Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Cafe Okawari – San Francisco
Cafe Okawari - San Francisco
Photo from Cafe Okawari
Cafe Okawari at a glance
San Francisco Mission Bay
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 94 of the guests
#1183 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#103 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
594
Reviews
73.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Katsu Sandos
- Quick Service
- Cozy Atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Limited Seating
- Long Lines
The Japanese restaurant Cafe Okawari brings a taste of authentic flavors to San Francisco’s vibrant Mission Bay neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This welcoming eatery offers a range of healthy options, ensuring there’s something delicious for every palate. Whether you’re grabbing lunch or enjoying dinner, you’ll find a comfortable setting to savor your experience.
Overview: Introducting Cafe Okawari
Cafe Okawari offers a distinct experience, often praised for its culinary offerings that truly resonate with many. Guests frequently highlight the quality of the main dishes and the overall positive impression left by the food.
The welcoming atmosphere also contributes to a pleasant visit, making it a comfortable spot for a meal. However, some aspects could be refined.
While many find it a great value, others feel certain items are a bit steep for the portion size. Additionally, practical concerns like limited seating and occasional long waits for service have been noted, suggesting areas for improvement.
Good
7.5
out of 10
594
Reviews
73.2%
Satisfaction
98
negative
61
neutral
435
positive
Overall, Cafe Okawari garners a solid 7.5 out of 10, indicating a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a 73.2% customer satisfaction rate, suggesting most visitors leave content.
With 594 pieces of feedback, including 435 positive remarks against 98 negative ones, there’s a clear leaning towards favorable impressions, particularly concerning the core offerings. Diving deeper, the Service (8.1) stands out as a strong point, often described as quick and attentive.
The Food (7.8) also performs well, consistently praised for its quality and taste. The Ambience (7.3) contributes positively to the experience, though some practical aspects could be improved.
However, Value (4.7) presents a more mixed picture, with some guests finding certain items a bit expensive for what’s offered.
What people like
- Delicious Katsu Sandos
- Attentive, Quick Service
- Cozy Japanese Atmosphere
What people don't like
- Perceived High Prices
- Limited Seating Options
- Occasional Long Lines
Cafe Okawari presents a compelling option, especially if you prioritize well-prepared dishes and efficient service in a pleasant setting. With a solid 7.8 recommendation score, it’s generally a place worth considering for a casual meal.
Just be mindful of the potential for a wait during peak times. While the culinary experience and atmosphere are often praised, some find the pricing a bit steep for the portion sizes.
If you’re seeking a quick, flavorful bite and don’t mind a potentially cozy space, Cafe Okawari could be a good fit, but it might disappoint those on a strict budget or looking for extensive seating.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Japanese Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
315
97.1%
- $$$
- North of Panhandle
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Japanese Restaurant
9.2
out of 10
out of 10
119
99.2%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Japanese Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
472
94.9%
- $$
- Polk Gulch
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Japanese Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
242
95%
- $$$
- Hayes Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Japanese Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
173
94.2%
- $$
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Japanese Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
690
92.9%
- $$
- Cow Hollow
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Cafe Okawari
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a solid score of 7.8 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 77.4%. Out of 412 customer remarks, a whopping 319 were positive, frequently praising the delicious chicken katsu sandos, flavorful curries, and the wonderfully soft bread. Many also raved about the crispy and juicy katsu, making it a standout.
However, not every bite was perfect, with 49 negative comments noted. Some found the katsu and curry to be bland, while others felt the portions were too small for the price. There were also a few mentions of dry sandos or a lack of flavor in certain dishes, and occasional concerns about chicken quality.
Food
412
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
49
negative
44
neutral
319
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Katsu Sando perfection
- Soft, fluffy bread
- Crispy, juicy katsu
What people don't like
- Bland Katsu, curry
- Small, overpriced portions
- Dry sandos, no flavor
Often praised
- foodAs a Japanese-American who grew up with Japanese cooking by Japanese parents from Japan, this place gets my stamp of approval. The food here touches my soul. Thank you to the : :Café Okawari: : family for giving me amazing product so close to home.
- chickenI would have preferred more spice and a better hot sauce option. Again, the chicken is the star of the show. The service is great and incredibly fast.
- chicken katsu sandoMy experience at this restaurant was a satisfying, casual lunch on a sunny SF day. I enjoyed the juicy chicken katsu sando with a crunch. The location is convenient, offering easy access to the ball park, INSEAD, and a few VCs.
- curryThe sando truly lived up to the hype, though I still found it a bit pricy. The curry and latte were both good but didn't stand out as much as the sando. The space is quite cute and cozy, with a welcoming counter area perfect for solo diners, giving off a distinct Japan vibe 😌.
- breadcustom order their bread to give an authentic Japanese texture
- Chicken Katsu SandoMy experience at the restaurant was a bit of a mixed bag. I would definitely recommend the Chicken Katsu Sando. The egg sandwiches were just fine, nothing special.
- FoodFood:5
- katsuthe katsu itself was carrying fr
- katsu sandoThe staff is incredibly friendly and provide quick service. I loveee the katsu curry plate, but have also had the katsu sando, the tuna bowl, and the fruit sandos. I recommend them all!
- chicken katsumost amazing chicken katsu I've ever had. Mindblowing.
Frequently criticized
- currythe curry tasted like it came from the ‘Golden curry’ or similar mix
- flavorUnfortunately the flavor was mediocre.
- KatsuThe Katsu had no flavor
- chickenchicken on the top, and a small container of sauce. It was little dry
- chicken katsu curryI found the curry to be pretty flavourless and the portions to be small, making it feel overpriced. Specifically, I paid $21 for a chicken katsu curry with rice before tip. While the chicken quality was actually decent to good, the curry itself is where the dish fell short.
- foodNo idea what this food is but it's not remotely similar tasting
- fruit sandoThe Katsu was very bland, and so was the curry. I also tried the fruit sando and was super underwhelmed. In my opinion, it's not worth the price.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing due to the high prices and tiny portions. The salad I received was served dry with no dressing.
- ricethe rice was over cooked
- Beef GyudonBeef gyudon was disappointing. The meat was super thin and fatty
If you're craving a top-notch chicken katsu sando or a comforting curry, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might lack a bit of punch or come in smaller portions, so choose wisely.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.5%. With 55 positive opinions, guests frequently praise the incredibly friendly staff and quick service, often noting how fast food comes out. Whether its the chef, delivery, or overall employee consideration, the efficient and welcoming experience stands out.
However, its not without its quirks, as 10 negative opinions point out. Some mention the line can get pretty long, especially during busy lunch hours, leading to limited service or seating. There are also a few instances where utensils were missing, which can be a minor inconvenience for takeaway orders.
Service
71
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
10
negative
6
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick staff
- Fast service speed
- Efficient food delivery
What people don't like
- Long lines
- Limited service
- Missing utensils
Often praised
- serviceThe service and food were great!
- staffThey're quick and attentive even when they're busy which I appreciate.
- ServiceService:5
- wait timeUntil we get Japanese 7-elevens, I believe this is the closest we will come to authentic egg salad and fruit sandos. I’ve read about their lines, but we were lucky enough to stop in right at opening on a Holiday weekend and didn’t have to wait at all. Bonus, seating was available too.
- EmployeesEmployees were definitely pretty friendly
- chefThe chef is super personable
- customer servicemost importantly for the customer service
- deliveryThe best little sandwiches in all of San Francisco. A little out of the way but they deliver!
- employee considerationOn the positive side, the employees were definitely pretty friendly and got me my food way earlier than GrubHub anticipated. The employee who gave me my food was accommodating regarding whether I was going to eat inside or not, which I appreciated. As for the ambience, one thing that jarred me was that I thought this restaurant was going to have Japanese people running the restaurant, from the cooks to the register people, but it wasn't.
- fastI absolutely love this place! The Chicken katsu curry was particularly tasty, with perfectly cooked chicken, and it came out fast.
Frequently criticized
- utensilsMy experience with this restaurant has been consistently frustrating due to their lack of utensils. I've ordered food delivery several times, and each time, no utensils were included.
- limited serviceThe delectable katsu was so good, you could smell it from down the block. While there was limited space and service, the cute parklet seating and great takeaway options made up for it. I highly recommend the Chicken Katsu Sando.
- linethe line gets so long and out the door
- line can get pretty longI ordered the chicken curry with miso soup. It's a good idea to arrive when it opens, as the restaurant fills up quickly and the line can get pretty long. Next time, I'll try the sandwiches.
- lunch hoursduring the work days at lunch hours
- open for lunchWish they were open for not just lunch
- placeVery casual, serve yourself type of place!
- weekendsOnly downside is they are not open on weekends
- work daysget pretty busy during the work days
Overall, you can expect a friendly and speedy experience here, making it a great choice for a quick bite. Just be prepared for potential lines during peak times and perhaps double-check for utensils if you're getting takeout.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at a solid 76.1%, many diners appreciate the cute spot and modern looking restaurant feel. Out of 51 positive remarks, the patio and warm interior often get special shout-outs, creating a pleasant Japan vibe for many.
However, its not without its quirks. Among the 12 negative comments, some found limited space and wished for more lighting and seating. A few even mentioned an unpleasant smell in the cafe or unclean surroundings, ' which can definitely put a damper on the experience.
Ambience
67
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
12
negative
4
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute, cozy vibe
- Modern interior
- Great patio seating
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Unpleasant smell
- Unclean surroundings
Often praised
- atmosphereWe especially enjoyed their specialty drinks and refreshing fruit smoothies. The atmosphere was cozy, with the choice of indoor or outdoor seating, which added to the pleasant dining experience. Prices were very reasonable, ranging from $12 to $17 per meal.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Japan vibegave off that Japan vibe 😌
- Japanese quick counter restaurantMy experience at this tasty Japanese quick counter restaurant was generally positive. I would highly recommend the Katsu Sando and the Tuna Tartare Plate.
- Seating outsideBoth were delicious and hit 🎯. Seating outside was pleasant and not too crowded. I would definitely come back again for more delicious food.
- access to ball parkI enjoyed the juicy chicken katsu sando with a crunch. The location is convenient, offering easy access to the ball park, INSEAD, and a few VCs. It's a great spot to enjoy a meal at their sidewalk tables.
- business lunch sceneshining rays of hope for SF's business lunch scene.
- cafeThe cafe is a nice place to relax
- calm and sweetit was calm and sweet
- city eating experienceA great city eating experience if you post up outside
Frequently criticized
- parkingnot that easy to find parking around here
- GPS locationGPS location is little off
- indoor seating optionsindoor seating options are limited
- large partiesNot great for large parties
- lighting and seatingneeded more lighting and seating
- limited spaceThe delectable katsu was so good, you could smell it from down the block. While there was limited space and service, the cute parklet seating and great takeaway options made up for it. I highly recommend the Chicken Katsu Sando.
- outdoor seatingthe outdoor seating is not great
- seatingThere's little seating
- smell in the cafedidn't like the smell in the cafe
- surroundingssurroundings is not clean
If youre looking for a charming, modern spot with a great patio and a cozy Japan vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that seating can be limited, and a few folks have noted some cleanliness issues, so it might not be ideal for larger groups or if youre sensitive to smells.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found things to cheer about, with 10 positive opinions highlighting a super fair price and feeling it was worth every penny. They appreciated not being overpriced and even noted great value overall. While the overall customer satisfaction for value sits at a rather low 22.7%, there are definitely pockets of appreciation.
However, the conversation around value is largely dominated by concerns, with 27 negative opinions out of 44 total. Many felt items were pricy, overpriced, or simply not worth the money for the portion size, leading to an average score of 4.7. It seems the general sentiment leans towards disappointment, with several finding the offerings expensive for what you get.
Value
44
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
27
negative
7
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices found
- Worth the cost
- Great value
What people don't like
- Often overpriced
- Pricey for size
- Not worth cost
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was incredible and ABSOLUTELY worth the price. The food was delicious, made with high-quality ingredients.
- pricesThe atmosphere was cozy, with the choice of indoor or outdoor seating, which added to the pleasant dining experience. Prices were very reasonable, ranging from $12 to $17 per meal. Overall, a delightful spot that we’d highly recommend!
- feeorder pick up on DoorDash for no fee
- great valueOverall, great value
- pennyWorth every penny
- potato croquette pricenot overpriced
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their counter service. I found the curry to be pretty flavourless and the portions to be small, making it feel overpriced. Specifically, I paid $21 for a chicken katsu curry with rice before tip.
- priceyLittle pricey for what it is
- Pricethe small Cappuccino was priced at $6 !!! and was terrible
- Price per personThe coffee was overpriced and underwhelming.
- base priceit doesn’t justify the $18 base price for the dish
- eggI was charged $3 for an egg though it’s supposed to cost $2.50
- moneyit was not worth the money
- money valuethe money value for how relatively small it is is questionable
- overpriceda little overpriced
- pricesextremely overpriced
If you're looking for a bargain, this might not be your go-to, as many found the prices a bit steep for the portions. However, a few did feel they got good value, so perhaps certain items hit the mark better than others. Go in with realistic expectations about the cost.
How are the prices at Cafe Okawari?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 94 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests actually spend in the $11–$20 or $21–$30 range, showing prices are quite concentrated and accessible, with only a few venturing into higher-end options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 94 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, allowing for both more casual and slightly more indulgent experiences without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cafe Okawari
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
No Utensils for Delivery Orders
My experience with this restaurant has been consistently frustrating due to their lack of utensils. I've ordered food delivery several times, and each time, no utensils were included. Today, I was unable to eat my lunch at work because they failed to include any utensils.
- utensils1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Good Katsu Sando Alternative
My experience at this restaurant was centered around trying their chicken katsu sando. While it was good, it wasn't exceptional. I would, however, eat it again.
It serves as a nice alternative to the abundance of American Nashville-style sandos currently saturating the market.
- chicken katsu sando6
- alternative8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Quick Bite with Crispy Chicken
I visited on Friday around 4: 30 PM for a quick bite before the Giants game. I ordered the chicken katsu curry, which was ready in under five minutes. While the curry was a bit lukewarm, the chicken itself was crispy and delicious.
The portion size was just right for one person. The atmosphere was chill and not too crowded initially, though it started to get busier by 5 PM as I was leaving.
- chicken katsu curry8
- chicken9
- portion size8
- curry4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Authentic Egg Salad & Fruit Sandos!
Until we get Japanese 7-elevens, I believe this is the closest we will come to authentic egg salad and fruit sandos. I’ve read about their lines, but we were lucky enough to stop in right at opening on a Holiday weekend and didn’t have to wait at all. Bonus, seating was available too.
They have daily specials that were very tempting, but we stuck to the classics. 10/10 would come again.
- egg salad and fruit sandos10
- wait time10
- seating8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fast and Efficient Dining Experience
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. The menu was concise with only 3 things on the menu, and the food came out in 5 minutes. It's the kind of efficient service every restaurant should strive for.
- menu9
- food10
- service10
What Cafe Okawari offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options does Cafe Okawari offer?
Cafe Okawari provides a variety of convenient service options. You can enjoy onsite services, opt for quick takeout, or dine-in. For those who prefer the outdoors, seating is available outside. Delivery service is also provided, allowing you to enjoy their Japanese cuisine from the comfort of your home or office.
Is Cafe Okawari accessible, and what payment methods are accepted?
Yes, Cafe Okawari ensures accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating. When it comes to payments, you can easily settle your bill using major credit cards, debit cards, or modern NFC mobile payments for a seamless transaction. Dogs are also allowed outside.
What is the overall verdict on Cafe Okawari?
Cafe Okawari holds a respectable overall score of 7.5. It particularly shines in Service (8.1), Food (7.8), and Ambience (7.3), though Value (4.7) receives more mixed feedback.
What are the standout dishes at Cafe Okawari?
Many guests frequently praise the chicken katsu sando for its quality and flavor. Other katsu dishes are also often highlighted as a culinary draw.
Are there any common concerns visitors have about Cafe Okawari?
Some visitors have noted that certain items can feel overpriced for the portion size. Additionally, limited seating and occasional long lines during busy periods are mentioned.