Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » The Spice Jar – San Francisco
The Spice Jar - San Francisco
Photo from The Spice Jar
The Spice Jar at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🥢 Fusion Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 43 of the guests
#998 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#9 Fusion Restaurant out of 14 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
331
Reviews
76.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Large portions
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Long waits
- High prices
The restaurant The Spice Jar invites you to explore a vibrant culinary journey in San Francisco’s lively Mission District. This Fusion Restaurant is a true gem, offering you a unique dining experience where diverse flavors meet.
You’ll discover a menu crafted with creativity, and a standout feature you’ll surely appreciate is their great tea selection, perfect for complementing any meal. The atmosphere is cozy, casual, and trendy, making it an ideal spot for you to relax and enjoy.
Overview: Introducting The Spice Jar
The Spice Jar offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its inviting atmosphere and accommodating customer service. Many appreciate the thoughtful touches, from the clever interior design to the availability of high chairs for families.
While the kitchen delivers on many fronts with generous portions and flavorful dishes, some guests have noted inconsistencies. Occasional issues with dish timing and longer wait times for food have been mentioned, suggesting areas for refinement.
Good
7.6
out of 10
331
Reviews
76.7%
Satisfaction
54
negative
23
neutral
254
positive
The Spice Jar maintains a solid reputation, reflected in its overall score of 7.6 and a strong customer satisfaction rate of 76.7%. These figures, drawn from 331 customer opinions, with 254 positive remarks against 54 negative, indicate a generally positive reception.
Diving deeper, Ambience (7.7) and Food (7.6) lead the positive impressions, with Service (7.5) also performing well. While Value (7.1) is seen as good, some guests felt certain items were a little overpriced, suggesting a slight area for consideration.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Generous portions
- Friendly, attentive service
What people don't like
- Staggered dish service
- Long wait times
- Overpriced for portions
The Spice Jar generally offers a worthwhile dining experience, especially if you appreciate a welcoming setting and well-prepared dishes. With a solid recommendation score of 7.9, it’s a place that many find themselves returning to for its consistent quality.
While service timing can sometimes be a minor hiccup, and some items might feel a bit pricey, these are often outweighed by the overall positive impressions. It’s a good choice for a casual meal where flavorful food and a pleasant atmosphere are priorities.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Spice Jar
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
Diners are generally quite pleased with the food here, with a 7.6 score indicating a good culinary experience and customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 76.1%. Out of 243 remarks, a whopping 185 praise dishes like the flavorful laksa, delicious garlic green beans, and overall Asian fusion comfort foods, highlighting their great taste and generous portions. However, not all experiences were perfect.
Some of the 41 negative comments point to issues with certain dishes, such as the salmon being dry or the Bao lacking moisture. There were also mentions of a general lack of flavor in some items and disappointment with hard-boiled eggs in ramen, suggesting inconsistency in execution.
Food
243
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
41
negative
17
neutral
185
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful Asian fusion
- Delicious Laksa
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Lack of flavor
- Bland ramen broth
Often praised
- foodeverything I’ve tried from there has been absolutely delicious
- calamari saladThe portions were generous, the service was very nice, and the overall value was good. I particularly enjoyed the broccoli tempura, the great calamari salad, and the Mongolian beef wok. The pork ramen was closer to Malaysian style, though it was a shame it came with hard-boiled eggs.
- garlic noodlesThe Korean chicken wings were also a hit, being very saucy. For entrees, we tried the 7 spice salmon, fried rice, garlic noodles, shrimp curry w/noodles, and Mongolian beef. My top favorites were the salmon with green raita, the garlic noodles, and the fried rice.
- dishesThis place is a must if you are in SF. The dishes here are so good with lots of options and each item has good flavor. The garlic noodles are the best on the menu in my opinion.
- fried riceThe Korean chicken wings were also a hit, being very saucy. For entrees, we tried the 7 spice salmon, fried rice, garlic noodles, shrimp curry w/noodles, and Mongolian beef. My top favorites were the salmon with green raita, the garlic noodles, and the fried rice.
- laksaThe laksa, warm coconut noodle soup, feel so homie and comfort
- portionsThe portions are large so I always get another meal out of it.
- LaksaI have had the Laksa and the green curry tofu and they are fabuloso!
- Mongolian beefhighly recommend getting the Mongolian beef!
- RamenRamen was really good too.
Frequently criticized
- veggie spring rollsWhile the ingredient quality was good and there was nothing particularly wrong with the food itself, the overall execution left much to be desired. The veggie spring rolls were bland, unattractively presented, and didn't hold together well, with the accompanying sauce offering no improvement. My laksa had good components, but the seasoning was lacking, dominated by excessive turmeric to the point of mild bitterness.
- Asian foodpeople that run this place know how to cook any type of Asian food well
- foodFood just seems bland and oily
- BaoThe service was good, and the spritz was nice. However, I would skip the Bao, as it was too dry. The Laksa was delicious, though I wish it had more chicken, as there were only very small shreds.
- BrusselsBrussels were heavily breaded, imo...would not order again.
- Korean Wingsthe taste was incredibly sweet.
- Mongolian beefthe Mongolian beef was very chewy and dry
- Pork BaoThe Pork Bao tasted like balsamic vinegar and sherry with too much sweetener.
- Tonkatsu RamenThe Tonkatsu Ramen ( one of the main reasons I went there) was super bland.
- brothThe broth barely had any flavor.
If you're looking for a good Asian fusion meal with plenty of flavorful options, this spot is worth a try. Just be mindful that a few specific dishes might not hit the mark, so stick to the highly praised items for the best experience.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and a customer satisfaction of 77.3%, its clear most diners have a good experience. Many of the 34 positive remarks highlight the "friendly staff, " "quick service, " and how "accommodating" they are, even going the extra mile for things like baby needs or packing leftovers.
However, its not always perfect. Out of 9 negative comments, some folks mentioned wait times for entrees and staggered dishes, leading to a feeling of slow service. While these instances are fewer, they suggest there might be occasional hiccups, especially during busy periods.
Service
44
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick service
- Accommodating needs
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Staggered dishes
- Slow service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great food and great service. The curry sauce that comes with the fries is really good, and the hanger steak is fire.
- staffThe service was great, and the tempura brussel sprouts and fried rice were amazing. It's a tiny place with a great staff and a very unpretentious atmosphere.
- ServiceThe garlic green beans struck a perfect balance of garlic, sweetness, and salt, truly the bom dot com. Service was friendly, but the dishes were staggered in a less-than-ideal way, with a significant wait between appetizers and entrees, and then between the main dishes.
- baby accommodationwent extra mile to accommodate baby
- customer serviceBest customer service I've experienced in a while.
- dine inEverything on the menu is great, but I highly recommend the edamame, green curry with tofu, and garlic noodles. The dine-in service for dinner was also a pleasant experience.
- everythingThe peppers, onions, and mushrooms it’s served with are really good, and the mint chutney is a fantastic addition. Everything came out quickly, and they also packed up our leftovers for us, which was awesome.
- leftoversthey also packed up our leftovers for us which was awesome
- nice servicevery nice service
- owner and his wifeowner snd his wife are so nice
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was...kinda weird.
- entreesThe pork bao also didn't taste right, almost as if they just followed an internet recipe. Adding to the disarray, they served all the entrees first and then the appetizers last. The whole meal was just off.
- appetizersThe pork bao also didn't taste right, almost as if they just followed an internet recipe. Adding to the disarray, they served all the entrees first and then the appetizers last. The whole meal was just off.
- dishes were staggereddishes were staggered in an non-ideal way
- waitabout a 20 min wait after we finished those before our first entree came out
- wait time40 minutes later I finally got my food
Overall, you can expect a good service experience here, often quick and friendly. While there might be occasional waits or staggered dishes, the positives strongly outweigh the negatives, making it a place worth trying for its attentive staff.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot truly shines, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a solid 80% customer satisfaction! Guests frequently rave about the warm, cozy and intimate atmosphere, often calling it a gem with a nice vibe. The indoor and outdoor seating options are a big hit, and many appreciate the clever interior that makes it feel like a truly special place.
This positive sentiment is echoed in 24 positive remarks out of 30 total. However, it's not entirely without critique, though only one comment out of 30 noted the place as very basic looking. This single observation suggests that while the overall atmosphere is highly praised, a small minority might find the aesthetic a bit too simple for their taste.
Ambience
30
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
1
negative
5
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, cozy atmosphere
- Versatile seating options
- Quiet, diverse vibe
What people don't like
- Basic looking place
Often praised
- atmosphereHomely atmosphere with delicious Asian Californian fusion
- outdoor seatingplenty of room in the outdoor seating for our dog to be with us.
- ambianceThe ambiance is cool with a wonderfully diverse crowd.
- ambienceThe ambience is great
- clever interiorClever interior, with a few outdoor tables.
- diverse crowdThe ambiance is cool with a wonderfully diverse crowd.
- first dateI was particularly impressed with the Laksa noodle soup, which was flavorfully authentic – a real standout, especially considering ramen is also on the menu. It's a great spot for a walk-in lunch, a weeknight dinner, or even a non-committal first date.
- gemso happy this gem exists in the Mission
- high chairsThe green curry with cherry tomatoes was also fantastic. The restaurant went the extra mile to accommodate our baby, even providing nice new high chairs, which was greatly appreciated.
- indoor and outdoor seatingIndoor and outdoor seating
Frequently criticized
- placevery basic looking place
If youre looking for a spot with a genuinely inviting and versatile atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Its cozy and adaptable setting makes it a great choice for various occasions, though dont expect anything overly flashy.
Value (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With 11 positive remarks out of 14 total, customers frequently praise the good value and reasonable prices, often noting that the price was fair, especially for a city like San Francisco. The overall score for value is a solid 7.1, backed by a strong customer satisfaction of 78.6%, both indicating a good experience.
However, not everyone is convinced. A few voices (3 negative opinions) felt the experience was a little overpriced, particularly when considering the portion sizes. Some found it not worth the money, expressing disappointment that the amounts of food didn't quite justify the cost, leading to a feeling of poor value for money.
Value
14
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value
- Reasonable prices
- Fair price
What people don't like
- Overpriced
- Small portions
Often praised
- priceHowever, it truly deserves more hype! I was impressed by the delicious noodle soups and the extensive, reasonably priced sake menu. My experience was very positive, and I'm glad I finally gave it a try.
- valueSo reasonably priced! If this place was on Valencia, it would be 2 x as much.
- good valuegood value
- pricesThe prices range between 13 and 19 dollars per dish
- value for priceI ordered a vegetable dish and was impressed by the nice array of spices, though I couldn't quite guess what they were. The portion sizes were reasonable, and it offered good value for price.
Frequently criticized
- pricea little overpriced
- priceshighly disappointed in the prices for such small amounts of food
- value for moneyfor $20, not worth the money
If you're looking for a place where your money generally goes a long way, especially in San Francisco, this restaurant is a good bet. While a few found it pricey for the portions, most agree it offers solid value, making it worth a try for a reasonably priced meal.
How are the prices at The Spice Jar?
You’re looking at roughly 31 per person – reported by 43 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Fusion Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 31, its interesting to see that many guests actually spend a bit less, often in the $21–$30 range. But dont worry, there are also options for those looking to splurge a little more!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 43 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Fusion Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, allowing for both a casual meal and a slightly more indulgent experience, depending on your mood and budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Spice Jar
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Perfect Japanese Curry Day
On a nice day, I was sitting outside with this plate of Japanese curry, wanting for nothing. The food was excellent, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was perfect. I had a wonderful lunch experience.
- Japanese curry10
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Garlic Noodles and Keema Curry!
I went early on a Saturday and had the most delicious garlic noodles and keema curry! I will definitely go back to try more!
- garlic noodles9
- keema curry9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Incredible Food, Unbelievable Prices!
My experience at this restaurant was incredible. We tried the wings, miso eggplant, fried rice, and bao. Everything we ordered was exceptional, beautifully presented, and delicious.
To top it off, the bill was surprisingly reasonable, making it a truly outstanding value. I highly recommend checking this place out; it's a serious gem.
- wings9
- miso eggplant9
- fried rice9
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Delicious Calamari Salad, Lively Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was quite positive. The calamari salad was absolutely delicious, truly "to die for. " The food in general was delish, with hearty portions and a fair price.
While the place can get loud, especially on a packed Friday night, it's a good sign of its popularity. Our table was by the door, leading to a lot of foot traffic, but the overall experience was great. The service was excellent, rated a 5 out of 5.
- calamari salad10
- food9
- portions8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Incredible Food, Weird Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag, with the food being the undeniable star and the service being quite peculiar. I ordered the Tempura Brussels, Garlic Green Beans, Ramen, and Mongolian Beef. The Garlic Green Beans were really good, though I personally would have liked more spice.
I would definitely order them again. The Mongolian beef was absolutely incredible, truly a highlight! The Ramen was also really good.
However, the Brussels sprouts were heavily breaded, and I wouldn't order them again. The service was. Kinda weird.
For a table of four, we were only brought two waters. When we asked for food recommendations, the staff mentioned they didn't eat much. After our food arrived, we didn't see our server again until the check.
While it was fine as we didn't need anything else, the overall service experience was just odd. Despite the unusual service, the amazing food made up for it.
- food10
- Garlic green beans8
- Mongolian beef10
- service3
- Brussels2
What The Spice Jar offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is The Spice Jar accessible for all guests?
Yes, you’ll find that The Spice Jar offers wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for everyone. You can enjoy your meal without any accessibility concerns.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at The Spice Jar?
At The Spice Jar, you can look forward to a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer a range of healthy, vegetarian, and small plate options, complemented by wine, beer, coffee, or their great tea selection.
How does The Spice Jar generally perform according to customer feedback?
The Spice Jar holds a good overall score of **7.6** and a customer satisfaction of **76.7%**. Customers particularly appreciate the **Ambience** (7.7), **Food** (7.6), and **Service** (7.5), with **Value** (7.1) also rated positively.
What aspects of The Spice Jar do customers frequently praise?
Guests often highlight the delicious and flavorful food, noting generous portions. The friendly and accommodating service, along with the inviting atmosphere and outdoor seating options, also receive frequent positive remarks.
Are there any common concerns or areas for improvement at The Spice Jar?
Some customers have experienced staggered dish service and longer wait times for their food. Additionally, a few found certain items to be overpriced for the portion size.