Best of 20 Japanese restaurants in Japantown San Francisco

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

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1. HINODEYA Ramen Japantown

Traditional Japanese ramen bar with over 30 years of history

  • 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, Vegetarian and vegan options available, Centrally located in Japantown
  • Cons:

    Small food portions, Limited seating, Cash-only policy
  • Popular Menu:

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

    $15-$20
Phone Directions Website
Indulge in the savory delights of Hinodeya Ramen in the heart of Japantown, where the rich flavors of traditional ramen transport you to culinary bliss. Experience a seamless dining journey with their cutting-edge digital ordering system - simply place your order online while seated and savor every mouthful as your delectable meal is promptly delivered to your table. Despite minimal staff interaction, the efficiency of this innovative approach ensures a hassle-free and satisfying dining experience.
Embark on a gastronomic adventure at Hinodeya Ramen, where every spoonful of their robust broth, succulent fried chicken, and tantalizing spicy peppers tantalize your taste buds. Delight in the harmonious blend of flavors, each bite a symphony of taste and texture that leaves you craving for more. While the ordering process may leave some patrons scratching their heads, the exceptional quality of the cuisine truly shines through, making Hinodeya Ramen a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking a culinary escape in Japantown.

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Mid-Range

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2. Benihana

Interactive dining experience, family-friendly atmosphere, full bar available

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

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

  • Pros:

    Centrally located in Union Square, entertaining teppanyaki-style cooking, extensive menu with vegetarian options
  • Cons:

    Can be on the pricier side, some dishes may be hit-or-miss, reservations may be hard to get
  • Popular Menu:

    Hibachi Steak and Shrimp, Sushi Roll Combo, Vegetable Tofu Stir-Fry
  • Price Range:

    $30-$60 per person
Phone Directions Website
Embark on a culinary journey at Benihana, where dining is transformed into a mesmerizing spectacle. Witness skilled chefs showcase their expertise right before your eyes, sizzling up a delectable feast. Step into a realm where entertainment meets exceptional flavors, creating an unforgettable dining experience that transcends time. Indulge in a symphony of flavors from savory soup to refreshing lemonade, alongside flawlessly grilled vegetables. Immerse yourself in this culinary adventure, where every bite is a celebration of taste and tradition. However, the only downside might be the steep prices that accompany this exceptional dining experience.
At the heart of Benihana lies a fusion of gastronomy and entertainment, brought to life by the charismatic chef Mario. His warm persona adds an extra layer of charm to the already captivating performance, making every moment spent at the table a cherished memory. With each dish expertly prepared before you, the dining experience is elevated to new heights of pleasure and satisfaction. While the extravagant prices may give pause, the quality and entertainment value offered make Benihana a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and remarkable dining experience that transcends the ordinary.

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • High-End

3. Kui Shin Bo

High-quality sushi in a modern atmosphere

  • 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, Wide variety of sushi rolls, Attentive and friendly service
  • Cons:

    Pricey for the portion size, Limited parking, Seating can be cramped
  • Popular Menu:

    Special Dragon Roll, Spider Roll, Yellowtail Jalapeno
  • Price Range:

    $$ (Out of $$$$)
Phone Directions Website
Nestled within the vibrant hustle and bustle of Japan Town, Kui Shin Bo exudes an aura of authenticity that captivates diners from the moment they step inside. Despite its unassuming appearance, this charming restaurant surprises with its exquisite culinary offerings. From impeccably crafted sushi to divine sashimi, each dish showcases a perfect balance of flavors and textures that transport your taste buds to Japan. The generous portions ensure that every craving is not just satisfied, but surpassed, leaving patrons eager for their next visit. In a culinary landscape teeming with options, Kui Shin Bo stands out as a hidden gem worth discovering for its commitment to delivering a truly unforgettable dining experience.

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Vegan Options
  • Budget-Friendly Eats

4. Udon Mugizo

Authentic Japanese udon made fresh daily

  • 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 options
  • Cons:

    Prices slightly higher than other udon restaurants, limited seating, cash only
  • Popular Menu:

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

    $10 - $15
Phone Directions Website
Indulge in Udon Mugizo's signature Nabeyaki Udon, brimming with chicken, fish cake, maitake mushrooms, shrimp tempura, and crispy tempura flakes. The hearty thick noodles are expertly cooked, though the broth could use a touch more complexity. Despite a slight sweetness, this spot is renowned for its handcrafted udon noodles, maintaining that chewy homemade texture. While the prices have seen a rise, with a bowl now exceeding $20 with tax and tip, the quality and flavor of the dish remain unmatched.

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Vegan Options
  • Downtown Spots

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5. Kushi Tsuru

Serves traditional Japanese skewers and seafood

  • 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, Friendly staff, Affordable prices
  • Cons:

    Limited seating, Cash only, No reservations
  • Popular Menu:

    Kushiage, Sashimi, Udon
  • Price Range:

    $
Phone Directions Website
At Kushi Tsuru, the chicken karaage stood out for being juicy and perfectly seasoned, with a generous portion size. The ramen, however, was lackluster with overcooked egg and mushy noodles. Despite the average quality, the Katsu curry offered a decent flavor profile, slightly marred by its watery consistency. While service was prompt, a slight wait was required during peak hours.

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots

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6. Tenroku Sushi

Family-owned sushi restaurant with a loyal following

  • Time:

    11:30 AM to 9 PM

  • Rating: 4.3/5 (650 Review by google)
  • Address:

    1825 Post St #215, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Wide variety of sushi options, convenient location in the heart of Japantown, offers both dine-in and takeout services
  • Cons:

    Some reviews mention hit-or-miss service, seating may be limited during peak hours, cash-only policy may be inconvenient for some customers
  • Popular Menu:

    California roll, spicy tuna roll, salmon nigiri
  • Price Range:

    $
Phone Directions Website
Tenroku Sushi offers a unique dining experience with its conveyor belt sushi concept, providing a fun and interactive way to enjoy a variety of sushi plates without the need to order. The lively atmosphere adds an extra element of excitement as you watch the colorful plates pass by right in front of you. Additionally, for those looking for a more upscale setting, the elegant interior of Tenroku Sushi sets it apart from its counterpart at Japantown Mall, offering a slightly different ambiance to suit individual preferences. Whether it's your first time or you're a conveyor belt sushi veteran, Tenroku Sushi promises a delightful dining experience for all sushi enthusiasts.

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • American Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Budget-Friendly Eats

7. Waraku

Authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of San Francisco

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

    Prices slightly higher than other Japanese restaurants, limited seating, cash-only
  • Popular Menu:

    Ramen, sushi rolls, and bento boxes
  • Price Range:

    $15 - $30
Phone Directions Website
Waraku is a charming Japanese-owned ramen spot, where I indulged in their delectable black garlic tonkotsu ramen alongside crispy geso fritters. The cozy indoor ambience set the stage for a delightful dining experience on 03/26/2021. Despite the initial 15-minute wait and bustling crowd, my server kept me informed and ensured a seamless dining experience. From the flavorful broth to the refreshing red rice beer and white peach yuki, each dish was a culinary treat that left me craving for more.

TOPICS

  • Downtown Spots
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Mid-Range

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8. On the Bridge

Cozy and trendy atmosphere with a great selection of wines

  • 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:

    Centrally located in downtown San Francisco, modern decor, offers a variety of dishes
  • Cons:

    Some reviews mention slow service, limited parking, can be noisy
  • Popular Menu:

    Grass-fed Burger, Truffle Fries, Arugula Salad
  • Price Range:

    $15-$30
Phone Directions Website

TOPICS

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

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9. Kippu

Authentic Japanese comfort food in the heart of San Francisco

  • 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 variety of Japanese options, cozy atmosphere, efficient service
  • Cons:

    Prices slightly higher than average, limited seating, cash-only
  • Popular Menu:

    Tonkatsu Curry, Ramen, Bento Boxes
  • Price Range:

    $15 - $30
Phone Directions Website

TOPICS

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

10. Hikari Bullet Train Sushi & Bar

Fusion of bullet train concept and sushi dining

  • Time:

    11:30 AM to 8:30 PM

  • Rating: 4.4/5 (763 Review by google)
  • Address:

    1734 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Modern atmosphere, creative sushi rolls, extensive drink menu
  • Cons:

    Pricey, small portions, hit-or-miss service
  • Popular Menu:

    Dragon Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Yellowtail Jalapeno
  • Price Range:

    $30-$60 per person
Phone Directions

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

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11. An | Japanese Restaurant

Phone Directions Website

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Mid-Range

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12. Suzu

Known for fresh fish and creative sushi rolls

  • 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:

    Centrally located in Lower Pacific Heights, Offers sushi rolls and Japanese entrées, Decor is modern and sleek
  • Cons:

    Some reviews mention issues with slow service and high prices
  • Popular Menu:

    Sushi Combination Platter, Spicy Tuna Roll, Yellowtail Sashimi
  • Price Range:

    $30-$60
Phone Directions

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Mid-Range

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13. Hoshinoya

A luxury ryokan-style inn overlooking the San Francisco Bay

  • Time:

    11:30 AM to 4 PM

  • Rating: 4.3/5 (183 Review by google)
  • Address:

    1740 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

  • Pros:

    Luxurious accommodations, scenic views of the San Francisco Bay, excellent customer service
  • Cons:

    Expensive pricing, limited dining options, location may not be convenient for some
  • Popular Menu:

    Kaiseki tasting menu, sushi plate, soba noodles
  • Price Range:

    $500 - $1000 per night
Phone Directions Website

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Mid-Range

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14. 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 in Japantown, friendly staff, offers various Japanese food options
  • Cons:

    Limited parking, some customers complain about small portion sizes, cash only
  • Popular Menu:

    Ramen, sushi, and bento boxes
  • Price Range:

    $10-$20 per person
Directions Website

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

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15. Sanppo Restaurant

Authentic Japanese cuisine with a modern twist

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

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

  • Pros:

    Wide variety of Japanese dishes, Vegan and gluten-free options available, Centrally located in Lower Pacific Heights
  • Cons:

    Some reviews mention slow service, Limited parking, Pricey for the portion size
  • Popular Menu:

    Tonkatsu Ramen, Spicy Tuna Roll, Vegetable Tempura
  • Price Range:

    $15 - $30
Phone Directions Website

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

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16. Sasa Japanese Restaurant

Traditional atmosphere, beautifully presented dishes, fresh ingredients

  • 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:

    Authentic Japanese cuisine, centrally located in Union Square, offers vegetarian and vegan options
  • Cons:

    Pricier than some other Japanese restaurants, limited seating, may have a wait during peak hours
  • Popular Menu:

    Sushi Roll Combo, Udon Noodle Soup, Bento Box
  • Price Range:

    $20-$50
Phone Directions Website

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Italian Cuisine
  • Lunch
  • Late Night

17. Osakaya Restaurant

Long-standing family-owned restaurant since 1908

  • 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, attentive service, traditional atmosphere
  • Cons:

    Limited vegetarian options, slightly expensive for some, small portions
  • Popular Menu:

    Sushi, Tempura, Wagyu Beef
  • Price Range:

    $50-$100 per person
Phone Directions

TOPICS

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

18. YUJI

Phone Directions Website

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner
  • Corporate Events

19. Matsuyama Shabu House

Phone Directions Website

TOPICS

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

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20. Nande-Ya

Delicious and affordable 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 and authentic atmosphere, offers vegetarian and gluten-free options
  • Cons:

    Portions may be smaller than expected, wait times can be long during peak hours, cash-only policy
  • Popular Menu:

    Tonkatsu Curry, Udon Noodle Soup, Spicy Tuna Roll
  • Price Range:

    $ - $$
Phone Directions

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Downtown Spots