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Yoma Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Yoma Cafe
7.6
Casual spot where Japanese curry and sushi share the board with hefty katsu sandos. The panko crunch, sweet-savory curry, and thick milk bread make for a satisfying, quick meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken katsu sando on milk bread, Pork katsu curry over rice, Spicy tuna sando (limited)
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Proper katsu crunch and fluffy milk bread in a fast-casual setup.
Who should go: Katsu sando fans
When to visit: Lunch hour for fresh fry cycles
What to order: Chicken katsu sando; pork katsu curry; spicy tuna sando
Insider tip: Ask for extra cabbage slaw to balance richness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Irving and 9th Avenue; can be tight around lunch hours but turnover is steady.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans and a hoodie fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch; easy conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during early dinner rush; faster for takeout.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait unless a large group arrives.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable curry and tofu katsu options are available.
Vegan options: Limited—can request curry without katsu or egg, but sauces may contain dairy.
Gluten-free options: Not formally; most fried items use wheat flour batter.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a low-key or casual lunch date—cozy but not romantic, and quick service keeps it relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—first-come, first-served counter setup. Arrive early during lunch peak to grab a seat easily.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—quiet enough for families, with mild curries and simple rice plates that appeal to younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Crunchier katsu and fluffier milk bread than most casual curry shops nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking a full-service sushi bar or traditional Japanese dinner experience.
Yoma Cafe
7.6
Casual counter mixing Japanese curry, sandwiches, and a concise sushi lineup that over-delivers for the price. Handy Central Sunset stop when you want maki and a quick, low-cost meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll, Salmon Nigiri, Katsu Curry
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.9
What makes it special: Low-cost sushi add-on at a curry-centric counter.
Who should go: Budget-minded sushi snackers
When to visit: Lunch off-peak 1:30–3pm
What to order: Spicy tuna crunch roll, salmon nigiri, katsu curry
Insider tip: Order at the counter and grab a bar seat to turn faster.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Irving or side streets; metered spots turn over quickly before 6pm.
Dress code: Completely casual—T-shirts, hoodies, and sneakers are the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversations carry easily, with background chatter from counter service.
Weekend wait: Rarely more than 10 minutes; grab-and-go traffic keeps tables turning.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait unless during noon rush from nearby offices.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable curry, avocado rolls, and tofu dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited—curry base contains dairy; a few maki or side salads fit.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—soy sauce and curry roux include wheat; not a safe choice for strict gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—layout is functional and casual, better for a quick meal than atmosphere. Works fine for a low-key lunch meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Order at the counter and seat yourself; turnover is steady so tables free up quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—simple menu and fast service work well, though space is limited for strollers or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable sushi and curry under $15 when you don’t need table service or ambiance.
Skip if: You’re looking for a slower, sake-paired sushi experience or strict dietary accommodations.
Yoma Cafe
7.6
Casual counter with Japanese curry, sandwiches, and a concise sushi lineup that over-delivers for the price. Handy Inner Sunset stop when you want maki and a quick, low-cost meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll, Salmon Nigiri, California Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Low-cost sushi add-on at a curry-centric counter.
Who should go: Budget-minded sushi snackers
When to visit: Lunch off-peak 1:30–3pm
What to order: Spicy tuna crunch roll, salmon nigiri, California roll
Insider tip: Order at the counter and grab a bar seat to turn faster.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Irving and side streets; spots open up midday but fill quickly during dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation is easy except during peak lunch rush.
Weekend wait: Minimal—most diners take out or eat quickly, so tables turn fast.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait unless the curry line builds up around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—basic veggie rolls, curry plates, and tofu options available.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable rolls and curry sides can be customized sans sauce.
Gluten-free options: Not formally, but staff can suggest sushi or curry options without soy sauce or breaded items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s a counter-service setup with casual energy better suited to solo or low-key meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken; grab one of a few counter spots or small tables when available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—quick service and mild curry or rolls work fine, though seating is limited for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive sushi in the Inner Sunset without committing to a full restaurant meal.
Skip if: You’re looking for atmosphere, omakase, or a lingering dine-in experience.