which is $170 total, then tax is added after. The dinner set came with so much food. The salmon carpaccio with apple bits and more, salad, a very large sashimi platter (more than the typical amount you'd get), a hamachi roll, unagi nigiri which were as large as my phone (as his dad would make it), and watermelon to finish. Bf and I loved it and would definitely come back again. read more

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A hidden gem and an establishment, I won't go into detail because it's a spot to experience on your own. My friend suggested we come to Tekka, which I'd never heard of. There are two seatings, and seats can fill up quickly, so be sure to plan or check their Instagram for updates. Luckily, he waited and got us a table for their later seating. Since there are no photos of the establishment inside, I won't go into detail. The service was excellent; it's a family-run business and very personable. It was nice talking with my friend and also with the owner and chef. My friend and I shared the Tekka Dinner for Two. Everything was so fresh, all the pieces of sashimi and sushi melted in my mouth. Portions are extremely generous for the amount of fish you get and food in general. I left extremely full but so satisfied. For the price, it's a must-try at least once. You won't be able to find as affordable, fresh, excellent quality sushi and sashimi in the city as here. This is a place many gate keep. I had a great experience at Tekka Japanese Restaurant and look forward to coming back. Find them off Balboa Street, with neighborhood parking available nearby. read more

Tekka Japanese Restaurant - Tekka Dinner - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

My parents and in-laws have been talking about this place for so long, and we finally got to try it! It's a tiny spot you'd probably miss if you didn't know it was there--only about 10 seats, so definitely make a reservation. We sat for the first seating and it felt relaxed and personal. We did the omakase and added the hamachi kama, tofu, and unagi. Everything was fresh and beautifully prepared. The omakase had a great flow--each piece felt intentional, and the quality stood out. The hamachi kama was especially good, perfectly grilled and rich in flavor. It's one of those hidden gems that makes you feel lucky to get in. Definitely worth the wait. read more

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Tekka is one of those restaurants that you have to jump hoops to make sure you experience at least once in your life. The fish was incredibly fresh and the portions were shockingly generous! definitely some of the best value I've seen for sushi in the city. The taste was outstanding, every bite packed with flavor. Pricing was very fair considering the quality and quantity, which made the experience even better. The atmosphere felt cozy and intimate, almost like dining in someone's home, and the personable vibe really set it apart from larger sushi spots. The only downside is the wait. Definitely takes patience to get a table but once you're seated, it's more than worth it. read more

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So good I almost want to gatekeep this gem. Absolutely loved it then, and still love it now. Get there either at 4:30 or 7pm to snatch a seat. Small mom and son shop with just a handful of counter seats. Blink twice and you'll miss this spot hidden in the heart of the inner Richmond. You'll want to get the sashimi combo for 2 plus any other add ons of your preference. My husband and I were content with just the combo for 2. Comes with chefs choice, a salad, an appetizer (ponzu salmon), a side of tofu and eggplant, eel nigiri and, a choice of your desired roll. I dream about this place often and it did not disappoint. Open tues- Friday. Good company, great food, cozy vibes. read more

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Came back for the husband's birthday a year later and again, did not disappoint! Sometimes when you take time off between a restaurant you really liked and enjoyed, you notice that something has changed. With Tekka, this is not the case. The quality of the food, the service, and ambiance were the exact same: excellent read more

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I think about this place daily. No reservations, only walk-ins. Closed weekends. Only seats a handful. Come hungry and order the dinner for 2. This is an experience that cannot be described in an online setting. I would say as someone who did the same process: find the time to come here, wait in line for numerous attempts to be rejected to try another night, to finally that one successful night you got in is WORTH it. read more

Tekka Japanese Restaurant - Unagi - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Finally!!!!! I have been wanting to visit Tekka but I was so scared with long line so I have been postponing. I love Japanese food. I love eating but I hate waiting that was why I never went there yet. But today was the day Yelp said they open at 6.30 so my friend and I prepared to get there early so we could enter at the first round.. we got there at 5.30, he dropped me off and went to find parking.......... Omgggg it's open! And I got seated right away It was so small that I felt like we had to whisper we waited about 10 mins until the lady came to take the order. Menus was small, food wasn't that slow. And I could feel the LOVE in that place. I didn't feel like it was a business. James took over as a chef after his dad ( if I mistaken ~ I apologized) passed. He was so friendly and the way he prepared food was so neat. I even saw him threw away many pieces of tuna that didn't seem to pass his quality control. I finally asked him what time are you open? Okay guys.... Who has never been here READ THIS...you will thanks me later They are open @5 for the first round and @7.30 for the second round(if they even have a second round!) TUESDAY-FRIDAY ONLY Today there were 7 people ahead of me , then 2 of us... after that 4 more showed up and got seated. Another couple came and James told them you guys would be my last gust for tonight. Total 15 lucky people today only Slow pace, nice service that full off love and great quality of food. No complain at all. CASH ONLY. Omg . It was my day today Thank you Tekka. read more

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Excellent neighborhood spot for an intimate experience and fantastic sushi. Make sure to arrive early to get in!

I love this place a lot! It's a mom-and-pop shop, the interior is quite small and only sat 9-10 people. The sashimi is soooo fresh, it was chefs kiss. Tips: this place is cash only. Food: 5/5. We got the sashimi combo and all the fish and seafood were so fresh. I used to be not a big fan of raw scallops until I tried the raw scallops at this place. Super sweet and juicy. Their other sashimi were good too. The portion sizes are big and the chef is super generous with the food! Experience: 5/5. Expect a wait when you come. I waited for around an hour before opening. The place is small so it fills up quickly. The owners are an old couple. It's definitely a cool experience since the restaurant is decorated with notes from people who ate at the restaurant dating back to 2000s. read more

Tekka Japanese Restaurant - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Highly recommend the sashimi combo. Very fresh. It contains about 20 pieces of different sashimi. Usually two pieces for each. The eel nigiri is also excellent. Worth every penny you paid. They recently changed the dinner time. Instead of 6pm, they started at 5pm. The second round starts around 7:30. Maximum 10 persons for each round. But sometimes the owner has friends who reserved seats so it's possible that the actual available seats are less than 10. read more

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This place makes excellent porridge and various noodle dishes. The staff is professional and pleasant! Easily one of the best restaurants on San Bruno Avenue! read more

Amazing 6 seat sushi experience. Well portioned, fresh fish. Reasonable for the quality. Four of us had all the beer sake and fish we could eat for 2 hrs. Fun conversation with the chef too. read more

Retweeting all positive comments. I've been wanting to come try tekka for YEARS now since I'm not from SF. FINALLY. It happened. We were lucky to have gotten in. We started lining up at about 5:10 and there were already 5 people in front. We were a party of 3 and going by the strict capacity 1 of us wouldn't have been able to get in since he had friends that evening too and they get first dibs. However, the owner pulled out an extra stool and made an exception for us amazing! Food was great. We weren't sure what to order and didn't end up making the best decisions everything was still so good but we could have tried a larger variety of food and ordered less. Here's my tip: - get the sashimi platter if you're sharing - get the eel nigiri!!!!! But no need to order more nigiris with the same fish on the sashimi platter - except the scallop if you're into that - we didn't look at the appetizer menu and I thought it might have been good to get a salmon skin or miso soup to warm up - there wasn't uni on the menu the night or else we would have definitely made sure we had some! - the owner's wife takes the order. Ask her if it's too much or too little food and go conservative. We ended up paying $200 including tips for 3. Such a good deal cuz we were stuffed and happy. What an unforgettable experience! read more

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One word AMAZING. I don't need to be redundant. There are so many 5 star reviews that are spot on with the whole experience from food, service and ambiance. I felt like I was in Alice in Wonderland. I just want to say "domo arigato" to sushi chef James who works magic with his knife skills and mama-san Yoshimi for making the most memorable kick butt salmon skin salad that I will forever dream about. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated. We will definitely return. read more

Haven't been here in years since the pandemic started!! So glad they are still around. Amazing couple has been running the joint for years. Max seats is 11. Don't forget about the "family & friends" rsvp that can occur any night. They get first dibs at the bar and no wait. They have recently adjusted their opening times. First seating is now around 6, 2nd is at 8pm. I would recommend to at least show up 30-45 mins early to wait in line. Do not over order. They will not let you anyway. Portions are huge. Please respect the couple and their rules. Be patient. read more

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They have a sign stating no cellphones so I do not have photos to share. But the experience was very cozy and delicious. It is run by mom & son, who do their utmost to make sure we all had a good experience, from explaining the menu with recommendations, and providing fresh pots of tea. We got the dinner for 2, it was plenty of food, we did not need any supplemental courses. The highlights were the sashimi combo, mushroom agedashi tofu, and "dessert" unagi nigiri. We could see the chef preparing the dishes with care, while he made conversation with the entire restaurant. We can't wait to come back and try their new dishes, their dinner for 2 menu rotates appetizers etc every two weeks. read more

Such a cute and cozy hole-in-the-wall restaurant run by an older couple from Japan! It feels rare to find experiences like this--slow dining, conversing with strangers (as the place only seats 6-8 people), hand written notes from long-time customers lining the walls (the oldest we found was from '89!). It seems like many people love this restaurant and the couple, and many have fond memories here. The cuts of sashimi were very generous and everything was amazing--we ordered way too much and they knew it . Would def recommend the sashimi combo, agedashi tofu, and hamachi kama! read more

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Great food and atmosphere. Chef and his mother are both fantastic; while not the fanciest place the food was fresh, cut well and fairly portioned/priced and was overall a great experience. Would go again read more

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Rating: 4.5 Wow this place is incredible bang for your buck! We ordered two Omakase and a hamachi collar. We got a comically large platter of sashimi and a hamachi "collar" that was more like half the fish! After attempting to eat this and the 2 of us barely finishing half the sashimi and some rice (but not anything else from the rice box or the hamachi collar yet), I wondered if we accidentally ordered 2 "omakase for two".... The website is not clear but I know they used to have "Omakase for two" for dine-in. My favorites were the scallops and the salmon. Some of the other pieces of fish were a little chewy but maybe it's because they were all cut very large. I appreciated that they gave you nori and rice to make hand rolls because I definitely needed a flavor break from all the fish. Make sure to order ahead online because as one tip said you may not get the day you want. My first attempt at ordering failed because I never got a confirmation but maybe it got lost in my spam email. Our second attempt was successful with we got a text confirmation on the date we wanted. read more

Tekka Japanese Restaurant - So.much.food. Wish I put something to scale. 2 orders of omakase and a hamachi "collar" that's more like half the fish! - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Food is Amazing, Service ... Close to a 3 michelline restaurant, Ambianze ... Took me back to Tokyo

I am a tad behind on my review since we ordered here takeout on the first week of June. They are no longer offering take out but I wanted to write my review since this place deserves these 5 stars. We ordered a variety of dishes but the one that stood out to me was the Omakase. I forgot the price but it's around $70(?) and an amazing deal!! You will see some complaints about it but the omakase literally can feed two people so you can think of it as half the price. I only took a photo of half of the Omakase (it came with another plate of rice and other goods). The fish was extremely fresh and soft!! Incredible quality in SF. They also cut them very thick and generously. As you can see, it was also a LOT of fish (and this was only half of the dish). This place is also run by an authentic Japanese couple. When we picked up, they spoke Japanese with us and can tell they are genuine and good people. 100% would come again and support this local business!!!!!! read more

Tekka Japanese Restaurant - Omakase (part of it) - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Very interesting Japanese restaurant. Only seats about 10 people total. Son does most of the food prep while mom prepares the hot or fried items and serves tea. It was nice to sit down at the sushi bar and hear about the chef's experience. Ordered the fix menu dinner while adding the kama (grilled yellowtail collar). Thoroughly enjoyed the food but actually ended up ordering and eating too much. The kama was delicious and well seasoned. The unagi was probably the best we've had and we've eaten a lot of Japanese food including our two visits to Japan. The sashimi platter was fresh and delicious. Only drawback was probably having to show up early just to ensure we got seated. A few couples were turned away as they showed up late (or 20 minutes before seating). Would definitely go back but will bring bigger appetite. read more

So I guess I got wildly lucky but I walked in at 5:10 on Wednesday and snagged the last seat at the bar without waiting in line. I should probably study my horoscope for that day and figure out what happened and buy a lotto ticket next time. I think the menu kind of varies but the fish is very good, the portions are kind of ridiculous, and the prepared dishes are great. Plus you get a great home-y feeling and the chef is fun to talk to. Would be great to be a regular there one day. read more

A magical experience I will never forget. We saw how there are typically two rounds with 6-8 seats for each (the restaurant is not being hard, that's literally the number of seats they physically have) so we decided to try on Friday, getting there at 5:30pm. There was already a long line and we were literally the 9th and 10th person in line. Yoshimi (the grandma) was kind enough to ask us if we'd be willing to come back at 8pm. We decided to hold our hunger and wait, exploring Richmond area. We were also the party she told to come back at 8pm. When we got back, we saw there were a group for 5 friends of Tekka who have literally been eating there for 20 years (im lowkey envious, want to be their friend). We were so hungry so we ordered as much as we could without going overboard: Hamachi collar, Sashimi platter for 2 and 2 eels. Hamachi collar was exquisite, Yoshimi cook this in the back and it was so tender on the inside, so crispy on the outside. Sashimi platter -- let me tell you, I'd DIE for this anyday. Nobu (the grandpa) cuts and prepare every fish himself. The fish was so fresh so juicy -- the scallop simply melts in your mouth. Nobu will also bring you rice and nori to make it into a roll yourself. Eel -- I'd have to be honest, the rice of nigiri is not the typical sushi rice, not as sticky BUT the eel itself was HUGE and impeccable. No bones, again just melt in your mouth Steak -- Yoshimi gave us a free dish because we were trying to order more but all the fish was used up! She also thanked us for waiting -- the SWEETEST thing ever. I absolutely loved this meal and cannot wait to go back even though you are gambling everytime hoping for a seat. read more

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Went 1.5 hours early to be first in line and it was so worth it. Not only was the food spectacular, James was an awesome host. It was super intimate with our group of 7. We exchanged laughs, learned about each dish, and filled our tummies with very refreshing flavors. Overall, lovely experience. 10/10 - core memory unlocked!! read more

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I just don't get it. Why wait around for two hours for the privilege of eating average sushi when there are dozens of equally average sushi spots that seat you immediately, take credit cards, and give you a full menu to choose from? To guarantee yourself a seat, you have to stand outside for around 2 hours. The wait is uncomfortable (especially in the cold), and the cramped interior is no relief. I would MAYBE understand if the sushi was super cheap, but at $100/pp I hardly think of Tekka as a deal. Save yourself the trouble and go to Japantown. read more

Even though I no longer live in SF - I will always come back to tekka every chance I get. The tekka dinner blew me away, each and every time. A very peaceful dining experience with a very welcoming and skillful chef! I'm read more

Tekka Japanese Restaurant - Sashimi platter & tekka dinner for 2 - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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*LOCATION* Tekka is actually pretty easy to miss if you don't know where to look. There is no sign and you'll likely only spot it because of the people lining up outside. Parking is street/metered but is free after 6pm (I think). *WAIT TIME* This was our second attempt at eating here. We tried previously on a Friday night at 4:45 but the 10 seatings for that night were already filled when we got there. The first person in line had said he had gotten there at 4:30. We decided to try again the following Tuesday. There was a sign on the door that said only 6 seatings that night. My boyfriend arrived at 4:30 and was the first person in line. The next person arrived about 10 minutes later. When we left dinner around 8:15, there was no one in line for the second seating. (Pro tip: bring thick layers and some snacks for the 2-hour wait in the freezing cold.) *FOOD* We ordered the sashimi combo for two and some separate nigiris. (Side note: You need to specify how many portions of the sashimi combo you want.) We had wanted to order uni but they didn't have any that night (wahhh!). I had also wanted to order hamachi kama but I guess I pronounced it wrong or she misheard me because we ended up getting the hamachi nigiri instead. But not complaining because it was really good too! My favorite parts of the sashimi combo were the scallops, tuna and salmon. The scallops were so sweet and literally melted in my mouth. The tuna and salmon were both also very fresh and buttery. My boyfriend's favorites were the salmon and hamachi. We enjoyed the nigiris just as much as the sashimi. The unagi was soo tasty and the sauce was just the right amount of sweetness. As shown in the picture, each piece of fish was as big as half the size of my palm! *SERVICE* The service is pretty good considering there's only two people working there. The wife takes the orders and refills the tea, while the husband cuts and prepares the fish at the sushi bar. When we first went in, we were given a hot towel to warm our hands and also hot tea to warm our souls. Depending on where you sit, you may or may not be able to see the preparation of the fish. *AMBIENCE* It is a very intimate setting and you can pretty much hear everyone's conversations. I was pretty much whispering the whole time because I didn't want to talk too loud. There is a small tv behind the sushi bar that plays a movie during dinner so there is some background noise but you are still able to hear everything. Overall, we very much enjoyed our experience at Tekka (minus standing in the freezing cold). We might come for the second seating next time to avoid the long wait. However, I definitely think the price is more than reasonable for the amount and quality of fish! read more

Tekka Japanese Restaurant - Unagi nigiri, tuna nigiri, hamachi nigiri - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is easily one of the best hidden gems in San Francisco! Please be aware that things recently changed for the restaurant. Noburu's son (James) has taken the helm along with Yoshimi and the restaurant is as amazing as ever! Also know that seating times are now 5 pm and 7:30 pm (a little earlier than before). So, if you want to eat during the first seating, make sure to line-up earlier as only 10 people can enjoy each seating (with groups of 4 or less). This is (and always has been) the best value for a sushi/sashimi restaurant in all of San Francisco. You must visit!! The food is phenomenal and the experience is divine. We have been coming for years and it's easily our favorite place. read more

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Thank you, Tekka, for being there and having the freshest, intimate dining experience ever. Strangers that seemed like old friends checking in and seeing what is our commonality. So cool to be a barfly. I've been thinking of coming for about 6 months. We had a great time all 7 of us at 5:00 seating. Thank you, Bonnie, for sitting next to me. Will check out "Good Byes." Six San Franciscans Strong, one SF adoptee. WooHoo. Celebrate, we got in. Two seats empty. I barely made it. Next seating 7:30 pm. The lucky few. I got the most delicious green tea. I have no idea how to order, so i went with the sashimi combo chef's plate ($70). Salmon pieces in the shape of a flower. Octopus that was very tender, not chewy. Mackerel is my favorite. I think it was marinated. Scallops. Tuna. Yellow tail? Hamachi (2nd favorite). Home-made marinated ginger. Wasabi, that was very mild. Homemade soy sauce because it was not salty. No cell phone allowed, so i was honoring the sign, so there were no pictures. Actually, someone already posted a picture. Son and mother duo. We got some history. His dad was 76 years old when he stopped working. During Covid, they had to go. Tues to Fri. Cash only. Try not to go Friday, less of a chance to get in. That is my only tip. Next time, they have a couple's special with 3 appetizers and ...(i couldn't keep up with the explanation). It sounded good. Till we meet again. read more

I've waited 1.5 hours in Japan for a Michelin starred ramen place, but waiting for Tekka beats that at a 2.5 hour wait. I've heard from so many of my friends that you have to wait at 4:30PM even though the first seating starts at 7PM (Nobu and Yoshimi come in earlier to begin the prep, but you cannot go in yet - so wait!). We lined up on a Monday evening at 4:30PM (group of 4) and we were the first ones in line until about 5:45PM when a couple lines up behind us. Since the restaurant only seats about 10-11 people (7-8 people on the counter and 2-3 people on the small table near the window), we played it safe. My friends and I got seated at the bar up close and personal with Nobu preparing all the amazing sashimi orders, hand rolls and nigiri! My bf & i ordered the sashimi combo ($58 for 2 orders - so worth!!!) which contains 2 sashimis of 7 different fish. It was amazing and very fresh! I also got to try the soft shell crab (~$14) and their uni (~$9) so delicioussssssss. The soft shell crab was perfectly crisped. I also must say that for anyone that hates uni for the ocean-y taste, you MUST get the uni here at Tekka because the uni texture is so perfect and the taste is very faint. Everything is comparable to Japan :) I would definitely come back here if I was in the area and there was no wait... It does take some effort to coordinate when you go! There are only 2 seatings (7PM and 9PM) and they're only open Monday thru Friday so plan accordingly. Also it is important to make sure that they are not on vacation! So check their calendar when you plan your visit. I highly recommend waiting around 5PM from Mon-Wed but for Thurs-Fri you might have to play it safe and line up earlier! There is street parking, but parking is only free after 6PM. read more

The Sushi gods legit blessed us! We came on a rainy Wednesday night at 7 pm and noted the sign said "8 seats only." We walked in and there were only five guests so lucky us we got to sit immediately. Restaurant capacity is like ten guests max so I don't think we'll ever be as lucky ever again. We were a bit lost on what to get but this restaurant is primarily known for their sashimi combo and the price varies anywhere from $38-$45. We were told it is enough to share, so we did one order and one salmon roll. The sashimi portions were generous! The fish is so fresh and melts in your mouth, I wanted the whole plate to myself. Half the enjoyment is watching the chef prepare it with such precision and care, it's humbling knowing he has worked in the same place for 30 years coming this June! The environment is cozy and it appears that there are some frequent locals. Overall a true Sf gem I am so happy to finally experience! read more

Tekka is a very small place now it is run by the son and mom. We use to love going and didn't mind the long wait but recently we haven't been able to get seats even if we wanted to wait. Twice already we would drive up from down south just to find it was private party only. It would be disappointing. So even if you want to wait, it sometimes is left to fate. But if you do get to go, the sashimi is amazing and the portions are very generous. I also love the clams cooked in sake and the grill salmon skin. read more

2 seatings/ 8 covers per seating. Plan ahead, best dinner ever... Got lucky on my bday and was able to accommodate my family, now want to get sake cup on the shelf read more

Humans of San Francisco, I got in line as the 5th person in a small line waiting for Tekka ~5pm. Why did EVERY SINGLE PERSON in line before me add two to FIVE friends over the course of m two hours, so now we have to wait another thee hours for second seating? Five Stars I'm sure for the fish. One Star for all the inconsiderate people who saved 2-5 spots for others. Come at 4pm and bring a lawn chair and heat lamp to be the first in line. read more

Local secret spot and hole in the wall I could eat at everyday. If you long for Japan and sashimi, this is your fix. Traditional sashimi house vibe transports your mind to a side street in Japan with a Legendary chef, hand making your dish right in front of you, to me is a better experience than most Michelin star rated restaurants. read more

Best meal of my life, best sushi I've ever had, best quality for the buck. Hidden gem of a spot - I thought twice about posting a Yelp review to keep it to only those who know, but I need to express my love for this place. When I posted pics of my meal here on IG I got around 30 DMs asking for the name of the place. If yelp would allow a 6 star review once in a lifetime this would be it. My fiancée took me here 4 years ago for my birthday and I have been dreaming about it since. We tried to come here another time last year but couldn't get a seat, so we made sure to get here extra early on MLK Jr day when we both had the day off. Here's what you should know: - One of the smallest restaurants you'll ever go to, seating up to 10 but often times several are reserved for the owners' family/friends. So 6-10 is typical, and they only post a sheet of paper on the door the day of so you'll need to stop by. - Only open on weekdays, but sometimes they'll go on vacation or take the day off. You'll just need to go to their restaurant to see if they post any signs by the door. - Several years back they had two seats - one at 7, one at 9. Now they only do once a day seatings at 7. - cash only, but this place is super affordable. 2 people might average $120-$150 after tips. I would be spending $400 on "fancy" omakase spots downtown, but this place is far better. - Owned by an elderly couple, the husband prepares the sushi, the wife takes the orders and makes all other food. Super sweet. If I recall correctly they do this because they enjoy it, not to make money - their son is fairly well off (lawyer?). Hence they haven't raised the prices in years.. - Fish is brought in fresh daily, they usually arrive around 5:30 to start preparing, often carrying bags of fish with them. Several years back they had a seafood truck deliver the fresh fish but that's when they had two seating times per night. Some options like scallops might be frozen but it's still great. - Don't mind the use of toaster oven (to heat unagi) or microwaves (to heat warm sake and some appetizers) - food is delicious and understandable given everything is prepped by just two people. - if you look through pictures you'll see nigiri pieces the size of phones - they're thick too! Insane, sometimes I wonder if they're losing money selling these. Kusakabe would probably sell each nigiri here at $20 each, but it's only $5-$6 at Tekka - Advice: bring a chair next time you wait, try to get here by 4. Don't be the ass that stands in line by yourself and tell others you have 3 others coming. Generally saving a spot for just 1 other is courteous as long as you tell people coming in line later that the spot is taken. - Better advice: go here with a special someone, eat and be in heaven, dream about this place. Don't tell anyone else about this place if you can resist posting on IG (you probably can't). read more

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