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oChef » Yoma Cafe – San Francisco
Yoma Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from Yoma Cafe
Yoma Cafe at a glance
San Francisco Inner Sunset
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 84 of the guests
#119 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#10 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
469
Reviews
90.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly owner
- Generous portions
- Great value
Frequently criticized
- Tight space
- Dry chicken
- Parking issues
The cafe Yoma Cafe in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset neighborhood is a delightful Japanese restaurant known for its healthy options. You can step into a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving fresh sushi rolls, a wholesome bento box, or a refreshing boba drink, this spot offers a diverse menu designed to satisfy. It’s a welcoming place where you can enjoy quality Japanese fare.
Overview: Introducting Yoma Cafe
Yoma Cafe offers a notably warm and welcoming experience, largely thanks to its dedicated owner who makes guests feel like family. Many appreciate the substantial portions of well-prepared food, making it a satisfying stop.
While it’s described as a cozy little restaurant, some find the space a bit tight, especially during busy times. Despite this, the overall sentiment points to a place that leaves a positive impression on its visitors.
Excellent
8.8
out of 10
469
Reviews
90.8%
Satisfaction
29
negative
14
neutral
426
positive
Yoma Cafe earns a strong overall rating of 8.8, reflecting an excellent dining experience, with customer satisfaction also standing at an impressive 90.8%. This positive sentiment is drawn from 469 customer observations, with 426 expressing favorable views against only 29 negative ones.
The establishment particularly shines in Service (9.3) and Value (9.1), both rated as excellent. The Food (8.7) also performs very well, consistently receiving high marks for quality and generous servings.
While Ambience (7.8) is good, it’s noted as a slightly less prominent strength compared to other aspects.
What people like
- Exceptional friendly service
- Generous food portions
- Excellent overall value
What people don't like
- Limited dining space
- Inconsistent chicken quality
- Challenging parking options
If you’re seeking a spot with genuinely warm hospitality and substantial, well-priced meals, Yoma Cafe is certainly worth considering. The strong 8.9 recommendation score suggests many leave feeling well-cared for and satisfied with their experience.
While the dining area can feel a bit snug, and some food items might occasionally vary in consistency, these are minor points against an otherwise very positive offering. It’s a solid choice for a casual, satisfying meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Yoma Cafe
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're in for a treat! With an excellent score of 8.7 and a fantastic 92% customer satisfaction, the culinary experience here truly shines. Out of 262 remarks, a whopping 241 rave about the fresh and tasty food, especially the generous portions and amazing sushi rolls with great cuts of fish.
However, a few of the 16 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Some found the food lacked flavor, mentioning dry chicken and goopy tempura. There were also notes about being stingy with curry sauce, which could be disappointing for some.
Food
262
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
16
negative
5
neutral
241
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, tasty food
- Generous portions
- Excellent sushi/sashimi
What people don't like
- Lacked flavor
- Dry chicken
- Goopy tempura
Often praised
- foodMy late-night meal experience was marked by thoughtful and beautiful preparation. The portion sizes were generous, offering way more food than I needed, which was a pleasant surprise. The atmosphere and service both received a perfect score of 5, indicating an excellent dining environment and attentive staff.
- portionsMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The staff were super nice, and the food was delicious with huge portions. I especially enjoyed the popcorn chicken, which was so fresh it couldn't have been made any better.
- qualitythe food, the service, the quality and quantity was excellent
- popcorn chickensize L popcorn chicken for ~$12 and omg the portion was so big
- menuI was overwhelmed by the menu when I arrived, with so many great options and deals. The prices are reasonable, not crazy expensive.
- drinksThe food options are good and taste great! It's also a good place for drinks.
- fishtheir fish is fresh, delicious and well served!
- portion sizeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the high quality sushi and the yummy teriyaki, which also came with a good portion size. The service was thoughtful; they even turned on a heater for us on a cold day.
- sushiThe sushi is great quality
- spring rollsWe ordered for takeout and had to wait outside the small, crowded restaurant with a hungry 3-year-old. Yo Yo, who was behind the counter, kindly brought us two spring rolls while we waited, which our daughter happily munched on. When they accidentally forgot one item from our order, they went above and beyond by upping the size of another item and giving us a free California roll when I returned.
Frequently criticized
- Chicken Katsu bento boxnot a fan of the seaweed pickle - tastes off
- breadcheap bread
- chickenVery dry chicken
- chicken katsuThe chicken katsu was very tough
- curryvery stingy with the curry, tiny soy sauce size cup amount
- extra curry saucestuck with dry rice and katsu with no sauce 😢
- finest Katsu curryI had requested extra curry sauce and was willing to pay for it, but I ended up with dry rice and katsu with no sauce 😢. It's a good option for a cheap meal, but it's not even close to the finest Katsu curry in town 👎. Perhaps if they provided extra sauce, the experience would be better.
- flavorI don't understand all the reviews. My experience was that everything lacked flavor and seasoning. The chicken was very dry, the bread was cheap, and the tempura was thin and goopy.
- food tastefood is not as tasty as before
- gluten-free facilitynot a gluten free facility
If you're looking for delicious, fresh Japanese food with generous portions, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor issues with flavor or specific dishes have been noted, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests a consistently excellent dining experience.
Service (9.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.3 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 92.3%, its clear guests are consistently delighted. Based on 108 positive remarks out of 117 total, many rave about the personable service from Yoyo and the very friendly staff, often highlighting their attentive and exceptional service.
However, a tiny handful of 5 negative comments suggest there might be occasional hiccups. Some mentioned a wait for my food or found the service a little erratic. There was also a specific note about the kiosk being card only', which could be a minor inconvenience for some.
Service
117
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
5
negative
4
neutral
108
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Yoyo's exceptional care
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Long food wait
- Service can be erratic
- Kiosk card only
Often praised
- serviceThe owner, Yoyó, is the kindest person and truly dedicated to her business. She always welcomes you with a smile and a little surprise, making you feel like family. It's a place where you feel truly welcomed and well-fed.
- ownerI also tried the popcorn chicken, and it was yummy. The owner was incredibly friendly and even treated us to a complimentary roll and a Thai tea on the house! Overall, a wonderful dining experience.
- YoyoI cannot believe we lived so closely and just found out about it. Yoyo is super nice and welcoming, and if you go a few times, she will definitely remember you! :) Her service is excellent and the atmosphere of the shop is super cute and cozy.
- staffthe staff is super helpful with customizing what you want
- ServiceService:5
- YoYoYoYo is great and really makes you feel welcomed
- customer servicecustomer service, the environment was cozy
- workersand the lovely workers too ofc
- Food came out fastFood came out fast after ordering.
- Yo-yoYo-yo was the woman with the kitty ears that helped us order and she was super sweet
Frequently criticized
- kioskKiosk was card only
- serviceService was a little erratic
- soy sauceThe person did not put any soy sauce in my packet
- staffThe staff is clearly overwhelmed
- wait for my foodThe wait for my food was way too long
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and well-cared for, this is definitely worth a visit. Expect top-notch hospitality, though be mindful that on rare occasions, service might be a tad inconsistent or have a longer wait.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
This spot really shines when it comes to its atmosphere! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 74.5%, its clear most folks love the vibe. Many of the 38 positive remarks praise it as a "Super great spot" with a "welcoming vibe of the place, " often described as a "cozy little restaurant" thats even kid-friendly.
However, it's not without a few quirks. Out of 51 total remarks, 8 point out that the place is a bit small and space is a bit tight. Some found the indoor tables were kind of crowded, making it not for big groups.
So, while charming, be mindful of its intimate size.
Ambience
51
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
8
negative
5
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Welcoming vibe
- Kid-friendly
What people don't like
- Small space
- Crowded tables
- Not for groups
Often praised
- atmosphereI discovered this hidden gem while hiking the 16-mile SF cross-town trail, feeling tired and down after 10 miles. A quick Google search led me here, and I was amazed by how nice everything was. The positive dining experience was so uplifting that it motivated me to continue my hike for the remaining 6 miles!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- environmentMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The owner has created such a fun and warm environment. The food was fantastic, and there were even a few games to play.
- spacea little cute space with a lot of heart
- spotThe food is exceptional and really quite cheap for what you're getting. Top-notch quality in a chill little spot.
- Super great spotSuper great spot
- ambiancean unassuming ambiance
- counter sitsthere are multiple counter sits, so it's great for an individual meal.
- cozy little restaurantReally friendly cozy little restaurant
- cute restauranthighly recommend for a cute restaurant
Frequently criticized
- parkingparking once again can be difficult
- placeSeeing Yo Yo at the end of a long day of work to get these worth it combos of portion to price and quality makes me so happy. The place is a bit small, unfortunately. But that doesn't stop me from ordering takeout and sitting at the bar area to wait!
- big groupsit is not for big groups
- indoor tablesThe indoor tables were kind of crowded
- seatsthe seats aren't padded
- spaceSpace is a bit tight
If you're looking for a charming, cozy, and welcoming spot for a casual meal or an individual treat, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that its intimate size means it might not be the best fit for larger gatherings or if you prefer ample personal space.
Value (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.1 and a perfect 100% customer satisfaction, diners are consistently thrilled with the "value" they receive. Based on 39 positive remarks, terms like "cheap meal, " "worth it, " and "reasonable prices" pop up frequently, highlighting that youre getting a fantastic deal here.
Its rare to find a spot with absolutely no complaints, but thats precisely the case here! With 0 negative mentions out of 39 total, it seems customers have found nothing to grumble about regarding the pricing or overall value. This suggests a consistently positive experience where expectations are not just met, but often exceeded.
Value
39
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unbeatable prices
- Huge portions
- Excellent value
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was overall really good. The food was tasty and fairly priced. The sushi/fish was incredibly fresh.
- pricesIt's a great chill/casual sit-down spot to enjoy Japanese food. The sushi smacks hard, and the prices are great. I also enjoyed all the other curries, rolls, and soups.
- valueone of the best values I’ve ever seen
- PricesPrices are the best I’ve seen outside of Japan
- buy one get one free dealsmultiple buy one get one free free deals
- cheap mealGood for a cheap meal
- dealYou won't find a better deal in town for the quality or the quantity
- decent pricegreat food for a decent price
- food pricefood is well priced
- food pricesFood prices are great
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place where your dollar stretches further without compromising on quality, this restaurant is an absolute must-try. Youll find generous portions and great food at prices that are hard to beat, making it a smart choice for any meal.
How are the prices at Yoma Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 84 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 guests find themselves in this sweet spot, though there are also some options for those looking to spend a little more.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 84 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for a mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Yoma Cafe
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Exceptional Food, Chill Spot
I search for places like this. It's a nice, quiet place for lunch. The food is exceptional and really quite cheap for what you're getting.
Top-notch quality in a chill little spot.
- food10
- price9
- quality10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Family Meal with Friendly Service
We came here based on a recommendation from my daughter and had a great meal here as a family. The food was great and the service was very friendly. I’ll definitely be coming back next time I’m in town.
- food10
- service9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Huge Portions, Cozy Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I ordered the size L popcorn chicken for around $12, and the portion was incredibly generous, like a mountain. The food was super good, and the customer service was excellent.
The environment was cozy and immersive. I highly recommend the popcorn chicken and suggest making your own spicy mayo sauce with it at the sauce station!
- popcorn chicken10
- food9
- customer service9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Sunset Dining Experience
I'm struggling to decide what to praise first: the service, the food, or the price, as all three are among the best in the Sunset. While it's great for take away, dining in is always a treat. Do yourself a favor and stop in!
- service10
- food10
- price10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Japanese Food with Great Value
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great chill/casual sit-down spot to enjoy Japanese food. The sushi smacks hard, and the prices are great.
I also enjoyed all the other curries, rolls, and soups. The owner, Yoyo, is knowledgeable and passionate, offering a quick lesson on fish, which shows she truly enjoys her restaurant.
- sushi9
- prices8
- curries, rolls, and soups8
What Yoma Cafe offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of healthy and dietary options can you find at Yoma Cafe?
At Yoma Cafe, you can discover a range of healthy options, including organic dishes, vegan options, and vegetarian options. They also offer small plates perfect for a quick bite, ensuring there’s something wholesome for every preference.
What are the service and dining options available at Yoma Cafe in San Francisco?
Yoma Cafe provides flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and no-contact delivery. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner with seating available, or opt for convenient counter service.
How does Yoma Cafe rate overall?
Yoma Cafe holds an excellent overall score of 8.8. Its strengths lie in Service (9.3) and Value (9.1), with Food (8.7) also performing very well, and Ambience (7.8) rated as good.
What do customers appreciate most about Yoma Cafe?
Customers frequently praise the exceptional friendliness of the owner and staff, often highlighting the generous food portions and the excellent value for money. Many also note the quality of fresh items like fish and sushi.
Are there any common concerns at Yoma Cafe?
Some customers mention that the dining space can feel a bit tight or crowded. There are also occasional comments about certain food items, like chicken, being dry or lacking consistent flavor, and parking can be difficult.