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Japanese food salad spots in San Francisco

The crisp snap of fresh vegetables pairs well with the clean, precise flavors of a Japanese meal.

Based on 764 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Curry Hyuga - San Francisco image 1
Curry Hyuga - San Francisco image 2
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Space combines cozy seating with an upbeat atmosphere enhanced by anime music. Tables feature spice level seasonings and gadgets to call for service, supporting a casual, comfortable dining experience. The crowd enjoys authentic Japanese curry with generous portions and reasonable prices.

Japanese potato salad stands out with its creamy texture and rich flavor. Plates often include pickled vegetables that complement the salad well.

Japanese curry here features crispy pork katsu with a juicy inside and a rich curry sauce that pairs perfectly. The tonkatsu teishoku comes with a miso sauce that adds a comforting, savory touch.

People are saying

"The katsu curry here is crispy and delicious."

"The Japanese food here, especially the katsu, is so crispy and delicious."

"This Japanese curry is so comforting and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges a 4% SF Healthy Mandate fee on all orders.

2

Different spice level seasonings are available at the tables to customize spice levels.

3

The portion size and pricing are reasonable for San Francisco.

02
Yuja image 1
Asian restaurant

Bright, modern space offers a cozy and welcoming vibe with large tables suited for groups. Atmosphere stays relaxed and clean, matching a friendly neighborhood feel. Asian-fusion bowls feature bold, fresh flavors with healthy, satisfying portions.

Yuja's Asian salad stands out with its fresh, vibrant flavors. Salads here often balance well with dishes like chicken teriyaki and Thai basil pork, featuring elements like sweet potato salad and crisp cucumber.

Teriyaki dishes stand out with a nutty, not overly sweet sauce. Chicken teriyaki bowls come fresh, filling, and packed with flavorful sauce. Tofu and shaking beef also feature as solid options.

People are saying

"I found the healthy food here to be delicious and fresh."

"The Japanese Food, especially the teriyaki chicken, is lip-smacking and amazing."

"The chicken teriyaki salad is amazing and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

Yuja offers affordable Asian-inspired bowls with many customization options.

2

The meals are reasonably priced for downtown San Francisco, averaging around $14.

3

Yuja has a secret menu featuring teriyaki sauce with chicken or tofu.

03
Sabor Gaúcho Prime Brazilian Steakhouse image 1

Brazilian steakhouse with modern luxurious ambiance and cozy, well-lit interior creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Live music and a full sushi bar with vegetarian options add to the vibrant energy. Quality meats cooked to perfection and a standout bar contribute to a memorable dining experience.

Fresh and well organized, the salad bar offers a great variety including sushi, cheese selection, and salmon. Servers check in to see if you want anything specific from the salad bar or grill.

Buffet includes a full sushi bar with fresh sashimi and vegetarian options. Salad bar offers fresh choices alongside sushi and finger foods.

People are saying

"This Brazilian steakhouse is the best I've been to in the Bay Area."

"The salad bar was fresh and had a great selection."

"The sushi and sashimi here are so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available daily from 3 PM to 7 PM.

2

Brunch is served on Sundays, starting January 25, 2026.

3

Reservations can be made easily and quickly.

04
Kombu image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, modern Japanese restaurant offers a calm and cozy atmosphere with fresh, melt-in-your-mouth sushi. The space feels warm and inviting, suitable for intimate dinners or casual gatherings. A private room adds a touch of exclusivity to the otherwise unassuming setting.

Seafood Poke Salad features super fresh fish and a light umami-rich dressing. Seaweed Salad offers vibrant flavor and texture with a slight zing. Cucumber Salad is crisp and refreshing with light sesame and fresh microgreens.

Sushi here is consistently fresh and flawlessly prepared with perfectly seasoned rice. The sashimi platter features beautifully presented fish full of flavor, and classic rolls like California and Salmon Avocado are done right.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazing and very fresh."

"The Wagyu tartare melted in my mouth."

"The poke salad is restaurant-quality with super fresh fish."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available on Harrison, but can be limited.

2

You can park in the nearby Whole Foods lot for a maximum of 90 minutes.

3

The kitchen closes at 8:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

05
The Roll image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi restaurant with a modern yet cozy interior and stylish, relaxed vibe. Atmosphere feels comfortable and clean, blending trendy and intimate elements. Quiet and peaceful setting suits casual dining.

Salads often come with seaweed or include crisped salmon skin for texture. Lunch sets pair salads with miso soup and sushi pieces.

Sushi features super fresh cuts of tuna, salmon, and amberjack with perfectly seasoned rice. The futomaki called “The Roll” blends sashimi with a unique seasoning for great flavor at an affordable price.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is delicious, especially the sushi and miso soup."

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"I loved the salad with its nicely crisped salmon skin."

Good to know

1

The hand rolls start at $6, offering great quality for the price.

2

The restaurant opened in December 2024, making it a newer establishment.

3

The rolls used to come with 10 pieces, but now they come with 6.

06
Gus's Community Market image 1

Grocery store offers a tight space filled with citrus aromas and a family-oriented vibe. Shelves hold a well-organized selection of fresh produce, sandwiches, and specialty items like horseradish. The atmosphere feels welcoming and lively, with a focus on quality and variety despite limited room.

Fresh produce and an impressive salad bar stand out here. Salads stay cold on the way home thanks to careful packaging that separates hot and cold items.

Fresh sushi stands out alongside a variety of sandwiches, salads, and a hot food bar. The sushi offers a solid option within a diverse selection of Japanese food choices.

People are saying

"This grocery store has some of the best sandwiches I've ever eaten."

"The salad bar here is great and offers fresh produce."

"I experienced fresh sushi and saw colorful rolls."

Good to know

1

The large poke is only available when ordered fresh, not prepackaged.

2

Gus's Community Market has a good selection of fresh produce and beers.

3

Expect higher prices compared to larger grocery stores like Whole Foods.

07
Japanese House image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with quiet, relaxing vibes suited for lunch breaks or casual dining. Locally owned, it serves authentic dishes like miso soup and chicken katsu curry with affordable prices and takeout options.

Salads come with complimentary miso soup and have a light dressing. Portions lean toward the conservative side.

Fresh ingredients create high-quality sushi with delicious recipes. Bento boxes offer generous portions like Salmon teriyaki with smoky flavor and crispy vegetable croquettes. Ramen tonkatsu and chicken katsu curry come with great miso and salad.

People are saying

"The katsu curry here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"This Lunch Spot has good food at a decent price."

"The chicken katsu curry came with a great salad."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially for lunch.

2

Takeout options are available for those in a hurry.

3

The restaurant offers complimentary miso soup and salad with meals.

08
Komeya No Bento image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with limited seating creates a cozy but crowded atmosphere. Loud and disorganized environment contrasts with a great playlist that adds to the vibe. Popular spot mainly for takeout, often busy with long waits and tight quarters.

Bentoboxes come with beautiful presentation and unique flavors. Salmon sashimi with ikura tastes fresh and melts in your mouth, while the Karaage Chicken offers a solid classic option. Mochi matcha and fruit lattes provide sweet, satisfying drinks.

People are saying

"The matcha drinks here are a perfect 10/10, especially the strawberry."

"The salmon here is buttery smooth and not fishy at all."

"The salmon bento's potato salad is a delicious side."

Good to know

1

Komeya No Bento is mainly a to-go place with limited indoor seating.

2

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours.

3

Ordering online is recommended to avoid long lines.

09
Ganji image 1
Japanese restaurant

Interior features floral rose wall and cute decor creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere with pleasant music. The vibe suits dates and outings with friends, filled with laughter and good energy. Generous portions and a friendly, efficient staff add to the welcoming feel.

Meals include a small salad as a side, often paired with miso soup and other small vegetables. Salads come with set meals that also feature rice and various pickles.

Katsu stands out with options like slow-cooked tonkatsu that is super tender and crispy. Chicken katsu and cheese tonkatsu come out delicious and tender, while salmon teriyaki is cooked just right.

People are saying

"I thought the sake was great, along with the food."

"The Japanese food, especially the katsu, is fantastic and perfectly cooked."

"The katsu here is crispy and fresh with a decent curry sauce."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid crowds, especially during peak hours.

2

Each entree includes miso soup, salad, and small side vegetables.

3

Portions are large and suitable for sharing.

10
NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small dining space with about 7 to 12 tables creates an intimate, cozy atmosphere that feels like a homey hole-in-the-wall. The vibe is lively and filled with happy folks, though the limited size means it can get crowded quickly. Decor is nice and clean, contributing to a comfortable setting.

Seaweed salad includes different types beyond the usual. Ninniku salad comes lightly dressed with a hint of spice. Potato salad is less favored.

Ramen features rich broths like pork bone and duck truffle, with noodles cooked just right. Sushi, donburi bowls, and crispy takoyaki with chewy octopus and umami bonito flakes also stand out.

People are saying

"The ramen here is huge and savory."

"This lunch spot offers an amazing three-course deal for $16."

"I found the ramen to be full of flavor and ingredients."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm with $5 small plates.

2

Reservations are not accepted; expect to sign in for the waitlist.

3

Parking can be challenging with no free options available nearby.

11
Caché image 1
Bistro

Small modern bistro with warm wooden decor and multiple intimate dining areas, including a hidden outdoor patio with heaters. Atmosphere feels cozy and romantic, especially during sunset. Guests enjoy a blend of refined French and California cuisine in a quiet, private setting.

Salads come as a refreshing side with a light, crisp dressing. Some salads show a cheap diner vibe, especially with mushrooms that look like they came from a salad bar.

Fresh, high-quality sea bream sashimi stands out with a unique twist on traditional Japanese style. Dishes like haddock croquettes and lobster fricassee come with careful presentation and bold flavors.

People are saying

"The French food here is amazing, with staff who are warm and knowledgeable."

"The sea bream sashimi here is a must-try."

"I loved the side salad with its refreshing dressing."

Good to know

1

Caché has a seasonal menu that changes regularly.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

3

Expect higher prices for unique dishes, with some items over $20.

12
Yakitori Edomasa image 1
Yakitori restaurant

Small, cozy yakitori restaurant with authentic Japanese ambiance and traditional decorations. Atmosphere stays calm and quiet even when full, with a clean, modern interior and kitchen in view. Offers high-quality skewers and a variety of sake and beers, creating a relaxed dining experience.

Salads come very fresh and refreshing here, often included in sets with meat or seafood. They balance well with the warm, flavorful soups served alongside.

Charcoal grilling gives the yakitori a nicely smoky flavor with options like thigh, skin, heart, and Wagyu with wasabi. The menu stays focused on grilled chicken skewers served in a casual yet precise atmosphere reminiscent of Tokyo's yakitori spots.

People are saying

"The yakitori, especially the grilled thighs and bonjiri, were delicious."

"The Japanese food, especially the yakitori, was tender and delicious."

"The salad here is so fresh and refreshing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; a walk-in waiting list is available with 35-55 minute wait times.

2

A 5.2% 'SF Mandate' charge is added to the bill without prior notice.

3

The skewers are priced at $5 each, which is reasonable for the quality.

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