Seemor
Cafe OkawariB+Worth Trying
236 Townsend St, San Francisco, CA 94107
· Japanese restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (305 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Comforting Japanese sandos, curry, and bowls with very fast counter service; excellent chicken katsu, mixed feelings on egg sando and curry heat, fair value for SoMa.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Cafe Okawari delivers solid neighborhood cafe quality with reliable food quality anchored by an exceptional chicken katsu sando and fast, friendly service that gets orders to your table in minutes. Tight quarters and limited seating prevent a higher grade, and occasional curry temperature and seasoning variance shows room for improvement. Worth a stop for quick, satisfying Japanese comfort food near Caltrain or Oracle Park.
Restaurant Summary
A narrow SoMa cafe that feels cute and cozy, Cafe Okawari turns out quick plates and sandos for office workers and game-day crowds. Service is fast and friendly, and more than a few regulars swear by their go-to orders. As one diner put it, "Food hit the table in minutes and the chicken stayed crisp." Parking is tricky, but transit and the ballpark are right there. The cooking leans classic Japanese comfort: milk-bread sandos, curry rice, and rice bowls with sweet-soy notes. The chicken katsu sandwich is the reliable star—juicy, crunchy, and balanced. Curry wins fans for richness but some wish for more heat or a hotter serve, and the egg salad sando divides opinion on seasoning and bread thickness. Portions are reasonable for the area, with pricing that reads fair for SoMa. Families do fine here thanks to simple, kid-friendly choices like chicken katsu, curry over rice, and fruit sandos. There is no kids menu, but the straightforward flavors travel well to younger palates. If you have a picky eater, stick to the chicken katsu or curry-and-rice and skip spicier add-ons.
At a Glance
- Standout chicken katsu sando with crisp, juicy texture
- Extremely fast counter service; food often ready in minutes
- Convenient to Caltrain and Oracle Park for pre-game meals
- Curry can be mild or occasionally lukewarm per some diners
- Egg sando seasoning and bread thickness divide opinions
What Sets It Apart
- specialist_katsu_sandos
- fast_turnaround_times
- pre_game_convenience
What People Love
- Juicy, crunchy chicken katsu on fluffy milk bread
- Speedy service that respects lunch breaks
- Light, refreshing fruit sandos
- Clean, modern cafe vibe with indoor and outdoor seating
Points of Concern
- Curry sometimes reports as mild or served not piping hot; seasoning expectations vary
- Egg salad sando can feel under-seasoned or bready to some
- Coffee value questioned by a few; matcha/hojicha more consistently praised
- Delivery orders occasionally missing utensils per isolated complaints
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$28-38 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Build a satisfying lunch by adding Potato Croquettes ($5.50) to a sando.
- For vegetarians, choose Korroke Curry ($15.50) or Okawari Salad ($12) with miso dressing.
- Gluten-avoiding diners can consider Spicy Tuna and Spicy Tuna Don (menu-tagged gluten-free).
Perfect For
- Quick lunch near Caltrain or the ballpark
- Pre-game bite before Giants or Warriors events
- Solo dining at the counter
- Casual catch-up with a friend
Location Insights
Area: Daytime office and event traffic near ballpark; casual spots serving workers, commuters, and game-goers.
Safety: Generally busy by day; typical SoMa urban conditions; fine for quick meals pre-game.
Nearby: Steps from Caltrain and Oracle Park; tech offices and apartment blocks nearby; meter parking competitive.
South of MarketSoMa offers a vibrant dining scene with a mix of trendy restaurants, casual eateries, and innovative food concepts. The area is lively, attracting a crowd interested in contemporary culture, nightlife, and diverse culinary experiences.
Showplace SquareShowplace Square is a sub-area within SoMa characterized by modern residential buildings and proximity to tech campuses, featuring upscale dining and casual spots popular with nearby office workers.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:30–19:30
Tuesday10:30–19:30
Wednesday10:30–19:30
Thursday10:30–19:30
Friday10:30–19:30
Saturday
Sunday
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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