Xiaoyu’s Kitchen — Restaurant in San Francisco

TL;DR: Get takeout. Really good food, questionable experience.

On Saturday, I arrived minutes past noon; it seemed like I was the first customer of the day. I'd read the menu online and knew exactly what I wanted to order: The "combination lunch box (2 items)" with chicken katsu and pork gyoza. My total was under $16. There was also a promotion going on, free edamame, gyoza, or egg rolls with any order. I asked for the edamame because I've never actually tried it. I had to say my order three times, once when I came in, once to confirm, and one more time after I had sat down, because the cashier wanted to confirm again.

While waiting for my order, the cashier approached me again and offered me a free drink. I was sitting on a stool behind photos of menu items and saw "matcha milk tea," so that's what I asked for. The person didn't know how to make it, so I asked for the "classic boba milk tea" instead. I received the edamame and drink with no napkins. The edamame was how I expected it to taste. The tea wasn't too sweet and the pearls were nice and chewy.

I soon received my lunch box. Still no napkins though. I looked around and didn't see a single napkin dispenser or and the cashier had gone into the kitchen. The miso soup was great, the rice was perfectly cooked, and the half of a boiled egg was a boiled egg. However, the salad had too much dressing for me. The chicken katsu was fantastic. The chicken was ultra-tender but the breading was crispy. Probably the best chicken katsu I've had. The pork gyoza was also wonderful. The filling was tender and flavorful while the outside was crisped and toasted. Both items tasted great with the dipping sauce. There was also a container of chili oil, but I didn't use it.

I'd recommend getting takeout. There isn't much distance from the kitchen to the seating area, so not the best spot for a conversation because of the noise. Also, there isn't a restroom for customers. Finally, the cashier, who also seems to be the drink maker, should receive more training or ask someone how to make something instead of replying "I don't know how to make it." If the food wasn't as good as it was, I would've...

So glad this place was open late when I was returning home from work around 9:45 pm and super starving!

I usually cook my own food to save money and avoid seed oils & sugar, but I decided to break the bank & treat myself to a meal...

I got the salt and pepper chicken wings- they were GREAT!!!- loved the Thai chili & garlic slices they sat on, perfectly crispy & you get a good amount in the order-

And the 3-selection dinner box, with beef teriyaki, mixed tempura, and grilled mackerel.

Everything was delicious and very well-prepared. The mackerel was a small portion and slightly over-cooked but it was fresh & the flavor was excellent!

The beef was tender and juicy and cooked medium-rare to perfection.

The tempura was, of course, exquisite, as it generally is- sweet potato, broccoli, carrot, and two shrimp.

It came with a small scoop of rice, miso soup (average) and a tiny salad (the dressing was nauseatingly sweet 😵‍💫).

I loved the food, the cashier was friendly, and I'm definitely going to order more food in the future!

It seemed pretty expensive to me but considering similar offerings from similar restaurants it was a decent deal and I was only slightly hungry after...

My biggest regret is not knowing this place existed sooner! I’ve lived in the area for close to 10 years and while I’ve learned the neighborhood gems this one remained hidden. Prices are incredible, food is even better. My only comment is order the chicken katsu instead of the teriyaki, the teriyaki is good and worth the price but the katsu is too good for what it’s worth! I’ve tried all the Japanese curry places around, I love Volcano, but if I’m looking for a great meal, a good price, and a satisfying end to my night, the late hours and wonderful food of Xiaoyu is not just a place to settle for, it’s the one I’m hoping is open, and lucky for me, they...