San Francisco · Izakaya · a la carte
PABU Izakaya
IzakayaSushiRobataIzakayaJapaneseFine DiningFinancial District
PABU Izakaya blends old-world Japanese charm with Financial District sophistication, offering world-class sashimi, a robata grill, and an omakase program co-founded by Tokyo-born chef Ken Tominaga.
- Price
- ¥¥¥
- Area
- Financial District
- Since
- 2014
- Chef
- Keita Tominaga
- Owner
- Michael Mina & Ken Tominaga
Plate № 30
About
Opened in 2014 inside San Francisco's landmark 101 California building, PABU Izakaya was born from the partnership of Michelin-starred restaurateur Michael Mina and Tokyo-born chef Ken Tominaga, who had built his reputation at the celebrated Hana Japanese Restaurant in Sonoma County. Tominaga, a graduate of the prestigious Akasaka Cooking School in Tokyo, brought his expertise in blending Northern California ingredients with traditional Japanese methods to create one of the Financial District's most dynamic dining destinations. Following Ken Tominaga's passing in 2022, his son Keita Tominaga stepped into the role of Chef/Partner, carrying on the legacy with a menu that spans house-made sashimi, robata-grilled meats, an omakase course, and a curated sake program. PABU celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2024, cementing its status as one of SF's most beloved Japanese dining institutions.
Neighborhood & visiting
PABU Izakaya sits in Financial District, 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
- Co-founded by Tokyo-born chef Ken Tominaga (Akasaka Cooking School graduate) and Michelin-starred restaurateur Michael Mina
- Sashimi, nigiri, and omakase program anchored by the Tominaga family's decades of Japanese culinary expertise
- Robata grill, sake tasting room, and seasonal omakase in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District
- A decade of service at 101 California, with the next generation — chef Keita Tominaga — continuing his father's legacy
Authenticity: Japanese-led kitchen
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Frequently asked
About PABU Izakaya
- Is PABU Izakaya an authentic izakaya restaurant in San Francisco?
- Yes — PABU Izakaya is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for izakaya in San Francisco: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is PABU Izakaya located?
- PABU Izakaya is located at 101 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111, San Francisco, USA in the Financial District neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at PABU Izakaya?
- PABU Izakaya accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at PABU Izakaya?
- PABU Izakaya sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for izakaya of this format in San Francisco.
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