Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Bun Mee – San Francisco
Bun Mee - San Francisco
Photo from Bun Mee
Bun Mee at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 56 of the guests
#1793 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#56 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
310
Reviews
66.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Consistent food
- Efficient service
- Pleasant decor
Frequently criticized
- Rude service
- Pricey perception
- Hygiene issues
Overview: Introducting Bun Mee
Bun Mee offers a casual dining experience where the focus is clearly on the food. Many appreciate the consistent quality and delicious options, often highlighting the chicken and bread.
It’s a place where you can generally expect a satisfying meal, especially if you prioritize taste. However, the experience isn’t without its drawbacks.
While some find the atmosphere pleasant, others have noted concerns about cleanliness and an unwelcoming environment. Service can also be a mixed bag, with efficiency sometimes overshadowed by perceived rudeness.
Good
6.8
out of 10
310
Reviews
66.1%
Satisfaction
82
negative
23
neutral
205
positive
Bun Mee achieves an overall 6.8 score, placing it in the good range, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 66.1%. This suggests that while many patrons leave content, there’s still a notable portion with reservations.
The Food (7.2) stands out as the strongest aspect, consistently praised for its quality and flavor, reflecting its top position among topics. Conversely, Value (5.2) is where Bun Mee struggles most, often cited as a concern.
Ambience (6.5) and Service (6.2) both fall into the average category, indicating areas with room for improvement. These insights are drawn from a total of 310 customer opinions, comprising 205 positive and 82 negative sentiments.
What people like
- Delicious, consistent food
- Efficient service
- Casual, clean decor
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, rude service
- Value perception issues
- Cleanliness concerns
If you’re seeking a quick, flavorful meal and prioritize the food itself, Bun Mee is worth considering. The strong performance of its culinary offerings, backed by a 7 recommendation score, suggests you’ll likely find something to enjoy on the menu.
However, if a pristine dining environment, consistently warm service, or budget-friendly pricing are your top priorities, you might find the experience less satisfying. It’s a place that delivers on taste, but with some caveats regarding the overall dining context.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bun Mee
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.2 and a customer satisfaction rate of 70.6%, both landing squarely in the good range! Many of the 149 positive remarks rave about the delicious Vietnamese food, especially the fresh veggies, vibrant flavors, and generous portions. Their Banh Mi sandwiches and tasty fries also get a lot of love.
However, it's not all perfect, as 46 negative comments point out some areas for improvement. Some diners felt the food lacked authenticity or was bland, with issues like stale bread and lukewarm pho being mentioned. A few also found certain dishes, like the pho broth or specific sandwiches, to be disappointing or have too much mayo.
Food
211
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
46
negative
16
neutral
149
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Banh Mi
- Fresh ingredients
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Lacks authenticity
- Bland flavors
- Stale bread
Often praised
- foodThis is my go-to place for chilly day comfort food on Fillmore. The quality of food is consistently great and comes out fast. I had a wonderful experience here.
- Vietnamese foodThis is my regular go-to for quick and tasty Vietnamese food. They also offer curbside dining, which is a great option during these times.
- breadthe meat and bread are really good
- sweet potato friesThe sweet potato fries were also cooked to perfection and a great accompaniment!
- menuFor the quality provided, I'd consider it fair. They have an interesting menu that includes all the staples, plus some unique options. It's important to note that if you choose something unusual from their menu, it's likely to be just that – unusual.
- porkThis place is always empty at dinnertime, so there’s never a wait. The Bun Noodle Bowl is a huge amount of food, and the pork is delicious; I definitely recommend it. The Banh Mi is a bit small for the cost, but still good.
- Bahn MiI like this Bahn Mi better
- FoodFood:4
- chickenI love the chicken! In a salad, on a sandwich in the pho. Yum!
- consistencyI love the consistency
Frequently criticized
- noodlesWould be better with thicker noodles
- pateThe pate was a little bit salty for me
- sandwichThe sandwich was less than edible
- 5 spice grilled chicken sandwich5 spice grilled chicken sandwich, which o ly had 2 slices of jalapeños
- Banh miHad better Banh mi in the city
- Five Spice ChickenFive Spice Chicken sandwich for $14. It was so flavorless
- Tapioca pearlsforgot my Tapioca pearls
- Vietnamese coffeethat Viet coffee was whack (too sweet and too bitter)
- Vietnamese foodnot the most real place to eat Vietnamese food
- authenticityas authentic as panda express
If you're looking for a quick and tasty Vietnamese meal with fresh ingredients and good portions, especially their Banh Mi and fries, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might not hit the mark for authenticity or flavor balance, so choose wisely!
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
Diving into the service experience, its clear there are some real bright spots! Many patrons rave about the friendly staff and their efficiency, often noting how quickly orders are ready or how attentive the team is. From smooth pick-ups to excellent service, 24 positive remarks highlight a generally pleasant interaction, with some even praising the short waiting time.
However, the overall impression is a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 58.5% and an average score of 6.2. Out of 41 total observations, 14 critical comments point to instances where employees were perceived as rude and insensitive or simply unfriendly. Some guests also felt the staff didnt listen or wouldn't read notes, leading to less-than-ideal experiences.
Service
41
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
14
negative
3
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Efficient service
What people don't like
- Staff is rude
- Staff ignores notes
- Employees inattentive
Often praised
- staffThe staff was very attentive and friendly
- serviceFriendly and fast service
- ServiceThey kindly brought our sandwiches out to us
- waiting timeIt's important to remember to ask them specifically for hoisin sauce. I recommend this place if you're looking for a pretty solid meal without waiting too long.
- adding jalapeñosasked about adding jalapeños to each menu item was impressive
- came really quicklyit came really quickly
- curbside diningcurbside dining available
- efficiencyappreciate their efficiency very much
- excellent serviceMy experience at the restaurant was largely positive. I enjoyed the good food and excellent service. It was lovely to sit outside and savor my catfish sando.
- pick uporder pick up from here multiple times a week
Frequently criticized
- staffStaff here on a Friday evening consisted of 2 middle aged men , who created the most unwelcoming environment.
- servicethe service by the staff compliment the lethargy
- ServiceService:2
- cashiershe did not believe me and argued with me
- employeesI came to the bun mee in the airport with a voucher. When I arrived, all the employees were on their phones. The lady took my order, and I paid with the voucher, which I believe had about $10 left.
- notesThey will not read your notes
- order onlineridiculous to make your customers order online
- package your foodthey wont package your food correctly
- rude and insensitivesomeone could be that rude and insensitive
- waiting outsideMy experience at the restaurant involved receiving a pre-packaged sandwich that was quickly prepared. While it was fine since it's meant to be eaten cold, I had to wait outside for my food because they were frying the salty sweet potato fries. I was impressed that they asked about adding jalapeños to each menu item.
If youre looking for quick and friendly service, youll likely be pleased, as many positive experiences highlight efficiency. However, be aware that some guests have encountered less-than-friendly staff, so your mileage may vary. Its a place worth trying if speed is a priority, but dont expect consistently stellar interactions.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot lands an average score of 6.5, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 65.4%. Many guests really enjoyed the decor and appreciated the overall cleanliness, especially the spotless bathrooms. The outdoor seating and well-done patio set-up were big hits, creating a comfortable, informal atmosphere with pleasant music, as noted in 17 positive remarks out of 26 observations.
However, it wasn't all sunshine and patios. Some found the location to be a drawback, and a few felt the environment was unwelcoming. There were concerns about the place being filthy, with dirty tables and unacceptable bathrooms, particularly when it got a bit crowded, accounting for 6 negative comments.
Ambience
26
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great outdoor seating
- Pleasant decor
- Informal atmosphere
What people don't like
- Unwelcoming environment
- Filthy bathrooms
- Gets crowded
Often praised
- atmosphereCasual atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- bathroomsthe bathrooms which were spotless
- cleanlinessand cleanliness
- cute cozy zoneCute cozy zone
- decorI love the decor
- delicious placeFinally a delicious place at the airport I can enjoy!
- informal atmosphereWe liked the informal atmosphere.
- interiorThe interior was clean
- lovely to sit outsideI enjoyed the good food and excellent service. It was lovely to sit outside and savor my catfish sando. However, the bubble tea was too sweet because it was premade.
Frequently criticized
- bathroomPlease CLEAN your bathroom. Unacceptable.
- crowdedit gets a little crowded
- environmentwho created the most unwelcoming environment.
- filthyThis place is filthy!!!!
- locationThe only downside is the location
- tablesWipe down your tables. Food everywhere.
If youre looking for a casual place with good outdoor options and dont mind a potentially busy scene, it's worth a try. Just be aware that while some find it clean and cozy, others have noted issues with cleanliness and crowding.
Value (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 5.2 and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 46.9%. Many customers appreciate the reasonable prices, often finding items like lunch options for under $10, offering good value. Based on 15 positive remarks, guests often feel they get a decent amount of food for what they pay.
However, the value proposition isnt always a hit, with 16 negative comments highlighting concerns. Some feel the price has seen a big jump, leading to perceptions of it being an overpriced hipster bánh mì place. Issues like unexpected surcharges or feeling like they paid extra for nothing' also contribute to a less satisfying experience for some patrons, out of 32 total opinions.
Value
32
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
16
negative
1
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Affordable lunch
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Unexpected price hikes
- Hidden fees
- Overpriced perception
Often praised
- priceI was impressed that they asked about adding jalapeños to each menu item. Given the price, the portion sizes were quite large, leaving me very full. I ordered the Special and the Chicken Banh Mi.
- pricesprices are very reasonable
- reasonably pricedMy experience at the restaurant was very satisfying. I had the five spice chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries, which were both delicious and reasonably priced. It was a great option for a quick lunch.
- reasonably priced lunchGreat place for a reasonably priced lunch
- under $10all under $10
- valueValue is not bad for the amount of food given
Frequently criticized
- priceOn a mission to try every banh mi in the city, I found this place to be the most expensive and the worst tasting so far. I would have preferred skipping lunch altogether.
- $20$20 just for that
- $22Although the red curry notes were present, they didn't work for me. I felt disappointed to have spent $22 as the food did not taste good. I regret not consulting reviews and photos beforehand and have no desire to return.
- actual priceIt’s making a mockery of the actual price.
- bag feecharged me a bag fee for a bag I never asked for
- big jumpthat’s a big jump
- lunchDropping $25 or so on lunch is expensive for me and not something I could afford daily. But I still go back there because the quality is there.
- overpriced hipster bánh mì placetypical overpriced hipster bánh mì place
- paid extra for nothingThis meant I couldn't enjoy my drink at all, especially since I had to board a plane shortly after. Essentially, I paid extra for nothing.
- parkingI split my bowl and fries into two meals to make it more affordable. I hate waiting for food, so I appreciate their efficiency very much, especially given the expensive parking in the area.
Overall, the value here is a bit of a gamble. If you catch them on a good day with reasonable prices, you might find a decent meal. However, be prepared for potential price hikes or unexpected fees that could make it feel overpriced.
How are the prices at Bun Mee?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 56 diners. That puts it squarely in the $11–$20 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, especially in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but certainly not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find their sweet spot here, with the majority of prices clustering right around this range. While there are a few options for those wanting to spend a little less or a bit more, the core experience is firmly in the middle.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 56 reviews.
A look at this restaurant’s value for money compared to similar places in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco. You’re getting a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bun Mee
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
5
Americanized Vietnamese Food with a Surcharge
My experience at this restaurant was a bit of a mixed bag. The food was okay, offering an Americanized take on Vietnamese cuisine, though not entirely authentic. The service was also acceptable, despite a slightly slow start in taking our order.
However, the main reason for my dissatisfaction and a downgrade in my rating was the management's decision to add a surcharge instead of adjusting menu prices. This practice, which seems to be prevalent in San Francisco, felt like a "con" as it added another layer of cost on top of tax and tips, making the advertised prices misleading. This management decision led me to downgrade the restaurant from 4 stars to 3.
- food6
- service6
- surcharge2
- actual price3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Chicken and Friendly Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely loved the chicken, which was delicious in every way I tried it – in a salad, on a sandwich, and even in the pho. Yum!
The staff were incredibly friendly, adding to the overall positive experience. The atmosphere was also great, rated a 5 out of 5, and the noise level was moderate, making for a comfortable dining environment.
- chicken10
- staff10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
1
Horrible Pho Experience
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, particularly with the chicken pho. The pho itself was horrible and tasteless, lacking the signature smell of the broth that defines authentic Vietnamese food. Instead, it smelled strongly of sprouts, and I felt they were trying to cheat customers by providing more sprouts and fewer noodles.
They didn't even ask if we wanted sprouts, just dumped them in. To make matters worse, the sprouts appeared unwashed or carelessly washed. My parents cannot eat sprouts, and I questioned why they weren't asked beforehand.
Overall, it was a horrible pho place.
- chicken pho1
- pho broth1
- sprouts1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Best Fast Casual in Pac Heights!
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional, making it the best fast casual place in Pac Heights. The food is delicious, healthy, and unique. I particularly love the Bun Mee meals, and I regularly order the rainbow salad with chicken, though all other options are great too!
I also highly recommend the brussel sprouts. My husband and I order pick up from here multiple times a week because it's that good.
- Bun Mee meals10
- rainbow salad with chicken9
- brussel sprouts9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
9
Delicious Crispy Chicken Salad!
My experience at the restaurant was centered around the crispy chicken salad, which I found to be really delicious. I am looking forward to having it again.
- crispy chicken salad9
What Bun Mee offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
How does Bun Mee generally perform?
Bun Mee holds a 6.8 overall score, indicating a good experience for many. Its Food (7.2) is a strong point, while Ambience (6.5) and Service (6.2) are average. Value (5.2) is its lowest-scoring aspect.
What do customers appreciate most about Bun Mee?
Many customers praise the food for its consistent quality and delicious taste, often highlighting the chicken and bread. The staff are frequently noted for being attentive and providing fast service.
Are there any common complaints about Bun Mee?
Some patrons have reported issues with service, describing staff as unwelcoming or rude. Concerns about cleanliness in the dining area and bathrooms, along with perceptions of the price being too high, are also mentioned.