Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Julie’s Kitchen – San Francisco
Julie's Kitchen - San Francisco
Photo from Julie’s Kitchen
Julie's Kitchen at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🥢 Fusion Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 30 of the guests
#799 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#6 Fusion Restaurant out of 14 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
253
Reviews
79.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Diverse Cuisine
- Great Value
Frequently criticized
- Unwelcoming Service
- Price Surprises
The restaurant Julie’s Kitchen, a vibrant Fusion Restaurant in San Francisco’s bustling Union Square, invites you to discover a culinary experience that blends diverse flavors. You’ll find a welcoming, casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
With a focus on healthy options, this spot ensures you can enjoy delicious food without compromise. Whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout, or opting for delivery, Julie’s Kitchen makes it easy to savor their unique dishes.
Overview: Introducting Julie's Kitchen
Julie’s Kitchen offers a compelling mix for those seeking variety and value. You’ll find a broad selection of cuisines, from Mediterranean to Korean, with generous portions that aim to satisfy.
The atmosphere is often described as clean and pleasant, benefiting from natural light and a well-organized setup. However, some experiences highlight concerns regarding the consistency of food quality, particularly with items kept under heat lamps.
While the staff is generally seen as helpful, there have been instances of less-than-welcoming interactions, especially concerning the cashier. The ‘per pound’ pricing can also lead to unexpected costs for some diners.
Good
7.8
out of 10
253
Reviews
79.8%
Satisfaction
31
negative
20
neutral
202
positive
Julie’s Kitchen earns a respectable overall score of 7.8, reflecting a generally good dining experience. This is supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 79.8%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a total of 253 customer observations, with 202 positive remarks outweighing 31 negative ones. The restaurant particularly shines in its Ambience (8.4) and Service (8), both scoring well and contributing significantly to the positive sentiment.
The Food (7.8) also holds its own, offering a solid experience, while Value (7.3) is considered good, though some find the per-pound system can be a bit unpredictable.
What people like
- Diverse cuisine options
- Generous portion sizes
- Great value for money
- Friendly, helpful staff
What people don't like
- Unwelcoming cashier experience
- Per-pound pricing concerns
- Not for quiet dining
If you’re looking for a diverse and substantial meal in a pleasant setting, Julie’s Kitchen is certainly worth considering. Its commitment to variety and generous servings, coupled with generally friendly service, makes it a solid choice for a casual meal.
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8, it suggests that many find it a reliable option. Just be mindful of the per-pound pricing if you’re on a strict budget, and don’t expect a hushed, intimate dining experience.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Fusion Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
290
92.8%
- $$
- Little Saigon
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fusion Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
482
88.2%
- $$
- Little Saigon
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fusion Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
344
85.8%
- $$
- Transbay
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fusion Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
386
87.8%
- $$
- South of Market
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fusion Restaurant
7.9
out of 10
out of 10
671
78.7%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fusion Restaurant
7.7
out of 10
out of 10
358
79.6%
- $$
- Mission Bay
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Julie's Kitchen
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.8 and a solid 81.4% customer satisfaction. With 136 positive remarks out of 167 total, diners frequently praise the incredible variety of dishes, from Asian favorites to Western options, often highlighting the fresh and delicious food available in generous portions. However, not all experiences are perfect, with 20 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement.
Some found certain items like roast meat to be dry, or described bland protein with syrup glaze that had been sitting under heat lamps. There were also mentions of a diminished selection compared to previous visits.
Food
167
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
20
negative
11
neutral
136
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great food variety
- Fresh, delicious food
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Bland, dry food
- Food under heat lamps
- Diminished selection
Often praised
- foodreally tasting food!! Everything is so delicious!
- varietyMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It offers an incredible variety of cuisines, including Mediterranean, Korean, American, Chinese, Japanese, and a salad by the lb, all at a very affordable price. The restaurant is conveniently located on the third floor of Crocker Galleria.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed a delicious variety of Asian cuisines with generous portions. They also offer healthy vegetarian options, which were clearly labeled.
- food qualityReally nice food. Good quality.
- portion sizesThe portion sizes were incredibly generous
- steakSushi, rice, steak, checken and so much more.
- sushiI also saw sushi and spring rolls, which both are my favorite
- vegetarian optionsI enjoyed a delicious variety of Asian cuisines with generous portions. They also offer healthy vegetarian options, which were clearly labeled. The service was helpful, and the new space was pristine.
- FoodFood:5
- bento boxesThey also have the options to choose from their bento boxes
Frequently criticized
- Teriyaki salmonTeriyaki salmon is not quite as in the picture.
- bland proteinI would love to see the owners remove redundant dishes and reduce variety in exchange for improving the quality and freshness. It all just tastes like bland protein with syrup glaze that's been sitting under heat lamps all afternoon. Honestly, you know Lee's went out of business already for the exact same thing, right?
- brown ricewish Asian inspired food would switch to brown rice
- buffet styleit's "buffet style," not an actual buffet
- deep fried sushionly had deep fried sushi
- foodThe food wasn't made of gold
- freshnessimproving the quality and freshness
- heat lampsI would love to see the owners remove redundant dishes and reduce variety in exchange for improving the quality and freshness. It all just tastes like bland protein with syrup glaze that's been sitting under heat lamps all afternoon. Honestly, you know Lee's went out of business already for the exact same thing, right?
- plastic containergrabbed a plastic container to put food in
- qualityimproving the quality and freshness
If youre looking for a place with a wide array of fresh, tasty options and generous portions for a quick lunch, youll likely be pleased. However, if you're seeking consistently gourmet quality or specific, high-end items, you might find some dishes less impressive.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot really shines, boasting a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 78.6%. With 22 positive remarks out of 28 total, guests frequently praise the quick service and friendly staff. Many appreciate the seamless operation and often mention no wait time, making for a smooth and pleasant experience.
However, a few of the 3 negative comments point to specific interactions that could be improved. Some guests noted an unwelcoming cashier or a general feeling of a less than warm welcome. While these instances are rare, they suggest that not every interaction consistently meets the high standard set by the majority of the service experiences.
Service
28
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
3
negative
3
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Seamless operation
What people don't like
- Unwelcoming cashier
Often praised
- serviceI think it's the best restaurant in San Francisco. The auntie also gave us a piece of chicken as a service, and it was so delicious. If you are Korean, trust me and go.
- Servicethe lady refilling the food was really helpful in explaining what’s what.
- Wait timeNo wait time
- buffet style serviceLove their buffet style service!
- consistently greatConsistently great every time
- customer serviceAmazing customer service
- friendly stafffriendly staff
- quick servicequick service as well
- seamless operationMy experience at Julie's in FiDi was fantastic. It's my favorite place to eat, offering delicious food with great variety and a seamless operation. The staff were incredibly friendly.
- staffThe staffs are nice and welcoming.
Frequently criticized
- ServiceHere’s how I’d rate what I tried: Mediterranean salad: 4 out of 5, Japchae: 5 out of 5, Fried chicken wings: 5 out of 5, Seaweed salad: 1 out of 5, California roll: 4 out of 5. Service: 1 out of 5. In conclusion, I recommend to come for the variety and convenience (and the chicken wings), but do not expect a warm welcome.
- all you can eat optionsask if they have all you can eat options
- cashier95 per pound, I was able to get a decent amount of food. To be honest, I had stopped coming here for a while because I find the cashier, who I believe is also the owner, to be less than welcoming, and very stingy (she asked me to put my wasabi and soy sauce packet on top of my box so I can get them weighted in). But now that I use Yelp as my food journal, I decided to give it another try and document my experience.
If youre looking for efficiency and generally friendly interactions, this place usually delivers. While a rare encounter might feel less welcoming, the overall service experience is positive and shouldnt stop you from giving it a try.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
Based on 19 positive remarks out of 21 total, the ambience here truly shines. Guests rave about the pristine new space and describe it as a quiet and pleasant place to eat, especially enjoying the roof terrace or rooftop garden with its natural light and beautiful setting. With a solid score of 8.4 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 90.5%, its clear the atmosphere is a major draw.
However, its worth noting that one comment suggests it might not be the ideal spot if youre specifically looking for a quiet dine in experience. While generally peaceful, it seems to miss the mark for those seeking absolute solitude, indicating its not the place for an extremely hushed meal.
Ambience
21
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful roof terrace
- Quiet, pleasant space
- Ample, clean seating
What people don't like
- Not for silent dining
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- seatsService is pay-by-the-pound. On the bright side, there are plenty of seats now, unlike before the pandemic.
- Outdoor patio / terraceSeating type:Outdoor patio / terrace
- beautifulit was also beautiful
- beautiful settingBeautiful setting
- natural lightpleasant to sit at one of the tables at the top of the mall with natural light coming in from above
- new spacepristine new space
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- place cleanlinessThe place is clean and well organized.
Frequently criticized
- quiet dine inIf you are planning a quiet dine in, this is not the place
If youre looking for a beautiful, pleasant spot with plenty of seating and a lovely outdoor option, this place is definitely worth a visit. Its perfect for a relaxed meal with good company, but perhaps not for an intensely quiet, intimate dinner.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot scores a 7.3, indicating a good experience for many, though customer satisfaction sits at a 67.6% mixed level. Out of 37 total remarks, 25 were positive, often praising the good prices, fair deal and amount, and even calling it the best value lunch. Many found it incredibly affordable and well worth the cost for the portions received.
However, not everyone felt the same, with 7 negative remarks. Some found the per pound pricing model led to paying a fortune, describing it as expensive or a bit pricy. A few felt the food wasn't worth the cost, especially when expecting an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Value
37
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
7
negative
5
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable price
- Good portions
- Best value lunch
What people don't like
- Per-pound pricing
- Can feel expensive
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It offers an incredible variety of cuisines, including Mediterranean, Korean, American, Chinese, Japanese, and a salad by the lb, all at a very affordable price. The restaurant is conveniently located on the third floor of Crocker Galleria.
- pricesAs of March 2022, there was no buffet option available, but that's okay because the prices are very affordable and the portions are very good. I ordered the bulgogi plate and found it to be very tasty.
- valueSuper great value too.
- $10filling for just $10
- best value lunchBest value lunch
- dealFor the ratio of money spent to fresh, delicious, and diverse food received, there is no better deal in the whole city. My experience was fantastic, especially considering the value for money.
- fair deal and amountportion is a fair deal and amount for and what you pay for
- good pricesGute Auswahl gute Preise für ein Mittagessen
- guess the weightguess the weight of your lunch, you get it free!
- lunchMy whole lunch was under $14 including tax
Frequently criticized
- all you can eat buffetI was looking for an all you can eat buffet
- bit pricybut a bit pricy
- expensiveit's expensive
- one mealHowever, it's "buffet style, " not an actual buffet. I grabbed a plastic container and ended up paying $25 for one meal, as it was priced at over $11 per pound. The food was not worth the price.
- paying a fortunewithout paying a fortune
- per poundIt was $11 something per pound
- priceIt's a bit more expensive than I expected.
If youre looking for a place where you can get a decent meal for a reasonable cost, especially for lunch, this spot often delivers great value. However, be mindful of the per-pound pricing, as it can quickly add up if youre not careful, potentially making it feel more expensive than expected.
How are the prices at Julie's Kitchen?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 30 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Fusion Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the numbers, almost everyone (27 out of 30 guests!) spends within that $11–$20 sweet spot, with just a few venturing into the $21–$30 range. This means prices are pretty consistent and cluster tightly around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 30 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in San Francisco?
For a Fusion Restaurant in San Francisco, a mid-range price point like this feels quite fair. It suggests you’ll get a good experience without breaking the bank. We think it offers solid value for those looking for a tasty meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Julie's Kitchen
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Glad I Found Julie's Kitchen!
I hadn't been to Crocker Galleria in a very long time. I wandered upstairs and spotted Julie's Kitchen, and I am so glad I did. I was able to get a high protein lunch with healthy vegetables for about $15.
It was so good. I will be back.
- high protein lunch9
- healthy vegetables9
- lunch9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Addicted to Julie's Japache Noodles!
My experience at Julie's has become a weekly ritual, visiting 1-2 times per week. I'm consistently impressed by the great selection of food that is served fairly quickly. I've become addicted to their Japache noodles; I find myself thinking about them on weekends and returning on Monday afternoons for a plate full.
The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, and the noise level was quiet, making conversation easy.
- selection of food9
- Japache noodles10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious food, big portions!
I ordered through DoorDash and wanted to try something new, so I got Julie’s Kitchen for lunch. The food was delicious, fresh, and came in big portions! I’ll definitely be ordering from here more now 🤩
- food9
- big portions9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Good Buffet Choices in the Galleria
My experience at Julie's was a good one, especially considering the limited lunch options in the Market and Montgomery Street area. If you enjoy a buffet style lunch weighed by the pound, Julie's is a great choice. Located at the top of the Galleria shopping center, it offers a wide variety of food, including Greek salad, silver noodles, and different kinds of chicken.
You have the freedom to mix and match your selections. They also provide set meals, primarily focusing on Asian cuisine. The atmosphere is pleasant, with tables at the top of the mall benefiting from natural light.
On nice days, you can even take your meal out to the rooftop garden. The seating on the outdoor patio/terrace was a nice touch, and the vegetarian selection was large, making it highly recommendable for vegetarians. There was no wait time, and the service was rated a 4 out of 5, with food also receiving a 4 out of 5.
- lunch choices6
- buffet style lunches7
- lot to choose from8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
7
Variety of Options, Hit or Miss
This is a steam table style restaurant offering a wide variety of options, from Mediterranean salad to Korean fried chicken wings. It’s a nice spot to go when you’re not craving anything specific and just want a little bit of this and that. Before the pandemic, there were a few places like this in the FiDi, but most have closed down.
I think this might be the last one still standing in the area. They charge by pound, so be very careful not to eat with your eyes. At $10.
95 per pound, I was able to get a decent amount of food. To be honest, I had stopped coming here for a while because I find the cashier, who I believe is also the owner, to be less than welcoming, and very stingy (she asked me to put my wasabi and soy sauce packet on top of my box so I can get them weighted in). But now that I use Yelp as my food journal, I decided to give it another try and document my experience.
The food overall is decent. The Korean fried chicken wings are super fresh, nicely crisped, and well seasoned. The japchae (Korean glass noodles) is flavorful and satisfying.
The Mediterranean salad is refreshing and light. The sushi, while not outstanding, is decent for this kind of spot. The only real miss for me was the seaweed salad, which tasted like it came straight from a box.
Here’s how I’d rate what I tried: Mediterranean salad: 4 out of 5, Japchae: 5 out of 5, Fried chicken wings: 5 out of 5, Seaweed salad: 1 out of 5, California roll: 4 out of 5. Service: 1 out of 5. In conclusion, I recommend to come for the variety and convenience (and the chicken wings), but do not expect a warm welcome.
- Korean fried chicken wings10
- japchae10
- Mediterranean salad8
- seaweed salad2
- cashier2
- Service2
What Julie's Kitchen offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Counter service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Julie's Kitchen accessible for all guests?
Yes, Julie’s Kitchen prioritizes accessibility for everyone. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons.
What dining options are available at Julie's Kitchen, and is it suitable for families?
Julie’s Kitchen offers flexible dining options including lunch, dinner, and counter service with comfortable seating. It is also considered good for kids, making it a great choice for families.
How does Julie's Kitchen rate overall?
Julie’s Kitchen holds a 7.8 score, indicating a good experience. Its Ambience (8.4) and Service (8) stand out, while Food (7.8) and Value (7.3) also contribute positively to customer satisfaction.
What kind of food can I expect at Julie's Kitchen?
You can expect an incredible variety of cuisines, including Mediterranean, Korean, American, Chinese, and Japanese, often with generous portions. They also offer healthy vegetarian options that are clearly labeled.
Is Julie's Kitchen a good value for money?
Many customers find Julie’s Kitchen to offer super great value and affordable prices, with good portions for the cost. However, some note that the per-pound pricing can lead to a meal being more expensive than anticipated.