Takoyaki Yama-chan - CA 94115 | Cozy Takoyaki Spot in San Francisco

Inside Takoyaki Yama-chan - CA 94115

Takoyaki Yama-chan is a casual takoyaki spot tucked inside Japantown’s bustling mall area, offering a quick, savory bite for those craving authentic Japanese street food in San Francisco. It’s not a full-service restaurant but rather a focused counter where takoyaki and several varieties of okonomiyaki and yakisoba take the spotlight. The space tends to be lively, especially on weekends when lines build up, reflecting the local appetite for hot, freshly prepared comfort food.

What stands out most here is the experience of watching your takoyaki made to order — the batter cooked crisp on the outside while staying soft and gooey inside, then layered with generous toppings like mayonnaise, takoyaki sauce, seaweed, and bonito flakes that dance with steam. Options range from the classic 8-piece regular takoyaki to creative takes like cheese, negi mayo ponzu, or kimchi toppings. Portion sizes are satisfying for the price, often enough to share between two people if you’re looking to sample Japantown’s wider food scene.

While the place can have waits of up to 45 minutes during busy times, this patience tends to pay off with each freshly made order. Early visits, like morning trips, might yield softer, less crispy takoyaki, possibly due to lower demand at that hour. Seating is plentiful around the food court, encouraging a casual, communal vibe where locals and visitors alike can pause and enjoy their warm snacks amid the mall’s steady hum.

This spot is best suited for those who appreciate a straightforward, hands-on taste of Japanese street food without the formality of a sit-down meal. It appeals to people looking to enjoy comfort food in a lively environment, especially in the midday to afternoon window when the cooking is fresh and the seating fills up just enough to feel energetic but not overcrowded.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Highlights

Has fast service

Popular for

Popular for lunch

Popular for dinner

Good for solo dining

What they serve

Serves comfort food

Quick bite

Best for

Serves lunch

Serves dinner

Accessibility

Has wheelchair-accessible entrance

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 08:00 PM

What Locals & Travelers Say

192 Reviews

Haitham Abu

02 Dec 2025

The takoyaki was amazing. They had so much flavor! Truly one of the best takoyaki I’ve had. A few complaints: the batter wasn’t crispy. They were soft like they had been sitting out for a little, and the consistency wasn’t there. It might have been because I went in the morning when they weren’t busy, but I can definitely see these being the best when they come out fresh!

Hannah Harris

23 Nov 2025

I was impressed by the portion size for the price! It was really filling with all of the toppings as well, which I was happy about but also disappointed because I wanted to try more food while I was in Japantown :P

Food Soul

31 Oct 2025

We were in the line for about 10 minutes and wait for our orders for 45 minutes but totally worth it. They freshly made order to order (that is why it took so long) and we ate them right away when they are still hot. The textures outside were crispy and inside was soft and hot. We ordered original takoyaki and the cream cheese. The takoyaki sauce and squid were perfectly seasoned. I want to go back and try different creative Japanese fillings they got.

Doge Wolfish

24 Oct 2025

Really, really freshly made and topped with loads of bonito flakes. Let it cool for a bit because eating it immediately is a hashrafahshrasfhasa experience (you'll be breathing through your mouth for at least two minutes trying to cool the first one you eat). The takoyaki is sizeable and fairly priced in my opinion. I forgot what specific flavor I got from the box of 2, one was garlicly the other one that I liked had the bonito flakes + jp mayo on it. No tables, just whatever bench seating immediately outside the stands exist. It's connected to the Mochi donut stand, I even think they share the same kitchen area.

Fei Yu

14 Oct 2025

Piping hot takoyaki freshly made in the mall. There's a line usually with a 15 min wait on the weekends. Very good quality, gooey and savory. The flakes and mayo are well spread on top. They have a few options - 6, 8, 12 or more balls. 6 was enough for 2 people to split. Choose your spicy level and optional toppings. There are plenty of seats around. Very lively setting.