Top 12 desserts in Japantown
Desserts in Japantown are a delightful fusion of Japanese tradition and American innovation. This unique culinary intersection offers a wide range of treats, from traditional mochi and Japanese-style cheesecake to modern creations like creamy custard tarts and fruit-filled mochi muffins. Indulge in the sweet side of Japantown and discover a dessert experience unlike any other.
1. Matcha Cafe Maiko
Specialized matcha cafe with authentic Japanese desserts

Matcha Café Maiko is a must-visit destination for matcha enthusiasts. They offer a variety of delicious matcha-based drinks and desserts, including some of the smoothest and creamiest soft serve ice cream. The café has been consistently impressive with the high quality of its matcha offerings, which has kept me coming back for years.
The matcha drinks and ice cream at Matcha Café Maiko stand out for their exceptional quality. The ice cream, in particular, is incredibly smooth and creamy, with a rich matcha flavor that is both authentic and delightful. Whether you're a long-time matcha lover or just looking to try something new, Matcha Café Maiko is a great place to indulge in this delicious and healthy green tea.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Hidden Gems
2. Uji Time Dessert
Traditional Japanese tea ceremony experience

The lychee rose dessert at this San Francisco establishment is a must-try, with its delightful taste and beautiful presentation. I always make a point to order it whenever I visit, and it has never disappointed. On a recent visit, I also tried the Ube and Black Sesame with Poppy Seed and Kinako flavors, all of which were served as tayaki, a fish-shaped cake that originated in Japan. The Black Sesame with Poppy Seed and Kinako flavor was a hit with a friend who has a tree nut allergy, as it satisfied her craving for a peanut butter-like treat. The Matcha flavor, served in a dish, was also delicious.
This San Francisco eatery consistently delivers a feast for both the eyes and the palate. During my latest visit, I indulged in the delicious lychee rose dessert, as well as the Ube and Black Sesame with Poppy Seed and Kinako flavors, all of which were presented in the form of tayaki. The friend who accompanied me ordered the Matcha flavor, which was equally delightful. The Black Sesame with Poppy Seed and Kinako tayaki was a standout for someone with a tree nut allergy, as it served as a satisfactory substitute for a nutty treat. The lychee rose dessert, with its striking appearance and delightful taste, remains a mainstay on my list of must-try items at this establishment.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Dinner
- Late Night
- Downtown Spots
3. Yasukochi's Sweet Stop
Family-owned dessert shop with Japanese inspiration

I prefer desserts that are not overly sweet, and I found a balance of that in their cake which was not overly sweet and had a sugary topping. The Coffee Crunch they offer is truly remarkable and worth mentioning. Another standout is their Guava/Passionfruit cake, which is a unique find in town. It has an electric pink color on top and often sells out quickly, especially on weekends, so it's best to go early if you're determined to get one.
Their Coffee Crunch is a must-try, and their Guava/Passionfruit cake is the only one of its kind in town, characterized by its electric pink top. This cake is highly popular and usually sells out, so it's recommended to arrive early, particularly on weekends, to ensure availability. I appreciate desserts that are not overly sweet, and this place offers a good balance of cake that is not too sweet with a sugary topping.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Dinner
4. jina bakes

TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
5. Andersen Bakery
Uses traditional Danish baking techniques, Artisanal baked goods, Cozy and charming atmosphere

During a visit to Japantown, I found myself exploring the various stores and looking for a small snack. I came across Andersen Bakery and decided to try their mango tart, as it is one of my favorite desserts. The bakery had a friendly staff and a wide selection of pastries, cakes, tiramisu, and drinks.
I ended up purchasing an assortment of pastries, including scones, danish, a curry croquette, and a baguette filled with custard. The pastries were all fresh and delicious. The mango tart had a perfectly flaky crust, and the mango topping was sweet and refreshing. The scones were buttery and crumbly, and the custard-filled baguette was a delightful surprise. The curry croquette also stood out, with its crispy exterior and savory filling. Overall, the bakery offered a great variety of high-quality pastries and desserts.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
6. Fillmore Bakeshop in Japantown
Small artisanal bakery using French techniques in the heart of San Francisco

The Princess Cake is a standout dessert, known for its light and refreshing quality. The cake itself is moist and complemented well by the sweet and delicious fruit purée. This cake is sure to satisfy those looking for a treat that is not overly rich or heavy.
In addition to the Princess Cake, the establishment also offers a variety of delicious cookies, including creative shortbread options. Whether you're in the mood for something fruity or chocolatey, their cookie selection has something for everyone. It's worth noting that the Princess Cake is a must-try, as it is both light and satisfying. Whether you have a sweet tooth or simply want to enjoy a well-made dessert, this cake is an excellent choice.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
- Social Gatherings
7. Sophie's Crepes

TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Dinner
- Mid-Range
- Celebrations
8. Philmore Creamery
Home-made ice cream, Vegan and gluten-free options available

San Francisco is home to many gelato shops, but one standout establishment offers exceptional gelato with distinct and perfectly blended flavors. The business makes its gelato on-site, and each flavor boasts a pronounced taste that harmonizes with the creamy or milky base. Two flavors tried, plum sorbetto and fresh mint chip, were so delicious that the visitor has been regretting not ordering more.
The gelato at this San Francisco establishment is the best the visitor has ever had, and its freshness is evident in every scoop. The visitor discovered the shop on their last day in the city and had heard its name from a reputable list of good places to eat. The visitor wishes they had tried more flavors instead of just two scoops. It is a testament to the shop's quality that the visitor remains unsatisfied and is already planning their next visit.
TOPICS
- Gluten-Free
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
9. Kissako Tea
Cozy atmosphere, High-quality ingredients, Focus on Japanese tea

The matcha mochi that I tried was characterized by its cool temperature and chewy texture, but I found it to be a bit too sweet. The filling, despite being different, did not manage to stand out against the overwhelming sweetness, which also overpowered the flavor of the matcha.
On the other hand, the fruit mochi offered delightful flavors and an excellent texture. The quality of the mochi was noteworthy, and the pricing was quite reasonable. Overall, while the matcha mochi was a bit of a letdown, the fruit mochi made up for it with its delicious taste and satisfying texture.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
- Weekend Dining
10. Belly Good Cafe & Crepes
Artisanal coffee and tea menu, cozy and relaxed atmosphere, available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery

A unique and noteworthy spot to try in San Francisco is a cafe that offers delicious dessert crepes. One happy customer bought a crepe for their son, featuring a happy face design made from chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, and caramel sauce. The customer was impressed with the skills of both the crepe chef and the happy face designer.
This cafe in San Francisco is known for its dessert options and has received 34 reviews, ranking it as the number 66 out of 124 dessert places in the city. Pricing is reasonable, making it an affordable option for a sweet treat. The reviews suggest that this cafe is a great place to visit for a delicious and unique dessert experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
11. Nippon-Ya
Traditional Japanese decor and atmosphere, friendly staff, wide selection of sake

The individual purchased two types of mochi: matcha green tea mochi with chocolate filling and chocolate mochi with strawberry filling. This mochi is reminiscent of the treats found in mini shops in Japan, which are often gifted as omiyage or enjoyed with friends and families.
Evoking memories of Japanese culture, the store offers a variety of mochi flavors. The matcha green tea mochi with chocolate filling is a perfect blend of traditional Japanese flavor and western twist, while the chocolate mochi with strawberry filling combines classic flavors in a delightful way. The shop brings a taste of Japan to its customers, whether they're looking for a gift or a treat to enjoy with loved ones.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
12. Japantown - K-BOX + Little Sweet in Japantown

TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Vegan Options