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    Cassava

    4.0 (1.2k reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
    Updated 1 week ago

    Cassava Photos

    Business Info

    CASSAVA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Cassava

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    Elma C.

    Location: 10/10 Food presentation: 10/10 Food: below average. I ordered a rice bowl with tofu - tofu was chalky and hard to eat, overloaded with soy sauce (simple and straightforward sodium flavor). Disappointed.

    Bourbon Vanilla Honey Mocha + Matcha
    Gina L.

    Super cute cafe via alley. Makes you feel like you're in one of those lo-fi coffee shop backgrounds. It is completely outdoors, some tables with umbrellas. However, tables are reserved for individuals ordering food, and couches for drink sippers (like ourselves). Tables also have blankets for if you get chilly (guessing this is seasonal). Got the spiced honey latte, and my friend got the matcha. My latte had a slightly earthy taste and on the sweeter side, which I wasn't a big fan of. My friend enjoyed her matcha. We chatted on the couch while we sipped our drinks. Very cute ambiance, and being enclosed in this courtyard made it very cozy. Patio is pet-friendly as well.

    Outdoor space
    Rehab K.

    Tried Cassava for a weekday lunch - the space is tucked between buildings with a great outdoor patio - truly something out of Pinterest. We got the salmon bento and egg sando - the food is pretty mediocre and I would not recommend the sando since it's cold and in just regular white bread, not Japanese milk bread. The place is definitely more for the vibe and the matcha is very good! 3.5/5

    Market avocado toast (vegan)
    Sha G.

    Cassava Cafe is a hidden oasis, away from street noise and reminders of the daily grind. Palm trees and the glow of accent lights welcome you to peace and tasty treats. Owner Yuka Ioroi greeted me with the positivity and love I needed after a difficult morning. I was thrilled to see Cassava thriving and bringing life to what was a sterile courtyard/alley. Japanese inspired breakfast and lunch is expertly crafted by Co-owner and Chef Kris Toliao. The level of detail and dedication to fresh ingredients continues. This power couple's passion and resilience pours as they have transitioned out from their brick and mortar to a kiosk. While I'm sad to have missed their dinner menu, Yuka reminded me that Cassava continues. What a lovely reminder to embrace change and focus on the good. I ordered the spiced latte with almond milk and the market greens avocado toast. Honestly, I was starving. The latte arrived with love to the brim. I asked for it lightly sweetened (half pump instead of the 1.5 pumps) and it was perfect. The avocado toast was next level. Chucky avocado was salted and peppered perfectly. Colorful bites of thinly shaved watermelon radish gems was the glow up crunch that I needed. Cassava Cafe, thank you for continuing to be a space for community and comfort. Love to you, Yuka and Kris. Your hard work does not go unnoticed.

    Poached Scottish King Salmon Bento, Sonoma Duck Leg Confit Bento, and Matcha Latte (unsweetened)
    Jenn G.

    Went here on a Friday afternoon! Cassava is a bit hidden, but there are signs that help you find the place. The place is tucked away from the busy streets and has natural airflow. It is a bit small. My friend and I dined in for lunch. They also have a to-go option! The host was really nice and handled the long line like a professional, with a smile on their face. Overall, the presentation and service were very well done! Things we ordered: Poached Scottish King Salmon Bento The salmon was the highlight out of everything--it tasted very fresh and light! Sonoma Duck Leg Confit Bento The duck was tender, and the meat fell right off the bone! The only downside was the Bentos' side dishes and salad; they tasted a bit salty on their own, but combined with rice, it helped balance it out. Chicken Tsukune Miso This came with the bento option! It tasted more like chicken than miso, but the meatballs were flavorful. Matcha Latte (unsweetened) with oat milk I can definitely taste the matcha, and since it's unsweetened, the oat milk helps balance it out. Unfortunately, it does not taste as good as matcha from other places.

    Courtyard
    Natalie M.

    I stopped by Cassava and the space itself is really beautiful. The restaurant is tucked into a courtyard with palm trees and warm lighting, which makes it feel surprisingly peaceful for being in the middle of the city. It's a really nice spot if you're looking for somewhere quiet to sit, have a coffee, or meet up with someone. The service was friendly and smooth, and ordering at the courtyard café was easy. I ordered a matcha, which was good but was a little on the pricier side for an unsweetened drink that's mostly ice. It tasted fine but it didn't really stand out compared to other matchas I've had around San Francisco. The courtyard café area is definitely the highlight. The outdoor seating with greenery makes it a really relaxing place to sit for a while, especially on a nice day. I should also mention that I only tried the courtyard café and didn't have any of the restaurant's food, so I can't speak to the full dining experience yet. I'd definitely come back another time to try the restaurant menu. It's a really pretty place to grab a drink and enjoy the atmosphere, even if the matcha felt a little pricey. If you're nearby and want a quiet courtyard café in the city, it's worth stopping by.

    Cortyard
    Alisa P.

    Like this spot for it's intimate feel. Getting there in the middle of the day teleports you to a twilight zone with warm lights on and slow vibes. I liked my avocado toast. It was loaded with salmon, cream cheese and greens. The presentation was great too. My friend tried the salad and also liked it. The service was fast and we got a seat without wait during the lunch break. Overall it's a decent place for a lunch with a friend near downtown

    Connie X.

    Cassava Cafe felt like we were transported out of San Francisco. It's nestled in an alleyway near the Embarcadero. Plenty of open lighting. Outdoor seating. Overall a quiet and cute space for delicious Japanese-inspired food. My boyfriend and I shared the onigirazu (homemade spam!!!!) and duck confit(!!!) bento box. For our choice of soup, which came with the bento, we got the (vegan!!!!) carrot ginger soup. All our food was so delicious! Standouts were the homemade spam in our onigirazu and duck confit. The duck was so tender and so smoky, without being too salty. Very fresh, very healthy ingredients that made my boyfriend and me feel very satisfied. As a plus, Cassava Cafe technically has a bathroom! Just ask one of the servers to have the door unlocked!

    Po'-Tama Onigirazu
    Angelo J.

    The food was really great. I got the Po'-Tama sandwich and it was an interesting yet delicious house made spam with omelette wrap with seaweed, and the bean sprouts added a nice taste, too. My partner got the cream of mushroom soup and it also was very tasty, though in my opinion it could have had a bit more added to it other than a couple pieces of lettuce. Maybe a small piece of bread or crackers. Our server was really nice, and it was cool to see that every seat had blankets. The cafe itself is located in a small courtyard, so it tends to get very chilly. So I recommend to bundle up if you're going. My only gripe is that there wasn't that much on the menu to choose from and they were pretty much on the high end for the quantity/size of each dish, though my guess would be due to the smaller kitchen they have. I would recommend to those who'd like to try it out and like chill atmospheres.

    matcha latte, egg sando
    Anna H.

    This cafe is tucked away in the middle of an office building, transporting you to a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It feels very elegant and historic, with calm outdoor seating shaded by the building. The egg sando was light and airy, but the bread was quite dry for Japanese milk bread (probably in the fridge for too long). Not sure if they do iced drinks because I ordered a matcha latte and forgot to specify that I wanted it iced. It was bitter leaning grassy and I would probably put it in the same class as Kiss of Matcha. Their other food offerings look great, though! A good place to catch up or do some offline work.

    Clam Chowder Soup
    Adam B.

    Sandwich & Soup, now $27 in San Francisco! Especially jarring since it's from a little kiosk hidden away in an office complex. It's tasty, but seems quite overpriced for what it is. Egg Salad Sando: It looks more picturesque than normal egg salad sandwiches, but still a bit of a mess. I enjoyed the fluffy bread and creaminess, but it wasn't life changing or anything. Clam Chowder Soup: Somewhere between the New England style and the Rhode Island style. Apparently the soup base is vegan, with a coconut milk base. Which is kinda strange since it's clearly not vegan after the clams are added. Besides the coconut, it tended to have more traditional flavors so nothing terribly exotic. It was decent. Po'Tama Onigirazu: This is actually a pretty good value given how filling this is. It's a huge egg omelet and homemade spam wrapped in rice and seaweed with some veggies. It's kinda like an uncut kimbap. Delicious in every bite. Avocado Toast w/ Prosciutto: The toast seemed pretty thin, compared to the big fluffy toasts you usually get with avocado toast. Also, was a tad light on the avocado. But lots of thick prosciutto and nice greens on top. Really great combo of flavors and textures. Hayashi Rice w/ Thick Bacon: The most hearty of the menu items I tried. It's like a tomato-based curry with tons of fresh veggies, each cooked to just the right tenderness. I added on the bacon, so there was some meat in the mix. Turned out to be just perfect. Even enjoyed the little side salad alongside the rice, since it was so colorful and pretty.

    Oat matcha latte and Po'-Tama "Onigirazu"
    Erika C.

    Super cute spot. Hideaway vibes. Super clean bathroom (staff have to badge you in). I would go back just for the ambiance. The food, not so much. I got the Po'-Tama "Onigirazu" (house made spam, cabbage "tamagoyaki", bean sprouts and carrots namul, red leaf lettuce, gluten free). It tasted really healthy so at least I felt I got that out of it. But it was pretty cold and bland, just didn't really come together for me. I don't usually get oat matcha lattes. It was too sweet for me but that's on me, I should have ordered with no sugar. Rookie mistake. I'll be back for coffee and something warm off their food menu. Friendly staff and quick service.

    Po tama
    Natalie L.

    While this is a kiosk hidden away, it's still got a really nice vibe, like a spot you can go to if you want to escape the busy metropolitan atmosphere of SF. I got the po tama, which had perfectly cooked rice and yummy homemade spam! The spiced matcha latte was also one of the better matcha lattes I've had in the Bay, and I'd honestly come back here just for that alone. Service was good and friendly, considering it's an outdoor kiosk where you can still order "for here", and I'd love to come back to relax away from work.

    Nifty menu to choose from.

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    Page 1 of 30

    Ask the Community - Cassava

    Are there heaters for outdoor tables? Thank you!

    Yes!

    Do you need to have a Covid booster vaccine to get in?

    Yes for indoor dining we are asking all guests to have booster.

    Do you have to make reservations or walk in's are available?

    Hi thank you for your question! While reservations aren't required, we don't always have many walk in tables available due to the small size of our current location.

    Do you have a corkage fee if we want to bring our own bottle of wine?

    You certainly can bring a bottle to enjoy with your meal. We'll be glad to open it properly and serve in appropriate glasses for you to enjoy.… Read more

    Do you have bottomless mimosas?

    Hi we serve mimosa by the glass, not bottomless :-)

    Do they have vegan options? Or can they customize their dishes for a vegan? Thanks

    They have some options, but check out their remark in a previous review regarding vegan options. With that attitude, no thanks.… Read more

    View All 7 Questions

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    KUSAKABE

    KUSAKABE

    4.6(1.2k reviews)
    0.1 miFinancial District
    $$$$

    What an experience! We were celebrating an anniversary and planned a bit last minute, but were able…read moreto snag a reservation here pretty easily. Immediately, the ambiance and service was quite nice. We were seated at the table, but typically I enjoy sitting at the bar to watch the chefs make our food. The service was amazing and they were very attentive. They also offered to take photos and gave us a little gift of hojicha tea since we were celebrating. We got the omakase, which was massive and had 18 courses. They gave us a menu so we knew what to expect for each course, and we ordered some sake. The omakase was delicious and more traditional than other places, each course was so beautiful and delicately made. This is definitely a lot of food, I would recommend the petite omakase in the future as I was stuffed, but it was a great experience if you come hungry! Courses: - Chawan-mushi - super tasty and every bite was delicious and umami forward! - Otsumami - 7 seasonal appetizers presented in a beautiful box, there was a stuffed crab claw in there that was delicious - 4 kinds of sushi - each piece came out one at a time, the first piece was my absolute favorite and blew me away, it was a seared chutoro that immediately melts in your mouth and tastes smokey - Hamachi soup - very tasty and warming soup with hamachi inside, was perfect in between the sushi course - 4 kinds of sushi - A5 Waguyu shabu - this course was extra $10 pp but was so delicious, the wagyu was melt in your mouth and had some grated daikon on top in a ponzu dashi, the toppings help balance the meat so it's overwhelming since it does melt in your mouth, one of my favorite bites! - 4 kind of sushi - they brought out some really great sushis, including more chutoro and an unagi handroll, but I was so stuffed at this point that I felt I couldn't enjoy it as much - miso soup - this soup was so tasty and kind of revived me after all that food, it felt comforting and a great way to end - dessert- I got the hojicha ice cream in a waffle like cookie and it was delicious!

    WOW!!! That's it,…read morethat's the review. No, but in all seriousness, I visited Kusakabe for the 18 course Omakase (my first) and it was such a fantastic experience. Our server was so attentive and thoughtful and really helped make the entire experience so much fun. This was also some of - if not the best - sushi I have ever had. Everything was extremely fresh and the fish melted like butter in my mouth. Every course was extremely flavorful and just truly deliberate; there was a story behind everything. They also have a really great sake list and our server recommended delicious pairings that went well with each course. I genuinely cannot wait to go back and experience another Omakase here!

    Photos
    KUSAKABE - Zen bathroom

    Zen bathroom

    KUSAKABE - Otsumami...

    Otsumami...

    KUSAKABE - Eight Kinds of Sushi

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    Eight Kinds of Sushi

    Shoji - Uni Amaebi Don: Soy marinaded raw sweet shrimp, santa barbara uni, ikura, soy marinated yolk ($44 +$3 nori)

    Shoji

    4.2(529 reviews)
    0.7 miFinancial District, SoMa
    $

    Love the unique flavor profiles! I especially liked the chicken sando and the cheesy fries.read more

    Made reservations for a Saturday. We arrived a little early but there were no tables available at…read morethe time of our arrival; however, she was able to seat us about 15 minutes before our reservation time. Reservations are highly recommended as we observed many walk-ins but there was a 1+ hour wait. Also, must be 21+. It's not an extensive menu - more like small bites. Appreciate the selection of Zero proof drinks. Hubs happy with the NA Suntory. I went with the Dashi Apple which was quite refreshing. Kiddo ordered the Miyabi which was quite floral. We ordered food items to share. Started with the Tebasaki (chicken wings). Kiddo liked these so much she ordered another one. Next, the pork jowl - some pieces were just fat but the meat was seasoned well. Loved the pear and pineapple kimchi - would've liked a bowl of that. The Tori Nanban Sando was another good one. The Shoji Burger is what hubs came for. Fork and knife definitely need to eat this. Pillowy soft bread, melty cheese, and the pickles all made for a tasty burger. Hubs would return for this alone. Ended our meal with the Hojicha Affogato - so good and such an enjoyable way to end our meal. We weren't rushed at any time. Service was good in that they checked on us often. I'd like to visit during the day time to check out their cafe offerings. Also, although not right away, we'd definitely return again for dinner.

    Photos
    Shoji - Inside

    Inside

    Shoji - Matcha einspanner

    Matcha einspanner

    Shoji - Mocha: Espresso, dandelion chocolate, steamed milk ($6) + Matcha Einspänner: Seion matcha, milk, house sweet cream, kinako ($7)

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    Mocha: Espresso, dandelion chocolate, steamed milk ($6) + Matcha Einspänner: Seion matcha, milk, house sweet cream, kinako ($7)

    Sanraku

    Sanraku

    3.9(2k reviews)
    0.8 miLower Nob Hill
    $$

    Very good Japanese food right in the heart of downtown San Francisco! We stopped in for lunch on a…read moreTuesday and hit the jackpot with their lunch box special. For $18, you get an incredible spread: * your choice of gyoza, shumai, or tofu * a California roll or avocado roll * a protein of your choice Plus it all comes with edamame, miso soup, and seaweed salad. Honestly? That's my kind of deal. Everything we tried was delicious. In addition to the lunch box, we ordered a dragon roll and a dynamite roll, both of which were fresh, flavorful, and beautifully done. My husband went with the Una Ten Donburi. It was tasty, but at $30, it did feel a bit steep compared to the rest of the menu. The restaurant looked like your typical Japanese style space with the sushi rollers at the entrance and simple tables and decor. I do have two minor negatives worth mentioning. First, the edamame was cold and unsalted. I'm an edamame lover, and nothing beats it hot, freshly steamed, and generously showered in salt. So that was a little disappointing. Second, our server (I believe his name was Kayz) seemed visibly annoyed when we asked to split the check. As a server myself, I know this isn't rocket science, and guests should never be made to feel uncomfortable for something so standard, especially after there had already been a small mix-up with our roll order (we received two dynamite rolls instead of one dynamite and one dragon). We didn't make a fuss at the time because mistakes happen, but the attitude at the end definitely stood out. That said, the food itself was solid, the lunch special is a fantastic value, and overall we still had a good experience. I would absolutely return and would recommend this spot, just hoping for a smoother service experience next time.

    According to what I wrote on Yelp, I had a decent meal at their sister restaurant in the Metreon…read morewell before it shuttered, like over a decade ago. My meal apparently wasn't memorable enough to motivate me to visit this location, that is, until quite recently. I decided to have lunch here after a nearby medical appointment. It wasn't crowded at all. Only a couple of solo diners and a loud senior couple. I wasn't in a sushi mood and thought I'd go healthy with the saba shioyaki. However, at the last minute, I went with the $19 Ika Yaki, a whole BBQ squid sliced and saturated in teriyaki sauce with a dab of shichimi mayo (Photo 8). The portion was generous and the texture was firm with enough elasticity. Unfortunately the teriyaki sauce did nothing to enhance the dish, and I wished they served it on the side. I also ordered the $8 Agedashi Tofu, usually a foolproof appetizer for me. It certainly looked right (Photo 9), but I was unpleasantly surprised how tongue-burning hot it was. The cubes of tofu must've just come right out of the deep fryer. The dashi broth helped calm the heat down but a little too late. I'm sure glad I sprung for the $3 bowl of Rice (Photo 10). That calmed what was left of my tongue down. FOOD - 3 stars...execution errors mar the dishes here AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...spacious enough since it was empty, sushi bar seating was available SERVICE - 3.5 stars...attentive enough TOTAL - 3 stars...not my favorite Japanese spot RELATED - Exploring the Tenderloin? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/hu44dWMabs

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    Sanraku
    Sanraku
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    Katsuya - Chicken katsu.

    Katsuya

    4.1(327 reviews)
    0.4 miFinancial District
    $$

    "Inexpensive Japanese in downtown San Francisco financial district"…read more My son and I stopped here for dinner randomly on a Friday night just before 6pm. He just visited Japan a few months ago and had a hankering for some chicken katsu. It's a small, narrow establishment, not far from the See's Candy store, but well-lit. One orders on a set of tablets at the front of the restaurant and then sits down. I ordered the chicken katsu don, which has the chicken katsu above vegetables, rice, and egg. My son wanted the chicken katsu curry rice, and also was eager for the Takoyaki (which has octopus). There was a complementary water station in the back (which we didn't notice before ordering bottles). I was impressed the entrees were all under $20 before tax and tip-- great for downtown SF. We didn't anticipate complementary miso soup, but we got it, and it was tasty. The takooyaki arrived next-- maybe 6 pieces and quite good. When you pop it in your mouth and bite, you get a burst of milk-like flavor in you mouth. I frankly couldn't taste the octopus, but that's OK... it was still yummy. I really liked my chicken katsu don-- I wanted some veggies, and the cabbage underneath was good, as was the seasoning. The chicken itself was excellent. My son said it wasn't quite as good as in Japan but agreed it was still good. The portion size was big-- I wasn't quite able to finish all the rice in mine. Service was fine-- I don't remember them checking on us after we got food, but we really didn't need anything since we'd already paid, water was available, etc. The restaurant itself was clean, too. I did stop at the washroom upstairs, and it had nice wooden floors, a large plant, etc., and clean overall. Overall, a solid choice at an amazing price for the area, so I'm happy to give 5 stars.

    Truthfully, I didn't know what I was in for in visiting Katsuya. Apparently I wasn't alone…read more Arriving for a work lunch during lunch hours, one thing we did know, as a group of 5, is that we immediately needed to grab a seat while we figured it out. From there, I definitely felt like I was in some sort of clue based, escape room style, "figure-it-out" gameshow. Once settled, my group struggled to find a menu apart from one on the wall above the order kiosk (which was difficult to view from our table). We also had a time deciphering that not one but two restaurants occupied the space, each with their own menu. Woohoo, clue unlocked! Apparently we missed out on complimentary miso, but after ordering, and a short wait, we were rewarded with sandwiches! Although these sandwiches were beautiful and fragrant, the vibe at the table was sheer surprise! These meals are huge, and in addition to your sandwich, they arrive with multiple sides. All things said and done, they offer an impressive meal at a competitive price. Just make sure to read the Yelp reviews first so you're in the know!

    Photos
    Katsuya - Plenty of seats, usually empty apart from the workday lunch rush

    Plenty of seats, usually empty apart from the workday lunch rush

    Katsuya - Chicken Katsu

    Chicken Katsu

    Katsuya - Cheese Katsu Sandō

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    Cheese Katsu Sandō

    Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill - Katsu Curry

    Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill

    4.0(1.8k reviews)
    0.5 miChinatown
    $$

    To break from my standard order of their amazing Katsu Chicken, the host suggested Chicken Karaage…read more- which is made from chicken thighs, cooked in a rich sauce, and not breaded (which the Katsu is) - really good flavor and a great recommendation! Will consider this again!

    Used to be a must and go to almost a decade ago when I used to visit SF more often (meaning it was…read morea fav of one of my ex's). The first couple of times was great and then it started to fall off later on. Including the texture and flavor not hitting as hard and the fact that it's closed on weekends now. Impossible for non wagies to go there, meaning I can't have any when I'm there on weekend vacation I guess, but with how everything closes early and is dying in Bay Area, I'm somehow not surprised. Very tiny spot and not much seating, so you're either taking it to go or you're praying there's a chair and a counter that's free. No big deal since I've been to other Japanese curry places like this. I've had a mix bag where the katsu was deliciously crispy and moist on the inside and days where the meat inside is dry, even drenched in curry. Hot curry sauce is Japanese hot, so it has spices in it but not spicy at all. The workers do their best for the lunch rush, so that's a plus at least. Overall, it was okay, but man the times sure have changed.

    Photos
    Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill - Inside, takeout with a small area on the right to eat

    Inside, takeout with a small area on the right to eat

    Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill - Katsu curry with rice and pickles 9/14/23! Yum

    Katsu curry with rice and pickles 9/14/23! Yum

    Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill - Cute art wall

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    Cute art wall

    Cassava - cafes - Updated June 2026

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