Yaoya-San - El Cerrito, California

Chris L.

Dropped in and found they had some seasonal Plums in a box as a special item. Feel like I've seen a YouTube video of Japanese preserving them in Salt & Sugar?

They had 3 types of frozen Unagi, all priced well, in comparison to Ranch 99. I'll see if it tastes just as good for sushi

Today I was tempted to get a Japanese Beer to go with my sushi from the new place next door, but opted for Hawaiian Sun 😅 Pass-O-Guava

They've got many varieties of the Wasabi Peas to the limited selection at Ranch.

If you like Sushi, they've got an overwhelming selection of Ponzu type Soy Sauces to compliment Sushi & Salads, etc.

So T.

Please don’t buy sashimi here. Their sashimi is the worst quality I’ve ever seen in the SF Bay Area. The fish has blood in it, smells extremely fishy, and the texture is moldy. When I ate it two hours after purchase, the fish tasted very sour and was completely unsuitable for sashimi. I bought salmon, hamachi, tuna, and scallops, and none of them were fit for sashimi consumption. When I called to complain, the owner told me not to buy from them again. They even disconnected the phone line afterward.

Amanda B.

Our family has been going to this Japanese grocery store for decades. It expanded some years ago and offers even more yummy goodness. It’s nice to not have to go to Tokyo fish, San Jose, or brave the crowds of Ranch 99 and still be able to find everything I need. I find they have even more of a selection of some things than you will find at Tokyo fish, like fresh noodles, tofu, kimchee, miso, furikake. They also bring in a small selection of sushi and lunch items daily. I’d recommend going early if you want to see and select from those. In the back, there’s also a nice selection of fish for sashimi, and some grilled meats. I always manage to spend a bit much, but come away with ingredients for many meals, for much less than I would spend eating out.

Max S.

Part of me would like to give a low review of Yaoya-San, ONLY because I love it so much that I don't want others to ruin my shopping experience. This is a local gem with a huge selection of Japanese (and korean to a lesser extent) specialty import products.

From beer and sake to fantastically flavored snacks, and more soy sauces then you know what to do with, this is a regular stop for our household.

The daily bentos are very good and well priced too.

E.

a really great grocery store with a surprisingly large selection of items. when i'm looking for japanese ingredients, they always have at least one or two options (usually more) - and of course they carry a variety of non-japanese products as well

they have instant noodles, dried noodles, prepared foods, sliced meats, sushi/sashimi fish, fish cakes, chips, crackers, candy... household goods... there really is a bit of everything here. don't forget to check their freezers! oh, and a nice sake selection to boot

all the employees i've interacted with have been so nice, too. in general, most things are the same price as other stores, some things are a dollar or two more expensive, but i don't mind supporting this lovely local business 🙂

Blue R.

My favorite place to go for Japanese grocery (especially hot pot ingredients and eggs), bentos, onigiri, rolls/makimono, side dishes, various sweet and savory buns, breads, desserts, etc… and household items. I’ve been shopping here for about 15 years and am always amazed at the selection. Now that they took over the adjacent store space that used to be a Japanese dollar store, the shopping experience is even better with the wider aisles and modernized displays for refrigerated and frozen goods. The staff is friendly and helpful. Many are at least bilingual. I also love that most of the people at the register know how to pack the items efficiently into your bags taking weight distribution and whether an item is refrigerated/frozen or not into consideration (like they do in Japan). Lastly Moser Square where Yaoyasan is located has plenty of parking too.

Ton T.

One of my favorites for years. It’s a combination Japanese grocery and retail goods store that also carries some ready to eat foods. The store is not large but carries many essentials. Folks here are helpful and friendly. Easy parking outside.

A S.

My favorite place to go for Japanese grocery (especially hot pot ingredients and eggs), bentos, onigiri, rolls/makimono, side dishes, various sweet and savory buns, breads, desserts, etc… and household items.