Try Kawanoya in Noe Valley! February 23, 2026

Mentioned in this episode:

• Kawanoya - 1689 Church Street, San Francisco

Check out past episodes of this podcast at the To Do San Francisco podcast archive.

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Transcript

Jamie Whitaker 0:17

Greetings, this is Jamie, and you're listening to the To Do San Francisco podcast for Monday, February 23rd, 2026. Before we dive into our city's ever changing landscape, I want you to take a moment for yourself. Here's your affirmation for the day. You are allowed to take up space. Whether you're walking down a crowded sidewalk or sitting in a quiet cafe, your presence is valid, and you don't need to apologize for simply existing. Breathe that in for a second. Alright, let's talk food. Full disclosure, my husband and I are usually some of the very last people to try the it spots around town. We tend to wait for the dust to settle. But the digital grapevine kept pushing a name in front of us until we finally caved. I'm talking about Kawanoya, a sleek new Izakaya that just landed in Noe Valley back in december twenty twenty five. I've actually been there twice now, which is a big deal for us, especially since we don't even live in the neighborhood. The good news is for the rest of us it's incredibly easy to get to. Sits right off the J Church Muni train, so you can skip the Noe Valley parking nightmare entirely. The quality of the meals here really caught me off guard. The menu is incredibly well crafted, feels authentic and intentional. They have everything from hot pots and karaage to a soul warming ochizuka that honestly made my husband feel like the ghost of his Okasan, his mother, was right there in the kitchen. On our first trip, we went for the fried chicken cartilage for twelve dollars. If you like a bit of texture, it's a must. Flash fried to that perfect chewy consistency. We paired that with the eighteen dollar veggies combo set, which is five beautifully grilled skewers, okra, shimages, grape tomatoes, the works. And because I was feeling indulgent, I added a six dollar pork belly skewer that was just chef's kiss. Went back recently specifically for their pork katsu curry. It's a newer addition and their only curry offering, but it's a total powerhouse. Hearty, tender, and the panko crust is perfection. Delicious. Before I let you get back to your day, let's wrap up with a little tip on kindness and civility. When you're visiting these smaller neighborhood gems, like Kawanoya, remember that your server is often managing a delicate flow to keep the atmosphere sleek and quiet. A simple thank you so much when they clear a plate, or even just a genuine smile makes a massive difference in their shift. Civility isn't just about being polite, it's about acknowledging the human being behind the service. Don't let this week wear you down, pace yourself, be kind to your transit drivers, and I'll talk to you soon. Have a joyful day, San Francisco.