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oChef » New Lun Ting Cafe – San Francisco
New Lun Ting Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from New Lun Ting Cafe
New Lun Ting Cafe at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#1152 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#85 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
425
Reviews
75.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Generous portions
- Affordable pricing
- Authentic atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Mandatory tipping
- Inconsistent service
- Unsanitary restrooms
The restaurant New Lun Ting Cafe invites you to experience authentic Chinese flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown. This casual Chinese restaurant is a local favorite, perfect for when you’re seeking a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere whether you’re stopping by for lunch, dinner, or even a sweet dessert.
Overview: Introducting New Lun Ting Cafe
New Lun Ting Cafe offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its authentic atmosphere and a menu that provides generous portions. Many find it a place where you can taste real Chinese culture, even if the communication can sometimes be a bit challenging.
While the food is generally well-regarded, some aspects of the visit, such as the restroom facilities, might not meet everyone’s expectations. Despite these points, the cafe maintains a unique charm that draws customers looking for a particular kind of meal.
Good
7.5
out of 10
425
Reviews
75.1%
Satisfaction
71
negative
35
neutral
319
positive
New Lun Ting Cafe earns a solid 7.5 overall, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customers show good satisfaction at 75.1%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
The 319 positive remarks, compared to 71 negative ones out of 425 total customer comments, paint a picture of a place that largely delivers on its promise. The Food (7.8) is a clear standout, frequently mentioned for its quality and generous servings.
Value (7.1) also scores well, with many appreciating the affordability. While Service (7.0) is generally good, some experiences suggest it can be inconsistent.
The Ambience (6.9), though scoring slightly lower, still contributes positively to the overall impression.
What people like
- Generous food portions
- Affordable pricing
- Authentic atmosphere
What people don't like
- Mandatory tipping policy
- Inconsistent service
- Unsanitary restrooms
If you’re seeking a straightforward meal with a distinct cultural feel and don’t mind a few rough edges, New Lun Ting Cafe is worth considering. With a 7.8 recommendation score, it suggests that for many, the positives outweigh the negatives, especially if you prioritize hearty food and good value.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and be aware of the restroom situation. If a pristine environment and seamless service are high on your list, you might find aspects disappointing.
Otherwise, it offers a unique and often rewarding culinary experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on New Lun Ting Cafe
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place generally hits the mark, earning a solid score of 7.8 and a customer satisfaction of 79.6%, which is quite good! With 214 positive remarks out of 269 total, many rave about the generous big portions and consistently delicious food. Highlights often include their fantastic roast pork and delightful potstickers, offering an authentic and satisfying meal.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 28 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. A few diners found the portions surprisingly small or the food itself disappointing, particularly mentioning bland curry or dry roast pork. There were also occasional notes about old rice or dishes like Mongolian Beef being mostly onions, suggesting some inconsistency.
Food
269
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
28
negative
27
neutral
214
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Delicious food
- Signature roast pork
What people don't like
- Bland curry
- Old rice
- Mostly onions
Often praised
- foodI really like this place; it has a unique atmosphere. The food is tasty; don’t expect it to be exactly like in China, as it’s a bit Americanized, but still much better than many other places. Prices are reasonable for San Francisco, and portions are generous.
- dumplingsThe portions are very generous, so don't overdo it when ordering. My meal came with a delicious gravy, steamed rice and cabbage, soup, 2 dumplings, and hot tea. The lady serving us was really nice, good-hearted, and attentive.
- soupThe food was hearty and delicious, and the service was provided by an awesome lady who was very attentive. The prices were affordable, and the meal came with hot tea, soup, and pot stickers (which we declined as we don't eat meat). The unagi was a standout, a really thick and big piece, better than what I've had at Japanese restaurants.
- roast porkthe roast pork and the oxtail were so good!
- portionsThe food is tasty; don’t expect it to be exactly like in China, as it’s a bit Americanized, but still much better than many other places. Prices are reasonable for San Francisco, and portions are generous. I’ve been here a few times and tried several dishes, including sirloin steak, roast pork, and beef tongue — all were really good.
- FoodFood:5
- beef chow funbeef chow fun, and it arrived quickly, hot, and was very tasty
- menuthe menu was extensive we all found something that appealed to us
- portionRibeye was a hefty portion
- potstickerTheir 3-dish meal with rice and soup is delicious and very reasonable. A lot of times, the owner provides free dessert or a potsticker. They are super friendly too!
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was quite disappointing
- portionsHonestly quite disappointed with my experience. The menu looked promising, but the portions were small. The cashier was rude, and what was advertised as dessert turned out to be dried-up watermelon.
- Mongolian BeefMongolian Beef, but what I received was mostly onions
- chicken curryHowever, the food was quite disappointing. I ordered chicken curry (spicy) from the Chinese menu, and it was not at all spicy but rather too bland. Despite the food issues, the price was good.
- cold lemon teacold lemon tea / 凍檸茶 was too sweet with too much corn syrup -- probably the sweetest lemon tea that I have in 3 decades across the world.
- curry chickencurry chicken / 咖喱雞飯 is a 1/5. Chicken was clearly boiled on the side and sprinkle on the plate before pouring the flavorless curry on top -- making a whole plate very bland.
- curry sauceCurry sauce was a bland flour paste, too oily with zero flavor
- curry tripeCurry tripe: 1/5 $16 in July 2024 for no rice
- curry vermicellicurry vermicelli. Flavorless, no heat
- dessertdessert but it was dried up watermelon
If you're looking for generous portions of generally delicious and authentic Chinese comfort food, especially their roast pork and potstickers, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might be inconsistent, so stick to their popular items for the best experience.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
Overall, the service here is quite good, scoring a solid 7, and many diners have had positive experiences. With 42 positive remarks out of 64 total, guests frequently praise the friendly service and super friendly staff, often highlighting awesome lady servers. Many appreciate the quick and easy experience, noting minimal wait time and efficient service.
However, the customer satisfaction, sitting at a mixed 65.6%, indicates theres room for improvement. About 21 negative comments point to issues like slow service and unpleasant service from some staff, including a cashier lady. Some guests also felt obligated to tip, and found communication difficult, suggesting service isnt always friendly.
Service
64
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
21
negative
1
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Super friendly servers
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Forced tipping
Often praised
- serviceI particularly enjoyed the Roast Pork with Gravy and Rice. The service was excellent, rated 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere was also very good, scoring 4 out of 4. The food itself received a solid 4 out of 4.
- ServiceI would not recommend going to the restroom, as it's down a flight of tight stairs. Service is prompt, but not always the most friendly, and you could be forgotten when they get busy. All in all, if you like roast pork, give NLT a try, but be aware they do sometimes sell out.
- staffthe staff knows what they’re doing. It’s straightforward and reliable
- wait timeThe atmosphere was pleasant, rated a 4. There was no wait time, and plenty of parking available in a paid parking garage. For a solo diner, this was a great meal.
- Annieespecially Annie the younger sister
- all very nicethey were all very nice
- awesome ladyawesome lady serving us
- foodcame out quickly
- friendly servicethe friendly service
- gratuities from kitchengratis Grüße aus der Küche
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative, primarily due to the terrible service. Upon entering, I was met with a rude greeting: "Oh, you're here to dine in?
- cashierThe menu looked promising, but the portions were small. The cashier was rude, and what was advertised as dessert turned out to be dried-up watermelon. I can see they are trying, but honestly, I would rather walk down the street to find something better.
- cashier ladybad service came from cashier lady
- closed at 8:30 pmclosed at 8:30 pm( way before their posted 9:30pm close)
- communicationWe ordered and ate completely different things, but it was delicious and fresh :) Communication was difficult, but it's worth tasting the real Chinese culture and atmosphere. It doesn't look like much, but it's really worth it.
- experienceShe ruined the experience
- friendlyI would not recommend going to the restroom, as it's down a flight of tight stairs. Service is prompt, but not always the most friendly, and you could be forgotten when they get busy. All in all, if you like roast pork, give NLT a try, but be aware they do sometimes sell out.
- ladyA nice touch is that each meal comes with small extras: a side of soup, a single Chinese-style dumpling, and complimentary tea. The lady who works there is very official and a bit grumpy — she could smile more 🤪 — but overall, it’s a great place with a unique vibe, big portions, and fair prices.
- obligated to tipobligated to tip her
- serverserver will demand tip
If youre looking for generally quick and friendly service, youll likely be pleased, especially with the attentive staff. However, be prepared for a potentially mixed experience, as some encounters with less friendly staff or slow moments have been noted. It's worth a try, but manage expectations regarding consistency.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot scores a 6.9, which is pretty good, and customer satisfaction sits at a 62.8% – a bit of a mixed bag, but leaning positive. Based on 43 total comments, with 27 positive remarks, many appreciate the atmosphere and unique vibe. Guests often describe it as having a warm place feel, a calm atmosphere, or even home charm, suggesting an authentic, family-run experience.
However, 11 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. Concerns frequently pop up around the washroom situation, with some mentioning no washroom or an unsanitary bathroom. The seating can be limited, and some describe the overall ambiance as basic, even a hole in the wall feel, which might not be for everyone.
Ambience
43
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
11
negative
5
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique atmosphere
- Authentic experience
- Calm vibe
What people don't like
- Unclean washroom
- Limited seating
- Basic ambiance
Often praised
- atmosphereWe ordered and ate completely different things, but it was delicious and fresh :) Communication was difficult, but it's worth tasting the real Chinese culture and atmosphere. It doesn't look like much, but it's really worth it.
- Atmospherehappy surprised the restaurant was not busy
- 70's vibethat 70’s vibe
- Chinese cultureworth tasting the real Chinese culture
- authenticityWhen we stumbled onto this restaurant, we were hungry for lunch and it seemed like the most inviting one. Upon sitting down, we immediately realized this was going to be an incredibly authentic experience, possibly being the only tourists there. The menu was extensive, and we all found something that appealed to us.
- calm atmospherehas a calm atmosphere
- customersnearly all the customers were Chinese. Always a good sign.
- divey atmosphereits divey atmosphere
- establishmentit was clean and organized
- family run placeLooks like old school family run place
Frequently criticized
- ambiancePlace is very small and doesn't have a great ambiance
- atmosphereYou don't go to New Lun Ting Cafe (NLT) for atmosphere.
- bathroomunsanitary bathroom
- clean experienceDon’t expect good service or a clean experience
- environmentthe environment is not clean
- hole in the wall feelDon’t let the hole in the wall feel scare you. Cause the ox tail on rice is excellent.
- networkno network
- placePlace is very small and doesn't have a great ambiance
- restroomI would not recommend going to the restroom there though.
- seatingNot much seating
If youre seeking an authentic, unique vibe and dont mind a no-frills setting, this place could be a charming find. However, if clean, modern facilities and ample seating are high on your list, you might want to adjust your expectations.
Value (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at 73.5%, many diners rave about the great value and very reasonable prices. Youll often find it described as affordable and a true bargain, especially considering the generous portions and included extras.
However, out of 49 total comments, 11 did raise some eyebrows. A few folks felt it was a bit pricey or even overpriced, with concerns about ambiguous pricing and instances of feeling overcharged'. Some also noted issues with mandatory tipping policies, which can be a dealbreaker for some.
Value
49
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
11
negative
2
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value meals
- Very reasonable prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Ambiguous billing
- Mandatory tips
- Feeling overcharged
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was surprisingly good, especially considering the price. The service was fast, and they really knew how to cook the ribeye, making it appropriate for the price. My meal included a drink or tea, a fried dumpling, and a small soup, and everything was delicious.
- valueWe ordered and ate completely different things, but it was delicious and fresh :) Communication was difficult, but it's worth tasting the real Chinese culture and atmosphere. It doesn't look like much, but it's really worth it.
- pricesdecent prices for a plateful of ordered food
- $11dinner for $11 anywhere else
- Free street parkingFree street parking
- affordableit was affordable too
- affordable pricesaffordable prices
- bargainit's a bargain
- credit cardsthey take credit cards (for orders over $20) which is a bonus
- decent pricedecent price for the size of the meal
Frequently criticized
- billThere is no bill and the pricing seems ambiguous
- overchargeThe older lady likes to overcharge me
- overpricedstill overpriced for that quality
- parkingDifficult to find parking
- parking ticketRisk getting a parking ticket
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing, especially considering the price point. For over $15 before tip, I felt I would have been better off at In-N-Out. Even though it's presented as a family restaurant, the server actively demanded a tip, which was quite unexpected and frankly, laughable.
- priceyA touch pricey as well.
- pricingthe pricing seems ambiguous (e.g. what was being charged aside from the item listing on the menu, with a price that has blue ball pen overwritten.)
- tipneeded one more dollar for a 15% tip
- tipsMandatory minimum 15% tips regardless of service, or you'll be told to stop and count to the nickel and pennies.
If youre looking for a meal that offers substantial portions and extras without breaking the bank, this place is often a fantastic choice. Just be mindful of the billing and tipping practices, and youll likely find a great deal. It's definitely worth considering for an affordable and satisfying experience.
How are the prices at New Lun Ting Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 71 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners (a whopping 57 out of 71!) stick to this $11–$20 sweet spot, showing prices cluster nicely around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 71 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Chinese restaurant. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank, especially given the majority of customers find value in the $11–$20 range.
Customer Reviews: what people think about New Lun Ting Cafe
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Local Gem: Delicious Pork and Milk Tea
This is a pretty local place with a cool history. I would definitely recommend coming here to try some delicious plates of food. A plate of pork chop with a HK milk tea costs around $20 after tax and tip.
The milk tea is smooth, and the pork is tender with just the right amount of fattiness. TLDR: inexpensive and delicious food for locals, come get some delicious pork with orange sauce or curry sauce.
- pork9
- milk tea8
- food9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious food, tranquil atmosphere, great value
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great with lots of options. We were treated to a complimentary small soup, a dumpling, and delicious green tea while we waited for our main dishes.
The atmosphere was tranquil and quiet, making it easy to talk. The prices were reasonable, with a price per person of $10–20. The service was excellent, and the wait time was non-existent.
I highly recommend this place, especially for vegetarians.
- food9
- atmosphere9
- prices8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Experience, Small Portions
Honestly quite disappointed with my experience. The menu looked promising, but the portions were small. The cashier was rude, and what was advertised as dessert turned out to be dried-up watermelon.
I can see they are trying, but honestly, I would rather walk down the street to find something better.
- portions2
- cashier1
- dessert2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
9
Delightful Food Seen on YouTube
I was excited to try this restaurant after seeing all the wonderful food on YouTube. I knew some of the menu items were hard to find, even in Chinatown, so I was really looking forward to it. Thank you for showcasing such delightful food on YouTube!
- wonderful food9
- delightful food9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Overpriced and Stale Food, Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was not very cheap, but it tasted cheap. I ordered the shrimp curry rice, and the shrimp tasted stale and frozen.
The service was substandard; the staff didn't know what items were available from the menu. The dumplings were okay, but still overpriced for the quality. To make matters worse, they forced me to tip even though I was unhappy with the service.
I would avoid this place if you're in Chinatown.
- dumplings5
- food2
- shrimp curry rice1
- service1
What New Lun Ting Cafe offers
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at New Lun Ting Cafe?
At New Lun Ting Cafe, you can look forward to a casual dining experience perfect for families, as it’s good for kids. You have the flexibility of choosing between dine-in and takeout options. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a sweet dessert, this spot has you covered.
What are the payment and parking options available at New Lun Ting Cafe?
When visiting New Lun Ting Cafe, please note that it is a cash-only establishment, so be sure to come prepared. For parking, you’ll find several convenient paid options nearby, including paid parking lots, paid parking garages, and paid street parking in the bustling Chinatown area.
What are the main strengths of New Lun Ting Cafe?
Customers frequently praise the generous food portions, affordable pricing, and the authentic atmosphere that offers a taste of Chinese culture.
How does New Lun Ting Cafe rate overall, and what about its key aspects?
The restaurant holds a good overall score of 7.5. Food (7.8) is highly rated, followed by Value (7.1), Service (7.0), and Ambience (6.9), all contributing to a generally positive experience.
Are there any common issues or dealbreakers at New Lun Ting Cafe?
Some customers have noted concerns regarding a mandatory tipping policy, occasional inconsistencies in service, and unsanitary restroom facilities.