Kufu-Ya Introduce
For Californians in San Francisco, particularly those residing in or visiting the vibrant Richmond District, Kufu-Ya stands as a long-standing establishment offering a diverse range of Japanese culinary experiences. While it's known for its broad menu encompassing sushi, sashimi, and classic Japanese entrées, Kufu-Ya truly shines as a destination for its highly popular All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) Shabu Shabu. This interactive hot pot dining style allows diners to cook fresh meats and vegetables in flavorful broths right at their table, creating a communal and satisfying meal.
Kufu-Ya aims to provide a casual and inviting atmosphere, making it a suitable spot for various occasions, from a quick post-workout protein refuel to a relaxed catch-up with friends. With a history of serving the San Francisco community since 2004, this family-owned restaurant emphasizes fresh ingredients and efficient service, striving to deliver a memorable and enjoyable Japanese dining experience.
## Location and Accessibility
Kufu-Ya is conveniently situated at 7001 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA, placing it squarely in the heart of San Francisco's Richmond District. This location on a major thoroughfare ensures easy accessibility for residents of the surrounding neighborhoods and those traveling from other parts of the city. Geary Boulevard is a key arterial road, making it simple to reach by car or public transportation.
The restaurant is also noted for having a parking lot, which is a significant convenience in San Francisco, alleviating concerns about street parking. Its central Richmond District location makes it a practical choice for locals seeking Japanese cuisine without having to venture far from their daily routines.
## Services Offered
Kufu-Ya provides a comprehensive range of services, catering to various dining preferences:
- Dine-In: The restaurant offers a casual and cozy setting for guests to enjoy their meals, whether it's a quick bite or a longer Shabu Shabu experience. It can accommodate both intimate groups and larger parties, especially with advance reservations.
- All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) Shabu Shabu: A major highlight, offering unlimited servings of meats (typically beef and lamb), a variety of fresh vegetables, and noodles cooked in your choice of flavorful broth. They also offer a "gold menu" with additional premium items like uni and scallops for an extra charge.
- Takeout: Customers can conveniently order their favorite sushi, appetizers, and entrées for pickup.
- Delivery Services: Kufu-Ya partners with third-party delivery platforms, allowing customers to enjoy their Japanese dishes in the comfort of their homes.
- Sushi Bar Options: A full sushi bar menu is available, including nigiri, sashimi, classic rolls, and signature "Roll Fantasia" options, along with deluxe sushi combinations.
- Extensive Main Menu: Beyond Shabu Shabu and sushi, they offer appetizers (like chicken wings, baked mussels, tempura), various Japanese entrées (teriyaki chicken, beef, salmon, tonkatsu, chicken katsu), and a selection of soups and salads.
- Wine and Beer Menu: A selection of alcoholic beverages is available to complement the meal, including an all-you-can-drink beer and sake option with AYCE Shabu Shabu.
- Reservations: While walk-ins are possible, especially during off-peak hours, reservations are recommended, particularly for larger groups, to ensure seating for their popular Shabu Shabu.
## Features / Highlights
Kufu-Ya has several compelling features that draw in its San Francisco clientele:
- Exceptional AYCE Shabu Shabu: This is a primary draw. Customers appreciate the continuous replenishment of high-quality meats (especially the "butter-smooth" beef and lamb), fresh vegetables, and noodles. The broths, particularly the spicy miso and creamy tonkotsu, are well-regarded, as are the various dipping sauces.
- Speedy Service for AYCE: Many patrons highlight the efficient and attentive service, especially during AYCE Shabu Shabu, with plates of meat and vegetables being replenished almost immediately without needing to ask.
- Diverse Menu Beyond Shabu Shabu: While Shabu Shabu is a focus, Kufu-Ya offers a wide array of other Japanese dishes. Their sushi and sashimi are available, and they have various cooked entrées like teriyaki and tempura, ensuring there’s something for everyone in a group, even if not everyone wants hot pot.
- Convenient for Groups: The restaurant is capable of accommodating larger parties and is a good spot for gatherings with friends and family due to its setup for communal dining with Shabu Shabu.
- Neighborhood Favorite: For those living nearby in the Richmond District, Kufu-Ya is often considered a convenient and worthwhile local option for a satisfying Japanese meal.
- Post-Workout Protein Boost: One reviewer specifically noted its suitability for a "high dose of protein" after a workout, highlighting the ample meat servings in their AYCE Shabu Shabu.
- Value-Oriented Options: The AYCE model often presents good value for money, especially for those with hearty appetites, and the all-you-can-drink beer and sake option adds to this value.
## Promotions or Special Offers
Kufu-Ya's primary ongoing special offer revolves around its highly popular All-You-Can-Eat Shabu Shabu. This offering inherently provides a value proposition for diners looking for a hearty and continuously replenished meal. They also offer an All-You-Can-Drink Beer and Sake option for an additional charge, which can be a significant value for groups. While specific rotating daily deals aren't widely advertised, the consistent pricing and generous portions for their AYCE service are a core part of their appeal. For the most current information, checking their in-restaurant specials board or inquiring directly with staff is recommended.
## Contact Information
For reservations, takeout orders, or general inquiries about Kufu-Ya, please use the following contact details:
- Address: 7001 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
- Phone: (415) 668-8699
It's advisable to check their current operating hours online, as they can vary, but generally, they are open for dinner on weekdays and have both lunch and dinner services on weekends.
## Conclusion: Why Kufu-Ya is Suitable for Locals
For Californians in San Francisco, particularly those in the Richmond District, Kufu-Ya offers a compelling choice for Japanese dining, especially if you're a fan of Shabu Shabu. Its long-standing presence since 2004 speaks to its ability to consistently serve the community. The main draw, the All-You-Can-Eat Shabu Shabu, provides an engaging, interactive, and incredibly satisfying meal, perfect for groups of friends or family looking to catch up over delicious food.
While some individual experiences regarding general dining conditions or specific side dishes may vary, the consistent praise for the quality of their meats and the efficient, friendly service during the AYCE hot pot experience highlights its core strength. Its convenient location with parking in the Richmond District makes it easily accessible for locals. Kufu-Ya stands as a reliable, casual spot where you can get a hearty, protein-rich meal, making it a solid option for everyday dining or a fun group outing in San Francisco.
Kufu-Ya Photos










Kufu-Ya Location
Kufu-Ya
7001 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
Kufu-Ya Reviews
Perfect post workout for a high dose of protein! Came here hungry and the food came within 60 sec of sitting down. AYCE of 2 meats (beef + lamb) with a special sauce; veggie bowl and noodles to even it out. They were out of oysters but the uni shooters were bomb. Super quick and friendly service, plates of meat were replenished immediately after clearing them, never really had to go out of the way ask for anything. Granted, we were just one of 4 parties there and it's chill for a date or group of friends to catch up. The broth isn't as flavorful as other places and the selection does have less variety. Everything (meat, veggies, sauce) is brought to you, so once you sit down, just focus on eating. Overall a 4.5/5 experience with a neighborhood bias of living closeby; wouldn't travel far for it but if you're closeby, definitely worth a shot.
Jan 06, 2025 · Johnny AuyoungWe visited Kufi-Ya and unfortunately, we had a very disappointing experience.Our friends had reserved a table for six, but my husband and I arrived earlier because we were hungry. The restaurant staff was aware that our friends would be arriving at 7 PM, as they know them well. Since we were early, we ordered a glass of wine, a bottle of sake, a cucumber salad, and one sushi roll while waiting.Before our friends arrived, my husband specifically asked the server to provide a separate check for the items we ordered earlier. She agreed. However, when he went to pay, we were shocked to see that they had added a 20% service charge, which, according to their policy, is applied to groups of five or more. When he pointed out that there were only two of us at the time, the server responded, “But you were sitting at a table for six.” This is completely unfair and misleading.Aside from this frustrating experience, the overall dining conditions were disappointing. The tables were sticky, which was unpleasant. There was a cold draft coming from the window, and in the restroom, the ventilation system was running instead of the heater, making it uncomfortably cold. In winter weather, the heater should be on, not a fan blowing more cold air.As for the food, it was overpriced for the quality. There are plenty of places in San Francisco where you can find better sushi, fresher ingredients, and a cleaner atmosphere at more reasonable prices.Overall, we left extremely disappointed and will not be returning. We cannot recommend this place based on our experience.
Mar 05, 2025 · Maria BirchOverpriced. Bland food. Even blander atmosphere.This place was a spontaneous pick while trying to find an open kitchen after 9pm on a Friday. The food was very bland and unbelievably overpriced, even for SF. Overall, I felt ripped off and wish I had just gone home rather than stopping at this restaurant.
May 21, 2025 · GinaWe had the all you can eat shabu shabu, and it's very basic. No buffet, no options, just a single hot pot with the same veggie bowl & meat plates over and over again.It's not bad, just super basic. Solid 3-star.It also has a very weird parking lot.
Oct 28, 2024 · Derrick LinI loved the whole cooking everything at your table experience. It's fun and it's social. Perfect for a group setting. Food was really good. The restaurant itself is not that large so it is definitely a more intimate setting. I recommend making a reservation, going there ready to eat and you might as well just wear sweats because you will stuff yourself.
Jan 13, 2021 · Tara Kelly
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