Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Japantown

We go as often as we can -- definitely at Christmas. This time we were in a cozy room with a fireplace. Dinners was DELICOUS as always. Everything included -- just a few choices to make and drinks aplenty! Great martinis and service that is beyond (Trevor and our carver were fantastic). A San Francisco institution!

My husband and I are Florio regulars for several reasons: * The service — including Jamie the bartender, Josh and Peter the servers, and David the host — are always on their ‘A’ game. We feel well taken care of when we dine here. My husband has trouble walking due to Parkinson’s, and the staff here is always ready to help us get to our table. * The food — never had a mediocre or bad dish here. The parpadelle, lasagna (not currently on the menu), hanger steak, roasted crispy chicken and cacio e Pepe are particular favorites. The desserts are excellent as well, including the olive oil cake and caramel gelato. * The drinks — though I’m not a regular martini drinker, I love the Florio martini. It’s delicious. Florio offers a well-curated wine list, too. * The ambience — sophisticated and casual. Lighting is at just the right level. Not too low so you can’t read the menu, not too bright where you feel like you’re at a chain restaurant. For total transparency, we have no business or family ties to Florio. We’re not friends with anyone who works here or anyone who owns or manages the restaurant. In other words: We have nothing to gain from posting a glowing review. I just like to recognize good people doing a great job.

We have been meaning to come here for awhile, so had the opportunity right before the holidays and enjoyed an amazing meal. We did the tasting menu for 2 of us (friend's dinner) and was not disappointed. Almost everything that came out was delightful with a couple of personal preferences that we didn't care for as much but still tasty. The desserts were amazing. The chocolate pavlova and the kiwi jelly is something that i'll remember and go back for again if they still have it.

Food was so good. Novel takes on cocktails. Accommodating to food allergies Good overall service. Service great until it got super busy then lagged a bit. Not a big deal. We sat at the high top in the window next to the door. Cold tonight. We would have been better off, making a reservation in further in advance and getting a table in the dining room proper.

Outstanding food, particularly the signature duck and the Guinea hen. Kai is a superb waiter. He should own his own restaurant. Price reasonable for San Francisco.