Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Yokohama Yakitori Koubou – San Diego
Yokohama Yakitori Koubou - San Diego
Photo from Yokohama Yakitori Koubou
Yokohama Yakitori Koubou at a glance
San Diego Serra Mesa
- ๐ฃ Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51โ$60
mentioned by 75 of the guests
#647 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#36 Japanese Restaurant out of 36 in San Diego
Average
5.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
541
Reviews
48.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Wait times
The restaurant, a delightful Japanese Restaurant in San Diego’s Serra Mesa neighborhood, invites you to a memorable culinary journey. You will discover a cozy, casual, and trendy spot perfect for any occasion.
A standout feature you’ll appreciate is the great tea selection, complementing your meal beautifully. Whether you’re looking for lunch, dinner, or late-night food, Yokohama Yakitori Koubou offers an authentic experience with small plates and a full bar.
Overview: Introducting Yokohama Yakitori Koubou
Yokohama Yakitori Koubou offers a compelling experience, primarily drawing diners in with its super tasty yakitori and a generally cozy ambience. Many find the food to be a genuine highlight, making it a destination for those craving authentic Japanese skewers and other flavorful dishes.
However, the experience isn’t without its challenges. Some guests have encountered significant issues with service, including long waits and unhelpful staff, which can detract from the overall visit.
While the food often impresses, these operational aspects sometimes create a less than ideal dining situation.
Average
5.5
out of 10
541
Reviews
48.1%
Satisfaction
243
negative
38
neutral
260
positive
Yokohama Yakitori Koubou holds a Restaurant Score of 5.5 out of 10, placing it in the average category. This is mirrored by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 48.1%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
With 541 total opinions, including 260 positive and 243 negative, it’s clear there’s a notable split in experiences. The restaurant’s strongest suit is undoubtedly its Food (7.3), which receives consistent praise for its quality and taste.
The Ambience (5.9) is generally seen as pleasant, though some find it can get noisy. Value (5.2) is considered average, with opinions split on pricing.
The most significant area for improvement is Service (3.1), which frequently falls short for many patrons.
What people like
- Delicious yakitori
- Cozy ambience
- Good affordability
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Long wait times
- Noisy environment
If you’re primarily seeking authentic and well-prepared yakitori, Yokohama Yakitori Koubou is worth considering. The food quality is a consistent draw, and the atmosphere can be quite pleasant.
Just be prepared for a potentially bustling environment and focus on the culinary experience. However, with a Recommendation Score of 6, it’s clear that service inconsistencies and potential wait times are significant factors.
If efficient service and a quiet dining experience are high priorities for you, you might want to manage your expectations or consider visiting during off-peak hours.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Yokohama Yakitori Koubou
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
It looks like the food here generally hits the mark, with a solid 7.3 score and a 71.1% customer satisfaction rate, indicating a good dining experience for most. Many rave about the yakitori, karaage, and the authentic Japanese food, praising the flavor and quality across 197 positive remarks. However, some diners found the food to be a bit of a mixed bag, with 56 negative comments noting issues like excessively salty dishes, small portions, and overcooked items, leading to some describing the food as mediocre.
Food
277
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
56
negative
24
neutral
197
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing yakitori
- Delicious karaage
- Authentic Japanese flavors
What people don't like
- Excessively salty food
- Small portion sizes
- Occasionally overcooked dishes
Often praised
- foodI love this place forever and ever. This was my first time back in a handful of years, and it was just as good as I remembered. I am looking forward to my next visit!
- skewersI especially recommend the Karaage (Japanese fried chicken). The skewers are all tasty; you can choose based on your preferences. The pan-fried dumplings are flavored with chives and can be enjoyed as a main dish or shared.
- yakitoriMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive, primarily due to the super tasty yakitori and the overall deliciousness of the food. I highly suggest trying the omakase if you're undecided, as it allows you to sample a bit of everything.
- beef tongueother "exotic" dishes, like beef tongue
- chicken skewersexcellent chicken skewers (Yakitori)
- karaageAlthough the food came slow, everything was delicious and well prepared. The best part was the bill for 3 of us didn't even amount to $100, considering all the orders we had: assorted skewers, miso soup, rice, green tea cold noodles, yakisoba, karaage, alcohol, and desserts. Of course, we're coming back!
- omakasehighly suggest getting the omakase to try a bit of everything
- FoodFood was great
- Japanese foodgreat variety of quality japanese food and skewers.
- KaraageThe Karaage was especially juicy and so yummy
Frequently criticized
- foodreceived our order of food it was not everything we ordered.
- skewersthe skewers are kinda small for the price
- FoodI'd honestly just go there for the Asahi and drinks. If you want good food, avoid it, as most of the food isn't fresh.
- portion sizesMy experience at this place has unfortunately declined significantly. The portion sizes are now small, and the beef stew, which used to be large and hot, is no longer that way. The skewers are excessively salty; I would suggest serving them unsalted and allowing customers to control the seasoning.
- yakitorithe yakitori itself was salty for my taste
- TakoyakiAvoid: Takoyaki
- Tori Udonit was too salty
- asparagus bacon skewersasparagus bacon skewers... pitiful sizes
- beef itemsmade beef items a little more tougher
- beef short ribsbeef tongue and beef short ribs were a bit overcooked
If you're craving authentic Japanese skewers and delicious fried chicken, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might be on the saltier side or come in smaller portions, so manage your expectations.
Service (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
When it comes to service, it's a real mixed bag, leaning heavily towards needing improvement. While some guests did experience attentive `staff` and `fast` food delivery, with efficient `reservations` leading to `no wait` times, these positive moments are unfortunately overshadowed. Out of 213 total opinions, 40 highlighted good `service`.
However, the overall picture is quite challenging, with a poor score of 3.1 and very low customer satisfaction at 18.8%. Many encountered frustratingly long `wait times`, `inconsistent service`, and dealt with `rude` staff exhibiting poor `attitude`, accounting for 164 negative experiences.
Service
213
Reviews
18%
Satisfaction
164
negative
9
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Fast food delivery
- Efficient reservations
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff attitude
- Inconsistent service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by great service and tasty food. While the portions were small, the taste was really good.
- staffThey can sometimes be understaffed, and some of them are native Japanese speakers. But all of them work their tails off with what theyโve got to give their patrons the best dining experience.
- ServiceService is either really good
- KeikoKeiko was really nice too
- StaffStaff are very friendly
- busserBusser on the other hand was amazing and polite
- fastrestaurant is fast
- food came fastour food came fast after ordering
- loyaltyyou still have my loyalty
- no waitthereโs no wait
Frequently criticized
- serviceIf you're considering dining here, I strongly advise picking a time when the restaurant is empty, as the service is horrendous. The staff seems incapable of handling busy hours or even regular customers.
- wait timeMy first experience at this restaurant left a very bad impression, and I will never come back. My group of two arrived at 5: 20 PM, right after it opened on a Saturday night, and we were only seated after a wait of 1 hour and 20 minutes. When I was initially put on the waitlist, there were at least three tables available and the bar wasn't full.
- waiting timeFor the first time, I truly experienced poor service and its negative impact on customers. After waiting for over an hour, we finally got a table. Our mood was ruined by a female waitress named "K", who reprimanded us for asking about our waiting time three times during this hour, considering it disrespectful.
- reservationI drove 30 minutes and waited outside in the cold for 10 minutes to be the first party. When the restaurant opened, a male server told me I needed to leave because there wasnโt any spot and the lady made a mistake. He was so rude and arrogant in a way I couldnโt imagine!
- waiterwaiter is rude! ... which is very rude!!
- waitressThe waitress stoped us from leaving for 5 mins, and started to asking for more tips
- staffthe guy was just behind the counter chatting with someone while slacking
- attitudeThe waiter initially said "give me 1 sec" and then repeatedly gave the same response when asked about our wait time. After about 40 minutes, when we inquired again, the waiter yelled, "Because of your attitude, I don't want to serve you. " This was baffling as we had only asked about the wait time.
- customer serviceIf he doesn't like customer service
- waitlistimpatient when writing down the name and phone number to the waitlist
If you're considering visiting, be prepared for potentially significant `wait times` and `inconsistent service`. While a few get lucky with good experiences, the overwhelming feedback suggests that service is a major hurdle here, so manage your expectations or try to visit during off-peak hours.
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with an overall score of 5.9, placing it in the average range. Customer satisfaction for the ambience also sits at a 47.4%, which is considered mixed. Many guests enjoyed the atmosphere, finding it a great experience with a unique and cozy ambience, and appreciating the cleanliness and interior design.
Out of 38 total opinions, 18 were positive, highlighting a lively and charming setting. However, the ambience isn't without its challenges, with 16 negative opinions. Several patrons struggled with parking and found the restaurant noisy or loud inside.
Some mentioned the space felt tiny, and others described the overall ambiance as a poor experience. It seems the noise level and limited space can sometimes detract from the overall enjoyment.
Ambience
38
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
16
negative
4
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively atmosphere
- Unique experience
- Cozy ambience
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Very noisy
- Tiny space
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was literally the best. I love this place forever and ever.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- charmingrestaurant is charming
- cleanlinessThe meat was incredibly tender and tasty, truly melting in my mouth. Everything I tried was delicious and the establishment was very clean. Our server, Kay, was attentive and friendly, providing outstanding service.
- cozy ambienceliked the cozy ambience
- experienceWorth the experience and time
- interiorThe interior is actually pretty fun
- izakaya atmosphereThe only downside is that you MUSTTTT reserve! Aside from that, you will be met with a traditional izakaya atmosphere and the most DELICIOUS yakitori ever. I recommend getting an omakase if you want to venture out :)
- toilet paper qualitytoilet paper of this quality clearly cares about their customers
- top 5 restaurantsEasily top 5 restaurants in all of sd
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere seemed a little lower energy and was missing the vibe it used to have
- noiseWhile the portions were small, the taste was really good. The restaurant itself is small and can be noisy. I'm giving it a 4-star rating for the excellent service and delicious food.
- noise levelNoise level:Very loud, hard to hear
- parkingparking is also difficult in this plaza
- ParkingParking here is tricky, there's usually not a lot of spots
- ambianceOverall ambiance horrible experience
- empty tablethere was an empty table of 3-4 people
- experienceGetting treated horribly at a restaurant ruins the whole experience
- loud insideIt can get loud inside
- open tablesMy experience at this restaurant was extremely frustrating. We were made to wait for an hour on a random Monday night, despite there being plenty of open tables. When we inquired about the wait time after an hour, the staff rudely informed us they couldn't provide an estimate because they had to wait for all 'reservations' to not show up, which would be another 30 minutes to an hour.
If youre looking for a unique and cozy spot and dont mind a potentially lively (read: loud) atmosphere or a bit of a hunt for parking, this place could be worth a try. Just be prepared for a bustling environment, especially if you're sensitive to noise or tight spaces.
Value (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, some patrons found pleasant surprises, appreciating the affordability of the izakaya experience. Many highlighted the reasonable prices, with one even noting their bill for three people didnt hit $100. These positive sentiments, drawn from 5 observations, suggest that finding a good deal here is certainly possible. However, the overall picture for value is a mixed bag, with a score of 5.2 indicating its just average, and customer satisfaction sitting at a rather poor 38.5%.
Many felt the offerings were overpriced or simply too expensive, leading to comments like kind of pricey for the food. Payment issues also cropped up, adding to the frustration in 7 negative remarks.
Value
13
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable izakaya
- Reasonable bill
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Limited payment
- Inconsistent pricing
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around the great food and reasonable prices. I particularly enjoyed the chicken liver and beef tongue skewers, as well as the beef bowl and spicy Japanese cucumber appetizer.
- affordabilityMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was decent, authentic, and very affordable. However, the FOH staff was lame and unprofessional, particularly the men.
- billthe bill for 3 of us didn't even amount to $100
- izakayabest and affordable izakaya
Frequently criticized
- priceI will never go back there again. We paid $100 for nothing.
- PriceMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the atmosphere was nice and the staff were very friendly, the food was abysmal and overpriced. I'd honestly just go there for the Asahi and drinks.
- expensivethat was an expensive way to go.
- paymentOnly card and cash but I only have Apple Pay
- pricesthe prices in the restaurant were higher than what Iโd seen online
If you're seeking an affordable izakaya and pick wisely, you might snag a good deal. But be warned: many found the experience overpriced, and payment methods can be a hassle, so proceed with caution.
How are the prices at Yokohama Yakitori Koubou?
On average, youโll spend around $53 per person โ from 75 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51โ$60 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, thatโs mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the full picture, prices are quite spread out. You’ll find options ranging from more affordable bites to some premium experiences, not just clustered around that average.
Hereโs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 75 reviews.
A comparison of value for money at this restaurant versus similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Japanese Restaurant in San Diego, especially given the variety of price points available to diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Yokohama Yakitori Koubou
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Extremely Rude Staff, Long Wait
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to the staff's behavior and the excessive wait time. I was initially quoted a 30-minute wait for a walk-in, but ended up waiting for over an hour. When I politely inquired about the estimated wait time, the front desk staff responded rudely, stating, โI donโt have an estimateโ and โdo you think I can ask customers to hurry up and leave?
โ This kind of attitude is completely unacceptable. I would recommend going to Izakaya Sakura in the same plaza instead.
- staff1
- wait time1
- attitude1
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Fun times and great plum alcohol!
My experience at this restaurant was fun! It's always a great place to go with friends and enjoy their plum alcohol drink. The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect score.
- plum alcohol drink10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $21โ$30
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6โ15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Reliable Yakitori, Fun Atmosphere
Iโd give this yakitori spot a solid 4 stars. The food was good and hit the cravings, but nothing really stood out as especially unique. The skewers were cooked well, flavors were balanced, and everything came out pretty quick.
Itโs the kind of place where you know exactly what youโre gettingโcomforting, reliable yakitori without any surprises. The interior is actually pretty fun. Youโll see a lot of San Diego Padres pride throughout the restaurant, mixed with Japanese soccer team memorabilia, which gives it a quirky East-meets-West vibe.
It definitely adds character and makes the space feel lively. Service was friendly, prices were reasonable, and overall we had a nice time. I wouldnโt say itโs a must-try or anything particularly special, but itโs a good, dependable spot when youโre in the mood for yakitori and a chill atmosphere.
- food7
- skewers7
- interior8
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Terrible Wait and Rude Service
My experience at this restaurant was extremely frustrating. We were made to wait for an hour on a random Monday night, despite there being plenty of open tables. When we inquired about the wait time after an hour, the staff rudely informed us they couldn't provide an estimate because they had to wait for all 'reservations' to not show up, which would be another 30 minutes to an hour.
Shockingly, just two minutes later, they called us saying they had availability because people had just checked out. It's unbelievable that they couldn't have simply told us someone was checking out and the table would be ready soon when we asked about the wait. I strongly advise against going here unless you're prepared for a two-hour wait with nothing to show for it.
- waiting time1
- open tables2
- estimated waiting time1
Price per Person
- $91โ$100
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Horrible Experience with Loud Regulars
My experience at this restaurant was horrible. As a regular customer, I observed other regulars acting as if they owned the place, being drunk and loud. The staff failed to intervene, not cutting off the customers or addressing the regulars' behavior.
This created a horrible ambiance overall. While the food was good (4/5), the service and atmosphere were severely lacking.
- food8
- regulars2
- staff1
- ambiance1
What Yokohama Yakitori Koubou offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options does Yokohama Yakitori Koubou offer?
At Yokohama Yakitori Koubou, you can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for various occasions. The restaurant provides flexible dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with comfortable table service. You can also find late-night food offerings for those evening cravings.
What convenient service and parking options are available at Yokohama Yakitori Koubou?
Yokohama Yakitori Koubou offers versatile service options to suit your needs, including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. For your convenience, you will find both free street parking and a free parking lot available, making your visit hassle-free.
How does Yokohama Yakitori Koubou rate overall?
Yokohama Yakitori Koubou has an overall Restaurant Score of 5.5 out of 10 and a Customer Satisfaction of 48.1%. While the Food (7.3) is highly praised, Ambience (5.9) and Value (5.2) are average, and Service (3.1) is a notable area for improvement.
What are the food highlights at Yokohama Yakitori Koubou?
Customers frequently praise the yakitori for being super tasty and delicious. Many recommend trying the omakase to sample a variety of skewers, and dishes like Karaage and beef tongue also receive positive mentions for their quality.
Should I expect long waits or service issues at Yokohama Yakitori Koubou?
Based on customer feedback, there are frequent concerns about service and wait times. Some experiences describe long waits even with open tables, and staff interactions have been noted as inconsistent, with some finding them unhelpful or rude.