Bento Sushi from $20, Crafted by an Omakase Chef

Dining Yamamoto opened on April 1 at 167 11th Street, introducing a more precise approach to takeout in SoMa. Led by chef Yukinori Yamamoto, the concept centers on sushi bento boxes priced between $20 and $35—bringing traditional Japanese technique into a format designed for everyday use.

The idea is straightforward: apply the discipline and structure of high-level sushi to something typically quick. In a neighborhood shaped by movement and routine, it offers a more considered option without slowing things down.

A Chef’s Background, Refined Over Time

Yamamoto began his career in Osaka, training in kaiseki and kappo cuisine—both grounded in seasonality, balance, and meticulous preparation. After moving to San Francisco, he spent eight years as an executive sushi chef within the Michael Mina Group, often cooking for private dining experiences and large-scale events.

Dining Yamamoto shifts the format, not the foundation.

What’s Inside the Box

The menu focuses on composed bento sets where each element is intentional. Sushi rice is carefully seasoned, seafood is handled with precision, and accompaniments change with the seasons.

Options include chutoro steak donburi—flash-seared bluefin tuna finished with black truffle soy and crispy garlic—and bara chirashi layered with tuna, salmon, hamachi, tamago, roe, eel, and pickled vegetables. Even at a more accessible price point, the structure holds.

While built around dine-in and grab-and-go, the space is designed to expand beyond it. Yamamoto plans to host private omakase-style dinners and offer catering, allowing for a more traditional experience when the setting calls for it. Online orders are coming soon.

Location: 167 11th Street
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