Koo Japanese Restaurant Gets Conditional Pass After Minor Issues

Koo, a Japanese restaurant located at 408 Irving Street in San Francisco's Inner Sunset neighborhood, received a conditional pass during its routine health inspection on November 18, 2025. The establishment can continue serving customers while addressing several minor violations that were discovered during the inspector's visit.

Inspection Details

During the routine inspection conducted between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM, health officials identified four violations that need correction, including one critical violation related to pest activity. The inspector observed cockroach activity under the sushi bar sink and a line of ants traveling along the ceiling behind the bar area. This pest presence triggered the critical violation designation, though the restaurant was not forced to close. The inspector noted finding one cockroach between the built-in counter and cabinet under the handwash sink at the sushi bar, as well as another cockroach on an adhesive board beneath the same sink. Additionally, black ants were observed traveling along the ceiling and edge of wooden paneling behind the sushi bar. Officials recommended that the restaurant work with licensed pest control to eliminate the vermin from the facility and properly clean and sanitize the affected areas.

Additional Violations Found

Beyond the pest control issues, inspectors cited three other violations during this inspection. The handwashing station near the kitchen entrance was missing paper towels, compromising proper hand hygiene protocols essential for food safety. This major violation affects the restaurant's ability to maintain proper sanitation standards. Equipment maintenance issues were also identified, with inspectors noting a deteriorated gasket on the prep top cooler and bare wood shelving that needs to be sealed to render surfaces non-absorbent. The inspector also observed a metal bowl being used as a scoop, which violates proper equipment standards for commercial food service. A minor violation was cited for employee beverage storage, as open canned beverages were found in food preparation areas. Staff members must store personal drinks in designated areas with lids and straws to prevent potential contamination of food products.

Restaurant Operations Continue

Despite these violations, Koo was allowed to remain open and continue serving customers in the bustling Inner Sunset district. The conditional pass status indicates that while corrections are needed, the violations do not pose an immediate threat requiring closure. The restaurant is conveniently located near the N-Judah Muni line, making it easily accessible to diners throughout the city. The inspector's recommendations include implementing ULV fogging techniques and using an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) to eliminate cockroach activity effectively. These professional pest control methods will help ensure long-term prevention of future infestations.

Compliance Requirements

Koo must address all cited violations promptly to maintain its operating status. The restaurant will need to schedule follow-up pest control treatment and ensure all handwashing stations are properly supplied with soap, paper towels, and warm water. Equipment repairs, including the deteriorated gasket replacement and proper wood sealing, must be completed to meet health code standards. This represents the first recorded inspection for the establishment at this location, providing a baseline for future compliance monitoring. The restaurant's ownership, Kang Kyong Hwa and Sung Soo Jung, will work to address these issues while continuing to serve the Japanese cuisine that draws customers to this Inner Sunset location. A follow-up inspection will be scheduled to verify that all violations have been corrected and that proper pest control measures have been implemented successfully.