Tokyo Express Restaurant: A Go-To for Japanese Comfort Food in San Francisco

Tokyo Express Restaurant Introduce

For those in California seeking a straightforward, satisfying, and consistently reliable Japanese meal, Tokyo Express Restaurant is a name that resonates in San Francisco. Situated in a bustling part of the city, this establishment has long been a go-to spot for locals seeking their fix of classic Japanese comfort food. While it might not boast the opulent ambiance of some high-end dining spots, Tokyo Express prides itself on delivering flavorful dishes, efficient service, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a convenient choice for a quick lunch or a casual dinner.

Tokyo Express has a history of serving the San Francisco community, having built a loyal customer base over the years. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a dependable meal that hits the spot without breaking the bank, making it a valuable addition to the city's diverse culinary landscape.

Location and Accessibility

Tokyo Express Restaurant is conveniently located at 660 Sacramento St Sl, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA. This address places it squarely in a vibrant and accessible part of San Francisco, bordering both the Financial District and the historic Chinatown. Its position makes it an ideal spot for professionals seeking a quick lunch, as well as residents and visitors exploring these iconic neighborhoods.

Accessibility to Tokyo Express is quite favorable for anyone in the California region utilizing public transit. The restaurant is within easy walking distance of multiple Muni bus stops, and major BART stations such as Montgomery Street and Embarcadero are also relatively close by, providing seamless connections from various parts of the city and the wider Bay Area. This makes it a very practical choice for those commuting or relying on public transportation.

For those arriving by car, while street parking in this dense urban area can be challenging, there are several parking garages available within a short walk from the restaurant. It’s always a good idea to factor in a little extra time for parking, especially during peak hours. The "order at the counter style" of the restaurant further enhances its efficiency and accessibility for a quick grab-and-go meal, catering to the fast-paced lifestyle of downtown San Francisco. The location contributes significantly to its appeal as a convenient and no-frills option for delicious Japanese fare.

Services Offered

Tokyo Express Restaurant operates with efficiency and convenience in mind, offering services that cater to a variety of dining preferences for its local clientele in California.

Counter Service / Order at the Counter: Tokyo Express primarily operates as an "order at the counter style restaurant." This setup is designed for efficiency, allowing customers to place their orders quickly and receive their food in a reasonable amount of time. It’s ideal for a swift meal during a busy workday.
Dine-In (Casual Seating): While the primary focus is on quick service, there is seating available for those who wish to dine inside. Customers have noted that there may be limited tables, but it provides a comfortable spot to enjoy your meal.
Takeout: This is a very popular service at Tokyo Express. The staff is often "busy however packing up to-go orders," indicating that many customers prefer to take their food to go. This makes it a highly convenient option for office workers or locals looking for a meal to enjoy at home.
Delivery: Tokyo Express is available for delivery through various third-party online platforms such as DoorDash, Grubhub, and Ritual. This allows customers throughout San Francisco and nearby areas to enjoy their Japanese favorites from the comfort of their home or office.
Lunch and Dinner Service: The restaurant is a popular spot for both lunch and dinner, catering to the needs of its diverse customer base throughout the day.
Daily Specials: Tokyo Express offers "great daily specials," providing variety and value to their returning customers. For instance, their "Wednesday special, the tonkatsu," is a notable offering.
Catering/Party Trays: The restaurant offers a variety of party trays, including Chicken Teriyaki, Salmon Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki, and Combo Teriyaki platters with rice, designed to serve 6-8 people. They also have Sushi Party Trays (e.g., 52 pcs, 80 pcs) and Green Salad/Edamame platters, making it a convenient option for office lunches, gatherings, or events.

Features / Highlights

Tokyo Express Restaurant, while focused on efficiency and value, offers several highlights that make it a favored spot for Japanese cuisine in San Francisco:

Reliable Tempura: Customers frequently highlight the quality of their tempura. The "mixed tempura plate" is a popular choice, with the "shrimp on point" and featuring pleasant "yam and potato." This indicates a consistent quality in their fried items.
Affordable Daily Specials: The restaurant offers "great daily specials," providing excellent value. For example, their Wednesday Tonkatsu special for $13 offers a cost-effective meal option, especially considering the San Francisco location. Other daily specials include Dragon Roll & California Roll on Tuesday, Caterpillar Roll & Crunch California Roll on Wednesday, Rainbow Roll & Nigiri on Thursday, and Calamari Tempura on Friday.
Generous Portions and Good Prices: Multiple reviews commend Tokyo Express for its "good portions and prices," making it an attractive option for a satisfying meal that offers good value for money, particularly in the Financial District (FiDi) area.
Wide Menu Selection: Tokyo Express boasts a comprehensive menu that extends beyond just tempura and tonkatsu. Offerings include:
- Teriyaki Dishes: Chicken, Salmon, and Beef Teriyaki are staples, available as entrees or donburi (rice bowls).
- Sushi and Maki Rolls: A variety of rolls such as California Roll, Dragon Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Rainbow Roll, and specialty rolls like "Double Punch Roll" and "Killer Roll." Nigiri and Sashimi options are also available, with salmon and tuna being popular.
- Katsu: Chicken Katsu and Tonkatsu (pork cutlet) are offered, known for their "nice crunch" on the panko.
- Noodle Soups: Udon and Soba varieties including Chicken Noodle Soup, Beef Noodle Soup, and Tempura Noodle Soup.
- Appetizers: Beyond tempura, they offer Gyoza, Edamame, and Soft Shell Crab.
Friendly Staff and Efficient Service: Despite being a counter-service establishment, customers frequently praise the staff, describing them as "very gracious" and offering "great customer service." Orders come out "in a reasonable amount of time," indicating efficient operations geared towards a quick meal.
Complimentary Miso Soup: A nice touch is the "free cup of miso soup" that often accompanies meals, adding value and a traditional Japanese element to the dining experience.

Promotions or Special Offers

Tokyo Express Restaurant is known for providing excellent value through its daily specials, which are a significant draw for regulars and those seeking an affordable meal in downtown San Francisco.

Weekday Daily Specials: As noted by customers, Tokyo Express features specific "daily specials" that change throughout the week, offering a particular dish or combo at a reduced price. For example, the "tonkatsu $13" on Wednesday is a prime example of their value offerings. Other documented daily specials include:
- Monday: Chicken Udon; Alaskan Maki & Spicy Tuna Roll
- Tuesday: Dragon Roll & California Roll; Salmon Donburi
- Wednesday: Caterpillar Roll & Crunch California Roll; Chicken Katsu; Tonkatsu
- Thursday: Rainbow Roll & Nigiri; Salmon Teriyaki
- Friday: Chirashi; Calamari Tempura
Combo Meals: Tokyo Express offers various sushi combo deals and special sets that bundle popular items together at a more attractive price than ordering à la carte. Examples include Sushi Combo #5 (Nigiri Sushi 4pcs, Spicy Tuna Roll & Tokyo Tower Roll) or Sushi for 2.
Party Trays: Their extensive selection of Party Trays for catering larger groups (serving 6-8 people) or office lunches can be considered a promotional offering as they provide a convenient and cost-effective solution for group dining.

For the most current information on their daily specials and any other promotions, it’s best to visit their official website or check their listings on popular food delivery apps. These platforms typically feature the most up-to-date menu and special offerings.

Contact Information

For inquiries, takeout orders, or to learn more about Tokyo Express Restaurant:

Address: 660 Sacramento St Sl, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA

Phone: (415) 956-3040

You can also find them on various online food ordering and review platforms, which provide their current operating hours and options for online orders.

Conclusion: Why Tokyo Express Restaurant is Suitable for Locals

For residents of California, particularly those in and around San Francisco's Financial District and Chinatown, Tokyo Express Restaurant serves as an incredibly suitable and practical option for Japanese cuisine. Its location offers unparalleled convenience for a quick, efficient, and affordable meal during a busy workday or a casual outing.

The "order at the counter style" and the consistently "quick and friendly" service mean that locals can rely on Tokyo Express for a speedy turnaround without compromising on quality. This efficiency is paramount for those on a tight schedule. Furthermore, the emphasis on "good portions and prices," along with a rotating array of "great daily specials," ensures that patrons receive excellent value for their money, a crucial consideration in San Francisco's dining scene.

While some might seek an "authentic Japanese restaurant" experience with full table service, Tokyo Express fulfills a vital niche as a dependable spot for Japanese comfort food staples like satisfying teriyaki, crispy tempura, and a wide selection of maki rolls. The accommodating staff, like Paul, and the consistent quality of popular items cement its place as a trusted local favorite. Whether you're craving a quick lunch, a convenient takeout dinner, or simply a taste of familiar Japanese flavors, Tokyo Express Restaurant provides a reliable and accessible option for the San Francisco community.

Tokyo Express Restaurant Photos

Tokyo Express Restaurant Location

Tokyo Express Restaurant

California San Francisco County San Francisco Chinatown Sacramento Street

660 Sacramento St Sl, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA

Tokyo Express Restaurant Reviews

Got the mixed tempura plate. The shrimp was on point, the veg, not so much. I don’t like zucchini and the broccoli was too chunky, the yam and potato were pleasant. Will definitely return. Paul and the staff were very gracious.
Sep 09, 2024 · 1John 2:27
Tokyo Express, back in the early 2010's, used to be really popular with a line during lunchtime. Some of my old co-workers used to enjoy coming here. Business has sure when downhill since the pandemic. There was only one other table occupied at lunch time on a Wednesday. The staff was really busy however packing up to-go orders. I had their Wednesday special, the tonkatsu $13. The pork fillet was a bit dry and not juicy, tender and properly cooked. The panko had a nice crunch. It did come with an alright tonkatsu sauce. With this dish, it should come with shredded cabbage served with a miso-ginger dressing or Japanese sesame dressing, but it didn't come with it. Since this is not an authentic Japanese restaurant, I didn't knock off stars for that. Service was non-existent as this is an order at the counter style restaurant and no tea or water was served. There was a free cup of miso soup and my food came out in a reasonable amount of time.
Feb 15, 2024 · Jeff Ho
I came to this location as their other locations in the city have all closed, and this is presumably the original or only place of theirs left as of April 2021. I often had the chicken udon on Mondays (the day it is a discounted special) at their Stonestown location with my late grandmother, who passed the day before I visited and wrote this review today.The cashier working today's service was personable and pleasant to interact with, and was empathetic with my story of frequenting a Tokyo Express location in the past with my grandmother. The chicken udon I usually go for on Mondays from the daily special discount was consistently good as it's always been, whether compared to at Stonestown or the Metreon, or compared to years back.Indoor dining service was offered and they assign a table after ordering, after that they bring the food to your table like the other locations.Update early 2022: After reopening on the first Monday of the new year, some of their prices have gone up a bit. In the months since I've been visiting regularly, I've noticed senior customers come and sit for traditional waiter service where they are given menus and their orders are taken at the table rather than the register, so either of these dining options are available. The staff also recognize me when I try to come on a weekly basis so I'm glad to have been recognized as a regular.My dad and one of my uncles each have a Japanese restaurant they've frequented since the 80s or 90s, and I would be happy for this restaurant to be my example of that.
Jan 11, 2022 · Ryan Gabuyo
Dropping the stars because the quality is just not fresh. I've had lunch here twice and the rolls are more fishy than fresh. They're not particularly cheap ~$12-15 for lunch and you can find high quality lunch option in the area for those prices.
Feb 20, 2018 · Raquel
I like to get the sushi rolls here. They are delicious, decent size, and reasonable price.
Feb 06, 2025 · Oyl Talisa