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A collage featuring various Japanese dishes from Rintaro izakaya, including squid salad, tofu, yakitori skewers, tonkatsu, and udon, with a text overlay about using an Amex credit.
A close-up of two Japanese appetizers: Ika no Nuta, a light squid salad, and Yosedofu, a silky housemade tofu topped with katsuobushi, ginger, and soy.
Two grilled chicken tsukune yakitori skewers with a sweet teriyaki-style glaze, served on a rectangular plate with a side of chili flakes and a raw egg yolk for dipping.
Two grilled chicken thigh yakitori skewers, featuring tender chicken and onion pieces coated in a sweet teriyaki-style glaze, served on a rustic rectangular plate.
A plate of crispy, sliced Kurobuta Tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) served with shredded cabbage, a lemon wedge, and a side of dipping sauce, as described in the article.
A comforting bowl of Udon noodles in a clean, light broth, garnished with chopped green onions, reflecting the simple yet satisfying dish mentioned in the article.
A creamy, silky dessert, likely the matcha panna cotta, served in a bowl with a side of light syrup and a crispy wafer on a wooden board, described as a "must order."
Two open menus from Rintaro, displaying a selection of Japanese dishes and drinks, including sashimi, yakitori, and panna cotta, with a glimpse of the kitchen in the background.
The inviting entrance of Rintaro izakaya at night, showcasing traditional Japanese architecture, a glowing red lantern, and a glimpse of the outdoor dining area.
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13

Used my Amex $100 credit on this SF izakaya…worth

Went to this popular Japanese izakaya in SF last night with my partner and finally used my Amex $100 dining credit.

Overall thoughts:

👉 amazing vibes for a date night

👉 some standout dishes

🥗 Ika no Nuta

Monterey Bay squid with mustardy sweet white miso,mizuna, turnip, and apple.

Very light and refreshing with a subtle sweetness

Nice starter, but not super memorable

🥣 Yosedofu (housemade tofu)

This one surprised me in a good way

Super silky tofu made with soy milk

Topped with katsuobushi, ginger, and soy

Very delicate, very “Japanese” in the best way

🍢 Yakitori (Chicken Tsukune & Chicken Thigh)

Both had a sweet teriyaki-style glaze. The chicken was incredibly tender and juicy and the tsukune paired with a raw egg for dipping added a rich, silky layer to the flavor. Simple, but comforting and well-executed.

🥩 Kurobuta Tonkatsu

Crispy on the outside, juicy and tender inside. Really well done. Pairs nicely with the sauce (but slightly heavy if you eat it on its own).

🍜 Udon

Simple but comforting. Clean, light broth, the kind you don’t get tired of.

🍵 Dessert (MUST ORDER)

This completely changed the game. Creamy, silky texture, almost like custard with a subtle matcha flavor. Finished with a light syrup that actually enhances the taste instead of making it overly sweet

Overall, this place feels more like

a “slow dinner, long conversation” kind of spot

Dim lighting, calm atmosphere

perfect for a date night

💰 Not cheap, but with the Amex credit

it definitely felt more worth it

📍Location: 82 14th St, San Francisco Overall rating: 9/10

Rintaro

#sfrestaurants #japaneserestaurant #amex #datenight #izakaya

3/28 Edited to

... Read moreIf you’re planning to visit Rintaro in San Francisco and wondering whether it’s worth using your American Express $100 dining credit there, let me share some thoughts based on my recent experience. Rintaro truly delivers an atmosphere that suits a leisurely dinner with your significant other or close friends. The dim lighting and calm vibe create the perfect setting to unwind and savor your meal without feeling rushed. From my visit, I noticed that the dishes strike a great balance between traditional flavors and modern touches, which is a hallmark of a quality izakaya. Starting with the Ika no Nuta, the citrusy and sweet white miso paired elegantly with fresh Monterey Bay squid, making it a light, palate-cleansing starter. Though not overwhelmingly memorable, it’s a refreshing way to ease into the meal. The standout for me was definitely the housemade Yosedofu — it had an incredible silkiness and delicate flavor emphasized by katsuobushi and ginger, lending an authentic Japanese touch that tofu lovers will appreciate. The Yakitori selections, especially the tender chicken thigh and tsukune with its rich raw egg dip, offered a comforting, juicy bite that paired beautifully with the teriyaki-style glaze. I found the kurobuta tonkatsu perfectly crispy on the outside with a juicy interior, though eating it alone felt a bit heavy, so pairing with the sauce was key. For noodle lovers, the udon broth is another example of the restaurant’s clean and light approach that keeps flavors balanced and enjoyable without being overwhelming. A special mention must go to their dessert — a creamy, custard-like panna cotta infused with subtle matcha flavor and finished with a light syrup. This dish changed my perception of traditional Japanese desserts by offering a perfect balance of silky texture and delicate sweetness. While dining here isn’t exactly budget-friendly, applying your Amex $100 dining credit makes the experience feel more accessible and worthwhile. It’s an ideal place if you want to slow down, engage in meaningful conversation, and enjoy carefully prepared Japanese dishes. If you love exploring carefully crafted izakaya cuisine in San Francisco with a focus on quality ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere, Rintaro is certainly worth consideration especially when paired with the Amex credit to ease the cost. Just be sure to go with an appetite and a mindset ready for a long, satisfying dinner experience.