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oChef » Taishan Cuisine – San Francisco
Taishan Cuisine - San Francisco
Photo from Taishan Cuisine
Taishan Cuisine at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 75 of the guests
#2222 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#255 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Average
5.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
390
Reviews
49.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Generous portions
- Late hours
Frequently criticized
- Automatic gratuity
- Cleanliness issues
- Inconsistent service
The restaurant Taishan Cuisine invites you to experience authentic Chinese flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood. You can step into a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch, a delightful dinner, or even some late-night food, this spot has you covered. Enjoy a selection of small plates and refreshing beer or other alcoholic beverages.
Overview: Introducting Taishan Cuisine
Taishan Cuisine offers a culinary experience where the food truly stands out, often described as authentic and satisfying. Many appreciate the generous portions and the quality of the dishes, making it a place some return to for specific flavors.
However, the overall dining experience can be a mixed bag. While the staff can be sweet and the atmosphere sometimes welcoming, concerns about value and automatic gratuity practices have been noted by some patrons.
The setting itself also receives varied feedback.
Average
5.7
out of 10
390
Reviews
49.7%
Satisfaction
165
negative
31
neutral
194
positive
Taishan Cuisine earns an overall Restaurant Score of 5.7, placing it in the average category. This is reflected in a Customer Satisfaction rate of 49.7%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
With 390 total opinions, including 194 positive and 165 negative, there’s a clear split in experiences. The kitchen truly shines, with Food scoring a respectable (6.7), often praised for its authenticity and quality.
However, the Service (5.2) is considered average, and the Ambience (4.9) also falls into this middle ground. A significant concern arises with Value (2.8), which customers frequently find disappointing.
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Generous portion sizes
- Convenient late hours
What people don't like
- Mandatory gratuity practices
- Cleanliness concerns
- Inconsistent service quality
With a Recommendation Score of 5.9, Taishan Cuisine presents a mixed proposition. If you prioritize authentic, well-portioned Chinese dishes and appreciate convenient late-night dining options, it could be a suitable choice for you.
However, be prepared for potential issues with automatic gratuity and an environment that might lack consistent upkeep. If these aspects are dealbreakers for you, or if you seek polished service, you might consider other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Taishan Cuisine
Food (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 6.7. Many diners rave about the authentic Chinese cuisine, especially dishes like the Taishan Chicken and various clay pot rice options, often highlighting the impressive food quality. With 129 positive comments out of 208 total opinions, guests frequently praise the large portions and delicious flavors, making it a go-to for hearty, homemade-style meals.
However, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 62%, suggesting there's room for improvement. Some of the 63 negative remarks point to issues with food taste, describing dishes as too salty or oily, and occasionally bland. There are also mentions of inconsistent seasoning and even concerns about food safety, indicating that not every dish is a winner.
Food
208
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
63
negative
16
neutral
129
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Chinese cuisine
- Generous portions
- Delicious clay pot rice
What people don't like
- Inconsistent seasoning
- Salty and oily
- Food safety concerns
Often praised
- foodEven the spicy fish in chili oil, made with crisp grass carp, was surprisingly fresh and good for a non-Cantonese dish. The atmosphere and interior might be unassuming and unrenovated, but the food is dank! I would definitely come back with my Taishanese parents.
- authentic Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We enjoyed great authentic Chinese food. It was a memorable dinner with the iconic Unsavory cast and Bai Ling.
- clamsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was excellent, with high kudos to the kitchen for dishes like pigs feet, clams, and spinach. The service was also top-notch, and I appreciated that they were open late.
- crispy ricePersonally, I love the baked pork buns and highly recommend all their clay pot dishes. These clay pot dishes are consistently good, featuring great crispy rice and the authentic flavor I seek.
- dishesall the dishes are authentic
- food qualityorder whatever you want, it won’t disappoint!
- portiona heaping mound of noodles barely contained by the box
- portionsportions were generous
- sesame ballamazing little treat called "sesame ball"
- Beancurd morning gloryBeancurd morning glory was well cooked and tasty.
Frequently criticized
- fooddishes were indeed rushed...could do better than this at home
- eel riceIf you can read Chinese characters, please go to another restaurant. The eel rice lacked any eel flavor, and the five-spice duck had a strong腥味 (fishy/gamey smell).
- food tasteThe food taste so bad
- meathow little meat is in it
- riceit doesn’t come with rice
- Five Flavor GooseFive Flavor Goose turned out to be sweet-and-sour goose, which was way too sweet
- FoodFood:1
- Over Ricethe plate says Over Rice and it doesn’t come with rice
- Sichuan fried chickenThe Sichuan fried chicken didn’t taste like Sichuan at all
- Wonton Noodle soupThe soup was AWFUL, no flavor, tasted like water
Overall, if you're seeking authentic Chinese flavors and generous portions, especially their clay pot rice and Taishan chicken, this place could be a great find. Just be aware that some dishes might be a hit or miss in terms of seasoning and oiliness, so choose wisely.
Service (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.2, landing it squarely in the average range. Customer satisfaction also reflects this, sitting at a rather mixed 43.6%. Many appreciate the hospitable and welcoming family and staff, often highlighting quick service and the convenience of finding the place open late with friendly staff when other options are closed.
Based on 94 customer remarks, with 41 positive and 46 negative, its clear there are strong feelings on both sides. However, the experience isnt always smooth sailing. A significant number of customers encountered rude service, particularly concerning automatic tip additions and a general feeling of being understaffed, leading to slow service and a lack of attention.
Some even mentioned issues with order accuracy and a non-existent customer service attitude, which can definitely put a damper on your meal.
Service
94
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
46
negative
7
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Hospitable, welcoming staff
- Quick, friendly service
- Open late hours
What people don't like
- Rude service attitude
- Automatic tip added
- Understaffed, slow service
Often praised
- servicethe service was spectacular!
- ServiceService:5
- familyThe family that owns the restaurant are very hospitable and welcoming
- place open lateMy experience at this restaurant was amazing because it was the only place open late when everything else was closed. The to-go service worked well, and I enjoyed an excellent hot pot of tea while I waited.
- staffHowever, this cozy restaurant is a fantastic find, as it's open daily until 3 AM! The service was quick and the staff was super sweet. We found the food to be delicious and well priced.
- waitressthe waitress was super nice and friendly
- better servicerestaurants with better food and service
- businessthey are about their business
- close so latethey close so late
- clutch restaurantsuch a clutch restaurant
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe ambiance was also poor, with the place described as old and dirty. Overall, the food was disappointing for the price, the service was rude, and the tipping practice was unethical. I advise others to save themselves the frustration and dine elsewhere.
- staffes mejor y necesario pongan más personal para atender a los clientes
- customer servicecustomer service was non-existent
- waiting timeYou waited 1h, 30 mins more than the time told by the message
- MealkeyWayDon’t order through MealkeyWay (their PREFERRED listed online) They won’t see it.
- ServiceService:1
- apologyAlso no apology whatsoever.
- automatic tipThey also automatically add the tip
- automatically add tipsautomatically add tips to your bill without notice
- closing timeclose to when they were getting ready to close
If you're looking for a late-night bite and value a quick, friendly interaction, especially with the owners, you might find this place hits the spot. However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service, including automatic gratuities and possible rudeness, which could make for a frustrating visit.
Ambience (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
While the overall customer satisfaction for ambience sits at a rather poor 38.8%, there are some bright spots among the 19 positive remarks. Many guests highlight a warm and welcoming atmosphere, a cozy restaurant feel, and even a strong at home feel. The location also gets a nod, contributing to a pleasant experience for some.
However, the ambience isnt without its challenges, reflected in an average score of 4.9. With 25 negative comments, issues like noise level, oily tables, and a general smell of uncleanliness frequently come up. Some even reported flies and concerns about hygiene condition, ' which certainly detract from the dining environment.
Ambience
49
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
25
negative
5
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere
- Cozy, homey feel
- Great location
What people don't like
- Poor hygiene conditions
- Excessive noise level
- Uncleanliness issues
Often praised
- atmosphereI definitely recommend them. The restaurant also has a nice atmosphere! 💕
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- open lateThe food was excellent, with high kudos to the kitchen for dishes like pigs feet, clams, and spinach. The service was also top-notch, and I appreciated that they were open late. Overall, a highly satisfying dining experience.
- restaurantthis cozy restaurant is a fantastic find
- experiencebut the entire experience. I felt like I had been invited into the home of a family
- home feelStrong at home feel which was lovely
- hourslove that they are opened til 3
- locationthe location is great
- tablesthe Broadway one has the biggest bonus of having the most tables
- warm and welcoming atmospherethe place had a very warm and welcoming atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at Taishan Cuisine was a mixed bag. While the location is great and the food is excellent, the restaurant is not long on atmosphere. The service was good, rated at a 4 out of 5, and the food also received a 4 out of 5.
- parkingMight have some limited street parking during the night but it can get difficult during the day
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- ambienceThe ambience is definitely different
- cleanlinessplace did not feel clean
- cockroacha cockroach.
- dining areadining area that could use some updating & cleaning
- environmentNot a good environment to eat
- fliesplenty of flies bugging us
- hygienedon’t take hygiene seriously
If a lively, bustling atmosphere with a homey touch sounds appealing, you might enjoy it. However, be prepared for potential issues with cleanliness and noise, which could impact your comfort.
Value (2.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
A small number of guests found the value acceptable, noting that the food was affordable and the price was good. Some even mentioned finding dishes well priced, suggesting that for a few, the cost felt reasonable. However, the overall picture is quite grim, with a poor score of 2.8 and customer satisfaction at a poor 12.8%.
Out of 39 total opinions, a significant 31 highlighted issues like automatic tip, gratuity, and expensive items. Many felt it was a rip-off or scam due to unexpected charges on their bill, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
Value
39
Reviews
12%
Satisfaction
31
negative
3
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable food
What people don't like
- Automatic gratuity
- Overpriced dishes
- Billing surprises
Often praised
- priceThe service was quick and the staff was super sweet. We found the food to be delicious and well priced. It's a great option for late-night dining.
- affordableThe owners are incredibly kind and eager to make recommendations. The food is not only delicious but also affordable. What more could you want?
- billmy bill, arrived at my table
Frequently criticized
- tipThe tip was printed into the recipet and we were not allowed to remove it
- gratuityautomatically added gratuity to my bill without notifying me
- billwhen we asked for the bill, the waiter automatically added a 16% tip
- pricePaid $29 for one person and didn’t come with rice!
- scamDisgraceful scam on visitors to this lovely city
- 16% tipcharge 16% (more like 17% because it's after tax) tips automatically
- 18% gratuity18% is what they charged
- automatic tipautomatically included a tip
- billinggive you a bill containing additional 15% tips
- credit cardyour card doesn’t work
If you're looking for good value, this might not be the place for you. Many guests reported unexpected charges and high prices, so be sure to scrutinize your bill carefully. Proceed with caution if budget is a primary concern.
How are the prices at Taishan Cuisine?
You’re looking at roughly 35 per person – reported by 75 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a nice mix. While the average is 35, a good number of guests spend a bit less, often in the $21–$30 range. But there are also folks enjoying a more premium meal, which balances out the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 75 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Taishan Cuisine
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing portions and smoky atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I felt shortchanged as the promised pound of fish and pound of rice turned out to be mostly rice, with very little fish. It felt like I could barely get one bite of fish for every five bites of rice.
Additionally, the whole place reeks of smoke, which significantly detracted from the dining experience. I would advise others to avoid this establishment.
- portion size2
- smoke1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Authentic Taishanese Food Gem
As a Taishanese, I found the food here to be not only authentic but incredibly delicious, easily one of the best meals I've had in SF recently. The Yellow eel rice was phenomenal, perfectly crispy and well-seasoned. The Roasted chicken was wonderfully juicy and moist.
I also enjoyed the hearty and clean-tasting Clam taro soup and the well-cooked, tasty Beancurd morning glory. Even the spicy fish in chili oil, made with crisp grass carp, was surprisingly fresh and good for a non-Cantonese dish. The atmosphere and interior might be unassuming and unrenovated, but the food is dank!
I would definitely come back with my Taishanese parents.
- Yellow eel rice10
- Roasted chicken9
- Clam taro soup9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Rude Service, Mediocre Dumplings
My experience involved ordering 3 sets of dumplings over the phone. Upon arrival, the staff member was immediately rude. When I went to pick up the food, I received a strange look.
As I began to check the bag to ensure everything was correct, she yelled, “ITS THREE ORDERS”. Furthermore, the dumplings themselves were just mid.
- dumplings4
- service1
- staff1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Eel Rice from San Jose
I saw the advertisement on the red note, which prompted us to drive all the way from San Jose. Unfortunately, I was so disappointed. The food tasted very bad.
We ordered the eel rice, and it was so fishy with oily rice. We couldn't eat it; I just had a few bites and wasted it. I don't understand why this restaurant has such a high rating, but it's certainly not worthy.
- eel rice2
- food taste1
- rice2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Disappointing Family Meal
My experience at this old family restaurant was underwhelming. The food was so-so. The clay pot chicken, which I assumed was a signature dish, arrived in a metal pot and was tough.
The lamb on rice appeared generous with a lot of rice, but it was actually a half portion of lamb. To make matters worse, the dim sum appetizers were served 10 minutes after the main dishes, and no tea was offered. While the family running the place was nice, the overall dining experience was negatively impacted by the food quality and service timing.
- family7
- food2
- clay pot chicken2
- lamb on rice3
What Taishan Cuisine offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Checks
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Taishan Cuisine?
At Taishan Cuisine, you have several convenient service options. You can enjoy a comfortable dine-in experience, opt for quick takeout, or have your meal delivered right to your door. They offer table service for both lunch and dinner, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for you.
Is Taishan Cuisine accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, Taishan Cuisine is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience. It’s also a great spot for families, as it’s considered good for kids. While finding parking can be challenging, paid parking lots and street parking options are available nearby.
How does Taishan Cuisine generally rate among diners?
Taishan Cuisine holds an average Restaurant Score of 5.7, with Customer Satisfaction at 49.7%. While Food (6.7) is a strong point, Service (5.2) and Ambience (4.9) are average, and Value (2.8) is a notable concern.
What do customers appreciate most about Taishan Cuisine's food?
Diners frequently praise the authentic flavors and generous portion sizes of the dishes. Many find the food delicious and well-prepared, with specific mentions of items like crispy rice and various traditional offerings.
Are there any common complaints about Taishan Cuisine?
A recurring concern is the practice of automatically adding gratuity to the bill, which some customers find unethical. Additionally, some patrons have noted issues with the restaurant’s cleanliness and inconsistent service.