Common Sage

Really enjoyed this place! Such an eclectic menu - so many tea choices - and a super friendly staff. They educated me and had me feeling like a regular in no time. I had a black sesame hot tea with sushi....it was just fabulous! Casual with bold flavors - just a delight!

Great selection of sake. They have dai ginjo

Michelle Morris

After shopping for a few things I’ve never tried, I ordered Kimchi Omusubi and a side of Miso to eat-in. I also purchased a bag of Turtle Chips (Churro!) and a couple of l beverages to enjoy at home later. There are a dozen seats at a few tables in middle of the shopping area, most seats are counter-height stools/chairs. It was a comfy space and I’m excited to come back to try more of the tasty offerings. Common Sage Medium-Body broth made with chicken, pork, fish, garlic, onion, potato and spice. I found the broth flavorful but not too salty.

Dyanna Volek

I love finding hidden gems like this cute, woman-owned, Japanese market! I ordered the Salmon Omusubi and Black Sesame Latte. Both were delicious! The person behind the counter asked about sweetness, and I ordered no sweet which was perfect. The black latte was very photographic. I was about to take it to-go but decided to take advantage of the seating and chatted it up with a a friendly customer. I can't wait to come back and shop the snacks and selection of Sake.

Pamela L

It's a corner business that sells mainly Japanese products - alcohol, snacks, spices, cookies, etc. Most prices are more than major grocery stores, however, for convenience, it's worth paying more if you need something right away. The place is clean, well lighted, not cramped and products are nicely displayed. There's outdoor and indoor seating. I ordered the Kurobuta (black pig sausage) omusubi thinking I never had it before, then I realized I had it in Spain and Portugal. The rice was cooked perfectly - not gluggy or mushy. I won't be ordering this again because I think it is overpriced for two tiny slices of kurobuta where you can hardly taste the flavor. The owner convinced me to try their coffee from Sightless - made in CA. She said she tried many coffees and that this one she thinks is the best. The coffee is mellow, rich/dense flavor, smooth and does not leave a bitter/acid taste. The coffee is served in a ceramic cup. The owner carried my cup to the table and within minutes, the Kurobuta omusubi was delivered to me. The owner is knowledgeable and friendly. It's really a nice place to relax, take a break, shop or just hang out.

Sara Star

LOVE this hidden gem! The in-house Korean food is authentic, healthy, and without msg! I love their kimbab (rice & veggie rolls with seaweed wrap), full of veggies and vegan friendly and made fresh daily. Their soups and ramen are also so good. This shop is also stocked with both fresh and refrigerated Korean & Japanese foods so you can always keep your kitchen stocked. I come at least once weekly to get my Korean & Japanese food cravings filled. 🥰 I hope they expand their Korean stew menu. (I finished my soup and stew bowls so here are pics of Korean Kimbab, and Jabchae noodles.)

Spencer

What a lovely place! I happened upon this store when I was looking for some ramen to eat, and I’m so glad I found it! A lovely store with a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food! I am very picky about my ramen, but I absolutely loved the Shoyou ramen! I got the half ramen half salmon omusubi, and a iced matcha latte which was amazing! Seating both in and I believe some outside as well :) A must go everytime I visit SF from now on!

Matthew Sheldon

I'm from out of town but I stopped in here on a whim while exploring around my hotel on my own. The selection is fantastic for such a little store. There's cozy seating available while still having plenty of room to move around without it feeling cramped. The vibe is top notch and I genuinely wish I had a little cafe/ market just like this back home.

Sendy Barrows

Well stocked corner bodega. I didn't try the food but the cold teas were good. The best one was the black sesame. I also appreciated the lady at the counter who took the time to give recommendations about the different tea options.

Brandon Higley

The menu is short and sweet! Pick a ramen bowl, add extra ingredients if you want, or grab a rice ball with your choice of stuffing. Plenty of Asian snacks and ingredients too, if you want something to go.

Tati A

This is my go to spot to eat every time I fly in San Francisco. Love the food and enjoy the atmosphere. I did not catch the gentleman's name but he is the one who cooks the ramen and he was so funny and sweet. The food is always fresh and delicious and YES I will be returning per usual!!!

Phillip

Always the nicest people working at this cute Japanese specialty shop and restaurant. Delicious food, excellent and unique wine selection, and a few tables for you to sit and eat your treats!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Common Sage is one of the best hidden gems for ramen and comfort food. Their Common Sage Miso Ramen is rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with tender chicken, garlic, and fresh toppings. They also have a great Vegetarian Shoyu Ramen that’s light but still packed with flavor — perfect if you want a vegan option. Beyond ramen, their onigiri (rice balls) are a must-try, especially the tuna mayo and spam varieties. I also love their bibimbap bowls and unique sandwiches, which give you something different if you’re not in the mood for noodles. Drinks are another highlight — from smooth lattes to creative options like the black sesame latte and golden milk tea, plus a full coffee menu for espresso lovers. Everything is thoughtfully made and never feels rushed. The space is cozy and welcoming, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Prices are reasonable for the quality and freshness you get.

Erin Beachkofski

Lovely little corner store!! Has a really great selection of Japanese food (the miso is really good!) and snacks

California Center

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Common Sage is one of the best hidden gems for ramen and comfort food. Their Common Sage Miso Ramen is rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with tender chicken, garlic, and fresh toppings. They also have a great Vegetarian Shoyu Ramen that’s light but still packed with flavor — perfect if you want a vegan option. Beyond ramen, their onigiri (rice balls) are a must-try, especially the tuna mayo and spam varieties. I also love their bibimbap bowls and unique sandwiches, which give you something different if you’re not in the mood for noodles. Drinks are another highlight — from smooth lattes to creative options like the black sesame latte and golden milk tea, plus a full coffee menu for espresso lovers. Everything is thoughtfully made and never feels rushed. The space is cozy and welcoming, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Prices are reasonable for the quality and freshness you get.

Common Sage is my neighborhood Japanese food shop. It was a convenience store before being transformed to a Japanese ramen, rice balls & more shop. I ordered the CS Miso Ramen. The noodles were tender with the perfect amount of elasticity. There were 2 slices of chasu, bits of green onions and bean sprouts. The container was super (!) cool. The tray on the top holds your noodles and fixings. The hot broth below is steaming the ingredients keeping everything warm! Tasty ramen. I’ll come back to try the custom order rice ball next time. Savory snack or meal when on the go or wrapping up at nearby wine bars.

The pork in miso ramen smells great and tastes great. Noodles were also good. But the flavor of the soup still no really Japanese.

I just had the most delicious vegetarian ramen. I became pescatarian 6 months ago and I'm a ramen lover. Leaving the Tonkotsu broth behind has been a challenge simply because vegetarian broth are usually disappointing but THIS ONE is the best I've had. Common Sage is now my favorite place to go. I live on the East Bay, but I'll travel for this. Thank you Common Sage cook, you brought me hope in my search for a good ramen as a pescatarian. 🙏

Joanna T

Common Sage is my neighborhood Japanese food shop. It was a convenience store before being transformed to a Japanese ramen, rice balls & more shop. I ordered the CS Miso Ramen. The noodles were tender with the perfect amount of elasticity. There were 2 slices of chasu, bits of green onions and bean sprouts. The container was super (!) cool. The tray on the top holds your noodles and fixings. The hot broth below is steaming the ingredients keeping everything warm! Tasty ramen. I’ll come back to try the custom order rice ball next time. Savory snack or meal when on the go or wrapping up at nearby wine bars.

楊博安

The pork in miso ramen smells great and tastes great. Noodles were also good. But the flavor of the soup still no really Japanese.

Jessyca

I just had the most delicious vegetarian ramen. I became pescatarian 6 months ago and I'm a ramen lover. Leaving the Tonkotsu broth behind has been a challenge simply because vegetarian broth are usually disappointing but THIS ONE is the best I've had. Common Sage is now my favorite place to go. I live on the East Bay, but I'll travel for this. Thank you Common Sage cook, you brought me hope in my search for a good ramen as a pescatarian. 🙏

Cute little shop, but I guess that translates to the serving sizes too. Way too expensive for what's included in the base ramen. 5 dozen eggs are $15 at Costco, embellish your customers a little bit. The complete lack of toppings besides bean sprouts with 2 small strips of chasu on ramen for nearly $20 is wild. The broth is wildly flavorful so please do better with it. Bibimbap was good, but again, suffers from a small serving size for the price. At least the egg was included on it.

The ramen is average. Very few ingredients (noodles, cheshunt, beansprouts), nothing else. I will not come again as there are many better options elsewhere.

Aria Monae

Cute little shop, but I guess that translates to the serving sizes too. Way too expensive for what's included in the base ramen. 5 dozen eggs are $15 at Costco, embellish your customers a little bit. The complete lack of toppings besides bean sprouts with 2 small strips of chasu on ramen for nearly $20 is wild. The broth is wildly flavorful so please do better with it. Bibimbap was good, but again, suffers from a small serving size for the price. At least the egg was included on it.

Edward Kim

The ramen is average. Very few ingredients (noodles, cheshunt, beansprouts), nothing else. I will not come again as there are many better options elsewhere.

unfortunate to say that the food here is as of putting as the service. the lady at the counter acted offended to take your order and i felt unwelcomed here. i could’ve maybe set that aside if the food was good but the bibimbap ($20) was stale with microwaved beef. overall, skip this place and spend your money elsewhere.

Andrea Santos

unfortunate to say that the food here is as of putting as the service. the lady at the counter acted offended to take your order and i felt unwelcomed here. i could’ve maybe set that aside if the food was good but the bibimbap ($20) was stale with microwaved beef. overall, skip this place and spend your money elsewhere.

When it takes two people to understand I ordered one item and not two, I’m not gonna exactly trust the food. I’m on a budget and so to trust you to make food for me, I already understand my mistake. Food is always good but the service… maybe customer facing isn’t for some of you, as someone who has heard and LEARNED from that, maybe y’all should too.

ivan vargas

When it takes two people to understand I ordered one item and not two, I’m not gonna exactly trust the food. I’m on a budget and so to trust you to make food for me, I already understand my mistake. Food is always good but the service… maybe customer facing isn’t for some of you, as someone who has heard and LEARNED from that, maybe y’all should too.

Charlize Winslow

I have stopped going there because the weekday female cashier is totally rude and lacks customer service skills. This shop is at a very convenient location but I can get Asian groceries at Golden Veggie Market down the street.