Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Volcano Curry – San Francisco
Volcano Curry - San Francisco
Photo from Volcano Curry
Volcano Curry at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 55 of the guests
#1101 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#93 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
378
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious curry
- Fast service
- Good portions
Frequently criticized
- Hard parking
- Blunt staff
- Plastic dishes
The restaurant Volcano Curry offers a delightful Japanese dining experience right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Richmond District. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
This Japanese restaurant is known for its authentic flavors and welcoming atmosphere, making it a local favorite. Whether you’re craving classic Japanese dishes or exploring vegetarian options, you’ll find something to satisfy your palate here.
Overview: Introducting Volcano Curry
Volcano Curry offers a straightforward dining experience, often praised for its flavorful dishes and efficient service. Many customers appreciate the fast ordering process and the generally friendly staff, making it a reliable stop for a quick meal.
While the food is a clear draw, some aspects of the dining environment, such as difficult parking and the use of disposable items, might temper expectations. However, for those seeking a satisfying curry, Volcano Curry consistently delivers on taste and speed.
Good
7.5
out of 10
378
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
71
negative
31
neutral
276
positive
Volcano Curry achieves a solid overall score of 7.5, reflecting a good dining experience, with customer satisfaction at 73%. This indicates that most patrons leave content with their visit.
The restaurant’s strengths clearly lie in its Food (7.9) and Service (7.7), which are consistently well-regarded by diners. Based on 378 customer observations, including 276 positive remarks against 71 negative ones, the restaurant also offers average Value (6.0).
However, the Ambience (5.4) score suggests there’s room for improvement in the dining environment, which some customers find less appealing.
What people like
- Flavorful Japanese curry
- Efficient, friendly service
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Inconsistent staff demeanor
- Disposable dishware
If you’re in search of a dependable and flavorful curry, Volcano Curry is certainly worth considering. Its strong performance in food quality and service makes it a practical choice for a satisfying meal, especially when you’re looking for something quick and tasty.
With a recommendation score of 7.8, it’s clear that many find the experience positive enough to suggest to others. Just be mindful of potential parking challenges and manage your expectations regarding the casual dining setting.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Volcano Curry
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here generally hits the spot, with a solid good score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction sitting at a strong 80.6%, indicating a largely positive dining experience. Many of the 216 positive observations rave about the Katsu Curry being incredibly delicious, often highlighting generous portions and crispy and tender meat. However, not every dish is a home run, as 34 comments point to some inconsistencies.
Issues like undercooked rice/potato, concerns about salty/sweet curry balance, and dry/flavorless pork katsu occasionally surface, with a few even describing it as assembly line food.
Food
268
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
34
negative
18
neutral
216
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Katsu Curry
- Generous Portions
- Crispy Tender Meat
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Rice/Potatoes
- Salty/Sweet Curry Balance
- Dry Pork Katsu
Often praised
- curryI ordered the chicken katsu with a side of eggplant and it did not disappoint! The chicken was juicy and tender, complemented beautifully by the curry. If you're looking for a comfort meal, I highly recommend trying Volcano.
- foodthe food here was so energizing and delicious
- Japanese curryMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently excellent. I've found the best Japanese curry in the city here, with a great selection of multiple spice levels to choose from. The seating space is ample and comfortable.
- Chicken Katsu CurryThe service was good and the food was even better. I highly recommend the Chicken Katsu Curry.
- chicken katsu curryBUT the curry was so good with the rice. The katsu was also super crispy and tasted amazing with the sauce. I hope to come again soon to try their curry with medium spice.
- FoodFood:5
- katsuMy experience at the restaurant featured a solid curry and crunchy katsu, though it wasn't mind-blowing. The chicken katsu was definitely superior to the pork katsu, which was a little dry and flavorless.
- portionsAmazing portions for the price
- chickenthe chicken is sometimes dry at some places but the entire meal was great, meat included
- katsu curryMy experience at the restaurant was largely positive, centered around a delicious katsu curry. The veggies in the curry were enjoyable, and the pork was cooked well.
Frequently criticized
- curryIt was too salty overall and the sweetness was also too much which didn't balance out.
- spinachsuddenly they decided I only deserve two baby potatoes instead of the usual four or five
- Chicken Katsu mild curryI ordered the Chicken Katsu mild curry with a karaage mini sandwich for lunch. After realizing the curry contained peanut butter, I asked for it to be substituted with a vegetarian option, and I paid the difference. The staff was great and very accommodating throughout my mistake.
- Japanese curryThis place used to be the go-to for Japanese curry in SF, building its identity around it. I used to order constantly because it scratched that nostalgic itch for real Japanese curry – comforting, flavorful, and dependable. Now, it's like cafeteria food at luxury prices.
- Restaurant Depotwe buy everything from Restaurant Depot and hope no one notices
- Tendon CurryFor the tendon curry, we braved it by ordering medium spicy (mild is not spicy at all) and let's just say, will stick with mild next time.
- allergic reactionI started developing early stages of an allergic reaction
- assembly line foodit was like assembly line food
- boiled chickenThey just boiled the chicken separately
- cafeteria foodgiving cafeteria food at luxury prices
If you're craving a satisfying Japanese curry, especially the katsu, this spot is definitely worth a try for its delicious and filling options. Just be mindful of potential inconsistencies with side dishes or certain meat preparations.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the service here! Overall, its looking pretty good, with a solid score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction hitting 74.4%. Folks are really happy with the speedy service and how quickly meals come out, making it a perfect spot for a quick meal.
Many rave about the polite staff and excellent customer service, often noting their kid-friendliness too. With 32 positive remarks, theyre clearly doing a lot right! However, its not all sunshine and rainbows.
There are 7 points of concern, mainly around wait time during peak hours, making it tough to get a table. A few folks also mentioned the card payment only policy and some less-than-enthusiastic staff interactions. Plus, the use of disposable dishes was a minor gripe for some.
Service
43
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
7
negative
4
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick service
- Friendly staff
- Kid-friendly
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Card only
- Disposable dishes
Often praised
- ServiceIf you love curry or Korean food, then this is the place for you! Service was excellent and found ordering very fast and straight forward. If you’re in the neighborhood it’s a definite stop!
- serviceThe atmosphere was also rated a perfect 5, contributing to a wonderful dining experience. Service was equally impressive, receiving a 5-star rating. I enjoyed the Chicken Katsu Curry during my lunch visit, which was priced between $10–20 per person.
- staffClears the sinuses. Staff is friendly. Place is clean.
- customer serviceI make sure to visit whenever I'm in San Francisco to enjoy their food. They consistently impress me with their great customer service and the delicious flavor and servings.
- foodfood comes out faster than expected
- counter servicecounter service 💯💯💯
- kid-friendlinessThe curry is just right, not too spicy or too hot, you can still taste the meat. My son loves this place!
- orderingIf you love curry or Korean food, then this is the place for you! Service was excellent and found ordering very fast and straight forward. If you’re in the neighborhood it’s a definite stop!
- polite staffthey're very polite
- quickReliably quick
Frequently criticized
- card paymentThey're only accepting card!! No cash!!
- disposable dishesNeeds to use less disposable dishes
- get a tableIt's a nice place to go to if you're on a budget and want something filling. However, expect a wait during dinner time and it might be hard to get a table. It's best to plan to go in as a group if you want to dine in.
- serviceLady at the register sounded not so happy and tone was pretty blunt and not so friendly
- staffI advised the staff
- to-go containersserved our food in to-go containers
- wait timeExpect a wait during dinner time
If youre looking for a quick, friendly meal and dont mind paying with a card, this place is a solid bet. Just be prepared for potential wait times if you hit them during dinner rush, and you might find yourself eating from disposable dishes.
Ambience (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
The vibe here is a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 5.4 and customer satisfaction at a poor 36.5%. However, 19 positive comments highlight a clean place with a relaxed atmosphere, often feeling like home. Many appreciate the great seating space, and some even enjoyed live guitar, calling it a true hidden gem.
On the flip side, 25 negative remarks point to significant issues. Many found the use of plastic containers and utensils for dine-in guests wasteful and unenjoyable. Parking is frequently a hassle, and some felt the decor needed work, with limited seating and even flies near the garbage bin.
Ambience
52
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
25
negative
8
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean place
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Live guitar
What people don't like
- Excessive plastic use
- Difficult parking
- Limited seating
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was also rated a perfect 5
- placeit looks like a cool place to hang out.
- ParkingPlenty of parking
- casualIt's pretty casual there
- cleanBut it's still clean
- hidden gemthe true definition of a hidden gem
- live guitarYou get to enjoy live guitar too
- restroomThey also have a restroom
- seating spacegreat seating space
Frequently criticized
- parkingAdditionally, their katsu sandwich was impressively huge and very tasty. The atmosphere feels like a cozy hole in the wall, but the only drawback is that parking is very difficult to find.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- Christmas musicplayed Christmas music before Thanksgiving
- atmosphereatmosphere is strange
- cupsThe cups are plastic
- decorWork on the decor a bit.
- flies at the garbage binInside, there were tables and chairs available. However, I did notice some flies at the garbage bin, likely because the door is usually left open.
- groupsIt wouldn’t be good for groups
- hanging with a friendor hanging with a friend for a while.
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
If you're looking for a super polished dining experience, this might not be your spot due to the plastic use and parking woes. However, if you value a casual, clean, and relaxed atmosphere, especially with the bonus of live music, it could be worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and the to-go box dining experience.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to getting bang for your buck, this place has a bit of a mixed reputation, landing an average score of 6. Many customers, accounting for 9 positive remarks out of 15, find it offers solid value and affordable meals if youre on a budget, often praising the generous portions for the price. It seems like a reliable choice for a filling meal without overspending, contributing to a 60% customer satisfaction.
However, not everyone agrees on the value proposition. Some diners feel its frankly overrated or that they're being asked to charge more and give less, especially when facing luxury prices for what they perceive as simpler fare. Concerns about paying an extra for basic items also pop up, suggesting that the perceived worth can vary.
Value
15
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable meals
- Generous portions
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Perceived as overrated
- Luxury prices
- Extra charges
Often praised
- priceI opted for takeout, and the food was incredible. It's good old-fashioned, home-cooked comfort food that is generous in portion and not expensive. We will certainly return.
- affordableIt’s affordable
- affordable mealgo to spots for a affordable meal
- budgetMy experience at this restaurant was that the food was just okay. It's a nice place to go to if you're on a budget and want something filling. However, expect a wait during dinner time and it might be hard to get a table.
- cheapthey're pretty cheap all things considered
- pricesprices were reasonable
- pricingThe pricing is very reasonable.
- valuelikely to be of more value to you if you cooked yourself
Frequently criticized
- charge more and give lesslet's charge more and give less
- extrapaid an extra
- overratedfrankly overrated
- pricesI used to order constantly because it scratched that nostalgic itch for real Japanese curry – comforting, flavorful, and dependable. Now, it's like cafeteria food at luxury prices. The pickles, once a small but present side, have completely disappeared without explanation, yet the DoorDash menu still offers removal options.
- takeout trayeat on a plate and not a a takeout tray
If youre looking for an affordable meal and generous portions on a budget, this spot could be a good fit. However, if youre sensitive to perceived luxury prices for simple fare or feel things are overrated, you might want to manage your expectations or look elsewhere.
How are the prices at Volcano Curry?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 55 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend within this sweet spot, though a few do opt for a more premium experience, showing there’s a nice mix of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 55 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the price point and the type of cuisine, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance for those looking for quality without breaking the bank, with options for a little extra indulgence too.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Volcano Curry
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
2
Japanese Curry Disappointment
This place used to be the go-to for Japanese curry in SF, building its identity around it. I used to order constantly because it scratched that nostalgic itch for real Japanese curry – comforting, flavorful, and dependable. Now, it's like cafeteria food at luxury prices.
The pickles, once a small but present side, have completely disappeared without explanation, yet the DoorDash menu still offers removal options. Now, they even charge extra for them. The deep-fried chicken is impressively dry and rubbery, mostly breading with a questionable filling.
The curry sauce is flavorless and bland, as if it was never seasoned. The $4 eggs tasted like they were boiled last week and stored poorly. Adding spinach for $3 resulted in fewer potatoes, a baffling change.
It's almost $30 for a sad, microwavable container of dry chicken, watery curry, subpar eggs, and missing potatoes. It feels like they now buy everything from Restaurant Depot and hope no one notices. Management may have changed or they simply stopped caring, but charging more and giving less is a clear strategy.
I advise against ordering; save your money or make curry at home.
- Japanese curry2
- cafeteria food2
- pickles1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Quick, Delicious, and Worth Returning
My experience at this restaurant was easy, fast, and good. The food was amazing, with a rich curry and perfectly cooked protein. I would definitely come back for a quick bite and to explore more of the menu.
- food10
- curry9
- protein9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
No-Frills Curry Spot with Great Spice Options
My experience at this restaurant was great for a no-frills and straight-to-the-point meal. The curry was not salty and offered options to pick different spice levels. The service was also fast.
I highly recommend this spot if you're in the area or just craving curry on a random day 😇.
- curry9
- spice levels9
- service10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Hearty Curry Katsu Plates
My experience at this restaurant involved enjoying big curry katsu plates served in take-out boxes. The chicken or pork cutlets were simply and freshly fried, offering a reliable choice. The curry itself had great flavor, and the portions were quite hefty.
The service was quick, with ordering done at the counter. Inside, there were tables and chairs available. However, I did notice some flies at the garbage bin, likely because the door is usually left open.
- curry katsu plates9
- chicken or pork cutlets8
- curry9
- flies at the garbage bin3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Curry Chicken Katsu!
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially concerning the food. While the place could use some refreshing to attract more customers, it was still clean. The Curry Chicken Katsu was beyond amazing, with plenty of curry to mix with rice.
The service and atmosphere were also rated highly.
- Curry Chicken Katsu10
- curry9
- clean8
- place4
What Volcano Curry offers
Crowd
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Volcano Curry?
At Volcano Curry, you can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant offers a quiet setting, making it ideal for a relaxed meal. You’ll also find excellent vegetarian options and it’s good for kids, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.
What service options and accessibility features does Volcano Curry provide?
Volcano Curry offers convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring comfort for all guests. Parking is also convenient with both free and paid street parking available nearby.
How does Volcano Curry generally rate?
Volcano Curry holds a 7.5 overall score, indicating a good dining experience. Its Food (7.9) and Service (7.7) are particularly strong, while Value (6.0) is average and Ambience (5.4) could see improvement.
What kind of food can I expect at Volcano Curry?
You can expect flavorful Japanese curry, with many customers praising the chicken katsu for its tenderness and crispiness. Portions are often noted as generous, though some find the curry can be too salty or sweet.
What should I know about the dining experience at Volcano Curry?
Customers appreciate the fast ordering and friendly staff. However, be aware that parking can be difficult, and during busy times, you might experience a wait or find it challenging to secure a table.