San Francisco Restaurants : Japan Town

Kiss Seafood

Address: 1700 Laguna Street, San Francisco, CA 94115 (Map) - Tel:(415) 474-2866

The interior of Kiss Seafood is characterized by clean white walls and delicate floral decorations. Upon entering, diners have the choice of sitting in the dining room or at the bar, where they can watch experienced sushi chefs prepare their meal. While this restaurant has many sushi and sashimi dishes to offer hungry patrons, its name makes it clear even to newcomers that their true specialty is seafood. As an appetizer, diners can try the Mushi-Uni and Japanese Green Shira-Ae, steamed sea urchin and green vegetables, or the Tai and Tofu Kabura-Mushi, a small dish featuring tai-snapper fish and tofu. Guests in search of a variety of dishes can look to a special section of the menu highlighting Chef’s specials. These specials include some of the Chef’s favorite sushi and sashimi rolls. Whether here for the sushi, sashimi, or just fresh seafood, the offerings at this restaurant will make guests want to Kiss the chef.

Yoshi's

Address: 1330 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115 (Map) - Tel:(415) 655-5600

Chef Shotaro Kamio has brought the best of his experience as an apprentice to top chefs in Tokyo to his own work here stateside with Yoshi's. Finding the perfect balance between using traditional Japanese cooking methods, seasonal ingredients, and authentic spices, Chef Kamio uses three words to describe his cuisine: Seasonal, Simple, and Surprise. Try the Maple Leap Duck Takaki (with summer vegetables, a Saikyo miso vinaigrette, and Welsh vanilla sea salt) or the Tsukiji Sashimi Selection (five varieties of seasonal fish from Japan’s coastal waters) and you might just understand what Chef Kamio’s talking about with Seasonal and Simple. And with a Sake list that reads like a fine wine menu, you’ll feel one step closer to learning the Surprise.

Cafe Majestic

Address: 1500 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 (Map) - Tel:(415) 441-1100

Located in the Hotel Majestic at 1500 Sutter Street, the Café Majestic is a romantic establishment that serves Italian-American cuisine. Chef Efrain Garcia creates magical dishes that are both colorful and flavorful. Favorite dishes that guest’s rave over are their Veal Picatta and Scaloppini, Eggplant Parmesan, and Chicken Cacciatore. Their establishment also includes the Butterfly Lounge, a majestic bar environment that serves classic cocktails and signature drinks. The Café Majestic offers great dishes in a magically environment.

Jitlada

Address: 1826 Buchanan Street, San Francisco, CA 94115 (Map) - Tel:(415) 292-9027

Jitlada Thai Cuisine is a gem hidden away in Pacific Heights, where diners can experience truly traditional Thai cuisines. A clean and crisp white interior offers the setting for diners to begin their culinary journey. A long a la carte menu offers diners a wide array of salads, soups, noodles, and curry, all with unique flavors and unusual names. Guests will enjoy the Shrimp in Sleeping Bags, an appetizer featuring shrimp wrapped in rice paper, and the Evil Princess Curry, a spicy entrée in red curry sauce. Although many of the entrees come packed with flavorful meats, Jitlada is happy to make any of their dishes vegetarian upon request.A lunch menu complete with combination boxes and noodle dishes allows diners to sample this restaurant at a special price. Whether enjoying dinner family style, or every man for himself, guests will leave Jitlada with a belly full of delicious memories.

Mifune