Rintaro

"The courtyard at this Mission izakaya has string lights twinkling, plants everywhere, and is serene—so go here if you want to forget about whatever’s dumpster fire-ing in the world over the best Japanese small plates in the city. We almost always have trouble narrowing down an order because everything on the menu is fantastic. But when in doubt, go with the gorgeously charred tsukune, gyoza dressed up with lacy skirts, and miso cod plated alongside a leaning tower of sunomono." - lani conway, julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong

"The food of Sylvan Mishima Brackett is undeniably the draw here, with charcoal grilled skewers, delicate silken tofu dressed in scallions and katsuobushi on top, and flavorful dashi broth with floating udon noodles. But it’s the beautiful front patio that will grab your attention first, and stepping through the front gate will feel transportive." - Dianne de Guzman

"Rintaro feels like a secret hideout in the Mission, with a lovely front patio guarded from the street by a bamboo fence. Enter, and find an inviting, wood-clad izakaya from Chez Panisse alum Sylvan Mishima Brackett, whose menu has long drawn a bustling, stylish crowd that lines up before the restaurant even opens for business. Gyoza, yakitori of all kinds, pristine sashimi, and the platonic ideal of fried tori katsu (fried chicken stuffed with Cowgirl Creamery cheese) are all on order." - Dianne de Guzman, Eater Staff

"Stepping into Rintaro always feels like we’ve left the city completely. The string-light-filled courtyard is surrounded by plants, and the high-ceilinged dining room reminds us of a day spa we'd gladly move into. Space aside, the izakaya food keeps us coming back. Dishes are last-meal worthy, like the crispy-skinned tsukune with a side of rich egg yolk dipping sauce, and hand-rolled udon topped with a lingcod fishcake that soaks up dashi broth like a sponge. Get here with your parents, a group of friends, or someone you want to impress." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez

"When you’re craving izakaya food, but you also want some peace and quiet, go to Rintaro. The Japanese restaurant is on a near-silent stretch of the Mission with a walled-off courtyard and a dining room filled pretty much only with the smell of grilled meats. If the weather’s right, sit outside under the twinkle lights and get some yakitori—the tsukune with egg yolk dipping sauce and the negima are both great. Walk-in seating is limited, but Monday reservations are typically easy to make. " - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong