Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Lunette – San Francisco
Lunette - San Francisco
Photo from Lunette
Lunette at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🍚 Cambodian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 134 of the guests
#1574 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Cambodian Restaurant out of 1 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
766
Reviews
66.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful dishes
- Good atmosphere
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Small portions
- Limited seating
The restaurant Lunette offers a delightful Cambodian dining experience in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Financial District. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying authentic flavors.
Whether you’re planning a memorable dinner out or a quick, satisfying lunch, Lunette provides excellent table service. It’s a fantastic spot to explore new culinary horizons.
Overview: Introducting Lunette
Lunette offers a culinary experience where the dishes truly shine, often described as both flavorful and fun. Many appreciate the friendly and helpful approach from the staff, contributing to a pleasant visit.
The restaurant’s setting also receives positive remarks, often noted for its great location and appealing decor. However, some diners find the underwhelming portions and overall pricing to be a significant drawback.
While the food quality is generally high, the cost-to-portion ratio can leave some feeling that the value isn’t quite there, especially for a more casual dining style. Additionally, limited seating can sometimes create a less comfortable atmosphere.
Good
7.1
out of 10
766
Reviews
66.3%
Satisfaction
201
negative
57
neutral
508
positive
Lunette holds a respectable overall score of 7.1, indicating a good dining experience for many. This is largely propelled by its strong performance in Food (7.5), which consistently receives high praise for its quality and taste.
The Ambience (7.4) also contributes positively, with guests often enjoying the setting and atmosphere. While Service (6.8) is generally seen as competent, it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as the food or atmosphere.
The most significant area for improvement is Value (3.9), which is perceived as poor by many. This sentiment is reflected in the 508 positive and 201 negative remarks from 766 customer observations, leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 66.3%.
What people like
- Flavorful, quality dishes
- Pleasant, inviting atmosphere
- Friendly, attentive staff
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portion sizes
- Limited seating
If you prioritize distinctive, well-prepared dishes and a pleasant setting, Lunette is certainly worth considering. The Food and Ambience are clear strengths, making it a good choice for those seeking a flavorful meal in an inviting space.
The Recommendation Score of 7.3 suggests a generally positive experience awaits. However, be prepared for a potentially higher price point relative to portion sizes, as Value is a consistent concern.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or generous servings, this might not be your ideal spot. It’s best suited for diners who value quality and atmosphere over strict cost-effectiveness.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Lunette
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.5 and a good customer satisfaction of 71.7%. Out of 491 opinions, 352 rave about the delicious Cambodian cuisine, especially praising the rich pork noodle soup, crispy fried chicken wings, and complex flavors that truly stand out. However, there are some areas for improvement, as 102 opinions point to concerns.
Some find the portion size a bit small for the price, and a few mention the food, particularly certain noodles or the broth, can sometimes be too salty or lack a strong punch.
Food
491
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
102
negative
37
neutral
352
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing flavors
- Delicious noodle soup
- Crispy fried chicken
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Too salty
- Flavor lacked punch
Often praised
- foodSeating is limited, and while we found a table immediately, we spent our meal with groups hovering nearby, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. The food itself was flavorful and fun, with dishes reminiscent of a cross between Chinese and Thai, featuring warm sauces and thick curries. The Cha Kroeung (spicy chicken with lemongrass) was a standout, striking and flavorful, perfect after a cold morning.
- brothThe broth is clear and yet so rich that is able to carry the mixture of succulent pork slices, juicy pork mince, fresh thick prawns, crunchy and clean-tasting beansprouts.
- pork noodle soupIncredibly delicious pork noodle soup had all the right textures and flavors.
- fried chickenMy experience at this restaurant featured shatteringly crisp, hot, fried chicken. The eggplant, tofu, and potato curry was only lukewarm in comparison, but the flavor was great and tasted strongly of fresh lemongrass, which I enjoyed.
- FoodFood:5
- chicken wingsThe ingredients, especially the shrimp, are of good quality, with good texture and fresh flavor. The chicken wings are cooked well, plump and meaty. Food-wise, the only issue is that it is on the salty side, especially the broth, which I could not finish due to the saltiness.
- dry noodlesI went there with a friend and we ordered the dry noodles ($21) and the yellow curry with added fried chicken ($26). The noodles were good, but the curry was just okay. The portions were small for the price, and we were still hungry after we finished.
- noodlesNoodles perfect Al dente & good balance of proteins & veggie
- pork broththe pork broth is advertised as 6 hours one, and indeed, it was super tasty and rich
- yellow curryyellow curry which was rich and flavorful
Frequently criticized
- foodMy friends food did arrive on a plate but was lukewarm. My side of broth was cold, hers was hot.
- portion sizeMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was unimpressive, with small portions and a mediocre taste, making it not worth the cost. The menu offered very few options.
- portionsThe fast service and attentive workers made it a good spot for a quick lunch break. However, the prices are steep and the portions are small. Despite the cost, I'm not sure if this is food that I’d be able to easily reproduce or find elsewhere.
- noodlesMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The portion size for the noodles was too small, especially considering the $21 price tag, and they were nothing special. Additionally, the cashier barely understood what people wanted, indicating a significant issue with service.
- beefThe Loc Lak Shaking Beef dish was a nice sized lunch. It was tasty, but my beef was a little tough and required a knife to cut with. This isn’t typical for what I am used to with this dish – not saying it’s bad, just different.
- brothespecially the broth, which I cannot finish due to the saltiness
- portionMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. For $30, I received a tiny portion of chicken rice and a bottle of sparkling water. Adding to the unpleasantness, the shift manager was barking out orders to the kitchen staff, creating a very meager atmosphere.
- student noodlesMy student noodles was a small portion lacking tofu and mushrooms
- menunot a balanced menu to make a good dinner experience
- FoodFood:2
If youre looking for authentic Cambodian flavors and dont mind potentially smaller portions, this place is definitely worth a try for its standout noodle soups and fried chicken. Just be prepared that some dishes might lean a bit salty.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
The service here often shines, with many guests praising the friendly staff, attentive workers, and quick service. With a solid score of 6.8, its clear the team, including specific mentions of Chef Yun and Bong, often goes the extra mile, providing wonderful hospitality and ensuring food comes out fast. However, its not always smooth sailing, leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 65.4%.
Some experiences point to issues with wait times, particularly for food, and occasional cashier or staff rudeness. With 39 negative comments, there are instances of poor customer service, order corrections, and a lack of warmth from the front of house, suggesting room for improvement in consistency.
Service
133
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
39
negative
7
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Attentive workers
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude cashier
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceService was friendly and helpful when we were trying to decide on what to try.
- staffThe eggplant, tofu, and potato curry was only lukewarm in comparison, but the flavor was great and tasted strongly of fresh lemongrass, which I enjoyed. The nice location and welcoming staff contributed to a pleasant visit.
- ServiceService is lovely
- ownerMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful. The staff was very friendly, and the owner was very nice. The soup was absolutely perfect and hit every spot on my taste buds.
- workersEverything we tried had delicious and strong flavors. The fast service and attentive workers made it a good spot for a quick lunch break. However, the prices are steep and the portions are small.
- BongBong was amazing to talk to and answer questions
- ChefThank you Chef for taking the time to talk.
- FoodFood came out pretty fast as well.
- JennyJenny helped us out and she was awesome!!
- accommodating for our familyThey were also very accommodating for our family with young kids
Frequently criticized
- servicethere basically is no service as one orders from a cashier and the food is then delivered by another person.
- cashierThe portion size for the noodles was too small, especially considering the $21 price tag, and they were nothing special. Additionally, the cashier barely understood what people wanted, indicating a significant issue with service.
- wait timetook 20 minutes long when the cashier told me it will be only 10 minutes
- staffasked the staff if that’s normal and they said yeah
- busserThe busser showed no concern
- customer servicethe worst customer service I’ve ever experienced
- dine inwhat's the best way to dine in and all I get from her is "we're full inside"
- dine-in availabilityno sitting-in was available
- employeebeing told I would just have to liked it by the employee.
- foodMy food also arrived late
If you value quick, friendly service and attentive staff, you'll likely have a great experience here. Just be aware that some guests have encountered longer wait times or less-than-stellar interactions, so be prepared for a potentially mixed bag.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
The ambiance here generally hits the right notes, earning a solid 7.4 score. Customers are quite happy, with satisfaction at 73.8%, suggesting a good overall experience. Out of 84 total comments, there are 62 positive remarks about the atmosphere versus just 19 negative ones.
Many love the location , praising its casual and cute vibe , often described as clean, modern, and even having a cool retro look. Its seen as a comfortable and pleasant spot, with some even calling it a hidden gem, especially appreciating the open kitchen and bar seating. However, its not without its quirks.
Some find the seating can be limited and the space can get crowded , especially during busy times. A few also mentioned it can get noisy , making it feel a bit like tight quarters and occasionally uncomfortable.
Ambience
84
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
19
negative
3
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great location
- Casual, cozy vibe
- Clean, modern design
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Can get crowded
- Can be noisy
Often praised
- atmospherethe food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationGreat location in the marketplace
- ambianceIt’s definitely a casual ambiance and everything about it reminds me of home.
- seatingNote that you pick your own table and order at the entrance. The atmosphere was pleasant as it wasn't crowded and the seating was comfortable. Overall, I would only return if I had no other options.
- spaceThe space is clean, modern, and adorably decorated
- Ferry Building locationCan't beat the Ferry Building location
- bachata musicthe bachata they play on the stereo makes me want to dance.
- barthe bar is an amazing place to eat
- bar seatingCool bar seating
Frequently criticized
- seatingSeating is limited — while we were able to find a table immediately
- atmosphereshift manager barking out orders to the kitchen staff. Meager.
- crowdedgets crowded during the lunch break
- placeIf you're around, you must try it! The place is small and not very comfortable because it's crowded, but it's worth it.
- SeatingBoth dishes were served with rice. Seating was tough competition as we are in the height of holiday shopping on a busy Saturday morning. I’d like to come back and try more offerings.
- Tight quartersTight quarters may not be best for children
- get packedThe place can get packed
- more seating optionswished was that there was more seating options especially when it gets busy
- musicI miss the Cambodian surf music
- noisycan lean toward the noisy side
If youre looking for a spot with a great location and a relaxed, inviting vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that it can get quite busy and a bit noisy, so it might not be the best choice if youre seeking a quiet, spacious meal during peak hours.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
A small number of diners did find some positives regarding value, noting that the price of dishes was worth it for the quality, especially considering the location. Some even highlighted reasonable prices for the area, suggesting that the food price could be justified for what you received, based on 7 positive remarks. However, the overwhelming sentiment, reflected in a low score of 3.9 and 41 negative remarks, points to significant concerns.
Many felt it was on the pricy side, with a poor price to portion ratio and small plates that didn't justify the steep prices. Diners frequently found the experience pricey and not worth the cost, leading to a very low customer satisfaction of just 12.1%.
Value
58
Reviews
12%
Satisfaction
41
negative
10
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the quality
- Reasonable for location
What people don't like
- High prices
- Poor portion value
- Small portions
Often praised
- priceThe price
- PricePrice of the dishes was worth the level of quality in taste
- food priceFood reasonably priced
- pricesOverall, this is a really solid spot. The food is great, and the prices are reasonable, especially for the Ferry Building. The service and ambiance are on point.
- worth itbut it is worth it
- worth the driveWorth the drive!
Frequently criticized
- priceThe price is what bothered me. The food is no-frill (good) Cambodian street-style food, but my noodle soup and chicken wings starter cost me almost $50 after tax and tips, which doesn't seem aligned with the service and style of the restaurant. Yes, it is SF and it is located near the tourist district, but still, $50 for a moderate serving of good street-style food in a counter-service restaurant seems excessive.
- portionsfor $23 the portions were underwhelming
- SF pricesThese low reviews are wild, and clearly from visitors not accustomed to SF prices. The food is incredible and the service is great.
- billI won't recommend this restaurant; I suggest going to Chinatown for more filling food. To add to the experience, my bill was $75 for two drinks, wings, and two bowls (one with just broth).
- costMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was unimpressive, with small portions and a mediocre taste, making it not worth the cost. The menu offered very few options.
- lunchLunch was $22 for a small portion
- price pointunderwhelming especially given the price point
- price to portion ratioTaking one star off for the price to portion ratio.
- pricesPrices are steep
- priceyThe soup was sending me, and the beef was perfectly cooked. However, I can see why people think it’s pricey ($46 for 2 dishes). In my opinion, you’re paying for the convenience of being in the ferry building.
If you're accustomed to SF prices and prioritize quality over quantity, you might find some value here. However, be prepared for potentially small plates and a pricey bill, as many feel the price to portion ratio is a significant drawback.
How are the prices at Lunette?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 134 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Cambodian Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners stick right around this average, with a strong cluster of prices in the $21–$30 range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 134 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant to similar ones in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Cambodian spot in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. You’re getting a good mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Lunette
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Funky Lemongrass Chicken & Noodle Soup
My experience at the restaurant was interesting. I tried the Lemongrass chicken, which was "funky in a great way. " For first-timers, the Pork noodle soup seems to be the recommended dish.
- Lemongrass chicken9
- Pork noodle soup6
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Disappointing First-Time Dine-In Experience
My initial service experience was disappointing. When I asked the cashier about the best way to dine in, I was told, "we're full inside and we can only take your order to go. " I then inquired if I could order now and wait for a seat at the bar as someone was about to finish their meal, but I received the same response: "we're full and we can only take your order to go.
" With a line forming, I didn't get a clear sense of how I could dine in, especially since people were clearly finishing their meals. It was embarrassing that my request seemed so unfathomable. I had passed by this place on Tuesday and was excited to finally try it on Friday after a 10-hour shift.
It seems that as a place becomes more popular, the service unfortunately becomes sub-par. 'Disappointing' is an understatement.
- initial service2
- cashier1
- dine in2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Great Service, Worth a Visit
Overall, this is a really solid spot. The food is great, and the prices are reasonable, especially for the Ferry Building. The service and ambiance are on point.
I visited for the first time while Dreamforce was in town, so it's possible it was busier than usual. However, this didn't impact my experience at all. I ordered at the register, got seated right away, and the food came out super fast!
My partner and I shared the KTPP Pork Noodle Soup and the Prahok Ktiss / Pork belly over rice, and both were DELICIOUS! The noodle soup had a clean, savory broth with a hint of sweetness. The pork belly dish over rice was so flavorful and unique.
I would absolutely come back here again. I hope they get added to the delivery apps at some point!
- food10
- prices8
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Unique Take on Traditional Khmer Cuisine
I really enjoyed my experience at Lunette. Having visited Cambodia dozens of times, I can confirm that the dish I had was a beautiful, traditional Khmer dish, yet it also possessed a unique and different quality. It's very evident that the chef(s) take immense pride in their craft, making tweaks that transform traditional Cambodian dishes into something truly special.
The food was exceptional, and the atmosphere and service were also rated highly.
- traditional Khmer dish9
- unique and different quality9
- chef's craft10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
6
Unique Noodles, Underwhelming Experience
I visited Lunette’s during my lunch break to see what the hype was about. With limited time and stomach capacity, I opted for the Lort Cha (stir fried pin noodles w/ pork), which seemed the most unique. The dish arrived in about 10 minutes.
Observing the staff from my seat at the bar, I noted their efficiency and clear roles. The restaurant quickly became busy, with tables filling up and a line forming. Unfortunately, the dish itself did not wow me.
This was likely my first time trying pin noodles, and while initially interesting, their texture ultimately wasn't my favorite, leading me to leave some unfinished. I did enjoy the chinese broccoli and bean sprouts, but the dish's composition, being mostly noodles, felt underwhelming, especially considering the price point.
- Lort Cha5
- chinese broccoli7
- bean sprouts7
- pin noodles3
- dish composition3
- price point3
What Lunette offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What are the parking options available at Lunette?
Finding parking near Lunette can sometimes be challenging. You’ll find paid parking lots and paid street parking available in the Financial District, though spaces are usually difficult to secure.
Is Lunette accessible, and what dining options do they offer?
Yes, Lunette is wheelchair accessible, including both the entrance and seating areas. You can enjoy dine-in service for lunch and dinner, with table service provided. Takeout options are also available.
How does Lunette generally perform?
Lunette achieves an overall score of 7.1, indicating a good experience for many. Its strengths lie in **Food** (7.5) and **Ambience** (7.4), with **Service** (6.8) being decent. However, **Value** (3.9) is a notable area for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about Lunette's food?
Diners frequently praise the flavorful and fun dishes, highlighting items like the “incredibly delicious pork noodle soup” and “shatteringly crisp fried chicken.” The rich and tasty broths are also often mentioned positively.
What are the main concerns regarding Lunette?
Many customers find the portions small and the overall price steep, especially given the casual service style. Limited seating and occasional crowding can also impact the dining experience.