Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Lilikoi – San Francisco
Lilikoi - San Francisco
Photo from Lilikoi
Lilikoi at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🍜 Taiwanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 39 of the guests
#2125 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#9 Taiwanese Restaurant out of 14 in San Francisco
Good
6.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
304
Reviews
55.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Service excellence
- Good ambiance
- Unique drinks
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Food inconsistency
- Loud music
The restaurant Lilikoi brings authentic Taiwanese flavors to San Francisco’s vibrant Cow Hollow neighborhood. If you’re looking for a culinary journey, this spot offers a delightful experience.
You’ll discover a truly great tea selection, perfect for complementing your meal. This Taiwanese restaurant is a must-visit for anyone exploring the city’s diverse food scene, providing a taste of tradition right here in San Francisco.
Overview: Introducting Lilikoi
Lilikoi offers a generally pleasant experience, often praised for its cute and laid-back atmosphere and fun retro music . Many appreciate the friendly staff and their helpfulness, making for a welcoming visit.
Specific items like the ube horchata and POG also receive positive remarks. However, some aspects at Lilikoi can be a mixed bag.
While certain drinks are enjoyed, the boba quality is sometimes inconsistent, and some mochi donuts are noted as not fresh. Concerns about price and overall value also frequently arise among visitors.
Good
6.1
out of 10
304
Reviews
55.6%
Satisfaction
105
negative
30
neutral
169
positive
Lilikoi presents a somewhat mixed picture, with an overall score of 6.1 out of 10 and a customer satisfaction rate of 55.6% . This suggests an average experience for many, neither outstanding nor particularly disappointing.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial amount of customer feedback, totaling 304 individual opinions, with 169 positive remarks and 105 negative ones. Diving deeper, Service stands out as a clear strength, earning a solid (8.1).
The Ambience also fares reasonably well (6.9), contributing positively to the visit. However, Food quality appears to be average (5.9), with some items performing better than others.
The most significant area for improvement is Value , which scores quite low (3.2), indicating that many feel the offerings are overpriced for what you receive.
What people like
- Excellent Service
- Pleasant Atmosphere
- Distinctive Drink Menu
What people don't like
- Poor Overall Value
- Inconsistent Food Quality
- Problematic Music/Noise
Lilikoi offers a welcoming environment with genuinely good service, making it a pleasant spot for a casual visit. If you’re seeking a place with a nice vibe and friendly staff, particularly for unique drinks like their horchatas, it could be a decent option.
However, with a recommendation score of 6.2 , it’s important to manage expectations regarding food consistency and overall value. While some items hit the mark, others might disappoint, especially if you’re sensitive to pricing.
Consider it for a specific drink craving rather than a full meal experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Lilikoi
Food (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
This spot serves up a pretty interesting food experience, with many customers (107 positive remarks!) highlighting delicious drinks like ube horchata and mango purée, along with unique flavors and tasty mochi donuts. Even savory items like spam fried rice and garlic fries get a nod for being flavorful. Overall, the food scores an average 5.9.
However, not everything hits the mark, as reflected in the 52.7% mixed customer satisfaction and 72 negative comments. Some found the boba inconsistent, donuts stale or frozen, and certain teas bland or bitter. Small poke portions and a lack of tea flavor in some drinks were also noted as areas needing work.
Food
203
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
72
negative
24
neutral
107
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique drink flavors
- Delicious mochi donuts
- Flavorful savory food
What people don't like
- Inconsistent boba texture
- Stale/frozen donuts
- Small poke portions
Often praised
- bobaMy experience at this restaurant was for late-night boba. While it's a good place for late night boba, I believe there are lots of better options out there if you're looking for boba during the daytime.
- drinksLilikoi’s drinks and their food are good
- foodLilikoi’s drinks and their food are good
- mochi donutsthe mochi donuts are great too
- ube horchatamy favorite is the ube horchata because it combines two flavors I love
- POGIt was delicious, and so refreshing on a hot day!
- Thai teaThai tea was pretty good
- mango horchatareally enjoyed the mango horchata
- menumenu is not overwhelming and simple (but delicious!)
- Cookies and Cream donutCookies and Cream donut was tasty, light and fluffy
Frequently criticized
- bobaOrdering was easy via kiosk, with several stations available so I didn't have to wait to place my order. However, the drink had little actual tea flavor, and the boba was mushy & stuck together. The pour wasn't even all the way to the top, which was a first for me at a boba shop.
- matcha cakesmatcha cakes looked nothing like the photos
- mochi donutsmochi donuts here are frozen, not fresh
- poke bowlMy experience was centered around a poke bowl, as I didn't try the boba. Unfortunately, the poke bowl itself was a letdown. Despite ordering a double portion, the amount of salmon was surprisingly small.
- tea flavorDrink had little actual tea flavor
- 16-inch pizzai got a 16z with two toppings and it was 9 DOLLARS
- BobaBarely any Boba added
- Jasmine Green Milk TeaLiterally the worst Jasmine green milk tea I've ever tried.
- Thai matcha creamatasted terrible like cough syrup, too disgusting to drink
- bitterdrinks were a bit bitter
If you're seeking unique boba flavors and delicious mochi donuts, this place could be a fun treat. However, be cautious with certain teas or poke bowls, as consistency and portion sizes can be a hit or miss, so choose your order carefully.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
The service at this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a strong score of 8.1 and a solid 78.8% customer satisfaction. With 41 positive remarks out of 52, guests frequently rave about the friendly and helpful staff, quick service, and great customer service, often highlighting specific employees for their wonderful suggestions and welcoming attitude. However, not every interaction is flawless.
A few of the 7 negative comments point to issues with the automated system causing pricing inconsistencies, some staff losing track of orders, and occasional communication challenges, suggesting there's room for improvement in operational consistency.
Service
52
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
7
negative
4
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Helpful suggestions
What people don't like
- Pricing inconsistencies
- Order management issues
- Communication challenges
Often praised
- serviceI got a House milk tea and an Ube doughnut. The flavors were good and the service was fast. They offer lots of options for flavors, and you can even create your own combos.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. The staff were very kind and creative. We absolutely loved their bobas and particularly enjoyed the POG we ordered.
- Leogreeted by Leo and he explained everything about the menu
- XioShout-out to Xio for the recommendation!
- boba shophappy to find a boba shop open so late
- bobaristasgreeted by the friendliest “bobaristas” Mojica and Leo
- cashierLady at the cashier was friendly and helpful
- drinkswe got our drinks promptly
- employeesWe were greeted by Leo, who was extremely friendly and inviting, and he explained everything about the menu. All the employees treated us extremely nicely. They deserve raises.
- experienceI always have a good experience here
Frequently criticized
- staffneither of them spoke much English and kept insisting it was tea.
- automated systemThe toppings were acceptable, but overall, I won't be purchasing this again. Additionally, I encountered significant pricing problems with their automated system, which forced me to place my order through DoorDash. I noticed numerous pricing inconsistencies between online and in-store options, with some items being higher, some lower, and different choices available.
- business managementCan't manage the business
- informedwish she informed me before I purchased
- ordersLosing track of orders
- wait for the correct drinkmade us wait for the correct drink between other customers, which was frustrating
If you're looking for a place with genuinely friendly and quick service, this spot is a great choice, thanks to its helpful staff. Just be aware of potential minor snags with the automated ordering system or occasional order mix-ups.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 6.9 and a solid 72% customer satisfaction. Many guests (18 out of 25 opinions!) absolutely adore the cute and welcoming vibe, praising the unique decor and the fun retro music. Its often described as a beautiful, clean spot with a laid-back atmosphere, making it a great addition to the Marina.
However, its not without its quirks, as 6 opinions pointed out some issues. Some found the music choice jarring, specifically mentioning loud deep techno and rave music played too early. Other concerns included the place being hot inside and the lack of nearby parking, which can definitely impact the overall comfort and convenience for some visitors.
Ambience
25
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute, welcoming vibe
- Unique decor
- Fun retro music
What people don't like
- Loud, jarring music
- Limited parking
- Uncomfortably hot
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was present
- Kid-friendlinessKid-friendliness:Fun
- cute and laid-back atmosphereplace itself is cute and laid-back
- cute and welcomingthis place is otherwise very cute and welcoming
- decordecor was instagram worthy
- drink dispensing systemTheir setup is also unique since their drinks come from taps you'd see in bars.
- fun retro musicThey offer an impressive array of flavors, and the staff was incredibly sweet. The atmosphere was enhanced by the fun retro music. I highly recommend trying it out!
- good addition to the MarinaAll in all, this is a good addition to the Marina
- interior decorationsthe interior decorations are cute
- logosLove the logos
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere got a 3 star because it was really hot inside.
- bar-folka horde of bar-folk took over the entire tiny joint.
- hardcore and loud deep technoplayed really hardcore and loud deep techno
- milk tea cafeThis is not the place because it is located in the midst of yuppie bars.
- parkingno parking nearby.
- rave musicthey blast rave music as early as 11am
If youre seeking a cute, unique spot with a lively atmosphere and dont mind a potentially loud soundtrack or a bit of a walk, this place is worth checking out. But if quiet comfort, easy parking, and a cool interior are top priorities, you might find it a bit disappointing.
Value (3.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
A small glimmer of hope for your wallet appeared for a few patrons who noted the price per person could be as low as $1–10. These few positive remarks, accounting for 3 out of 24 customer comments, suggest that some found specific items to be reasonably priced, despite the overall low sentiment. However, the overwhelming majority of feedback, 20 out of 24 comments, points to significant issues. Many felt items were overpriced, citing pricing inconsistencies and poor price for the quantity.
This contributes to an overall score of just 3.2 and a very low customer satisfaction of 12.5%, indicating significant room for improvement.
Value
24
Reviews
12%
Satisfaction
20
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Poor quantity for price
- Inconsistent pricing
Often praised
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- price per personPrice per person:$1–10
Frequently criticized
- priceI don't trust the other reviews. My experience was that the quality and quantity of the drink for the price is absurd. The poke was somehow less than half the portion I normally get for the same price anywhere else.
- Price per person$8 boba I had a higher expectation
- advertised picturespictures posted outside and featured on the self-service menu when ordering are not accurate
- customizationsonce you add any customizations, it quickly increases in price
- mochi donutsget the same for cheaper nearby
- no cashalso: no cash!
- overpricedthis place only stands out for being overpriced
- price for the quantitythe price for the quantity is so much
- pricescompetition around here is simply too stiff, with boba and poké available on nearby Chestnut St for much fairer prices
- pricing inconsistenciesAdditionally, I encountered significant pricing problems with their automated system, which forced me to place my order through DoorDash. I noticed numerous pricing inconsistencies between online and in-store options, with some items being higher, some lower, and different choices available. It's crucial they fix this, as I would have overpaid by $5 for this disappointing meal if I hadn't caught the discrepancies.
If youre prioritizing value, this place might disappoint. The consensus is that items are often overpriced for the quantity, with inconsistent pricing adding to the frustration. Youll likely find better value options elsewhere.
How are the prices at Lilikoi?
You’re looking at roughly 11 per person – reported by 39 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Taiwanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 11$, a good number of guests actually spend less, often in the $1–$10 range, suggesting some very budget-friendly options are popular too.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 39 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Taiwanese spot in San Francisco. With options for both budget-conscious diners and those looking to spend a bit more, it offers good value.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Lilikoi
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
9
Wonderful Boba Shop with Great Vibes
My experience at this little boba shop on Fillmore off of Lombard was wonderful! They offer an impressive array of flavors, and the staff was incredibly sweet. The atmosphere was enhanced by the fun retro music.
I highly recommend trying it out!
- array of flavors9
- sweet staff9
- fun retro music8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Drink and Exceptional Service!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My experience at Liliko Boba was wonderful. After a long, busy day, I was craving a refreshing mix of coffee, tea, and boba. Upon entering, I was greeted by a kind and welcoming woman.
I mentioned I was in the mood for something unique, and she promised, “I’ll make it special for you. ” She created a delicious cinnamon coffee-tea blend. I then realized I hadn't asked for boba, and even though the drink was ready, she smiled and added it without hesitation, saying, “No problem.
” Her friendly attitude and great customer service truly made my day. The drink itself was amazing — flavorful, balanced, and exactly what I needed. I will definitely be returning!
I highly recommend this place not only for their drinks but also for the warm, personal experience.
- kind and welcoming woman10
- cinnamon coffee-tea blend9
- friendly attitude10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Refreshing Drinks and Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for refreshing drinks! I tried the Lychee Mojito and the Horchata, and both were incredible and truly hit the spot. A special shout-out to Xio for the excellent recommendation!
- Lychee Mojito10
- Horchata10
- Xio9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Cute Boba Spot with Friendly Service
My experience at this cute boba spot in the Cow Hollow district of SF was very positive. The lady at the cashier was friendly and helpful, patiently explaining the boba options. My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed the Thai tea and Sakura Matcha Boba.
We loved the variety of boba options and will definitely revisit soon. ❤️
- cashier9
- Thai tea9
- Sakura Matcha Boba9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Kind Service and Good Thai Tea
Visiting family and exploring SF for the first time, I stopped by this restaurant on a whim. The Thai tea was pretty good, and I also received a free mochi donut with my order. I want to express my thanks to the lady behind the counter, who I assume is the owner.
She was incredibly kind and helpful, pointing me in the right direction for the nearest BART station. Cheers from LA!
- Thai tea8
- mochi donut9
- lady behind the counter10
What Lilikoi offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
FAQs
Is Lilikoi accessible for all guests?
Yes, Lilikoi prioritizes accessibility for its patrons. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring smooth entry for everyone. Additionally, the seating arrangements are also wheelchair accessible, providing a comfortable dining experience for all guests in San Francisco.
What service options does Lilikoi offer in Cow Hollow?
Lilikoi provides a variety of convenient service options to suit your needs. You can enjoy your meal through dine-in service, opt for takeout, or have your food delivered. They also offer no-contact delivery and onsite services, making it easy to enjoy their Taiwanese cuisine.
How is Lilikoi rated overall by customers?
Lilikoi receives an overall score of 6.1 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 55.6%. While Service (8.1) and Ambience (6.9) are generally well-regarded, Food (5.9) is average, and Value (3.2) is a notable concern for many.
What do customers typically enjoy most about Lilikoi?
Customers frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the cute and laid-back atmosphere, and specific drink options like the ube horchata and POG. The decor and fun retro music also contribute to a positive experience.
What are some common complaints or areas for improvement at Lilikoi?
Recurring issues include inconsistent boba quality (mushy or lacking tea flavor), small poke bowl portions, and mochi donuts that aren’t always fresh. Many also find the prices to be high for the quantity received, and some mention loud music or a hot interior.