Highlights
- Sports
- Great tea selection
oChef » Far East Cafe – San Francisco
Far East Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from Far East Cafe
Far East Cafe at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 89 of the guests
#1786 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#171 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
489
Reviews
65.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
- Chinatown ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Hidden costs
- Dated interior
The restaurant Far East Cafe is a beloved Chinese Restaurant nestled in the vibrant South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco. When you step inside, you’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal.
You can look forward to a truly great tea selection, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing break or a lively gathering. Whether you’re craving classic Chinese dishes or exploring new flavors, this spot offers a welcoming experience.
Overview: Introducting Far East Cafe
Far East Cafe offers a mixed experience, with many guests appreciating the generous portions and the generally pleasant flavors of their Chinese dishes. The friendly staff often contributes to a welcoming dining experience, making it a comfortable spot for many.
However, some diners have found the food to be inconsistent, with occasional bland dishes or cold items. There are also mentions of an outdated interior and service that can sometimes be slow, suggesting areas where the experience could be more consistent.
Good
6.8
out of 10
489
Reviews
65.4%
Satisfaction
139
negative
30
neutral
320
positive
Looking at the overall picture, Far East Cafe holds a respectable 6.8 out of 10, indicating a generally positive dining experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at 65.4%, suggesting a somewhat mixed reception among patrons.
This feedback comes from a substantial 489 customer remarks, with 320 positive observations and 139 negative ones. The Food (7.3) clearly stands out as a strong point, frequently praised by diners.
Ambience (6.8) also contributes positively to the experience, while Service (6.2) is perceived as average. The main area for improvement appears to be Value (4.7), which received the lowest marks and indicates that some guests feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the overall offering.
What people like
- Delicious, generous food
- Friendly, attentive service
- Pleasant Chinatown atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Poor value, hidden fees
- Outdated, unclean interior
Far East Cafe presents a compelling case for those seeking flavorful Chinese cuisine in an authentic setting. With a 7 recommendation score, it suggests a visit could be quite rewarding, especially if you prioritize taste and a classic Chinatown vibe.
However, be mindful of the value proposition and potential service inconsistencies. If you’re looking for a straightforward meal with good food and don’t mind paying a bit more, it’s certainly worth considering.
Just manage expectations regarding the overall cost and occasional service hiccups.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Far East Cafe
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre generally in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at 71.9%, the culinary experience here is rated as good. Many of the 187 positive remarks praise the authentic Chinese cuisine, sweet and sour pork, and generous portions, often highlighting the fried rice as a favorite.
However, its not all perfect, as 58 comments point to some areas for improvement. Some found the food bland or lacking flavor, with occasional complaints about cold dishes or small portions that didn't quite hit the mark. It seems consistency might be a slight issue.
Food
260
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
58
negative
15
neutral
187
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Chinese cuisine
- Delicious dishes
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Food bland
- Lacks flavor
- Cold dishes
Often praised
- foodI had the pleasure of trying several dishes, including the orange chicken, beef chowfun, chicken wonton soup, Mongolia beef, and moo shu beef. The food was truly amazing. We enjoyed a dine-in lunch with a price range of $10–20 per person.
- fried riceThe fried rice with shrimp and chicken was very fresh as well
- portionsThe portions were generous
- Chinese foodbest Chinese food I’ve had in a long time
- dishesthe dishes tasty and abundant
- Mongolian beefMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The dishes were absolutely delicious; we enjoyed the sweet pork, Mongolian beef, spicy shrimp, and eggplant. The service was also a highlight – attentive and friendly, and our order arrived quickly.
- Peking duckThe Peking duck with fresh buns were a highlight
- Yang Chow Fried RiceRecommended dishes:Yang Chow Fried Rice
- leftoversThe food was OK. There were 4 of us, but we only ordered for 3, and there were plenty of leftovers to bring home. I was able to switch the Hot and Sour Soup in the Set to the Egg Flower Soup.
- orange chickenThe orange chicken was the best I've had in my whole life.
Frequently criticized
- foodmuch food that but with the original good China. Essen nothing more to do has
- beef fried riceAside the horrible taste of the food, the pieces of beef are almost invisible to notice. I have always had a good appetite for Chinese food but the beef fried rice here tastes different.
- chickenMy chicken was cold nd bland
- dishesThe dishes are not authentic Cantonese style
- flavorMy experience at the restaurant was not great. I was not really impressed with the flavor of the food. Additionally, the prices were fairly expensive compared to what you get.
- portionsThe staff seemed unwilling to welcome us, and were unpleasant from start to finish. The dishes were completely bland with minuscule portions. It was not at all representative of Asian cuisine.
- Asian cuisineNot at all a representation of Asian cuisine
- Veg. ChowmeanNoodles weren't that good
- authentic jointsfind more authentic joints
- bbq ribsGot bbq ribs, they were COLD
Overall, the food here is a strong point for many diners. If youre looking for generally good and authentic Chinese dishes with generous servings, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few experiences mention blandness or inconsistency.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
Looking at the service, theres definitely a bright side! Many guests, accounting for 61 positive remarks out of 106 total, frequently praised the friendly staff, quick service, and attentive approach. Youll often feel a warm welcome, contributing to a generally pleasant experience, even though the overall score sits at an average 6.2.
However, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with 41 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some experiences mention rude staff, slow service, and an unfriendly atmosphere, with a few even noting a pushy waiter. This contributes to a mixed 57.5% customer satisfaction, suggesting consistency can be an issue.
Service
106
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
41
negative
4
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Warm welcome
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Unfriendly interactions
Often praised
- serviceEven though we just went in to grab a coffee, we felt warmly welcome and the service was quick and efficient.
- staffI highly recommend this restaurant. The Chinese food was very delicious, and the staff were very friendly. It also has accessible prices.
- customer serviceExcellent customer service
- serverOur server was goofy and charming
- Cathy and JimmyCathy and Jimmy were both so welcoming and helpful.
- Excellent serviceExcellent service
- KathyKathy, the manager was outstanding in assisting me
- Service:Dine inWe enjoyed a dine-in lunch
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- attentionThe attention and the atmosphere very good
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was quite negative. I encountered very bad service and the food was not tasty. Additionally, we experienced issues with the bill.
- staffThe food was excellent, and the atmosphere truly captured the essence of Chinatown. However, they are short on staff, which resulted in service being a bit slow. I'd advise packing your patience if you visit.
- attentionDe l'eau et du thé, on nous as pas demandé si on voulait autre chose
- waiterthe waiter was super pushy
- Waiter attentiondon't think this Waiter ever came back to check up on us
- WiFiil demande au responsable devant moi,il répond qu'ils n'ont pas de WiFi ???
- additional orderno way for an additional order
- animal welfarecan't even be responsible for their animals
- bartenderthe bartender was rude and slammed my replacement
- business hourstried visited during supposed business hours, and they’re closed
Service here is a bit of a mixed bag. While many praise the friendly staff and quick service, others have faced less welcoming interactions. Go in with an open mind, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies in your service experience.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a truly unique experience! Many guests rave about the authentic atmosphere, historic interior, and unique decor, especially those stunning palace chandeliers. With 63 positive remarks out of 96 total, it's clear that many appreciate the family-friendly vibe and charming setting, contributing to an average score of 6.8.
However, not everyone is entirely charmed. While the overall customer satisfaction sits at a 65.6% (a mixed bag), some point out the outdated interior and a rather unfortunate filthy fish tank as areas needing attention. There are also mentions of parking challenges and the lack of an elevator for the event room, which can be a drawback for some.
Ambience
96
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
26
negative
7
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Historic, unique decor
- Authentic atmosphere
- Family-friendly vibe
What people don't like
- Outdated interior
- Dirty fish tank
- No event elevator
Often praised
- atmosphereThey offer a wide variety of dishes, which is a plus. The waitstaff were friendly and contributed to a pleasant atmosphere.
- ambianceFantastic ambiance (right in the middle of china town)
- banquet roomThe owner or manager at the bar was incredibly nice and shared fascinating details about the restaurant's history. The beautiful and interesting banquet room provided a lovely setting for our meal. I thoroughly enjoyed the very delicious Prawn and Walnut dish, featuring very large shrimp.
- cleanlinessThe service was amazing, and the food was delicious and authentic. The atmosphere was humble, yet the experience was clean, quick, and generous. It's a great spot for both tourists and locals.
- placePlace looks nice though lol
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Chinatown experiencean authentic Chinatown experience
- Chinatown venueMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best Chinese food I’ve had in a long time, served in a classic Chinatown venue. The service was great and friendly.
- RestaurantRestaurant was busy Excellent customer service
- architecture of the buildingthe architecture of the building was pretty cool
Frequently criticized
- ambiencedas Baugerüst im Restaurant hat das Ambiente etwas zerstört
- aquariumWhat a nightmare. The state of the aquarium at the entrance should have been a warning. The staff seemed unwilling to welcome us, and were unpleasant from start to finish.
- interiorThe interior is outdated
- parkingparking can be a challenge
- Chinatownslowed China Town, affecting all business
- Michelin ratedrubbish on the walls about Michelin rated
- Tamil friendly placeIf you want a Tamil friendly place avoid this one
- atmosphereit was very noisy inside
- cleanlinessThe service was also a highlight – attentive and friendly, and our order arrived quickly. However, the interior felt outdated and not very clean, which detracted from the overall atmosphere. While I would recommend visiting for the food, be prepared for the price, which is above average.
- dead fishOne of the fish was already dead
If youre seeking a restaurant with a rich history and unique, authentic decor, this place could be a charming find. Just be prepared for an interior that some feel is a bit dated and potentially some parking woes. Its a mixed bag, but the historical vibe might be worth experiencing.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found things to appreciate, with 9 positive remarks highlighting fair and reasonable prices, often noting the generosity of portions. While the overall score for value sits at an average 4.7, these guests felt they got their moneys worth, praising the accessible pricing. However, the value proposition seems to be a mixed bag, as reflected by a poor 33.3% customer satisfaction.
With 14 negative comments, many felt the prices were too high, describing them as expensive or even overpriced for what was received. Concerns also arose around extra charges like fee for parties, service fee, and issues with the bill'.
Value
27
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
14
negative
4
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair pricing
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- High prices
- Extra fees
- Bill issues
Often praised
- priceThe service was great and the food was delicious. While it wasn't the cheapest option, the experience was well worth the price.
- pricesI walked in for dinner on a whim and was met with absolutely amazing food. The portions were generous, and the prices were reasonable. What truly stood out was the incredibly friendly staff.
- Price per personprice per person:$10–20
- generosityThe service was amazing, and the food was delicious and authentic. The atmosphere was humble, yet the experience was clean, quick, and generous. It's a great spot for both tourists and locals.
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
Frequently criticized
- priceThe interior felt somewhat worn, but the food was reasonably good. However, I found the price to be a touch extensive for what it is.
- billwhat was a disappointment was the bill
- UmsatzWollen möglichst viel Umsatz machen
- cash paymentnos querÃan cobrar a fuerzas en efectivo, con mucha persistencia
- charge for teaThere's a charge for tea !!!
- fee for partiesthere is a fee for having a party that is 4 or more so they considered that their tip
- pricesprices compared to what you get are fairly expensive
- service feecharge a 20% service fee whether you received good service or not
- tipthey added the tip for 4 people
- waste of moneyOver all waste of money
If you're looking for generous portions and accessible prices, you might find good value here. However, be wary of potentially high overall costs and extra fees that could make the experience feel overpriced for some.
How are the prices at Far East Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 34 per person – reported by 89 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits at 34, the prices are actually quite spread out, with many guests spending less, often in the $21–$30 range. This means there’s a good mix of options, from more budget-friendly to slightly higher-end dishes.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 89 reviews.
Compare the value for money of this restaurant to similar ones in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good range of choices, so you can tailor your spend to your appetite and occasion.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Far East Cafe
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
A Taste of History and Exquisite Decor
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. It's a place with over 100 years of history, established in 1920, and remarkably, it has maintained the same location, name, and art decor. The palace chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, which have been beautifully restored, the picturesque landscape screens, and the emperor’s throne were all brought over from China more than a century ago.
While one might have attended a banquet upstairs, sitting in the restaurant on the 1st floor offers a different, more personal moment with history and delicious food cooked to order.
- palace chandeliers10
- art decor9
- food8
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Food, Questionable Reputation
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I sincerely hope that this is not the best Chinatown has to offer, as the food was bland and below average. The claims of being Michelin rated back in 2012 seem irrelevant now, especially since it's 2025 and the quality has not improved.
I would advise finding somewhere else to eat; there is no doubt that another place will be better.
- Service5
- Atmosphere5
- Wait time10
- food2
- Michelin rated2
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
A Taste of Old Chinatown
My experience at Far East Cafe was wonderful. We arrived via the California Cable Car and found the restaurant about half a block from Grant Ave. This historic establishment is one of the oldest Chinese restaurants in San Francisco.
The owner or manager at the bar was incredibly nice and shared fascinating details about the restaurant's history. The beautiful and interesting banquet room provided a lovely setting for our meal. I thoroughly enjoyed the very delicious Prawn and Walnut dish, featuring very large shrimp.
My wife's large Scallop entree was equally delicious. This is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Chinatown as it used to be.
- banquet room10
- Prawn and Walnut dish10
- large shrimp9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Generous and Tasty Lunch with Friendly Service
I had a great experience at this restaurant. The portions were generous and the food was tasty. They offer a wide variety of dishes, which is a plus.
The waitstaff were friendly and contributed to a pleasant atmosphere.
- portions9
- food8
- dishes8
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Family Meal Experience
My experience at the restaurant was amazing, especially with one of their family meals. My kids ate everything and loved it. The meal was comprehensive, including soup, ribs, fried prawns, kung pao chicken, beef and vegetables, honey walnut prawns, and fried rice with prawns.
We had leftovers, but they didn't last long. I believe this is probably the best Chinese food I have ever eaten.
- family meals10
- soup9
- ribs9
What Far East Cafe offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- 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 street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services does Far East Cafe provide?
At Far East Cafe, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with comfortable seating and table service. For your convenience, they also offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery services.
What amenities and accessibility features are available at Far East Cafe?
Far East Cafe is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. You’ll also find a bar onsite for drinks, and high chairs are available, making it a good choice for families with kids.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Far East Cafe?
Far East Cafe has an overall score of 6.8 and a customer satisfaction of 65.4%. While the Food (7.3) and Ambience (6.8) are generally well-regarded, Service (6.2) is average, and Value (4.7) is a weaker point.
Can I expect authentic Chinese food and generous portions at Far East Cafe?
Many customers praise the food for being delicious, fresh, and offering generous portions, with dishes like Peking duck and orange chicken often highlighted. However, some opinions suggest the dishes might not always be authentically Cantonese or can be bland.
What should I know about the service and pricing at Far East Cafe?
Service is often described as friendly staff and attentive, though some experiences mention slow or pushy service. Regarding pricing, while some find it reasonable, others consider it expensive, noting additional charges for tea or service fees.