Restaurants and Cafes in Japantown, San Francisco

Waraku

‘Upscale ramen’ isn’t something many people are too familiar with, but Waraku does it – and does it well. This is one of the best restaurants near Japantown, with dark wood fittings and romantic lighting. Enjoy some deconstructed ramen (where you dip your noodles into a separate broth) and a few tasty side dishes, including Japanese-style fried chicken.

Kui Shin Bo

If you love sushi and you love ramen, then look no further. Kui Shin Bo serves them both – and does it well. The restaurant’s small plates are perfect for lunch, but their dinner dishes are perfectly filling. For a real treat, try the BBQ short ribs. With excellent service and a pleasant atmosphere, Kui Shin Bo is certainly worth a visit.

YakiniQ BBQ

Although you may be in Japantown, you are never far from some great Korean food. Korean BBQ has skyrocketed in popularity lately, with great barbecue joints like this one leading the way. Prepare yourself for generous portions and surprisingly good value in YakiniQ BBQ, where the service feels young and fun. Although you may have to wait a while to get in, the entertaining atmosphere and great food makes it worthwhile.

Yasukochi’s Sweet Shop

Exploring Japantown’s food doesn’t need to stop after the main meal. One of the best restaurants in Japantown is, in fact, not a restaurant at all! If you’re craving a sweet treat, pay a visit to Yasukochi’s Sweet Shop, where the famous coffee crunch cake will treat your taste buds. This little shop satisfies all sorts of tastes, with cakes, rolls and more available for you to get your hands on.