Yo Yo's

318 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States
+1 415-623-4619
$$$ Japanese restaurant , Chicken shop
(241 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

Yo Yo's blends the casual spirit of a neighborhood chicken shop with the flavors of a Japanese eatery, making it a laid-back spot around San Francisco’s bustling Pier area. Located just a short stroll from the piers, it’s an easy stop for both locals and visitors seeking quick, comforting meals without the typical city price tags.

The atmosphere here is refreshingly low-key, more takeout-focused than full-service dining, but with a warm, almost familial vibe thanks to the animated owners who often engage customers with lively energy. This interaction adds a distinctive note to the experience — it’s less about formal dining and more about dropping in, grabbing a well-made plate, and feeling genuinely welcomed.

Yo Yo’s menu covers a comforting range of Japanese staples, with standouts like hot udon soup that comes in generous portions and chicken teriyaki served over your choice of white or brown rice. The soba with dumplings and beef curry options provide warming alternatives, especially when the weather leans on the cooler side. Sushi rolls here are simple, affordable, and fulfilling — a practical choice for a snack or to round out a meal.

Visitors who appreciate food with both value and quality in mind tend to gravitate here, especially workers and wanderers exploring the waterfront who want to eat well without overspending. Those drawn to generous portions of homestyle Japanese dishes will find a lot to appreciate, as will anyone looking for a friendly atmosphere where the owners’ personalities come through vividly.

Mornings and lunch hours are ideal times to visit, catching the owners in full swing during the day. It’s a place that fits smoothly into a busy city rhythm: order at the counter, enjoy a quick bite at minimal cost, or take it to go for a picnic near the water. The combination of hearty Japanese comfort food, the approachable service style, and proximity to the piers makes Yo Yo’s a practical, no-nonsense choice for a casual meal in this neighborhood.

Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves vegetarian dishes
Best for
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Parking
Paid street parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

241 Reviews
marc maffei

09 Jan 2026

Really nice people, food is very good. Service was excellent considering it's basically a takeout. Price is simply unimaginable considering that it's in San Francisco. It is close to the piers, it's an easy 7-minute walk from the crosswalk to the piers.

Eric Curry

23 Dec 2025

I couldn’t imagine rating this place anything less than 5 stars!! The owner’s personality ALONE was worth the visit; it’s truly an experience that appeals to all six senses!! As for my udon, it was so delicious I slurped it down before I was able to get a pic! Very generous portion, delicious, and I will definitely be back for sushi next time!! I’m not used to feeling full for under $10!!!!!

Moustafa Khamis

14 Dec 2025

Incredible service And great value. Very friendly service. The lady owning the place/ and preparing food is very funny and energetic. It was an entertaining experience ordering food there

Will

29 Oct 2025

Wonderful food for a great price. Got 8 sushi rolls and half order of udon soup and drinks for under $40. Amazing value and the owners are wonderful to talk to.

Osama Al-Akoum

24 Oct 2025

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!

Jesse Lee

23 Oct 2025

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

Chris Greer

20 Oct 2025

Yes. Just YES. This place is amazing. Roughly $10 for a healthy portion of food. Friendly owners. Can pay by venmo. Parking does suck, but this is one of those ~must try~ places in SF. Plus you’ll save so much money. Btw, like one table inside. Definitely a grab-n-go spot.

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