Spotlight Reviews

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Ebisu

1283 9th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
(415) 566-1770

Ebisu is one of my all-time favorite restaurants, with wonderful
Japanese food that gets raves year after year. My husband and I have been going there since we worked together at the nearby Academy of Sciences more than a decade ago. After having children, we assumed that the only time we’d be able to eat at this jam-packed restaurant is on the rare occasion of having a babysitter. But we gave it a go, since my older son, Noah, loves Japanese food, and I really had a craving.

To our delight, we had a wonderful experience, and have returned as a family time and again. Whenever we go to Ebisu, we are greeted by Helen, an exceptional waitress, who knows us by name. She always does whatever she can to get us seated in the pillow-strewn Japanese Room in back as soon as possible. Other waitresses kindly greet us, adding to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Despite this restaurant's crowded appearance, Ebisu is actually one of the most child-friendly places we know. It does not boast children's meals, changing tables in the bathroom, or crayons with paper while you wait. What it does offer is a staff who genuinely adores kids, who will be happy to give your child extra tofu in his miso soup, or a bowl of rice or edamame (soybeans) while waiting for dinner. They happily pick up babies to greet them, and even request photos to place on the wall behind the cash register. The people here know how to make their customers feel special, and families feel comfortable and relaxed.

My son, Noah, is particularly fond of Helen, and one day we brought her some chocolates as a token of thanks for her great service. Several weeks later, while eating at Hotei, the “slurpy noodle restaurant” of the same owner across the street, we saw Helen rush in, and give Noah two similar chocolates. She happened to spot us and gave them to us before her restaurant opened. We were amazed by this thoughtful reciprocation, and were surprised, particularly because we do not go out regularly. On another occasion she brought Noah a bowl of miso soup because we had been waiting to be seated for awhile, and then gave him a soothing warm washcloth to wipe his face and hands.

Because Japanese food is on the pricier side, we do not frequent Ebisu as much as we'd like. But when we do, we rest assured knowing that we will not only enjoy our meal, but will also have a great time. To us, Ebisu epitomizes the true meaning of child friendliness-welcoming kids with a smile and open arms, and letting them know they are not only allowed to be there, they're allowed to be themselves.

Arigato Ebisu, for welcoming our children!

--Elisse Gabriel