Delicious Ways to Explore Japantown
One of San Francisco's smallest neighborhoods is packed with excellent eats!
San Francisco is full of unique neighborhoods to explore. Japantown is densely-packed and the somewhat odd urban design in the area can make it hard to find the best gems. But as your destination experts, we're here to help you find them!
Here are some of our favorite places to get a meal in Japantown.
Daeho Kalbijjim and Beef Soup
1620 Post Street
The must-have dish is right there in the name. The famous braised short rib at this Korean establishment is prepared dramatically before your eyes by servers equipped with blowtorches! Other notable selections from Daeho's menu include kalbitang, a beef rib soup, and seolleongtang, an ox bone soup that some say is the perfect dish to cure what ails you after an exciting night out in San Francisco.
Hinodeya Ramen Bar
1737 Buchanan Street
Ramen aficionados all have their own strong preferences. For those who prefer lighter, clearer broths, head to Hinodeya. Their seafood-focused menu offers some incredible delights, including clam ramen and fried oysters flown all the way from Hiroshima. Hinodeya is walk-in only, so you may encounter a wait at this popular spot.
Marufuku Ramen
1581 Webster Street
Savvy foodies may have encountered Marufuku Ramen in Austin, New York, or other parts of California, but the popular operation began here in San Francisco. At their Japantown location, you can enjoy the creamy broth and thin noodles that put them on the map. Their chashu pork belly is worth the wait.
Nari
1625 Post Street
Recipient of a Michelin Star for its terrific Thai cuisine, Nari is known as much for its elegant atmosphere as it is for its one-of-a-kind dishes. Try the squid and pork jowl appetizer; you won't regret it. Chef Pim Techamuanvivit's other incredible creations include chili-flaked fried branzino, curried lamb shanks, and even some delectable vegetable-focused selections.
Nijiya Market
1737 Post Street
Japanese food lovers (or the food curious) will want to head to Nijiya Market to check out all the interesting Japanese products on offer, and pick up some of their freshly packaged sushi, seaweed salad, or even just a package or two of Japanese snacks. You can take your goodies to the nearby Peace Plaza, and enjoy them while people watching. Nijiya is also a great place for hard-to-find but useful kitchen tools at startlingly low prices. They're the perfect souvenirs for a gourmand.
Ramen Yamadaya
1728 Buchanan Street
There was a great deal of buzz when Southern California-based Ramen Yamadaya opened a location in San Francisco, and rightfully so. The long-simmered tonkotsu broth is notable (some hardcore fans go for the extra-rich kotteri). The spicy ramen is another favorite, but you can’t go wrong with the classic Yamadaya ramen, either. Get the chashu, of course, and be prepared to wait if you’re there during prime dinner hours.
Royal Indian Cuisine
1740 Fillmore Street
While you may be in a sea of Japanese establishments, you’ll also find excellent Himalayan and North Indian cuisine at Royal Indian Cuisine. It’s a charming spot for lunch or dinner, with tasty momos and tender chicken and lamb curries. With friendly staff and pleasant surroundings, you'll want to return again and again.
Sora Soba
1731 Buchanan Street
Next to Hidoneya Ramen Bar is Sora Soba, which specializes in both hot and cold buckwheat noodles. Try their ten zaru cold soba with dashi broth with tempura, and a side of Aigamo duck. The bouncy texture of the noodles and hot, flavorful broth are a incredibly satisfying combination. Their umami Caesar salad is worth a try, too. Sora Soba is walk-in only, and there can be a bit of a line at prime hours.
Tenroku Suhi
1825 Post Street
Looking for dining a little more down to Earth? Visit Tenroku and sample as much as you like from its conveyor belt of quality sushi. You'll be amazed at the variety! An affordable option that's open late seven days a week, Tenroku is perfect for groups, families, or visitors on a budget.
Udon Mugizo
1581 Webster Street
To start your foray into noodles, try the udon at Udon Mugizo. It’s one of the few places in town specializing in handmade udon, as opposed to the more widely known ramen. Some diners opt for the really rich cream-based sauces, including one made with uni; but the pork broth is light, balanced, and just rich enough. The generous portions are also a plus. It’s an ideal spot for a fast meal before catching a movie at the AMC Kabuki.
Blum’s coffee cake at Yasukochi’s Sweet Stop
1790 Sutter Street
Ready for some dessert? The Blum’s coffee cake at Yasukochi’s Sweet Stop has been a San Francisco classic for over fifty years. The layers of chiffon cake are frosted with whipped cream and then covered with a coffee crunch candy that owner Tom Yasukochi learned to make from the candy maker at Blum’s, a soda fountain chain that was popular in San Francisco in the 1950s and 60s. The cake is still available at this tiny shop, but it often sells out by 11 a.m., so get there early (they open at 10 a.m.)—or plan ahead and order a whole cake a day in advance! They’ve also got a selection of other cakes, plus fun candies and cookies.
Yuji
1700 Polk Street
For an exclusive dining experience in Japantown, look no further than Yuji. Specializing in the kappo style of Japanese cooking, which uses only the freshest available ingredients, Yuji has attracted the attention of San Francisco's elite diners, as well as the Michelin Guide. A reservation-only venue with less than a dozen seats and a high price point ($150+ per person), Yuji may take a good deal of advance planning, but we think it's well worth the wait.
Heart of the City: Japantown
Learn from the residents and business owners of Japantown about why this neighborhood is the heart of the city.
Tyler is the Director of Global Content & Communications at San Francisco Travel. He has lived in San Francisco since 2015 and has been part of the San Francisco Travel team for just as long. He enjoys splashy production numbers and outdoor sporting events equally, which means you can usually find him at one of San Francisco’s many great theaters or at Oracle Park, cheering on the Giants.
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