Cafe Okawari makes our favorite katsu sandwich in the city.

The Game Parlour in the Inner Sunset has more board games than we've ever seen in one place, and great waffles to eat while you play them.

Soba Ichi in West Oakland is one of the only places in the country that makes soba by hand. And it's incredible.

Casual, welcoming Geta is one of the most affordable sushi spots in Oakland.

Aburaya in Downtown Oakland is a punk-inspired space serving excellent Japanese fried chicken.

Ramen Shop in Rockridge does a very California (and a very good) take on ramen.

Hina Yakitori in NoPa does an incredible omakase-style menu almost entirely of chicken.

Oma San Francisco Station in the Japan Center is an affordable entry into omakase.

If you’re looking for ramen in Bernal Heights, Nute’s is a great stop.

Hopscotch does Japanese-inspired takes on classic American dishes in a laid-back space.

Niku Steakhouse in the Design District is one of the best - and most expensive - steakhouses in SF.

Nabi is a Japanese hot pot restaurant in the Marina that’s perfect for fun group dinners.

The Shota is one of the more expensive omakase spots in the city, but it’s absolutely worth the high price of admission.

Izakaya Sozai in the Sunset makes some of the best ramen in the city, in addition to their small menu of skewers and vegetable dishes.

Stop by Cha-Ya in the Mission for vegetarian Japanese small plates when you’re around Dolores Park.

Elephant Sushi in Russian Hill usually has a bit of a wait, so try to head there on the early side (they open at 6).