Wako Restaurant Takeout Review
In a time when things are far from normal, Wako’s takeout version of its Michelin star omakase course offers the next best thing to the sushi counter experience.
There are few dining experiences as delightful as omakase sushi. Everything from how it requires you to place your trust entirely in the chef to the deliberate cadence in which each dish is served is designed to invoke joy, encourage reflection, and build anticipation of what’s next. It is an adventure both beautiful and intimate, yet elusive and all but unattainable at a time when most of the world is under voluntary lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nestled into a simple and unassuming space on Clement between 3rd and 4th avenues, Wako was chef Tomoharu Nakamura’s omakase-only sushi restaurant in the Before Times. Now, like most restaurants that have been fortunate enough to remain open in the midst of the Coronavirus, it has – and continues to – try out new things and evolve as necessary. When it first reopened, Wako only offered a limited selection of bento boxes, but after a couple months of operation they’ve brought back their coveted omakase course as a takeout option.
To be perfectly clear: it is absolutely impossible to recreate the full omakase experience as takeout. Without even taking into consideration the atmosphere of the sushi counter and the individualized attention and banter that a skilled chef provides to their guests, the simple act of preparing each course one at a time ensures that the freshest, highest quality product possible is served – something that simply cannot be guaranteed with variables like travel time involved in takeout. That said, Wako does an admirable job of making portable the essence of their signature cuisine, and the results are exquisite, fulfilling, and produce a deep yearning for a return to some semblance of normality.
From the moment you receive your bundles of deliciousness, you can tell that you’re in for a treat. Each parcel of food is assembled in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing and designed to travel well, with lots of thought and careful consideration clearly evident in the choice of packaging. The omakase nigiri course in particular is eye-catching, with each piece stylishly placed across a banana leaf in menu order and the accompanying maki rolls along with a few other surprises plated alongside.
The result is a thoroughly enjoyable at-home sushi experience that represents the next best thing to sitting down at your favorite sushi bar and telling the chef that you leave it up to them. The sushi itself was a fresh and appetizing blend of traditional and modern techniques that was portioned expertly and generally held up quite well to the long walk home. The omakase course was accompanied by a delicious set of sides – including pickles, seaweed, fresh figs, and more – along with a simple but enjoyable dessert. If that’s not enough food, you can also add on supplements such as the chicken karaage appetizer (by far the standout dish!) or additional pieces of nigiri like the toro and A5 wagyu.
Though it’s a shadow of the experience that used to be available indoors, Wako’s takeout version of omakase sushi is nonetheless a delicious feast for the eyes and stomach, and a significant step above your average sushi to go. And given how Wako has continually evolved since reopening, this is likely just the latest in what is sure to be many more iterations in their quest to perfect the experience.
Wako (Takeout)
Visited August 18, 2020
Overall
★★★★☆
FAQ
What kind of food do they serve?
Wako specializes in omakase-style sushi, but they also offer currently offer a number of a la carte choices including appetizers, donburi bowls, bento boxes, and individual pieces of nigiri.
They also offer a selection of sake, beer, and other beverages.
How much does it Cost?
The centerpiece omakase nigiri course, which includes an assortment of appetizers, 12 pieces of nigiri sushi, two maki rolls, and a dessert costs $103 a person.
A la cart options range significantly. A few examples include:
Karaage Bento: $17.00
Unagi Donburi: $25.00
Chirashi: $40.00
How do I Place an order?
If you’re interested in the omakase, your only option is to order in advance through Tock and make a pickup in-person.
For a la carte, you have more alternatives available:
You can place your order in person at the restaurant
You can place your order for pickup directly through their website
You can place an order for delivery through DoorDash (get $5 your first three orders over $15 with this referral link)
What else do I need to know?
Some important things to know include:
Wako holds one Michelin Star
Wako is only open from Tuesday through Saturday
Omakase must be ordered in advance, and can only be picked up at 6pm or 7:30pm
A la carte options can be picked up from 11:30am to 2pm, or from 5pm to 8pm
How do I get there?
Wako is located in the Inner Richmond neighborhood of San Francisco, California.
It is accessible by the following currently operating MUNI lines:
1 California
22 Fillmore
38 Geary / 38 Geary Rapid
Have you ordered takeout from Wako? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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