Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Yo Yo’s – San Francisco
Yo Yo's - San Francisco
Photo from Yo Yo’s
Yo Yo's at a glance
San Francisco Telegraph Hill
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 59 of the guests
#191 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#18 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
451
Reviews
88.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly staff
- Great value
- Tasty food
Frequently criticized
- Limited seating
- Long queues
- Chicken inconsistency
The restaurant Yo Yo’s, a Japanese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Telegraph Hill neighborhood, invites you to experience a casual dining atmosphere perfect for any day. Whether you’re seeking healthy options or delicious vegetarian choices, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings.
It’s a great spot when you need a quick bite, offering a welcoming environment for both lunch and dinner.
Overview: Introducting Yo Yo's
Yo Yo’s is a neighborhood fixture, often lauded for its warm hospitality, with owners who frequently recognize their regulars. Many patrons appreciate the friendly staff and the generally positive experience, making it a reliable choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
While the quick service is a definite plus, be aware that the line can get long, and seating is quite limited. Some find the food consistently good, though a few items, like certain chicken dishes, have occasionally received mixed feedback.
Excellent
8.6
out of 10
451
Reviews
88.7%
Satisfaction
18
negative
33
neutral
400
positive
Overall, Yo Yo’s earns a strong 8.6, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a solid 88.7%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from 451 customer observations, with 400 positive remarks significantly outweighing the 18 negative ones, painting a clear picture of its appeal. Digging deeper, Service shines with an excellent score (9.1), often praised for its attentive staff.
The Food also performs well (8.4), frequently highlighted for its quality, while Value is notably strong (8.6). The Ambience (7.9) rounds out the experience, contributing to a welcoming, if sometimes bustling, atmosphere.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent food value
- Delicious Japanese dishes
What people don't like
- Limited seating available
- Potential long queues
- Inconsistent chicken dishes
With a strong recommendation score of 8.9, Yo Yo’s generally delivers a satisfying experience, especially if you appreciate a friendly, efficient spot with good value. It’s a solid choice for a quick, affordable Japanese meal, particularly if you’re a fan of their udon or curry.
However, be prepared for a potentially long line and limited seating, and consider exploring options beyond the chicken dishes if you’re particular about protein quality. If these minor points don’t deter you, it’s certainly worth a visit for its overall charm and consistent offerings.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Yo Yo's
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with an impressive 90.8% customer satisfaction and a solid 8.4 score. Patrons rave about the delicious curries, especially the beef, along with amazing udon and soba noodles. Many appreciate the generous portions and the overall quality, making for a truly satisfying meal, as noted in 197 positive remarks.
However, a few diners, in 12 comments, found some dishes less stellar. Concerns were raised about the chicken teriyaki being dry or under-flavored, and some mentioned issues with slimy rice or mushy veggie potstickers. While these are minor points, they're worth noting if those are your go-to items.
Food
217
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
12
negative
8
neutral
197
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious curries
- Amazing udon/soba
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Dry chicken teriyaki
- Slimy rice
- Mushy potstickers
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Yo Yo's has been consistently positive. They are known for their Great food and Amazing service. I've been a customer for years and can confidently say you won't be disappointed if you give it a try.
- udonYo Yo’s is a wonderful neighborhood, hole-in-the-wall place offering absolutely delicious Japanese curries, udon, and teriyaki chicken. My favorite dish, their beef curry, is available only on Mondays and Thursdays and is absolutely worth making a special trip.
- beef currybeef curry, is available only on Mondays and Thursdays, and is absolutely worth making a special trip
- chicken curryI've gotten chicken curry twice and it was good
- sobaThe couple were sweet and personable with customers in line who were clearly regulars here. They topped it generously with shichimi and later sprinkled some more when I came back for more (the soba was on the sweeter side).
- chicken teriyakiIt's a family-run establishment offering fast Japanese food that is incredibly affordable. I highly recommend trying their hot or cold soba or udon soup, chicken teriyaki, beef stew, or anything else on the menu, all for around $7. They also have plenty of sides like gyoza, sushi, and my personal favorite, marinated squid.
- soba noodlesThe soba noodles are also popular
- sushiSushi, dumplings, udon, and curry dishes are their staples
- sushi rollsSushi rolls, dumplings, soba, and chicken teriyaki available
- UdonMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best Udon in town, which was incredibly delicious and warming. The servers were very kind, and I highly recommend this place.
Frequently criticized
- chickenChicken had an alarming taste, I would describe it as "old" or "plastic"
- chicken teriyakichicken teriyaki feels under-flavored
- brown riceThe brown rice is earthy, but with nothing else to accompany it, it's not exactly pleasant
- chicken teriyaki plateit was a 2 star at best, If not 1. Chicken had an alarming taste
- proteinwish the teriyaki chicken was better so there's a bit more choice of protein, else this place is almost all carb
- riceThe rice was slimy and also had a strange taste
- sushiask when the sushi was made as you pick one from the fridge
- tastesNot really to my tastes
- veggie potstickersThe veggie potstickers were mushy
Overall, if youre craving authentic Japanese and Indonesian flavors, especially their curries, udon, or soba, this place is definitely worth a visit for its great value and taste. Just be mindful of certain chicken teriyaki or rice dishes, but dont let that deter you from the many delicious options.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.1 and a customer satisfaction rate of 91.5%, its clear guests are consistently impressed. People rave about the "friendly couple" or "owner" who provide "fast service" and are often described as "sweet and personable.
" Out of 118 total remarks, a whopping 108 were glowing endorsements. However, a few minor points came up in 3 remarks. Some folks mentioned issues like "no cards" being accepted, the "line" getting long, and a desire for the "business hours" to be updated on Google Maps.
These are small hiccups, but worth noting if youre planning a visit.
Service
118
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
3
negative
7
neutral
108
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly owner couple
- Fast and efficient
- Personalized attention
What people don't like
- No card payments
- Long lines possible
- Inaccurate business hours
Often praised
- ownersWhen I worked in the area, this was my go-to spot. The owners are fantastic and the food is great for the price.
- serviceMy experience at Yo Yo's has been consistently positive. They are known for their Great food and Amazing service. I've been a customer for years and can confidently say you won't be disappointed if you give it a try.
- ownerThe owner knows almost every customer and their preference
- peopleSuch wonderful amazing people who own and run this cute spot.
- coupleThe couple run the restaurant is very friendly.
- Venmorecently added Venmo to their store which is super convenient
- friendlyIt's a fantastic lunch spot in North Beach, offering very affordable and quick service. The staff were very friendly. A key piece of information to remember is to bring cash.
- husband and wife teamhusband and wife team who run the business and make all of the food could not be sweeter
- line moves fastthe line moves fast
- staffI find myself getting their hot soba soup almost weekly. They have consistently kept the staff of the Exploratorium well-fed for over a decade and are always happy to meet new guests.
Frequently criticized
- business hoursowner should adjust the business hours on Google Maps
- cardsno cards.
- linethe line can get really long
If you value a warm welcome and quick, efficient service, youre in for a treat here. Just remember to bring cash or be ready to Venmo, and perhaps check their hours before you head out. Overall, its definitely worth trying for the excellent service alone!
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines, earning a 7.9 score and a solid 73.3% customer satisfaction. Many describe it as a great hole in the wall or a no frills family-run lunch spot with a lovely, warm, happy place feel. With 22 positive remarks out of 30, guests consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere and relaxed vibes.
However, its not without a minor point to consider. While the overall vibe is fantastic, a couple of opinions, specifically 2 out of 30, mention a practical concern: the lack of a place to sit. This suggests its more of a grab-and-go or quick lunch spot rather than a sit-down dining experience.
Ambience
30
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
2
negative
6
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, happy place
- Family-run spot
- Welcoming feel
What people don't like
- No place to sit
Often praised
- atmospherethe service and atmosphere is 5/5 stars
- restaurantLoved this small, friendly restaurant
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- familyI feel like family
- family-run lunch spotaffordable, family-run lunch spot
- feel/vibesVery welcoming feel/vibes.
- hole in the wallGreat hole in the wall
- line spills into streetThe line spills into the street
- localsFavorite spot among locals
- lovely, warm, happy placeThe people clearly have a passion for feeding people, and it truly shows in their food. It's such a lovely, warm, happy place to be.
Frequently criticized
- place to sitThe people serving were also super friendly. The only downside was that there's no place to sit and eat.
If youre looking for a charming, no-frills spot with a genuinely warm, family-like atmosphere for a quick bite, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that its more of a takeaway or stand-up experience, as seating is very limited.
Value (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to getting the most bang for your buck, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.6 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 84.9%, its clear guests are thrilled with the value. Out of 86 total comments, a whopping 73 rave about the "affordable" and "great prices, " offering "incredible value" and "generous portions for the price.
"However, theres one tiny detail to keep in mind. The only minor point, mentioned in just 1 comment, is to Bring cash. It seems they don't always take cards, so a little preparation can make your visit smoother.
Value
86
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
1
negative
12
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Incredible value for money
- Super affordable prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Bring cash
Often praised
- priceWhat makes it rare is that it offers both affordable and incredibly tasty options. I consistently order the half order of udon with dumplings, and it never disappoints and is under $10. While they are cash only, they've recently added Venmo, which is super convenient.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I found the Japanese food to be very good and simple, all at great prices. I especially recommend trying the chicken curry.
- affordableReally affordable!
- valueBest value in SF hands down
- great pricesgreat prices
- $1.75 vegetable rollTheir 1.75$ vegetable roll is unexpectedly good!
- $6 for a full meal$6 for a full meal
- PriceOnly 13 bucks
- San Francisco pricesIt's a husband and wife team that ensures you're well-fed. What's even better is that they won't charge typical San Francisco prices. The service was super, extra friendly, and they even start to notice and learn your name if you become a regular.
- affordable optionsrare spot that has affordable AND incredibly tasty options
Frequently criticized
- Bring cashBring cash because they don't take cards
If youre looking for a place where your money goes a long way without sacrificing quality, this is definitely it! Just remember to have some cash on hand, and youre set for an incredibly affordable and satisfying meal. It's absolutely worth trying for its unbeatable value.
How are the prices at Yo Yo's?
You’re looking at roughly 11 per person – reported by 59 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.
Looking at what people actually spend, most prices cluster around the lower end of this range, with a few guests opting for slightly cheaper options and just one venturing into the higher price brackets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 59 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, leaning towards value without compromising on the experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Yo Yo's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Food, Great Value!
My experience at this little shop was fantastic. Despite its small selection, the nicest couple running the place made it a memorable visit. The food was amazing, and to top it off, it was super well priced.
I couldn't recommend it enough.
- nicest couple10
- food10
- well priced10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Value and Wonderful Owners!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed wonderful food for a great price. I ordered 8 sushi rolls and a half order of udon soup, along with drinks, and the total came to under $40.
This was an amazing value, and the owners were wonderful to talk to.
- food10
- price10
- sushi rolls9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Delicious Food, Friendly Staff, No Seating
What was your experience at the restaurant? My experience was great! The food was super delicious, and I was surprised by how good it was for the price.
The people serving were also super friendly. The only downside was that there's no place to sit and eat.
- food10
- price9
- people who attend10
- place to sit2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Best Beef Curry, Get There Early!
Hands down, my experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for the beef curry. It's one of the best I've ever had! I highly recommend getting there early because the line can get really long.
The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect score of 5, making it a truly memorable visit.
- beef curry10
- food10
- service10
- line4
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Economical Japanese Lunch Spot
Yo Yo's is a Japanese-inspired lunch spot tucked away in a quiet part of town, best found with a map or local guidance. It's a very economical spot, often featured on "cheap eats of SF" lists. I decided to try it with a friend, taking the bus and walking to build up an appetite.
The place is to-go only with a simple menu: udon or soba in broth, with optional togarashi spice. You can choose half or whole orders for $5 or $9. They also offer teriyaki chicken over rice (with optional brown rice), a wedge of orange, and a small salad.
Sushi and bottled drinks are available in the fridge. We ordered two half udons (one with extra dumplings), a teriyaki chicken over rice with salad, and a soda, totaling $21. The udon was cooked "Al dente", not mushy, and the flavorings were surprisingly tasty despite being meatless.
The broth was excellent. However, the chicken teriyaki was under-flavored, tasting mostly of bland chicken with a hint of sweet teriyaki. The brown rice was earthy but not particularly pleasant on its own.
For a cheap lunch, it hits the spot, though I wish the teriyaki chicken offered more protein variety as the place is almost all carb.
- economical spot9
- to-go only6
- udon9
- chicken teriyaki4
- brown rice4
- protein3
What Yo Yo's offers
Payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Yo Yo's in Telegraph Hill?
At Yo Yo’s, you can look forward to a casual Japanese dining experience in San Francisco’s Telegraph Hill. It’s a great spot for both lunch and dinner, offering a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy healthy and vegetarian options, perfect for a quick bite.
What service and accessibility options are available at Yo Yo's?
Yo Yo’s provides convenient service options including curbside pickup, dine-in, and takeout. You’ll also find onsite services available. For accessibility, the restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Yo Yo's rate overall?
Yo Yo’s holds an overall score of 8.6. Its Service is excellent (9.1), Food is good (8.4), and Value is also excellent (8.6), while Ambience is good (7.9).
What do customers appreciate most about Yo Yo's?
Many customers frequently praise the friendly owners and staff, the quick service, and the excellent value for money, often highlighting their Japanese curries and udon.
Are there any practical considerations when visiting Yo Yo's?
Be aware that there’s often a line that can spill into the street, and seating is limited. While they recently added Venmo, it’s wise to be prepared for cash transactions.