Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Panda Express – San Francisco
Panda Express - San Francisco
Photo from Panda Express
Panda Express at a glance
San Francisco Inner Sunset
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 7 of the guests
#2288 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#266 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Average
5.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
128
Reviews
45.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fast service
- Clean location
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Greasy dishes
- Poor service
The restaurant Panda Express in San Francisco’s vibrant Inner Sunset neighborhood offers you a convenient and delicious Chinese dining experience. You can enjoy a quick bite in a casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re looking for small plates or a full dinner, this spot provides a welcoming setting for you to savor your favorite dishes.
Overview: Introducting Panda Express
Panda Express offers a quick and convenient option, often praised for its fast service and generally clean environment. Many appreciate the speed at which meals are prepared, making it a practical choice for a quick bite when time is of the essence.
However, opinions on the food itself are quite divided; while some find it a reasonably satisfying meal, others have concerns about greasiness and inconsistent quality. Service can also be a mixed bag, with some experiences being less than ideal.
Average
5.2
out of 10
128
Reviews
45.3%
Satisfaction
54
negative
16
neutral
58
positive
Panda Express lands with an overall score of 5.2, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction also reflects a mixed sentiment at 45.3%.
This indicates that while many find it acceptable, there’s a significant portion of patrons who leave less than thrilled. These insights are drawn from 128 customer remarks, with 58 positive and 54 negative observations.
Looking closer at the specifics, the Ambience (7.1) stands out as a strong point, often described as clean and convenient. However, the core experience of Food (5) and Service (4.7) both hover around average, suggesting areas for improvement.
Value (5.5) also sits in the middle, indicating it’s neither a steal nor overpriced for what you get.
What people like
- Fast, efficient service
- Clean, convenient setting
- Good value for money
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Greasy food issues
- Unprofessional service
With a recommendation score of 5.7, Panda Express is a practical choice when you need a quick, no-fuss meal. It shines for its speed and convenience, especially if you’re looking for a fast-casual option that offers decent value.
However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent food experience and service that can sometimes fall short. If you prioritize speed and a clean environment over culinary excellence, it might suit your needs.
Otherwise, you might find better options elsewhere.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Panda Express
Food (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
Let's talk about the food! Out of 82 total remarks, 34 lean positive, with many customers finding joy in the food freshness and generous portions. Specific favorites like the Teriyaki Bowl and eggplant tofu often get a shout-out for being tasty and satisfying, proving that when it hits right, it really hits right!
However, the overall sentiment is a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in a score of 5 and 41.5% customer satisfaction. With 38 negative comments, common complaints include food being greasy or bland, and concerns about unhealthy food or dishes sitting too long under heating lamps, leading to inconsistent quality and disappointment.
Food
82
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
38
negative
10
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh food available
- Generous portions
- Healthy options exist
What people don't like
- Food sits long
- Inconsistent quality
- Greasy, bland dishes
Often praised
- foodThe food was ready in just 1 minute, which was incredibly fast. It was also rich in protein and veggies, making it a healthy and satisfying choice. For around $11, I got a generous plate.
- orange chickenorange chicken fried rice and Super greens is a combination you cant go wrong with
- Beijing beefBeijing beef was good
- Chinese apple pieOf particular interest was the Chinese apple pie
- Chinese foodMy experience at Panda Express was exactly what I expected: reasonably good Chinese food at a very reasonable price. If you find yourself at UCSF Medical Center Parnassus, this is a great alternative to the hospital cafeteria.
- Chow meinChow mein, broccoli beef with beef broth were delicious
- FoodFood:5
- Matcha green teawent well with Matcha green tea
- Super greensorange chicken fried rice and Super greens is a combination you cant go wrong with
- Teriyaki BowlI love the Teriyaki Bowl.
Frequently criticized
- foodIt looked delicious, but the food was too greasy, and unfortunately, I got really sick and threw up. Good luck.
- ricethe rice gets hard very fast
- food qualitythe food quality was inconsistent
- orange chickenespecially the orange chicken which just falls apart
- Broccoli beefit was Broccoli beef instead
- Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing as the food was not even close to real Chinese food. I'm unsure why they attempt to imitate it, but it seems people are fooled.
- deep frieddeep fried and sugar coated
- dishesboth dishes look pale
- dishes in warming traysdishes that have sat in the warming trays too long get a little greasy and tough
- fresh foodthe food needs to be fresh
If you're looking for a quick, satisfying bite and can catch the food fresh, it might just hit the spot. But be wary of dishes that have been sitting out, as consistency and quality can be a real gamble here.
Service (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to service, it seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 4.7. Some folks have had genuinely good experiences, praising the nice staff and noting how quickly the line moves super fast, often getting orders ready in 1 minute. Out of 27 total comments, 10 pointed to efficient and friendly service, even during busy lunch times.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a poor 37%, indicating significant room for improvement. Many have reported bad customer service, issues with staff memory, and even unprofessional behavior from employees. With 13 negative remarks, concerns about wait time and a general lack of attention suggest that consistency is a real challenge here.
Service
27
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Quick lines
What people don't like
- Poor customer service
- Unprofessional staff
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceThey were very fast even though it was lunch time.
- ServiceService:5
- line moves super fastWhile they consistently lack hot and sour soup, which I personally enjoy, there are definite positives. The line moves super fast, making for efficient service, and don't forget to grab a fortune cookie!
- nice staffMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive, thanks to the nice staff. The counter space was consistently clean.
- ready in 1 minuteready in a 1 minute
- waitLines can get long right at lunch time, but they do move fast. If you get there early, there will hardly be a wait.
Frequently criticized
- servicemost horrible service I have ever had
- attentionLa atencion de este panda es muy mala
- customer serviceBad customer service
- employeesemployees know english ..i can tell they were laughing and talking about my order
- friendlinessdeverian de ser mas amable
- professionalcould of been more professional
- service ladyservice lady grab my plate turn around
- staffpareciera que no quiere trabajar
- staff memorysaid “sorry we didn’t remember you”
- treated like thatWhen I opened it up later, it was Broccoli beef instead and a half portion. I was surprised to be treated like that. I’m eating there quite often since I work at UCSF.
Overall, the service here is a gamble. While you might get lucky with a quick and friendly experience, be prepared for potential frustrations like unprofessional staff or longer waits. If you're in a rush and value consistent, top-notch service, you might want to consider other options.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot is definitely hitting the mark! With a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction soaring at 84.6%, its clear guests are enjoying the atmosphere. People frequently praise the convenient location, ample space, and impressive cleanliness, noting the counter space is always spotless.
Based on 11 positive remarks, the overall experience seems to be quite good. Interestingly, out of 13 total comments about the ambience, there wasnt a single negative word to be found! This means patrons consistently find the setting agreeable, with no complaints about the atmosphere, space, or cleanliness.
While some note it can get busy, this seems to be a testament to its popularity rather than a detractor from the overall experience.
Ambience
13
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
0
negative
2
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Convenient location
- Spotless cleanliness
- Ample seating
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmospherethe hospitals Radius alone has a perfect atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessthey're really clean
- convenientit's a convenient option
- convenient locationMy experience at Panda Express was that it's simply Panda Express. While it does have some redeeming characteristics, its popularity in a neighborhood like the Sunset seems to be driven more by its supremely convenient location and the presence of a busy hospital staff rather than its quality. It gets very busy at lunch.
- counter spacecounter space is always clean
- experienceexperience at the S.F. location by U.C.S.F. was better
- locationConvenient location if you have to go to Parnassus UCSF.
- most popular restaurantThe most popular restaurant in the food court
- spaceLots and lots of places to sit.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place with a reliably good atmosphere, convenient location, and clean surroundings, this spot is a solid bet. While it might get busy, the overall vibe is consistently positive, making it a comfortable choice for a quick meal.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
Based on 6 customer opinions, many guests appreciate the value for money here, often finding the price to be quite reasonable or even cheap for what you get. With a score of 5.5 and a customer satisfaction of 50%, it seems to hit the mark for some, especially when looking for a quick, affordable option. However, not everyone agrees on the value, with 3 negative opinions highlighting that the price isnt always competitive compared to other Chinese restaurants.
A few even felt it wasnt truly cheap and were bothered by small extra charges, like being charged for a bag.
Value
6
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for money
- Reasonable price point
What people don't like
- Not truly cheap
- Bag charge issue
Often praised
- cheapthe food was so cheap
- priceMy experience at Panda Express was exactly what I expected: reasonably good Chinese food at a very reasonable price. If you find yourself at UCSF Medical Center Parnassus, this is a great alternative to the hospital cafeteria.
- value for moneyIt is value for money
Frequently criticized
- priceFor the same or similar price you could eat at a much better Chinese restaurant.
- charging for bagwe where still charged $0.25 for the bag
So, is it worth it? If youre seeking a quick, no-frills meal where the price is generally fair, it could be a decent option. But if youre expecting gourmet quality for a steal or are sensitive to minor extra costs, you might find better value elsewhere.
How are the prices at Panda Express?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 7 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 22, most guests actually spent less, with one diner opting for a more premium experience, pulling the average up. Keep in mind, this is based on a limited number of reviews, but it gives us a good indication.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, based on the 7 most recent reviews. While the data is limited, it gives a good indication of the spending patterns.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here offers a good range for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. You can likely find something to fit your budget, whether you’re looking for a quick, affordable meal or a more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Panda Express
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Quick, Protein-Rich Lunch at a Popular Spot
My experience at this restaurant was great! The food was ready in just 1 minute, which was incredibly fast. It was also rich in protein and veggies, making it a healthy and satisfying choice.
For around $11, I got a generous plate. It's clearly the most popular restaurant in the food court, and I can see why.
- food9
- ready in 1 minute10
- plate8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Fast Service, Good Food, Plenty of Space
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. The food was good, and the service was incredibly fast, even during the busy lunch hour. There was also lots of space to sit, making it a comfortable dining experience.
- food9
- service10
- space8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Hair in food, poor service
My experience at Panda Express was disappointing. While the atmosphere was generally good, with security present, the food quality and service were subpar on April 8th, 2024. We found hair at the bottom of the white rice, which was a significant issue.
Although a new plate was served, my mom was understandably uncomfortable eating further. To make matters worse, when we returned to get a bag for our uneaten food, we were initially charged $0. 25, with the staff claiming they didn't remember us from the hair incident.
Thankfully, one employee did recall us and provided the bag. I also noticed the food needed to be fresher, which is unusual for Panda Express, suggesting we might have visited at an off-peak time.
- atmosphere5
- new plate6
- hair in rice1
- charging for bag2
- staff memory1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Disappointing Broccoli Beef Mix-up
I was waiting for the Angus beef, but a service lady grabbed my plate and turned around to give me fresh food from the kitchen. When I opened it up later, it was Broccoli beef instead and a half portion. I was surprised to be treated like that.
I’m eating there quite often since I work at UCSF.
- Angus beef5
- Broccoli beef2
- half portion3
- service lady2
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Panda Express UCSF: A Favorite Branch
My experience at the Panda Express UCSF was excellent, as usual. The food is very good for a fast-casual Chinese restaurant. I was particularly interested in the Chinese apple pie, which is a large taquito stuffed with apple pie filling, wrapped in an egg roll casing, and heavily coated with powdered sugar.
It arrived hot and paired well with my Matcha green tea and later my homemade lemon soda. The Chow mein and broccoli beef with beef broth were delicious, as always. The average egg roll was fine, though I prefer the Clement Street egg rolls for their larger size.
Overall, this is one of my favorite Panda Express branches nationwide.
- food9
- Chinese apple pie10
- Matcha green tea8
What Panda Express offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Panda Express in San Francisco accessible for all guests?
Yes, you will find that Panda Express offers wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What dining options and amenities are available for families at Panda Express?
You can enjoy lunch, dinner, or catering services, with comfortable seating. For families, Panda Express is good for kids, offering a kids’ menu and high chairs.
How does Panda Express generally score with customers?
Panda Express receives an overall score of 5.2 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 45.3%. While its Ambience (7.1) is well-regarded, Food (5), Service (4.7), and Value (5.5) are considered average.
What do customers appreciate most about Panda Express?
Many customers highlight the restaurant’s convenient location and the fast service, noting that orders are often ready quickly, even during busy periods. The cleanliness of the counter space is also frequently mentioned.
What are the common complaints regarding the food at Panda Express?
Patrons sometimes express concerns about inconsistent food quality, with some dishes being described as too greasy or not tasting like authentic Chinese cuisine. There are also mentions of food sitting too long in warming trays.