Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Bay of Burma – San Francisco
Bay of Burma - San Francisco
Photo from Bay of Burma
Bay of Burma at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍜 Burmese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 73 of the guests
#145 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Burmese Restaurant out of 8 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
397
Reviews
88.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Food
- Excellent Service
Frequently criticized
- Uncomfortable Seating
- Takeout Value
The restaurant Bay of Burma, a delightful Burmese Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, invites you to experience a truly authentic culinary journey. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, this spot offers a welcoming environment where you can savor unique flavors. It’s an ideal destination for those exploring the diverse food scene of the city.
Overview: Introducting Bay of Burma
Bay of Burma offers a delightful culinary journey, with many patrons frequently praising its food quality for being authentic and delicious. The service also stands out, often described as friendly and welcoming, contributing significantly to a pleasant dining experience.
However, some experiences suggest the ambience could be more comfortable, with concerns about seating and space. While generally good, there are occasional remarks about value for certain items or unexpected charges, particularly with takeout orders.
Excellent
8.7
out of 10
397
Reviews
88.7%
Satisfaction
26
negative
19
neutral
352
positive
Bay of Burma earns a strong overall score of 8.7, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction is also quite high at 88.7%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This positive sentiment is built on a substantial 397 customer observations, with 352 positive remarks outweighing 26 negative ones. The restaurant truly shines in its Food (8.9) and Service (8.9), both receiving excellent marks and being frequently discussed.
While the Ambience (7.6) is generally good, some find it could be improved. The Value (6.8) is considered good, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the food and service.
What people like
- Authentic Burmese Food
- Exceptional Service
- Cozy Ambiance
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable Seating
- Inconsistent Takeout Value
- Occasional Service Issues
If you’re seeking genuine Burmese flavors served with genuine warmth, Bay of Burma is certainly worth considering. With a strong recommendation score of 8.8, it promises a satisfying culinary experience, particularly for its well-regarded dishes and attentive staff.
However, be mindful of the potentially snug seating and occasional inconsistencies with takeout orders. For a dine-in experience focused on delicious food and friendly service, it’s a solid choice, but manage expectations regarding the physical space and off-premise value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bay of Burma
Food (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here is truly a standout, earning an excellent score of 8.9 with an excellent customer satisfaction of 92.7%. Based on 243 positive remarks out of 262 total, diners consistently rave about the authentic cooking, flavorful dishes, and ample variety, often noting how the beef melts in the mouth. However, a small number of 8 comments out of 262 total did highlight a few areas for improvement.
Some found the chicken breast to be a bit dry, while a few mentioned that certain salads were small in serving size or lacked sufficient protein, which is something to keep in mind.
Food
262
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
8
negative
11
neutral
243
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Burmese cuisine
- Flavorful dishes
- Tender meats
What people don't like
- Dry chicken breast
- Small salad portions
- Lack of protein
Often praised
- foodMy recent dinner at this restaurant was a truly delightful experience that exceeded all expectations. The cozy ambiance, delectable food, and welcoming staff created a memorable evening. We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including spicy bell pepper tofu, biryani, ginger salad, platha dip, and chicken garlic noodles, all of which were superb and served promptly.
- tea leaf saladThe staff were all super friendly. Menu highlights included the platha, tea leaf salad, and bob chucky. Although they are new and I wish the menu were a bit bigger, I will definitely be coming back!
- Burmese foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the tastiest and most authentic Burmese food I've encountered in the Bay Area. The tea leaf salad and the noodles were my absolute favorites.
- Shwe Taung noodlesMy experience at the restaurant was absolutely delicious! We ordered the vegan humble with a side of coconut rice and Shwe Taung noodles. This was one of the best Burmese food we have had.
- coconut ricepaired perfectly with the slightly sweet coconut rice
- mango lassiwas absolutely delicious. Tasted like they put fresh mangoes in it
- food qualityThe food quality was exceptional
- vegetarian offeringsThey offer a few tables on the street for outdoor dining. The restaurant has options available for vegetarians, and the vegetarian offerings are clearly labeled. I enjoyed their good Mango Lassi or Falooda.
- FoodFood was delicious
- Shwe Taung NoodlesShwe Taung Noodles... all of which i would order again and we're delicious
Frequently criticized
- chickenWhile flavorful, the chicken was slightly dry.
- chicken breastI tried the Samusa chicken dish with a mango lassi, and it was spiced and seasoned amazingly. While the chicken breast was slightly dry, the other pieces were moist and flavorful. The potatoes were a delightful surprise, being both crispy and soft.
- mealI really wanted to give this restaurant one star, but I'm pretty sure that was just a one-off. I ordered on UberEats, which might have impacted the quality, but this was the worst meal I’ve had in maybe forever. We paid $40 for a salad that was just lettuce and some crunchy toppings, and the serving size was a side.
- mohingaI’ve had many tea leaf salads and never seen anything like this. The mohinga was $20 and just a small serving of plain rice noodles clumped together with broth, with no protein whatsoever. Additionally, the order was 30 minutes late.
- proteinNo protein or whatsoever
- saladpaid $40 for a salad without dressing that’s just lettuce
- serving sizeI ordered on UberEats, which might have impacted the quality, but this was the worst meal I’ve had in maybe forever. We paid $40 for a salad that was just lettuce and some crunchy toppings, and the serving size was a side. I’ve had many tea leaf salads and never seen anything like this.
- tea leaf saladsWe paid $40 for a salad that was just lettuce and some crunchy toppings, and the serving size was a side. I’ve had many tea leaf salads and never seen anything like this. The mohinga was $20 and just a small serving of plain rice noodles clumped together with broth, with no protein whatsoever.
If youre looking for an authentic and flavorful culinary journey, especially with tender meats and diverse options, this place is definitely worth trying. While there are minor notes on dryness or portion sizes for some items, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely have a fantastic meal.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.9 and an impressive 90.5% customer satisfaction, its clear theyre doing something right. Out of 74 opinions, a whopping 67 rave about the experience, frequently praising the friendly staff, impeccable service, and fast service.
Guests consistently highlight the attentive and welcoming nature of the team, often mentioning helpful recommendations and quick turnaround times. However, its not entirely without its bumps. A small handful of 6 opinions did note some issues, with terms like rude staff and poor service popping up.
A few experiences mentioned feeling rushed during ordering' or issues with forgotten reservations, suggesting there might be occasional inconsistencies in an otherwise stellar performance.
Service
74
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast, impeccable service
- Helpful recommendations given
What people don't like
- Occasional rude staff
- Instances of poor service
- Feeling rushed ordering
Often praised
- serviceIf you're in a rush, it's a convenient spot to pick-up a meal. The service was excellent (5/5), and the food was also very good (4/5). The atmosphere was rated a 2, suggesting it might be basic or less appealing.
- staffMy recent dinner at this restaurant was a truly delightful experience that exceeded all expectations. The cozy ambiance, delectable food, and welcoming staff created a memorable evening. We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including spicy bell pepper tofu, biryani, ginger salad, platha dip, and chicken garlic noodles, all of which were superb and served promptly.
- ServiceService:5
- customer servicecustomer service is the perfect balance
- friendly servicevery friendly service
- ownerThe owner was super sweet and kind
- recommendationsMy experience at the restaurant was so yummy! The waiter was so kind in giving us recommendations. I would definitely come back again.
- 5-star serviceI highly recommend trying their tea leaf salad, samosa, and Shwe Taung Kaut Swe! The authentic taste and 5-star service make this my favorite go-to place for my Burmese cravings.
- Burmese food cultureshare more about the Burmese food culture and the right pronunciation of the dishes
- Ryanserved by Ryan who had a big smile and was so kind
Frequently criticized
- serviceWith the service bad
- orderthey were 30min late
- orderingtried rushing us into ordering while we were browsing the menu
- staffThe staff here are incredibly rude
- table reservationwaiter had apparently forgotten about it and had given our table to other people
Overall, if youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and well-cared for, this restaurants service is a major draw. While a few minor hiccups might occur, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youre in for an excellent experience. Definitely worth trying for their attentive and friendly approach!
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youll often find a good vibe, with a score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 70.8%. Many appreciate the cozy ambiance, calling it a neighborhood spot or a clean restaurant with a great atmosphere. Out of 48 total comments, 34 were positive, highlighting its charm and inviting setting.
However, some found the atmosphere lacking and noted not a lot of space, with uncomfortable seating and issues with the table set up. ' With 8 negative comments, these points suggest areas for improvement, especially for those seeking spacious or plush dining experiences.
Ambience
48
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
8
negative
6
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy neighborhood spot
- Clean, modern vibe
- Quiet, easy to talk
What people don't like
- Limited seating space
- Uncomfortable seating
- Atmosphere is lacking
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was equally impressive
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe cozy ambiance
- Burmese cultureThey perfectly capture the essence of Burmese food, making every dish a delightful journey through Myanmar's rich culinary heritage. Beyond the incredible food, they offer a unique experience that celebrates Burmese culture. The menu truly reflects this diverse cuisine.
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- ambiance and atmosphereThe ambiance and atmosphere was great.
- ambiencechill ambience
- beautifully designedThe menu truly reflects this diverse cuisine. The restaurant's interior is as impressive as the food, beautifully designed by the owners with rich history, making it ideal for a cozy meal or a special celebration. You won't regret dining here.
- clean restaurantCute, clean restaurant
- cozy mealThe menu truly reflects this diverse cuisine. The restaurant's interior is as impressive as the food, beautifully designed by the owners with rich history, making it ideal for a cozy meal or a special celebration. You won't regret dining here.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe service was excellent (5/5), and the food was also very good (4/5). The atmosphere was rated a 2, suggesting it might be basic or less appealing. Overall, it's a place to consider for a quick and tasty meal, especially if you're looking for vegetarian options.
- regular tablesAn area for improvement is having regular tables (without holes in them).
- seatingseating is not all that comfortable
- seatsThe place only has around 20 or so seats so it’s quite tiny
- spaceNot a lot of space
- stronger ventneed a stronger vent to get the steam out
- table set upthe table set up wasn't ideal
If you're looking for a quick, cozy meal in a clean, neighborhood spot, this place could be a great fit. However, if spaciousness and plush seating are high on your priority list, you might find the limited seating and basic setup a bit disappointing.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found plenty to appreciate, with 8 positive remarks out of 13 total. Guests often highlighted reasonable prices, amazing for the price, and the joy of a good discount, making for a truly competitive price point. While the score for value is an average 6.8 and customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 61.5%, these positive experiences show a strong upside.
However, the experience wasn't universally stellar, with 4 negative comments pointing to some concerns. Some felt the price was simply expensive for the portion size or quality, especially for takeout. An unexpected tip charge also proved to be a dealbreaker for a few, leaving them feeling less than satisfied with the overall cost.
Value
13
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good discounts
- Competitive price point
What people don't like
- Unexpected tip charge
- Expensive for quality
- Small portions
Often praised
- priceBetter than Burma Superstar and Burma Love — both on quality and price.
- discountgetting 50% off our bill
- not pricey at allSurprisingly Not pricey at all
- price per personPrice per person:$20–30
- price pointThey handled multiple roles, from taking orders to serving food, with impressive efficiency. The cherry on top was a 50% discount, making it an extremely competitive price point for such a fantastic dinner. I highly recommend supporting this business, hoping they can one day expand to a larger space.
- pricesSuper reasonable prices
- take-out pricerestaurant quality at take-out price, which is good
Frequently criticized
- priceI ordered on UberEats, which might have impacted the quality, but this was the worst meal I’ve had in maybe forever. We paid $40 for a salad that was just lettuce and some crunchy toppings, and the serving size was a side. I’ve had many tea leaf salads and never seen anything like this.
- expensiveMaybe a little expensive
- tip chargeMy experience was that I did not leave a tip for a small takeout order of samosas, but was charged one anyway. This was an unexpected and unwelcome surprise.
If youre looking for a potential bargain, especially with discounts, this spot could offer great value. However, be mindful of takeout orders and unexpected charges, as some found the quality and portion sizes didnt always justify the cost.
How are the prices at Bay of Burma?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 73 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Burmese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners tend to spend right around this average, with prices clustering nicely in the 11 – 30 $ range, showing a consistent experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 73 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Burmese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a tasty meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bay of Burma
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Bay of Burma: A Culinary Gem Worth the Trip
Bay of Burma is a true hidden gem in SoMa, and it consistently impresses with each visit. Ryan, in particular, is a standout – always a pleasure to interact with, exuding friendliness, warmth, and genuine welcome. The entire staff mirrors this kindness, creating a "feel right at home" atmosphere.
My recent takeout order showcased their dedication; the packaging was meticulously sealed and secured, demonstrating a clear attention to detail and care for customers. The food itself was absolutely phenomenal. I savored the beef curry and chicken curry, accompanied by coconut rice and a chickpea pancake.
The chickpea pancake was a flavor explosion, perfectly seasoned and complemented by the pickled vegetables for a bright contrast. The chicken curry was bold and comforting, but the beef curry was the star – incredibly tender beef in a rich, flavorful sauce that paired exquisitely with the subtly sweet coconut rice. Each bite offered a complex layering of savory, spiced, meaty, and sweet notes.
Bay of Burma consistently sets a high standard for food quality, service, and overall experience. Whether dining in or getting takeout, expect exceptional care. I highly recommend it, even if it requires a detour.
- hidden gem9
- friendliness, warmth, and genuine welcome10
- attention to detail9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Authentic Burmese Gem with Kind Owners
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing! It's a true hidden jewel of authentic Burmese food. I had the BOB beef curry, which was slowly cooked, incredibly tender, and delicious.
The milk tea was also great. I highly recommend both the food and the owners, who are very kind!
- BOB beef curry10
- milk tea8
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Gem in SOMA for Burmese Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true gem in SOMA, offering some of the best Burmese food I've ever had. The setting is very relaxed, much like a coffee shop.
The co-owners were incredibly friendly and even gave my 4-year-old a complimentary mango lassi. I would highly recommend this place.
- Burmese food10
- setting8
- co-owners10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Wonderful Burmese Food Experience
My experience at the restaurant was wonderful. I enjoyed the wonderful Burmese food. The milk tea was also wonderful, and I appreciated that I could have it less sweetened, which is how I prefer it.
The paratha had crispy outside layers and a soft inside, and the curry was delicious. The beef curry was flavorful and exotic, and it was perfect with the coconut rice.
- Burmese food10
- milk tea9
- paratha9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
So good, I forgot to take photos!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was so good that I completely forgot to take any photos until our plates were cleaned. Trust me, everything was good.
- food10
- everything9
What Bay of Burma offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Checks
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Bay of Burma?
At Bay of Burma, you can look forward to a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for various dining occasions. You have the option of outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. They offer table service for lunch and dinner, and it’s also a great spot for dessert.
Does Bay of Burma cater to specific dietary needs or offer diverse menu options?
Absolutely! Bay of Burma provides a wide range of offerings to suit different preferences. You’ll find healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options readily available. They also serve small plates, coffee, and alcohol, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
What are the standout features of Bay of Burma?
Customers frequently praise the authentic and delicious Burmese food, particularly dishes like tea leaf salad and Shwe Taung noodles. The service is also consistently highlighted as friendly and attentive.
How does Bay of Burma rate overall, and what are its strengths and weaknesses?
Bay of Burma holds a strong overall score of 8.7. Its top strengths are Food (8.9) and Service (8.9). While Ambience (7.6) is generally good, some find seating uncomfortable. Value (6.8) is also good, though some specific takeout experiences have been less favorable.
Is Bay of Burma a good option for a comfortable dining experience?
While the ambiance is often described as cozy and beautifully designed, some patrons have noted that the seating can be uncomfortable and the space quite tiny. It’s generally quiet and good for conversation, but not ideal if you prioritize spacious, plush seating.