Where the spirit of KAMI meets the art of Japanese gastronomy — an immersive dining experience rooted in tradition, elevated by innovation.
Last updated: June 16, 2025
Nestled in the heart of the United States, Okami Japanese Restaurant is more than just a place to eat — it's a pilgrimage for those who seek the true taste of Japan. Inspired by the ancient concept of KAMI (the spiritual essence that flows through all things), every dish here is crafted with reverence, precision, and soul.
From the moment you step through the hand-carved wooden torii gate at the entrance, you're transported into a world where every detail whispers authenticity. The soft glow of paper lanterns, the scent of hinoki cypress, and the distant hum of a shamisen — this is dining as theater, as ritual, as art.
Our team spent six months traveling across Japan — from the bustling fish markets of Tsukiji to the hidden ramen-yas in Fukuoka — to bring you an experience that rivals the finest establishments in Tokyo and Kyoto. We partnered with local artisans, studied under master chefs, and returned with techniques that date back centuries.
Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur of Japanese cuisine or a curious first-timer, Okami Japanese Restaurant offers a journey that engages all your senses. Our menu is a living archive of Japan's culinary heritage — from delicate sashimi sliced with surgical precision to hearty bowls of ramen that warm you from the inside out.
We believe that food is a vessel for KAMI — a way to connect with something greater than ourselves. That's why every ingredient is sourced with intention, every plate is composed with balance, and every guest is treated with the hospitality that defines true Japanese culture.
Dining at Okami Japanese Restaurant is a multi-sensory journey. Our space is designed to evoke the tranquility of a Japanese temple garden, with every element carefully considered to enhance your connection to the food and the moment.
Warm cedar wood, hand-painted shoji screens, and a 20-foot sake wall create an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and intimate.
The Japanese art of wholehearted hospitality. Our staff is trained to anticipate your needs before you voice them.
Weekly shamisen and koto performances, plus a monthly sake tasting led by our certified sommelier.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Okami Japanese Restaurant is our "KAMI Table" — a private dining space where guests can enjoy a personalized omakase experience while learning about the history and cultural significance of each dish. It's ideal for special celebrations, business dinners, or anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of Japanese cuisine.
🎌 We've been featured in The New York Times, Food & Wine, and Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top Japanese restaurants in the United States. Our founder, Chef Hiroshi Tanaka, was awarded the KAMI Culinary Excellence Award in 2024 for his contributions to Japanese gastronomy abroad.
If you're planning a visit, we recommend booking at least two weeks in advance — especially for our omakase counter, which seats only eight guests per night for an intimate chef's table experience.
To truly understand Okami Japanese Restaurant, you must first understand KAMI. In Shinto belief, KAMI are the spirits that inhabit natural phenomena — from mountains and rivers to trees and storms. But KAMI is also present in human creations, especially food.
Chef Tanaka explains: "When I prepare a piece of fish, I am not just cooking. I am honoring the KAMI of that fish, the water it swam in, the fisherman who caught it, and the ocean that gave it life. Every plate is a prayer."
This philosophy manifests in every aspect of the restaurant. The rice is sourced from a family farm in Niigata that has been growing the same strain of Koshihikari for 14 generations. The soy sauce is aged for 36 months in cedar barrels. The water is filtered through charcoal from Kishu. Nothing is left to chance; everything is infused with intention.
We also publish an annual "KAMI Sustainability Report" — an exclusive transparency document that details every supplier, every ingredient's origin, and our environmental impact. It's part of our commitment to ethical dining and the belief that KAMI demands respect for the planet.
We sat down with Chef Tanaka to discuss his journey, his philosophy, and what KAMI means to him.
Q: Chef, why did you choose the name "Okami"?
A: "Okami" means "great KAMI" — it's a play on the word and a tribute to the divine spirit that flows through Japanese cuisine. I wanted a name that would make people curious, that would hint at the depth of what we do here.
Q: What do you want guests to feel when they leave?
A: I want them to feel that they've experienced something real. Something that connects them to Japan, to nature, to themselves. Food is a medium, not a product. When you eat with awareness, you honor the KAMI in everything.
Q: What's next for Okami?
A: We're working on a KAMI App that will allow guests to book omakase, explore our sake database, and even take virtual cooking classes. We're also opening a second location in Chicago next year. The spirit of KAMI is growing. (laughs)
Our network of resources and partners extends the KAMI experience beyond the restaurant. Dive deeper into the culture, language, and spirit that define us.
Whether you're exploring Jakara Kami for cultural insights, downloading the Kami App for exclusive content, or reading about Kami In English for linguistic depth, each resource enriches your understanding of the KAMI universe.
Looking for something specific? Search our extensive library of articles, reviews, and resources about Okami Japanese Restaurant and the world of KAMI.
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Okami Japanese Restaurant is located in the heart of downtown San Francisco, just blocks from Union Square. We welcome you to experience the spirit of KAMI for yourself.
223 Grant Avenue, Suite 200
San Francisco, CA 94108
Mon–Thu: 11:30am – 10pm
Fri–Sat: 11:30am – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 9pm
Phone: (415) 555-0199
Email: [email protected]
BART to Montgomery St. Station — 3-minute walk. Parking available at Union Square Garage.