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    Yo Yo's

    4.4 (670 reviews)
    InexpensiveJapanese
    Closed 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Yo Yo's Photos

    Business Info

    YO YO'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Yo Yo's

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    Outside open only weekdays
    Priscilla L.

    Before I was into Yelp, in my college days, I had intern at a business downtown that exposed me to hidden restaurants down here like Sai's Vietnamese which now has closed its original location and Old Ship Saloon for some good burgers which I think is still open and this Yo Yo's has been my personal favorite since 20 years ago. So on my day off work I came back to this part of town I haven't visited in years! New business taken places of old storefronts or vacant buildings are kinda sad. Yo Yo's a simple mom and pop, hole in the wall place you won't know about unless you work here weekdays. It doesn't open weekends. They are quick fast preparing your food and personal. It's like having your parents cook for you feeling. . You know the food will be comforting and good. You just have to find a place to eat it, like the park across the street or I went to the TransAmerica Redwoods garden building across the street to eat it. Yummy in my tummy. I am pleased and if I take another trek down here again, I'll surely be back and get the beef curry for $15. Looks good.

    Chicken curry
    Ying Z.

    Incredibly huge portions at an extremely competitive price point! This whole container cost me maybe $14. You don't see prices like these in SF often, especially close to FiDi where most restaurants charge an $25+ for a weekday office lunch. It's takeout only since it's a small counter space. The couple running this restaurant is so sweet and warm. There will definitely be a line during lunch rush, but they are fast and diligent so the wait goes by quick. I really enjoyed my chicken curry also. The carrot was so sweet and flavorful. Office lunches are a little less bleak with Yo Yo's around.

    Udon
    Landon S.

    What a great little shop in San Francisco! Very close to the pier walk and is in close proximity to many things in San Francisco. The two owners were extremely friendly and helpful. Our food was made extremely fast and is such a great price for the giant portion size. I got the full size udon with a dumpling and some chili sauce which was $12, or $9 without the dumpling. It got me pretty full. The udon noodles itself was delicious and the toppings added on it was great. Extremely great service and I will be returning next week!

    Half chicken curry plate was $7 (2 chicken legs in there) plus egg, potato, and carrots
    Melissa W.

    Super small hole in the wall, mom and pop type spot, great for lunch near FiDi. Cash only, but I think they take Venmo now too (?) The owners take your order while the line builds. They have daily specials like a curry chicken plate with rice. You can order a half size which is $7, and I think the full size is $12. The half size is plenty as they give 1-2 chicken legs. (Mine had 2.) They also have udon options with dumplings. Can't beat this spot for cheap lunch in the neighborhood! Plus the owners are super friendly! Support local businesses!

    Beef curry (not available everyday)
    Kevin Y.

    Great place for an affordable and filling lunch near jackson square. love the couple that own and run this place. they dont accept credit card but they now accept venmo for those that dont have cold cash. work lunches have gotten so expensive in SF, but this place keeps it reasonably priced. they have great soba noodles as well as curry plates. There is typically somewhat of a line if you come during lunch time tues-thur, but not too bad.

    Soba and Chicken Teriyaki
    Lynn N.

    Stopped for lunch here with my brother and the owner greeted us warmly and put a smile on our faces! We got the soba noodles (hot) and chicken teriyaki and liked that we had the option to pay via Venmo. The owner suggested a nearby park to eat at but my brother had a different spot in mind but it was nice to have the suggestion. The food was delicious and we shared both dishes but the soba noodles was our favorite of the two! I'd eat those soba noodles everyday if I liked or worked nearby! The broth is perfectly salty and savory and the noodles and fillings are the perfect complement. The lunch left is feeling satisfied and was perfect. None of the post lunch slump after this nice meal! This place is a gem!

    Vegetarian plate (brown rice, dumpling, tofu, seaweed, and orange slice) at $10
    Sha G.

    The fastest service in town and the prices can't be beat. This family owned to-go counter has you in and out in less than 10 minutes. It's Venmo or cash only and the menu is small but there's something for everyone. Pre-made sushi rolls (fish or veggie), warm dumplings (veggie or chicken), and a few hot plates. I've heard great things about the fried chicken. There's nothing much to the space, but the greeting was warm. There were jokes made, laughter, and love to go around. My vegetarian plate was prepared right in front of me. It was piled high with rice, salad, tofu, dumplings and brown rice soaked in a tasty teriyaki sauce. Everything was topped with tempura crunchies for texture. There was a slice of orange to round things out as well. I had leftovers because it was too much food. All this was for $10! You need to stop here if you're in the area and need food fast, cheap, and tasty.

    Curry
    Ethan W.

    I was first introduced to Yo Yo's on my first day of working in the city. Since then, I've been going back at least once a week now! The owners are soo soo nice and accommodating and are very genuine with every customer they serve. My favorite is their beef curry and they always give you a huuuge portion size so you definitely will have leftovers. They also have very affordable sushi and other sides that are great for snacks or light meals! Many people get their udon or soba which are very popular but if you're looking for something that will fill you up, I highly recommend the curry! Please support this local business anytime you are in the area! The owners are so sweet!

    Avocado Maki and Chicken Teriyaki (half portion)
    Tiffany T.

    Food: Avocado maki: 3.5/5. The overall quality (especially the seaweed) was a bit lacking. Rice was a little squishier/softer than I was expecting for a maki. Chicken teriyaki (half portion): 4/5 It tasted just as advertised, nothing crazy. The rice was cooked just right, the chicken was juicy and flavorful with the teriyaki sauce. The side salad was also delicious. The portion is pretty big considering its a "half portion" so you really get a bang outta your buck here! Ambiance + service: 4/5 Only because there is no seating. Service was super fast and the owners are super nice! Parking: Very difficult.. Good luck finding a spot within walking distance. Overall: You get what you pay for and these prices truly cannot be beat in SF. I would definitely come again if I could!

    1/2 California 1/2 Smoked Salmon Roll

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    Page 1 of 17

    Yo Yo's Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Yo Yo's

    Do they use halal meat?

    From what I have heard, yes. The owners happen to be from Indonesia.

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    Onigilly - San Francisco

    Onigilly - San Francisco

    4.1(675 reviews)
    0.5 miChinatown
    $$

    Brief Summary: - Ordering is done on the kiosk upon…read moreentering (there are 2) - Can also order online - Outdoor seating consists of 2 tables and chairs, not much space inside This is one of my favorite lunches to go when I am craving Japanese food. I love the variety of fillings they offer that sing Japanese cuisine. I also love the balanced amount of rice and filling, all wrapped in a kimono styled migiori fold. It's very artistic upon first impression. My usual portion is 2 riceballs with protein fillings and the small poke bowl. When I'm not feeling poke bowls, I'll swap this with a third riceball. This fills up in a content way. Favorite fillings - Ume (sour plums) - baked salmon - hijiki (a type of kelp) - tempura shrimp

    Service was real fast! Order from a kiosk and you'll have your order within minutes even if there's…read more4-5 people ahead of you. I got 5 onigiris for myself and my parents. LOVED that all of them were packed with filling. Snow crab - yeah this is a favorite for a reason! My parents LOVED this one. Unagi- our second favorite. Very flavorful and lots of unagi! Mayo tuna - this was alright! Nothing too special but it was good. I felt I got tired of the flavor pretty quickly though. Mushroom - so tasty! But kind of on the salty side. If I were to go back, would def go for the crab and unagi again !

    Photos
    Onigilly - San Francisco - Over 20 kinds Onigiri and many side options!

    Over 20 kinds Onigiri and many side options!

    Onigilly - San Francisco - Bento Set

    Bento Set

    Onigilly - San Francisco - Wakame Salad Set. Choose 2 Onigilly w/ delicious & nutritious Wakame salad.

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    Wakame Salad Set. Choose 2 Onigilly w/ delicious & nutritious Wakame salad.

    KUSAKABE

    KUSAKABE

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

    Finally had the chance to dine at Kusakabe for my birthday…read more My boyfriend reserved us the omakase dinner with a sake flight for me and a wine flight for him. We really enjoyed our chef Mika who was attentive, skilled, and just over all added to our experience. The waiter/busser paid attention and maintained our area with cleanliness. The fish quality was amazing, fresh, and unique. There were a few items that were prepared uniquely and differently from what I've had at other places which I appreciated! My boyfriend who can eat the same meal 100x actually enjoyed the experience. Cannot wait to go back!

    Kusakabe creates the kind of dining experience that feels carefully designed from the moment you…read moresit down. We walked into a refined but welcoming space where the sushi counter is the main focus, and the meal unfolds course by course in front of us. There is a sense of calm throughout the room, allowing the attention to stay on the chefs, the ingredients, and the details behind each dish without the distraction of a busy dining room. The omakase experience balances traditional sushi with more creative touches. Each course brings something different, from fresh sashimi and nigiri to warmer dishes like chawan mushi that add depth to the progression of the meal. The sushi highlights the quality of the fish while incorporating thoughtful flavor combinations, with dishes like scallop and the dry-aged fish courses standing out for their texture and seasoning. The sake pairing fits naturally into the experience, adding another layer without overpowering the food, and the sommelier's selections complement the progression of flavors across the meal. What makes Kusakabe memorable is the craftsmanship and pacing of the meal. The chefs take time to explain each course, making the experience feel personal rather than rushed. Sitting at the counter adds to the atmosphere because you get to see the precision and care that goes into every piece, from the way the rice is formed to the final brush of sauce on the fish. The pacing of the meal allows you to appreciate each course without feeling rushed, and the team's attention to detail creates a rhythm that keeps the meal engaging from start to finish. Kusakabe feels like a place made for special occasions, celebrations, or anyone looking for a more elevated Japanese dining experience. It combines technique, hospitality, and creativity in a way that makes the entire meal feel like an event rather than just a dinner. The balance of traditional and modern elements, along with the warmth of the service, leaves you with the sense of having experienced something complete and thoughtfully composed.

    Photos
    KUSAKABE - Zen bathroom

    Zen bathroom

    KUSAKABE - Otsumami...

    Otsumami...

    KUSAKABE - Eight Kinds of Sushi

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    Shoji - Cheese fries

    Shoji

    4.2(579 reviews)
    0.8 miFinancial District, SoMa
    $

    A friend of mine told me about this place so she reserved a table for us. The place has a cool vibe…read morewith the music playing in the background and the inside is nice. They have seating inside and in the patio area which is heated. We arrived on time but had to wait a little bit before getting a table. We sat in the patio area and they had to turn off the heat because it was too hot. Better to be too hot than cold. We ordered a couple drinks to start and they brought us waters as well. For our appetizers and entrees which we shared were french fries, UNI AMAEBI DONBURI, PORK JOWL, and the SHOJI BURGER. The fries came out first and were cooked perfect crunchy, and the sauces that came with it was a nice addition. The Uni Amaebi Donburi came second and it was really good, light, fresh, and overall delicious. Too bad it was a small dish with a big price. The Burger came out afterwards and it was delicious. The burger was cooked perfect, and the cheese flavor was very tasty. It was a great burger. We didn't order desserts so that will have to be next time. The service was really good because they were really busy. I would recommend reservations. The price is a little high so be prepared. i'd still come back to try other dishes because the food and service was excellent.

    I have been wanting to try Shoji for a while now, but haven't had a chance to as the buzz when they…read morefirst opened was crazy with long lines. I finally got to try it and walked in on a Saturday right at opening for a party of 2. We waited probably about 15 minutes and were sat in the back patio. The interior space was beautifully done and looked very elevated. The back patio also looked nice, but definitely gave off a different vibe. The service was great, no complaints there. Everybody was super nice and attentive. The food also came out fairly quickly. What we ordered: - Donburi ($53) - 5/5 - Pork Jowl ($28) - 4/5 - Akazu Fries ($10) - 3/5 - NA Cold noodle mocktail ($18) - 4/5 - NA Dashi Apple mocktail ($15) - 5/5 - Shoji Burger ($28) - 4/5 - Ceviche ($25) - 4/5 Total after tax/tip - $236.50 Objectively, the food and drinks were pretty good. Our favorites were the donburi (of course) and the dashi apple mocktail. Some cons: - how expensive it was for the amount of food. Some reviews mentioned the donburi was tiny (which it was) - no bigger than my hand. - Almost all the dishes we got were finger foods but kind of hard to eat. The ceviche with the nori chips would fall apart. The dark nori seasoning got all over our hands and was difficult to get off with just the cloth napkin. The shoji burger was covered in cheese which we assumed was finger food since they didn't offer any knives. The donburi was filled to the top in this bowl which was small so you have to be very careful scooping out. In addition, the seasoning from the seaweed was a bit oily as well. Maybe offering a wet wipe or napkin at the end of the meal would be a nice touch. I guess it was a bit confusing given the elevated / upscale vibe it was giving off but could improve in the small details. Not sure if I can say I recommend or not but would be willing to give it another chance. Perhaps try the experience inside instead.

    Photos
    Shoji - Instagram: TianTianEats

    Instagram: TianTianEats

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

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

    Shoji - Matcha einspanner

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    Sanraku

    Sanraku

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

    the reviews about the food brought me to Sanraku, But what…read moremade me love eating there was the service. A+

    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

    Photos
    Sanraku
    Sanraku
    Sanraku

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    Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill - Katsu Curry

    Muracci's Japanese Curry & Grill

    4.0(1.8k reviews)
    0.5 miChinatown
    $$

    Stopped by when I was in SF only a couple minutes walk from BART and ordering online was super…read moreconvenient since their website accepts Apple Pay. I ordered the vegetarian curry with tofu and broccoli at the medium spice level (~$17). The spice level was exactly as described and the curry itself was flavorful. My only small complaint is that I wish the vegetarian curry came with a wider variety of vegetables. I was surprised it didn't include potatoes which were an additional charge. The portion size felt fair for one person I had enough to have leftovers for dinner. I do wish the price was a little lower since it's a takeout-only spot, but considering the area, it seems pretty in line with what you'd expect to pay in downtown SF. My partner ordered the chicken katsu curry and really enjoyed it as well. Definitely worth checking out.

    Overall, it was an alright spot for a quick lunch. The Japanese curry was decent--nothing…read moreparticularly memorable, but it hit the spot if you're looking for something simple and filling. A curry katsu dish cost $20 before tips. One downside was the customer service. The woman working the counter came across as unfriendly and didn't seem very welcoming, which made the experience less enjoyable. Also, keep in mind that this is strictly a grab-and-go place. There's no seating available, so you'll need to plan on taking your food elsewhere. If you're just looking for a convenient curry lunch, it's fine, but don't expect much in terms of service or dine-in atmosphere.

    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

    Yo Yo's - japanese - Updated September 2026

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