Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Tokyo Express – San Francisco
Tokyo Express - San Francisco
Photo from Tokyo Express
Tokyo Express at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 9 of the guests
#1817 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#151 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
133
Reviews
68.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great Service
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Food
- Dated Interior
The Japanese restaurant Tokyo Express in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood offers a fantastic spot for a quick bite. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal, whether you’re grabbing lunch or dinner.
With convenient service options like no-contact delivery, takeout, and dine-in, you can enjoy authentic Japanese flavors wherever you are. It’s a great choice for a satisfying and efficient dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Tokyo Express
Tokyo Express offers a mixed bag, balancing efficient service and good value with some inconsistencies in its culinary offerings. Many appreciate the reasonable price for sushi, making it a popular spot for a quick bite.
However, some find the food quality can vary, and the ambience might not be for everyone. Despite a few drawbacks, the friendly staff and quick service often leave a positive impression, especially for those seeking an affordable and convenient Japanese meal.
It’s a place where the overall experience is shaped by both its strengths and areas needing refinement.
Good
6.8
out of 10
133
Reviews
68.4%
Satisfaction
34
negative
8
neutral
91
positive
This restaurant holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.8 out of 10, placing it in the average category, which aligns with a Customer Satisfaction rating of 68.4%, indicating a mixed but generally acceptable experience. This assessment is drawn from 133 customer opinions, with 91 positive and 34 negative remarks shaping the feedback.
Delving deeper, Service stands out with a strong score of (7.5), reflecting its efficiency and personable staff. Value also performs well at (6.9), suggesting customers feel they get a fair deal.
However, Food scores an average (6.7), pointing to some inconsistencies, and Ambience trails behind at (5.0), often described as less appealing.
What people like
- Exceptional Service
- Affordable Value
- Good Sushi Selection
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Food Quality
- Crowded Ambience
- Long Lines
With a Recommendation Score of 6.9, this restaurant presents itself as a practical choice for those prioritizing quick, friendly service and good value, especially for lunch. If you’re seeking a reliable, no-frills Japanese meal that won’t break the bank, it’s certainly worth considering.
However, if a consistent culinary experience across all dishes or a refined dining atmosphere are high on your list, you might find certain aspects disappointing. It’s a place that delivers on convenience and affordability, but with some caveats on food and setting.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tokyo Express
Food (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 67.1% and a score of 6.7, suggesting there's some good stuff happening but also room for improvement. Many diners, accounting for 53 positive remarks out of 79 total, rave about the delicious Japanese dishes, especially the chicken udon and the great menu selections. They also appreciate the big portions and well-prepared items.
However, not everything hits the mark. Some 21 critical comments point to issues with certain items like overcooked soba and disappointing curry. There were also concerns about the quality of some rolls being fishy or small, and the tonkatsu occasionally being dry, indicating a few areas where consistency could be better.
Food
79
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
21
negative
5
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Udon
- Generous portions
- Varied menu
What people don't like
- Overcooked Soba
- Disappointing Curry
- Inconsistent roll quality
Often praised
- foodbecause the food is still good
- chicken udonThe chicken udon I usually go for on Mondays from the daily special discount was consistently good
- miso soupIt comes with miso soup. Everything tasted fresh
- selection of sushilove their selection of sushi
- Big portionsBig portions and great menu selections
- California rollsand an order of California rolls.
- Japanese foodMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I particularly enjoyed their selection of sushi and other Japanese food. Everything was well-prepared, and I appreciated that it didn't hurt my wallet too much.
- Nave yaki udontry to get some Nave yaki udon it's really good
- Salmon Teriyaki with Tempuramy favorite dish here is the Salmon Teriyaki with Tempura
- Seafood combo with BBQ chickenSeafood combo with bbq chicken is my jam
Frequently criticized
- Salmon Donburithe Donburi is not authentic donburi at all
- California rollcrab in the California roll taste a bit stinky
- Caterpillar rollrolls are really small
- SOBARequested SOBA cook harder!!!!! Disapointed again
- broccolithe broccoli was too chunky
- calamari specialwas underwhelmed, extremely chewy but very crispy though, the taste is bland
- chicken udonblegh the chicken udon just tasted off to me
- curryThe atmosphere in the restaurant was nice and had a Japanese feel to it. I would go back to try their other options as well, but for now, I would suggest not getting the curry.
- curry saucethe curry sauce however was not at all as one would expect
- name of "Donburi"I feel cheated by the name of "Donburi"
If youre looking for generous portions of classic Japanese dishes like chicken udon and sushi, youll likely leave satisfied. However, approach items like soba or curry with caution, as they seem to be hit or miss for some diners.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at 78.6%, its clear that most folks have a good experience. Many rave about the incredible speed and efficiency, often highlighting the friendly staff, especially Paul and Liz, for their exceptional service and attentiveness.
Based on 22 positive remarks out of 28 total, you can expect a welcoming and quick visit. However, its not always perfect. About 6 comments point out some areas for improvement, like the occasional long line or issues with seating if you prefer not to share a table.
A few experiences mentioned non-existent service or minor issues with the cashier. While these are fewer, theyre worth noting if youre looking for a flawless experience.
Service
28
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Exceptional, quick service
- Paul and Liz
What people don't like
- Long lines
- Seating issues
- Non-existent service
Often praised
- serviceVery fast service.
- staffThe staff also recognize me when I try to come on a weekly basis
- LizLiz is awesome
- PaulThe owner Paul is really great
- Paul and the staffThe taste was bland, and I would have preferred marinara sauce over their house sauce. Despite the food inconsistencies, I will definitely return because Paul and the staff were very gracious. The atmosphere was quiet and conducive to conversation, and the service was excellent.
- ServiceService:5
- cashierThe cashier working today's service was personable and pleasant to interact with
- exceptional serviceService is exceptional
- fastquality, fast and a great value!
- foodmy food came out in a reasonable amount of time
Frequently criticized
- ServiceService was non-existent
- cashiercashier cut one of her nail
- kitchen staffKitchen staff may b lazy to cook on request!!!
- lineThe line gets kinda long
- servicethe short Asian waitress told me every time I can't sit where I wanted
- share tableif you don't wanna share table you can takeaway
Overall, if you're looking for a place with generally good and quick service, especially from a friendly staff, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared for the possibility of a line or some minor seating quirks during busy times.
Ambience (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
Lets talk about the vibe! Many guests really appreciated the seating and felt it was a perfect FIDI location for a sushi spot. The atmosphere was generally described as nice, with some even giving it a top rating.
Based on 4 positive observations out of 9, it sounds like there are some definite highlights to enjoy here. On the flip side, the overall score for ambience is an average 5, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 44.4%. Some experiences pointed to a crowded, messy environment, and concerns were raised about the interior feeling outdated.
A notable issue for a few was the lack of a place to sit, which certainly dampened the start of their meal. These 3 negative comments suggest theres room for improvement.
Ambience
9
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great seating
- Perfect FIDI location
- Nice atmosphere
What people don't like
- Crowded environment
- Outdated interior
- No place to sit
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- FIDI locationPerfect fidi location for a sushi spot
- atmosphereThe atmosphere in the restaurant was nice
- seatingGreat seating
Frequently criticized
- environmenta crowded, messy environment
- interiorinterior of the place is outdated
- no place to sitMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. There was no place to sit, which made the start of the meal uncomfortable. The Rainbow roll with California rolls added up to $25 at lunch, and I felt it was not worth it.
If a great FIDI location and a generally nice atmosphere are high on your list, this spot could be worth checking out. However, be aware that some found the interior outdated or the environment crowded, with a notable issue being a lack of seating. It's a mixed bag, so go in with balanced expectations.
Value (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners find this spot to be quite good, with 12 positive remarks highlighting things like affordable lunches and reasonable price. Youll often hear praise for great value and how it doesnt hurt my wallet, especially for daily specials and sushi rolls. The overall score for value sits at a solid 6.9, with customer satisfaction at 70.6%, indicating a generally positive experience.
However, its not universally perfect, with 4 negative comments mentioning concerns about price. Some felt that for the same price they could find better food elsewhere, and a few found certain lunch totals not worth it. ' The curry, in particular, was noted for its extra cost and lack of flavor, making it a point of contention for some.
Value
17
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable lunches
- Reasonable sushi price
- Great daily specials
What people don't like
- Expensive curry
- Lunch can be pricey
- Not always worth it
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant offered decent sushi for the price in downtown. I found that their daily specials provided better value compared to the regular menu for sushi rolls.
- pricestheir prices are really reasonable
- affordable luncheslove coming here for affordable lunches
- great valuequality, fast and a great value!
- reasonable priceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive, primarily due to their sushi rolls. They were absolutely delicious, offered a decent size, and came at a reasonable price. I also noted that they have some vegetarian options, including vegetarian rolls and tofu appetizers.
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was excellent, offering the best value in the financial district. The food is good, the quantities are large, and the prices are really reasonable!
- walletdoesn't hurt my wallet too much
Frequently criticized
- priceFor the same price I would have eaten much better food elsewhere
- curryIt was very light in flavor and resembled a vegetable soup more than curry. I would not order the curry again as it cost an extra $3. The atmosphere in the restaurant was nice and had a Japanese feel to it.
If youre looking for an affordable lunch or good sushi deals, especially with daily specials, this place offers decent value. However, be mindful of certain dishes like the curry or if your lunch bill starts climbing, as some diners felt it wasnt always worth the higher price point.
How are the prices at Tokyo Express?
You’re looking at roughly 17 $ per person – reported by 9 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.
All 9 diners spent within this $11–$20 range, showing prices are quite consistent. While the data is based on a limited number of reviews, it gives a good indication of what to expect.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 9 reviews. While the data is limited, it gives a good indication.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Japanese restaurant, we think the pricing feels fair. It’s a solid mid-range option that offers good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tokyo Express
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Mixed Feelings on Tempura and Calamari
My experience at the restaurant was a mix of pleasant and disappointing. I ordered the mixed tempura plate, and while the shrimp was excellent, the vegetables were not as enjoyable. I'm not a fan of zucchini, and the broccoli was cut too chunky.
However, the yam and potato were quite pleasant. I also tried the calamari special on another visit, which was extremely chewy despite being very crispy. The taste was bland, and I would have preferred marinara sauce over their house sauce.
Despite the food inconsistencies, I will definitely return because Paul and the staff were very gracious. The atmosphere was quiet and conducive to conversation, and the service was excellent.
- shrimp9
- yam and potato7
- Paul and the staff10
- vegetables3
- zucchini2
- broccoli3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Sushi Rolls at a Great Price
My experience at this restaurant was very positive, primarily due to their sushi rolls. They were absolutely delicious, offered a decent size, and came at a reasonable price. I also noted that they have some vegetarian options, including vegetarian rolls and tofu appetizers.
The reviewer also mentioned Miso Soup as a recommended dish. The reviewer rated the atmosphere, service, and food a 5 out of 5. The price per person is estimated to be between $10–20, and the meal type was lunch.
- sushi rolls9
- vegetarian options7
- reasonable price8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
3
Tokyo Express: A Decline Since Popularity
Tokyo Express, once a popular spot with lunchtime lines in the early 2010s, has seen a significant decline in business since the pandemic. During my Wednesday lunch visit, only one other table was occupied. The staff was busy with to-go orders.
I tried the Wednesday special, the tonkatsu for $13. Unfortunately, the pork fillet was a bit dry and lacked juiciness, tenderness, and proper cooking. While the panko had a nice crunch and the tonkatsu sauce was alright, the dish was missing the expected shredded cabbage with a miso-ginger or Japanese sesame dressing.
Since it's not an authentic Japanese restaurant, this omission didn't affect the star rating. Service was minimal, as it's an order-at-the-counter style with no tea or water served. However, a free cup of miso soup was provided, and my food arrived in a reasonable time.
- panko8
- tonkatsu sauce6
- miso soup7
- tonkatsu3
- shredded cabbage3
- Service2
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
A Weekly Delightful Spot
I absolutely love this spot and make it a point to visit for lunch every week. The food is incredibly tasty, and the prices are very reasonably priced. I also appreciate the great seating.
The green tea is a favorite, and the staff is consistently friendly and welcoming.
- food10
- prices9
- seating8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Fresh Chirachi, Nice Experience
My experience at the restaurant involved trying the chirachi, which was served with miso soup. Everything tasted fresh, and the fish portion size was nice. Overall, it was a pleasant experience.
- chirachi8
- miso soup7
- fish portion size8
What Tokyo Express offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Tokyo Express Restaurant accessible for all guests?
Yes, Tokyo Express ensures a comfortable visit for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating available, making it easy to enjoy your meal. The restaurant also provides a restroom for your convenience.
What kind of dining experience and service options can you expect at Tokyo Express?
Tokyo Express offers a casual dining experience with flexible service options to suit your needs. You can choose from dine-in, convenient takeout, or delivery, including no-contact delivery. They also provide small plates and healthy options for both lunch and dinner, ensuring you have a satisfying meal.
What can I expect from the food at this restaurant?
This restaurant offers a good selection of sushi and generous portions, though some specific dishes like Donburi or curry have received mixed feedback regarding authenticity and flavor.
How is the service and value at this restaurant?
Customers frequently praise the **service** (7.5) for being fast and personable, with staff often recognized. The **value** (6.9) is also considered a strong point, offering reasonable prices and affordable lunch options.
What is the overall customer sentiment for this restaurant?
This restaurant has a **Restaurant Score** of **6.8** and a **Customer Satisfaction** of **68.4%**. While **service** (7.5) and **value** (6.9) are strong, the **food** (6.7) is average, and the **ambience** (5.0) is often described as crowded or outdated.