Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Yan Yan – San Francisco
Yan Yan - San Francisco
Photo from Yan Yan
Yan Yan at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 1 of the guests
#1471 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#116 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
118
Reviews
67.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Generous portions
- Good value
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- Noisy
- Parking issues
The restaurant Yan Yan is a beloved Chinese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Sunset District. You’ll find yourself immersed in an authentic culinary journey, perfect for a delightful dinner experience.
This establishment is known for its inviting atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike seeking genuine Chinese flavors. Whether you’re planning a family meal or a casual evening out, Yan Yan Seafood Restaurant offers a welcoming setting.
Overview: Introducting Yan Yan
Yan Yan seems to be a place where the food often hits the mark, especially for those seeking generous portions and good Cantonese fare. Many appreciate the desserts and specific dishes like the salt & pepper ribs.
It’s also frequently noted for its excellent value, making it a popular choice for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. However, the experience at Yan Yan isn’t without its challenges.
The ambience can be quite loud, and parking is often a concern. While some find the staff friendly, others have reported significant issues with service, including long waits and feeling overlooked, which can detract from the overall visit.
Good
7.2
out of 10
118
Reviews
67.8%
Satisfaction
24
negative
14
neutral
80
positive
Overall, Yan Yan holds a respectable 7.2 score, indicating a generally good dining experience, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 67.8%. This suggests that while many leave content, a notable portion encounter issues.
The restaurant’s strong suit is clearly its Food (8.3), which garners the most discussion, with 80 positive remarks out of 118 total customer comments. Patrons frequently praise the generous portions and specific dishes.
The Value (8.4) also stands out as a significant positive, often highlighted for its affordability. However, the experience is tempered by less favorable aspects.
Service (5.8) is an area that could use attention, with several customers reporting delays and feeling overlooked. The Ambience (4.8) also falls short for many, often described as noisy and lacking in comfort, contributing to the 24 negative observations.
What people like
- Generous food portions
- Good value for money
- Friendly owner/staff
What people don't like
- Significant service delays
- Noisy dining atmosphere
- Limited parking options
Yan Yan presents a compelling option if you prioritize hearty, well-priced Cantonese fare and don’t mind a bustling atmosphere. With a solid recommendation score of 7.5, it’s certainly worth considering for a casual meal, especially if you’re looking for generous portions and a friendly welcome from the owners.
However, be prepared for potential service delays and a lively, sometimes loud, dining room. If a quiet, intimate experience or swift service is crucial for your visit, you might find Yan Yan less suitable.
It shines brightest for those seeking a straightforward, satisfying meal with good value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Yan Yan
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place really hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.3 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 88.3%, diners are generally thrilled. Out of 60 total opinions, a whopping 53 were positive, highlighting delicious, piping hot dishes and gigantic portions.
Many found it to be comforting, with standout items like Walnut prawns and salt & pepper ribs frequently praised. However, its not entirely without its minor critiques, as 3 opinions mentioned some concerns. A few found the food not always that tasty, and there were isolated comments about a bit too much MSG.
While these are minor points compared to the overwhelming positives, its worth noting for those with specific sensitivities.
Food
60
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
3
negative
4
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Gigantic portions
- Delicious food
- Childhood comfort food
What people don't like
- Too much MSG
- Not always tasty
Often praised
- foodThe food was good for a typical low cost Chinese restaurant
- dessertsall their desserts tasted insanely good
- large portionswith the large portions, an order or two could last you
- salt & pepper ribssalt & pepper ribs (house specialty)
- Black bean clamsBlack bean clams: such good sauce, and the clams aren't tiny
- Cantonese foodFood is pretty good as for Cantonese food
- Chinese broccoliChinese broccoli with oyster sauce: cooked to just the right texture
- Chinese dessertstwo kinds of Chinese desserts that she threw in for free
- Kyoto ribsMy experience at the restaurant was positive, with good food served at decent prices. While everyone enjoyed the Kyoto ribs, I personally preferred the salt & pepper ribs. For dessert, the red bean & black sesame pudding was yummy!
- Salt and pepper pork spare ribsSalt and pepper pork spare ribs: So good! They were crunchy
Frequently criticized
- MSGA bit much with the MSG
- spare rib dishthe spare rib dish was not the right one
- tastyI came here for lunch and found the restaurant to be quite crowded, with many construction workers present. While the portion size was big, the food itself was not that tasty.
If you're looking for generous portions of tasty Chinese comfort food, this spot is definitely worth a try. The vast majority of diners rave about the delicious dishes and huge serving sizes, making it a great option for a satisfying meal. Just be aware of a few isolated comments regarding MSG or occasional taste inconsistencies.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a definite bright side! Many guests rave about the friendly and jolly staff and owners, with 16 positive remarks highlighting how they make you feel welcome and even treat you like family. They often make efforts to ensure a good experience, with some orders even coming out in a timely manner, and the option to make reservations is a plus.
However, its not always smooth sailing. With 14 negative comments, a significant concern is the wait time, with some diners feeling ignored or experiencing very slow service, sometimes waiting over an hour to be served. This leads to an average score of 5.8 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 43.2%, indicating a need for more consistent performance.
Service
37
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
14
negative
7
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Staff makes efforts
- Reservations available
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Service can be slow
- Customers feel ignored
Often praised
- ownerThe owner is very friendly
- staffstaff was super friendly and treated us like a family
- boss ladyCat the boss lady is a real character
- feel welcomeOn a rainy day, their soups make a great comfort food and with the large portions, an order or two could last you the entire storm. This place always makes you feel welcome, pick-up or eat-in. Though another storm has begun, I might place an order and pick it up anyway.
- friendly and jollyThe boss lady is friendly, jolly
- hostessOMG the hostess is just as sweet as y'all said.
- ownersThe owners are very friendly.
- reservationAlways good idea to have a reservation
- reservationsTakes reservations
- returnWe'd definitely return.
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was a significant letdown
- ignored several timesHowever, the service was a significant letdown. Only one person was taking orders, and we were ignored several times, which was quite frustrating.
- ordering our dishesWaited 1 hour after ordering our dishes, we still were not served.
- people who came in laterother people who came in later than us were be served.
- reservationThey were totally unprepared for that day.
- serve properlyyou got to know how to serve properly
- servedwe still were not served.
- take awhile to get servedThe food was good, especially considering it's a typical low-cost Chinese restaurant. However, they do take awhile to get served, which was a bit of a drawback.
- wait staffwait staff seems like they would rather be elsewhere
- wait time90 minutes of total wait
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly staff and dont mind potentially long waits, this spot could be for you. Just be prepared for inconsistent service, especially during busy times, and consider making a reservation to improve your experience.
Ambience (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot shines as a go-to for family and friend gatherings, large family gatherings, and family dinners. Many find it a favorite for these occasions, making it a welcoming place for groups. Despite an average score of 4.8 and a poor customer satisfaction of 25%, there are 3 positive remarks among the 12 total, highlighting its suitability for group events.
However, the ambience isn't without its challenges. Several guests noted significant issues with parking, specifically No parking lot, and concerns about the cleanliness of the place. The noise level is also a frequent complaint, with many describing it as Very loud, making it definitely not a date night type restaurant for those seeking a quiet atmosphere.
Ambience
12
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Family gathering spot
What people don't like
- No parking available
- Very loud atmosphere
- Cleanliness concerns
Often praised
- family and friend gatheringsfavorite place for family n friend gathering
- family dinnersIt's a nice spot for family dinners
- large family gatheringsGood for large family gatherings
Frequently criticized
- No parking lotNo parking lot
- ambiencenot the ambience
- atmosphereVery loud
- cleanlinesscleanliness of the place
- date night restaurantdefinitely not a date night type restaurant
- noiseif you don't mind the noise
- parkingthree stars for the parking
If youre planning a lively "family gathering" and dont mind potential parking hassles or a loud environment, this place could work. However, if cleanliness is a top priority or you're looking for a quiet date night spot, you might want to look elsewhere.
Value (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction hitting an impressive 88.9%, its clear guests feel theyre getting a great deal. Many of the 8 positive remarks out of 9 total highlight the fantastic value and price, often mentioning decent prices and even things being free of charge.
You can expect huge portions and excellent bang for your buck. Interestingly, across all 9 customer remarks, there wasnt a single negative comment or term related to value. This means patrons consistently found the pricing fair and the portions generous, with no complaints about cost or perceived lack of worth.
Its rare to see such unanimous approval in this category!
Value
9
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Huge food portions
- Very reasonable prices
- Complimentary desserts
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceMy experience at Yan Yan was fantastic! I found it to be a good value with a huge portion offered at a reasonable price. The owner was also very friendly.
- valueone of the best valued restaurants
- decent pricesgood food at decent prices
- free of chargeMy experience at this Chinese Seafood restaurant was marked by a large portion of food. A notable highlight was the inclusion of five types of dessert, all free of charge with dinner: black sesame 👍, black Jello👍, mango pudding, red bean👍, and green bean. The only drawback was the lack of a dedicated parking lot, requiring a search for free street parking.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place where your money goes far, this restaurant is a definite winner. Youll find generous portions at very reasonable prices, often with pleasant surprises like complimentary desserts. It's a smart choice for anyone seeking great value without compromising on quantity.
How are the prices at Yan Yan?
You’re looking at roughly 72 $ per person – reported by 1 diner. That puts it in the $71–$80 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, that’s quite premium!
Since we only have one price point, all the pricing clusters right around this average. While the data is limited, it gives us a good indication of what to expect.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 1 review. While the data is limited, it gives a good indication.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Given the $71–$80 price range, we’d say this Chinese restaurant is definitely aiming for a more premium experience. While 72 $ per person is on the higher side for Chinese cuisine, if the quality and ambiance match, it could certainly feel fair for a special occasion.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Yan Yan
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Closest to Childhood Comfort Food
My family's favorite Cantonese restaurant in Chinatown, a place we've loved since childhood, transformed into a wine bar, leaving us wondering if we'd ever find anything comparable. Thankfully, my cousin discovered Yan Yan's when she lived nearby. The staff are super nice, and the food is the closest to my childhood comfort food that we've found.
We picked up a big order for our first family get-together in over a year, now that we're all vaccinated! The Walnut prawns were excellent, with not too much sauce and good-sized prawns; we ordered two, and they were gone immediately. The Black bean clams had such a good sauce, and the clams were a generous size, unlike at some other places.
The Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce was cooked to just the right texture. I appreciated the oyster sauce being served on the side, as it can sometimes be overpowering. The Salt and pepper pork spare ribs were so good – crunchy with just the right amount of flavor.
We found the portions on everything to be good, and even giant on many items. Although we recently moved out of town, we will definitely come back when we can.
- staff9
- childhood comfort food10
- Walnut prawns9
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Food, Not for Dates
My experience at this restaurant was centered around the food, which was great. However, it's important to note that this establishment caters to Chinese families, making it not a date night type restaurant. I would recommend going for the food, rather than the ambience.
- food9
- date night restaurant3
- ambience4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Sparkly Hostess & Massive Delicious Noodles!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The hostess was incredibly sweet, just as others had mentioned, and she was literally sparkly! For $35, I received massive quantities of Seafood Hong Kong style noodles and a huge box of sautéed pea shoots.
Everything was delicious. I'm already looking forward to the leftovers for my next several meals. To top it off, the hostess included two kinds of Chinese desserts for free: black sesame and red bean.
I would definitely return.
- hostess10
- Seafood Hong Kong style noodles9
- sautéed pea shoots9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Cantonese Food & Friendly Service!
As visitors from Michigan, we were craving Cantonese food and found this restaurant through a Google search. I'm so glad we decided to come here! The food was not only fresh and delicious, but the staff was incredibly friendly, treating us like family and even offering complimentary entrees.
Our lobster with noodles entree was huge and very impressive. The black sesame dessert was also good. Even though we aren't typically big fans of chicken feet, their complimentary chicken feet were surprisingly delicious!
Thank you for the wonderful food and service; we will definitely return next time we're in the area!
- food9
- staff10
- complimentary entrees8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Tasty Food, Huge Portions, Will Return!
My first experience here was fantastic! I will definitely be back. The food was tasty, the portions were gigantic, and everything was served exactly how I like it – piping hot😊.
- food9
- gigantic portions10
- piping hot10
What Yan Yan offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Dessert
Service Options
- Takeout
- Delivery
FAQs
Is Yan Yan Seafood Restaurant accessible for all guests?
Yes, Yan Yan Seafood Restaurant offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a comfortable experience for you and all guests. You can easily access the dining area without any hassle, making it a welcoming spot for everyone to enjoy their meal.
What dining options and services does Yan Yan Seafood Restaurant provide?
At Yan Yan Seafood Restaurant, you can enjoy dinner with comfortable seating, and don’t forget to explore the dessert menu. For your convenience, takeout and delivery services are readily available, and you can also make reservations for your visit.
What is the overall dining experience like at Yan Yan?
Yan Yan generally offers a good dining experience with an overall score of 7.2. The Food (8.3) and Value (8.4) are highly rated, while Service (5.8) and Ambience (4.8) are areas where some customers have noted issues.
What are the main strengths of Yan Yan's menu and pricing?
Customers frequently praise Yan Yan for its generous large portions and excellent value, often including complimentary desserts. Specific dishes like the salt & pepper ribs and Black bean clams are also highlighted positively.
What are some common concerns visitors have about Yan Yan?
Common concerns at Yan Yan include significant wait times for service and a generally noisy dining atmosphere. Finding parking can also be a challenge for some patrons.