Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Teakwood – San Francisco
Teakwood - San Francisco
Photo from Teakwood
Teakwood at a glance
San Francisco Civic Center
- 🍜 Asian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 111 of the guests
#1371 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#12 Asian Restaurant out of 22 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
801
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Great Service
- Modern Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High Price
- Loud Environment
- Parking Issues
The Asian restaurant Teakwood in San Francisco’s vibrant Civic Center neighborhood offers you a truly inviting experience. Step inside and discover a cozy atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re seeking healthy options, delightful small plates, or a relaxing happy hour, you’ll find a welcoming spot here. You can enjoy a range of delicious dishes and beverages, making it a great choice for your next meal out.
Overview: Introducting Teakwood
Teakwood offers a pleasant dining experience, often praised for its delicious food and generally attentive service. Many guests appreciate the inviting atmosphere, making it a good choice for various occasions.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding small portions for the price and occasional issues with slow service. Parking can also be a challenge, which is worth considering before your visit.
Good
7.3
out of 10
801
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
183
negative
49
neutral
569
positive
Overall, Teakwood earns a solid 7.3 on its restaurant score, with customer satisfaction sitting at a respectable 71%. This indicates a generally positive experience for most guests, backed by 569 positive comments against 183 negative ones from a total of 801 observations.
Digging deeper, the Food (7.6) and Ambience (7.6) truly stand out, receiving high marks for their quality and appeal. While Service (6.8) is generally competent, the Value (4.5) aspect appears to be a mixed bag, suggesting some guests find the pricing a bit steep for what’s offered.
What people like
- Delicious Burmese food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Pleasant, modern ambiance
What people don't like
- Small portions, high price
- Loud atmosphere, cleanliness
- Challenging parking
With a solid recommendation score of 7.5, Teakwood is generally worth considering if you’re seeking quality Burmese cuisine in a stylish setting. The culinary offerings and overall atmosphere are often quite satisfying.
However, be mindful of the portion sizes relative to the cost, and potential service inconsistencies. If you prioritize excellent food and ambiance over strict value, this spot could be a good fit for your next meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Teakwood
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally delivers a good experience, earning a solid 7.6 score and boasting 74.9% customer satisfaction. Many guests raved about the delicious tea leaf salad, flavorful curries, and unique cocktails, with 367 positive remarks highlighting the excellent seasoning and variety of dishes available. However, not every dish was a hit.
Some diners found certain items, like the Platha or Superstar Noodles, to be bland or disappointing. With 91 negative comments, concerns also surfaced regarding small portion sizes and occasionally chewy duck, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
490
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
91
negative
32
neutral
367
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tea leaf salad
- Flavorful curries
- Unique cocktails
What people don't like
- Bland dishes
- Small portions
- Chewy duck
Often praised
- foodThis proved to be an excellent choice for bringing my out-of-town cousins. We enjoyed great drinks, delicious food, attentive service, and a wonderful atmosphere. I highly recommend this spot if you're looking for Burmese cuisine in the Hayes Valley area.
- tea leaf saladMy experience at this restaurant was centered around some truly delicious food. I tried the tea leaf salad, Mohinga (a rice noodle soup with seared cod, a soft-boiled egg, and a chickpea chip), and platha (buttery multi-layer bread). The cod in the Mohinga was incredibly tender and flavorful.
- cocktailsThe spice level was muted overall, which I enjoyed. The cocktails were great as well!
- drinksEverything was exceptional including drinks
- sesame chickensesame chicken, which is one of Teakwood’s most popular dishes
- FoodFood:5
- garlic noodlesThe garlic noodles were a surprise hit of the day! Surprisingly flavorful
- MohingaMohinga is the most typical Burmese dish, the broth has the flavor closer to Thai, and the rice noodles are similar to Chinese style, overall tastes pretty strong and savory
- coconut ricecoconut rice to go with the entrees, and it was the perfect pairing
- Burmese foodThe decor was a nice blend of modern and traditional. While it was a tad bit pricey, the affiliated restaurants do a good job of promoting Burmese food.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was greasy and disgusting, and I experienced a stomachache afterward. I believe eating at In N Out would be a far better choice than this sketchy food. I strongly advise saving your money and time for a more decent meal.
- duck curryI preferred the noodles over the duck curry, surprisingly. The curry was a bit too much; the first few spoonfuls were delicious, but after a while, I could not finish it. Another friend got the chicken curry and similarly, she took most of it to go since it felt too heavy for lunch.
- portionsWhile the space is attractive, the overall value just isn’t there. The food itself was decent, but the portions were shockingly small. For example, the lemongrass skirt steak was $36 for only about 4-6 ounces of meat, and the $24 vegetable curry had a nice sauce but hardly any vegetables.
- Kaya toastthe recreation of the Kaya toast was particularly bad
- Rainbow SaladRainbow Salad (vegan version) was a little bland and heavy on oil
- Superstar NoodlesWe were disappointed with this dish; we expected a cold noodle dish with thick rice noodles, as stated on the menu, but what we received were noodles as thin as vermicelli.
- dishesMost of the dishes were over seasoned
- duckthe duck...unfortunately wasn’t cooked through
- flavorseverything was intense and overpowered some of the natural flavors
- menuThe menu is too small compared to the other 2 locations
If you're looking for flavorful Burmese cuisine with standout dishes like the tea leaf salad and creative cocktails, this place is worth a visit. Just be mindful that some items might be a bit bland or have smaller portions than expected, so choose wisely.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot earns a good score of 6.8, with many guests raving about the friendly staff and attentive waiters. Out of 163 pieces of feedback, 101 highlighted positive experiences, often praising quick seating and staff who went above and beyond, even offering outstanding service for special occasions. However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 62%, as 55 remarks pointed to some significant issues.
Diners occasionally faced slow, disorganized service, felt ignored by staff, or struggled to get attention. There were also concerns about rude management and problematic seating arrangements.
Service
163
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
55
negative
7
neutral
101
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Accommodating service
- Quick seating
What people don't like
- Slow, disorganized service
- Staff ignored diners
- Rude management
Often praised
- serviceThis proved to be an excellent choice for bringing my out-of-town cousins. We enjoyed great drinks, delicious food, attentive service, and a wonderful atmosphere. I highly recommend this spot if you're looking for Burmese cuisine in the Hayes Valley area.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a great atmosphere and very accommodating staff. As part of a group of 6, they were instrumental in helping us navigate many different dietary restrictions.
- ServiceService was friendly and efficient
- serverIt was tough to chew, and when we cut into it with a steak knife, parts of the meat appeared raw, with visible ligaments and uncooked flesh. Matt, our server, was extremely understanding and apologetic. He promptly removed the duck from the bill and even offered a complimentary drink as a gesture of goodwill.
- waiterFor the entree course, my friend got the sesame chicken, which is one of Teakwood’s most popular dishes. I went with the eggplant and shrimp at the recommendation of the waiter and was not disappointed. We got the coconut rice to go with the entrees, and it was the perfect pairing.
- anniversary treatThey gave us a little treat for our anniversary and it was so kind
- bartendersthe bartenders were great and very good
- friendly staffReally friendly staff
- seated quicklywe were seated quickly
- seatingaccommodating seating us 35 minutes before our reservation
Frequently criticized
- serviceThis practice felt like a bait and switch, which is unacceptable and frankly, embarrassing for the restaurant. While the food was decent, the service left something to be desired. The host initially forgot to seat us, and I had to remind them twice about our ready table.
- checkI ordered the pork belly and the tequila espresso cocktail. Though service was good, our waitress ignored my table twice when I tried to flag her down to ask for the check because our friend needed to leave. She only took our order and never made a second round to our table aside from paying the check, so I tipped her 12%, which was still generous.
- staffThe Tea Leaf salad is the best dish, but everything else was uninspiring and seemed to be wrapped in sweet curry paste. The restaurant doesn't seem to be doing well, judging by the lack of enthusiasm from the staff. They seem more focused on selling their cocktails, which are actually better than the food.
- waiterWe also struggled to get the waiter's attention when we wanted to ask for the bill and boxes for our leftovers.
- ServiceDrinks were standard for San Francisco, with beers at $10 and cocktails at $18. Service was another weak spot. The pacing felt "European style, " requiring us to flag down staff for assistance.
- assistanceasked several servers for assistance
- attentiveNot very attentive
- attitudeMy recent visit to Teakwood was marred by the appalling behavior of the manager, Ariel. Their rude and passive-aggressive attitude made us not even want to get a table. We asked if we could start at the bar counter top and then move to a table when it got ready.
- billno one bringing the bill
- checkoutcome time to check out, we were again left waiting
So, should you go? If you value genuinely friendly and accommodating staff, you'll likely have a great experience. But be prepared for the possibility of slower service or needing to flag down help, as consistency seems to be a challenge here.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.6 and leaving 79% of customers satisfied. Many of the 94 positive comments rave about the chic earth decor, natural light, and beautiful space, creating a great atmosphere. Guests often praise the nice setting and pleasant music, contributing to a wonderful vibe that makes the restaurant feel special.
However, its not all perfect, with 18 negative opinions pointing out some areas for improvement. Some guests noted issues like an unpleasant smell, dirty bathrooms, and a cramped and noisy environment. Others found the music loud or the tables too small, ' suggesting that while the overall atmosphere is good, there can be occasional comfort issues.
Ambience
119
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
18
negative
7
neutral
94
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful, chic decor
- Inviting atmosphere
- Pleasant music
What people don't like
- Unpleasant smells
- Dirty restrooms
- Loud, cramped space
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was flavorful and creatively prepared, just as I remembered. The restaurant itself has a modern, calming atmosphere—comfortable seating, beautiful colors, and thoughtful design accents that really add to the experience. The cod noodles were delicious, though the portion of cod was surprisingly small.
- ambianceMy experience at Burma Love, situated on bustling Grove St, was a mix of pleasant surprises and notable disappointments. The restaurant boasts nice decor and a cozy ambiance, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Finding street parking proved to be a challenge, requiring multiple circuits of the block, though a paid garage was available across the street at a steep $22 flat rate.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- spaceI love what they’ve done with the space
- ambienceThe ambience was way better than we expected
- interioroffering authentic Burmese food with a beautiful interior
- decorThe decor was very modern but also traditional
- locationlocation is near the Civic Center and there is parking nearby.
- settingThe service and setting are nice
- vibeThe vibe was way better than we anticipated
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere. Because the place has no carpeting, sounds travel really well. Then for some reason, the music was kind of loud.
- area outsidethe area outside looked like it has never been cleaned
- bathroomBathroom very dirty
- chair backsChair backs were also rounded so purses had to go on the floor
- colognewearing enough cologne for the entire city
- garbage situationtheir garbage situation gets spread all over Gough
- glassesglasses came with lipstick stains
- musicthe music was kind of loud. We had to shout across the table to be heard.
- planningPoor planning
- previous visitThis dining experience felt like a stark contrast to my previous visit to Teakwood, and I was disappointed by how different the two experiences were.
Overall, if you're looking for a restaurant with a generally beautiful and inviting atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth considering. While a few minor comfort issues might pop up, the positive vibes and decor usually shine through, making it a great choice for a pleasant dining experience.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found pleasant surprises, especially with options like the fixed priced menu and Restaurant Week lunch menu. While the overall score for value sits at an average 4.5, a few customers felt the price was incredible for what they received, even calling it a fair cost for the experience. These 7 positive sentiments highlight moments of genuine satisfaction.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, with customer satisfaction for value being a rather poor 24.1%. Many felt the restaurant was pricey and overpriced, with concerns about shrinkflation and unexpected surcharges feeling like a bait and switch. With 19 negative comments out of 29 total, its clear that many diners had higher expectations for the cost.
Value
29
Reviews
24%
Satisfaction
19
negative
3
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fixed-price menu offers
- Restaurant Week value
What people don't like
- Dishes feel overpriced
- Unexpected surcharges
- Portions too small
Often praised
- priceMy experience was fantastic; the food was even better than I expected, and the service was awesome. I highly recommend this place for anyone seeking a fairly reasonable price with an awesome Burmese dining experience.
- Restaurant Week lunch menuawesome Restaurant Week lunch menu for $30
- billMatt, our server, was extremely understanding and apologetic. He promptly removed the duck from the bill and even offered a complimentary drink as a gesture of goodwill. I truly believe this was an isolated incident, and we appreciated how it was handled.
- cost per personcost per person was $64, including 20% gratuity
- fixed priced menuopted for the fixed priced menu and the weren't disappointed
Frequently criticized
- priceThe service is slow, and the overall vibe felt a bit too hipster for my liking. The portions are not adequate for the price, which is a typical issue in San Francisco where extraneous factors seem to detract from a good dining experience. The atmosphere was rated a 4, and the food was also rated a 4, but the service only received a 2.
- Performing Arts Garagecharges a flat rate of $22, which is ridiculously expensive
- bait and switchThis practice felt like a bait and switch
- expectationsFor the price of this place I had higher expectations
- priceyIt was a tad bit pricey
- shrinkflationShrinkflation seems to have hit hard
- steep pricesgiven the steep prices
- street parkingFinding street parking can be challenging
- surchargesurprising 5% surcharge that was not clearly listed
- valuethe value just isn’t there
If you're considering a visit, be mindful of the menu options. While special deals like fixed-price menus can offer good value, many diners found the regular pricing to be quite steep. It might be worth trying if you catch a special, but otherwise, prepare for potentially higher costs than expected.
How are the prices at Teakwood?
On average, you’ll spend around 51 per person – from 111 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For an Asian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a good mix: while the average is pulled up by some higher-end experiences, a significant number of diners enjoy meals in the 31 – 50 $ range, showing a nice blend of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 111 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Asian Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a range of experiences, from more accessible options to those looking for a slightly more premium meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Teakwood
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Great Food, Small Tables
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially regarding the food. I highly recommend the harvest green curry. The atmosphere and service both received a perfect score of 5.
However, the tables were a bit too small, making it difficult to keep my bags around them.
- harvest green curry10
- atmosphere10
- service10
- tables3
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Good food, but cramped and pricey
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was excellent, and the service was also top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5/5. However, the atmosphere was less impressive, rated at a 3/5.
It felt cramped and noisy, though I acknowledge it was a busy time. Additionally, the experience was quite expensive, with a price per person ranging from $50–100.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere4
- price3
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Attractive Space, Tiny Portions, Poor Value
My first visit to Teakwood was a mixed experience. While the space is attractive, the overall value just isn’t there. The food itself was decent, but the portions were shockingly small.
For example, the lemongrass skirt steak was $36 for only about 4-6 ounces of meat, and the $24 vegetable curry had a nice sauce but hardly any vegetables. We had to search with a spoon to find them. A $16 "side" of eggplant consisted of just four tiny pieces, which felt like an inflated price.
The calamari and tea leaf salad were tasty, but again, very small portions. It felt like shrinkflation had hit hard. The calamari was excellent but only amounted to four pieces.
Drinks were standard for San Francisco, with beers at $10 and cocktails at $18. Service was another weak spot. The pacing felt "European style, " requiring us to flag down staff for assistance.
Our drinks sat empty a couple of times, and we had to ask the food runner for rice because our server was unavailable. Despite being told the food was meant for family-style sharing, no extra spoons were provided, leading to awkward sharing with our own utensils. Our bill exceeded $300, plus the usual "Healthy SF" surcharge.
Ultimately, while the flavors were good and the space was nice, the tiny portions, inflated prices, and lackluster service mean it’s not a place I would return to.
- space8
- calamari8
- tea leaf salad7
- value2
- portions2
- vegetables3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
3
Disappointing Service and Ambiance
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was pretty okay, with the curry with chicken being good. However, the service was non-existent.
I had to get up and find an employee to give me the check, as they seemed too busy laughing and chatting. This made everything so slow, and I was mildly annoyed as we were trying to get dinner before the symphony. The restroom was a disaster, and the area outside looked like it had never been cleaned.
It’s unfortunate because my brother-in-law told me about this place and how good it was. Maybe it was an off night, which is why I’m not leaving 1 star. I probably won’t come back.
- food7
- curry with chicken8
- service2
- check3
- everything was just so slow3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Flavors and Chewy Duck
My experience at the restaurant was underwhelming. The flavors were flat and left me wanting more, especially considering the price. The coconut chicken curry was just okay, but it felt like it was missing something.
My friend's duck curry was also disappointing; the duck was chewy, and the overall dish was just 'meh'.
- coconut chicken curry5
- flavors2
- price3
- duck curry3
What Teakwood offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining options can you expect at Teakwood?
At Teakwood, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including brunch, lunch, and dinner. Table service is available, and you’ll find comfortable seating for your meal. Don’t forget to explore their dessert menu too.
Are there options for specific dietary needs at Teakwood?
Yes, Teakwood caters to various dietary preferences. You’ll find excellent vegan options and vegetarian options on their menu. They also offer a selection of healthy options for a balanced meal.
What is the overall dining experience like at Teakwood?
Teakwood generally offers a good dining experience, with a restaurant score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at 71%. Guests particularly appreciate the Food (7.6) and Ambience (7.6), though Service (6.8) is average and Value (4.5) can be a concern.
Is Teakwood a good option for Burmese cuisine?
Yes, many diners praise Teakwood for its delicious and creatively prepared Burmese food, with specific dishes like the tea leaf salad and Mohinga receiving positive mentions. The cocktails and drinks are also well-regarded.
What are some common issues reported by diners at Teakwood?
Some common issues include small portion sizes for the price, occasional slow or inattentive service, and a potentially loud atmosphere. Finding street parking can also be challenging for some visitors.