Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
oChef » spicy & cloud – San Francisco
spicy & cloud - San Francisco
Photo from spicy & cloud
spicy & cloud at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 67 of the guests
#670 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#33 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
331
Reviews
78.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality food
- Great service
- Fair prices
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Small portions
- Dull ambiance
The restaurant spicy & cloud invites you to experience authentic flavors in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown. As a Chinese Restaurant, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for those seeking a delightful meal.
Whether you’re planning a casual dinner or a quick bite, you’ll find a taste of tradition here. This spot is a true gem for exploring the culinary landscape of the city.
Overview: Introducting spicy & cloud
Spicy & cloud offers a culinary journey where many find the high quality Chinese food truly stands out, often highlighted for its generous portions and authentic flavors. Guests frequently commend the attentive staff and efficient service, making for a pleasant dining experience.
However, some visits have been marred by slow service and extended wait times, especially during busy periods. While the comfy space is appreciated, others have found the overall atmosphere a bit lacking, occasionally noting small portion sizes for certain dishes.
Good
8
out of 10
331
Reviews
78.9%
Satisfaction
51
negative
19
neutral
261
positive
Spicy & cloud generally earns a solid 8 out of 10, reflecting a positive dining experience for most. Customer satisfaction sits at a respectable 78.9%, indicating that a good majority of diners leave content.
This overall sentiment is drawn from 331 customer observations, with 261 positive remarks outweighing 51 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Food (8.5) is clearly a strong suit, receiving high praise.
Service (7.6) and Value (7.2) also perform well, contributing positively to the experience. The Ambience (6.5), while not poor, registers as more average, suggesting there’s room for improvement in the dining environment.
What people like
- High-quality Chinese food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Good value, generous portions
What people don't like
- Slow service, long waits
- Inconsistent portion sizes
- Dull, chilly ambiance
If you’re seeking authentic Chinese flavors and appreciate good value, spicy & cloud is certainly worth considering. The strong 8.1 recommendation score suggests many diners find it a rewarding experience, especially for the culinary offerings.
However, be prepared for potentially slower service during busy times, and manage expectations regarding the ambiance. While the food often shines, those prioritizing a swift meal or a vibrant setting might find aspects less appealing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on spicy & cloud
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With an impressive score of 8.5 and a strong customer satisfaction of 86.5%, its clear that diners are consistently delighted. Out of 192 comments, a whopping 166 rave about the delicious, authentic food, praising its amazing flavor, generous portions, and standout dishes like the wonton soup and kung pao chicken.
However, a small number of 16 remarks point to areas for improvement. Some found certain dishes underwhelming or noted disappointing flavor, while a few mentioned overcooked food or mediocre fried rice. While these are minor concerns, they're worth keeping in mind.
Food
192
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
16
negative
10
neutral
166
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, delicious food
- Amazing flavor profiles
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Disappointing flavor
- Overcooked dishes
- Mediocre dish quality
Often praised
- foodWe read the reviews and went there. The service was correct and polite, and the food was very tasty, although we missed some sauce for the appetizers. The portions were generous.
- Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the high quality Chinese food, the great service, and the comfy space. It's definitely one of my favorites in Chinatown.
- portionsWe ended up having to get takeout because we needed to leave and hadn't expected such a long wait for our food. The food itself was decent with good portions. However, the noodles we received looked very different from the pictures, leading me to believe my order was incorrect.
- FoodUber authentic Chinese food
- spring rollsthe spring rolls are a must-try
- wonton soupbeef and broccoli and wonton soup and both were perfect
- chickenIt felt as though I had been standing my whole life, and the Kung Pao chicken allowed me to finally sit and savor. The perfectly cooked zucchini and the sweet yet savory chicken were so memorable that I will be missing this restaurant. The orange chicken was a true work of art, featuring actual candied orange peels that delivered a perfect orange aftertaste with every bite.
- cucumber saladI had the mapo tofu and the cucumber salad and was very impressed
- dishesvery appreciative to them for sharing their dishes
- flavorsGood flavors that keep you coming back for more!
Frequently criticized
- foodWhile the staff was eager to please and the space was fairly clean, the overall atmosphere felt dull. Unfortunately, the food was overcooked and uninteresting, which made it nowhere near a 5-star experience, despite how Google has mislabeled it. The wait time was non-existent, but the wheelchair accessibility is an issue as it's a basement restaurant with stairs.
- portion sizethe portion size was really small
- Chinese foodso much Chinese food
- flavorThe flavor was disappointing
- fried ricethe fried rice wasn’t that good
- kung pao chickendisappointed the kung pao chicken didn't come with rice
- lamb skewersMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the extremely small portion sizes for the price. I ordered 5 tiny lamb skewers for $14. 11, which works out to over $2.
- mouth watering chickenthe mouth watering chicken was also mediocre
- noodlesnoodles we got were much different than what the pictures depicted
- sauce for appetizersWe read the reviews and went there. The service was correct and polite, and the food was very tasty, although we missed some sauce for the appetizers. The portions were generous.
Overall, if youre seeking a place with genuinely delicious and authentic Chinese cuisine, this spot is definitely worth a try. While a few experiences mention minor flavor issues or overcooked dishes, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely leave satisfied and full.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at 73.5%, its clear most diners have a good experience. Many of the 61 positive remarks highlight the "fast" and "friendly staff, " praising the "attentive" and "kind service" that makes guests feel truly welcome.
However, not everyones experience is perfect, with 17 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Some guests encountered frustrating waiting time and slow service, occasionally leading to a wrong order or the feeling that the restaurant was understaffed.
Service
83
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
17
negative
5
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast, professional service
- Guests' needs taken seriously
What people don't like
- Long waiting time
- Extremely slow service
- Wrong order issues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the high quality Chinese food, the great service, and the comfy space. It's definitely one of my favorites in Chinatown.
- ServiceService was -
- staffThe staff was very attentive and kind
- serverWe appreciated the nice portion sizes and the reasonable prices. The server was very attentive and helpful, making our meal even more enjoyable. I truly wish we had Chinese restaurants like this back home.
- wait timeThe wait time was no wait at all
- chefThe chef there is remarkable
- everyoneThis could have been due to what we ordered, as we mostly got appetizers. That said, the service was prompt and everyone was super kind.
- fastSuper fast and tasty
- fast and professional serviceFast and professional service
- friendly staffVery friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- experienceVery unprofessional experience overall
- serviceExtremely slow service due to being severely understaffed
- waiting timeWe were craving spicy Chinese food and found this place. We were seated quickly, but it took an hour for our dishes to arrive. It seemed like there was only one cook and 2 servers working in the restaurant.
- PriorityPriority was given to large crowds
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was largely negative due to terrible customer service. We were seated and had to wait about 15 minutes before anyone came to take our order.
- orderconvinced they got my order wrong
- preparation timeEverything tasted alright; it's not that spicy. One thing I didn't understand was why even the appetizer, the spicy sliced beef and tripe, took an hour to come out – it's a cold dish, why would it need that long to prepare? The spicy fish with flaming chili broth had good flavor, but the portion size was really small, with a few chunks of fish in the broth.
- prioritypriority seemingly given to large groups and those that spoke Chinese
- silverwareThe interior felt dirty and old. The service was also problematic; they took a very long time to make food, brought the wrong order out, and even forgot to bring silverware when asked. Overall, a negative experience.
- tablescouple people running the tables, so they were quite busy
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and attentive staff, youll likely be pleased here. Just be aware that on busier days, you might encounter some longer wait times or service hiccups. It's worth a try for the positive interactions, but manage your expectations for speed during peak hours.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
The vibe here often hits the right note, with many guests praising the pleasant atmosphere and quiet noise level, making conversations easy. Some even found it a comfy space, appreciating its charm as a small place. With 21 positive remarks out of 38 total, the ambience scores an average 6.5, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 55.3%.
However, it's not all sunshine. Some found the inside chilly or described the decor as minimal and under-decorated. Concerns were also raised about the bathroom being old and upstairs, an obscure entrance, and issues with parking space and wheelchair accessibility.
These points, noted in 14 opinions, suggest areas where the overall atmosphere could be enhanced.
Ambience
38
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
14
negative
3
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quiet, easy conversation
- Pleasant, relaxed atmosphere
- Comfy, small space
What people don't like
- Minimal, old decor
- Basement location
- Old, upstairs bathroom
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was also very pleasant
- AtmosphereAtmosphere was very pleasant
- Noise levelNoise level was Quiet, easy to talk
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- comfy spaceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the high quality Chinese food, the great service, and the comfy space. It's definitely one of my favorites in Chinatown.
- small placeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a small place tucked away in a basement, but don't let that fool you. The staff were very friendly, and the food was great at a reasonable price.
- spaceMy experience at this restaurant was underwhelming. While the staff was eager to please and the space was fairly clean, the overall atmosphere felt dull. Unfortunately, the food was overcooked and uninteresting, which made it nowhere near a 5-star experience, despite how Google has mislabeled it.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereIt does get chilly inside the restaurant even though it's underground
- decorthe restaurant itself felt under-decorated
- TVThe bathroom is upstairs, and it's a bit old, honestly. I would have appreciated background music more suited to the place, rather than the TV on with a rugby match nobody was watching, and at the same time, piped music.
- ambienceAmbiente eher karg und im Keller
- background musicThe bathroom is upstairs, and it's a bit old, honestly. I would have appreciated background music more suited to the place, rather than the TV on with a rugby match nobody was watching, and at the same time, piped music.
- bathroomThere were tourists eating. The bathroom is upstairs, and it's a bit old, honestly. I would have appreciated background music more suited to the place, rather than the TV on with a rugby match nobody was watching, and at the same time, piped music.
- insideDirty and old inside
- locationdommage que ce soit à demi enterré
- obscure entrancethe entrance is pretty obscure
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
If a quiet, comfy spot is your priority and you don't mind a no-frills setting, the ambience here might suit you. However, be prepared for potential issues with the decor, bathroom, or accessibility, especially if those are deal-breakers for your dining experience.
Value (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
It seems like many diners are really happy with the bang for their buck here! With a solid score of 7.2 and customer satisfaction at 72.2%, it's clear that most folks find the value for money and great prices quite appealing. Many praise the family of 4 special and newly combo as particularly cost-effective, often noting reasonable price for generous portions, based on 13 positive remarks.
However, not everyone is entirely convinced. A few customers (4, to be exact) felt the price was a bit on the pricey side, especially when rice not included or having to pay extra for sides compared to other Chinese spots. It seems some specific items might feel less like a deal.
Value
18
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Generous portions
- Cost-effective specials
What people don't like
- Sides cost extra
- Rice not included
- Some items pricey
Often praised
- priceI would recommend this place for family gatherings. My family left with a happy palate and a very happy wallet.
- value for moneyThe food was served quickly, and I particularly enjoyed the spiced kidneys and cumin squid. The portions were large, offering excellent value for money. The atmosphere was quiet, making it easy to talk, and the service was top-notch.
- family of 4 specialfamily of 4 special for $50 and it was def worth it
- great pricesMy experience at this restaurant was amazing! I enjoyed authentic Chinese food with great prices and good attention. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.
- newly combonewly combo are very cost-effective
- price-performance ratioGutes Preis Leistungsverhältnis
- pricesfair prices
- reasonable pricegreat food at a reasonable price
- valueThe food was above average, even impressing our Asian companions. We were pleased with the bigger than normal servings, which offered good value. The meat dishes were particularly noteworthy, being full of meat and not substituted with vegetables, a common issue elsewhere.
Frequently criticized
- pricefood was slightly on the pricey side
- ricerice not included
- sidesextra for sides unlike other Chinese restaurants
If youre looking for generous portions and specific deals like the family special or combos, youll likely find excellent value here. However, be mindful that some individual items or extras like rice and sides might push the total higher than expected. Overall, it's a good bet for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank, especially for families.
How are the prices at spicy & cloud?
On average, you’ll spend around 29 per person – from 67 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners are right in that $21–$30 sweet spot, with a good number also in the $11–$20 range. While there are a few higher spenders, the pricing clearly clusters around these accessible mid-range options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 67 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank, which is always a good sign.
Customer Reviews: what people think about spicy & cloud
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Chinatown Discovery!
Stumbled upon this place while touring Chinatown with my teenage sons. Delicious! The food gods were with us this day!
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Spicy Perfection and Happy Wallets!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely delicious! The food was spicy perfection with good flavors that kept us coming back for more. We ordered 4 dishes and loved them all.
The food not only looked and smelled amazing but also tested amazing. The service was friendly and the portions are generous. I would recommend this place for family gatherings.
My family left with a happy palate and a very happy wallet.
- food10
- flavors9
- dishes9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic Chinese Food Experience
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the Pork dumpling in Chili Oil and Chongqing Chicken, both of which were absolutely delicious. The service was quick, and the overall food quality was excellent, earning a perfect 5/5.
The atmosphere was also very pleasant, rated at 5/5, and it was quiet enough to have an easy conversation. The price per person was between $30–50, and reservations were not required.
- Pork dumpling in Chili Oil9
- Chongqing Chicken9
- Food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best beans and best tofu of my life, and I've dined in many Asian restaurants. The food was truly exceptional.
Beyond the delicious food, the service was incredibly kind. My server really made my day and I felt so welcome.
- beans10
- tofu10
- kind service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Amazing Food at a Hidden Gem!
My experience at this cute little hole in the wall place, located down some stairs, was amazing. The food was absolutely incredible, and I'm definitely planning on coming back!
- food10
What spicy & cloud offers
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
FAQs
What service options are available at spicy & cloud restaurant?
At spicy & cloud restaurant, you can enjoy both convenient dine-in service and quick takeout options. This flexibility allows you to savor your meal on-site or take it to go.
Is parking available near spicy & cloud restaurant in Chinatown?
Finding parking near spicy & cloud restaurant can often be challenging. You should expect to look for paid street parking in the bustling Chinatown neighborhood.
How does spicy & cloud generally rate among diners?
spicy & cloud holds a strong overall score of 8, with customer satisfaction at 78.9%. Diners particularly appreciate the Food (8.5) and Service (7.6), while Ambience (6.5) is considered average.
What are the highlights of the food at spicy & cloud?
Many customers praise the high quality Chinese food, noting generous portions and good flavors, especially dishes like Kung Pao chicken and spring rolls.
Are there any common concerns about the dining experience at spicy & cloud?
Some guests have experienced slow service and long wait times, particularly when the restaurant is busy. The ambience is also occasionally described as under-decorated or chilly.