Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    YakiniQ CAFE

    3.9 (711 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Order YakiniQ CAFE Takeout or Delivery

    YakiniQ CAFE Photos

    Business Info

    YAKINIQ CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Good for working
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    More like YakiniQ CAFE

    Recommended Reviews - YakiniQ CAFE

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Sweet Potato Latte and Nutella Latte
    Vivian T.

    Got the Sweet potato latte and the Nutella latte with an added shot of expresso! I think it was a good balance of bitterness with that extra shot. The space is relatively big and there's open room to have a large party over. However there is no wifi, so you'd have to hot spot yourself. But overall is a great calm study area. Sweet potato latte: there is the texture chunks of sweet potato mixed with a nice cinnamon. Overall similar to a chai latte with this cinnamon, but the potato adds this interesting texture that I do enjoy. Nutella latte: there is light chunks of chocolate and heavier on the chocolate/ cacao after taste. I would recommend trying.

    Sweet Potato Latte
    Miranda L.

    My friend decided to show me this cute cafe in the Japantown area and the inside aesthetics were very light, bright and modern. They didn't have their seating area open when we went so we sat outside and picked up our lattes 5 minutes after we ordered. Sweet Potato Latte - The latte had a mild sweet potato flavor and was made with real sweet potato which I enjoyed but wished the flavor was more punchy. It was a good level of sweetness and I liked the cinnamon that was mixed on top that gave it more warmth. Mixed together it tasted great but at times, the espresso taste overwhelmed all the other mild notes. Overall, it was a cute place to stop by for a caffeine pick me up and I would love to try some of the other unique drink flavors they have.

    Delicious sweet potato latte and elegant sewing scissors are both available
    Kate L.

    I've been here twice in five years and both visits were a calming respite in a busy city. The coffee is excellent, with specialty lattes in flavors not often found in the US, like sweet potato and black sesame. There are tasteful housewares for sale, but not in a distracting way. I found perfect scissors for the sewing kit I'm putting together for my little girl! Music is soft and lighting is low, adding to cozy vibes. There's only one person behind the counter but she's quick and skilled. I shall return!

    Black Sesame Cream Latte
    Katherine G.

    The drinks here are good, but man are they pricey. When I came, they also didn't have any indoor seating but there seemed to be a large area that was closed off. They do have a couple tables outside though. I got the black sesame latte iced, and my friend got the sweet potato latte. The black sesame cream was good but I wish there was more of it and that they served it in a lid that didn't require a straw so you can get a sip of the cream and coffee together. I also tried some of my friend's sweet potato latte which had a really prominent sweet potato flavor and was quite sweet but also good. The drinks were almost $10 for the smaller size which I thought was a bit much, though. Probably not a spot I'd frequent often unless it was to try something really unique and new.

    Matcha Red Bean Latte
    Sarah C.

    the matcha red bean latte ($8.50) was pretty good (they use real adzuki beans) but a bit too sweet and the matcha powder itself tasted more earthy (they also used a shaker instead of a whisk to mix). the iced black sesame cream latte ($7.75) was alright too, the black sesame cream had real sesame seeds so it was quite grainy. I think the double shot was a bit too overpowering though. overall the drinks were kinda expensive for the size (12oz)

    Black Sesame Cream Latte
    Grace K.

    The ambiance of this cafe is so calm and cute- there's no indoor seating because the space is being used for events, but maybe opening indoor seating soon! The black sesame cream latte was delicious and the lady making the drinks was very sweet

    YakiniQ Matcha Drink ! I love their Matcha !!!
    Patricia R.

    I love YakiniQ and especially their matcha pie/cake. They have the best matcha ....I just can't get enough of their matcha. Try this matcha drink at Yakiniq. It's a dream..come true. I can't wait to return. Did I say "matcha" enough times...probably not!!! I have to have more matcha, people !!!! (smile...) The picture is from YakiniQ Facebook.

    Yummy cookies!
    Christine C.

    We have long enjoyed this cafe for many years and it's delightful to come upon it again today while the cherry blossom festival is taking place. Unlike the rest of Japantown during this time, the tastefully designed cafe offered a quiet retreat from the crowds. We got a coffee jelly latte, a black sesame latte, and some black sesame shortbread cookies. Drinks had just the right level of light sweetness, the black sesame shortbread cookies had a good balance of sweetness with just a hint of saltiness. The combination was on point and delightful - the perfect afternoon coffee set. As of April 2022, the cafe is still maintaining precautions; while I miss hanging out in their chill, tastefully designed indoor space, I appreciate these precautions. Masks are required, max 4 customers in the store, no indoor seating or restroom use. When we visited, there were two tables with 3 seats each outside their storefront; that's where we hung out for a little to enjoy our coffees and shortbread cookies.

    Strawberry Yuzu Fizz
    Joey W.

    Strawberry Yuzu Fizz - more yuzu than strawberry flavor. I was hoping the strawberry would come through a little more. There are a bits of strawberry and yuzu. The fizz is subtle. I was hoping it would be more carbonated. The cafe seating inside is still closed. There is very limited seating outdoors.

    Old, dusty matcha that cost over $7.
    Crystal C.

    I gave this place two tries, both of which were strikes. I ordered a lavender latte on my first visit. There was only one person ahead of me in line who ordered two drinks, but it took 20 minutes for me to place my order and receive my latte. I figured the long wait was because the drinks were made so meticulously, but my I found my latte underwhelming and overpriced (it came out to over $8 after a $1 tip). The second time was inexplicably worse. I ordered a matcha tea that totaled to over $7. Was the matcha whisked? No. I watched the barista scoop some powder into a paper cup and stir in hot water. I could tell the matcha was old because it was oxidized and dark green, not bright green or grassy. The cafe chairs outside were occupied, so I asked if I could sit on the empty bench inside the cafe. The barista dithered and said no. It's rude to not allow patrons to simply sit on empty furniture you provide in your restaurant. No wifi, no hospitality, absurdly overpriced but poorly made drinks.

    Matcha Yuzuade
    Justin K.

    Cute cafe to swing by when you're in Japantown! I had the Matcha Yuzuade which was refreshing as I walked about the area. Lots of offerings on the menu are some unique flavors that I'm curious to try out in the near future. When I visited indoor seating still wasn't available, but the interior was both homey and comfortable. Would definitely be a great spot to study or get some work done once it fully reopens!

    Jacob M.

    Uniqueness: Special drinks like sesame The only downside is their indoor seating, most of it is blocked off. I'm glad I came across such a unique drink selection! Taste: 5/5 Sight: 4/5 Smell: 5/5 Sound: 3/5 Touch: ?/?

    Outside table
    Xin S.

    So happy to see thus neighborhood cafe coming back to life after what seems to have been forever. The hours are now 11a-5p but sounds like they will try to gradually expand back to regular hours (used to be till 10pm on some days). I love this cafe and used to come every week to read, work, or just relax with a latte and some tasty snacks. Their latte's amazing and taste home made and strong. My favorite is the nutella latte which marries well the sweet nuttiness of nutella with the dark warmth of espresso. The owner is very kind and artistic and the decoration feels cozy and whimsical, a blend of Japanes Scandinavian styles. The snacks are varied and all high quality. Desserts taste delicious and made with love. I love the coconut cream cake and the flourless chocolate cake, rich but not overwelming, great for an afternoon pick-me-up. The span rice sandwich has been my craving during Covid to the point I would make it at home. There is also a good variety of sandwiches with balanced ingredients and made in the tiny kitchen. It's a bit sad that their spacious interior is not open yet but there are three outdoor tables to sit and sip with friends on a sunny day. I can't wait to be able to sit inside again. Japantown needs places like this to continue to feel like home.

    Yuzu Lemon Iced Tea to die for.. Organic Banana Bread! Very Hip & Young crowd and I'm glad the Rocking Chair was available for me...

    See all

    Photo of Itzel A.
    1
    35
    103

    1 day ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Grace K.
    24
    19
    52

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of A L.
    0
    16
    0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joey W.
    151
    1331
    3384

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jacob M.
    30
    270
    324

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Xin S.
    2
    114
    238

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bailey A.
    174
    42
    75

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 43
    Thanks 0
    Love this 44
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 14
    Thanks 0
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of KJ T.
    0
    42
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of P A.
    0
    30
    4

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Consistently great drinks, baked goods, and service in warm environment. Try everything!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Megan H.
    215
    714
    3103

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 18

    YakiniQ CAFE Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - YakiniQ CAFE

    Are they finally open for seating inside?

    Are they still open? I've gone twice, and both times they have been closed. I also tried to call and no one picked up. I'm confused.

    Yes, they are still open. They have a few tables outside, otherwise it's just takeout.

    Do they offer dairy free milk options?

    Yes they do. Soy, almond, and oat milk.

    Is this a good place to get work done?

    Yes! Nice tables, Wifi, and good food and drinks.

    Is it open? I called at 3:11 pm Thursday. No answer, heard msg, voicemail is full.

    Look at their hours of operation, most businesses don't answers the phone if busy or on the other line. Call back later.

    How much are macaroons if you buy a box?

    I called the cafe. 6 for $13.50, 12 for $27.00.

    View All 13 Questions

    You might also consider

    Saint Frank Coffee

    Saint Frank Coffee

    4.3
    (1k reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    All around pleasant experience in terms of both the service and coffee. I had the flight and…read morethought it was overall good. They explained that the flight includes an espresso shot, espresso shot with milk, hot coffee, and iced coffee. I hadn't had a straight espresso shot before, so this wasn't for me personally just because it was so overpowering. I enjoyed the other three though. Like the majority of SF, parking is difficult to locate. I was dropped off nearby the location. There is indoor and outdoor seating; I was able to grab an empty spot late in the morning on a weekend, but I don't think seating is always readily available. It's not a huge space.

    Maybe I had very high hopes, nevertheless I wasn't slblown away by the coffee, the almond macadamia…read moremilk or the small bites offerings. At 11 am on a Sunday they were out of their best- black sesame Kouign Amann and the Raspberry Almond Croissant, which I took care of by paying a visit to Juniper bakery (sister business) later in the day. The Mocha with the house made nut milk fell flat. It needed something. I am not a fan of syrupy coffees and appreciate the more purist approach but this one just didn't do anything for me. The chai latte which I would never order was actually the best chai latte I have ever had, it was smooth like silk. Maybe I just had the wrong coffee order. Besides that, got the hot chocolate and the coffee tasting. I was surprised there was no explanation provided with the coffee- I figured it's all Honduran but an overview of some sort would have helped. I enjoyed all the coffees in there except the latte. Will visit again, earlier in the day so they are not out of their best sellers and try a different order.

    Photos
    View from back of the shop.
    View from back of the shop.
    Yuzu macadamia cookie and orange cream latte
    Yuzu macadamia cookie and orange cream latte
    Black Sesame Kouign-Amann

    See all

    Black Sesame Kouign-Amann
    Q Specialty Coffee

    Q Specialty Coffee

    4.2
    (285 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$
    Certified professionals
    Locally owned & operated

    Coffee was great, and service was amazing. Was helped out by Karl who was very kind and recommended…read morethe mocha drink. It was very good and he was very patient when trying to figure out what to order. Will for sure be coming back! :)

    I got invited here to shoot some content for them, and I'm very glad for that opportunity…read more Content aside, I did genuinely enjoy their drinks. The strawberry matcha was my favorite. They used a strawberry cream top instead of a puree, which I actually enjoyed. It added a nice creaminess to the drink, and the matcha was very smooth and strong. It worked well together. I also tried their double hojicha, and while I enjoyed how nutty and strong the hojicha was, I did find it a little bit grainy. I wish it was a little smoother like the matcha was. I usually don't drink/like coffee, but the guava cold brew sounded so interesting I couldn't resist. The fruity jasmine tea somehow paired so well with the coffee and made it a nice refreshing drink. I was also lucky enough to try the matcha crepe cake, which I believe they get from Lady M. It had really nice layers and was light, but unfortunately it was a little too sweet for me. Overall a very solid matcha/coffee option in SF. They have a beautiful interior too, perfect for catching up with friends. Servers were sweet as well!

    Photos
    An IG photo nook 4/19/26
    An IG photo nook 4/19/26
    Pistachio lady m crepe cake
    Pistachio lady m crepe cake
    Velvet Matcha Cloud; Dubai Chocolate Mille Crepes

    See all

    Velvet Matcha Cloud; Dubai Chocolate Mille Crepes
    Stonemill Matcha

    Stonemill Matcha

    4.2
    (1.7k reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    Ambiance: A small matcha theme'd cafe located in the Mission…read moredistrict serving a wide variety of matcha drinks and dishes. The inside has nice lighting and both booth and chair seating to pick from and music that's not overly loud to allow work and catching up with friends. Wait time: Not a long wait time early in the morning between time of ordering and receiving your drink. If you are taking it to go there is an outdoor pick up window attached to the outside of the store for convenience and to prevent cluttering inside. Service: Friendly staff and helpful with suggestions on the menu for both drinks and food. Drinks: Ginger Matcha Latte: The strong matcha and spicy ginger flavor paired well with the sweetness of the Oat Milk creating a balanced flavor. Drink size was fair based on other matcha shops. Overall, a nice little tea shop to pick out a good quality matcha beverage, light Japanese style breakfast / brunch, or a sweet treat. Clean and quiet ambience inside with friendly staff.

    Went to Stonemill for the first time and it was definitely a cute vibe! Open kitchen so you can…read morelook around and cute cafe vibes but it is a bit small! You order before you get seated when you first walk in. Def gets busy after 12! We got the hojicha latte and strawberry latte. The hojicha was very nice and nutty. It came a little too unsweetened for my liking but they have sweetened out to adjust for your liking! I would def come back to get this! 8/10! The strawberry latte on the other hand was very overpoweringly flavored of the strawberry jam :(. I felt it tasted a bit artificial and didn't really let the matcha taste come through, I would stick to-the hojicha. 4.5/10 For food we got the fish sandwich and the pork katsu sandwich. The fish sandwich was decent, the cheese was cold but the fish was nice and flaky. I wish the fish skin was a bit more crunchy but I did like the slaw and sauce on it. 6.5/10 The pork one was soooo good and juicy. The crust was super crunchy and surrounded by the soft bread was such a nice texture. There was a sweet sauce which balanced the sandwhich nicely. Would get again! 8/10 We also saw the Japanese breakfast bento which looked realllly good and the salmon with matcha broth that others ordered and would def come back to try those! TLDR; would get the pork katsu sandwhich and hojicha. Would come back to try the bento and the salmon in matcha broth!!

    Photos
    03.20.2026- Stonemill Matcha SF- interior
    03.20.2026- Stonemill Matcha SF- interior
    TO Hojicha Pumpkin Pie
    TO Hojicha Pumpkin Pie
    2024 Christmas Strawberry Matcha Cream Pie (sliced) (12/2024)

    See all

    2024 Christmas Strawberry Matcha Cream Pie (sliced) (12/2024)

    YakiniQ CAFE - bakeries - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...