Washoku Guide
Cities/San Francisco/Yakitori/Mokutanya
San Francisco · Yakitori · a la carte

Mokutanya

JapaneseYakitoriRamenIzakayaLate Night

Mokutanya is Burlingame's long-standing Japanese yakitori izakaya, open every evening since 2011. The charcoal grill turns out beef tongue, pork cheek, wagyu, and other skewers alongside a ramen menu in a lively late-night atmosphere.

Price
¥¥
Area
Burlingame
Since
2011
Owner
Mokutanya (Japanese-owned)
Mokutanya — authentic japanese restaurant in San Francisco, Burlingame
Plate № 35
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About
Open since 2011, Mokutanya has become a favorite destination for Bay Area diners seeking the informal Japanese izakaya experience after dark. The kitchen centers on a charcoal yakitori grill producing skewers of wagyu beef, pork belly, bacon-wrapped quail eggs, and beef tongue, complemented by a selection of spicy beef ramen for heartier appetites. The casual, intimate space fills quickly on weekend evenings when it stays open until 1 a.m., making it one of the few genuine late-night Japanese options on the Peninsula. Wagyu beef skewers and the house ramen are consistent crowd favorites.
Neighborhood & visiting

Mokutanya sits in Burlingame, one of San Francisco's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional yakitori restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • One of the only Japanese yakitori charcoal grills on the Peninsula open past midnight on weekends.
  • The wagyu beef skewer, one of the restaurant's most photographed dishes, delivers A5-grade richness at izakaya prices.
  • The late-night atmosphere — lively, no-fuss, and authentically Japanese — mirrors the izakaya culture found in Japan's entertainment districts.
  • Spicy beef ramen served late night alongside skewers makes this the rare spot for a complete Japanese meal well after conventional closing times.

No reservations typically needed, but the restaurant fills quickly on Friday and Saturday evenings. Last seating is at 1 a.m. on weekends. — Format: Izakaya & yakitori bar. Authenticity: Japanese-owned yakitori and ramen izakaya confirmed by Bay Area food community; established in Burlingame in 2011 with charcoal-grilled skewer traditions.

Links
Website →Map →Yelp →Tripadvisor →

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Frequently asked

About Mokutanya

Is Mokutanya an authentic japanese restaurant in San Francisco?
Yes — Mokutanya is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese in San Francisco: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused yakitori format.
Where is Mokutanya located?
Mokutanya is located at 1155 California Dr Ste G, Burlingame, CA 94010, San Francisco, USA in the Burlingame neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Mokutanya?
Mokutanya does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular yakitori restaurants in San Francisco we recommend calling ahead.
What is the price range at Mokutanya?
Mokutanya sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in San Francisco.
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in San Francisco →Yakitori in San Francisco →Authentic yakitori worldwide →All cities →