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Welcome to Moku Yakitori-Ya

At Moku Yakitori-Ya, we celebrate the art of yakitori in an intimate, cozy environment that captures the spirit of San Francisco’s vibrant dining scene. Nestled in a trendy nook, our restaurant invites you to indulge in expertly grilled skewers, from succulent chicken gizzards to tender Hokkaido scallops. Guests enjoy an interactive culinary experience as they watch our skilled chefs at work. The ambiance is lively and hip, enhanced by eclectic decor and the enticing aroma of charcoal grilling. With offerings that include delightful beverages and unique appetizers, Moku Yakitori-Ya is not just a meal; it’s a flavorful journey of community and passion.

Moku Yakitori-Ya: Reviews & Ratings

Thomas Jay M.
Thomas Jay M.

The food was amazing. The service was phenomenal. And the ambiance of the restaurant as whole is cute and unique. We had the pleasure of having Kevin cook for us and he was such an amazing cook! We loved absolutely everything

Emilie S.
Emilie S.

What an experience! I came with a group of 4 and we opted for seats at the bar/counter instead of waiting for a table. My partner and I ordered together so we could try one skewer of everything we ordered and we shared appetizers with the group. We loved the harami-koji and the hamachi yakitori and the yaki ramen and karage were our favorite appetizers. Sitting at the bar isn't optimal for conversation across the group but it was fun to have a front row seat to our food being prepared. It's a small space and service wasn't the fastest but we all enjoyed the experience. Will definitely be back to try more of the menu!

Anthony G.
Anthony G.

On a chilly Friday evening, after a nice little volleyball open gym, I decided to go to this restaurant. I had joined the waitlist for a party of 2 around 7:50 and the wait ended up being ~30 minutes. Upon entry we were greeted by the cozy environment and the eccentric server. With too many great options available, I asked for the advice of those sitting next to me, at which point they replied saying that everything was good. So, with no help, I ordered a number of options. They came out after a little wait and were all delicious. I would get the pork belly again and the flavor on the unagi was great. I would definitely come back again; I just wish it wasn't so loud, so that I could fully engage in conversation. Otherwise it was a great experience with great people.

Grace L.
Grace L.

This yakitori hole in the wall is such a cozy neighborhood gem! We came on a rainy Friday around 6 pm and were seated immediately. We liked sitting at the bar to watch the chef cook all the skewers, and the stickers, surfboard decor, and music created a chill "underground" ambiance. Everything was perfectly cooked and well-seasoned, and the smoky flavor from the charcoal grill was nice and aromatic but not overpowering. The meats were so tender with my favorites being the Hokkaido scallop and chicken gizzard. The beef tongue, squid, chicken thigh with green onion, and smoked salmon belly (it was cool to get this cut) were great too! From the non-skewered part of the menu, we loved the fluffy and chewy kira mochi and crispy maitake tempura. We sprinkled some matcha salt, pepper, and Togarashi spice for additional seasoning. Our server was so kind and gave us a fun complimentary skewer of candies for dessert. I can't wait to come back and try the pork belly, octopus, and more!

Jonathan L.
Jonathan L.

Chef Richard was great, he knows how to grill yakitori well!!! Come here for the underground-surfer-yakitori-bar-vibe. I told them they need more surf boards hanging off the ceiling to complete the look! :) We ordered the beef tongue and it was really moist and flavorful. Smoky ambiance but the flavor is definitely in the air. My wife loved the pickled veggies including the ginger which happens to be baby ginger (that's why it's so damn flavorful)! They had sparking sake which we loved, nice and smooth. We'll definitely be back!

Binh P.
Binh P.

Delicious variety of skewers along with a nice gritty atmosphere. It seems like the menu gets changed up quite a bit. There are no physical menus, so just take a picture of the chalk board to decide what you want to eat. We got a variety of skewers. And they were all pretty amazing. The kiri mochi was so chewy and gooey, but the sauce it came with was not great. It was a bit too lemony. We also got pork belly, chicken gizzard, beef tongue, scallops, chicken thigh, okra, shitake, and oyster mushroom skewers. Everything came out so quick and grilled so well. The scallops had a nice crispy edge. Beef tongue was tender, and pork belly was crispy and moist. But the most scrumptious dish of the night went to the grilled saba. It's dry aged and marinated. So it's such a flavorful, oily bite. In the end it came out to be about $50 per person for 3, so it's not a cheap meal, but it's good.

Naomi W.
Naomi W.

Cute and cozy yakitori place that mainly consists of a long bar and two tables that seat 6 each in the back. My friend and I ended up sharing a table with another party since we were 2 and 3 people. The food was good overall and very filling with just a few skewers, although some items seemed a bit too burnt. I did find that I kept wanting water, needing to flag down the waitress a few times to ask for more. I would just end up drinking the small cup of water in just one big gulp, so I wished they could offer a bottle to just refill on our own.

Aileen L.
Aileen L.

Came to Moku Yakitori-Ya at 7pm to celebrate a friend's birthday on a Thursday, and we were lucky to snag the last table at the very back of the restaurant. We've passed by many times in the past and have always wanted to come try it out because it always smells AMAZING just walking by the outside. It's really dimly lit inside and has a great neighborhood hole-in-the-wall atmosphere, and the walls and densely decorated with posters and art. The waiter was super friendly and you could tell that there were a lot of regulars that come often by the way he would recommend them new specials or ask about something they had mentioned before. He checked in often and service overall was great! We definitely wanted to try everything on the menu and started off with some beers; the lucky cat yuzu ipa, and a calpico rice lager that was on the specials menu. Each was $11, and both were delicious - I'd love to know where I could buy more of the calpico beer. Bincho Tataki ($19): smokey, a little fatty and melt in your mouth fish garnished with the perfect mix of chili crisp, green onion and white onion. Momo Chicken ($10), Buta Bara ($8), Hokkaido Scallop ($11), Sunagimo Gizzard ($9): all of these skewers were amazing in their own way, and seasoned to perfection. My favorite is definitely the hokkaido scallop, which was just so tender, sweet and flavorful. There's some seasonings at the table you can use to dip the skewers in too if you'd like, though they were all already so flavorful from the smoke and spices that it came with. Tako Wasabi ($9): we were curious; this is raw octopus cut up in to pretty small pieces that had an interesting mix of somewhat slimey exterior with chewy and chrunchy interior. The wasabi taste wasn't super strong or spicey, and the sweetness of the octopus really shines. Everything we had here was delicious, and I'd love to come back to celebrate another occasion! Definitely on the pricier end, but the atmosphere, service and food make it all worth it. Highly recommend checking it out!

Location

Welcome to Moku Yakitori-Ya, an intimate and inviting yakitori haven nestled in the heart of San Francisco at 312 8th Avenue. This trendy eatery is not just a place to eat; it is a culinary adventure that brings the authentic flavors of Japan right to your table. With a commitment to quality, a slew of unique offerings, and a warm atmosphere, Moku Yakitori-Ya has quickly become a beloved neighborhood gem.

As you step inside, you are greeted by an ambiance that is both cozy and hipster, enhanced by eclectic surfboard decor and a lively atmosphere that feels both casual and intimate. Whether you choose to dine indoors or enjoy the heated outdoor seating, the experience is elevated by the thrilling sight of your skewers being expertly grilled right before your eyes.

Moku Yakitori-Ya’s menu is a true highlight. With options ranging from harami-koji and hamachi yakitori to delicious sides like kira mochi and crispy maitake tempura, every dish is crafted to perfection. The smoky essence of charcoal grilling permeates the air, promising a depth of flavor that is both aromatic and enticing. Guests rave about the tender meats, particularly favorites like Hokkaido scallop, beef tongue, and pork belly, while vegetarians can still find delightful choices among the limited options available.

For those who enjoy social dining, the counter seating offers a front-row view of the culinary magic taking place, creating an engaging and interactive experience. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to sample the intriguing beer selection, featuring local favorites like Sapporo and Kyoto Matcha IPA, or indulge in their happy hour specials.

The reviews speak volumes — Thomas Jay M. describes Moku Yakitori-Ya as a place where "the food was amazing" and the service "phenomenal." Meanwhile, Grace L. and Anthony G. echo sentiments of warmth and delightful flavors, highlighting the unique vibe and delicious food that makes every visit memorable.

If you're planning your next dinner group outing or simply seeking a satisfying meal, Moku Yakitori-Ya offers takeout, delivery, and even catering to suit your needs. The restaurant accepts various payment options, including cryptocurrency, ensuring a convenient dining experience.

In a city brimming with culinary choices, Moku Yakitori-Ya stands out as an exceptional destination. With its welcoming atmosphere, authentic dishes, and commitment to quality, this spot has something for everyone. So gather your friends, grab a seat at the bar, and savor the delightful skewers that await you at this unique yakitori bar. You won't leave disappointed!