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oChef » Cantoo – San Francisco
Cantoo - San Francisco
Photo from Cantoo
Cantoo at a glance
San Francisco Little Saigon
- 🥢 Fusion Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 92 of the guests
#175 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Fusion Restaurant out of 14 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
482
Reviews
88.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great service
- Good value
- Tasty food
Frequently criticized
- Bad location
- Cold inside
The restaurant Cantoo is a vibrant fusion restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s bustling Little Saigon neighborhood. Here, you’ll discover a unique culinary journey, blending Latin American and Asian flavors into an unforgettable experience.
You can expect a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, offering a delightful escape from the everyday.
Overview: Introducting Cantoo
Cantoo offers a dining experience where the warmth of the hospitality truly shines, making every visit feel personal. Guests frequently commend the friendly and attentive staff, who go the extra mile to ensure satisfaction.
This commitment to service creates a welcoming atmosphere that many appreciate. Beyond the excellent service, diners often highlight the great prices and generous portions as significant draws.
While the culinary offerings generally receive praise for their flavor, some experiences point to occasional inconsistencies in preparation, suggesting a varied outcome for certain dishes.
Excellent
8.6
out of 10
482
Reviews
88.2%
Satisfaction
42
negative
15
neutral
425
positive
Cantoo achieves a commendable Restaurant Score of 8.6, indicating a generally positive reception across the board. This is further supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rating of 88.2%, reflecting that most patrons leave content with their experience.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 482 customer comments, with 425 positive remarks outweighing 42 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Service stands out as excellent (9.5), consistently earning high praise.
Value also performs exceptionally well (8.9), with many appreciating the affordability. The Food is rated as good (8.5), though some specific dishes might vary.
Ambience, while good (7.2), is an area where external factors sometimes influence the overall impression.
What people like
- Exceptional service
- Excellent value
- Flavorful dishes
What people don't like
- Challenging neighborhood
- Indoor comfort
If you prioritize outstanding hospitality and excellent value, Cantoo is certainly worth considering. The combination of attentive service and generous, well-priced dishes makes for a satisfying meal, especially for those seeking a friendly and unpretentious dining spot.
However, be mindful of the surrounding area, which some find less appealing, and note that the indoor comfort could be improved. Despite these points, the strong 8.7 Recommendation Score suggests that for many, the positives at Cantoo far outweigh any minor drawbacks.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cantoo
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.5 and a solid 88.1% customer satisfaction, its clear diners are loving whats on their plates. Many rave about the delicious food, generous portions, and the unique fusion of Chinese and Venezuelan flavors, with 275 positive remarks out of 312 total comments.
However, not every bite is perfect. A smaller number of reviews, 26 to be exact, pointed out issues like some dishes being too greasy, burnt, or soggy. A few also mentioned a lack of flavor in certain items, suggesting some inconsistencies in execution of dishes.
Food
312
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
26
negative
11
neutral
275
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious unique fusion
- Generous portions
- High quality food
What people don't like
- Greasy, burnt items
- Inconsistent flavor
- Soggy dishes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I visited with my sister for dinner and was impressed by the great prices and great food. I particularly enjoyed the fried rice and the half chicken.
- empanadasThey cook amazing & affordable food, share their third-culture experiences through the menu, and provide spectacularly kind service. My first dishes were the rotisserie chicken, empanadas, and limeade. I've since tried most of the menu, and each visit feels like sitting at a friend's table rather than a restaurant.
- portionsMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed with the high quality food and the great portions. We ordered the large meat platter and a whole chicken, which was more than enough for three people.
- rotisserie chickenThey cook amazing & affordable food, share their third-culture experiences through the menu, and provide spectacularly kind service. My first dishes were the rotisserie chicken, empanadas, and limeade. I've since tried most of the menu, and each visit feels like sitting at a friend's table rather than a restaurant.
- chickenThe chicken was fine, that part I did enjoy
- fried riceIf you are visiting San Francisco, it is a must. Everything was good; the fried rice was a 10.
- FoodFood:4
- empanadaIt was authentic. Shredded beef was savory and perfect. Fried bread was chewy and crisp and yummy.
- Chicken EmpanadaChicken Empanada- *huge* and great texture, very good value and taste, my favorite thing
- dishesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I tried several dishes on the menu and loved each one. Our server was friendly and made perfect recommendations.
Frequently criticized
- foodextremely disappointed. The food was totally fried
- chickenthe chicken was completely burnt and old
- arrachera-like dishpretty flavorful but kind of tough
- dishesAll kinda tasted the same
- duck noodlesthe duck noodles had zero taste
- espenadaDie Espenada war fettig und trotzdem nicht durch
- fatThe food was totally fried and dripping with grease. The poultry was chopped up with bones, the skin was flabby, and it was pure fat.
- fried ricefried rice, which honestly tasted burned and reused
- friesthe fries were all soggy
- greasedripping with grease. The poultry was chopped up
Overall, the food here is a definite highlight and comes highly recommended. With its unique fusion and generally delicious offerings, its certainly worth a visit if youre looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal, despite a few minor reported inconsistencies.
Service (9.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
Talk about being in good hands! The service here is truly a standout, earning an excellent score of 9.5 and an impressive 97.6% customer satisfaction. With 83 positive remarks out of 85 total, guests consistently praise the friendly staff, attentive service, and great host.
Many opinions highlight the team's professionalism, speed, and willingness to be accommodating to every need, making for a truly welcoming experience. While the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, there was one isolated comment regarding service, specifically suggesting a waitress could improve. This single piece of constructive feedback, though rare, points to an area for potential refinement, ensuring every guest receives the same high standard of care.
Service
85
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
83
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Accommodating needs
What people don't like
Often praised
- serviceBro, to be brutally honest, this is the best Chinese-Venezuelan food I've had in 4 years of traveling and eating in different states across the US. The service is exceptionally good; Cristina was super friendly and pleasant, answering our questions with clarity and kindness, ensuring everyone was happy. The prices, portions, flavor, and quality of the food are on another level.
- staffstaff was really working hard to make things happen, smiling all the time
- ServiceService:5
- serverJesus was our server and he was the best
- CristinaBro, to be brutally honest, this is the best Chinese-Venezuelan food I've had in 4 years of traveling and eating in different states across the US. The service is exceptionally good; Cristina was super friendly and pleasant, answering our questions with clarity and kindness, ensuring everyone was happy. The prices, portions, flavor, and quality of the food are on another level.
- ownerMy experience at this restaurant was amazingly delicious. The owner was very accommodating to my Celiac kid’s need for gluten-free foods without cross-contamination. I highly recommend this place.
- peopleI can't wait to return to try the chicken. The people are mellow, and the great service and amazing food transported me right back home. Please visit this place if you want Chinese food with a Latin flavor 💕.
- wait staffour wait staff was friendly and attentive
- waitresswaitress who served us was very polite and attentive
- ChristinaChristina is so friendly and fantastic
Frequently criticized
- servicela mesera tiene que aprender a dar un buen servicio
If you value exceptional hospitality, this is definitely a place to try. You can expect a warm welcome and attentive care from start to finish, making your visit truly enjoyable. The service alone is a compelling reason to stop by!
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
Based on 32 positive comments out of 49 total, the restaurants ambience generally hits the mark with a 7.2 score. Many describe it as a hidden gem with a welcoming vibe and family atmosphere. Guests appreciate the cleanliness, spotless tables, and the overall energy, often noting it as an oasis with a pleasant noise level that makes conversation easy.
However, the customer satisfaction of 65.3% suggests a mixed experience, largely due to external factors. Several of the 14 negative remarks highlight concerns about the rough neighborhood and location, mentioning homeless people and drug addicts outside. Some also found the seating area less cozy or even cold, despite the positive interior vibe'.
Ambience
49
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
14
negative
3
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique spot
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Clean interior
What people don't like
- Rough neighborhood
- Challenging surroundings
- Messy exterior
Often praised
- atmosphereThe menu offers an interesting combination of traditional dishes and fusion, with influences from both Asian and Latin cuisines. The wait staff was friendly and helpful, contributing to a casual atmosphere that's perfect for a drop-in. While they do take reservations, they weren't necessary for our 6: 30 pm Sunday visit.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibesThe food was fresh, delicious, and interesting, with plentiful portions. The service was excellent, and the vibes were great. The pricing was also a highlight, making it a place you wish more establishments were like.
- chill crowdMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a spot with amazing authentic food, a chill crowd, and delicious flavors. I'm so impressed and glad to see this restaurant in this neighborhood.
- cleanlinessthe place is clean
- energythe energy and food inside
- family atmosphereI had a birthday dinner here and my experience was fantastic. The food was great, and the family atmosphere made it a wonderful occasion. The service was also great, and I felt it was a great value for the $$$$.
- friend’s tablefeels like I’m sitting at a friend’s table
- hidden gemSuper cute hidden gem!
- noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
Frequently criticized
- areaunsichere Gegend mit vielen Obdachlosen und Drogen Dealern
- neighborhoodThe neighborhood isn’t great
- drug addictsbe prepared to see drug addicts
- feces on the sidewalkThe atmosphere was rated at 4. However, it's important to be aware of the location in the Tenderloin, as you should be prepared to encounter drug addicts and unhoused people, and potentially feces on the sidewalk. Despite the surrounding environment, the dining experience itself was excellent.
- homeless peopleBy the way, be mindful when you are roaming on streets in this area. There are lots of homeless people, around the Tenderloin area and can be aggressive. Thanks.
- locationits location in San Francisco is not great
- outside of the restaurantthe outside of the restaurant was really messy
- restaurantwe felt very cold in the restaurant
- rough neighborhoodRough neighborhood
- seating areaseating area could have been a bit more cosier and warm
If youre looking for a unique spot with great internal vibes and a welcoming atmosphere, this place delivers. Just be prepared for the surrounding neighborhood which can be a bit rough, as its a significant point of contention for some visitors.
Value (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
If youre looking for a place where your wallet will be as happy as your taste buds, youre in for a treat! The value here is truly outstanding, boasting an excellent score of 8.9 and an impressive 97.2% customer satisfaction. Guests consistently rave about the prices, quality for the price, and affordable price, often calling it incredible value based on 35 positive remarks.
However, its not entirely without its critics. Out of 36 total opinions, there was one instance where a guest felt the price was too high, describing it as a pure rip-off for their party. This single negative comment stands out amidst an otherwise overwhelmingly positive consensus regarding the restaurants value.
Value
36
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent value
- Affordable prices
- Great quality for price
What people don't like
- Overpriced for some
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I visited with my sister for dinner and was impressed by the great prices and great food. I particularly enjoyed the fried rice and the half chicken.
- priceAlthough its location in San Francisco is not ideal, once inside the restaurant, you'll enjoy great food and service for a fair price. We tried all their Venezuelan food and beverages, and we were not let down.
- valueThe food was great, and the family atmosphere made it a wonderful occasion. The service was also great, and I felt it was a great value for the $$$$. I highly recommend supporting this local business.
- PricingPricing was reasonable
- affordable priceat an affordable price
- cheap eats optionMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially considering it's a great cheap eats option in SF. The combo portion size was massive, making it easily shareable.
- dealsVery good deals
- food quality valuegreat food quality value
- great pricefood for a great price
- incredible valueMy experience at this restaurant was amazing and it feels like it's being slept on. The combos, specifically the Combo Valenciano and Combo Cantoo, were delicious and offered an incredible value. I also really enjoyed the salted egg pumpkin appetizer.
Frequently criticized
- price117 Dollar für 3 Personen reine Abzocke
So, should you go? Absolutely! If youre seeking a dining experience that offers fantastic food without breaking the bank, this spot is a clear winner.
The vast majority agree youll find excellent value here, especially for the quality and portions.
How are the prices at Cantoo?
You’re looking at roughly 25 $ per person – reported by 92 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Fusion Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 25 $, a good chunk of guests actually spend a bit less, with many finding options in the $11–$20 range, showing there’s a nice mix of value and mid-tier dishes available.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 92 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, especially considering the variety of price points available. It seems like a good spot for a flexible budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cantoo
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food and Wonderful Staff!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The staff were incredibly nice and patient with me. The food was absolutely amazing.
I will most likely come get food again. Keep it up!
- staff10
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food and Service!
I couldn’t recommend this enough! Can’t wait to go back! The food was amazing, and the staff are great!
I particularly enjoyed the rotisserie chicken with the rice topped with chili oil. Amazing!
- food10
- staff10
- rotisserie chicken with the rice topped with chili oil10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great food and vibes!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The vibes were good and the food was great. I particularly enjoyed the chicken, which was spot on, and the rice had that perfect kick.
I will definitely be coming back.
- vibes9
- food9
- chicken10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Unique Fusion Comfort Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a cozy spot offering real comfort food with a surprisingly successful mix of Chinese and Venezuelan flavors. Every dish felt both familiar and new.
I particularly enjoyed the smoky fried rice, which was super delicious, and the pork hot and sour soup was absolutely perfect. The braided chicken had a just-right touch of sweetness. The warm, friendly service made the experience even better.
I'm already planning my next visit!
- comfort food9
- Chinese and Venezuelan flavors8
- smoky fried rice9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Incredible Food, Shockingly Affordable!
My experience at Cantoo was fantastic! The food was absolutely delicious, and the portions were huge. The staff was great, and the prices were almost shockingly affordable.
It's a lowkey spot serving incredible food without the fuss. I can’t wait to come back.
- food10
- portions9
- staff8
What Cantoo offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of unique culinary experience awaits you at Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie?
At Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie, you’ll discover a vibrant fusion restaurant in San Francisco’s Little Saigon. You can enjoy a diverse menu featuring small plates, alongside robust vegan and vegetarian options. Don’t forget to pair your meal with their selection of wine or beer for a complete dining experience.
What service options and amenities does Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie offer for your convenience?
Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie provides a range of convenient service options, including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup. You’ll also find wheelchair accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. They even have high chairs, making it good for kids.
How does Cantoo rate overall?
Cantoo holds a strong Restaurant Score of 8.6, with Customer Satisfaction at 88.2%. Customers particularly praise the Service (9.5) and Value (8.9), while Food is rated good (8.5) and Ambience is also good (7.2).
What do customers like most about the food at Cantoo?
Diners frequently commend the flavorful dishes, often highlighting items like the rotisserie chicken, empanadas, and fried rice. Many also appreciate the generous portions, which offer great value for the price.
What should I know about the atmosphere and location of Cantoo?
Cantoo offers a casual and often family-like atmosphere, with many finding the vibes pleasant and the interior clean. However, some customers note that the surrounding neighborhood can be challenging, and the indoor seating area might sometimes feel cold or less cozy.