Takara is a hidden gem of authentic home style Japanese food.
2012 Archived content


 

Takara is a hidden gem of authentic home style Japanese food.
Although the domain registration has a new owner, they decided to keep the 2012 archived content from this site and encourage those of you who live in the San Francisco Bay area near Peace Plaza to check out his restaurant.
Not convinced? Check out the more current Yelp and TripAdvisor reviews below.
We certainly recommend a visit!

Takara
Miyako Mall
22 Peace Plz
Ste 505
San Francisco, CA 9411


Hours


Mon

11:30 am - 2:00 pm
5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

 

Tue

11:30 am - 2:00 pm
5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

 

Wed

11:30 am - 2:00 pm
5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

 

Thu

11:30 am - 2:00 pm
5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

 

Fri

11:30 am - 2:00 pm
5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

 

Sat

11:30 am - 2:00 pm
5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Sun

11:30 am - 2:00 pm
5:30 pm - 9:00 pm

~~~~~

Update:2020 Yelp Review
8/9/2020
***** Liz H. San Francisco, CA
The pickup location is very obscure - not next to Daiso. But on Post, you can see that behind the Kabuki entrance, there's the standard Mall entrance at the back of the courtyard, and that's the pickup spot.
We ordered some appetizers here to dine out at the Peace Plaza where J-town has set up tents and spread out tables for customers who ordered takeout from restaurants in the mall. The food is great and I can just imagine how good they would've been dine-in.
We got chicken karaage, takoyaki, and grilled eggplants. All were tasty. The karaage is flavorful without being overwhelmingly seasoned, the chicken is tender and juicy, and the shell is crispy and complements the meat so well. It's served with lemon slices on a bed of sliced cabbage but sadly no dip.
The takoyaki flavor is also spot-on, with crispy exterior and chunky octopus bits inside. The eggplant, being a plainer dish and yes more expansive compared to what it is (just a small eggplant), is juicy and soothing. It sits on juices with light soy sauce seasoning, and is presented beautifully, laid diagonally in the takeout box with the eggplant leaf grilled to a black color but intact like a little hat, and the eggplant meat sliced into bite sizes, sprinkled with fish flakes.
The staff was very friendly and took payment and handed us good with big smiles. I'd love to come back. They have set specials too.

~~~~~

Street view: I recently called my sister, Nan, who lives in San Francisco to see how she was doing. The San Francisco news I read online said that due to the surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the San Francisco Health Officer was suspending or restricting certain activities. Officials in San Francisco and New York City where I live seem to be on the same page as far as mandatory mask wearing when outside or on public transportation along with social distancing. We discussed how restaurants were doing triple flips trying to saty in business during there pandemic times. New York just banned the limited indoor eating that was allowed earlier this fall and now with the cold weather far fewer will brave the low temperature to eat outside. Take out is the last viable option. Nan said that Takara, one of my favorite Japanese restaurants near her was still operating on a take out business. I was glad to hear that. We then got to talking about our work. Both of us build websites for smallish local businesses. She does the actual coding, while I do graphics, design, for sites. One of our clients is CleanItSupply, the large online distributor of janitorial supplies. In case you don't know them they carry all kinds of cleaning products across many major brands. So paper towels, mop buckets, custodial products, basically all kinds of stuff you need to clean - dish soap, toilet paper, disinfecting wipes - check them out here. She told me about one of her clients being hacked and how to had to create firewalls for the company. We finally ended our call wishing each other to stay safe and healthy. And likewise to all working at Takara. I can't wait to fly to California to see my sister and visit Takara for dinner. Hopefully in another 6-8 months now that vaccines are beginning to be available.

~~~~~


OUR FOOD:

We do not serve "trendy", "experimental" or "Iron-chef style" foods. We serve simple and traditional Japanese dishes with carefully selected ingredients from both Japan and the U.S. Just stop by, select some foods and drinks from our menu, enjoy them and relax in a hidden cozy restaurant in Japan Center East Mall (Miyako Mall).

RSERVATION:

Reservation is not necessary. Just come and enjoy!

GIFT CERTIFICATE:

Great surprise gift for friends or family for various occasions and celebrations. Please ask staff to purchase gift certificate.

PARKING:
Parking validation is available for customers who purchase $30.00 (not including tax and tip) or more. 
Elevator to the Japan Center Garageis located right next to the restaurant.

ADDRESS and LOCATION:

22 Peace Plaza Suite 505, San Francisco, CA 94115-3611
Phone: (415) 921-2000 www.takararestaurant.com

Located at the 2nd floor of Japan Center East Mall (Miyako Mall).

 



sushi
 
lunch
  dinner
Lunch: 11:30 am — 2:00 pm
Dinner: 5:30 pm — 9:30 pm
Sunday Dinner: 5:30 pm — 9:00 pm
Open 7 days a week
 
11:30 am— 2:00 pm
Just stop by and enjoy your lunch
Open 7 days a week
  5:30 pm — 9:30 pm
Sunday: 5:30 pm — 9:00 pm
Open 7 days a week
   
Click picture to see larger image
No reservations necessary


MENU

 

STARTERS AND SIDE DISHES
VEGETABLES  
EDAMAME Boiled Soybeans $3.50
GOMAAE Boiled Spinach With Sesame Sauce $3.75
OHITASHI Boiled Spinach With Soy Broth $3.75
MOROKYU Sliced Cucumber With Moromi Miso $3.95
NATTO Fermented Soy Beans w/Quail Egg $4.25
HIYAYAKKO Chilled Tofu (Half Cut) $4.50
TORORO Grated White Yam With Raw Egg $5.50
TSUKEMONO Pickled Vegetables $5.75
   
SEAFOOD  
SHIOKARA Japanese Fermented Squid $3.75
KAKI Fresh Oyster (3pcs) $5.50
HAMAGURI Fresh Hamaguri Clam (3pcs) $5.50
ANKIMO Cooked Monkfish Liver $5.75
IKA NATTO Squid & Fermented Soy Bean $6.75
IKA MENTAI Squid & Spicy Cod Roe $6.75
MAGURO YAMAKAKE Grated White Yam and Tuna $7.50
MAGURO NATTO Fermented Soy Bean and Tuna $7.50
   
MARINADE and SALAD  
KYURI-SU Cucumber $4.95
TAKO-SU Octopus $7.95
KANI-SU Crab $10.95
MORIAWASE Seafood & Vegetables $9.75
GREEN SALAD $3.95
TOFU SALAD $5.50
MIX SEAWEED SALAD $5.95
SEAWEED SALAD $5.25
CRAB SALAD $7.95
   
STEAM, BOIL & STEW  
MOTSU-NI Beef Tripe, Vegetables & Tofu $5.95
YUDOFU Tofu Cooked in Fish Broth $4.95
CHAWAN-MUSHI Savory Egg Custard with Chicken $3.50
SAKAMUSHI Clams Steamed in Sake $7.75

 

COMBINATION DINNER
Served with Appetizer, Rice, Miso Soup, Savory Egg Custard, Pickles, Dessert.


TAKARA DINNER SET
2 ITEMS $22.50
3 ITEMS $26.50

PLEASE SELECT ITEMS FROM THE LIST
Sashimi / Tempura / Pork Cutlet / Fried Oysters /
Beef Teruyaki / Chicken Teriyaki / Grilled Mackerel /
Salmon Teriyaki

3-Items Dinner Set

NABE (Table Cook)
Served with Appetizer, Rice, Miso Soup, Savory Egg Custard, Pickles And Dessert.


YOSENABE

$23.50

Assorted Seafood, Chicken and Vegetables
Cooked In Tasty Fish Broth

SUKIYAKI

$23.50

Sliced Beef and Vegetables Cooked In Sukiyaki Sauce

SHABU SHABU

$23.50

Sliced Beef Cooked Quickly In Broth. Served with Special Sauce.

EXTRA ORDER

VEGETABLES

$5.50

BEEF

$14.00

Yosenabe

VEGETARIAN
Served with Green Salad, Rice, Miso Soup And Dessert.


TOFU STEAK DINNER

$12.75 

VEGETABLE TEMPURA

$13.75

Tofu Steak Dinner

DINNER SET
Served With Appetizer, Rice, Miso Soup, Savory Egg Custard, Pickles And Dessert.


YAKIZAKANA DINNER

$16.25 

Grilled Salted Mackerel / Grilled Salted Salmon or 
Grilled Salmon with Teriyaki Sauce 

FRIED OYSTER DINNER

$16.50 

Deep Fried Oysters 

CHICKEN TERIYAKI

$16.50 

Grilled Chicken with Teriyaki Sauce

TONKATSU DINNER

$16.50 

Breaded and Fried Pork Cutlet

TEMPURA DINNER

$16.75

Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura

UNAJYU DINNER

$18.95

BBQ Eel Over Rice, Come With Special Sauce

HAMACHI KAMA

$19.95

Grilled Yellowtail Collar

TARAMISO DINNER

$20.50 

Grilled Black Codfish Marinated with Miso

SASHIMI DINNER

$20.95

Assorted Sashimi

JAPANESE STYLE BEEF STEAK

$20.90

Soy Sauce Flavored Beef Steak

IRON POT RICE DINNER

$23.50 

*Select from: Gomoku /Mountain Vegetables /Salmon / Crab /Oysters
*Come with Combination Sashimi or Combination Tempura

Tempura Set 

Fried Oysters Set 

Sashimi Set 

Kamameshi Set 

CHIRASHI SUSHI
Served with Miso Soup and Savory Egg Custard.


REGULAR CHIRASHI

$18.95

Various Sashimi Over Sushi Rice.

TAKARA CHIRASHI 

$21.95

Various Sashimi Over Sushi Rice In TAKARA Style.

TEKKA DON

$19.95

Red Tuna Sashimi Over Sushi Rice.

Takara Chirashi

 



REVIEWS

Yelp Reviews

J H. San Francisco, CA
5.0 star rating 12/27/2018
I am foodie and like to go for authenticity and things that have passed the test of time!  Solid traditional Japanese food by real Japanese sushi chefs and servers from Japan.   There is difference. Prices reasonable and super value!

I would never trust eating raw things from a non-Japan sushi academy trained sushi makers that exist in most "Japanese" and worse Fusion places.  Think of parasites and other food born.

 

+++


S t. Chicago, IL
5.0 star rating 11/11/2018
This place is a hidden gem, authentic home style Japanese with a HUGE menu, polite staff and never a wait, what more to ask for?
My go tos are eel meal box or sashimi box. Mackerel is delicious too! Why wait in line for an hour for 5 min ramen when you can have more authentic food choices and no wait!

+++

Jen S.Mountain View, CA
5.0 star rating 2/24/2019
Really enjoyed eating here. The food was delicious and the ambiance was nice. It's a cozy, warm setting.

Miso soup was very flavorful. We shared a salad, which was a sizeable portion. Lion king roll was excellent and creamy. Rock n roll was also delicious. Sushi rice was very good, so we decided to have an extra roll - the avocado cucumber which was tasty!

Green tea ice cream was good - enjoyed the extra red bean paste as a sweet touch!


+++

 

Sam Y. San Francisco, CA
4.0 star rating 3/13/2018
Came here a few times and the food hasn't disappointed me yet.
Sushi was fresh and the noodles were yum.
Wait staff operated at a good pace each time we were here.
The Japanese porridge, which they only serve at dinner time is delicious and I have been thinking about going back for seconds.
I'll be back.

 


TRIP ADVISOR

 

*** Marla B San Francisco
Reviewed February 8, 2019
Traditional
Recommended by a friend. Plentiful portions for the price.
Good service.
Food was not hot, unfortunately.
I had the Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box (rice, soup, salad, tempura, 3 pieces of California Roll and chicken of course). I've had better.
It was o.k.
We ordered a side of Edamame (even though it's not on the menu). They were hot but they had no rock salt, So pretty disappointing for $5.00
My friend seemed to like her Sushi.
I say try it and make your own opinion.

+++

***** Bfrohman Modesto, California
Reviewed January 11, 2019
Traditional Japanese Fare
This restaurant is frequented by many Japanese. The food is prepared to Japanese taste. If you are not familiar with Japanese food, you may not like some of the items. For example, Saba Shioyaki is excellent IF you like Saba. The taste is strong and the fish has a lot of bones, making it a lot of work to eat. On the other hand, the Salmon Teriyaki ($14.50) has no bones and tastes excellent to Westerners.

If you are a first time visitor at lunch, I recommend the Bento Box special for $13.95. The item appears at the bottom of the first page of the lunch menu. The Box has a nice sampler of choices. Pick what you like from the different choices offered.

The service is prompt, attentive and excellent. The restaurant is very clean.

+++

***** Elindoo Stuart, Florida
1309486
Reviewed November 4, 2018
Excellent Japanese restaurant!
Stayed at the Kabuki hotel next door so it was very convenient to eat here for dinner. Came with a group and they ordered a bunch of rolls, everyone enjoyed them. I had chicken teriyaki and I thought it was EXCELLENT! Would definitely go back if the opportunity arises.
Date of visit: October 2018

+++

 

**** Quasarsoujourner01
San Francisco, California
33079
Reviewed September 27, 2018
A Surprise Change
Meet a friend for lunch in Japantown. Usually, I would go to the West side of the Mall
whee Mifune, Benihana, etc. are located. However, My friend decided to take me to
this restaurant on the East Mall, walking through the Union Bank and up the stairways!

We entered the restaurant during lunch hour and it was packed, though we were there
around 11:35 am!

Both my friend and I ordered the bento lunch box. I decided to go for the sushimi and the tempura items instead. The orders came quickly. I was given small plates, bowls, dishes of my order , instead of a box. It had my salad, a bowl of rice, seaweed soup,
and the sushimi and a plate of tempura. The tempura was disappointing because there was only one shrimp! The rest was just vegetables.

Assessments: Aside on the number of shrimp tempura, the bento lunch was very good and service was prompt. The bill came to $38.00 , not including tips.

The food was not bad for Japanese cuisine. I was glad to have a change to eat at Takara instead of the restaurant at the West Mall.
Date of visit: September 2018

+++

 

**** TravellingTotoro
California
457
Reviewed August 28, 2018
Old school Japanese restaurant
I have been coming to Japantown for decades, back when Fuji Shiatsu and Uoki Market were prominent fixtures. So i was so surprised that i only stumbled upon this restaurant last year. True, it is tucked away in a corner on the second floor of Peace Plaza. Still, the food is solid and the place has a thriving following. Old time Japanese, Chinese, folks who lived in Japan for a spell all gravitate to this spot.
If you want home cooking like Shioyaki this is your place. It comes of course with rice, salad and miso soup.

Tea is served as you are seated.
But wait, it even does a thriving sushi business with tasty, fresh fish.
Date of visit: August 2018

+++

 

***** usblueflyer
Philadelphia, PA
Reviewed August 3, 2018 via mobile
Fantastic! Japantown gem!
Tucked between the East Mall and the Kabuki Hotel in Japantown, Takara is a delicious choice! Large menu with plenty of vegetarian options.
I'm a sashimi junkie, so I usually go for the octopus, squid, scallop and sea urchin!
Super clean, fast service and decent prices make a yummy mix.
Some items can be pricey, but only because they're a bit difficult to obtain (sea urchin: 3 pcs - $27!)
There is, at times, a line to get in, but put your name on that list and hang around! Takara is worth the wait!
Date of visit: August 2018

+++


**** katonyhoran
Walnut Creek, California
6725
Reviewed June 25, 2018
Group meal after a dance performance
Very good service for party of five. Sashimi was excellent except of the salmon which was only average. Good selection of main meals and would go back again.
=
Date of visit: June 2018

+++

***** tiare988
Reviewed October 7, 2017
Great place for Japanese food
I visited Japantown with my family for the first time, and we decided on Takara restaurant. There are so many restaurants in the area that it could be hard to choose, but we were looking for someplace not too expensive, and the prices for lunch were reasonable. Unfortunately, they were out of the Bento box lunches (we were there around 1:30, so on the later side). I ordered the salmon teriyaki plate, which was really good and included miso soup, salad, and a generous rice portion for around $12. My daughter and husband both had the tempura lunch, and my son ordered the miso ramen bowl. We all enjoyed our food. The atmosphere is authentic, and our server was efficient. All in all, a very good experience and it's right in a Japanese mall too, which is nice if you want to check out some shops!
Date of visit: October 2017

+++

 

***** lglbgl
Calgary
12744
Reviewed August 28, 2017 via mobile
Delicious food! Yummy deep fried Oysters!
Ate dinner here with my spouse, son and cousin. The food is delicious!
We will definitely return the next time we visit Japantown.
The deep fried oyster dinner meal was so yummy!
Try the egg custard on rice. It tastes fabulous. Both my spouse and I really enjoyed it.
Sushi, tempura, and salmon don - all delicious meals. Everyone really enjoyed their food.
Choice of green tea or vanilla ice cream with certain meals.
They will validate your parking if you parked in the parkade.
Highly recommend this restaurant!

 





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