oChef » Shin Toe Bul Yi – San Francisco » Shin Toe Bul Yi – San Francisco – Reviews

Shin Toe Bul Yi - Reviews

2001 Taraval St, 94116 San Francisco
All reviews at a glance
273

Reviews

73.3%

Satisfaction

46

negative

27

neutral

200

positive

What people say about Shin Toe Bul Yi

Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
J T.
Review date: 10/02/2025
3
Food Fell Short, Service Was Fine
I came here excited to try a few dishes, but overall the food fell short for me. We ordered the fried chicken, which looked great coming out, but the meat was on the dry side. I usually enjoy non-sauced fried chicken, but in this case, it felt like it could have really used some sauce to balance things out. The soup was nothing special—it lacked the depth and richness I expect from a good Korean stew. It ended up tasting pretty one-note. The japchae was decent in flavor, but for the portion size and what it is, it felt a bit overpriced. Service was fine, but food-wise, nothing really stood out enough to make me want to come back soon.
  • japchae5
  • Service6
  • fried chicken3
  • soup3
  • food3
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Group Type
  • Solo Dinner
Group Size
  • Solo
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
  • Loud
Super S.
Review date: 06/15/2025
7
Mixed Experience: Good Service, Lukewarm Drinks
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of positive and negative. The food came out hot, which was great. However, the tea came out lukewarm. The customer service was excellent, and the dishes were clean, as was the bathroom. I visited on a Saturday night around 8 pm, and surprisingly, the place was empty. The music is loud, but despite that, I was seated quickly. It's interesting to note that 20 years ago, this restaurant used to be so crowded that the wait time was at least 45 minutes.
  • food8
  • customer service10
  • dishes8
  • tea4
  • music4
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Service Type
  • Dine-in
A P.
Review date: 06/12/2025
9
A Favorite Spot for Quality and Quantity
This has always been one of my favorites, and will continue to be until my next visit. The food quality and quantity never disappoint. I always love the mackerel, beef intestine, pancake, and KFC.
  • food quality10
  • food quantity10
  • mackerel9
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Group Type
  • Large Group
Group Size
  • Large Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Arisa H.
Review date: 05/30/2025
9
Accommodating Service for a Group Lunch
Joanne handled a large weekday group lunch order for me. She was super accommodating, and all my coworkers loved the meal. There were plenty of seafood options for our pescatarian folks and bibimbap/glass noodles/tofu soup was perfect for our gluten-free folks.
  • service10
  • seafood options9
  • gluten free options9
Price per Person
  • $41–$50
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Takeout
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Wait Time
  • Long (31+ min.)
Bree L.
Review date: 03/31/2025
9
Delicious Food and Great Service!
I hadn't been back since the pandemic started, but I've been wanting to dine in. Each time I tried to stop by, there was always a line, which I take as a good sign that the food must be good! Today, I called minutes after they opened 😄 and ordered takeout. I got the lunch special mackerel and seafood pancake. After picking them up and getting home, I immediately started eating. Oh my words… everything is so delicious! The service is great, and the portion is generous. The young lady on the phone was very friendly. I think I'll become a regular here and plan to dine in on Friday or Saturday since I live only a few blocks away. I enjoyed every bite. Thanks so much!
  • food10
  • service9
  • portion9
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Type
  • Family
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
  • Moderate
NN
Review date: 03/02/2025
8
Cozy Spot with Great Stews
My experience at this restaurant was positive. I visited on a Saturday evening around 5: 30 PM and was seated immediately, though it started to get busy around 6: 30 PM. Despite the influx of customers and takeout orders, the service was attentive and I never felt rushed. The waitress was particularly helpful and patient, answering my questions about spice levels to accommodate my elderly aunt. We ordered the Kimchi stew and tofu stew, both of which came with a bowl of rice. The kimchi stew was flavorful, and I enjoyed adding a dash of vinegar for extra sourness, which the restaurant readily provided. We were big fans of the potato salad and kimchi, requesting three refills of the side dishes. Although the space is small, it felt cozy rather than cramped. I did notice it could get loud as conversations from other tables were audible. Overall, I would eat here again.
  • Kimchi stew8
  • tofu stew7
  • side dishes9
Price per Person
  • $41–$50
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Type
  • Solo Dinner
Group Size
  • Solo
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Nansee K.
Review date: 12/17/2024
9
A Family Gem That Always Wins Me Over
This modest, family-run gem, now open for dine-in service on Fridays and Saturdays, sits right beside the Taraval line. The mother and father lovingly prepare each dish in the kitchen, while their daughter handles the front of the house, ensuring that customers feel right at home. I’ve tried many other spots, but this place still wins me over every time. Although they’re celebrated for their fried chicken, I can’t get enough of their pollack roe soup, soon tofu soup, and kal-bi!
  • fried chicken8
  • pollack roe soup10
  • soon tofu soup10
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Yvonne M.
Review date: 04/11/2024
10
Fantastic Vegan Korean Gem!
I was looking for Korean restaurants in the neighborhood and was delighted to find this gem! The staff were incredibly accommodating and happily made several dishes vegan for us. I really appreciated them asking about food allergies. The rice cakes, soft tofu soup, and bibimbap were all stellar. Highly recommend!
  • accommodating staff10
  • food allergies9
  • rice cakes10
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Takeout
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Daniel S.
Review date: 12/24/2023
8
Delicious Kimchi Bipimbap, Takeout Only
My experience was centered around enjoying the delicious Kimchi bipimbap. A local recommended their fried chicken, which I'm eager to try on a future visit. It's important to note that this establishment offers take out only, with no indoor dining available.
  • Kimchi bipimbap9
  • fried chicken8
  • Take out6
  • indoor dining2
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Group Type
  • Couple
Group Size
  • Couple
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Wait Time
  • Moderate (16–30 min.)
popiah S. U. F. M. N.
Review date: 11/21/2023
9
A Taraval Strip Favorite for Decades
I'm very glad that this restaurant is still here after all these decades. It was and still is our favorite place for lunch. We also enjoy dinner here when we get lucky with the wait times, then you know. This place will always be our favorite along the Taraval strip. The owners always take very good care of our tummies and treat the folks we've brought very well; they hook you up! Have their KFC! (wifey's a must item which she can finish on her own at most times). Also, take a stab at their seafood lunch special!
  • KFC9
  • seafood lunch special8
  • owners10

Top Restaurants in

Lou's
9.6
out of 10

12

100%

Supra Dinner Society
9.6
out of 10

150

100%

1904 Street Dogs
9.6
out of 10

73

100%

Taste of India
9.4
out of 10

307

100%