Updated on February 16, 2021
As the days get longer and warmer, what better time to enjoy some socially-distanced outdoor dining? Japantown boasts some of the best multicultural dining experiences in San Francisco, offering something that will please everyone. Each dining location rigorously follows San Francisco City’s health and safety protocols, so you know your meal will be both safe and delicious.
Here is a list of Japantown’s open outdoor dining locations. Hours are subject to vary so please check with the restaurant for current hours and reservations:
Warm your stomach and your soul with Doobu’s yummy traditional Korean food like warm tofu soup, bibimbap, and bulgogi.
1723 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(Buchanan St Mall)
(415) 292-6002
Sun-Thu 11:30AM – 9:30PM
Fri-Sat 11:30AM – 10PM
2. Hikari Kaiten Train Sushi & Bar
Hikari combines technology and art to offer delicious Japanese food options like sushi (via bullet train!), udon, and donburi. You can order online from their website for pickup!
1734 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 872-9116
Open everyday 11:30AM – 7:45PM
Choose a delicious ramen using whole wheat noodles such as Hamaguri clam and Tori Paitan chicken ramen, and try their vegan spinach noodle ramen.
Dine in their outdoor seating, order online ahead of time for pickup, or call their To Go Order Hotline!
1737 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA 9411
(Buchanan St Mall)
(415) 216-5011
Open everyday 11AM – 10PM
4. Hoshinoya
Can’t decide between Japanese or Thai food? Hoshinoya offers both, like chicken teriyaki bento, short ribs, ramen, pad thai, pad see you, curry, and more!
1740 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(Buchanan St Mall)
(415) 610-3929
Tues-Thurs 11:30AM – 4PM, 5PM – 8PM
Fri 11:30AM – 4PM, 5PM – 9PM
Sat 11AM – 9PM, Sun 11AM – 8PM
Closed Monday
This conveyor belt sushi restaurant was conceptually-inspired by Kaiten sushi restaurants in Japan, high-speed train travel, and the elegance of Japanese art and dining, bringing you fresh sushi and seafood.
1737 Post St #355, San Francisco, CA 94115
(Japan Center Mall, West)
(415) 872-9545
Open everyday 12PM – 7PM
6. Kinokuniya Mall
An outdoor dining space is open next to Kinokuniya Mall. Pick up and enjoy takeout from nearby restaurants: Beque Korean Grill, Marufuku Ramen, Matcha Cafe Maiko, On The Bridge, Sophie’s Crepes, Suzu, Tan Tan Coffee Shop, Tenroku Sushi, Udon Mugizo
On Post St & Webster St
(415) 440-1171
Outdoor dining space is open everyday 11AM – 6PM
Kinokuniya Mall is open everyday 8:30AM – 9PM
7. Kippu Sushi
In the mood for some unique rolls, or sashimi, chicken teriyaki bento, and more? Kippu has it all for you! You can dine outdoors or pick up takeout, call ahead to order or order directly from their website.
1707 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(Buchanan St Mall)
(415) 346-1212
Open everyday 11AM – 9PM
8. Mari’s Mogura
In pre-COVID times, Mari’s Mogura was known for karaoke as well as their takoyaki, karaage, calamari skewers, onigiri, cocktails, and sake. You can text (415) 378-0175 to order pick-up food or drink.
Outdoor dining on Post St, b/t Webster & Fillmore St, next to Pa’ina
(415) 673-5636
Thu-Sun 4PM – 9:30PM, Closed Mon-Wed
9. Pa’ina Restaurant and Lounge
Great spot for Asian-American comfort food and Hawaiian cuisine like Loco Moco, Kalua pig poutine, and garlic butter shrimp, Pa’ina also offers Happy Hours, Taco Tuesdays, and Wing Wednesdays (25 cent wings, sign me up!), unique cocktails, and more. They have ample outdoor seating with heat lamps, or if you’re feeling takeout, you can order via phone or on their website.
1865 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(near Fillmore St, next to AMC Kabuki 8)
(415) 829-2642
Mon-Fri 5PM – 9PM
Sat-Sun 12PM – 9PM
10. Ramen Yamadaya
Explore different ramen options such as Yamada-ya sea salt ramen, Kakuni soy sauce ramen, spicy ramen, and vegan ramen, as well as other Japanese comfort food. This ramen hotspot has you covered for a nourishing meal!
1728 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(Buchanan St Mall)
(415) 795-4164
Wed-Sun 11:30AM – 2:30PM, 5:30PM – 8PM
Closed Mon-Tues
Family-owned since 1988, San Wang offers Chinese-Korean cuisine, including a wide variety of noodle dishes as well as Mongolian beef and seafood options like walnut shrimp and San Wang clams, and more!
1682 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 921-1453
Open everyday except Wed 11AM – 9:30PM
Sanppo offers unique rolls as well as bento specials, tempura, seafood like fried oysters and nigiri, and more! You can order online ahead of time for outdoor dining in their parklet or for takeout.
1702 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 346-3486
Sun-Thurs 11AM – 8:30PM
Fri-Sat 11AM – 9:30 PM
13. YakiniQ Cafe
Perhaps best known for their sweet potato latte, YakiniQ also offers a variety of specialty drinks such as matcha yuzu-ade, jujube honey tea and black sesame latte, as well as sweets like macarons, scones, and lemon meringue, and sandwiches and salads!
1640 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 441-9291
Tues-Sat 11AM – 5PM
Closed Sun-Mon
Thank you for visiting Japantown to support our restaurants! Please observe all health and safety protocols by wearing a mask and helping to keep 6 feet apart from other diners.
Face coverings are required when you are:
– Waiting to be seated at an outdoor dining area
– Seated at an outdoor dining area and whenever you leave your table, including when staff approach you (you can take off your mask when actively eating and drinking)
