Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Moku Yakitori-Ya – San Francisco
Moku Yakitori-Ya - San Francisco
Photo from Moku Yakitori-Ya
Moku Yakitori-Ya at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 52 of the guests
#1302 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#106 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
422
Reviews
73.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Service
- Quality Yakitori
- Cozy Atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High Pricing
- Tight Seating
- Smoky Environment
The restaurant, a delightful Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco’s Richmond District, invites you into its cozy atmosphere. At Moku Yakitori-Ya, you’ll discover a perfect spot for dinner, offering a range of small plates, cocktails, and more.
Whether you’re looking for a casual dine-in experience or convenient delivery, this spot caters to your needs. You can enjoy table service or counter service, making it versatile for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting Moku Yakitori-Ya
Moku Yakitori-Ya offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its excellent hospitality and the quality of its grilled skewers. Many appreciate the friendly and helpful staff who contribute to a memorable visit, making guests feel welcome.
However, recent changes to the dining model have led to concerns regarding the overall price and the shift to a prix fixe menu. While the atmosphere is often described as cozy, some patrons have noted issues with tight seating and a perceived loss of its former casual charm.
Good
7.4
out of 10
422
Reviews
73.2%
Satisfaction
89
negative
24
neutral
309
positive
Moku Yakitori-Ya earns a respectable 7.4 overall, indicating a generally good experience for diners. Customer satisfaction also stands at a solid 73.2%, suggesting that most visitors leave content.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 422 customer opinions, with 309 positive remarks outweighing 89 negative ones. Looking closer at the specifics, the Service shines brightly with an impressive score of (8.2), followed closely by the Food at (7.7), both considered good.
The Ambience also contributes positively with a good score of (7.0). However, the Value score of (4.1) stands out as an average point, indicating that while other aspects are well-received, the pricing structure is a notable area of concern for some.
What people like
- Exceptional Service
- Quality Yakitori
- Cozy Atmosphere
What people don't like
- High Prix Fixe Pricing
- Tight Seating
- Smoky Environment
Moku Yakitori-Ya presents a compelling option for those seeking well-prepared yakitori and attentive service in an intimate setting. With a recommendation score of 7.6, it’s clear that many find the experience worthwhile, particularly appreciating the dedicated staff and flavorful dishes.
However, potential diners should be aware of the shift to a prix fixe menu, which has impacted the perceived value for some. If you prioritize excellent service and quality grilled items and are comfortable with the current pricing model, Moku Yakitori-Ya is certainly worth considering for a focused dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Moku Yakitori-Ya
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at a good 77.6%. Many of the 215 positive comments rave about the delicious yakitori, high quality ingredients, and how everything is cooked to perfection, making for truly amazing dishes like wagyu skewers and grilled mackerel. However, not everyone is completely satisfied, with 51 comments expressing concerns.
Some find the new fixed tasting menu restrictive and overpriced, while others note issues with food quality, like over-seasoned items, or meat being burnt and chewy, suggesting inconsistency in preparation and a lack of choice.
Food
277
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
51
negative
11
neutral
215
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious yakitori
- High quality ingredients
- Cooked to perfection
What people don't like
- Fixed tasting menu
- Over-seasoned food
- Burnt/chewy meat
Often praised
- foodThe ambiance is different, and while I prefer the old look and feel, the new one is perfectly fine. Most importantly, the food is even better. It's not the same, but it's similar and superior.
- sakeI visited this restaurant with 5 friends, and since we were unsure of what to order, we decided to try a bit of everything. The prices were very reasonable, especially considering we enjoyed 3 large Sapporos, a bottle of sake, an omakase, and two of every Yakitori on the menu for only $113 per person. The place was really busy, and now I understand why.
- yakitoriIf you're looking to experience great yakitori, along with sake, then please try this spot. I am surely glad I did and had a wonderful experience.
- pork bellythe pork belly, jowl, cheek were all great
- scallopsThe wagyu, grilled oysters, lamb chops, and scallops oh MY!!!!
- Yakitoridefinitely some of the best Yakitori I've ever had
- menuIt was delicious and wonderful! The menu has an unusual beverage selection and lots of interesting items—both grilled and not—that I look forward to trying on future visits. I wish the proprietor well and hope he finds great success!
- bacon tomatoour favorite skewers included the bacon tomato
- chicken skinthe chicken skin was chefs kiss
- cooked to perfectionI was so excited to see a yakitori spot open in the Richmond. The Moku team does an amazing job with fantastic flavors, cooked to perfection and phenomenal hospitality. I can’t say enough good things and will definitely be back again soon!
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food could definitely be improved
- beef tonguethe beef tongue felt on the verge of going bad
- chicken thighchicken gizzards, hearts, pork cheek, chicken thigh, etc. were all burnt, too chewy
- food qualityThe atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, and the service is friendly and helpful. However, the food just isn't there. Almost everything was a little over-seasoned for my taste, and the quality wasn't what I was hoping for.
- YakitoriWe tried many of the Yakitori skewers, as well as the chicken karaage, takoyaki, and fried rice cakes. The yakitori were good, but I was missing some kind of sauce to be able to mix flavors up and not have everything taste similarly. The takoyaki was good, as was the karaage.
- amount of foodover priced for the amount of food
- attention to detailattention to detail (seasoning) could use some work
- baconBacon was soft on the inside with no crispiness
- chef fire controlI think the chef doesnt know how to control the fire
- chicken gizzardschicken gizzards, hearts, pork cheek, chicken thigh, etc. were all burnt, too chewy
If youre seeking authentic, high-quality yakitori and dont mind a set tasting menu, this spot offers some truly delicious and well-prepared dishes. However, be aware that some experiences point to potential inconsistencies in seasoning and cooking, so manage your expectations.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot shines with a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 78.9%. With 45 positive remarks out of 57 total, guests consistently praise the kind staff and phenomenal hospitality. Many appreciate the great recommendations and attentive servers who make everyone feel welcome.
However, a few experiences, 6 to be exact, mention some bumps. Some diners encountered long wait times and noted inaccurate online hours, which can be a bit frustrating. There was also an isolated report of a rude owner experience, suggesting there's a little room for consistency.
Service
57
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
6
negative
6
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Attentive, knowledgeable servers
- Owners care deeply
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inaccurate online hours
- Rude staff experience
Often praised
- serviceI am surely glad I did and had a wonderful experience. The great dishes, excellent, welcoming, friendly & helpful service, and suggestions made for a memorable time. All items we ordered were great, with the highlights for me being the wagyu and scallop skewers, along with the takowasa.
- staffThe staff is friendly and make you feel welcome.
- ownerThis was the one yakitori place that wasn’t pretentious and didn’t require spending $100+ per person. The owner is super chill, so I’m sad to see this happen. I am very sad about this change and hope they bring back an a la carte menu.
- owner DanielEverything arrived very quickly, and the food was delicious. The owner, Daniel, was super friendly and easy to talk to. It's definitely worth the trip to the Richmond area for a bite; it's sure to become popular quickly!
- serverThe server was bright and kind
- ServiceService:4
- allergiesThey were even accommodating to my allergies.
- checking vaccination cardsreally good about checking vaccination cards
- cheflet the chef take excellent care of you
- chef RichardWhile deciding on which skewers to order, I recommend grabbing a beer and trying the squid legs as well! :) Many thanks to our chef Richard and server Daniel for providing us with a wonderful evening!
Frequently criticized
- hours on dooron their door to reflect
- hours onlineadjust their hours online
- lady and ownerThe lady and owner were super rude with me
- refundoffered to refund if we come back in the future
- waitbe prepared for a bit of a wait
- wait timeI'm glad we joined the waitlist ahead of leaving home, as the overall wait time was 40+ minutes. We tried many of the Yakitori skewers, as well as the chicken karaage, takoyaki, and fried rice cakes.
Overall, you can expect a genuinely warm and helpful experience here, making it well worth a visit for the excellent hospitality. Just be mindful of potential wait times, especially during busy periods, and perhaps double-check their hours before heading out.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
The ambience here scores a solid 7, landing it firmly in the good category, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 65.1%. Many love the vibe and describe it as a cozy place and a true Richmond gem. With 41 positive remarks out of 63 total, guests often praise the intimate counter seating and the fun, laid-back atmosphere that makes you feel like youre in Japan.
However, 16 negative comments highlight some areas for improvement. Patrons note the limited seating and tiny space, which can feel smoky due to ventilation issues, sometimes even leading to a sticky table. ' While charming, the small size and occasional discomfort are points to consider for those seeking a more spacious or pristine environment.
Ambience
63
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
16
negative
6
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic izakaya vibe
- Cozy, intimate seating
- Fun, laid-back atmosphere
What people don't like
- Limited, tight seating
- Tiny, smoky space
- Ventilation issues
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's a perfect little neighborhood hole-in-the-wall that offers grilled meat skewers, fresh sushi, and sake. The atmosphere is just the right amount of off-kilter, friendly, and cozy. I highly recommend getting the omakase and letting the chef take excellent care of you.
- vibeReally incredible vibe in there
- placeThe takoyaki was good, as was the karaage. Overall, a nice place but not worth the 40-minute wait in my opinion.
- Richmond gemThe kind staff will keep you coming back! Do not miss this Richmond gem.
- ambienceAmbience similar to a Japanese izakaya, cozy and intimate
- anime clipsendless stream of randomized anime clips playing in the background
- barGet a seat at the bar
- busyplace was really busy
- counter seatingintimate counter seating created a wonderful atmosphere
- cozy placeIts a cozy place.
Frequently criticized
- seatingThe seating is very tight between tables so it’s not comfortable
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- fun laid-back vibeThere are better omakase elsewhere. The food is expensive and no longer worth it, the fun laid-back vibe is gone. This restaurant took away everything that made it special and all that's left is a skeleton of itself, one that its regulars can no longer stomach.
- greasyfeel so greasy
- kid friendlyThe food was great, and the atmosphere was also a highlight, reminding me of my time in the dive bars of Japan. While the food and atmosphere were excellent, it's important to note that the place is now high end and not kid friendly.
- limited seatingalmost don’t want to post given limited seating
- neo-yuppie crowdCatering to the neo-yuppie crow
- pretentiousNow, 90% of the city can’t afford to eat here – it feels like just another restaurant for the rich. This was the one yakitori place that wasn’t pretentious and didn’t require spending $100+ per person. The owner is super chill, so I’m sad to see this happen.
- shop sizetheir shop is small, seats are limited
- smokyThe tiny space was all so smoky
If youre seeking an authentic, cozy izakaya experience with a lively, intimate vibe and dont mind a snug setting, this place is definitely worth a visit. However, if you prefer ample space or are sensitive to smoke, you might find the tight quarters and ventilation a bit disappointing.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
While the overall sentiment for value sits at an average 4.1 score and a poor 32% customer satisfaction, some diners still find bright spots. Many appreciate the generous portion size and feel the food is worth it, especially when described as reasonably priced or affordable. Some even noted getting good food at izakaya prices, suggesting a decent deal for certain offerings.
However, the majority of feedback, with 16 negative comments compared to 8 positive out of 25 total remarks, points to significant concerns. Many feel the shift to a prix fixe menu has made the experience expensive, with some calling the food not worth it at the current high prices. There's a strong sentiment that the restaurant has become unaffordable for many regulars.
Value
25
Reviews
32%
Satisfaction
16
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portion sizes
- Reasonable prices
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- High fixed prices
- Expensive for portions
- Poor value now
Often praised
- priceyou get what you pay for. My total before tip was $45.62 and to me, it was worth every penny.
- affordableit is affordable
- izakaya pricesGood food at izakaya prices
- portion sizethe portion is fairly large for this kind of shop
- pricesThe prices were very reasonable
- reasonably pricedMy first experience at this restaurant was great; the food was really good and reasonably priced. However, my second visit was disappointing as the food wasn't seasoned and tasted bland, requiring me to add my own seasoning.
- worth itthe food is good and worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceAlso, I really thought we were getting ramen, but then it was just a really dry noodle dish. For $72 per person, we were still hungry afterwards.
- cheapest optionI am super bummed to find out that the restaurant now only serves a tasting menu, with the cheapest option being $90. This is a significant amount more than what I’d normally spend per person.
- pricesThe prices were not comparable to the dish
- business structureI was very disappointed with the new business structure, which is now omakase/fixed menu with high prices ($$$). It is not worth the cost.
- cancellation feecharged me $100 of cancellation fee
- food is expensiveThere are better omakase elsewhere. The food is expensive and no longer worth it, the fun laid-back vibe is gone. This restaurant took away everything that made it special and all that's left is a skeleton of itself, one that its regulars can no longer stomach.
- menu picturemenu picture on Google showing a classic yakitori
- price pointNot the price point for what used to feel like a local spot
- prix fixe menuhand me a prix fixe menu at $100 minimum
- prixe fixe menuit's literally a Prixe Fix menu
If youre seeking an affordable, casual meal, this might not be your spot anymore, especially with the new fixed-price structure. However, if youre prepared for a higher-end experience and specific dishes that some still find worth it, you might find value in the quality, but be ready for the price tag.
How are the prices at Moku Yakitori-Ya?
You’re looking at roughly 62 per person – reported by 52 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what others spend, prices here are quite varied, from some budget-friendly options to more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 52 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, offering a good range of options for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Moku Yakitori-Ya
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Our Favorite Neighborhood Gem
I was going to leave a 1-star review to protect our favorite neighborhood restaurant from being overrun by influencers. The food was excellent, earning a perfect 5/5. The service was also impeccable, rated 5/5.
The atmosphere was enjoyable, with a score of 5/5. We visited as a party of 2 people and experienced no wait time. The noise level was moderate.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Versatile Vibe, Superb Service, Fresh Food!
My experience at Moku was fantastic! There's no place like it. You can come here to celebrate and/or to lighten your mood, the vibe is so versatile.
The food always comes out hot; I love that the specials reflect seasonality and freshness. The service is also superb, you'll feel right at home :) Highlyyyy recommend <3
- vibe10
- food10
- specials10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Mixed Feelings: Great Atmosphere, Disappointing Food
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The atmosphere was great, earning a 5-star rating. However, the food was a letdown, rated at 2 stars.
While the steak skewers were fantastic, the scallops were overcooked and had a black, crunchy part, which is unacceptable. The fried oysters were too chewy, suggesting they could have been prepared better before frying. Despite the pleasant ambiance, the meal felt overpriced for the amount of food we received.
As a group of two, we spent over $100 before tipping and still weren't full. Service received a 3-star rating.
- steak skewers9
- atmosphere10
- Service6
- scallops2
- fried oysters3
- price3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
6
Mixed Experience: Great Service, Disappointing Food
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The server was great, providing excellent service. However, the food could definitely be improved.
I'm unsure if we visited on an off day, but the beef tongue felt like it was on the verge of going bad. It had a very mushy texture and a fishy, pasty flavor. The only dish I genuinely enjoyed was the yellowtail collar.
- server9
- yellowtail collar8
- food2
- beef tongue1
- mushy texture2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Wagyu Yakitori Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional! I had the Wagyu Yakitori, and it was cooked to its highest quality. I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for delicious Japanese skewers.
- Wagyu Yakitori10
- Japanese skewers9
What Moku Yakitori-Ya offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Counter service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What parking options are available when you visit Moku Yakitori-Ya?
When you head to Moku Yakitori-Ya, you’ll find several parking choices. There’s a paid parking lot nearby, and you can also look for free street parking or paid street parking. Usually, there’s plenty of parking available for your convenience.
What dining experiences and accessibility features does Moku Yakitori-Ya offer?
Moku Yakitori-Ya provides a cozy and casual setting where you can enjoy dinner and dessert with table service or counter service. For your convenience, the restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Moku Yakitori-Ya?
Moku Yakitori-Ya generally receives good feedback, with an overall restaurant score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 73.2%. Service (8.2), Food (7.7), and Ambience (7.0) are rated well, though Value (4.1) is considered average.
How has the pricing structure at Moku Yakitori-Ya changed?
The restaurant has transitioned to a prix fixe or omakase-style menu, with some customers noting that the cheapest option is now around $90 per person, leading to concerns about the value and affordability compared to its previous offerings.
What are the highlights of the food at Moku Yakitori-Ya?
Customers frequently praise the quality of the yakitori, with specific mentions of items like pork belly, jowl, and chicken skin being “cooked to perfection.” The menu is also noted for its interesting and diverse selections.