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oChef » Elaine’s Kitchen – San Francisco
Elaine's Kitchen - San Francisco
Photo from Elaine’s Kitchen
Elaine's Kitchen at a glance
San Francisco Telegraph Hill
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 25 of the guests
#1357 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#113 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
336
Reviews
75.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Affordable prices
- Friendly service
- Delicious classics
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent quality
- Delivery problems
- Poor ambiance
The Chinese restaurant Elaine’s Kitchen in San Francisco’s vibrant Telegraph Hill neighborhood invites you to a casual dining experience. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal, whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner.
This spot is known for its authentic flavors and convenient service options, making it a great choice for locals and visitors alike.
Overview: Introducting Elaine's Kitchen
Elaine’s Kitchen often delivers a pleasant experience, with many appreciating the friendly approach from the staff and the generally affordable prices. It’s a spot where the culinary offerings can truly shine, providing satisfying meals for many patrons.
However, some visits reveal an inconsistent side, particularly with certain dishes and aspects of their delivery service. The dining environment also receives mixed feedback, suggesting it might not be the primary draw for everyone.
Good
7.3
out of 10
336
Reviews
75.6%
Satisfaction
71
negative
11
neutral
254
positive
Elaine’s Kitchen holds a solid overall rating of 7.3, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 75.6%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 336 customer observations, with 254 positive remarks outweighing 71 negative ones. Diving deeper, Value (8.2) is a clear standout, often praised for its affordability.
The Service (7.9) also earns high marks for its attentive and friendly approach. While Food (7.1) is generally well-regarded, its score suggests some variability.
The Ambience (5.9) is where the restaurant shows room for improvement, being the lowest-scoring aspect.
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Friendly, fast service
- Delicious classic dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Delivery service issues
- Unpleasant dining atmosphere
Elaine’s Kitchen presents a compelling option for those seeking good value and genuinely friendly service, earning a solid recommendation score of 7.5. It’s a place where you can often find satisfying meals without breaking the bank, especially if you appreciate a personal touch.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in dish preparation and occasional hiccups with delivery. If you prioritize affordability and a warm welcome over a perfect dining environment, Elaine’s Kitchen is certainly worth considering for your next meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Elaine's Kitchen
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
Overall, the food here is quite a hit, boasting a good score of 7.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 74.1%. With 169 positive remarks out of 228 total mentions, many rave about delicious items like fresh spring rolls, spicy basil chicken, and the beloved Sesame chicken, often praising the large quantities and great taste. However, not every dish shines, as 54 negative comments point to some concerns.
Issues like greasy food, dry and chewy chicken, or undercooked items occasionally pop up. There were even mentions of quality inconsistencies and, unfortunately, a hair in dumplings, suggesting some dishes might miss the mark.
Food
228
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
54
negative
5
neutral
169
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Generous portions
- Flavorful dishes
What people don't like
- Greasy, oily food
- Dry, chewy chicken
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- foodAs a family-owned restaurant, I'm giving this place a 5-star rating for its great hospitality, delicious food, and speed of service. The spring rolls, despite being deep-fried, were incredibly fresh and crispy, cooked in fresh oil.
- portionsWe tried the Mopu Tofu, Chow Mein, and Sesame Chicken, and loved every dish. The prices were really good, offering big portions for the great taste. The service was also very good and fast.
- Chinese foodthis Chinese food is comparable to what we have
- orange chickenPerfectly executed Chinese-American classics like orange chicken
- sesame chickenThe fried rice and sesame chicken were great
- food qualityfood is very good and consistent
- fried riceThe fried rice and sesame chicken were great
- General TsoThe General Tso was crispyyyy perfectly spicy, seasoned to perfection
- General Tso's chickenI generally like this Chinese restaurant for their General Tso's chicken. However, during my recent visit, I noticed two cats inside the establishment.
- Kung PaoKung Pao and chicken fried rice was outstanding. Just the right amount of spice in Kung Pao.
Frequently criticized
- chickenNot happy with chicken. It tastes like its old and then when reheated it was overcooked.
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. The food seemed like it might be better during the day, but at night, it was rushed, undercooked, and lacked flavor. The fried rice was more like boiled rice, and there were many other misses.
- food qualityextremely negative due to the food quality
- fried riceThe fried rice was basically white rice with a little soy sauce. It was very bland
- orange chickenIt was super dry and hard, almost as if it had already been cooked and then cooked again to heat it up. Both the General Tso's and orange chicken had to be thrown out. This is the second time in a row; I thought last time was just a bad night, but apparently not.
- sesame chickenMy sesame chicken consisted of battered chunks of chicken with a dash of plain vinegar and sesame seeds thrown on top
- ricetwo entrees but no rice
- spring rollsthe spring rolls were mushy
- General Tso'sIt was super dry and hard, almost as if it had already been cooked and then cooked again to heat it up. Both the General Tso's and orange chicken had to be thrown out. This is the second time in a row; I thought last time was just a bad night, but apparently not.
- General Tso's Chickenesp. General Tso's Chicken. It is dry and chewy
If youre looking for generous portions of tasty Chinese-American classics, this spot is generally a good bet. Just be mindful that some dishes can be inconsistent in quality, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment. Its worth a try for the popular items!
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.9 and a strong customer satisfaction of 83.1%. Many of the 54 positive remarks, out of 65 total, highlight the incredibly fast service, especially for pickup, and the consistently friendly staff. Guests often praise the efficient delivery time and overall great hospitality.
However, it's not always perfect, with 9 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some experiences mention occasional extended delivery time, while others felt a bit rushed during busy periods. A few guests also noted longer wait times, particularly for delivery, which can be a minor hiccup.
Service
65
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast service
- Friendly staff
- Quick pickup
What people don't like
- Long delivery times
- Occasional wait times
- Feeling rushed
Often praised
- serviceAll dishes were perfectly seasoned. The service was very friendly and fast. Food can also be picked up (some customers were using this service while we were there).
- deliveryHowever, I was short on time and exhausted, so I decided to order delivery from Elaine's based on the good reviews. The food arrived on time, but that is the only positive. It was greasy and lacked flavor.
- ownerThe owner was nice to step out and introduce herself
- staffWe found the sesame chicken to be the best around and consistently good. The service is also fast for pickup, usually around 10 minutes on most nights, and the staff are friendly. They also offer free delivery, which is a great perk, though it has occasionally taken up to an hour.
- customer serviceexcellent customer service!
- experienceThe people who own and run the business are friendly. I have been going here a lot and have never been disappointed.
- friendlyClean, friendly, great menu, great FOOD
- workersthe workers there are amazing
- ElaineElaine was very nice
- chinese girlserved by an smiling, gentil and attentive chinese girl
Frequently criticized
- deliveryDelivery was late
- delivery timeThe service is also fast for pickup, usually around 10 minutes on most nights, and the staff are friendly. They also offer free delivery, which is a great perk, though it has occasionally taken up to an hour. The only downside is that they don't carry some of the most popular Chinese dishes you might find elsewhere.
- in-person orderwon’t take an in person order
- option to add riceno even option to add rice when ordered
- pickupsonly doing pickups
- rushedrushed at night
- staffwon’t speak English Pretending not to understand
- to-go containerthe to-go container for my sesame chicken had two holes
- wait timeThe wait was ridiculously long as well.
If youre looking for generally quick and friendly service, especially for pickup or online orders, this place is a solid bet. Just be aware that delivery times can occasionally vary, so plan accordingly if youre in a hurry.
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
The ambiance here gets a mixed reception, with a score of 5.9, placing it in the average category. However, there are definite bright spots! Many guests appreciated the easy parking and the overall restaurant cleanliness, often described as a nice and clean place with nice art work.
These 11 positive comments contribute to a 57.9% customer satisfaction, suggesting a somewhat positive overall feeling. However, not everything is perfect. Some guests found the bathroom floor to be extremely sticky and mentioned it was very chilly inside.
There were also concerns about the atmosphere due to two cats inside the establishment and suggestions to change the plastic bags and cutlery. These 7 negative comments highlight areas that could use some attention, making the overall experience a bit of a mixed bag.
Ambience
19
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Easy parking
- Clean place
- Nice artwork
What people don't like
- Sticky bathroom floor
- Cats inside
- Too chilly
Often praised
- atmospheresmall, family-style atmosphere inside
- placeHer place is small, but excellent customer service!
- environmentNice environment
- nice art workSome nice art work on the walls
- parkingI found parking right in the front of the restaurant.
- restaurant cleanlinessclean restaurant
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe food was excellent, and the service, though unexpected, was accommodating. The atmosphere was not ideal, but the overall experience was positive due to the food and the effort made by the staff.
- bathroom floorthe bathroom floor was extremely sticky and unkempt
- cats insideI generally like this Chinese restaurant for their General Tso's chicken. However, during my recent visit, I noticed two cats inside the establishment. This made me very uncomfortable, as I assumed they were there to deal with potential mice or rats.
- chilly insideVery chilly inside.
- cutlerychange the plastic bags and cutlery
- plastic bagschange the plastic bags and cutlery
- potential micepotential mice , rats. Etc!
So, should you go? If you prioritize a clean spot with easy parking and don't mind a few quirks, it could be worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially chilly room and check the bathroom before settling in.
Value (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8.2 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 83.3%, its clear guests feel theyre getting a great deal. Many praise the good prices, lunch special being a steal, and finding cheap delicious Chinese food thats reasonably priced across 20 positive remarks.
However, among 24 total pieces of feedback, there was one instance where the price and quantity didnt quite hit the mark. One guest felt the food quality didnt justify the cost, finding it maddening' for what they paid.
Value
24
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
1
negative
3
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good prices
- Affordable meals
- Value for money
What people don't like
- Price vs. quantity
Often praised
- priceI absolutely loved their House Special Eggplant. The price was surprisingly low, which made me wonder why it was marked with two dollar signs.
- pricesWhile there are always people at lunch, we've rarely had to wait. The menu is simple, and the lunch menu offers cheap prices. They always included fried cream puffs and sour soup as part of the lunch special.
- reasonably pricedI work a couple blocks away and I just love this place. The food is fantastic, the service is super nice, and it's reasonably priced.
- Total with tax and tipTotal with tax and tip came to $13.50, not bad
- affordable pricesAffordable prices
- cheap delicious Chinese foodThe Ma Po Tofu was perfectly spicy. It's a perfect place for cheap delicious Chinese food.
- credit cardsThank goodness this restaurant accepts credit cards
- good pricesLuckily, this place popped up on Google Maps with good reviews, and I just wanted to confirm them! My experience was great: good food, good prices, and friendly service. The lunch special was a steal!
- lunch specialLunch special was a steal!
- pricingGreat pricing
Frequently criticized
- price and quantityThe orange chicken was so dry it was inedible. The sesame chicken was better, but still maddening for the price and quantity. The reviewer's experience was negatively impacted by the food quality and value for money.
If you're looking for a place where your money goes far, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Most diners find the prices incredibly fair, especially for the generous portions. Just be aware that one experience mentioned a slight mismatch between price and quantity for a specific dish.
How are the prices at Elaine's Kitchen?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 25 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the bigger picture, while the average is 24, a good number of guests actually spend less, with many prices landing in the $11–$20 range. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly bites to slightly higher-end dishes.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 25 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, especially given the variety of price points available. It offers good value for those looking for a mid-range experience with some cheaper options.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Elaine's Kitchen
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
2
Misleading Pot Stickers, Disappointing Experience
My experience was misleading and disappointing. I ordered the pot stickers, expecting them to be steamed as shown in the photo. However, what arrived were clearly frozen, deep-fried ones, which were greasy and nothing like what was advertised.
The photo was totally misleading. I will not be ordering from here again. Eww.
- pot stickers1
- frozen, deep-fried1
- greasy1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Dry chicken and poor value
I didn't understand how this is reviewed highly. My experience was disappointing, particularly with the food. The orange chicken was so dry it was inedible.
The sesame chicken was better, but still maddening for the price and quantity. The reviewer's experience was negatively impacted by the food quality and value for money.
- sesame chicken5
- orange chicken1
- price and quantity3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Chicken Quality
I'm super bummed because I've enjoyed Elaine's Kitchen in the past. Tonight, they sent the worst chicken. It was super dry and hard, almost as if it had already been cooked and then cooked again to heat it up.
Both the General Tso's and orange chicken had to be thrown out. This is the second time in a row; I thought last time was just a bad night, but apparently not.
- chicken1
- General Tso's1
- orange chicken1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Delivery
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
1
Awful Service and Communication Issues
My experience was extremely negative. The restaurant only seemed to be doing pickups, and the staff member I encountered refused to speak English, pretending not to understand my order. Even when I used a translator app to spell out "meat bun" in Mandarin, the employee repeated it in English and continued to act oblivious.
They wanted me to leave and wouldn't take an in-person order. If a shop isn't open for in-person orders, they should close down and go back to online platforms.
- staff1
- in-person order1
- pickups1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Outstanding Kung Pao and Fried Rice!
My experience with Elaine’s Kitchen was for a hotel room delivery. The Kung Pao and chicken fried rice were outstanding. I particularly enjoyed the Kung Pao, as it had just the right amount of spice.
- Kung Pao9
- chicken fried rice9
- spice8
What Elaine's Kitchen offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Elaine's Kitchen?
At Elaine’s Kitchen, you can enjoy a variety of dining options to suit your plans. Whether you prefer a leisurely meal, you can choose between dine-in, takeout, or convenient delivery services. They are open for both lunch and dinner, offering table service for your comfort.
Does Elaine's Kitchen cater to specific dietary needs or family dining?
Yes, Elaine’s Kitchen is committed to accommodating various preferences. You’ll find healthy options and vegetarian options on the menu. Plus, it’s a great spot for families, as it’s considered good for kids, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.
How does Elaine's Kitchen generally perform?
Elaine’s Kitchen has an overall score of **7.3** and a customer satisfaction of **75.6%**. Its **Value** (8.2) and **Service** (7.9) are highly rated, while **Food** (7.1) is good, and **Ambience** (5.9) is its lowest-scoring aspect.
What do customers appreciate most about Elaine's Kitchen?
Many customers frequently praise the **affordable prices** and the **friendly, fast service**. The staff, including the owner, often receive positive remarks for their welcoming approach.
Are there any common issues to be aware of at Elaine's Kitchen?
Some patrons have noted **inconsistent dish quality**, particularly with certain chicken items being dry or bland. There are also occasional concerns regarding **delivery service issues** and the overall dining atmosphere.