Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Katsu-ya – San Francisco
Katsu-ya - San Francisco
Photo from Katsu-ya
Katsu-ya at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 46 of the guests
#1913 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#159 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
292
Reviews
62.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Crispy Katsu
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Food
- Long Waits
The Japanese restaurant, Katsu-ya, in San Francisco’s bustling Transbay neighborhood, invites you to a delightful culinary journey. You’ll find yourself in a casual atmosphere, perfect for enjoying authentic flavors.
This spot is also notably wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for every guest. Whether you’re planning a lunch or dinner outing, you’ll appreciate the convenient service options.
Overview: Introducting Katsu-ya
Katsu-ya offers a mixed experience, with many patrons appreciating the substantial portions and the care put into their main dishes. The staff’s kindness and attentiveness often leave a positive impression, contributing to a generally pleasant visit.
However, some diners have noted inconsistent food quality and occasional long wait times . While the overall value is often praised, the dining environment can sometimes feel a bit lacking , which might impact the full experience.
Good
6.6
out of 10
292
Reviews
62.7%
Satisfaction
75
negative
34
neutral
183
positive
Katsu-ya registers a Restaurant Score of 6.6, placing it in the average category, suggesting a generally acceptable but not outstanding experience. Customer Satisfaction stands at 62.7%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This feedback comes from a considerable 292 customer remarks, with 183 positive observations against 75 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Food leads with a score of 7, often described as enjoyable, though some find it inconsistent.
Value follows at 6.3, generally seen as fair, while Service scores 5.8, reflecting both friendly interactions and occasional operational hiccups. Ambience trails at 5.3, suggesting it’s an area with room for improvement.
What people like
- Crispy, juicy katsu
- Friendly, kind staff
- Good value for money
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Long wait times
- Lacking atmosphere/parking
If you’re seeking a meal with generous portions and appreciate friendly staff , Katsu-ya could be a worthwhile stop, especially for its core katsu offerings. The Recommendation Score of 6.8 suggests it’s a place many would consider revisiting.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent food quality and possible wait times , particularly if you’re dining during peak hours. It might not be the spot for a special occasion, but it can serve as a decent option for a casual, satisfying meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Katsu-ya
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
Diners are generally quite pleased with the food, giving it a solid score of 7 and customer satisfaction at 70%. Many rave about the delicious cheese katsu sando, praising its crispy exterior, juicy interior, and melted cheese. The generous portions and delightful bento box sides also get a lot of love, making for a truly satisfying meal, as noted in 140 positive comments.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 40 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement. Some found dishes to be overly sweet, while others noted issues with dry or bland katsu. There were also mentions of soggy or undercooked rice and generally mediocre side dishes, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
200
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
40
negative
20
neutral
140
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Katsu Sandos
- Generous Portions
- Complete Bento Meals
What people don't like
- Dry/Bland Katsu
- Inconsistent Sides
- Overly Sweet Dishes
Often praised
- foodI don't want to dwell too much on the food, which is subjective and we enjoyed it anyway, but I would like to emphasize the extreme kindness of the people working there. They were super kind and empathetic, and kindness should never be taken for granted.
- cheese katsu sandoi love their cheese katsu sando
- miso soupthe miso soup + mac salad + sesame balls with spicy sauce. having the soup heals the soul.
- sandwichI got the cheese katsu sando, and it came with so many other delicious sides. Not to mention, the sandwich itself is huge! I probably could have split this meal with a friend and still been full.
- sesame ballsI stopped by for a late dinner and was pleasantly surprised by the amount of food in the combo for the Tonkatsu Sando and Chicken Katsu Sando. The sesame balls were an odd but delicious treat. I also recommend ordering a side of chicken karaage!
- katsuThe katsu was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- mac saladit comes in a cute bento box with a mac salad
- pork curryOur new favorite katsu place. Make sure you get the additional pork curry, totally worth it. The creamy mantaiko is also quite good.
- portionsThe chicken katsu plate was perfect. The cutlet was not greasy, tender and juicy, the portions were good sized and the katsu sauce was excellent. I highly recommend this place and I plan on going back to try more!
- Cheese katsu sandoThe bread was amazingly soft, the katsu exterior was nice and crispy, and the mozzarella filling was oozing with creamy goodness.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food quality was a significant letdown
- food qualityThe food was mid, and it felt like they fell off already. I feel like TikTok is a liar because this place ruined my appetite. I will never trust TikTok food suggestions again.
- sidesthe sides are too cold
- Americanized Japanese mealsuch an Americanized Japanese meal
- KatsuI expected Katsu but got a dry hunk of meet.
- Oyakodon soup basewith Oyakodon soup base beneath
- TonkatsuTonkatsu was a bit dry
- Tonkatsu curryTonkatsu curry was bland
- bland saladThe portions were atrocious for $20. The bulk of the meal consisted of soggy rice and bland salad.
- breadthe bread was really not it
If you're craving a hearty katsu sando with generous portions and delicious sides, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some dishes might be inconsistent, so sticking to the popular katsu sandos could lead to the best experience.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers appreciate the friendly owner and staff who ensure food came fast and overall service is quick. With 20 positive comments out of 46 total, theres definitely a bright side, contributing to an average score of 5.8 and a 43.5% mixed customer satisfaction. However, its not all smooth sailing, as some customers faced challenges with kiosk ordering and frustrating wait times.
There were also instances of order was wrong and general customer service issues. These 17 negative remarks highlight areas needing attention, contributing to that average score and mixed satisfaction.
Service
46
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
17
negative
9
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Welcoming owner
What people don't like
- Kiosk ordering
- Long wait times
- Order errors
Often praised
- ownerthe owner was incredibly kind and welcoming
- servicethe service was friendly and attentive
- deliverySome of my favorites were the pork curry, the miso soup, and the squash cheese eggrolls, which I'd definitely order again : -). The portion sizes were large, and the delivery was great. Many of the dishes also looked really nice.
- staffThe staff were super friendly and attentive.
- ServiceService:5
- care they putOn top of that, the owner was incredibly kind and welcoming. You can really feel the care they put into their food and service. I’ll definitely be coming back.
- corporate lunches and eventsthey also cater for corporate lunches and events
- food came fastI suspect this might be more of a lunch place. The food came fast.
- food came quicklyThe food came quickly
- kindnessI don't want to dwell too much on the food, which is subjective and we enjoyed it anyway, but I would like to emphasize the extreme kindness of the people working there. They were super kind and empathetic, and kindness should never be taken for granted.
Frequently criticized
- serviceIts a self service counter here so not really having service provided
- wait timewaited 45 minutes for a simple sandwich
- customer servicebad customer service
- dining room closuretold by staff that the dining room was closed
- inhospitable restaurant experienceawkwardly inhospitable restaurant experience
- kiosk orderinghad to order by kiosk with no option to order from a person
- orderMy experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing. The staff forgot my order, and I ended up waiting 45 minutes for a simple sandwich. Due to this long wait time and poor service, I won't be returning anytime soon.
- order was wrongMy order was wrong
- receiptThe ladies working there were super nice. I needed my receipt and they weren't shown how to do it, so the restaurant should invest in training them for such situations. The sandwich was simple; I've had better, but it wasn't bad.
- signPlease clearly indicate with a sign if the dining room is going to be closed.
Overall, the service here is a bit of a mixed bag. While you might encounter friendly staff and quick food delivery, be prepared for potential issues like kiosk ordering or longer waits. If you value speed and a personal touch, it might be hit or miss.
Ambience (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at a 43.5% – definitely room for improvement. On the bright side, many customers, based on 10 positive opinions, appreciated the spacious & clean dining area, noting the plenty of seats and generally good vibes if youre looking for a solo meal. However, the overall score for ambience is an average 5.3, largely due to concerns from 10 negative opinions.
Folks werent thrilled about the location, describing it as a bit sketchy with difficult parking. The food court environment often felt dark and untidy, making the interior feel generic and in need of improvement.
Ambience
23
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spacious and clean
- Plenty of seating
- Good vibes
What people don't like
- Sketchy location
- Difficult parking
- Dark food court
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere was also excellent, earning a 5 out of 5
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- dining area cleanlinessThe dining area was being thoroughly cleaned
- homely mealhomely affordable wholesome meal
- seatsOn my last visit, I ordered online for pickup on my way home from class. I arrived a bit early, but it wasn't ready yet; however, there were plenty of seats inside to wait as it was near the end of the day. While a few people were dining in, there were even more coming through for takeout and delivery, and the staff were bustling, which is usually a good sign.
- spaceThe space is nice
- spacious & cleanIt’s quite spacious & clean
- tables and chairsGood amount of tables and chairs
- vibesGood vibes if you just want to eat alone
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere of the shop was also a bit lacking
- Parking optionsWe had to park several blocks away.
- areaThe area was also dark and dirty
- environmentThe environment just felt so generic
- food courtthe food court itself is bit dark and untidy
- ghost kitchenIt is effectively a ghost kitchen for food delivery.
- interiorThe interior over all needs a lot of improvement
- locationthe location. it's not the best, lowkey sketch and gives a very grimey feeling
- parkingNot easy to find parking nearby
If you're prioritizing a clean, spacious place with good seating for a quick bite, you might find it works. But if a great location, easy parking, and a vibrant, non-food-court atmosphere are deal-breakers for you, you might want to look elsewhere.
Value (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, customers generally find some good things to say, with 13 positive opinions highlighting aspects like an affordable meal, great value for money, and reasonable prices. Many appreciate the deal they get, especially for delicious sandos and bento boxes. The overall score for value sits at 6.3, suggesting its not bad, and customer satisfaction is at 56.5%, indicating a mixed but leaning positive experience based on 23 total opinions.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as 8 negative opinions point out some concerns. Some feel the cost is out of line with quality, and the dreaded credit card fee when ordering in person is a common gripe. There are also mentions of the kiosk having the audacity to ask for a tip request, making some feel it's expensive for what you get.
This mixed feedback contributes to the overall average score and satisfaction.
Value
23
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Affordable meal options
- Online ordering saves
What people don't like
- Credit card fees
- Unexpected tip requests
- Cost too high
Often praised
- valueAll the menu items are served in a bento box, and each component within it was outstanding. The quality was excellent, and it offered great value.
- DoorDash dealI’m glad I got the DoorDash deal.
- affordable mealaffordable wholesome meal
- cheapcheap tho
- dealMy experience was with some suuuper good sandos that came with plenty of sides, making it a pretty good deal. However, there was a kinda long wait, and I wouldn't go out of my way to visit unless I was already in the area.
- order onlineThe service was rated a 1 out of 1. A key point to note is that it's cheaper if you order online because they charge a credit card fee when ordering in person, which is none if you order online.
- priceMy experience was with a delivery of the tonkotsu sando, and there were no notes – it was perfectly executed. The sandwich was delicious and priced accordingly. I will definitely be back to try the ebikatsu sando and donburi now that I've had their classic.
- reasonable pricesoffered reasonable prices
- value for foodThe value for the food is great.
- value for moneyFrom Underground to Aboveground! Katsuya is my go-to lunch spot in downtown with the best value for money! Of course, it’s a bit different from when I first started coming here—the ingredients have become a bit less generous.
Frequently criticized
- pricecosted be $21 normally I wouldn't complain about prices
- costCost is far out of line with the quality.
- credit card feeThe service was rated a 1 out of 1. A key point to note is that it's cheaper if you order online because they charge a credit card fee when ordering in person, which is none if you order online.
- mealexpensive for what it is
- ratingsRatings are almost certainly astroturfed.
- sandopay for a $12 sando
- tip requestKiosk had the audacity to ask for a tip
If you're looking for an affordable meal and can snag a deal, especially by ordering online to avoid extra fees, you might find some good value here. However, be mindful of potential hidden costs like credit card fees or unexpected tip requests, as these can quickly make your meal feel overpriced.
How are the prices at Katsu-ya?
You’re looking at roughly 19 $ per person – reported by 46 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners spend in this $11–$20 range, with a fair few also opting for plates in the $21–$30 bracket, showing a nice concentration around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 46 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good balance for those looking for quality without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a mid-range meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Katsu-ya
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Long Wait for a Simple Sandwich
My experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing. The staff forgot my order, and I ended up waiting 45 minutes for a simple sandwich. Due to this long wait time and poor service, I won't be returning anytime soon.
- simple sandwich5
- order2
- wait time1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
8
Solid FiDi Option for Tonkatsu
Katsuya is a solid option for lunch or dinner, conveniently located in FiDi and sharing space with another eatery. On my last visit, I ordered online for pickup on my way home from class. I arrived a bit early, but it wasn't ready yet; however, there were plenty of seats inside to wait as it was near the end of the day.
While a few people were dining in, there were even more coming through for takeout and delivery, and the staff were bustling, which is usually a good sign. Prices seem to have gone up over the years, but the portions are generous. My husband and I typically share a tonkatsu sando meal, and it's still plenty for both of us.
- tonkatsu sando meal8
- portions8
- prices6
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Perfect Tonkotsu Sando Delivery!
My experience was with a delivery of the tonkotsu sando, and there were no notes – it was perfectly executed. The sandwich was delicious and priced accordingly. I will definitely be back to try the ebikatsu sando and donburi now that I've had their classic.
- tonkotsu sando10
- sandwich10
- price8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Katsu and Friendly Service
My experience at Katsu-ya was great! The katsu was perfectly prepared, featuring a crispy outside and juicy inside. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive throughout the meal.
- katsu9
- staff10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Awkwardly Inhospitable Dining Experience
I visited an hour before closing for a late lunch. While staff were present and working, and another patron was waiting for a to-go order, the dining area was being thoroughly cleaned. We ordered a katsu sando and a chicken katsu sando set meal for dine-in.
Despite sitting at a table that appeared set, we were informed that the dining room was closed and only to-go orders were being accepted. We accepted the to-go option due to hunger. This was an understandable, but awkwardly inhospitable experience.
A clear sign indicating dining room closure would have been helpful. The food arrived quickly, and we found a bench to eat a block away. The miso soup was good, the sandos were pretty tasty, and the set meal additions were okay.
However, the katsu sandos were only tepidly warm, and I would have preferred them hotter.
- katsu sando5
- chicken katsu sando set meal7
- set meal additions6
- dining room closure3
- inhospitable restaurant experience3
- sign3
What Katsu-ya offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and service does Katsu-ya offer?
At Katsu-ya, you can enjoy both lunch and dinner. For your convenience, they provide various service options including no-contact delivery, takeout, delivery, and dine-in. This flexibility ensures you can savor their Japanese cuisine however you prefer.
Is Katsu-ya in San Francisco accessible and family-friendly?
Yes, Katsu-ya is designed to be accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. It’s also considered good for kids, making it a welcoming spot for families. You’ll find amenities like gender-neutral restrooms for added comfort.
What do customers enjoy most about Katsu-ya's food?
Customers frequently praise the cheese katsu sando and the crispy, juicy katsu , often noting the generous portions and the quality of specific items like pork curry and mac salad .
What are some common criticisms regarding Katsu-ya?
Some patrons have experienced inconsistent food quality , with dishes occasionally described as dry or bland . Long wait times , order issues , and a lacking atmosphere are also noted concerns, alongside parking difficulties .
How does Katsu-ya generally score with customers?
Katsu-ya holds a Restaurant Score of 6.6, indicating an average experience, with Customer Satisfaction at 62.7%, suggesting a mixed reception. Food scores 7, Value 6.3, Service 5.8, and Ambience 5.3.