I didn't even know what I was eating other than that it was really good. Highlight of the meal was the karrage leg which was paired with a citrus sauce. Would probably skip the chicken oyster (1 piece) next time and try more of the other dishes. As well as the tuna sashimi because the freshness and flavor was missing -- including the wasabi and soy sauce. read more

See all

How this place isn't a consistent 5 stars surprises me after last nights extravaganza. We worked the entire menu including multiple Sakes paired with our dishes. The small doorway entrance is easily missed as it is next to an ally with another eatery filled with people sitting outside in the ally and no it was not homeless but patrons for the restaurant. As you walk inside the seating area in the back is not large. You definitely need to make reservations as they were completely full. The service was impeccable as our server explained everything and even picked out the sake suggested with the dishes. The Tuna Tataki and Chicken Karaage was fantastic as was the Chicken Oysters and A5 Wagyu skewers that melted in your mouth but that buttery rich texture and flavor A5 is known for. Look at the photos I took and you will see the deliciousness served. I think we had 10 different dishes with 3 people and 3 bottles of Sake with each for certain courses. We were there for 3 hours eating across Japan read more

Intimate restaurant with delightful service and good food. The interior is decorated nicely, particularly at the bar seating area. The menu seems to change every so often. The plating and presentation is careful and artistic. Reservations are recommended. They have bathrooms in the back. They take card. read more

I really wanted to love TBD! My husband made a reservation after seeing so many great things about this place on TikTok, so we came in with pretty high expectations. Unfortunately, especially considering the price point, the overall experience was a bit of a mixed bag for me. AMBIANCE Definitely one of the highlights! The space is beautiful and has a great vibe for a date night or a fun dinner/hangout with friends. It feels trendy and upscale without being overly formal. SERVICE Service was okay, but I was a little disappointed by the lack of knowledge about some of the dishes, especially for a restaurant at this price point. For example, we originally ordered just one tsukune slider because I don't like egg yolk jam. I specifically asked how eggy it was and was told that it was not eggy. Our server kept asking if we wanted to order another, and eventually I cracked under the pressure . Unfortunately, when they arrived, the sliders were absolutely slathered in egg yolk jam. It was very egg-forward and bitter to me, so that ended up being a rough way to finish the meal. Also, a little heads-up: the hot tea isn't complimentary. Our server grouped it into the conversation about water, so I assumed it was included until I saw it on the bill. Not a huge deal, but something I would've appreciated knowing beforehand! FOOD There were definitely some hits, but quite a few dishes didn't work for me. Kakuni Mochi -- Loved the crunchy texture, but overall it lacked flavor. Potato Salado -- This was probably one of my bigger disappointments. It contained boiled egg, which wasn't mentioned in the menu description. Since I don't like eggs, I wouldn't have ordered this had I known. Hot Karaage -- Presentation wise, this was really cool! Unfortunately, the flavor didn't match the presentation for me. The exterior was crunchy but had a bitter taste, while the chicken itself lacked seasoning. The yuzu sauce also didn't work for my palate; the combination had an oddly cleaning product like citrus flavor that reminded me of Lysol. Tsukune Slider -- Unfortunately, way too eggy and bitter for my taste, especially with the amount of egg yolk jam. There were a couple of dishes I really enjoyed, though! Salmon + Kanpachi Sashimi -- Fresh, simple, and delicious. I especially appreciated the fresh wasabi. Assorted Set -- Probably one of the more interesting parts of the meal because there were so many different flavors and textures to try. I especially loved how crunchy the chicken wing was! OVERALL TBD has a beautiful atmosphere and some genuinely interesting dishes, but I left feeling a little underwhelmed. With the amount of hype surrounding the restaurant and the higher price point, I expected the food and service to feel a bit more polished and consistent. There were dishes I'd happily eat again, especially the sashimi and assorted set, but there were also several that I wouldn't reorder. I'm glad I finally got to try TBD, but for the price, I was expecting a little more. read more

See all

Dined here yesterday for a lovely dinner. I think the thing I appreciated the most was learning about some new ingredients. I cook and try lots of different restaurants so I'm always tickled when something is put in front of me that I've never seen. Enter kinome leaf, used as a dusting powder on chicken thighs giving it a really unique flavor! Overall good dining experience for a weekday dinner. Warm interior and lovely ceramic settings. read more

See all

Came for a weekday dinner, made the reservation online easily. We were sat at the bar. The decor is cool and vibey. It's a bit eclectic. We ordered the tuna tataki, kakuni mochi (2x), hot kaarage, Wagyu Wellington, the veggie set and kawa set, and the chazuke. Overall everything was tasty! The favorites were the kakuni mochi, the hot kaarage, and the veggie set. I definitely recommend getting a mochi for each person. It can be sharable with 2 people but it would be a small bite. The Wellington was good too but a little underdone for my liking. The hot kaarage was nice and crispy, the hot sauce it came with was also flavorful. The milk tea tiramisu was a good dessert to end the meal with. I would come back to try more dishes! I like their creative approach to classic Japanese dishes. I also adore the decor. It's a bit moody so would be an ideal place for an intimate dinner date! The service was also nice too. read more

See all

Came here to celebrate my anniversary and it was good but nothing to rave about, especially at the price point: Service: This was the most disappointing part. Our server dove straight into what we wanted to order upon getting seated and never asked if we are celebrating anything, want to drink anything or walk us through the menu. She was clueless every time we asked a question and for a relatively upscale restaurant, it diluted the overall experience. Ambiance: Vibey and nice! Food: We got the crudo which was phenomenal, tuna wellington and chicken three ways were also very good. The karaage was disappointing unfortunately - it was overcooked and had an unpleasant rice flour after taste. They were trying to do too much with it and it missed the mark. Overall, I'd be back for bites at the bar only but I don't think the experience lived up to my expectations. read more

See all

I had dinner here more than one month ago but I forgot to do my usual review. Everything we tried was delicious...the pancake was very good and the hot karagee was perfect! We were seated at the bar, so it was nice looking at the chef preparing a few items event though the space was a little bit tiny. Overall was a very good experience. read more

See all

Even though they curiously haven't garnered many Yelp reviews so far, TBD has managed to capture a fair amount of buzz and praise, not the least of which came from mutual friends who had recommended to my friends and I that we come here for dinner. As such, I know my review is going to be in stark contrast to most of the ones already on here. However, while I don't take any pleasure or joy in writing this, I certainly don't have any doubts given all of the issues with our meal here. Although I hadn't actually heard much about TBD before my friends chose to come here, I was certainly intrigued after hearing how much some of our other friends enjoyed their meals here. Looking at the menu, it was definitely intriguing - lots of izakaya staples, but with gussied up takes. However, while their spin on classics like Yakitori, Chicken Karaage, and Okonomiyaki are unique, they also come with a price tag to match, so be aware since things can add up fast and some dishes didn't seem as worth it as others. -- KAKUNI MOCHI - Slow-Braised Pork Belly over a Mochi Donut with Cured Egg Yolk...$10 Ehh...this was fine, I guess. The mochi donut didn't have the kind of texture that I expected and the cured egg yolk seemed to get lost, but the pork belly wasn't bad (and may have overshadowed the egg yolk). -- OKONOMIYAKI - King Crab Pancake, Sauerkraut, Kewpie, Aonori, and Smoked Trout Roe...$17 This was a miss for me. While the crab, aonori, and trout roe were pretty good, this wasn't crispy like we expected and was actually quite thick and cakey. Also, the sauerkraut was a bit overwhelming. -- HOT CHICKEN KARAAGE...$25 Presumably TBD's signature dish, and it's undoubtedly eye-catching, but the taste of this was just okay. The batter was crunchy and the sauce was decent, but the chicken felt more fibrous/tough than juicy. -- OFFAL SET - Gizzard, Liver, and Heart...$16 Easily my least favorite dish of the night. Of the three, the gizzard was best, but, even then, it was really plain. The same could be said for the heart, but the liver was by far the worst and almost felt undercooked. -- KAWA SET - Crisp Chicken Skin Trio with Ikura, Bonjiri Tail, and Karasumi...$18 On the one hand, all three cuts of chicken skin weren't too shabby, especially the one with ikura. On the other, the cuts were pretty small and, aside from the fattiness, two of them had similar flavor profiles (floral). -- CHICKEN OYSTER with Duck Liver and Ponzu...$18 Solid, but nothing spectacular. Despite how the chicken had a nice bit of browning and how the duck liver and ponzu complemented it well, this wasn't as juicy as I would've thought and the foam felt excessive. -- TSUKUNE - Chicken Meatball Glazed with Tare and Egg Yolk Jam Served with Monaka Wafer...$10 Nothing bad, but hardly memorable. While it was decently plump and the tare glaze on it was good, the meatball wasn't particularly moist, I didn't taste much of the jam, and the wafer was tasteless. -- HOJICHA TIRAMISU - Homemade Ladyfingers Steeped in Hojicha, Mascarpone-Yogurt Whip, and Honey Cream...$11 The best dish of the night and the only one I'd genuinely consider good anywhere. The ladyfingers soaked up a lot of the hojicha yet weren't soggy, the mascarpone-yogurt whip was light, and I liked the honey cream. As underwhelming as the food was, what really killed the experience for us was the service. At the start of our meal, everything was fine - the servers offered some helpful tips and our order started coming out relatively quick. However, as one of the workers tried to take one of the dishes out of the serving tray for the Offal Set, he accidentally spilled the last piece of Chicken Liver and Toast onto the table. Now, I don't know why he was so pressed to take the tray, but, regardless, rather than offer to replace what he dropped or even just apologize, he said something along the lines of, "You can still eat it off the table - we wiped it before you sat down". Presumably with the same towel you use to "clean" the messes from other tables? Awesome. In addition to that unfortunate incident, it also felt very much like they were trying to rush us out. Granted, I have no idea if that was actually the case or not, but it might explain why our server seemed annoyed when we asked about ordering dessert and why she started clearing our entire table as soon as we signed our check. And, for the record, we weren't loitering around, except for when we were waiting for our friend to return from the restroom, and there wasn't a crowd waiting at the door when we left either. Based on taste alone, this probably would've been three stars with a couple of highlights and a lot of underwhelming dishes. However, it's hard to ignore how our meal felt light on value, the aforementioned service issues, and how they may (or may not, to be fair) be the reason why all of us got food poisoning that lasted for over a week. Maybe it was a good thing he dropped that last bit of food. read more

See all

Personally a 4.5 for me but we'll round up since everyone had a great time and generally loved the food! And the service was also great! Been to many an izakaya and it's def one of my fav types of Japanese restaurants due to the interesting dishes available. This spot was a lil pricey but the food leaned more upscale rather than casual. And it had some cool unique dishes you'll prob never see elsewhere Food: King crab okonomiyaki- Didn't quite taste the king crab as much as the fish roe and sauerkraut but it was delicious nonetheless. It's not a traditional okonomiyaki at all tbh. In fact it looks like a puff pastry so much so we thought it was the donut. This was one of everyone's favs of the night Crudo- Also delicious but prob the most basic dish of the night. Everyone's got a crudo these days. That bath said, I did really like the flavors and the crunch from the puffed black rice. Kakuna mochi- Again delicious. Melt in your mouth goodness. Hot karaage- Chicken came out juicy and yet mega crispy. The crisp is different from your run of the mill fried chicken. The skin was so crispy it was almost like a chip. Flavors were on point. Tuna Wellington- Wow. I dunno how they did it but this was one of the best Wellingtons I've ever had. The pastry shell perfectly flaky. Inside juicy. Tuna still medium rare ish. This dish is a must try! Assorted chicken sweet- good but nothing mega special compared to the other dishes. Chicken oyster- Pretty good. Comes with this interesting foam on top. The chicken was super tender. Tsukune- so this isn't your trad tsukune at all... Tricky tricky haha instead of comes in slider form. While we all appreciated the creativity, I think we all felt the dish tasted a bit underwhelming. Like a chicken meatball should be close to a patty so I get what they were tryna do but for me it wasn't really there. I kinda felt the egg yolk flavor clashed with the wafer or what I imagined the slider should taste. I'd still try it for the funsies but prob wouldn't get again Hojicha tiramisu- cool flavor you can really taste the hojicha. The tiramisu could be better but it was solid and a nice little dessert to end the night Overall, def recommend to check this spot out and looking forward to hopefully new dishes the next time I have the pleasure of coming back read more

See all

My friend wanted to try this place together and we had a good experience overall. The service was nice and explained to us the menu. We ordered a few things and I would say the flavors are there and it's tasty. I'm not sure if it really blew me away and for the price and value, I'm not sure it aligns. I can respect their concept and creativity. Beautiful presentations. It has an intimate ambiance inside. read more

See all

This may be one of my new favorite spots. Cozy, but really well thought out interior. Beautifullll plating, delicious dessert. Love that it's prepped in front of you! read more

See all

This is a lovely izakaya with a focus on chicken. I would say their best stuff is the chicken from the grill- other stuff is good but not as standout. Over the course of two visits, I got Pork mochi- this was good but a little too bready Fried chicken leg- very tasty!! Spicy and delicious. Chicken oyster- sooo good. Great ponzu flavor Veggie set- the tomato and corn were amazing. Zucchini was a little bland, would recommend though Chicken offal set- very tasty and variety Chicken skin set- it was good but kind of similar. Don't think I would get again Chicken set- mmmm! Nice variety and very juicy Chawanmushi- delicious soup, and the sashimi is fresh Chicken soup- I think this was not particularly interesting. Definitely prefer chawanmushi Wagyu wellington- they had this instead of the tuna that day- the sauce was nice but the spinach was a bit overwhelming Service was nice and prompt, the chef comes out sometimes read more

See all

Dinner review. Upscale izakaya. COLD Tuna Tataki 18 seared bluefin tuna, garlic, chives Sasami 16 chicken tenderloin duo- cherrywood-smoked jerky/medium-rare tataki with ponzu-wasabi HOT (Highlight) Kakuni Mochi 10 slow-braised pork belly set over a mochi donut, crowned with cured egg yolk Okonomiyaki 17 king crab pancake, sauerkraut, kewpie, donori, and smoked trout roe (Highlight - Best) Hot Karaage 25 chicken leg, honey-butter chili glaze, sesame-nori furikake (Highlight) Tuna Wellington 60 tuna, nori, baby bok choi, and shiitake-negi duxelles in puff pastry, with beef tare and wasabi butter YAKIMONO Kawa Set 18 crispy chicken skin trio-ikura, bonjiri tail, karasumi Assorted Set 20 wing drummette with shiitake, cheese, thigh with tare and sansho, negima breast with Tokyo negi Tsukune 10 chicken meatball glazed with tare, egg yolk jam, served in monaka wafer DESSERT (Highlight - Also best) Hojicha Tiramisu homemade ladyfingers steeped in premium hojicha, layered with mascarpone-yogurt whip and honey cream Overall, very good/craveable chicken, but the hojicha tiramisu is definitely "as good as it gets." read more

See all

Came here for an early anniversary dinner! First heard about it on IG and it did not disappoint. They had recently made a bunch of changes to their menu (it already looked quite different from ones we saw online for even just a month ago!) and try to rotate it every couple of months. Everything looked so good that we ended up getting 17 items total LOL, including saying "can we order the entire right side of the menu?". Our server Tommy was so impressed that he comped our dessert haha. We also LOVED the yuzu sauce that came with the Hot Kaarage and he told us to just take the whole bottle home. Shout out Tommy -- he was fun to talk to. They also gave us each a glass of complimentary champagne for our anniversary in the beginning. 10/10 would 100% come back. Loved the decor inside and out. There's no signs on the outside but it's blue with tinted windows under the Irish Bank sign. For parking, would recommend the SFMTA - Sutter Stockton Garage a block away. We enjoyed counter seating since you can watch food being made and admire all the decor in the shelves behind the counter and some of the beautiful plates/dishes used double as decor on the shelves! Service was really fast when we first arrived at 6:30pm (the first 60% of dishes came out so fast) but slowed down maybe 45 min in and there were a lot of people that got in around 8pm. - Favorites: Hot Kaarage, Kawa Set - Honorable mentions: Crudo, Tori Yukke - Would pass next time: Potato Salada, Blistered Shishito - Best presentation: Kakuni Mochi (on a silver pig statue), Tori Yukke (on top of a hat), Tara Katsu (glass tray), Hot Kaarage (big claw) - Everything else was sooo good, incredible flavor!!! Everything ordered: - Crudo: amberjack, melon gazpacho, puffed black rice, granita - Potato Salada: Maine lobster, cucumber, parsnip, tarragon - Tuna Tataki: seared bluefin tuna, garlic, chives - Tori Yukke: chicken tenderloin tartar, yuka chips, gochujang - Kawa Set: crisp chicken skin trio - ikura, bonjiri tail, karasumi - Assorted Set: boneless wing with chicken mousse, thigh with tare and sansho, shoulder, stone fruit, salsa macha - Tsukune Slider: milk bread bun, smoked chicken meatball, American cheese, egg yolk jam, shiso - Kakuni Mochi: slow-braised pork belly set over a mochi donut, crowned with cured egg yolk - Blistered Shishito: charred shishito, romesco, breakfast radish, shichimi togarashi, katsuobushi - Okonomiyaki: king crab pancake, sauerkraut, aonori, smoked trout roe - Hot Karaage: chicken leg, honey-butter chili glaze, sesame-nori furikake - Tara Katsu: squid ink beer batter, cod, curry tartare, thick-cut fries - Mentai Bata: housemade udon, mentaiko butter, aged akasu, chives, smoked rock shrimp - Gyu Kushi: binchotan-grilled wagyu, wasabi, roasted seaweed salt - Wonton: chicken and pork, scallion, shiitake-soy balsamic, menma, lardo - Chazuke: madai, chicken dashi, genmaicha - Hojicha Tiramisu read more

See all

This is really an amazing hotspot right now. I loved every dish. Especially the tuna tataki which epitomized what the chef does exceptionally well. A certain harmony amongst the flavors that still allows the centerpiece to shine through. Super fresh fish. Limited as a result but whatever you get it's going to be great. The karage is really much more than a gimmick with the leg still on. The leg screams look at me, the balance of flavors with an amazing crispy flavor bomb encasing the chicken meat screams eat me... and put some of that house made hot sauce on me while you're at it. Will be back. In fact I'm making another reservation in a minute while I still can. read more

See all

TBD is an izakaya spot which opened up fairly recently less than a block away from the Chinatown Gate. For whatever reason, there is no signage outside but look for a blue storefront right below the Irish Bank sign (perhaps this plays into the story behind the TBD name). The restaurant itself is not that big but there is a bar by the entrance and a separate area in the back which could hold private dining parties. When I arrived the lights were on, but when food started coming out the lights were dimmed "for ambiance." Parking is usually tough but right before my weekday 6pm visit there were plenty of spots right in front of the restaurant as well as around the corner. My table of six tried plenty of items on the menu and each item was meant to be shared, though hungry eaters could enjoy them individually. In order of arrival, we had Sashimi, Tuna Tataki, Crudo, Potato Salada, Caesar, Veggie Set, Kawa Set, Kakuni Mochi, Okonomiyaki, Hot Karaage, Chicken Oyster, Tuna Wellington, Chazuke, and Hojicha Tiramisu. The raw pieces of fish in the first three dishes were very fresh, but on the smaller side. I enjoyed the potato salad and it had a good amount of small cuts of lobster dispersed throughout. The Caesar salad wasn't too memorable and I didn't taste much of the miso dressing in it. We probably could've done without the Veggie Set and Kawa Set since the summer corn, early girl tomato, zucchini and crisp chicken skin trio (ikura, bonjiri tail, karasumi) both looked nice but portions were small and didn't really provide anything substantial to the overall meal. The rest of the courses really impressed me. The Kakuni Mochi combination of slow-braised pork belly over a mochi donut and crowned with cured egg yolk sounded odd but really worked. Of note, the mochi donut was more like a crunchy Chinese donut and not like the typical mochi donuts composed of mochi balls. This was served on a metal pig statue which I thought was unique. The Okonomiyaki was not like the traditional ones from Japan since it was very dense; at first glance it looked like a mini donut with sauerkraut and smoked trout roe on top. The presentation of the Hot Karaage was fun with a huge chicken leg sticking out of the dish, reminding me of a hand reaching out of a grave on Halloween. I ended up taking this piece and there was meat at the opposite end of the claw, so don't waste this! The chicken oyster was small and didn't taste like much under all the foam. The Tuna Wellington was prepared perfectly; the puff pastry was flaky and crunchy and complemented the tuna baby bok choy, and shiitake inside very well, though each serving only provided half of the Wellington split in half. Chazuke was a nice end to the savory part of the meal with the same madai provided in the sashimi course. For dessert, I had the Hojicha Tiramisu and I thought it was the perfect end to the meal. I normally don't like tiramisu since I don't like coffee, but I love anything hojicha and this definitely had a strong hojicha flavor with all the hojicha powder generously sitting on top of the mascarpone-yogurt whip and honey cream. To drink I had a yuzu sparkling drink and it was light and refreshing without too much yuzu overpowering the drink. Overall, I was very impressed with my dining experience at TBD. The waiters explained each course upon delivery and kept checking in on the table. Some dishes fell a bit short but I still enjoyed my meal and would definitely come back. My only real critique is I wish the dining area was kept lit up so my food pictures would turn out better since the mini lamps on the table could only brighten up the table so much. read more

See all

TBD lives up to the hype! I managed to score a reservation for me and my partner at prime dinner time while browsing opentable on a random Friday night LOL. The restaurant is small and intimate, but well lit and not too noisy. We sat at the counter, which is my favorite so we could watch the chef preparing food. - Potato salada: I'm a sucker for Japanese potato salad, but I was impressed that the lobster chunks were so fresh and actually decently sized for the portion. Would definitely order again. - Kakuni mochi: This was not what I was expecting, but it was tasty! The pork belly was well flavored, and the mochi donut was crispy on the outside and chewy inside. The presentation on the pig plate was also amazing hahaha. - Okonomiyaki: One of my favorite dishes of the night! This doesn't look like a traditional okonomiyaki, but it was SO GOOD and the crab was so fresh and sweet. I could've eaten this by myself but I guess sharing is caring LOL. - Hot karaage: The dish that made them go viral on social media, and it did not disappoint. The chicken was so tender and juicy with a crispy exterior, and I loved the flavors from the honey butter chili glaze and the furikake. I also liked that they brought out pickled radish as a palate cleanser. Make sure you try the hot yuzu honey on the side too! - Kawa set: I don't know much about chicken skin, but I liked how crispy these were, and they each had a slightly different flavor. If you're hungry though, I would pick a different set because this wasn't a lot of protein. - Tsukune: The chicken meatball basically was turned into a cute slider LOL I liked the flavor, especially balanced with the shiso leaf, but the wafer got stuck to my teeth which was annoying to get unstuck. - Chazuke: This was a nice, light way to end the meal! The madai fish plated on top is raw, just FYI (my stomach has not been letting me eat raw fish lately, so I gave all of it to my partner). - Hojicha tiramisu: Don't skip this!! The hojicha flavor was light and not too sweet. We decided to share one, which was honestly a good portion for us. - Sake: I don't know much about sake, but their in-house sake expert recommended a few options to us after we described what flavor profiles we liked, and she gave us a sample of one that was off-menu too (and told us the price so we wouldn't be blindsided at the end). We ordered two glasses to try different flavors - both dry but one more fruity and one more floral - and liked them both! Service was very attentive - they came by a few times to see if we were ready to order (though we were also yapping and not reading the menu as we should've been), and they checked on us and refilled our waters regularly throughout the meal. I was decently full by the end of the meal, which I often don't expect at fine dining type restaurants. This was a fun new spot with good quality food, and I'd definitely come back to try the rest of the menu. read more

See all

I was Fortunate enough to score a reservation for TBD this past weekend. We started with the crudo, which was fresh, light, and a great way to begin the meal. Next was the lobster potato salad, which my wife absolutely loved. She spent a lot of time in Japan as a child and her mother is from there, and she said it reminded her of flavors she grew up with but elevated with a luxurious twist. The lobster added richness while the potatoes kept it comforting and approachable. The kakuni mochi featured flavorful pork belly that was tender and well-seasoned. I expected the mochi to have more chew, but it ate more like a soft donut. Even so, it was a very enjoyable bite and paired nicely with the richness of the pork. The okonomiyaki was excellent. It was a different execution than I expected, but the flavors were spot on and the dish felt both familiar and creative. The hot karaage was one of the highlights. The chicken was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and the yuzu hot sauce added a bright citrus kick that complemented it perfectly. We went with the assorted set, and every piece of chicken was perfectly executed. Each cut showcased a different texture and flavor, and the precision of the cooking really stood out. The chutoro was incredibly fresh and melted in your mouth. Its rich, buttery texture made it one of the most memorable bites of the evening. The miso wagyu was rich, decadent, and interactive in the best way. Cooking it yourself and turning it into lettuce wraps made for a fun experience, while the miso added depth and savoriness to the already luxurious beef. We also shared a bottle of Muku Junmai Daiginjo sake that paired beautifully with the meal. Don't skip dessert. The hojicha tiramisu was light, balanced, and a perfect way to end the meal. The food is creative without being overcomplicated, and the service was attentive and friendly. I wish we could have tried the entire menu but we will definitely be back. Everything we had was amazing, and it easily ranks as our favorite meal in San Francisco to date. read more

See all

I found TBD through instagram and was able to make a reservation through their instagram story on OpenTable. We came by on a Saturday night to try their skewers and aged-chicken and really enjoyed our experience. The izakaya is dimly lit, with a nice ambiance perfect for date night. We wanted to try a variety of dishes so started with the tuna tataki and then the okonomiyaki, hot karaage, chicken oyster, finishing with the hojicha tiramisu. My favorite was definitely the hot karaage which was nicely spiced without being salty and I loved the thick crunchy coating. The chicken is presented with the claw (really the showstopper of the night) and our server offered to cut the chicken for us which was super helpful. The yuzu hot sauce they provide on the side was really tasty as well for an added punch of flavor. The chicken oyster was a delicious bite as well and I enjoyed the okonomiyaki with roe for a more substantial app. We were definitely full by the end of the night as our dishes were pretty protein heavy. I do wish they had a vegetable on their menu as we could have used a lighter dish to balance out the chicken but overall really enjoyable meal and I'll have to be back to try more of the menu! read more

See all

TBD is OMG. What is definitely determined is the food is insane. I am fully aware that I may never be able to get a reservation here again once people understand how incredible it is, and I am grateful I had the chance. The karaage is a signature dish, and it does not disappoint. The batter is so crispy that it shatters in your mouth, creating an explosion of flavors. We were trying to guess all the different spices: Szechuan peppercorn? White pepper? Kaffir lime leaves? Furikake? Who knows. What is known is that it's outta sight tasty, and the chicken is deliciously tender. We also did two of the yakitori flights: the offal and the chicken skin. They were notable: perfectly cooked, and simply seasoned, with contrasting flavors that popped. The chicken heart with citrus was incredible: the lemon was very subtle, and was a nice acidic counter to the rich minerality of the chicken heart. The chicken skin flight was a decadent treat: they take care to select different pieces of skin from different parts of the chicken, and the crispy, rich, and savory result is outstanding. I loved the umami bombs they created, pairing the skin with bottarga or ikura. The okonomiyaki was a real treat: a delicious cake topped with lumps of crab on a delicate kewpie mayo sauce. It wasn't like okonomiyaki I've had before (the green onion was subtle and it wasn't griddle fried), but I was really pleased and pleasantly surprised. Finally, the chicken meatball was a real surprise hit. Rather than a yakitori skewer, it's like a mini burger, topped with a yolk sauce and served on a crispy almost hollow bun (I think it was made with rice flour). The meatball is indescribably juicy and perfectly seasoned. The contrast with the crispy bun and the way the rich yolk sauce pulls the flavor of the whole thing together was delightful. Again, I'm sad if I can't ever get in here again. But even if so, I'm so very grateful that I got to try it. read more

See all

After some disappointing visits to trendy restaurants, I am pleased to say that this one actually exceeded my expectations. The space itself is small and tight but also intimate and cozy with original details. Noise levels were low and we could hear each other talk quite easily. They don't have a full liquor license so they only have sake and a selection of beers (and one bottle of wine.....not by the glass) to choose from. Food: Sashimi sampler - 9/10. We ordered all of the varieties of fish they had. All were delicious but the Ora king salmon was probably my favorite....it was like butter. Tuna tataki - 8/10. Great flavors going on in this dish. Excellent quality fish. Lobster potato salad - 8/10. I actually really loved this but I would agree with the rest of the table that the lobster itself was pretty scant and hard to detect. Miso ceasar salad - 7/10. Nothing remarkable but the roughage was nice. Veggie set - 7/10. The veggies that came out were not the veggies that were advertised. The white asparagus was fantastic, the broccoli was good, but everyone said that the caramelized daikon was forgettable (my piece fell on the floor so didn't get to sample) Salmon crudo with strawberry relish and mint - 10/10. Really loved the flavors going on here. Every component was fully conceptualized. Mochi with pork belly - 10/10. Super crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. Pork belly on top had wonderful flavor. Tuna Wellington - 10/10. I don't know how they managed to get that pastry cooked but still managed to keep the tuna perfectly rare inside. The beef tare sauce was absolutely delicious. Rich with warm spices. We thought it tasted kind of like pho mole. Karaage - 12/10. Impossibly shatteringly crisp crust. Chicken itself had amazing texture and was super juicy and flavorful. Chicken oyster with duck liver - 10/10. It's clear chicken is where this restaurant shines. King crab okonomiyaki - 10/10. Not your traditional okonomiyaki, but the flavors were all there. Hojicha tiramisu - 10/10. It was more like a cheesecake custard with tea woven throughout. Really incredible. Overall, I can't recommend this place enough. It's not cheap, but it's worth it imho. With drinks, tax and tip, we ended up spending about $150 a head. Plates are small and we actually ended up ordering more than we expected. They don't seem to have much of an online presence or even a phone number, but I was able to get a link to an open table by DMing them on instagram. Enjoy! read more

See all

New izakaya place, def a unique menu. Went with the Tuna tataki which was good. I appreciated all the accountramont. The offal set was very interesting with chicken heart, liver and pate which was uniquely good. Chicken oyster was one of my faves. The Kakuni mochi has some orange zest with the pork belly which was a little off putting for me. The okonomiyaki was also good. The chicken skin set was also quite different and lastly ended with hojichi tiramisu. Overall an interesting and unique menu. A nice place to try and least once. read more

See all

Some lose their sh*t when they see a pink... A proper steak should be pink in the center...same with a pork chop. To each and their own but the keyboard warriors are going to go cray when they see chicken with a fleshy, moist pink center at TBD. OFC, there's a risk with everything but TBD carefully sources their poultry and use specific handling techniques to reduce risk. Ippuku (Berkeley) has been serving chicken tartare, tataki, and etc. for years and I haven't heard of any crazy bubble gut stories. From the owner of Akiko (and Friends Only) and Chef Tommy Cleary (Hina Yakitori) comes TBD. They took over the original Akiko's location. Currently in soft opening phase with special access rezzies on OpenTable. Dinner only. M E N U Small, curated menu of izakaya (Japanese tapas) and dry-aged heritage chicken grilled over binchōtan (Japanese white charcoal). Beer and sake available. 6% SF mandate. F O O D * Ora King Salmon w/ strawberry relish, charred jus, mint (5 pc-$18): https://tinyurl.com/3dxdy2mw Nice palate opener with fresh, buttery slices of salmon sashimi with a bright tangy sweetness. * Sasami: Chicken tenderloin duo medium-rare tataki w/ ponzu-wasabi + cherrywood-smoked jerky: https://tinyurl.com/58u2wjvu The rare chicken tataki was silky smooth and delicate. Clean flavor and tangy punch from the ponzu and kiss of smoke from the grill. No funky aftertaste or slimy texture. The smoked jerky had the familiar flavor of traditional meat jerky, but was softer and easy on the teeth. I haven't had a chance to visit Ippuku so I'm glad I tried this Japanese delicacy once out of curiosity. * Okonomiyaki: King Crab Pancake w/ sauerkraut, kewpie, aonori, smoked trout roe (4 pc-$17) The thick, savory pancake was soft and very mild in flavor. * Kakuni Mochi Donut: Slow-braised pork belly, mochi donut, cured egg yolk ($10 each): https://tinyurl.com/3sp8yzyr A creative canapé, my fav part was the meltingly soft, umami rich braised pork belly. If the mochi donut had more of that signature bouncy QQ chew, it would have perfect. * Hot Karaage: Chicken Leg w/ honey-butter chili glaze, sesame-nori furikake ($24): https://tinyurl.com/rx3ucfe3 A Hapa baby with Japanese, Korean, and American elements, the fried chicken leg featured a shatteringly crunchy crust with juicy meat that squirted into my face. The honey butter glaze was subtle so the yuzu hot sauce did the heavy lifting with a bright, citrusy kick of heat. It was messy to eat so it would be great if they offered hand wipes to guests. * Kawa Set: Crisp Chicken Skin Trio w/ ikura, bonjiri tail, karasumi ($18): https://tinyurl.com/3nppxrv7 You can't really go wrong with crispy chicken skin and rich, juicy chicken booty. * Tsukune: Chicken Meatball glazed w/ tare, egg yolk jam, monaka wafer ($10): https://tinyurl.com/yjau95e9 Typically, a skewer with a raw yolk for dipping, I liked their unique twist of serving it as sandwich between two rice crackers. The meatball ran on the salty side and the cracker softens quickly so eat this ASAP. * Chicken Oyster: Oyster of Chicken w/ duck liver, ponzu (2 pc-$18): https://tinyurl.com/3vbrejhd Fav bite of the night! A prized cut found near the thigh of the bird, the morsel of chicken is rich and savory, elevated by the crown of luxe foie (like buttah). * Hōjicha Tiramisu w/ homemade ladyfingers, premium hōjicha, mascarpone-yogurt whip, honey cream ($11): https://tinyurl.com/v7yw6dvs Light layers of soft ladyfingers and tangy yogurt whip with a hint of sweetness. I was hoping for more roasty hōjicha flavor tho. S E R V I C E Polite and prompt. A M B I A N C E Sophisticated, intimate space with exposed brick walls. There's about eight tables and counter seats at the bar. Overall, TBD is off to a solid start and we had an enjoyable meal. If you're looking for creative and unique izakaya dishes, TBD will be your jam. read more

See all

TBD was such a fantastic experience from start to finish. The service from the beginning was impeccable. Every staff member was warm, inviting, helpful and on top of every aspect of the service. The food transported me back to Japan. Honestly some of the best bites of sashimi and karaage ive ever had. The tuna tataki and the karaage are must gets. Love the vibes inside. Dimly lit with great music playing. Really fosters an environment to eat, drink and yap. Highly recommend for your next get together read more

See all

Right now, reservations are open if you click through their instagram story but are not available otherwise. Enjoyed the experience here, service was great, and the food was all tasty. Portions are tiny even by izakaya standards so expect to order at least 5-7 dishes for 2 people. Everything was tasty. We started with sashimi - everything is dry aged and more intensely flavored without being fishy. Really enjoyed the flavors here but the pieces of fish were fairly small for the $$. The chicken oyster was a delicious bite, although I generally don't like foam, it worked here. The kawa set was delicious, although a tiny taste - it was chicken skin so rich (and crispy!). The tsukune was inventive and delicious - I especially liked how the shiso leaf balanced the savory chicken patty/meatball. The karaage was delicious but take the server up on their offer to carve, the "shattering" coating was pretty messy but good. Their hot honey sauce was delicious - it was decently spicy but had an awesome flavor. The kakuni might have been my favorite bite - definitely not traditional but delicious on the mochi donut I enjoyed myself but could have eaten more - probably taking a star off for $$$ to portion size read more

See all

3.5 stars Always love an izakaya, just wish they weren't so expensive. And TBD is definitely on the fancy end of the izakaya scale - dinner easily comes out to $100-150 per person post-tax (without being stuffed). But the food is overall solid and creative. Surprisingly, even though it just opened, reservations are not that hard to get. We got: tuna tataki - this was probably one of my partner's favorite dishes. I thought it was good, but generally think tuna is good. okonomiyaki - a nice dish to fill you up, although I found the crab flavor a bit fishy for me. mochi pork belly dish - this was actually my favorite dish of the night, just so much flavor in a single bite, and the mochi part was really not even mochi-like. I was worried it would be heavy, but it wasn't. hot karaage - this a bit spicy. It's not ridiculous, but as someone with an incredibly low spice tolerance, it was just a little too spicy for me to enjoy. But very juicy meat and lots of flavor. kawa set (chicken skin trio) - good, but it is just crispy chicken skin, which I'm not a big die-hard fan of. chicken sasami - interesting, but I wouldn't say that it's a must-get for me chicken oyster - I enjoyed this, especially with the yuzu foam on top wagyu - comes with four thin slices of wagyu, so it's pretty pricey ($50) for what you get. But, this was my partner's favorite dish of the night. I will caveat though, that his favorite food is beef, so to someone like me who likes beef but isn't obsessed with it, it just tasted like any other wagyu, that is to say, delicious, but just wagyu. hojicha tiramisu - I went in with high expectations, so was a bit underwhelmed relative to my expectations. I just don't love tart yogurt, so didn't love that there was a tart yogurt layer on the top that was impossible to avoid. read more

Good for intimate setting. Dark and small space. Very creative and interesting concepts. I did not fully taste some of their key ingredients like the cured egg yolk, duck liver, mochi. I really enjoyed the potato salad, the soup, all of the cold items and dessert. The hot items were too hard/ overdone/too crunchy for me. The resto did not have a sign yet so i had to search online how it looks like. Also it only has 1 restroom! There were 20+ people to possibly use it that night so no thanks. read more

See all

We just walked in just right after opening and got lucky enough to grab a couple seats at the bar. Didn't have a ton of time so we could only try a few dishes, but everything we ordered was a hit. No misses at all, which makes me even more curious about the rest of the menu. I definitely need to come back on my next SF visit. Decor is really cool, great vibe overall. The Tuna Wellington is a must order. read more

TBD - Izakaya Near Me - San Francisco, California

I walked by here in the Fidi area and was intrigued by the new restaurant. Finally made a reservation and decided to try the place! We got the sake, which was alright. It's an izakaya place so we got a bunch of things to try. Most of the dishes were a modern take on traditional Japanese food and wasn't executed perfectly so no standout. For example, the skewers taste was well done but was cooked a little too long so it was chewy. Probably the best item was the chazuke, which relied on traditional flavors and was very homey. Plating and service was great though. Everything was pre portioned so you're able to share dishes easily. read more

See all

Solid izakaya spot in SF. We ordered a pretty big spread, but the absolute highlight was the hot karage - a bit unique with the leg attached but perfectly executed and packed with spicy and tangy flavor that comes with a great crunch. The tuna sashimi was fresh and wellington right amount of kick. We rounded things out with the okonomiyaki. Highly recommend snagging a reservation and even then, expect a wait (our seating was for 8pm but didn't get the table until 8:25pm). Optional: you can grab a drink at the Harlan Records that's around the corner while you wait. Staff will text you when the table is ready. read more

See all

As a huge fan of Akiko's (both past and present), Friends Only, and Hina Yakitori (such a unique and incredible concept!), I was super excited to try this new joint venture from the respective owners. Unfortunately, the experience and overall menu fell a bit flat for our party of five. Starting with arrival, our table wasn't ready until 15-20 minutes past our reservation, which wasn't a huge deal but not off to a great start. We got seated, ordered drinks, and asked our server how best to order. They recommended 3-4 items from each section (Cold, Hot, Yakimono) for our group size, but when we asked if that would let everyone try each dish, they couldn't give a clear answer, which was frustrating. As soon as the courses came out, it was clear that most were designed for 2-3 people at most so we were left cutting dishes into tiny pieces just so everyone could get a taste, or some people opted to skip altogether because it was too much of a pain. It was especially evident in the yakimono courses, where we asked multiple times if one order would be enough for each person to try a bite of everything and were not given a clear answer, so it was doubling frustrating once they arrived. These courses in particular each person only tried some of each dish as there just isn't enough to share (I would say each order serves 2 people at most). We also tried to order some items and were told they were sold out, which is fine but it would have been great to lead with that, especially for popular dishes like the Tuna Wellington. There were a few bites that were good and a few very good ones, like the Chicken Karaage with its stunning presentation and ultra-crackly skin, and the Salmon Crudo was delicious, but unfortunately a lot of so-so dishes (or ones we didn't even get to try). We were starving after we finished, so we actually went to Pie Punks down the street and had another full meal there. I know it's still early days and they're working out kinks, but I hope they address the myriad of service issues and better balance the price-to-quantity on many dishes as it seems a bit out of whack. When I think of an izakaya, it evokes plentiful, delicious food with good friends over drinks in a convivial atmosphere, but the vibe here just feels like it's trying too hard to be upscale. High hopes, but needs a lot of refinement in my opinion. read more

See all

Had a really nice birthday dinner here. Cute restaurant, music was just the right volume so that you can hear it but still hold a conversation. Cash was a fun and knowledgeable server. Throughout our dinner Ray (owner?) checked in on us often to make sure everything was good. He took time to chat casually which was a personable touch. Food was well presented and delicious. Loved how each dish had a different flavor profile. They comped my birthday dessert which is rare these days. read more

See all

After a crazy long work stretch, my boss decided to treat me to a nice dinner. He brought me to a wonderful new restaurant here in SF called TBD, headed by Chef Ray Lee of Akiko's as well as yakitori mastermind, Tommy Cleary. I arrive at the opening of dinner. Lights warm, intimate seating, and staff whizzing around with methodical intention. I could tell that every single detail was taken into account. Now for me, all sushi experiences and yakitori experiences have always been about textural execution. After my dinner here at TBD, they left no stone unturned. I had the crispy, the crunchy, the delightfully chewy, the milky, the flaky, the delicate, the hearty. Oh let me tell the ways: Sashimi tasting - Chutoro, Ora King Salmon, Madai. My goodness. I've never had such firm, yet silky, deeper cleaner taste out of fish. The thoughtfulness and skill that is taken to the dry aging process comes through and through, not to mention the accompaniments of every single bite of sashimi. This was a work of art. Tuna Tataki - I think I could've easily ordered 3 rounds of this. The depth and layers of flavor from the seared bluefin tuna, garlic, and chives were so heightened. One of my most favorite bites of the night. THIS IS A MUST Okonomiyaki - Do not sleep on this dish. The king crab alone makes it an act of pure luxury. You get the lightly sweet, dense, bready texture of the pancake, beautifully offset by tangy sauerkraut and satisfying little pops of saltiness from the smoked trout roe. Filling, inventive, and unlike anything else. Kakuni Mochi - This is as much the interpretation of Asian comfort food as it gets, all in about 2 bites. What got me most was that although the dish was modernly presented and crafted, it truly did transport me back home with the classic braised pork. The mochi was perfection; crispy on the outside, sticky and soft on the inside. Hot Karaage aka "The Claw" - Their most playful dish, in both presentation and flavor. Perfectly moist chicken with flawlessly crispy skin, seasoned with a nod to the beloved Hawaiian Hurricane Mix -- honey sweetness, sesame nuttiness, and the saltiness of nori furikake. Pure joy on a plate. Tuna Wellington - Possibly the most unique dish I've ever tasted. A stunning riff on the classic Beef Wellington, gorgeous bluefin tuna wrapped in nori, tender baby bok choy, and shiitake negi, all encased in sweet puff pastry. But the true slam dunk? The beef tare sauce. Rich, deeply layered, and the result of hours of careful work. Without it, this dish would be extraordinary. With it, it's transcendent. And that pickled carrot as a palate cleanser? We're already lobbying for it to be sold by the jar. Yakimono - Kawa Set - Fried chicken skin may sound simple, but TBD takes it somewhere else entirely. Shatteringly crisp on the outside, with a chewy, fatty bite within. The textural contrast here was my favorite of the night. Plated with micro floral arrangements in true California style. A dish after my own heart. Yakimono - Assorted Set - Wing Drummete, Thigh, Negima. Most people think they've experienced chicken. They haven't, not like this. A wing drummette stuffed with shiitake and cheese. Thigh with tare and sansho. Chicken breast with Tokyo negi. I was speechless. Hojicha Tiramisu - Creamy, deep, and gently sweet with a beautiful hint of herbaceousness. I don't normally have a sweet tooth, but this was impossible to resist. A gorgeous finish. By now, you might be thinking: small courses, I'll leave hungry. Not a chance. The quality, the textural range, and the well-timed palate cleansers made this feel like poetry in motion. Service was prompt, warm, and attentive throughout. Tucked into Union Square in a discreet setting with seating for just 15-20 guests, TBD is the kind of place where reservations are a smart move, word travels fast. The energy is intimate, the music is modern, and though you're in the heart of a bustling city, the room invites real conversation. An unsuspecting gem. 5 stars! read more

See all

This highly-anticipated Japanese restaurant from two superstar chefs (Akikos and Hina Yakitori) is still in a soft-opening stage, with reservations available only through Instagram stories, and it adds a new izakaya option for SF foodies. I liked it more than Rintaro; the meatball and the tuna Wellington were perfection. The karaage is beautifully-presented, but the yuzu hot sauce steals the show. You'll be crowded in, either at the bar or in the crammed restaurant. Service is quick; my meal (five courses à la carte) lasted about 80 minutes, but i never felt rushed. In time, this will be getting the same kind of attention as other trendy restaurants, so might as well book it now. read more

Firstly, we were fortunate to snag a reservation for two a few days before. In the afternoon before our dinner reservation we received a call to review our gluten sensitivities and were told that many of their dishes included marinating in soy sauce. Such a nice personal touch. We arrived a little early and were guided through the bar area to a cozy dining room that felt like a wine cellar. The music selection was fun and the volume unobtrusive. We tried several of their signature dishes. The chicken kara'age was out of this world. The tuna tataki ethereal. The Okonomiyaki had such great texture and flavor, topped with shredded ginger and Kira. The Veggie Set included romanesco in a refined chimichurri style sauce, the daikon was coated with a miso sauce and grilled. The white asparagus was the star of this dish topped with bonito flake. The Kawa Set was a head to tail tour of crispy chicken skin, and we loved every iteration. We also got to try a new sake that was kind of a combo of sweetness and dryness. Such a great accompaniment to our dinner. In a few words, book a reservation now before TBD is discovered by Michelin. We can't wait to return and bring our friends. read more

TBD - Chicken Kara'age - Izakaya Near Me - San Francisco, California

Has a recent birthday dinner here and both food and service was a delight. Angthika was our server and very patient with the ten million questions we asked. She guided us to a delicious sake that was very complex on the tongue. I can't wait to come back. read more

See all

If you're looking for a spot that blends classic izakaya vibes with some truly creative, high-end twists, TBD Izakaya is it. We sat at the counter and had a front-row seat to some incredible dishes. Here is the breakdown of the hits: The Highlights * Tuna Tataki & Chutoro: You can tell they take their fish quality seriously. Both were incredibly fresh, buttery, and delicious. * Potato Salad w/ Lobster: I'll be honest, I didn't expect to be "wowed" by potato salad, but this was surprisingly delicious. The lobster adds a level of luxury that makes it a must-order. * Hot Karaage: If you like a little kick, this is for you. It was very yummy and perfectly fried. * Tuna Wellington: melted in my mouth. It's a bit of a messy eat - don't expect to stay perfectly neat - but the richness of the tuna wrapped in that pastry was worth every napkin. * Tsukune. On its own, it was nothing special compared to the other dishes, but dipping it in the yuzu hot sauce that comes with the fried chicken definitely elevated the flavors. Overall, a fantastic experience. Great atmosphere, attentive service, and some very memorable bites! read more

See all

Nathan's the goat Food was spectacular Nathan had great vibes and accommodated us, even though my friend made the reservation for the wrong Friday. read more

The experience is a big part of going out -- arguably more important than the taste of the food, especially when you're paying $100+ per person. This place doesn't know how to operate at that level of service. We came here with my wife to celebrate a special occasion and ordered the shishito peppers. In full disclosure: there was no kitchen mistake here. Shishitos are hot by design. But one of them was extremely hot for us -- the kind where everything in your mouth burns and you start turning red. While my wife was going bright red, I walked to the kitchen -- literally three steps away, that's how small this place is -- and said the peppers were too hot for us, and asked if they had any ice cream or milk to bring the heat down. I got a flat "no, we don't have any" and zero action from the person I assume is the manager or sous chef, standing at the pass making sure the orders go out right. I told him again: my wife is really struggling, we need to solve this right now. He just didn't care. Credit where it's due -- one of the cooks ran downstairs on his own and came back suggesting bread with oil. That was him, not the restaurant. Nobody there had a plan for this. Only after that did I ask for the dessert menu myself, hoping to find something with cream or something sour in it. The waiter said, "oh yeah, we have tiramisu." I said of course, bring the tiramisu -- and that's what actually solved the problem. The whole thing took two minutes when it should have taken three seconds. Meanwhile my wife's mouth was on fire. Again -- our choice to order the hot thing, and no mistake by the kitchen. But if you're opening a restaurant and you're serving something spicy, you think one step ahead: what do we give someone when the heat is too much? That's hospitality 101. They just weren't prepared, and the manager didn't care. I'd rather eat at a place that doesn't know how to do everything but actually cares about its customers, than at a place that positions itself as premium and fails to deliver. read more