Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Four Kings 四大天王 – San Francisco
Four Kings 四大天王 - San Francisco
Photo from Four Kings 四大天王
Four Kings 四大天王 at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 118 of the guests
#1679 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#148 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
1237
Reviews
65.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Cozy ambiance
- Balanced food
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- Small space
- Underwhelming taste
- High cost
The restaurant, a vibrant Chinese eatery in San Francisco’s bustling Chinatown, invites you to experience its unique blend of tradition and trend. If you’re searching for delicious late-night food in the city, Four Kings 四大天王 is a fantastic spot.
You’ll find a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for dinner, whether you’re looking for small plates or a full meal. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting Four Kings 四大天王
Four Kings 四大天王 offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its inviting ambience and thoughtful decor . Many appreciate the cozy, lively atmosphere, sometimes featuring an open kitchen view.
The culinary offerings are frequently described as balanced and well-executed, contributing to a generally positive impression. However, the experience isn’t without its challenges.
Some find the space a bit small or cramped , leading to a loud environment. While the food can be delicious, a few diners have noted underwhelming flavors or small portions, and the overall value can be a point of contention given the pricing.
Good
7
out of 10
1237
Reviews
65.3%
Satisfaction
313
negative
116
neutral
808
positive
Four Kings 四大天王 holds a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7, indicating a generally good experience. However, Customer Satisfaction sits at 65.3%, placing it in the mixed category.
This suggests that while many patrons leave pleased, a notable portion have reservations. This assessment is drawn from a substantial 1237 customer remarks, with 808 positive observations contrasting with 313 negative ones, providing a comprehensive view.
Delving into specifics, Ambience shines with a score of (7.5), often described as cozy and lively. Food also performs well at (7.1), with many finding dishes balanced and well-executed.
Service closely follows at (7.1), frequently noted for its attentiveness. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.4), which falls into the average range, suggesting that some diners feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the overall experience.
What people like
- Cozy, lively ambiance
- Balanced, well-executed food
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- Small, loud space
- Underwhelming flavors
- High prices, small portions
Four Kings 四大天王 presents a compelling option for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere and carefully crafted dishes. With a Recommendation Score of 7.5, it’s clear many find the experience worthwhile, especially if you prioritize a unique setting and attentive service over strict budget considerations.
If you’re prepared for a potentially bustling environment and are comfortable with the price point, Four Kings 四大天王 could be a delightful culinary adventure. However, if value for money and spacious dining are your top priorities, you might find aspects of your visit less satisfying.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Four Kings 四大天王
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.1 score, indicating a good culinary experience. Many of the 554 positive comments among 837 total remarks rave about the delicious and creative flavors. Standouts like the XO escargots with milk bread, squab, and claypot rice are frequently praised for their unique taste and excellent execution.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a 66.2%, suggesting a mixed bag, with 210 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Common concerns include dishes being overly salty, small portions, and some finding the overall flavor balance lacking or certain items simply mediocre. It seems consistency can be an issue.
Food
837
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
210
negative
73
neutral
554
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique, creative flavors
- Delicious XO escargots
- Perfectly cooked squab
What people don't like
- Dishes too salty
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent flavor balance
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this casual Cantonese restaurant, from the same people as Mister Jius, involved a significant wait, but there are nearby spots to grab a drink while you wait for a table. Overall, the food ranged from good to great, though it was quite pricey. I'm glad I went, but I'm not rushing to go back.
- squabWe passed the wait by grabbing drinks nearby, which was totally worth it. Our meal included the cucumbers, peanuts, cabbage, cold-smoked chicken, the escargot, the squab, fish-fragrant eggplant, the lamb skewer, Mapo Spaghetti, the claypot rice, and two desserts with sake. We all walked away stuffed.
- dishesWe ordered a bunch of dishes in addition to the complimentary roasted peanuts and crushed cucumber salad: popcorn chicken, lamb skewer, haricot vert with silky tofu dressing, fish fragrant eggplant, escargot with milk bread, and claypot rice. Every dish was super balanced and well executed. The highballs were also a treat.
- clay pot riceWe enjoyed the jellyfish salad, chili crisp pig head, and escargots. I unfortunately forgot to photograph the clay pot rice because we tucked right in. The waitress was attentive, providing a menu with items compatible with my wheat allergy marked out and indicating soy sauce options.
- escargotThe atmosphere is also super cute and has a really great upscale neighborhood spot vibe. We ordered a bunch of dishes in addition to the complimentary roasted peanuts and crushed cucumber salad: popcorn chicken, lamb skewer, haricot vert with silky tofu dressing, fish fragrant eggplant, escargot with milk bread, and claypot rice. Every dish was super balanced and well executed.
- fried squabBecause of the long wait times, she went ahead and placed a hold on the dishes that we were interested in to make sure we got to try them. We had the eggplant, fried squab, fuzzymelon with fish broth, the claypot pork and sausage, as well as the mango pudding for dessert. Other servers were also very polite and attentive.
- mango puddingBecause of the long wait times, she went ahead and placed a hold on the dishes that we were interested in to make sure we got to try them. We had the eggplant, fried squab, fuzzymelon with fish broth, the claypot pork and sausage, as well as the mango pudding for dessert. Other servers were also very polite and attentive.
- milk breadand the milk bread was great to dip in the remaining sauce.
- FoodHowever, the Mapo spaghetti was just decent, and I'd advise avoiding the desserts altogether; the Mango pudding was particularly disappointing. The service was excellent, rated a 5, and the food quality was good at a 4. The atmosphere was rated a 3.
- mapo spaghettiWe managed to squeeze in here during a 1-hour window between parties. Everything we ate was delicious, particularly the escargots with milk bread, the mapo spaghetti, the pea shoots, and the whole fermented mustard fish (a special). Took 1 star off for service.
Frequently criticized
- foodUnfortunately, none of these dishes lived up to their hype. While the presentation was good, the flavors were underwhelming, and the quality simply didn’t justify the steep prices. For what you’re paying, you’d expect a culinary experience that stands out, but sadly, it all tasted rather ordinary.
- squabthe squab was a textbook medium but too game-y and not evenly seasoned, making it unpalatable past the first bite
- dishesIn a rush for hungry kids. However, I find many dishes a bit too salty and overly spicy, with some flavor combinations that don’t quite work for me (like eggplant with dried bonito—it's creative, but not necessarily delicious). That said, the service is friendly, and the atmosphere of the small shop is relaxed and welcoming.
- clay pot riceThe clay pot rice did not have a crispy rice layer but stuck to the pot and was pretty greasy
- flavorsexpecting to experience some pretty interesting flavors, but I left feeling relatively disappointed
- portionsthe portions might be smaller than you expect
- Mapo spaghettithe flavor of Mapo was a little off, and the noodle was too “Al dente”
- XO escargotThe Cantonese poached chicken, a dish I grew up with, had an interesting presentation but lacked the authentic flavor. The XO escargot was also a bit bland. The clay pot rice was okay, but the Chinese bacon had a tangy taste that made me question if it was fully cured.
- chow funUnfortunately, the chow fun didn't hit the mark for me.
- escargotescargot was fine but not for us
If youre adventurous and willing to navigate the menu for the highly praised dishes like the squab or XO escargots, youll likely have a fantastic meal. Just be mindful of potential saltiness and portion sizes, and you might find some truly unique flavors worth trying.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.1 score, showing its quite good, and with 135 positive remarks out of 210 total, theres a lot to love. Guests frequently praise the friendly service, attentive staff, and how reservations are handled, often noting how fast food comes out and how accommodating the team is, especially with allergies. However, with customer satisfaction at 64.3%, its a bit of a mixed bag, and 51 negative comments point to some areas for improvement.
Many mention the long wait times and difficulty getting in, with some feeling their meal felt rushed or encountering cold responses' from staff, making the overall experience less smooth.
Service
210
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
51
negative
24
neutral
135
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Accommodates food allergies
- Fast food delivery
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rushed dining experience
- Reservations are difficult
Often praised
- serviceFor what you’re paying, you’d expect a culinary experience that stands out, but sadly, it all tasted rather ordinary. On a positive note, the service was attentive and efficient, and the staff were accommodating throughout the meal. Despite the great service, I wouldn’t return.
- ServiceHowever, the Mapo spaghetti was just decent, and I'd advise avoiding the desserts altogether; the Mango pudding was particularly disappointing. The service was excellent, rated a 5, and the food quality was good at a 4. The atmosphere was rated a 3.
- staffFor what you’re paying, you’d expect a culinary experience that stands out, but sadly, it all tasted rather ordinary. On a positive note, the service was attentive and efficient, and the staff were accommodating throughout the meal. Despite the great service, I wouldn’t return.
- reservationFeeling like royalty after waiting 3 weeks for our reservation to @fourkings__! This cozy gem serves up unique Hong Kong-style dishes that are as bold as they are unforgettable.
- waitressanother waitress with a different and cordial attitude clarified this
- reservationsscheduled an alarm to book my next visit when reservations open
- serversAnd the servers are friendly. But could be better.
- waitPlease open one up here. This place is worth the wait and saving up for.
- MillieMillie was the one who checked us in
- menuMy experience at the restaurant was fun and exciting, with servers who had great energy and were knowledgeable about the menu. I especially enjoyed the squid skewers, pig head, scallops, and green beans.
Frequently criticized
- reservationMy experience at this very popular restaurant in Chinatown was memorable. It's hard to get a reservation, and the wait time was over an hour, but it was worth visiting at least once. The food was good, and the service was friendly.
- waiting timeTHE REAL TEA: Snatched the last pre-opening table 30 mins early - everyone else? 1+ hour wait in the rain! Inside?
- serviceZero concession given except saying “this is how restaurant work”
- wait timeafter 2 h Wait Time - trotz Reservierung- aufgegeben
- reservationshad to make resy about a month in advance on the dot at noon
- wait in linewait in line to be seated
- 1hr waityou have to wait 1hr
- ServiceService:1
- asked three timesthe lady asked three times if don’t want to add more
- asked to leaveHowever, the portions were small. The meal felt rushed, and we were asked to leave after 95 minutes to accommodate the next reservations. This meant we didn't get to finish our second round of sake.
If you manage to snag a reservation or dont mind a potential wait, youll likely enjoy the warm and attentive staff. Just be prepared that the experience might feel a bit rushed, especially during peak times, so plan accordingly.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a solid 7.5 score and leaving 77.6% of customers satisfied. Many of the 111 positive opinions rave about the fantastic atmosphere and vibes, often highlighting the Canto-pop music and thoughtful décor that create a unique, nostalgic, and intimate dining experience. It's clear this spot knows how to set a mood!
However, not everyone finds the setting perfect, with 22 pieces of feedback pointing to some drawbacks. Concerns often revolve around the noise levels and the small space, with some finding the loud music and bar seating less than ideal. A few also mentioned issues with ventilation, suggesting you might leave smelling like the delicious food.
Ambience
143
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
22
negative
10
neutral
111
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fun, lively atmosphere
- Nostalgic Canto-pop
- Thoughtful, cozy decor
What people don't like
- Loud noise levels
- Cramped, small space
- Poor ventilation
Often praised
- atmosphereLast time, we particularly loved the A choy salad, croquettes, popcorn chicken, and chinese almond milk. The atmosphere is perfectly cozy without feeling cramped, and my boyfriend and I enjoy sitting at the counter facing the kitchen. A shoutout to Millie, the staff, and the chefs for creating this awesome restaurant in Chinatown.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere is good!
- vibesthe vibes were perfect for a nice dinner out
- ambianceI visited this restaurant on a Sunday evening with reservations, drawn in by its reputation and popularity. The ambiance was pleasant, and the environment had a lively, bustling energy, which set the stage for what I hoped would be an exceptional dining experience. I ordered some of the restaurant’s most highly recommended dishes, including the squab, croquette, and pea shoots.
- decorthe decor of the restaurant had a very sushi bar/izakaya vibe
- locationI cannot say enough good things about this establishment. From the fact that the Kumon sign is its neighbor, the location on Commercial Street (an unofficial gateway to and from Chinatown and the western world) within the shadow of the Transamerica building, and its interior design; it’s all perfect for 2024 and I am grateful that I got to visit.
- restaurantsmall cute restaurant, I literally stepped in and was reminded of my fav cafe
- ambienceI love the art and Canto decor. It's cozy and warm and nostalgic and modern all at once.
- dining experienceA must-have dining experience
- open kitchenso you can enjoy the open kitchen
Frequently criticized
- hypeTo our surprise, our server, Millie, disagreed with our assessment and engaged in a verbal argument with us. There are certainly better dining options available that do not come with this unnecessary hype.
- parkingThe atmosphere was rated a 3. Finding parking was somewhat difficult. Overall, while some dishes were outstanding, the desserts let the meal down.
- Counter seatsCounter seats were small — disappointing that there isn’t a view
- PlacePlace is very small
- atmospherethe atmosphere. They clearly are going for a very casual and informal setting, but it doesn’t match
- bar seatingbar seating is a tight shoulder to shoulder situation
- childrennot suitable for children
- counter seatingbeing relegated to the counter seemed like par for the course. The tough part is it makes it very hard to share food
- locationThe Tofu pudding had good tofu, but the sauce was borderline too syrupy versus fruity. Service was excellent and friendly, but the location is awfully cramped and gets quite loud, which I guess is the price to pay for a chance to eat here. Overall, I had a good time.
- loudincredibly loud
If youre looking for a lively, nostalgic atmosphere with great music and thoughtful decor, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially loud and cozy environment, especially if youre sensitive to noise or prefer more spacious dining.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.4, placing it in the average range. Some diners found the experience to be totally worth it, even for a higher price point like $50+ per person, appreciating the food price and reasonable prices for the quality. There are 8 positive opinions that highlight good value for the service and creativity.
However, customer satisfaction is quite low at 17%, indicating a poor overall sentiment, especially concerning the price. With 30 negative opinions out of 47 total, many felt the price was too high, describing the food as overpriced and expensive. Common complaints revolved around the price tag' not matching the portion sizes or the overall quality, leading to disappointment.
Value
47
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
30
negative
9
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the price
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Not worth the price
- Expensive portions
Often praised
- priceThe plates were ridiculously tiny, requiring frequent requests for clean ones. We agreed that Hon's across the street offered more authentic, tastier, and cheaper food. I wouldn't return or bring Asian relatives.
- $50+ per person$50+ per person but worth it
- billthis was totally worth it
- dinnerdinner is very reasonably priced for SF
- food pricefood was good for the price
- pricesVery reasonable prices
- valueThe value for the service, creativity, and flavors match well
Frequently criticized
- priceThis was a solid 3-star experience. I found the restaurant to be over-priced and over-hyped. The food was very underwhelming.
- pricesUnfortunately, none of these dishes lived up to their hype. While the presentation was good, the flavors were underwhelming, and the quality simply didn’t justify the steep prices. For what you’re paying, you’d expect a culinary experience that stands out, but sadly, it all tasted rather ordinary.
- $400 billWas I full after a $400 bill for 5 people? No.
- Beef Chow Funand price because it wasn’t very much chow fun for the price ($26)
- Price per personoverpriced
- Scallop and VermicelliThe Scallop and Vermicelli was a bit pricey for how much you get
- billBut when the check came they still included it in the bill. It’s good that we doubled checked.
- expensive Cantonese foodExpensive Cantonese food in small portions.
- foodOverpriced food that is not worth the long wait and price
- hypeThis was a solid 3-star experience. I found the restaurant to be over-priced and over-hyped. The food was very underwhelming.
If youre prepared for potentially higher prices and prioritize unique flavors, you might find some dishes worth the splurge. However, if youre looking for budget-friendly options or large portions for your money, you might find the value disappointing.
How are the prices at Four Kings 四大天王?
Youre looking at roughly 69 per person – reported by 118 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, thats comfortably mid-range, but definitely offers a premium experience too.
While many guests spend around the average, we see a good number also enjoying options in the $71–$80 range and even above 101 $, suggesting a spread of choices from solid mid-tier to more upscale dining.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 118 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, the pricing feels fair, especially with the range of options available. Wed say it offers good value if you’re looking for something a bit more special than your everyday takeout.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Four Kings 四大天王
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Delicious Food, Excellent Service, Worth the Hype
We made reservations for 10 PM on Saturday, as it was the only time available. We attempted to walk in the night before around 6 PM, and they stated it would be a 1. 5-hour wait, so making a reservation is definitely recommended!
We truly enjoyed our dinner. They started us with complimentary peanuts and cucumbers, which was a nice touch. We ordered the fragrant fish eggplant, lamb skewer, mapo spaghetti, deep-fried squab, and escargot with milk bread.
Personally, I would skip the lamb skewer and mapo spaghetti next time; they didn’t particularly impress me. However, the rest of the food was absolutely delicious. The squab had incredibly crispy skin and very tender meat.
The escargot was served in a delicious, spicy, garlicky oil that was perfect for soaking up with the milk bread. The eggplant was buttery and yummy. We concluded our meal with the mango pudding, which came with a really nice guava sorbet.
Overall, we had a wonderful experience, even though we were initially worried the place might be overhyped. I believe it deserves the hype. The service was also excellent.
Just be aware that the place is quite cramped and loud, but I think that contributes to the HK vibe they are aiming for. If there's one area for improvement, I'd suggest better ventilation in the kitchen to prevent smoke from traveling to the dining area.
- reservation8
- peanuts and cucumbers7
- lamb skewer5
- ventilation3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Dishes too salty, not authentic
My experience at the restaurant was okay, but it didn't live up to the hype. Most dishes were way too salty and seemed to use spicy oil sauce to cover up a lack of flavor. While I can see why some people might like it, if you have eaten a lot of authentic Cantonese food, this place is not it.
- dishes2
- spicy oil sauce2
- flavor2
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Unique and Authentic San Francisco Dining
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. The service was incredibly attentive, and the cuisine was both very unique and authentic. It's a must-have dining experience in San Francisco.
- service10
- cuisine10
- dining experience10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Overhyped and Overpriced, Missed the Mark
My experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing. We tried six dishes, and unfortunately, only the squab was enjoyable. The rabbit dish was overly breaded and greasy.
The Mongolian beef noodles were excessively sweet with tough beef. The clay pot rice was quite basic, and I believe better noodle and rice dishes can be found at many other Chinese and dim sum spots in the Bay Area. The escargot, while an interesting concept with chili garlic oil, was far too salty.
While I appreciate the vision of reinventing classic Hong Kong dishes, the execution felt confused. They struggled to get the basics right, and new interpretations like fried rabbit instead of fried chicken were a flop. With 5 out of 6 dishes missing the mark, the overall experience was not worth the price.
- squab8
- classic hk dishes5
- Atmosphere5
- rabbit2
- Mongolian beef noodles2
- clay pot rice3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Adventurous Meat Eater's Paradise
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic if you're an adventurous meat eater. The food truly rocks for those who enjoy exploring different meats. However, it's definitely not a great place for a vegetarian.
The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect score of 5, indicating an overall excellent experience for the right diner.
- service10
- atmosphere10
- food3
What Four Kings 四大天王 offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience does Four Kings 四大天王 offer?
At Four Kings 四大天王, you can enjoy a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for dinner. They offer comfortable seating and full table service, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal with friends or family in San Francisco’s Chinatown.
Are there parking options available when you visit Four Kings 四大天王?
Parking in Chinatown can be challenging, but Four Kings 四大天王 is located near options like free street parking, paid parking garages, and paid parking lots. Be aware that finding a space can often be difficult, so plan accordingly.
How does Four Kings 四大天王 generally rate among diners?
Four Kings 四大天王 receives a Restaurant Score of 7, indicating a good overall experience. While Customer Satisfaction is mixed at 65.3%, Ambience (7.5), Food (7.1), and Service (7.1) are well-regarded, though Value (4.4) is an area for improvement.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the dining experience?
Many patrons appreciate the cozy and lively ambience , often highlighting the unique decor and the engaging open kitchen . The dishes are frequently praised for being balanced and well-executed, contributing to a delicious meal.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by visitors?
Some diners note that the restaurant can feel small and cramped , leading to a loud environment. Additionally, concerns about underwhelming flavors in some dishes, small portions , and the overall price are occasionally raised.