Washoku Guide
Cities/San Francisco/Izakaya/Leichi
San Francisco · Izakaya · a la carte

Leichi

JapaneseIzakayaSobaOmakaseA5 WagyuOshizushi

Leichi is a refined Japanese izakaya in Santa Clara helmed by Tokyo-raised chef-owner Nobu Kashima, celebrated for handmade buckwheat soba, pressed box sushi, A5 wagyu on stone grill, and a deep selection of traditional small plates.

Price
¥¥¥
Area
Santa Clara
Since
2015
Chef
Nobu Kashima
Leichi — authentic japanese restaurant in San Francisco, Santa Clara
Plate № 28
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About
Chef-owner Nobu Kashima grew up in Tokyo and brings firsthand knowledge of Japanese culinary tradition to Leichi, his flagship Santa Clara izakaya. The kitchen produces handmade soba noodles daily, sources special fish directly from Japan on weekdays, and prepares oshi-zushi (Osaka-style pressed box sushi) that is rare in the Bay Area. Evening service transforms into a full izakaya experience with dishes like Saikyo black cod, beef tongue, crab chawanmushi, and seasonal appetizers. Kashima also operates Kaita in San Jose Japantown and Yaichi in Milpitas, anchoring a family of restaurants rooted in authentic Japanese home cooking and craft.
Neighborhood & visiting

Leichi sits in Santa Clara, one of San Francisco's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused izakaya counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Handmade buckwheat soba noodles prepared daily by a Tokyo-trained chef — a rarity in the Bay Area — make Leichi a pilgrimage destination for soba lovers.
  • The only Bay Area izakaya to regularly offer oshi-zushi (Osaka pressed box sushi) alongside classic Edomae-influenced small plates.
  • Special fish sourced directly from Japan on weekdays ensure a level of freshness and variety that goes well beyond typical izakaya menus.
  • Valentine's and seasonal omakase courses showcase the full range of Chef Kashima's training, making Leichi ideal for special-occasion dining.

Reservations available by phone or Yelp; Valentine's and special-event dinners sell out quickly. Dinner menu is more extensive than the bento-focused lunch. — Format: Izakaya. Authenticity: Tokyo-raised chef-owner Nobu Kashima brings deep Japanese technique — including handmade soba, oshi-zushi (pressed box sushi), A5 wagyu, and imported Japanese fish — to his Santa Clara izakaya.

Links
Reserve →Website →Map →Yelp →Tripadvisor →Instagram →

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Frequently asked

About Leichi

Is Leichi an authentic japanese restaurant in San Francisco?
Yes — Leichi is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese in San Francisco: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
Where is Leichi located?
Leichi is located at 246 Saratoga Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050, San Francisco, USA in the Santa Clara neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Leichi?
Leichi accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
What is the price range at Leichi?
Leichi sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in San Francisco.
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in San Francisco →Izakaya in San Francisco →Authentic izakaya worldwide →All cities →