Tekka Japanese Restaurant

Tekka, a longtime sushi restaurant run by an old Japanese couple, is one of those places people don’t want to talk about that often – because they don’t want the word to get out and bring more crowds to the popular inner Richmond spot. With only 11 seats, this indiscreet hole-in-the-wall has so many rules that dining here has become legendary. For example, insiders know that this no-reservations spot means arriving sometime after 5:30 p.m. to be first in line when doors open around 7 p.m. (Those who don’t make the cut try to get on the 9 p.m. wait list.) Other major rules to remember: 1) No credit cards – it’s cash only 2) No weekends 3) If the old couple doesn’t arrive for a long while after 7 p.m., they may be on vacation. Tough luck. More Rules A lover of sushi, I’ve been dying to try this San Francisco place for years but was always intimidated by all the rules. But recently I finally went with my friend Sandy of Foodhoe’s Foraging , also a sushi lover. Sandy was able to be the fir

We were lucky and didn’t wait a minute in the line. The restaurant format is similar to restaurants I visited in Japan. Sushi are very good, the size of rolls is impressive.

This place is a hidden gem. It’s a very small but cozy place so go early to get in line. We ended up chatting with all the people in the room like one big party. The sashimi was so fresh and the price are so reasonable. Definitely worth the value. Surely will be back again soon!

Super good food, the fish is fresh and melts in mouth. Totally recommend!

I’ve attempted to dine here 2 or 3 times over the course of a few years and finally on Monday I was about to do that. We were a party of 3, and lined up starting at 5 for the 6:30 service. We weren’t let in until closer to 6:50. Once inside, most people are seated around the bar but we got the table for 3 by the door. It’s a small, quaint little space that has a lot of history. We loved reading the notes left behind by previous guests which they posted in the wall. Beware, it can get cold in there. At least by the door. The couple was super cute. The husband was prepping the food while the wife went around handing out tea and warm towels. They have one menu board on the wall with some nigiri and maki options. As well as a drink menu. The food started to come after a bit and we think there must be a secret menu or something though because we saw them bring out a few things for some other guests that was not listed on the board. It appeared to be some uni rice and some stir fry veggies. We ended up sharing a sashimi platter which was so pretty and large and I also got an eel nigiri, scallop nigiri and spicy tuna. The scallops were great but I wouldn’t have ordered it if I knew the sashimi platter already came with scallops. The eel was also really tasty. The nigiri is also huge so I could barley finish the spicy tuna maki. It wasn’t my favourite anyway. Definitely a unique experience, the fish was fresh and I’m very glad I got to try it finally!