Best of 19 restaurants in Japantown San Francisco

Discover our curated list of top-ranked restaurants in Japantown San Francisco, compiled from extensive research across reputable websites and blogs. Explore outstanding options like HINODEYA Ramen Japantown, Benihana, Marufuku Ramen, Kui Shin Bo, Kushi Tsuru. Let's explore together!

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1. HINODEYA Ramen Japantown

Traditional ramen shop with a focus on quality ingredients and rich broth

  • Time:

    10 AM to 10 PM

  • Rating: 4.4/5 (2011 Review by google)
  • Address:

    1737 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Authentic Japanese ramen, Wide variety of noodle options, Vegetarian and gluten-free choices available
  • Cons:

    Can get crowded during peak hours, Limited seating, Cash-only policy
  • Popular Menu:

    Tonkotsu Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Miso Ramen
  • Price Range:

    $12 - $15
Phone Directions Website
Experience the essence of authentic Japanese ramen at HINODEYA Ramen in Japantown, where each bowl is a savory masterpiece. Now featuring a seamless digital ordering system, enhancing efficiency while minimizing direct contact. Immerse yourself in the flavorful broth, indulge in crispy fried chicken, and relish the fiery kick of spicy peppers. A delightful culinary journey awaits at this bustling eatery.
Step into a realm where delectable ramen creations reign supreme at HINODEYA Ramen Japantown. Beyond the savory noodles and rich broths lies a new digital ordering experience, revolutionizing the way you dine in style. Embrace the convenience of online ordering and payment, all while savoring every mouthful of their delectable fare. A fusion of tradition and innovation, delivering an unforgettable dining adventure in the heart of Japantown.

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Mid-Range

Relate link

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2. Benihana

Interactive and entertaining dining experience with skilled chefs preparing meals on hibachi grills.

  • Rating: 3.9/5 (1536 Review by google)
  • Address:

    1737 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Unique dining experience with teppanyaki-style cooking, warm and cozy atmosphere, attentive and friendly service.
  • Cons:

    Can be on the pricier side, reservations may be necessary for peak times, limited vegetarian options.
  • Popular Menu:

    Hibachi chicken, sushi rolls, and signature Benihana Specialty Sauce.
  • Price Range:

    $30 - $60 per person
Phone Directions Website
Indulge in the vibrant world of Benihana, a beloved tourist hotspot where dining is transformed into a mesmerizing culinary spectacle. Witness skilled chefs like Mario dazzle with their culinary prowess as they craft a delectable feast right before your eyes. For three decades, patrons have savored the delightful flavors of signature dishes like the flavorful soup, zesty lemonade, and perfectly grilled vegetables. Despite the undeniable charm of the experience and the friendliness of the chefs, the only downside remains the steep prices that accompany this unforgettable dining journey.
Step into a realm where dining is elevated to a performance art at Benihana, where every meal is a celebration of taste, skill, and creativity. Be captivated by the masterful showmanship of chefs like the amiable Mario, who transforms mere ingredients into a symphony of flavors that delight the senses. The sumptuous offerings, from the savory soup to the refreshing lemonade and the expertly grilled vegetables, leave a lasting impression on all who partake. Yet, amidst the enchanting ambiance and exceptional food quality, the one lingering critique pertains to the premium prices that may give some patrons pause.

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • High-End

3. Marufuku Ramen

Traditional pork-based ramen from Hakata, Japan

  • Time:

    11 AM to 10 PM

  • Rating: 4.5/5 (2226 Review by google)
  • Address:

    1581 Webster St #235, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Raved about tonkotsu ramen, cozy atmosphere, friendly service
  • Cons:

    Limited seating, cash-only, long wait times during peak hours
  • Popular Menu:

    Tonkotsu ramen, spicy tan tan men, gyoza
  • Price Range:

    $12-$15
Phone Directions Website

TOPICS

  • Fusion Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

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4. Kui Shin Bo

Authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of San Francisco

  • Time:

    11:30 AM to 8:30 PM

  • Rating: 4.4/5 (725 Review by google)
  • Address:

    22 Peace Plaza #2, 22 Peace Plz, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Centrally located, Offers takeout, Provides delivery, Good for groups, Offers vegetarian options
  • Cons:

    Limited street parking, No reservations accepted, No alcohol served
  • Popular Menu:

    Teriyaki Chicken Bowl, Sushi Roll Combo, Bento Boxes
  • Price Range:

    $10-$30
Phone Directions Website
Nestled within the vibrant energy of Japan Town, Kui Shin Bo exudes an air of authenticity that draws in both locals and tourists alike. Despite its unassuming exterior, this small gem of a restaurant packs a flavorful punch that keeps patrons coming back for more. From impeccably fresh sushi to mouthwatering sashimi, each dish showcases a meticulous attention to detail that elevates the dining experience. With generous portions that leave appetites wholly satisfied, Kui Shin Bo proves that good things truly do come in small packages.

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Vegan Options
  • Budget-Friendly Eats

5. Kushi Tsuru

Specialized in kushiage (deep-fried skewers) and soba noodles

  • Time:

    11 AM to 9 PM

  • Rating: 4.3/5 (825 Review by google)
  • Address:

    1737 Post St #380, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Authentic Japanese cuisine, attentive service, cozy atmosphere
  • Cons:

    Limited seating, cash-only policy, slightly pricey for some dishes
  • Popular Menu:

    Kushiage, udon, and tempura dishes
  • Price Range:

    $30-$60
Phone Directions Website
At Kushi Tsuru, the chicken karaage stands out for its juicy tenderness and well-balanced seasoning, offering a satisfying portion size. However, the ramen falls short with overcooked egg and overly soft noodles, lacking the wow factor. The Katsu curry, though slightly watery, delivers on flavor, making up for any minor shortcomings. Despite moderate wait times on busy weekends, the attentive service adds to the overall dining experience.

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots

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6. On the Bridge

Intimate sushi bar with fresh, high-quality fish

  • Time:

    12:30 to 9 PM

  • Rating: 4.2/5 (545 Review by google)
  • Address:

    1581 Webster St #206, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Central location, offers outdoor seating, well-rated sushi options
  • Cons:

    Some complaints about service, can be on the pricier side, limited parking
  • Popular Menu:

    Salmon Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Yellowtail Sashimi
  • Price Range:

    $30-$60
Phone Directions Website
Perched right on the bridge, this unique restaurant offers an intriguing dining experience. Despite its sign boasting a 7-day opening, we initially faced disappointment with a closure on our Friday visit. Returning the next day, we were finally able to savor their decent food, albeit with a frustrating 60-minute delay. While the Japanese curry was satisfactory, I found more flavor and satisfaction in chain restaurant versions. The baked chicken and cheese dish, unfortunately, fell short with an overwhelming presence of onions.

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner
  • Mid-Range

Relate link

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7. Kippu

Committed to sourcing quality ingredients

  • Time:

    11 AM to 9 PM

  • Rating: 4.1/5 (566 Review by google)
  • Address:

    1707 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Wide selection of ramen, Vegan and gluten-free options available, Cozy atmosphere
  • Cons:

    Potentially long wait times, Limited seating, Cash-only policy
  • Popular Menu:

    Shoyu Ramen, Miso Ramen, Vegan Ramen
  • Price Range:

    $12 - $15
Phone Directions Website
We chose two bento boxes from Kippu. The customer service was disappointingly disinterested and the staff seemed overwhelmed. Despite the rushed atmosphere, the food arrived quickly and was flavorful. The sushi selection, while slightly pricey, was delicious - the California roll, tempura roll, and Kippu roll stood out in taste and quality.

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Vegan Options
  • Downtown Spots

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8. Waraku

Uses traditional Japanese cooking techniques

  • Time:

    11:30 AM to 2:30 PM

  • Rating: 4.4/5 (772 Review by google)
  • Address:

    1638 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Wide variety of ramen options, Vegan-friendly, Sleek and modern interior design
  • Cons:

    Limited seating, Inconsistent food quality, Long wait times during peak hours
  • Popular Menu:

    Tonkotsu ramen, Shoyu ramen, Spicy ramen
  • Price Range:

    $12 - $15
Phone Directions Website
Waraku offers a delightful dining experience with its affordable and satisfying ramen and takoyaki. Despite the slight wait of 15 minutes due to busy hours, the attentive staff keeps you informed. This Japanese-owned restaurant serves up delicious dishes like the flavorful black garlic tonkotsu ramen, crispy geso fritters, and refreshing beverages like the red rice beer and white peach yuki, making it a must-visit for a cozy indoor dinner.

TOPICS

  • Downtown Spots
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Mid-Range

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9. Udon Mugizo

Handmade udon noodles and traditional Japanese decor

  • Time:

    11 AM to 9 PM

  • Rating: 4.5/5 (855 Review by google)
  • Address:

    1581 Webster St #217, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Wide variety of udon dishes, convenient location, offers vegetarian and vegan options
  • Cons:

    Limited parking, can get crowded during peak hours, prices slightly higher than some other udon restaurants
  • Popular Menu:

    Curry udon, classic udon, tempura udon
  • Price Range:

    $10-$20
Phone Directions Website

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Vegan Options
  • Downtown Spots

10. An | Japanese Restaurant

Phone Directions Website

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Mid-Range

Relate link

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11. Sasa Japanese Restaurant

Satisfies sushi cravings with fresh, high-quality fish and traditional Japanese dishes

  • Time:

    12 to 2 PM

  • Rating: 4.3/5 (237 Review by google)
  • Address:

    22 Peace Plaza Suite 530, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Wide variety of sushi and Japanese dishes, centrally located in Union Square, offers happy hour specials
  • Cons:

    Some reviews mention slow service during peak hours, limited seating and can be noisy, pricey for some items
  • Popular Menu:

    Salmon Avocado Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Sashimi Combination
  • Price Range:

    $30-$60 per person
Phone Directions Website

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Italian Cuisine
  • Lunch
  • Late Night

12. Sanppo Restaurant

Authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of San Francisco

  • Rating: 4.1/5 (333 Review by google)
  • Address:

    1702 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Wide variety of Japanese dishes, vegetarian-friendly options, cozy atmosphere
  • Cons:

    Pricier than some other Japanese restaurants, small portions, cash-only
  • Popular Menu:

    Tonkatsu, Udon, Bento Boxes
  • Price Range:

    $15 - $30
Phone Directions Website

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

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13. Oma San Francisco Station

Authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of San Francisco

  • Time:

    6 to 9:30 PM

  • Rating: 4.6/5 (178 Review by google)
  • Address:

    1737 Post St #337, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Central location, Wide variety of menu options, Attentive service
  • Cons:

    Limited parking, Some menu items can be pricey, Small dining area
  • Popular Menu:

    Ramen, Dumplings, Bento Boxes
  • Price Range:

    $10 - $20
Directions Website

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

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14. Suzu

Authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of San Francisco

  • Time:

    11:30 AM to 8:30 PM

  • Rating: 4.1/5 (391 Review by google)
  • Address:

    1825 Post St A, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Wide variety of Japanese dishes, cozy atmosphere, friendly service
  • Cons:

    Prices can be on the higher side, limited seating available, cash-only
  • Popular Menu:

    Sushi rolls, ramen, and bento boxes
  • Price Range:

    $20-$40
Phone Directions

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Mid-Range

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15. YUJI

Phone Directions Website

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner
  • Corporate Events

16. Matsuyama Shabu House

Phone Directions Website

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Fusion Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Mid-Range

Relate link

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17. Osakaya Restaurant

Traditional Japanese dining experience

  • Time:

    11 AM to 9:30 PM

  • Rating: 3.6/5 (285 Review by google)
  • Address:

    1737 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Authentic Japanese cuisine, warm atmosphere, extensive menu selection
  • Cons:

    Pricey for some items, can be crowded during peak hours, limited vegan/vegetarian options
  • Popular Menu:

    Sushi, Tempura, Ramen
  • Price Range:

    $30-$60 per person
Phone Directions

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Budget-Friendly Eats

18. San Wang Restaurant

Family-owned and operated for over 30 years

  • Time:

    11 AM to 9 PM

  • Rating: 3.9/5 (505 Review by google)
  • Address:

    1682 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Wide variety of Taiwanese dishes, friendly service, cozy atmosphere
  • Cons:

    Cash only, small seating area, hit-or-miss food quality
  • Popular Menu:

    Braised Pork Rice, Fried Noodles with Seafood, Stinky Tofu
  • Price Range:

    $
Phone Directions Website

TOPICS

  • Chinese Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

19. Nande-Ya

Authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of San Francisco

  • Time:

    11 AM to 9 PM

  • Rating: 3.4/5 (384 Review by google)
  • Address:

    1737 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Wide variety of Japanese dishes, cozy atmosphere, vegetarian and vegan options available
  • Cons:

    Prices can be slightly high, limited seating, cash only
  • Popular Menu:

    Tonkatsu Curry, Ramen, and Bento Boxes
  • Price Range:

    $15 - $30
Phone Directions

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Downtown Spots