Do sushi and sake go down easy with jazz? When you're in Japantown San Francisco's historic foundation of Japanese and Japanese American culture, and it's near neighbor, the Fillmore District, the city's historic home for live jazz music, they most certainly do.
San Francisco's Japantown is the oldest in the United States. Look for the bright red banners adorned with cherry blossoms and the Peace Pagoda on Geary Blvd. between Laguna and Fillmore streets.
Below are some places in Japantown where you can enjoy a meal.
Udon Mugizo
To start your foray into noodles, try the udon at Udon MugizoOpens in new window. It’s one of the few places in town specializing in handmade udon, as opposed to the more widely known ramen. It’s an ideal spot for a fast meal before catching a movie at the AMC Kabuki.
Ramen Yamadaya
There was a great deal of buzz when Southern California-based Ramen YamadayaOpens in new window opened a location in San Francisco, and rightfully so. The long-simmered tonkotsu broth is notable. The spicy ramen is another favorite, but you can’t go wrong with the classic Yamadaya ramen, either. Get the chashu, of course, and be prepared to wait if you’re there during prime dinner hours.
Hinodeya Ramen Bar
Ramen aficionados all have their own, strong preferences. For those who prefer lighter, clearer broths, head to HinodeyaOpens in new window. Their seafood-focused menu offers some incredible delights, including clam ramen and fried oysters flown all the way from Hiroshima. Hinodeya is walk-in only, so you may encounter a wait at this popular spot.
Royal Indian Cuisine
While you may be in a sea of Japanese establishments, you’ll also find excellent Himalayan and North Indian cuisine at Royal Indian CuisineOpens in new window. It’s a charming spot for lunch or dinner, with tasty momos and tender chicken and lamb curries. With friendly staff and pleasant surroundings, you'll want to return again and again.
Marufuku Ramen
Savvy foodies may have encountered Marufuku RamenOpens in new window in Austin, New York, or other parts of California, but the popular operation began here in San Francisco. At their Japantown location, you can enjoy the creamy broth and thin noodles that put them on the map. Their chashu pork belly is worth the wait.
Daeho Kalbijjim and Beef Soup
The must-have dish is right there in the name. The famous braised short rib at this Korean establishment is prepared dramatically before your eyes by servers equipped with blowtorches! Other notable selections from Daeho'sOpens in new window menu include kalbitang, a beef rib soup, and seolleongtang, an ox bone soup that some say is the perfect dish to cure what ails you after an exciting night out in San Francisco.
Nijiya Market
1737 Post St.Japanese food lovers (or the food curious) will want to head to Nijiya MarketOpens in new window to check out all the interesting Japanese products on offer, and pick up some of their freshly packaged sushi, seaweed salad, or even just a package or two of Japanese snacks. You can take your goodies to the nearby Peace Plaza, and enjoy them while people watching. Nijiya is also a great place for hard-to-find but useful kitchen tools at startlingly low prices. They're the perfect souvenirs for a gourmand.
Yuji
1700 Polk St.For an exclusive dining experience in Japantown, look no further than YujiOpens in new window. Specializing in the kappo style of Japanese cooking, which uses only the freshest available ingredients, Yuji has attracted the attention of San Francisco's elite diners, as well as the Michelin GuideOpens in new window. A reservation-only venue with less than a dozen seats and a high price point ($150+ per person), Yuji may take a good deal of advance planning, but we think it's well worth the wait.
Nari
1625 Post St.Recipient of a Michelin Star for its terrific Thai cuisine, NariOpens in new window is known as much for its elegant atmosphere as it is for its one-of-a-kind dishes. Try the squid and pork jowl appetizer; you won't regret it. Chef Pim Techamuanvivit's other incredible creations include chili-flaked fried branzino, curried lamb shanks, and even some delectable vegetable-focused selections.
Tenroku Suhi
Looking for dining a little more down to Earth? Visit Tenroku and sample as much as you like from its conveyor belt of quality sushi. You'll be amazed at the variety!
Blum’s coffee cake at Yasukochi’s Sweet Stop
Ready for some dessert? The Blum’s coffee cake at Yasukochi’s Sweet StopOpens in new window has been a San Francisco classic for over fifty years. The layers of chiffon cake are frosted with whipped cream and then covered with a coffee crunch candy that owner Tom Yasukochi learned to make from the candy maker at Blum’s, a soda fountain chain that was popular in San Francisco in the 1950s and 60s. The cake is still available at this tiny shop, but often sells out by 11 a.m., so get there early (they open at 10 a.m.)—or plan ahead and order a whole one two days in advance! They’ve also got a selection of other cakes, plus fun candies and cookies.
Source: Sftravel.com
