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Welcome To Yo Yo's
Welcome to Yo Yo's, a heartwarming eatery nestled in the vibrant streets of San Francisco. This charming, family-run gem specializes in Japanese cuisine, featuring delectable dishes like udon and soba noodles, flavorful sushi rolls, and their celebrated beef curry, available only on select days. Patrons rave about the tender, melting beef and perfectly balanced curry spices, often served with rice and oven-roasted vegetables. The warm and welcoming owners create a friendly atmosphere, making each visit feel like dining with family. With reasonable prices and generous portions, Yo Yo's is a must-try for anyone seeking authentic Japanese comfort food!
About
Yo Yo's
Welcome to Yo Yo's, a charming culinary gem nestled in the heart of San Francisco at 318 Pacific Ave. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and exceptional offerings, this family-run establishment captures the essence of comfort food with a Japanese twist. You can easily reach them at +1 415-623-4619, but be warned: once you experience the dishes here, you'll want to keep coming back!
When you step into Yo Yo's, you're not just entering a restaurant; you're becoming part of a close-knit community. The friendly husband-and-wife team managing this cozy takeaway shop truly know how to make their customers feel at home. They build relationships with regulars, often remembering names and favorite dishes. It’s this personal touch that makes each visit special.
The menu at Yo Yo's is an enticing mix that tantalizes the palate. Their renowned Beef Curry, offered only on Mondays and Thursdays, is a must-try. Slow-cooked to perfection, the beef melts in your mouth, accompanied by a harmonious blend of spices, sweetness, and savory notes. It features tender pieces of beef, tofu, potatoes, and a hard-boiled egg, all served over a generous portion of white or brown rice. Responses from patrons such as 'Y. Man' and 'Jesse Lee' emphasize just how remarkable this dish is, with many declaring it superior to even the fanciest of restaurants.
If you’re in the mood for noodles, don't miss their Japanese Noodle Soup, which includes choices of udon made from wheat flour or soba crafted from buckwheat flour, available both cold and hot. Each bowl is a comforting delight, perfect for any time of day.
Yo Yo’s also takes sushi to another level with their delectable Sushi Rolls. From a fresh Vegetable Roll packed with avocado, cucumber, and spinach to the indulgent Unagi and Smoked Salmon Rolls, there’s something for every sushi aficionado. Priced affordably, these rolls make for a perfect companion to your meal or a delightful snack on their own.
What sets Yo Yo's apart is not just the food, but the experience it offers. As Samuel Owen noted, the honest, homey vibe makes each visit feel like you're being invited to a friend’s home. The upbeat conversations and genuine warmth from the owners create a relaxed environment that enhances your dining experience.
In a world of overly commercialized food establishments, Yo Yo's shines as a beacon of quality and community. Their commitment to delivering delicious, comforting dishes at reasonable prices truly positions them as a role model for family-run eateries. Every bite at Yo Yo's is a reminder of the love and effort that goes into cooking, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors alike. Don’t miss out on this culinary treasure—your heart and your stomach will be glad you stopped by!
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“ I started going to this place 25 years ago. Great lunch place. I’ve been out of the neighborhood for more than 20 and the couple that runs it literally still remembers me and my standard order. I go a couple times a year, just because it is that good. ”
“ Just randomly bumped into the tiny restaurant / takeaway shop and tried their Monday lunch special. It is Beef Curry in Indonesian style. Only 13 bucks. Last night I was at ChinaLive, a fancy Chinese restaurant which was highly rated by Times in 2018. But I think this beef curry beats them for sure. The owner knows almost every customer and their preference. Jokes around and really relaxed feeling. The casual conversation makes you wonder it is a Yo Yo Family or something. This is a role model for small family run food business. As I was writing this comment, it has been a relatively long queue all the way to the street. Unfortunately I live in Sweden so I wouldn't have chance to come here often as my workday lunch go-to places. But I will definitely visit it again next time I am in SF. ”
“ You don't often find a place as special as YoYo's. Stellar quality food at lovely prices. A perfect meal to share with friends and family. But the most remarkable feature of this establishment is the Couple that runs it! I feel like family in a city that is brand new to me. The Soba is my absolute favorite! Udon is great and if you like a little spice, try the curries! Need a Snack? Grab some sushi rolls or dumplings! The soup in the udon and soba is among the best I've had, just like Grandma's cooking. They must call it YoYo's because like the eponymously named toy, I keep coming back! ”
“ Take out only. Cash only. Went with the chicken curry special. Was super tasty, solid rice. Lovely folks running the restaurant. ”
“ Yo Yo’s is such a wonderful neighborhood, hole-in-the-wall place to get 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. It has a piece of tofu, potato, hard boiled egg, and tender, slow cooked pieces of beef on top of a bed of white or brown rice. It is spicy, which I love! The husband and wife team who run the business and make all of the food could not be sweeter. They remember your name, your preferences, and make it feel like you are getting a home cooked meal from family. The prices are also very reasonable for the quantity and quality of food you get. A total gem! ”
“ Yoyo’s is a San Francisco gem! This mom & pop shop with the best deal around. I get their hot soba soup almost weekly. They have kept the staff of the Exploratorium well fed for over a decade and are always happy to meet new guests. ”
“ Came by right when they opened because I NEEDED to try their very much raved about beef curry while I’m in San Francisco and I can tell you it is everything I was hoping for it to be and more! Beef melts in your mouth (I’m cutting through it single handedly with 1 plastic spoon ) and the curry itself is a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, savory — just, everything. Trying this place just once is not enough! Take note though, they only serve the beef curry on Mondays and Thursdays because it takes like 8 hours to make it. The owners were so sweet and friendly and we talked about how business isn’t as good as it was before COVID and how this shop has been here since the 80s. Definitely please stop by to try their food, your heart and tummy will thank me ”
“ This place is cash or Venmo only. This is a small little shop run by the nicest and friendliest couple in the world. I think the wife is the master cook I ordered their daily special of curry chicken and it was very tasty and not spicy at all. The curry plate comes with 2 quarter chicken legs that was well seasoned and grilled, it also comes with an egg, veggies and generous portions of rice. I’m a very happy and a full customer ”