Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Rice Roll Express – San Francisco
Rice Roll Express - San Francisco
Photo from Rice Roll Express
Rice Roll Express at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- π₯‘ Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11β$20
mentioned by 113 of the guests
#751 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#37 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
540
Reviews
80.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant Rice Roll Express in San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown neighborhood offers you an authentic taste of Chinese cuisine. This casual Chinese restaurant is your go-to spot for delicious small plates and a quick bite.
Whether you’re exploring the city or looking for a convenient meal, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere here. Experience the bustling energy of Chinatown as you enjoy freshly prepared dishes, perfect for any time of day.
Overview: Introducting Rice Roll Express
Good
7.9
out of 10
540
Reviews
80.2%
Satisfaction
56
negative
51
neutral
433
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on Rice Roll Express
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, diners are generally thrilled! With a solid score of 8.2 and a customer satisfaction rate of 85.4% across 363 remarks, its clear the kitchen is doing something right. Guests consistently praise the delicious and flavorful rice rolls, often noting their silky and soft texture and fresh ingredients.
Many find the authentic Cantonese dishes, especially the beef and BBQ pork options, to be truly satisfying. However, not every bite is perfect. A smaller number of comments, 31 out of 363, point to some areas for improvement.
A few wished for more diverse sauces beyond soy sauce, and the soy milk occasionally disappointed with a watered-down taste. There were also mentions of inconsistent texture in some rice rolls and concerns about ingredients' being a bit sparse in certain dishes, with some portions feeling more like a snack than a full meal.
Food
363
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
31
negative
22
neutral
310
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Silky rice rolls
- Fresh ingredients
- Authentic Cantonese flavor
What people don't like
- Watered-down soy milk
- Sparse ingredients
- Limited sauce variety
Often praised
- rice rollsIt's a no-frills, casual spot located in the heart of Chinatown. I enjoyed the delicious and fresh rice rolls, which come with a variety of toppings and sauces to add. I tried the 'Shrimp Feast, ' which was tasty and I would definitely recommend it.
- foodI did have to go to an ATM nearby as they only accept cash at this point, which was a bit inconvenient. However, besides that, the restaurant offered great prices, quick service, and delicious food. I had heard about wait times of 15-30 minutes, but despite there being a steady flow of people at this time, my order came out in no more than 5-10 minutes.
- rice rollMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be an incredible rice roll spot, offering some of the best food in SF. The value for what you get is also very good.
- soy milkWhile ordering extra toppings felt a bit strange, it's a minor point. They also offer a side of warm lightly sweetened soy milk.
- soy sauceThe beef roll was probably my favorite, so it was a great recommendation indeed! I do wish there were sauces other than soy sauce available, but other than that, the soy sauce did just fine in enhancing the flavors of each roll. All in all, I am VERY pleased and already canβt wait to go back for more!
- FoodFood was quick
- portionsI loved that you get a free vegetable to include in your rolls. The prices were reasonable and the portions were large, making it great value for money. The service was incredibly quick, and they efficiently called out numbers when orders were ready.
- chili oilthe chili oil they have up near the counter
- rice noodlesThe rice noodles were like silk ribbons, perfect texture.
- shrimp rice rollTried their shrimp rice roll for a late lunch (2p). 10/10
Frequently criticized
- black sesame soupblack sesame soup which, again, I tried here for the first time, but I'm not a big fan of.
- congeethe congee I would skip
- foodI'm giving this restaurant one star because a zero isn't an option. My experience was marked by very rude staff, and the food was nothing special. The service and atmosphere also received a one-star rating.
- soy milkThe soy milk was extremely watered down and had no flavor
- beef Dumplingsbeef "Dumpling." Much dough, lettuce and little main filling
- beef soupBeef soup has the toughest beef I have ever had
- cilantro and shrimp rice rollso disappointed with the cilantro and shrimp rice roll
- cold sweet soy milkspecifically for cold sweet soy milk and was very disappointed
- cornThe corn was slightly firm and not very sweet
- dried shrimp fillingsIn the images, the portions appear to be very well-stuffed. However, (see images) the dried shrimp fillings are almost non-existent. The same applies to the beef "Dumplings.
If youre looking for delicious, authentic Cantonese rice rolls with fresh ingredients and a silky texture, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some side items like the soy milk might not hit the mark, and you might need to order a bit extra if youre looking for a very filling meal.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.4 score. Many of the 35 positive remarks out of 52 total opinions highlight the incredibly quick and speedy service, with orders often arriving in just 5 minutes. Customers frequently praise the polite and accommodating staff, making for a smooth and pleasant experience.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 67.3%, indicating some room for improvement. While many enjoy fast service, a few of the 7 negative comments point to frustratingly long wait times, sometimes exceeding 30mins+. There are also occasional mentions of rude staff and communication issues, particularly when asking for specific requests like soup for noodle.
Service
52
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
7
negative
10
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick service
- Polite staff
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
- Communication issues
Often praised
- serviceI did have to go to an ATM nearby as they only accept cash at this point, which was a bit inconvenient. However, besides that, the restaurant offered great prices, quick service, and delicious food. I had heard about wait times of 15-30 minutes, but despite there being a steady flow of people at this time, my order came out in no more than 5-10 minutes.
- ServiceService:5
- 5 minutesit took about 5 minutes
- Quick serviceQuick service
- accommodatingvery polite and accommodating!
- deliveryMy experience was great! I ordered to my hotel and the food was delicious and came very fast. I enjoyed the congee, black buns, and the fried chicken.
- orderGot the order after 8 minutes
- orderingordering was quick
- politevery polite and accommodating!
- quickDelicious and quick
Frequently criticized
- wait timea 15-minute wait. However, by 12:10 PM, many more people arrived, increasing the wait time to 30+ minutes.
- localsI can't communicate with many of the locals here
- rude staffVery rude staff
- serviceservice non existent
- soup for noodlewhen we asked for a bit of soup for noodle, they don't know what to do and ended up asking us to pay one dollar.
Overall, if youre looking for a quick bite with generally efficient and friendly service, youll likely be pleased. Just be prepared that during peak times, you might encounter longer wait times or occasional communication hiccups, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.6 with a strong customer satisfaction of 77.8%. Based on 49 positive remarks out of 63 total, guests frequently praise the overall cleanliness and the variety of seating options available. Many appreciate the relaxing space and the nicely renovated, modern interior, making it a comfortable spot to dine.
However, its not without its minor drawbacks, with 7 negative comments. The most common concern revolves around parking difficulties, which can be a real hassle in the area. A few also mentioned the hard wood benches, suggesting that while theres plenty of seating, some options might not be the most comfortable for a long stay.
Ambience
63
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
7
negative
7
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean interior
- Ample seating
- Relaxing atmosphere
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Hard benches
Often praised
- atmosphereCasual dine in atmosphere with lots of seating
- seatingThe soy milk was enjoyable, though slightly watery. The service was pretty fast, and there was plenty of seating available. Overall, a very satisfying meal.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessThe quality is good enough that they're still enjoyable for takeout the day after. There are tables available to sit down and eat, and the area is pretty clean. While you can find rice noodle rolls a bit cheaper at other nearby hole-in-the-walls, their quality and quantity can be inconsistent.
- interiorDefinitely the silkiest rice rolls Iβve eaten in San Francisco! The interior is spacious and clean, with good prices, and the service is good. A must try.
- restaurantVery new and clean restaurant!
- cleanitβs very clean
- cleanest restaurantOne of the cleanest restaurant here in China town
- communal tablelarge communal table available, which was good
- dine insideRecommend to dine inside otherwise they would stick to each other.
Frequently criticized
- parkingdon't expect any parking
- Parking optionsParking is unavailable
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- seatsthe seats are hard wood benches and difficult to sit on
- slurping his soupIt was delicious and I got full. The only annoying thing was the guy loudly slurping his soup next to me. Then I looked around and realized that everyone was slurping.
If youre looking for a clean, spacious, and generally relaxing spot with good seating options, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a bit of a hunt for parking, and maybe dont plan on lingering too long if you're sensitive to hard seating.
Value (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to getting bang for your buck, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 7.1 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 62.9%, many guests rave about the incredible value and affordable prices. Out of 62 customer remarks, 39 were positive, frequently highlighting how cheap and reasonable everything is, making it a fantastic deal for your money.
However, a few things might catch you off guard. While the prices are great, 11 negative comments often point out the inconvenience of payment methods. Many wish they could pay with card, as it's often cash only or requires Venmo, which can be a minor hassle for some diners.
Value
62
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
11
negative
12
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great value
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Cash only
- No credit cards
Often praised
- pricesI did have to go to an ATM nearby as they only accept cash at this point, which was a bit inconvenient. However, besides that, the restaurant offered great prices, quick service, and delicious food. I had heard about wait times of 15-30 minutes, but despite there being a steady flow of people at this time, my order came out in no more than 5-10 minutes.
- priceI particularly enjoyed the combination of the #1 and #2 dishes; the pork option was rich, and the shrimp dish provided a nice balance. While the century egg congee was decent for the price, it could have used more egg. They accept cash or Venmo.
- value$15 for both is really good value
- affordableMy experience was fantastic and affordable! I picked one of the rolls and a free veggie to go in it, and also added an egg.
- cheapFoods are good and cheap.
- $10 after taxThe one I ordered was 10 after tax. It was pretty filling.
- Venmothey also accept Venmo!
- affordabilitySo good and affordable!
- great valueTwo dishes, full bellies, great value !!!
- price per personPrice per person:$1β10
Frequently criticized
- cash onlyMy experience at the restaurant involved a cash only policy.
- cashbe sure you take cash!
- cash or Venmo onlyCash or Venmo only. No credit cards!
- credit cardthey didn't accept credit card yet. Only cash or zelle/venmo
- credit cardsNo credit cards
- no credit cards acceptedno credit cards accepted
- pay with cardcanβt pay with card only cash or Venmo/ Zelle
- payment methodspay via Zelle or Venmo which I found kind of odd
- pricefelt it was a but spendy
- pricesprices are a bit high by Chinatown dimsum standards
If youre seeking an incredibly affordable meal and dont mind paying with cash or Venmo, this spot offers fantastic value. Just be prepared for limited payment options, and you'll leave satisfied.
How are the prices at Rice Roll Express?
Youβre looking at roughly 11 $ per person β reported by 113 diners. That puts it in the $11β$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, itβs comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the spending habits, most diners keep it quite affordable, with the vast majority spending between 1 and 20 $.
Hereβs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 113 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Given the average spend and the type of cuisine, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Chinese restaurant, offering good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Rice Roll Express
Price per Person
- $1β$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Silky Noodles & Great Value!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful. The food was exceptional, particularly the rice noodles which were described as like silk ribbons with a perfect texture. The sauces were also great.
In terms of value, the restaurant is super affordable with good portion sizes. I am eager to return!
- rice noodles10
- sauces9
- portion size8
Price per Person
- $11β$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Authentic Chinese Food & Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing! The food was incredibly authentic, tasting just like what I had while traveling in China. The service provided by a nice young man was very polite and accommodating.
Additionally, the prices were super reasonable. I especially enjoyed the black sesame drink, which was the best I've ever had β you can truly taste the effort put into this delicious dessert.
- food10
- authentic10
- service provider9
Price per Person
- $11β$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Simply Delicious Last Meal in SF!
I almost missed my flight to walk there and have my last meal in SF! This place did not disappoint; it was simply delicious. The food was delicate, full of flavors, and fresh!
- food10
- flavors10
- freshness10
Price per Person
- $21β$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Food, Worth a Visit!
I'm so glad I discovered this place! My experience here was fantastic, especially the food. I highly recommend the amazing beef rice rolls and the tasty shrimp dumplings.
The food arrived quickly, and I'm eager to try more from their menu. I would suggest they add their own special soy sauce, as it was so delicious. Overall, a great dining experience.
- beef rice rolls9
- shrimp dumplings8
- food9
Price per Person
- $1β$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Hidden Gem for Amazing Rice Rolls
My experience at this unassuming spot in San Francisco's Chinatown was a delightful surprise. Despite the bare decor and cash-only policy, the food quality was exceptional. I was particularly impressed with their rice rolls (θ
Έη²), which were much thinner than usual and incredibly delicious and light.
You can customize them with a choice of 5 vegetables, making each roll a unique treat. I could easily finish a whole box without feeling stuffed, and the price of $6 to $10 per box was a fantastic value. Their spicy wontons (η΄
ζ²Ήζζ) were also very good, featuring a unique spice blend with dried chili flakes instead of the typical chili oil and numbing Sichuan peppercorns.
The only significant challenge was the parking, which is difficult to find. If driving, it's best to have one person order takeout while the other circles or parks temporarily. Overall, a highly recommended place for authentic and high-quality Chinese comfort food.
- rice rolls10
- food quality9
- spicy wontons8
- parking3
What Rice Roll Express offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Rice Roll Express accessible for all guests?
Yes, you’ll find that Rice Roll Express is designed with accessibility in mind. The restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for every visitor in San Francisco’s Chinatown.
What dining options are available at Rice Roll Express?
At Rice Roll Express, you have a wide array of dining choices throughout the day. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with options for counter service or seating. They also offer catering services and delicious desserts to complete your meal.