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oChef » Yamo – San Francisco
Yamo - San Francisco
Photo from Yamo
Yamo at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍜 Burmese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 89 of the guests
#1622 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#6 Burmese Restaurant out of 8 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
559
Reviews
62.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great value
- Signature dishes
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Limited seating
The restaurant Yamo offers an authentic Burmese dining experience right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
This popular Burmese restaurant is known for its healthy options and vegetarian choices, making it a fantastic destination for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether you’re grabbing lunch or enjoying an evening out, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Yamo
Yamo offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its affordable offerings and a genuine hole-in-the-wall charm. Many appreciate the straightforward approach to Burmese cuisine, finding comfort in its familiar flavors.
However, be prepared for potential challenges, as the wait can be considerable, and the service experience sometimes varies. While the house noodles often receive positive remarks, some find the overall food quality inconsistent.
Good
7
out of 10
559
Reviews
62.1%
Satisfaction
140
negative
72
neutral
347
positive
Yamo earns a solid 7 out of 10 for its overall performance, indicating a generally positive experience for many diners. However, customer satisfaction sits at a more moderate 62.1%, suggesting a mixed reception where some aspects clearly shine while others fall short.
This feedback comes from a substantial 559 customer remarks, with 347 positive observations balancing 140 negative ones. The restaurant truly excels in Value (8), offering well-priced dishes that resonate with patrons.
The Food (7.4) also receives good marks, with many enjoying specific items. The unique Ambience (7.2) contributes positively to the experience.
However, Service (5.5) appears to be an area needing attention, often cited for inconsistencies and longer waits.
What people like
- Great value
- Flavorful signature dishes
- Authentic, cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Limited seating
- Variable dish quality
If you’re seeking a casual spot with genuine character and truly affordable Burmese fare, Yamo could be a good fit. With a recommendation score of 7.4, it suggests a worthwhile visit for those who prioritize value and a unique atmosphere over polished service or extensive comfort.
Be prepared for a no-frills experience, potentially involving a wait and limited seating. While some dishes are highly praised, others might not hit the mark.
It’s a place to try if you appreciate a local, unpretentious eatery with a strong sense of identity.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Yamo
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.4 score, indicating a good culinary experience. With a 70% customer satisfaction rate and 173 positive remarks among 247 total comments, many diners rave about the authentic, delicious food, especially the diverse noodle dishes and the popular Tea Leaf Salad. They also appreciate the wide range of vegan, vegetarian, and meat options.
However, not every dish is a winner. Some 51 negative comments point to occasional bland noodles, particularly the tofu curry, and concerns about watery sauce or greasy preparation. While many find the food flavorful, a few experiences suggest inconsistency in seasoning.
Food
247
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
51
negative
23
neutral
173
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, delicious food
- Great noodle dishes
- Diverse menu options
What people don't like
- Bland dishes
- Watery sauce
- Greasy food
Often praised
- foodI noticed that none of the self-proclaimed San Francisco “natives” tipped, and barely if at all, which is sad. People need to be more generous with their tips here, especially when the food is priced so well for the value. I left a good tip, and the lady was taken back, asking, “is that for me?
- house noodlesThe house noodles are consistently good and filling
- tea leaf saladThe best: tea leaf salad - citrusy, crunchy, fresh.
- tea saladReally liked the tea salad here
- noodleshow delicious the noodles were
- EverythingTwo entrees and two appetizers with tax runs about $22. Everything is extremely fresh and really tasty. If you don't want to wait for one of the few counter seats, you can always get your food to go and eat at home or any of several nearby bars (I suggest Bender's).
- Tea Leaf SaladTea Leaf Salad is also yummy but spicy
- Tea SaladIt's quintessentially San Francisco and truly unique to the city. I particularly enjoyed the House noodles, Black Bean Fish, Tea Salad, and the Fish Chowder Soup, also known as Mohenga.
- chicken house noodlesMy Burmese tea salad $9 and chicken house noodles $9 were delicious.
- chicken noodle soupas well as the chicken noodle soup
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food used to be amazing, but it has fallen very low in years since. Many of the dishes aren’t seasoned at all, and the majority of the food is just rice. The atmosphere was also not great, scoring a 2.
- noodlesclumps of unseasoned noodles in the bottom of our takeout container
- black bean fishI had a takeout of their Yamo House Noodle with beef, and the food was good. My friend got the black bean fish and said it lacked flavor, even though he was hungry. Keep in mind, it's cash only.
- chicken curryThe worst - chicken curry - no flavor.
- food qualityfood does not have much flavor
- tea leaf saladI realized I’m not a fan of tea leaf salad flavors
- Americanized Asian foodbasic and bland type of Americanized Asian food
- House noodleslacking oils and sauce - we got clumps of unseasoned noodles
- MohingaWe tried to order "fish chowder" but they didn’t have it. I was also unexpectedly surprised when we asked for "Mohinga" in Burmese, and the cook didn’t know what it was, just went "huh? " a few times.
- Yamo house noodlesI wasn’t a fan of how they made the garlic noodles
If you're seeking authentic, flavorful Burmese food with plenty of options, especially noodle dishes, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might lack seasoning or have a watery consistency, so choose wisely for the best experience.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a unique charm, often highlighted by its mother-daughter team and friendly staff who offer a warm welcome. Many appreciate the quick service once youre in, even if theres a bit of a wait. With 59 positive opinions out of 144 total, there's a definite appreciation for the personal touch.
However, the experience can be a mixed bag, with a score of 5.5 (average) and customer satisfaction at 41% (mixed). Some patrons have encountered long wait times, inaccurate hours, and even perceived rude or negative attitudes from staff. These 67 negative opinions suggest that while the charm is there, consistency can be an issue.
Service
144
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
67
negative
18
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Family-run charm
- Friendly staff
- Warm welcome
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent hours
- Staff attitude
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was defined by a warm welcome, especially from Michelle, on a late Friday night. Natasha and I were very thankful for the service we received.
- staffstaff had fun personality
- waitit’s worth the wait if there is one
- wait timevale la pena cada minuto que se espera en la linea
- MichelleMichelle (the daughter) is very kind overall
- Michelle and MamaMichelle and Mama are the best part of the city!!!!
- Michelle and her momI've been coming here since I moved to San Francisco. Michelle and her mom are the best! The food is the cheapest in the city and full of bursting flavor and lots of vegetables.
- QR codes to take ordersYou seem to try to memorize a certain number of orders by memory. Instead, if you use QR codes to take orders, you can focus all physical energy on creating and delivering food and less energy on memorization and dealing with customers. If you do that, I'll give you 5 stars, but I realize that's a big ask.
- ServiceService:5
- affableCharming, affable
Frequently criticized
- waitcertainly expect to wait for one of their 8 seats
- waiting time3. We waited 45 minutes for food I found underwhelming. My husband and I arrived at 5: 15 pm on a Friday, expecting them to open at 5: 30.
- hoursThis used to be a place for cheap-but-satisfying eats. Nowadays, prices have been approaching other nicer restaurants, and it's also been closed way more than advertised. Do NOT trust the hours on Google Maps - I've tried changing them numerous times, but they keep showing open even when they're not.
- servicethe service here has me feeling like a total princess when I go to the DMV
- staffsaw the staff handle cash, then toss raw vegetables ... without EVER changing a glove
- business hoursI’ve gone a few times over the past week, all at different times within their posted business hours. It’s always closed and there is no mentioning of accurate business hours. Very frustrating.
- restaurantit's been closed each time
- wait in lineThis is a small restaurant that seats about 9 people, so you should expect to wait in line. The food is delicious and at a very good price.
- attitudeGoofy attitude from the chick taking orders
- businessNot a great way to run a business
If youre seeking a unique, family-run experience and dont mind a potential wait, this place could be a charming find. However, be prepared for possible inconsistencies in service and hours, which might disappoint if you're in a rush or expect seamless operations.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
Many diners absolutely adore the unique vibe here, with 40 positive comments out of 67 total. They frequently highlight the charming hole in the wall appeal, the cozy community vibe, and the delightful open kitchen that makes watching them cook a treat. This contributes to a generally good ambience score of 7.2, creating an authentic dine-in experience for many.
However, its not all sunshine and roses, as 13 negative opinions point out some significant drawbacks. The main concerns revolve around the limited seating, often described as very small with only 8 seats, and not much space to sit. Some even mentioned unsanitary practices and having to wait outside in the cold, ' which might explain the mixed customer satisfaction of 59.7%.
Ambience
67
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
13
negative
14
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Open kitchen charm
- Authentic hole-in-wall
- Cozy community vibe
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Unsanitary concerns
- Outdoor waiting
Often praised
- atmosphereWhile the food wasn't as complex as I had hoped, I appreciated the freshness. The atmosphere is definitely a hole in the wall, but I really enjoyed that aspect. It's a very, very small spot and is cash only.
- placeMy experience at this restaurant felt like being transported to Asia. It's a small and cozy place, warmly run by a mother and daughter duo. Everything on the menu is incredibly affordable, priced under $8.
- vibeThe food does not have much flavor, with a watery sauce and it was quite greasy. I believe people hype it up because it’s cheap and has a cool hole-in-the-wall vibe. For cheap eats, I recommend paying a few extra bucks and visiting any of the taquerias down the street.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Locally focusedLocally focused. It's like you were invited into their living room for dinner.
- authentic and uniqueFeels very authentic and unique
- bathroomthey even have a bathroom
- charmit’s part of the charm
- charmingCharming, affable
- community vibea great community vibe
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereEverything but the atmosphere was amazing
- seatingSeating is also super limited- just a little counter at the front
- 8 seatsThere's only 8 seats in there
- counter seatingVery little counter seating inside
- health levelmy wife will never come back until the health level is improved
- limited seatingLimited seating
- outside in the coldhad to wait outside in the cold
- restaurantrestaurant was closed when we got to it
- spaceVery small
- space to sitnot much space to sit
If you appreciate a cozy, authentic hole in the wall experience and dont mind potentially tight limited seating, this place offers a unique charm. However, be prepared for a very small space and potential waits, especially if youre sensitive to crowded environments or specific hygiene concerns.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines with a good score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction of 74.3%. Many folks rave about the affordable and cheap eat options, calling it bang for your buck with a good price. Based on 75 positive remarks out of 101 total, it's clear people love the unbeatable deals here.
However, a few voices, 9 to be exact, mention cash only as a slight inconvenience. Some felt it was not worth it or even a rip-off in isolated cases, suggesting that while generally great, the value might not always hit the mark for everyone.
Value
101
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
9
negative
17
neutral
75
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Very affordable prices
- Unbeatable value
- Great bang for buck
What people don't like
- Cash only
Often praised
- priceI left a five-star review 8 years ago, and I still stand by it. This little Burmese greasy spoon is always great and super cheap. Even if the ladies behind the counter seem generally uninterested in having you there – perhaps that's half the appeal.
- pricesI highly recommend getting their tea salad and house noodles, though everything we tried was delicious. The service was quick and the prices were great.
- affordableIt is very affordable for 2025
- price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- valueI noticed that none of the self-proclaimed San Francisco “natives” tipped, and barely if at all, which is sad. People need to be more generous with their tips here, especially when the food is priced so well for the value. I left a good tip, and the lady was taken back, asking, “is that for me?
- affordable pricesYamo is a great little spot where quick Burmese dishes are served at very affordable prices. Two entrees and two appetizers with tax runs about $22.
- cash onlycash only (but they pass those savings onto consumers lol)
- cheap eatsThis used to be a place for cheap-but-satisfying eats. Nowadays, prices have been approaching other nicer restaurants, and it's also been closed way more than advertised.
- Each dishEach dish was $9
- EverythingEverything is under 8 bucks
Frequently criticized
- cash onlyMy friend got the black bean fish and said it lacked flavor, even though he was hungry. Keep in mind, it's cash only.
- pricesometimes the price = quality.
- pricesThis used to be a place for cheap-but-satisfying eats. Nowadays, prices have been approaching other nicer restaurants, and it's also been closed way more than advertised. Do NOT trust the hours on Google Maps - I've tried changing them numerous times, but they keep showing open even when they're not.
- rip-offkind of a hint to how the food would taste… rip-off
- time and moneyComplete waste of time and money
- worth itNot worth it
If youre looking for an incredibly affordable meal that often delivers fantastic value, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for the cash only policy, as thats the main point of contention for some. Overall, it's a strong contender for your wallet!
How are the prices at Yamo?
On average, you’ll spend around 13 $ per person – based on 89 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Burmese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners stick to the 1 – 20 $ range, with a significant number even spending under 10 $. This shows prices generally cluster around the average, offering good value, though a few guests do opt for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 89 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Burmese restaurant, especially considering its location in San Francisco. It offers a good balance for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Yamo
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
5
Average Noodles, Long Wait
I wanted to order for takeout, but ended up waiting close to an hour because I didn't understand the system. I got the yamo house noodles with beef, which were good but just average. It's a nice place if you're looking for a really cheap place to eat, but is it worth lining up an hour for?
Maybe not. The seating is also super limited, with just a little counter at the front, so be prepared to wait! The two ladies working were nice, though.
- yamo house noodles with beef5
- cheap place to eat7
- ladies working8
- waiting time2
- seating3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Affordable Asian Comfort Food in the Mission
My experience at this tiny, diner-style Asian comfort food spot in the Mission District was a mixed bag. On a Friday night, we faced a 45-minute wait for a table for dinner. We ordered the tra leaf salad, egg rolls, samsusas, curry chicken, mango chicken, and cold noodles.
Overall, the food was good and relatively healthy, with fresh ingredients made to order. The taste was fine, and there weren't many negatives. It's important to note that it's nothing fancy.
However, the affordability for 2025 and its prime location in the heart of the city are definite pluses. If you're looking for a simple, somewhat hearty, and affordable Asian meal made to order, this is your spot. Otherwise, don't expect anything impressive.
I think to-go orders might be better here if you're in a rush. I might return.
- food7
- taste6
- fancy5
- wait3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Favorite Noodles, Worth the Wait!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! I had the house noodles with beef, which were a 10/10 for value and incredibly delicious. The tofu option is also very tasty.
Despite a wait time of 30-60 minutes, the food quality and overall experience made it worth the wait. The service and atmosphere were both rated a 5/5, contributing to a highly satisfying meal.
- house noodles with beef10
- tofu option8
- value10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Worth the wait for delicious food!
Everything was delicious. It's worth every minute spent waiting in line to get in.
- food10
- wait time8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Favorite place in the city!
This is my favorite place in the city. I wish there were more like it!
- favorite place10
What Yamo offers
Payments
- Cash-only
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Yamo and when can you dine?
At Yamo, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal. You can enjoy dining options for both lunch and dinner, making it a versatile spot whether you’re looking for a midday bite or an evening experience in the Mission District.
Does Yamo offer healthy or vegetarian options, and what are the service choices?
Yes, Yamo is well-regarded for its healthy options and extensive vegetarian choices, catering to diverse dietary preferences. For your convenience, you can choose between dine-in service or opt for takeout if you’re on the go. Onsite services are also available.
How does Yamo generally rate among diners?
Yamo holds a good overall score of 7 out of 10. While its Value (8), Food (7.4), and Ambience (7.2) are well-regarded, the Service (5.5) is considered average, leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 62.1%.
Is Yamo an affordable dining option?
Yes, Yamo is widely considered very affordable, with many opinions highlighting its “super cheap” and “great prices” for Burmese dishes. It’s often praised for offering good value.
What should I expect regarding seating and wait times at Yamo?
Yamo is a very small establishment with “limited seating,” often described as having only “8 seats.” Expect potential “wait” times, and you might need to wait “outside in the cold” due to the small space.