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oChef » Kam Lok – San Francisco
Kam Lok - San Francisco
Photo from Kam Lok
Kam Lok at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 18 of the guests
#1935 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#194 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
203
Reviews
61.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Great value
- Local favorite
Frequently criticized
- Unclean interior
- Rude service
- Salty dishes
The restaurant Kam Lok invites you to experience authentic Chinese cuisine right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown. This casual Chinese restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy a delightful meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, you’ll find comfortable seating and friendly table service. It’s a perfect spot for families, complete with a kids’ menu and high chairs.
Overview: Introducting Kam Lok
Kam Lok offers a culinary experience centered on its genuine Chinese food, with many finding the dishes to be both excellent and plentiful. It’s often described as a place where locals frequent, suggesting an authentic feel that many appreciate.
However, guests should be aware that the establishment’s appearance can be quite dated, with some concerns about its cleanliness. While the food shines, the overall atmosphere and certain aspects of the service might not meet everyone’s expectations.
Good
6.6
out of 10
203
Reviews
61.6%
Satisfaction
49
negative
29
neutral
125
positive
Kam Lok holds an overall Restaurant Score 6.6, placing it in the average category, with Customer Satisfaction 61.6%, indicating a mixed reception among diners. This assessment is drawn from 203 customer remarks, comprising 125 positive and 49 negative observations.
The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring a strong (7.9) and Value even higher at (8.2), reflecting excellent quality for the price. However, the experience is tempered by Service, which rates as average at (5.2), and Ambience, which falls into the poor category at (4.6), suggesting areas needing considerable attention.
What people like
- Authentic Chinese Food
- Exceptional Value
- Local Community Favorite
What people don't like
- Unclean, Dated Interior
- Inconsistent, Rude Service
- Salty Dishes (some)
If you prioritize authentic, flavorful Chinese cuisine and exceptional value over modern comforts, Kam Lok is certainly worth considering. With a Recommendation Score 7.3, it suggests a generally positive experience for those who know what to expect.
This spot is ideal for diners seeking a no-frills, local dining experience where the food and price point are the main draw. However, if a pristine environment and consistently polished service are crucial to your dining enjoyment, you might find it falls short.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kam Lok
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting a 7.9 score and a solid 78.7% customer satisfaction. With 70 positive remarks out of 89 total, diners consistently praise the authentic Cantonese dishes and old school Cantonese food. Many appreciate the large servings and the delicious wok flavor, making for a truly satisfying meal.
However, its not entirely perfect, with a few diners (6 out of 89 comments) finding some dishes less flavorful than others. A couple of folks mentioned certain items, like the chicken wings, being a bit too salty for their taste. While these are minor points, theyre worth noting for those with specific preferences.
Food
89
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
6
negative
13
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Cantonese food
- Generous portion sizes
- Excellent wok flavor
What people don't like
- Some dishes salty
- Occasional bland flavors
Often praised
- foodfood was excellent and plentiful
- great foodgreat food in a relaxed atmosphere
- walnut shrimpThe walnut shrimp and garlic green beans were phenomenal
- Asian foodone of the true Asian food places
- Beef with Chinese GreenMy favorite plate was Beef with Chinese Green
- Clam in the Podand Clam in the Pod
- Genuine Chinese foodGenuine Chinese food
- Hong Kong style Chinese dinerbest Hong Kong style Chinese diner in town
- Hung tao yee fu won tonHung tao yee fu won ton, it was a broccoli/Bok choy/egg flower/pork wonton soup and was delicious!
- Pork Ribs in Spicy SaltWe really loved the Pork Ribs in Spicy Salt (crispy & flavourful)!
Frequently criticized
- Mongolia BeefI find the beef and chicken wings a bit too salty for me.
- Spicy Salt Chicken WingsI find the beef and chicken wings a bit too salty for me.
- foodthe food is worse
- iced waterasked the old bald man at the counter for iced water
- other dishesMy experience at this restaurant was okay. The fried tofu was amazing, but the other dishes were less flavorful. Halfway through our dinner, there was a horrible locker room sweat smell that was really off-putting.
- tap waterhe came with a tap water, no ice at all!
Overall, if youre craving genuine, hearty Cantonese food with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few dishes might lean a bit salty, but the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely leave satisfied.
Service (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have found the staff to be incredibly friendly, offering excellent hospitality and attentive customer service. There are 16 positive remarks highlighting great experiences, with some even praising specific helpful individuals and translation assistance. Overall, the service scores an average 5.2, indicating a mixed but somewhat positive experience for many.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, with 16 negative comments pointing to significant issues. Some customers reported rude servers, unfriendly waitstaff, and even disrespectful owners, leading to a less-than-ideal dining experience. With customer satisfaction at a mixed 47.1% based on 34 total opinions, its clear there's room for improvement in consistency.
Service
34
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
16
negative
2
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Great hospitality
- Helpful assistance
What people don't like
- Rude service
- Unfriendly waitstaff
- Disrespectful owner
Often praised
- serviceservice is attentive and friendly
- customer serviceThe servings were large, and the food was really good. I also appreciated the great customer service. However, the restaurant is a bit hidden, making it hard to find.
- Credit cardsCredit cards are accepted.
- HospitalityHospitality was amazing
- everybody thereThe food was very good and at a very reasonable price. The hospitality was amazing, and everybody there was very kind.
- excellent staffThe staff was excellent
- friendlytreated very friendly
- kidkid who's about 7-8 that hangs in there, and is super helpful and nice
- translation helpsuper helpful and nice when we need help translation
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. The service was bad, and the owner was disrespectful and rude to me. Furthermore, the restaurant was dirty, especially the restroom.
- ownerMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of good food and really bad service. The owner of the store accused me of a prank call when I was ordering food from the cashier. Despite this unpleasant interaction, the food itself was good.
- child laborThis is particularly disappointing as I have been a loyal customer for over 20 years, always recommending this place as one of the true Asian food establishments. It's a shame because, in addition to the rude service, the place was not clean, lacked access for the disabled, and I suspect child labor. They also had the audacity to act like I was only there once.
- fiery facehe came with his fiery face
- impatient facehe showed his impatient face
- people in Chinatownmost people in Chinatown going to treat you like unwanted guest
- rudeReally rude
- serverthe server acted like we were not worth the time
- top-notch servicedon't expect to get top notch service
- wait for foodhad to wait a while for the food
This spot seems to be a bit of a gamble when it comes to service. While some rave about the friendly and helpful staff, others have encountered rudeness and disrespect. If you're willing to take a chance, you might be pleasantly surprised, but be prepared for a potentially mixed experience.
Ambience (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
While the ambience scores an average 4.6, some diners appreciate its authentic, family-owned vibe, feeling like a hidden gem with a relaxed atmosphere. Many note it's where locals eat, offering a genuine Chinatown experience, based on 16 positive remarks. However, the customer satisfaction for ambience is quite low at 29.1%, largely due to concerns about cleanliness.
Many of the 26 negative comments mention the place being a little dirty, with dated decor and issues in the bathrooms. Some even reported an off-putting locker room sweat smell.
Ambience
55
Reviews
29%
Satisfaction
26
negative
13
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic local spot
- Hidden gem feel
- Relaxed atmosphere
What people don't like
- Very dirty
- Dirty bathrooms
- Unpleasant smell
Often praised
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was positive. It's a small but nice place with good service. The food was excellent, especially the egg rolls, which were about 10 times better than average.
- atmosphereAmazing place to eat just a nice contrast from the main street tourist areas
- Chinatown eating experienceI wanted an authentic Chinatown eating experience, and I definitely got it here. The food was quite delicious as expected.
- authenticityMy experience at the restaurant was very authentic. It seemed like almost only Chinese visitors were present, which I take as a good sign.
- casual atmosphereHowever, the garlic eggplant and mapo tofu were just okay. While the service was great and I enjoyed the casual atmosphere, the biggest takeaway was the restaurant's condition. It was one of the dirtiest I've ever visited, with grime on menus, walls, and in the restroom.
- family-ownedIt's owned by the family
- hidden gemcall this a hidden gem of sorts
- hole in the wallDefinitely feels like a hole in the wall restaurant
- local Chinese communityMy experience at this restaurant was positive. It's authentic and popular with the local Chinese community, which is a good sign. The place can get crowded, but the food is good and the prices are reasonable.
- locals eat hereSeems alot of local eat here to
Frequently criticized
- placeThe place looks a bit dated
- restroomEverything from the menus to the walls to the restroom was covered in a thick layer of grime
- a little dirtyHowever, the restaurant is a bit hidden, making it hard to find. The atmosphere was not the greatest, and the place was a little dirty.
- access for disabledno access for the disabled
- air conditioningno ac in the restaurant
- ambienceA little loud
- atmospherenot the greatest atmosphere
- bathroomsMy experience at this restaurant was marked by excellent food and an excellent price. However, the place is quite dated and the bathrooms need renovation. Despite these drawbacks, the restaurant offers one of the best prices in Chinatown.
- cleanest placeisn't the most cleanest place around
- cleanlinessnot exactly the cleanest place
If you're seeking a truly authentic, no-frills Chinatown experience and can overlook some cleanliness issues, this spot might be for you. However, if a pristine environment is crucial, you might find the dated and sometimes dirty ambience disappointing.
Value (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.2 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 92%, guests consistently rave about the incredible value for price and low price offerings. Many highlight the set menus as a particular bargain, making it easy to enjoy great food without breaking the bank, based on 23 positive remarks.
However, out of 25 total opinions, theres just one minor note regarding the "price, " with a customer mentioning its Not that cheap. This suggests that while the value is overwhelmingly praised, a very small minority might find it slightly above their lowest expectations.
Value
25
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Reasonable prices
- Excellent set menus
What people don't like
- Not always cheapest
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by excellent food and an excellent price. However, the place is quite dated and the bathrooms need renovation.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed with the excellent food, great portions, and great prices. It's a must-visit every time I'm in SF.
- budgetDoesn't bust the budget
- bargainso it was definitely quite a bargain!
- dinner special pricethe price of the dinner special was great
- low pricegreat food at a low price
- quality-price ratioMy experience at this restaurant offered a good quality-price ratio and a variety of dishes. However, the service was marred by an unfriendly younger waitress.
- set menusTheir set menu are such great value if you’re a seafood lover.
- value for priceIt's an amazing place to eat, offering a nice contrast from the main street tourist areas. The great value for the price was a significant highlight, and it seemed like a lot of locals eat here, which is always a good sign.
Frequently criticized
- priceNot that cheap
If youre looking for fantastic food that wont empty your wallet, this place is definitely worth a visit. While one person felt it wasn't the absolute cheapest, the overwhelming consensus is that you get incredible bang for your buck here, especially with their set menus.
How are the prices at Kam Lok?
You’re looking at roughly 27$ per person – reported by 18 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 27$, it’s worth noting that prices are quite spread out. Most guests spend in the $11–$20 range, but a few have clearly indulged, with some bills reaching the 81 – 100 $ mark, pulling that average up!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 18 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers options for those looking for a more budget-friendly meal, while also catering to those who want to splurge a bit. It seems like a good spot for a versatile dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kam Lok
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Favorite 80s Chinese Food Spot
My experience at this restaurant was a trip back to the 1980s, a time when this place was my favorite and remains so even now when I return to the City. We often went there after playing golf. My favorite dishes were the Beef with Chinese Green in Hong Kong style and Clam in the Pod.
In the 80s, we paid between $3. 00 to $5. 00 for a plate.
- Beef with Chinese Green9
- Clam in the Pod9
- price8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Excellent Food, Portions, and Prices in SF
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed with the excellent food, great portions, and great prices. It's a must-visit every time I'm in SF.
- food10
- portions9
- prices9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic Chinatown Experience
I wanted an authentic Chinatown eating experience, and I definitely got it here. The food was quite delicious as expected. Thank you.
- food9
- Chinatown eating experience9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Food, Great Service, Will Return
I visited with my family and we ordered several dishes. The food was delicious, and I appreciated that it wasn't overly salted. The price was decent, and the customer service was good.
I'm definitely coming back.
- food9
- salt8
- price7
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Hidden Gem with Great Food!
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The servings were large, and the food was really good. I also appreciated the great customer service.
However, the restaurant is a bit hidden, making it hard to find. The atmosphere was not the greatest, and the place was a little dirty.
- large servings8
- food8
- customer service8
- atmosphere2
- a little dirty3
What Kam Lok offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegetarian options
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and amenities does Kam Lok Restaurant offer for your visit?
At Kam Lok Restaurant, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch and dinner with comfortable seating and table service. If you’re dining with family, you’ll appreciate the kids’ menu and high chairs, making it a good choice for children. You can also plan ahead as the restaurant accepts reservations.
Does Kam Lok Restaurant provide flexible service options and cater to different preferences?
Yes, Kam Lok Restaurant offers several convenient service options, including curbside pickup, takeout, and delivery, in addition to traditional dine-in. For your dietary needs, vegetarian options are available. You can also complement your meal with a selection of beer and other alcoholic beverages.
How does Kam Lok rate overall?
Kam Lok has an overall Restaurant Score 6.6 and a Customer Satisfaction 61.6%. While Food (7.9) and Value (8.2) are highly rated, Service (5.2) is average, and Ambience (4.6) is considered poor.
What are Kam Lok's culinary strengths?
Customers frequently praise Kam Lok for its genuine Chinese food, highlighting dishes like walnut shrimp, Pork Ribs in Spicy Salt, and Beef with Chinese Green as particularly flavorful and authentic.
What are the common complaints about Kam Lok?
Common complaints include the restaurant’s dated and sometimes dirty interior, particularly the restroom. Some guests also reported rude service and found certain dishes, like Mongolia Beef, to be too salty.