Niku Steakhouse

“This was our “treat yo self” decision for our upcoming anniversary while on vacation. We love being from Alabama, but sometimes there is just food in another state that’s worth waiting for! We arrived a bit earlier than our reservation, and were seated at the bar for a cocktail while we waited for a spot. We had upgraded our original reservation from the dining room to the chef’s table so we could watch while they cooked (my partner is my personal chef, so I requested he watch closely!) When our spots were ready, we were seated and presented with some champagne for our anniversary, as well as their version of avocado toast. I had no idea those small bites could be so delicious. We ended up ordering both the australian wagyu filet mignon as well as the tasting of japanese wagyu - a3 mother and a5 bushu so we could taste it all side-by-side. FIrst of all, it was all incredible and we truly could tell the difference…but we could’ve just had the filet and been pleased (we’re foodies, but not THAT cultured). However, it was a highly rated restaurant, our server was helpful, kind and guiding and we were there for a splurge - you only live once, you know? We also split the corn capellitti and roasted broccolini as our sides. Although we opted not to get dessert, we were handed a small bowl of sorbet and who can say no to that? It did not disappoint. All in all, this meal was everything we hoped it would be and more. Thank you for treating us so well and we truly enjoyed the conversations with all who stopped to chat with us!”

“Niku and our server Rueben made our anniversary dinner truly unforgettable. The team went above and beyond to make the night feel special, and the service was outstanding from start to finish. We started with uniquely prepared and flavorful bone marrow and shishito peppers perfectly paired with anchovies aioli. For the main course, loved the recommended stone iron steak and A5 wagyu pairing, both were exceptional. Counter seating is a must to watch the chefs attention to every detail and get recommendations from the chef! Amazing food, incredible quality, and thoughtful service. Highly recommend for a special occasion or an unforgettable dining experience.”

“Dining at Niku Steakhouse for my Birthday was an experience from start to finish. We went all in on the Wagyu Trio that had A3 A4 and A5 and we even added a fourth cut, which elevated an already premium tasting into something next level. Each cut was perfectly prepared, rich, and balanced, showcasing why Niku stands out in San Francisco’s steakhouse scene. The pig ears were a standout and unexpectedly addictive. Crispy, flavorful, and executed with precision, they set the tone early. Another surprise hit was the short rib, which delivered deep flavor and tenderness that easily holds its own against the Wagyu selections. The short rib bone marrow also added to the experience. Tender cuts of short rib smearing the marrow over toast was definitely a treat. The bar program deserves just as much recognition. Opting for their top shelf pours, including a 30 Year Appleton Estate rum, turned the night into something special. Watching the staff go up and down their ladder system all evening pulling premium bottles added to the overall experience and energy of the room. We also enjoyed the 2002 Samaroli a Barbados rum and even mixed in a Japanese Kiyomi white rum into the evening. Dessert closed things out strong. The brownie was my personal favorite, rich without being overwhelming and the perfect ending to a memorable meal. Of course I added ice cream to the compliment the brownie. From the food to the service to the atmosphere, Niku delivers a high-level dining experience that’s worth every visit.”

“For our anniversary dinner, Niku came very prepared to make it a memorable experience. Starting off with drinks, Greg was the knowledgeable and friendly face behind the counter. Niku has one of the most unique drink menus I’ve encountered in the city, and Greg broke down the various drinks and their processes, like purpose of clarifying certain drinks and how to go about making a milk punch. He satiates curiosity and really helped set the tone for our night, as the rest of the evening we felt the same level of care, attention to detail, and generosity from all the other staff. A special shout out needs to go to Avery as well, who graciously walked us through the menu and kept the vibe going! As for the food, I was thoroughly impressed with the beef tartare and bone marrow starters. Of course, you can anticipate the quality of beef as you step into a beef-centered Michelin-starred restaurant. However, the starters blew me away and I continued to be amazed with our rib eye and short rib courses. The potato au gratin is a must, a beauty in technical skill and a treat for your taste buds. Lastly, you can’t leave without trying the wagyu fat brownie. You just can’t. Thank you to Greg, Avery, and the gentleman that helped us to complimentary champagne to help us ring in our special evening. We will be back!”

“I struggled with my review because it was great service and the meat was tasty - the price though was a little much. I've gone to plenty of high end steakhouses that were more reasonably priced (to be fair, in NY). The parker house rolls were so fresh and warm. The wagyu tsukune was comforting, but definitely can make you feel full too early. We then had the flat iron, a3, and new york strip. The meat was great - just not sure it is worth the price. Also you get to choose your knives, but both us had problems cutting our meat (especially the flat iron). Overall, the steak was great, just didn't seem worth the price. Service was great.”