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oChef » Fondue Chinoise – San Francisco
Fondue Chinoise - San Francisco
Photo from Fondue Chinoise
Fondue Chinoise at a glance
San Francisco Telegraph Hill
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 64 of the guests
#1820 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#175 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
416
Reviews
65.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Pleasant decor
- Helpful staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Service issues
- Cleanliness concerns
The restaurant Fondue Chinoise is a vibrant Chinese Restaurant nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s lively Telegraph Hill neighborhood. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious small plates while catching up on your favorite sports.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, or just a spot to unwind, this place offers a welcoming experience. With options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, it’s designed for your convenience.
Overview: Introducting Fondue Chinoise
Fondue Chinoise offers a distinctive dining experience, with many appreciating its pleasant atmosphere and chinoise decor. Guests often commend the quality of the food, noting fresh ingredients and authentic broths.
The overall setting contributes positively to the meal. However, some experiences at Fondue Chinoise are marred by concerns over portion sizes and perceived high costs.
While some praise the attentive service, others report issues with service speed and order accuracy, suggesting inconsistencies in guest care.
Good
6.8
out of 10
416
Reviews
65.4%
Satisfaction
130
negative
14
neutral
272
positive
Fondue Chinoise achieves an overall restaurant score of 6.8, placing it in the good category, yet customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 65.4%. This suggests that while many find the experience generally positive, a notable portion of diners have reservations.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 416 customer remarks, with 272 leaning positive and 130 expressing concerns. Delving into specifics, the Ambience (7.5) and Food (7) both receive good marks, indicating these are strong points for the restaurant.
Service (6.7) is rated as good, though it’s close to average, suggesting some room for improvement. The most significant area for concern is Value (2.9), which falls into the poor range, highlighting a common sentiment that the pricing might not align with the overall offering.
What people like
- Authentic, fresh food
- Pleasant ambiance
- Attentive, helpful staff
What people don't like
- Poor value, high cost
- Inconsistent service
- Sanitary concerns
If you’re seeking authentic hot pot with quality ingredients and a pleasant setting, Fondue Chinoise could be a worthwhile stop. The culinary experience, particularly the broths and fresh meats, often leaves a positive impression.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and a price point that many find steep for the portions received. With a recommendation score of 7, Fondue Chinoise is generally considered a good option, but it comes with caveats.
It’s best suited for those prioritizing food quality and atmosphere over strict budget adherence or flawless service. Approach with an understanding of its strengths and weaknesses for a more satisfying visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Fondue Chinoise
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.7%. With 186 positive remarks out of 267 total, many diners rave about the fresh ingredients, flavorful broths, and authentic hotpot experience, especially highlighting the various spicy options available. However, 73 negative comments point to some areas for improvement.
Concerns frequently arose regarding small portion sizes and ingredients that weren't always fresh. Some found the soup base bland, and a few even reported stomach issues, which is certainly a dealbreaker for any meal.
Food
267
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
73
negative
8
neutral
186
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic hotpot
- Fresh ingredients
- Flavorful broths
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Food not fresh
- Caused stomach issues
Often praised
- foodfood was indescribable and extremely tasty
- hotpotI'm not sure why this place receives poor reviews, but my experience was fantastic. I enjoyed a very nice hotpot with nice cuts of meat. The waiter was very nice as well, contributing to a great overall experience.
- hot potWe walked in here on a whim and had a fantastic experience! We were greeted by a very enthusiastic and kind man who expertly explained hot pot, how to order, and ensured we selected good combinations of flavors. He also provided the traditional mix of sauces and herbs from the sauce bar.
- spicy brothThe spicy broth is authentically Sichuan spicy.
- mushroom brothmushroom -- is remarkable with enoki, shitake, goji berries and more
- brothLilly, the owner, personally assisted us in cooking items that were new to us, ensuring everything was perfect. Additionally, all the food was delicious, and the broth was the best I have ever had at a hot pot. I highly recommend this place to anyone.
- brothsDon't let the restaurant name fool you; this is the most authentic Chongqing hotpot you'll find in SF! They offer great broths, with my favorites being the pork bone and spicy Sichuan. The meats and vegetables are fresh.
- ingredientsI'm so glad I came in to eat because the taste is almost the same as what I eat in mainland China! And the ingredients are very fresh and delicious! The shrimp paste has a very rich shrimp flavor!
- meatthe meat is incredibly rich in flavour with super tender texture
- meatstheir meats and vegetables are fresh
Frequently criticized
- foodnone of the food was fresh.
- beef tripebeef tripe was dried like a piece of paper, unchewable
- diarrheaThe food was neither good nor reasonably priced. To make matters worse, a few of my friends got diarrhea after the meal. Very disappointing experience.
- dipping saucedipping sauce is so bad, not enough options and very salty
- hot potThe quality of the food was decent, and the ambiance was nice. However, the prices were outrageous for hot pot, and they were very stingy with their portions. I believe you can find much better hot pot options in San Francisco, especially around the Sunset/Richmond areas.
- hotpotit took them half an hour from receiving the order to putting the hotpot on your desk
- portion sizesportion sizes are too small
- portionsstingy with their portions
- shrimp paste99, making each strand about $1! Figure 2 shows the shrimp paste for $13, which was only about the size of two fish balls. Figure 3 shows the duck blood for $10, with an estimated 8 ultra-thin slices.
- tripetripe ... cut into very small pieces, and also mixed with a lot of scraps
If you're seeking an authentic hotpot experience with fresh ingredients and bold, spicy broths, this spot is worth a try. Just be mindful that portions can be on the smaller side, and there have been occasional concerns about freshness and stomach issues.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot seems to offer a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.7 and 63.7% customer satisfaction. Many of the 58 positive comments praise the friendly staff and warm welcome, often highlighting the owner and generally good service from the team. It sounds like when they hit it right, it's a memorable experience.
However, not all experiences are glowing. About 30 comments point to areas needing improvement, such as slow service, long wait times, and issues with order accuracy. Some guests also noted concerns about customer service interactions, suggesting inconsistency in the overall experience.
Service
91
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
30
negative
3
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Warm welcome
- Attentive owners
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Order inaccuracies
Often praised
- serviceThe meats were of great quality, and I was thrilled they had bone marrow 🥰. The environment was both rustic and modern, complemented by excellent and attentive service. I highly recommend going before the lines get too long.
- ownerThe food was excellent, and the service was top-notch. The owner was lovely, contributing to the excellent atmosphere of the restaurant. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for hotpot in San Francisco!
- staffI ordered the鸳鸯锅 (yuānyāng guō - half and half pot), and the bone broth was also very rich and fragrant, perfect for cooking vegetables. 😋 The staff here are all very enthusiastic and friendly, just a bit inexperienced. The servers seem to forget things easily.
- ServiceService was awesome!
- ownersOne of the owners of the restaurant made sure to talk with our table
- LillyLilly(sp?) was so helpful in suggesting our broths
- employeesthe employees were fantastic at giving recommendations and advice
- enthusiastic kind mangreeted by a very enthusiastic kind man
- everyoneEveryone was so kind
- experiencesweetest experiences I have ever had in a restaurant
Frequently criticized
- serviceOverall extremely disappointed, we all left hungry because half our order never came, and even so, it came out to be roughly $30/person. Poor service, long wait times, and terrible management.
- ownerThe owner (or manager) just walk around without doing anything for us. Whenever we asked something he appeared to be very angry or offended
- service speedbe faster on service!
- waitersThe dipping sauce was not good either. The service was also poor; the waiters were not friendly at all and turned down our cooker without saying anything. The only aspect that was not too bad was the broth.
- waitressThe waitress here is condescending
- beverage knowledgedont have strong knowledge about be beverages
- customer serviceThe customer service was poor
- horrible experiencedid not compensate for my horrible experience
- managementOverall extremely disappointed, we all left hungry because half our order never came, and even so, it came out to be roughly $30/person. Poor service, long wait times, and terrible management.
- order accuracyWhen we got our table and placed our order, our food came 15-20 minutes later. We noticed we were given a lot of food we didn’t order. After some back and forth, it turns out they messed up half our order with another table.
If you're looking for a place with potentially warm and helpful staff, it might be worth a try. Just be prepared for the possibility of slower service or longer waits, especially during busy times.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7.5 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 75%, guests often rave about the beautiful setting, cleanliness, and great atmosphere. Many of the 27 positive remarks out of 36 total highlight the cool decor, bright vivid walls, and artworks that create an amazing experience and a wonderful vibe.
However, not everyone was completely charmed. A handful of the 7 negative comments mentioned concerns about the environment, with some finding the area a bit shady or the interior feeling new and empty. There were also a few mentions of sanitary issues, like dirty cups or tables, and one person felt it was like kids play'.
Ambience
36
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful, clean decor
- Great dining atmosphere
- Easy parking access
What people don't like
- Sanitary issues noted
- Shady area location
- Messy interior observed
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere of the restaurant was excellent
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceI had the best hot pot I’ve ever tasted in Chinatown, featuring high quality meats. The calm ambiance and great sake also contributed to a wonderful dining experience. I highly recommend coming here to support these wonderful people.
- amazing timeWe had an amazing time at Fondue Chinoise.
- artworksThere are many artworks in the store！
- bright vivid wallsThe minute we walked in, we knew we were set. The restaurant boasts bright vivid walls and chinoise decor. Our hostess/server, Lilly, was incredibly helpful.
- chinoise decorThe minute we walked in, we knew we were set. The restaurant boasts bright vivid walls and chinoise decor. Our hostess/server, Lilly, was incredibly helpful.
- cleanlinessVery clean and upscale.
- cool ideasuch a cool idea
- decorThe restaurant offers a plentiful variety of fresh dishes, ensuring a satisfying meal. The impeccable service was a standout aspect, complemented by a modern and clean decor that enhanced the overall dining ambiance. Five stars!
Frequently criticized
- environmentthe environment is strange - located in a shady area and inside of the restaurant there are boxes and trashed everywhere
- cupone of the cup they served me first is a little bit dirty
- everything cleaneverything clean
- kids' playIt is like kids' play
- sanitary issuesdefinitely sanitary issues with this place
- table cleanMake the table clean
If you're seeking a place with a generally beautiful and clean atmosphere, this restaurant is a solid choice. While a few minor cleanliness and location concerns popped up, the overall positive vibe makes it worth a visit for a pleasant dining experience.
Value (2.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
While the overall perception of value here is quite low, a rare positive note mentioned that the price was still affordable. This single opinion, focusing on the general cost, offers a small counterpoint to the broader concerns, suggesting that for some, the affordability might just hit the mark. However, the overwhelming consensus paints a different picture, reflected in a poor score of just 2.9 and customer satisfaction at a mere 4.5%, also poor.
With 20 negative opinions out of 22, many felt the experience was simply too expensive and overpriced, offering poor bang for buck. Concerns included high price per person and feeling targeted as tourists, often leaving diners hungry despite a hefty bill.
Value
22
Reviews
4%
Satisfaction
20
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable price
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Poor value
- Small portions
Often praised
- pricethe price is still affordable
Frequently criticized
- priceI found the food to be really good, but it was definitely expensive. I spent about 50 dollars for the meal. The service and atmosphere were both excellent, rated 5 out of 5.
- expensiveThis is definitely more expensive than other places
- affordabilitywish it was more affordable for just 1 person
- bang for buckThe food quality was excellent, earning a 5/5, and the service and atmosphere were also strong with 4/5 ratings. However, the price felt a bit steep for what you get, and I personally would prefer a place where I could get more bang for my buck. It's a more upscale hotpot experience, but not the best value for money.
- charging doublecharging consumers higher than market price 2 times
- price per personOh, also, there are definitely sanitary issues with this place; there was a layer of oil in the water jug they gave us. Overall extremely disappointed, we all left hungry because half our order never came, and even so, it came out to be roughly $30/person. Poor service, long wait times, and terrible management.
- pricesthe prices are outrageous
- reasonably pricedThere was only one overworked server for the entire place, leading to slow service. The food was neither good nor reasonably priced. To make matters worse, a few of my friends got diarrhea after the meal.
- saucescharge 10 dollar for each bowl of sauces
- total of $110Don’t come to this restaurant! We spent a total of $110 for dinner for two people and were very disappointed with the size of each dish. To start, we ordered a total of $110 worth of dishes (excluding the soup base) and still didn't feel full.
If you're prioritizing value, this restaurant might disappoint, as most diners found it significantly overpriced and not worth the cost. Be prepared for a hefty bill and potentially small portions if you decide to visit.
How are the prices at Fondue Chinoise?
On average, youll spend around 61 per person here, based on what 64 guests reported. That places this Chinese restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, thats definitely leaning towards the higher-end.
Looking at the price distribution, its quite a mix! While the average is 61, youll find a good number of diners spending in the $31–$40 range, suggesting some more budget-friendly options. But there’s also a significant crowd enjoying a premium experience, with many spending 71 – 100 $ or even more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 64 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the average spend and the range of prices, we’d say the pricing *can* feel fair for a higher-end Chinese restaurant, especially if the quality and experience match. It seems they offer options for different budgets, which is a nice touch.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Fondue Chinoise
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Hotpot Experience
I'm not sure why this place receives poor reviews, but my experience was fantastic. I enjoyed a very nice hotpot with nice cuts of meat. The waiter was very nice as well, contributing to a great overall experience.
- hotpot9
- cuts of meat8
- waiter9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Terrible Experience After New Ownership
As an old customer of several years, my recent experience at this hotpot restaurant was terrible. The food taste has changed, and even the soup taste is different. The service was also terrible, with staff almost making mistakes for all tables and even giving us another table's soup.
My fried rice never arrived, despite reminding the waitress twice. It seems the old boss has sold the restaurant to a new owner, and I will never come here again.
- food taste2
- soup taste2
- service1
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Authentic Chongqing Hot Pot with Artful Ambiance
My experience at this hot pot restaurant was fantastic! The ingredients were very fresh, and the Chongqing hot pot base tasted very authentic. I was also impressed by the atmosphere, which was enhanced by the many artworks in the store.
The owner, who is an artist, has created a unique and engaging environment. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- ingredients9
- Chongqing hot pot base10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Hotpot Experience
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The hotpot was not tasty and also expensive. To make matters worse, the waiter was super rude.
It's worth noting that M Pot is the original real one.
- hotpot2
- price2
- waiter1
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Family Hot Pot Experience!
My family and I had the most amazing experience at this hot pot spot. The owners were extremely kind and provided excellent assistance throughout our meal. The food was amazing, and the overall experience was genuinely wonderful.
- owners10
- food10
- experience10
What Fondue Chinoise offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility and parking options are available at Fondue Chinoise?
You’ll find that Fondue Chinoise in Telegraph Hill is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance and restroom. For parking, you have several choices including a paid parking lot, free street parking, and paid street parking, making your visit convenient.
Can I make reservations and what dining options does Fondue Chinoise offer?
Yes, Fondue Chinoise accepts reservations, ensuring you can plan your visit with ease. When you dine here, you can enjoy table service for lunch or dinner, with comfortable seating available. They also provide no-contact delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and standard delivery for your convenience.
How does Fondue Chinoise generally rate among diners?
Fondue Chinoise holds an overall score of **6.8**, indicating a good dining experience. Its **Ambience** (7.5) and **Food** (7) are well-regarded, while **Service** (6.7) is good but has room for improvement. **Value** (2.9) is a notable area of concern for many customers.
What are the highlights of the food at Fondue Chinoise?
Customers frequently praise the authentic and flavorful broths, such as the spicy Sichuan and mushroom options. The ingredients, especially the meats and vegetables, are often described as fresh and of high quality, contributing to a rich dining experience.
Are there any common issues or drawbacks to consider before visiting Fondue Chinoise?
Some diners report that the restaurant can be quite expensive, with concerns about portion sizes not matching the price. Additionally, service can be inconsistent, with reports of long wait times, order inaccuracies, and occasional issues with staff attentiveness.