Yaoya-San - El Cerrito, California

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.

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.

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.

Al 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.

N'Dozie M.

Always a must stop when I'm in the area. Will even sometimes go out of my way. Good variety of items throughout the store. Fresh seafood and ready made meals. I always leave with more than I stopped in for!

David J.

Great quality Japanese food and beverages. There are a variety of Japan-imported seasonings, snacks, drinks frozen food, and appliances. I made some really tasty and fancy ramen noodle with the ingredients purchased at this store.

Roger A.

I found this a couple weeks ago. I was looking for some Japanese snacks.

I was pretty ecstatic about seeing this place and a lot of their offerings.
Good selection of foods and snacks. A lot of options for ramen, from instant to cook your own to pre made to cook. So happy to find this place.