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    YakiniQ CAFE

    3.9 (711 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Order YakiniQ CAFE Takeout or Delivery

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    Business Info

    YAKINIQ CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Good for working
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - YakiniQ CAFE

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    Reviews With Photos

    Sweet Potato Latte
    Miranda L.

    My friend decided to show me this cute cafe in the Japantown area and the inside aesthetics were very light, bright and modern. They didn't have their seating area open when we went so we sat outside and picked up our lattes 5 minutes after we ordered. Sweet Potato Latte - The latte had a mild sweet potato flavor and was made with real sweet potato which I enjoyed but wished the flavor was more punchy. It was a good level of sweetness and I liked the cinnamon that was mixed on top that gave it more warmth. Mixed together it tasted great but at times, the espresso taste overwhelmed all the other mild notes. Overall, it was a cute place to stop by for a caffeine pick me up and I would love to try some of the other unique drink flavors they have.

    Delicious sweet potato latte and elegant sewing scissors are both available
    Kate L.

    I've been here twice in five years and both visits were a calming respite in a busy city. The coffee is excellent, with specialty lattes in flavors not often found in the US, like sweet potato and black sesame. There are tasteful housewares for sale, but not in a distracting way. I found perfect scissors for the sewing kit I'm putting together for my little girl! Music is soft and lighting is low, adding to cozy vibes. There's only one person behind the counter but she's quick and skilled. I shall return!

    Black Sesame Cream Latte
    Katherine G.

    The drinks here are good, but man are they pricey. When I came, they also didn't have any indoor seating but there seemed to be a large area that was closed off. They do have a couple tables outside though. I got the black sesame latte iced, and my friend got the sweet potato latte. The black sesame cream was good but I wish there was more of it and that they served it in a lid that didn't require a straw so you can get a sip of the cream and coffee together. I also tried some of my friend's sweet potato latte which had a really prominent sweet potato flavor and was quite sweet but also good. The drinks were almost $10 for the smaller size which I thought was a bit much, though. Probably not a spot I'd frequent often unless it was to try something really unique and new.

    Matcha Red Bean Latte
    Sarah C.

    the matcha red bean latte ($8.50) was pretty good (they use real adzuki beans) but a bit too sweet and the matcha powder itself tasted more earthy (they also used a shaker instead of a whisk to mix). the iced black sesame cream latte ($7.75) was alright too, the black sesame cream had real sesame seeds so it was quite grainy. I think the double shot was a bit too overpowering though. overall the drinks were kinda expensive for the size (12oz)

    Black Sesame Cream Latte
    Grace K.

    The ambiance of this cafe is so calm and cute- there's no indoor seating because the space is being used for events, but maybe opening indoor seating soon! The black sesame cream latte was delicious and the lady making the drinks was very sweet

    YakiniQ Matcha Drink ! I love their Matcha !!!
    Patricia R.

    I love YakiniQ and especially their matcha pie/cake. They have the best matcha ....I just can't get enough of their matcha. Try this matcha drink at Yakiniq. It's a dream..come true. I can't wait to return. Did I say "matcha" enough times...probably not!!! I have to have more matcha, people !!!! (smile...) The picture is from YakiniQ Facebook.

    Yummy cookies!
    Christine C.

    We have long enjoyed this cafe for many years and it's delightful to come upon it again today while the cherry blossom festival is taking place. Unlike the rest of Japantown during this time, the tastefully designed cafe offered a quiet retreat from the crowds. We got a coffee jelly latte, a black sesame latte, and some black sesame shortbread cookies. Drinks had just the right level of light sweetness, the black sesame shortbread cookies had a good balance of sweetness with just a hint of saltiness. The combination was on point and delightful - the perfect afternoon coffee set. As of April 2022, the cafe is still maintaining precautions; while I miss hanging out in their chill, tastefully designed indoor space, I appreciate these precautions. Masks are required, max 4 customers in the store, no indoor seating or restroom use. When we visited, there were two tables with 3 seats each outside their storefront; that's where we hung out for a little to enjoy our coffees and shortbread cookies.

    Strawberry Yuzu Fizz
    Joey W.

    Strawberry Yuzu Fizz - more yuzu than strawberry flavor. I was hoping the strawberry would come through a little more. There are a bits of strawberry and yuzu. The fizz is subtle. I was hoping it would be more carbonated. The cafe seating inside is still closed. There is very limited seating outdoors.

    Old, dusty matcha that cost over $7.
    Crystal C.

    I gave this place two tries, both of which were strikes. I ordered a lavender latte on my first visit. There was only one person ahead of me in line who ordered two drinks, but it took 20 minutes for me to place my order and receive my latte. I figured the long wait was because the drinks were made so meticulously, but my I found my latte underwhelming and overpriced (it came out to over $8 after a $1 tip). The second time was inexplicably worse. I ordered a matcha tea that totaled to over $7. Was the matcha whisked? No. I watched the barista scoop some powder into a paper cup and stir in hot water. I could tell the matcha was old because it was oxidized and dark green, not bright green or grassy. The cafe chairs outside were occupied, so I asked if I could sit on the empty bench inside the cafe. The barista dithered and said no. It's rude to not allow patrons to simply sit on empty furniture you provide in your restaurant. No wifi, no hospitality, absurdly overpriced but poorly made drinks.

    Matcha Yuzuade
    Justin K.

    Cute cafe to swing by when you're in Japantown! I had the Matcha Yuzuade which was refreshing as I walked about the area. Lots of offerings on the menu are some unique flavors that I'm curious to try out in the near future. When I visited indoor seating still wasn't available, but the interior was both homey and comfortable. Would definitely be a great spot to study or get some work done once it fully reopens!

    Jacob M.

    Uniqueness: Special drinks like sesame The only downside is their indoor seating, most of it is blocked off. I'm glad I came across such a unique drink selection! Taste: 5/5 Sight: 4/5 Smell: 5/5 Sound: 3/5 Touch: ?/?

    Outside table
    Xin S.

    So happy to see thus neighborhood cafe coming back to life after what seems to have been forever. The hours are now 11a-5p but sounds like they will try to gradually expand back to regular hours (used to be till 10pm on some days). I love this cafe and used to come every week to read, work, or just relax with a latte and some tasty snacks. Their latte's amazing and taste home made and strong. My favorite is the nutella latte which marries well the sweet nuttiness of nutella with the dark warmth of espresso. The owner is very kind and artistic and the decoration feels cozy and whimsical, a blend of Japanes Scandinavian styles. The snacks are varied and all high quality. Desserts taste delicious and made with love. I love the coconut cream cake and the flourless chocolate cake, rich but not overwelming, great for an afternoon pick-me-up. The span rice sandwich has been my craving during Covid to the point I would make it at home. There is also a good variety of sandwiches with balanced ingredients and made in the tiny kitchen. It's a bit sad that their spacious interior is not open yet but there are three outdoor tables to sit and sip with friends on a sunny day. I can't wait to be able to sit inside again. Japantown needs places like this to continue to feel like home.

    Yuzu Lemon Iced Tea to die for.. Organic Banana Bread! Very Hip & Young crowd and I'm glad the Rocking Chair was available for me...
    Eric R.

    "Nothing is as far away as one minute ago..." The Time Machine... During my college days, back in the 1890's, I was voted Big Man on Campus. I drove the latest unicycle, styled the latest handle-bar mustache, and strutted in the latest leather corsets, the true example of Victorian era manhood. Oh and btw, I also really enjoyed independent coffee & tea shops. Y'know without a chain dangling around its neck! Fast forward to the present and I find myself no longer the Victorian Big Man on Campus, or do I fit in the latest slim faux corsets of today. Fortunately independent coffee & tea shops have survived time and I still wander from shop to shop in search for that special memory. But enough about dapper me.. On a recent visit to Japantown, San Francisco, I'm hit with one of those wandering moments. I find myself in search of something new... I peruse my Yelp app, and... a "tea café" with a funny name... YakiniQ Café! Sounds like a place to mingle with full figured Victorian women looking to Mazurka! YakiniQ Café is located on Post Street directly across of the Hotel Kabuki. As I was about to enter YakiniQ BBQ... I realized it wasn't the tea café! So just be aware there's a BBQ restaurant with the same name, lol. I later found out that both are run by the same owners. So I enter the correct door on my second try... YakiniQ Café! It's very inviting and bustling with flesh. I was kindly greeted by the youngsters. I also noticed that the majority of patrons were college students, not from the 1890's like I expected, but young and fresh student types! So I quickly peruse the menu and the Yuzu Lemon Iced Tea is calling my name! I add the organic Banana Bread just cause. Sounds healthy. I then try to find a seat in the large "study" area filled with communal tables and café tables. Yet with all the eclectic seating options it was annoyingly hard to find a seat! I then noticed a rocking chair...yes, a rocking chair... just waiting for me in the corner! :3 I slowly settle into my rocking chair and start sipping my Yuzu Lemon Iced Tea...oh my so thirst quenching! The organic Banana Bread was just ok. The star of the show was the Yuzu drink and the Vaudeville act rocking in his chair.... time flies, Son! In the end, I recommend YakiniQ Café to anyone into cafes! Yet you might be disappointed with the limited menu and how crowded it can get! It's a popular spot for today's generation. I didn't see any Victorian hot dishes to blend in with, but the barista was sure cute... in a moderne unibrow sorta way...

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    Consistently great drinks, baked goods, and service in warm environment. Try everything!

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    YakiniQ CAFE Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - YakiniQ CAFE

    Are they finally open for seating inside?

    Are they still open? I've gone twice, and both times they have been closed. I also tried to call and no one picked up. I'm confused.

    Yes, they are still open. They have a few tables outside, otherwise it's just takeout.

    Do they offer dairy free milk options?

    Yes they do. Soy, almond, and oat milk.

    Is this a good place to get work done?

    Yes! Nice tables, Wifi, and good food and drinks.

    Is it open? I called at 3:11 pm Thursday. No answer, heard msg, voicemail is full.

    Look at their hours of operation, most businesses don't answers the phone if busy or on the other line. Call back later.

    How much are macaroons if you buy a box?

    I called the cafe. 6 for $13.50, 12 for $27.00.

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    I met my girlfriend for a cup of coffee before we went for a walk at the Golden Gate Park. Just…read morereading from reviews; I was kind of second-guessing the place but I had an amazing experience. The guy with a gorgeous hair that assisted us was amazing and was super nice. I ordered americano and since I asked for a splash of oat milk; he didn't charge me for the non dairy milk. This Americano was made to perfection with enough water/espresso ratio, just absolutely delicious. The place was busy with steady line and the only thing I would say that the bathroom needed attending. CC accepted.

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    Wow this place is good. I stopped by during the first weekend of the Cherry Blossom festival and…read morethe line was long as usual. Surprisingly, I only waited about 10mins to order and another 5-10mins to get my drink. I ordered a Hojicha Latte + Snow Top for myself and Hokkaido Milk Soft Serve for my hubby and baby to share. The Hojicha Latte was delicious, I finished it all in one sitting (which is rare for me). The soft serve was creamy and delicious. Worth the hype IMO,, I'll be stopping by every time we go to Japantown from now on.

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    Maruwu Seicha - Matcha + Hokkaido Milk Swirl Soft Serve and Matcha Tea with Snow Top

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    Hokkaido Latte with Snow Foam

    YakiniQ CAFE - bakeries - Updated May 2026

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