Welcome to Aedan Koji Kitchen
Aedan Koji Kitchen is a hidden gem nestled in San Francisco's vibrant Mission District, dedicated to the art of fermenting and crafting exquisite Japanese bento boxes. Emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients and a thoughtful approach to flavor, this specialty food spot delights diners with its unique offerings, from koji-based miso to creative bento combinations. The passionate owner, Mariko, embodies warmth and hospitality, ensuring every dish resonates with homemade love. From the earthy, umami-rich miso soup to the delicate salmon and beautifully marinated vegetables, dining here is a nourishing experience that celebrates authentic Japanese cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.
- 613 York St, San Francisco, CA 94110 Hotline: (415) 590-3376
Welcome to Aedan Koji Kitchen, a captivating establishment nestled at 613 York St, San Francisco, CA. This specialty Japanese food haven is not just a place to grab a meal; it's an experience steeped in cultural authenticity and culinary passion.
As a food reviewer for Restaurant World, I am always on the lookout for gems that stand out not just for their food, but also for the passion infused into every dish. Aedan Koji Kitchen ticks all the right boxes. The heart of this charming spot lies in its focus on koji, a fermented rice ingredient that elevates the umami profile of each dish. The owner, Mariko, pours her soul into every recipe, ensuring that her customers not only enjoy a meal but also experience the depth and richness of traditional Japanese flavors.
- Exquisite Bento Boxes: Aedan’s bento offerings have garnered rave reviews for their health-conscious and artfully composed boxes. Customers rave about dishes like the salmon miso butter mushroom special and roast beef bento, both thoughtfully crafted using fresh, seasonal ingredients and without preservatives. Whether you select the chicken, salmon, or tofu as your protein, each option undergoes a flavorful transformation through the use of their in-house koji.
- Unique Beverages: To complement your meal, Aedan Koji Kitchen offers unforgettable beverages, such as a turmeric drink known as amazake and delicious barley tea. Customers have noted that these drinks are not only delightful but also good for gut health.
- Delightful Sides: The side dishes are just as celebrated as the main offerings, with unique pickles and miso soups that capture the essence of home-cooked meals. The meticulous fermentation process developed at Aedan transforms ordinary vegetables into memorable creations.
- Community Connection: The warm, welcoming atmosphere reflects Mariko's dedication to her craft and her customers. Reviews highlight the exceptional service, with staff going the extra mile to provide a pleasant dining experience, even offering complimentary tea to those enjoying their meals outside.
What sets Aedan Koji Kitchen apart is its ability to deliver authentic Japanese bento flavors without the frills. Customers leave not only nourished but also deeply satisfied, as they savor every element of their meals. As one satisfied diner put it, "Imagine if you had a Japanese mom or grandmother, and their love language was food; it would manifest as an Aedan bento box." This description encapsulates the love and care that goes into every dish, making it a must-try for both locals and visitors.
In a city bustling with culinary options, Aedan Koji Kitchen offers something truly special. From its meticulously crafted bento boxes to its emphasis on health and flavor, this little slice of Osaka in the heart of San Francisco beckons food lovers to come and indulge. Don't miss out on an opportunity to experience this gem—whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or seeking a healthy takeout option, Aedan Koji Kitchen will certainly not disappoint.
For more information or to tantalize your tastebuds, call (415) 590-3376. You might just find yourself returning for more!

wait this place is actually such a gem. I was walking in the mission and my friend rec'd we try this bento place and we went there right before closing and were able to snag their last roast beef bento and also a salmon bento. both were so incredibly and thoughtfully made. there was the option for either this tumeric drink v pumpkin soup so we got one of each. both were incredibly unique and divine and apparently good for our gut health. we also got some delicious barley? tea and the bento itself was immaculate. the whole experience was very lovely and just browsing thru their fridge cases i know i def have to come back soon!!

Updating my review- my husband made multiple dishes with their dark umami miso and they all came out delicious! Such a versatile and fresh ingredient- really a gem of an ingredient that you can't get elsewhere. Fresh Miso hotpot, miso soup or any miso salmon fishes the miso paste (although higher in cost than ordinary miso) is worth every penny for the depth of umami wow wow! Will be back anytime I'm in the city to pick up some of the miso paste

This amazing little spot specializes in koji and other fermented foods. I've eaten here numerous times and taken a miso-making class. The owner is very passionate about her craft, and about sharing it. She's also very kind and generous. I should mention that everything they make and sell is delicious, and most things are quite delicately flavoured. Aedan is a true SF gem.

A must-try for Japanese food lovers!! Whether you're visiting or live in the city, this cute, authentic japanese bento shop absolutely should be on your list. The Food: Healthy (no preservatives or added sugars), creative and just DELICIOUS! I swear you can't get this kind of homemade bento taste anywhere else outside of japan! I tried the poke special and it was the best poke i've had in cali. Everything is fresh and perfectly seasoned! The Service: The staff here are all friendly and sweet! Mariko the owner has a true passion for fermenting with Koji and it really shows through in both the food and service. The Ambiance: The shop doesn't have any seating, but we sat on the bench outside and they gave us complimentary tea **Bonus: They also are at the Ferry Building farmers market on Saturday!! I'll be back and will be recommending Aedan to literally everyone XD

The most exquisite and non-ostentatious bento box in the Bay Area. So many bento boxes in other places unnecessarily feature gold foil, flavorless truffle, or caviar just for show, and I love how these bentos celebrate the fresh, seasonal, unique, and diverse flavors of various vegetables and meats. I loved the salmon miso butter mushroom special! The mini Kabocha cake was adorable and delicious. Loved the miso eggplant too. The tamago was delicious. The miso soup is the best miso soup I've tried in California, so earthy and umami. Highly recommend, especially if you're hungry or in a rush, as the bento boxes are prepared quickly! There is a little bench outside but no tables, so it would be a great idea to pick up bentos & picnic nearby!

This place is an absolute gem! I am so lucky that my work is walking distance from here. Only problem is that I want to eat here every day. Imagine if you had a Japanese mom or grandmother and say their love language is food, it would literally manifest itself as an Aedan bento box. Aedan how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. The menu is small. You pick your choice of protein. They have tofu, chicken, salmon, and usually one specialty item. Last time I went the special was a miso buttered salmon with mushrooms. I'm a huge fan of the salmon. Get those omega-3s in. The side dishes that come with the bento are often marinated in their magical miso sauce and it is so flavorful! Each bite is an absolute delight! If you are starving, an Aedan bento box might leave you wanting. Get double protein for an extra $6. I think the box is the perfect amount for a bit of a lighter lunch and will leave you feeling nourished from the inside. Bento boxes also come with a choice of miso soup or a mini cup of a sweet turmeric drink called amazake. Both are delicious! Amazake is something unique and special I've never seen anywhere else but Aedan so I usually go with that. There is no seating inside but there is a little bench outside that wraps around a tree. I've sat there before with coworkers and the Aedan ladies would offer us complimentary cold tea. Every time I stop by this place looks a little bit busier than the last. I think the secret is getting out but service is always top notch here and so friendly, I'm so happy to see it! They also host miso making classes so you can attempt to replicate some of their dishes at home. Highly highly recommend!

Cute spot that looks like they take a lot of care in their craft. You can buy some ingredients like miso for cooking. Their focus seems to on making food with no additives or preservatives, and low sugar. You get a good variety with your bento and the food tastes like a bit like a home cooked meal. Keep in mind it's a light, not hearty, bento box. Tbh, it's not really for me, but I'm glad I came to check it out and I am rooting for this new spot.

My favorite spot to grab a healthy lunch with seasonal produce. Aedan sells bento boxes made with shio koji that they make themselves. This adds a lot of health benefits to the food, as well as adding a nice savory, umami flavor. I love the protein options, and the sides are delicious as well. There's also a tiny dessert they provide as well, so you really get to satisfy all your senses from texture to flavor. Like most Japanese establishments, service is amazing. They always greet you when you walk in, are thoughtful with packaging, and even offer tea if you sit at the bench outside for lunch. My favorite item is the salmon + mushroom bento box. They rotate out the sides (different types of pickles and etc) and soup (different items in the miso soup from tofu to gluten balls). One day they even had a spicy curry soup that reminded me of Hokkaido soup curry. Currently it's $20 for a regular salmon bento box. The specials are usually $23. No seating except for a bench next to the entrance. It usually has a really nice, peaceful ambiance - the Mission is warm and sunny and it is shady under the tree. But the street is currently under construction, so it's been dusty and construction block most of the walking path.

Service is EXCELLENT very kind, gentle spoken man whom took my order over the phone as well, cashiered me out at my pick up. Husband and wife ran small take-out only business. Open kitchen and drinks available in glass door refrigerator. Ordered the bento with beef which comes with choice of in-house made oakmilk beverage or small miso soup. I chose the miso soup, but, I purchased the beverage as well. You only choose the protein, the sides come with your choice. The beef is chopped wagyu, and ,looks like a small meatloaf . Everything was extremely flavorful with each it's own unique flavor. I was skeptical about the meat loaf at first, because it looked like it was covered in mustard seed, but you don't taste mustard seed, and they just melt in your mouth. They're not crunchy they don't pop. The flavor is absolutely delicious reading their menu. They tell you exactly how they use fermentation to make the dishes and the sauces, which is probably why everything is so exceptionally great. The sides that came with the box were also each unique and delicious. The only thing I wasn't fond of was the eggplant side because it hurt my tongue. I thought that the eggroll omelette was a cake roll, but it was not. The dessert in this dish was a red bean ,almost like Mochi cake, but not Mochi. The miso soup was very good. It does not taste like your traditional Japanese restaurant miso soup. This taste very homemade like some miso soup you would get at your mom's house. The beverage is an oatmeal based Hamakaze turmeric drink that has organic rice koji, Water, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, and nutmeg. Opinion, almost taste, like curry was not curry, but a sweet creamy beverage. It was nothing savory about it, but it was delicious..... I absolutely love this restaurant and very happy to have found it using YELP!!! #yelpsanfrancisco #yelpbayarea

So glad this takeout spot opened up! I was so excited for some fresh and authentic bento for lunch and have passed by this spot at the Ferry farmers market but never ended up trying it. We ordered the salmon egg bento and the chicken bento with added salmon. Each came with a set of pickled vegetables, fresh miso soup, sweet mochi, and tamago. While we waited for our food, we chatted with the owner who was so friendly and gladly shared their story. The food was perfectly cooked and very flavorful - simple but filling!