Miki

For those in California craving a truly comforting and authentic Japanese meal, Miki in San Francisco stands out as a hidden gem in the vibrant Richmond District. This charming restaurant is celebrated for its dedication to serving delicious ramen, alongside a selection of highly-rated sushi, all within a wonderfully "nice cozy spot." It's the kind of place where locals feel right at home, returning again and again for both the quality of the food and the warmth of the service.

Miki offers a quintessential neighborhood dining experience, a place where the focus is squarely on crafting flavorful dishes and providing a welcoming atmosphere. While its intimate size adds to its charm, it also speaks to its popularity – a testament to the quality that keeps patrons coming back. Whether you're seeking a hearty bowl of ramen to warm you on a San Francisco day or fresh, well-prepared sushi, Miki aims to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable meal every time. Its reputation for "good ramen" and "really nice and attentive" staff solidifies its place as a beloved culinary destination in the city.

Miki is conveniently located at 3639 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA. This address places it firmly within the heart of San Francisco's lively Richmond District, a neighborhood known for its diverse culinary scene and community feel.

Balboa Street is a well-known thoroughfare in the Richmond, making Miki relatively easy to find. While street parking in San Francisco can sometimes be a challenge, being located on a major street in a residential/commercial area typically means there are options available within a reasonable walking distance. The restaurant's position near local landmarks like Cabrillo Playground and Golden Gate Park Golf Course adds to its accessibility, making it a convenient stop for a meal before or after enjoying the nearby recreational areas. Given its "little spot" nature with "only about 5 tables," patrons are often advised to "come early" to secure a spot, especially during peak dining hours, highlighting its popularity and intimate setting.

Miki offers a focused yet diverse range of Japanese culinary delights, specializing in a cozy dine-in experience, along with convenient options for enjoying their food elsewhere.

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy a comfortable and "cozy spot" with attentive waiter service. The intimate setting, with "only about 5 tables," provides a personal and relaxed dining atmosphere.
• Extensive Menu Variety: Miki prides itself on a well-rounded Japanese menu, featuring:
  • Ramen: As a highlight, they offer various ramen bowls, including highly praised options like Tonkotsu Ramen (Pork Broth), Torigara Ramen (Chicken Broth), and Vegetarian Ramen (Kelp Broth). Reviews suggest the broth is "rich and flavorful without being overwhelming" and the noodles are "springy and fresh."
  • Sushi & Sashimi: A good selection of fresh sushi and sashimi. Customers have rated the sushi highly (e.g., "like a 4/5"), with a range of options including classic California Rolls, Salmon Nigiri, Tuna Sashimi, and Hamachi Sashimi.
  • Bento Boxes: Comprehensive bento box meals are a popular choice, often including a main protein (Chicken Teriyaki, Salmon Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki, Chicken Katsu, Ton Katsu, Chicken Karaage), served with California roll, vegetable tempura, rice, house salad, and miso soup.
  • Donburi (Rice Bowls): Hearty rice bowls such as Chirashi Donburi, Unagi Donburi, and Yukke Donburi provide satisfying options for rice lovers.
  • Japanese Curry: A selection of flavorful Japanese curry dishes, including Ton Katsu Curry, Chicken Katsu Curry, Chicken Karaage Curry, and Mix Tempura Curry.
  • Udon/Soba Noodles: Beyond ramen, they offer Udon Noodle and Soba Noodle dishes with various topping options, as well as combo deals.
  • Appetizers: A wide range of classic Japanese appetizers such as Mix Tempura (shrimp and vegetables), Chicken Karaage, Agedashi Tofu, Gyoza (deep-fried pork and vegetable), Vegetable Tempura, Edamame, Takoyaki, and Soft Shell Crab.
  • Salads & Sides: Fresh salads like Wakame Salad and Vegetable Sunomono, along with essential sides like Miso Soup and Rice.
• Takeout Services: Miki offers convenient online ordering for pickup, allowing customers to enjoy their Japanese favorites at home.
• Delivery Services: Partnering with major food delivery platforms like Uber Eats, Seamless, and Postmates, Miki provides delivery services to the San Francisco area, ensuring their delicious food is accessible even when dining out isn't an option.
• Vegetarian Options: They cater to various dietary preferences, notably offering a Vegetarian Ramen with a kelp broth.

Miki stands out in San Francisco's competitive culinary scene due to several key features and highlights that consistently receive praise from its patrons.

• "Good Ramen" and "Really Good" Sushi: The primary highlight is the consistent quality of both their ramen and sushi. Customers specifically praise the ramen for its "good" flavor and the sushi for being "like a 4/5," indicating high satisfaction across their core offerings. The Tonkotsu Shio Ramen's broth is noted as "rich and flavorful without being overwhelming—it's lighter than some tonkatsu broths, and not as tongue-coating," with "springy and fresh" noodles.
• "Nice Cozy Spot" and Intimate Atmosphere: The restaurant's ambiance is frequently highlighted. Its small, intimate setting with "only about 5 tables" creates a "cozy" and personal dining experience, making it perfect for a quiet meal or a close gathering.
• "Really Nice and Attentive" Staff: Exceptional customer service is a significant feature. The staff are described as "really nice and attentive," contributing to a welcoming and pleasant dining environment.
• Neighborhood Gem: Known as a "great little spot in the Richmond," Miki is clearly a beloved local haunt that embodies the charm and quality of a genuine neighborhood restaurant.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Ramen: While ramen is a focus, the broad menu encompassing sushi, bento boxes, donburi, curry dishes, and a wide array of appetizers ensures that there’s "something for everyone," making it a versatile choice for groups with varied preferences.
• Quality Ingredients: Reviews subtly suggest attention to ingredients, with mentions of flavorful broths and fresh noodles, indicating a commitment to the quality of their foundational elements.

While Miki's primary appeal lies in its consistent quality and cozy atmosphere, like many local establishments, they may offer various promotions, particularly through online platforms. Based on available information, here are types of offers patrons might encounter:

• Delivery Platform Specific Offers: Miki frequently participates in promotions offered by third-party delivery services. For instance, on Uber Eats, they have been observed to offer a "Top Offer" of "20% off (Spend $25)," providing a direct discount for online orders meeting a minimum spend. Similar deals might be available on Seamless or Postmates.
• Lunch and Dinner Specials: Although not explicitly detailed in general reviews, many Japanese restaurants with extensive menus like Miki offer set lunch or dinner specials. These often include combo meals that provide good value, such as their various bento box options which bundle a main protein with sushi rolls, tempura, rice, and soup.
• Seasonal Dishes: While not a discount, the introduction of seasonal or limited-time ramen flavors or sushi specials can act as a draw, encouraging repeat visits to try new culinary creations.

For the most current and specific details on any ongoing promotions or special offers, it is always recommended to check Miki's official online ordering pages (via Uber Eats, Seamless, or Postmates) or directly contact the restaurant by phone. These platforms are often the primary channels for their active deals.

To enjoy the delicious ramen and sushi at Miki, or for any inquiries, please use the following contact details:

Address: 3639 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
Phone: (415) 387-0874
Mobile Phone: +1 415-387-0874

Operating Hours (as per recent online data):
Tuesday - Friday: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM (Dinner)
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Lunch), 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM (Dinner)
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Monday: Closed

Given its small size, it's always advisable to check current hours or consider arriving early, especially on weekends, to secure a table.

Miki is an exceptionally suitable dining choice for locals across California, particularly those in San Francisco's vibrant Richmond District. Its intimate and "cozy spot" provides a welcoming retreat from the city's hustle, fostering a sense of community and familiarity that locals often seek in their favorite eateries.

The core appeal for residents lies in Miki's consistent delivery of high-quality Japanese comfort food. Their ramen is praised for being "good" with "rich and flavorful" broths and "springy and fresh" noodles, making it a perfect antidote to San Francisco's often cool and foggy weather. Complementing this, their sushi is rated highly, offering a well-rounded Japanese culinary experience. This dual expertise in both ramen and sushi ensures that Miki caters to diverse cravings within a single, reliable establishment.

Furthermore, the "really nice and attentive" staff contribute significantly to the overall positive experience, making diners feel valued and ensuring smooth service. While its small size means that "coming early" is often recommended, this simply reinforces its popularity and the intimate, sought-after dining atmosphere. For locals desiring a neighborhood gem that consistently delivers delicious, authentic Japanese food in a friendly and comfortable setting, Miki on Balboa Street is an undeniable top choice, promising a delightful meal every time they visit.

Miki

3639 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA