photo: christinelu.china / Flickr / Creative Commons

Every single time I’m in San Francisco — which lately is every other week — I have to stop by Katana-ya. If Chris is in town at the same time I am, we usually eat here for dinner. Otherwise, you’ll catch me here during lunch by myself at the sushi bar tweeting about how awesome the food is.

photo: christinelu.china / Flickr / Creative Commons

Warning, if you go for dinner be prepared to wait. This place is one of those secret noodle shops that everyone knows about. Part of the reason why it’s packed is because it’s tiny. Tiny places with awesome food always do well. Make sure you add your name to the wait list. It’s sometimes easy to miss the little sign in sheet near the door when you’re too busy drooling at everyone eating bowls of awesome noodles in front of you when you’re starving.

photo: christinelu.china / Flickr / Creative Commons

Here’s what I always order. The Cilantro Ramen with soy sauce soup base. I ask for it spicy. Really good. I think they must cut up a whole little batch of cilantro. It’s full of flavor. You must try it if you go. That is, unless you’re of the unfortunate camp that hates cilantro, in which case we can never be friends. I’m sorry, this is the truth. I love cilantro. So much so I named my new company after it.

photo: christinelu.china / Flickr / Creative Commons

Here’s what Chris ordered this time around. Kimchi Ramen with miso soup base. He said it’s really good and there’s no need to ask for it to be spicy because the kimchi already gives it kick.

photo: christinelu.china / Flickr / Creative Commons

Definitely try their spicy tuna rolls when you’re there. They also have spicy hamachi rolls. Both are really super fresh and cut in generous portions.

Here are some more shots of other folks who take pictures of their food at Katanaya. :)

430 Geary St
(at Mason St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 771-1280