KEN

“We recently celebrated my partners birthday at KEN and had the most phenomenal night. We had a lot of interaction with all the staff which made the experience memorable and far from boring. The food from start to finish was out of this world and every flavor profile was *chefs kiss*. There were details throughout from the bites, to the dishes, to the sake pairing... couldn't have asked for a better evening. I had asked if we'd be having Uni because it is my absolute favorite and not only did Ken deliver, I think it was the most wonderful bite of Uni my mouth has ever tasted. Would definitely go back in the future for another celebration and have already recommended it to several friends! P.S. the drink coasters are all handmade + gorgeous and I really wanted to buy it but they are 110% not for sale.”

“KEN is a hidden gem in San Francisco and absolutely worth the effort to book. I used to work in SF before the pandemic and was a regular at Kusakabe, where Chef Ken previously worked, so I was excited to finally visit his own restaurant. The restaurant itself is very intimate, with only a 7-seat counter, which gives it a warm, homey feel. Chef Ken’s hospitality truly stands out. He took the time to introduce every fish, explain how each piece was cured, and recommend the best way to enjoy it. He was also incredibly patient and accommodating with allergies and preferences, and somehow managed to make all seven guests at the counter feel equally cared for throughout the evening. As a Hong Kong native, I especially appreciated that Chef Ken was happy to chat with me in Cantonese, which made the experience feel even more personal. The quality of the food was outstanding. Some of the highlights for me were the Hokkaido scallop sashimi, the otoro nigiri, and especially the nodoguro add-on at the end, which was unforgettable. Every course reflected the passion and attention to detail Chef Ken puts into his cuisine. Because of the small size of the restaurant, reservations can be difficult to secure, but it is absolutely worth planning ahead. Parking in the area is also limited, so I would recommend taking a rideshare or using Muni, which conveniently drops you off right at the corner.”

“Dinner at KEN was one of those rare experiences where everything is considered, not just the fish, but the rhythm, the temperature, the ceramics, the space, and the human touch behind it all. Each course felt perfectly calibrated: cool against warm, delicate against rich, flavors building intentionally. The fish itself was exceptional, pristine and expressive, but what stayed with me was the balance, nothing felt rushed. The setting is intimate in the best way. Friendly, welcoming, and deeply personal, without ever feeling performative. You feel cared for, guided, and included. The attention to detail extends beyond the food to the vessels it arrives in; beautiful, tactile pieces that elevate each bite and make the entire experience feel composed and intentional. The sake also deserves special mention. Thoughtful throughout, and the dessert sake is an absolute must, unexpected, rich, and the perfect closing note. This is the kind of meal you keep thinking about days/months/years later. A meal that lingers in memory, not just on the palate. Thank you, Ken I’ll be thinking about this fabulous evening for a long time to come.”

“The best way to describe Ken is like having a good friend, who is also a chef, prepare a exceptional food experience for you. The space is beautiful and intimate. The staff were very attentive and kind. The menu was expertly crafted. I appreciated how there were warm dishes interspersed with the cool sushi and sashimi, as the weather is cold at this time. Makes me wonder what menu chef would come up with for spring as the weather changes. It was an amazing experience, one you'll be thinking about for a while after. Absolutely recommend.”

“By far the best and most memorable omakase experience I’ve ever had! The atmosphere, food, and storytelling came together to create a truly unforgettable evening. Not only was it incredibly fun, but also educational. This is absolutely a must-visit spot, and I’ll be sure to come back every time I’m in San Francisco!”