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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Japantown

Food

Authentic food that honors the traditions of the neighborhood instead of just putting a label on a generic menu.

Based on 469 Opinions
+466
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Updated April 2026
01
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Space features high ceilings and elegant decor with varied seating. Food offers creative flavors beyond traditional Japanese dishes. Cocktails are incredible, complementing the lively dining experience. Well-behaved dogs add to the friendly vibe.

Food here is diverse and unique, blending creative flavors beyond traditional Japanese dishes. The menu pairs well with incredible cocktails, making for a lively dining experience.

People are saying

"The food here is rich, flavorful, and delicious."

"The squid ink pasta and Katsu Loco Moco were standouts for dinner."

"The cocktails here are creative and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with a selection of food and drinks.

2

They offer $2 oysters during happy hour, making it a great deal.

3

Parking can be difficult, so plan accordingly before your visit.

02
K Dragon cuisine image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Small Asian fusion spot offers authentic Japanese flavors with large, satisfying poke bowls. Cozy, quiet space creates a relaxing vibe perfect for casual meals. Tables stay clean and stocked, ensuring a neat dining experience.

Food features authentic Japanese flavors with high quality ingredients. Dishes like the tuna and salmon poke bowls offer large, satisfying portions at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the poke bowls, was so delicious."

"It's a nice and quiet spot to enjoy dinner."

"The food here is authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a vegetarian menu section for plant-based options.

2

Portion sizes are generous, often enough to share between two people.

3

K Dragon cuisine is one of the more affordable dining options in Japantown.

03
Hed 11 image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, cozy space blends modern Thai elegance with clean wooden decor. Omakase offers authentic Thai cuisine with generous portions and innovative flavors. Atmosphere feels warm and sophisticated, perfect for upscale dining with thoughtful details.

Omakase offers authentic Thai cuisine with insightful service explaining each course. Portions are generous and the tasting menu delivers innovative flavors at a moderate price.

People are saying

"The Thai-inspired dishes here are uniquely creative and thoughtfully composed."

"The bold, authentic Southern Thai flavors here are truly unique."

"The food here is amazing, packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a $40 lunch menu with five courses.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait between dishes during dinner service.

3

Hed 11 offers a vegan option along with meat dishes.

04
Ganji image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy spot with a floral rose wall and cute decor sets a warm vibe for dates and friends. Food arrives sizzling with an amazing smell and fresh, authentic flavors. Friendly staff serve generous portions, making every visit welcoming and fun.

Food comes out sizzling with an amazing smell. Dishes are incredibly fresh and authentically prepared, delivering a consistently delicious taste.

People are saying

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

"The cheese tonkatsu here is rich and indulgent."

"The food here is delicious and came out sizzling."

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.

05
Soba Dining Sora image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a zen atmosphere with wooden furniture and soft music. Noodles have great consistency and broth tastes authentic. Space feels tight but draws steady crowds for authentic soba and quick service.

Noodles come with a great consistency and the broth tastes lovely. Food arrives quickly and feels authentic and delicious, just like in Japan.

People are saying

"The wait for Soba can be long, but it's worth it."

"The tempura was light, crispy, and not oily at all."

"The tempura here is light, crispy, and not oily at all."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 30-45 minutes during peak hours on weekends.

2

The average cost for two noodle dishes and one appetizer is around $90.

3

Parking is available in a garage across the street, making access easy.

06
Japantown Peace Plaza image 1
Cultural landmark

Concrete pagoda anchors an open plaza with live flute music creating a peaceful vibe. Shops offer amazing Japanese dishes and sweets, perfect for cultural immersion. Bright neon signs add a magical atmosphere that shifts from calm to lively.

Amazing food options include a variety of Japanese dishes, sweets, and imported alcohol. The selection offers a wonderful introduction to the culture with great desserts and supermarket finds.

People are saying

"This mall has so many great Japanese shops and restaurants."

"It's a really peaceful and calming spot to just relax."

"I found the food options here to be amazing and varied."

Good to know

1

The Cherry Blossom Festival occurs every April, featuring cultural events and vendors.

2

On the last weekend of each month, a vintage pop-up market showcases unique vendors.

3

Live music and cultural events happen regularly on weekends, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

07
Japan Center Malls image 1
Shopping mall

Shopping mall mixes traditional Japanese architecture with lively shops and festive decorations. Food options include authentic Japanese meals paired with beer and sake for a full cultural taste. Visitors enjoy cultural activities and unique entertainment like old-school arcades.

Offers a wide variety of authentic Japanese food including pre-packed options suited for quick meals. Combines food with Japanese drinks like beer and sake, creating a full cultural experience.

People are saying

"This mall has tons of anime goods, manga, and unique collectibles."

"I found many authentic Japanese eateries and experiences here."

"I found so many great Japanese food options here."

Good to know

1

The mall hosts special events like the Cherry Blossom Festival, attracting lively crowds.

2

Monthly pop-up events at OKMARKETPLACE offer unique shopping experiences.

3

Parking can be difficult to find, especially in busy times.

08
Woori Food Market image 1
Grocery store

Small Korean grocery store buzzes with high-energy music and offers fresh produce alongside affordable Korean staples. Hot food section features tasty options like gimbap and fried chicken at low prices. Plates and to-go boxes add convenience.

Freshly made Korean prepped food like onigiri, gimbap, fried chicken, and kimchi fried rice fills the hot food section. Prices stay low, with rolls around $5.50, and the produce stays fresh and tasty.

People are saying

"I love the Korean prepared foods and snacks at this grocery store."

"This market has great Korean groceries and fresh produce."

"You can get really good prepared Korean food and snacks here."

Good to know

1

Woori Food Market offers a great selection of fresh produce and Korean staples.

2

Prices are reasonable, especially for fresh produce and pantry items.

3

The market has a variety of Korean grab-and-go snacks and lunches.

09
Nijiya Market image 1
Japanese grocery store

Japanese grocery store buzzes with fresh sashimi and authentic dishes like Nato and Ikura. Crowds add to the nostalgic vibe while clever touches like a microwave for bentos boost convenience. Prices stay fair with a 20% discount on prepared foods late in the day.

Freshly prepared ready-to-eat food includes tasty sushi and authentic Japanese dishes like Nato and Ikura. Prices stay reasonable, and a 20% discount applies to prepared foods late in the day.

People are saying

"This grocery store has really fresh sushi and sashimi."

"This market has so many great Japanese snacks and ready-to-eat meals."

"I found a wide variety of Japanese food and ready-to-eat options here."

Good to know

1

Nijiya Market has a large selection of Japanese imported groceries.

2

You cannot take pictures inside Nijiya Market.

3

Parking validation requires a minimum purchase of $30.

10
Yakitori Edomasa image 1
Yakitori restaurant

Cozy yakitori spot offers authentic Japanese ambiance with a calm, quiet vibe. Food arrives fast and impresses with authentic flavors and high quality. Enjoy a variety of sake and beers for a relaxed dining experience in a clean, modern setting.

Food arrives very quickly and consistently impresses with its authentic Japanese flavors. Dishes maintain a high-quality standard and deliver a delicious experience every time.

People are saying

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

"This Lunch Spot's food is really well flavored and tasty."

"The yakitori skewers were smoky and delicious."

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.

11
Boichik Bagels Fillmore image 1

Bagel shop serves chewy New York style bagels fast, with food arriving within 5 minutes. Open-air seating in a quiet backyard courtyard offers a cozy, clean spot to enjoy meals. Despite limited indoor space, atmosphere stays welcoming amid some delivery activity.

Food arrives within 5 minutes of ordering, emphasizing speed. The dishes are delicious and the backyard tables offer a clean, quiet spot to eat, though indoor dining space is limited.

People are saying

"I found the bagels here to be super delicious and fresh."

"The vegan friendly bagels here are pretty good."

"The food here is so delicious, I need to try it all."

Good to know

1

This location is takeout only, with no seating inside or outside.

2

Expect to pay around $7 for a bagel and $9.50 for lox.

3

They might run out of bagels before closing, so arrive early.

12
Super Mira image 1
Japanese grocery store

Small Japanese grocery store shines with fresh sushi and homemade bentos. Cozy seating invites you to enjoy crispy tempura on Tuesdays and a large sake selection with detailed notes. Bakery corner offers a sweet finish with coffee crunch cake.

Prepared foods include croquettes, katsu, onigiri, spam musubi, karaage, and sashimi. Freshness stands out in sushi rolls and Japanese groceries. Hot foods and fried snacks offer tasty lunch options at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh, homemade Japanese food, especially the sushi and bento boxes."

"I found the homemade lunches and sushi here to be delicious and affordable."

"I loved their fresh sushi and tasty ready-to-eat Japanese food."

Good to know

1

Tempura Day happens every Tuesday, featuring freshly prepared tempura.

2

Super Mira offers a variety of options for both eating now and groceries.

3

The prices at Super Mira are very reasonable.

13
NINNIKU RAMEN IZAKAYA image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with about 10 tables creates a cozy atmosphere that feels like a homey hole-in-the-wall. Food offers authentic Japanese flavors with fresh ingredients and reasonable prices. Happy hour features $5 deals that shine in a pricey area.

Food features authentic Japanese flavors with fresh ingredients and comes at a reasonable price. Happy hour offers $5 deals that stand out in a pricey area.

People are saying

"The ramen here is huge and savory."

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

"The Japanese food here is so flavorful and filling."

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.

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Japantown, San Francisco

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