Highlights
- Live music
- Great wine list
oChef » Harborview – San Francisco
Harborview - San Francisco
Photo from Harborview
Harborview at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 125 of the guests
#2002 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#205 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
752
Reviews
59.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent Food
- Great Views
- Easy Parking
Frequently criticized
- Rude Service
- Hidden Fees
- Loud Environment
The restaurant Harborview is a premier Chinese Restaurant located in the bustling Financial District of San Francisco. When you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the upscale yet casual atmosphere, often enhanced by captivating live music.
It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a memorable meal, whether you’re looking for a vibrant dinner experience or a relaxed lunch. You’ll find yourself immersed in a delightful culinary journey.
Overview: Introducting Harborview
Harborview offers a dining experience where the culinary offerings generally impress, with many guests praising the quality and taste of the dishes. However, the overall experience can be a mixed bag, as some visitors encounter significant issues with the service.
While the setting often receives commendation, the perceived value can be a point of contention for others.
Good
6.5
out of 10
752
Reviews
59.7%
Satisfaction
235
negative
68
neutral
449
positive
Harborview earns an overall restaurant score of 6.5, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction sits at 59.7%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This suggests that while many find aspects to enjoy, a notable portion of guests leave with reservations about their visit. These figures are drawn from a substantial 752 customer observations, with 449 positive and 235 negative remarks.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Impressive views and decor
- Convenient parking options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, rude service
- Mandatory service charges
- Loud, crowded atmosphere
Considering a Recommendation Score of 6.8, Harborview is a place that could be worth trying if you prioritize excellent food and a pleasant setting. Be prepared for a potentially bustling environment and keep an eye on your bill for automatic charges.
It’s a spot that shines in certain areas but has clear room for improvement in others.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Harborview
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners generally have a good experience, with a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at 70.2%. Many of the 266 positive remarks praise the excellent dim sum, quality food, and especially the addictive baked BBQ pork buns, often highlighting authentic Chinese flavors and fresh ingredients. However, not every dish hits the mark, as 73 negative comments point to some disappointments.
Concerns include dry duck, bland dim sum, and a general lack of flavor in certain dishes. Some also felt portions were small, impacting the overall value.
Food
379
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
73
negative
40
neutral
266
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent dim sum
- Quality food
- Baked pork buns
What people don't like
- Dry duck
- Bland dim sum
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of excellent food and exceptionally rude service. While the food itself was a perfect 5 out of 5, the service was a stark contrast. The waiter offered us table rice very late in the meal, and when we accepted, he laughed and refused to serve it.
- dim sumMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially regarding the food. It's hands down the best dim sum spot in the Bay Area. The quality of the food is indeed good, justifying the prices, which are reflective of its location in a busy touristy area.
- qualityOn the pricier side, but well worth it. In my opinion, the quality is better than anything you can find in SF's Chinatown. Note that this is a Cantonese restaurant, and that's where the food shines.
- BBQ pork bunsNote that this is a Cantonese restaurant, and that's where the food shines. The BBQ pork buns are a must-try. The non-Canto dishes I've tried (like the Peking duck or XLB) are decent but not exceptional.
- chicken feetcrispy pork and chicken feet, which were devine
- dishesWe visited with a group of three, including one vegan, and ordered six incredible dishes. Every one of us was thrilled with the food!
- drinksfood and drinks were excellent
- food qualityIt was a lovely day to sit outside on the outdoor patio / terrace for a really nice meal. The food came quickly and was of really good quality. A bonus was that there was no MSG in the food that we could detect.
- other dishesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was great, and I loved the other dishes we tried. They tasted very fresh.
- Harborview beefOur experience has always been characterized by tasty, consistent, and reliable food. Among our favorites are the duck, lobster noodles, Harborview beef, eggs with clams, spare ribs, and the delightful sesame balls.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe place was clean and presented well. However, the food was not super flavorful. Most importantly, the staff were EXTREMELY rude.
- Peking duckThey get a 3.5/10 for every single metric to evaluate a Peking duck.
- dim sumThe dim sum was bland and lacked the vibrant flavors
- dishesLastly, we were a table of 7 and were very careful when ordering dishes; the waiter repeated the order to be sure. Yet, they still didn't bring all the dishes. We asked the waiter, and he said he had already served everything.
- dumplingsThe dumplings were soggy
- portionsthe portions were small for the price
- skinThe skin wasn’t remotely crispy
- Chinese broccoliChinese broccoli over oyster sauce was verrryyy over cooked
- Kung pao chickenKung pao chicken for being a Michelin star mentioned restaurant honestly I could get it down the street
- Shrimp rice rollShrimp rice roll was not warm
If you're craving authentic dim sum and those famous baked BBQ pork buns, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While some dishes might miss the mark on flavor or portion size, the overall quality and fresh ingredients make it a solid choice for Chinese cuisine.
Service (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a 4.9 score and 41% customer satisfaction. Many guests appreciated the efficient and attentive wait staff, noting that food came out quickly and reservations were easy to manage. There are 80 positive remarks among the 195 total opinions, highlighting moments of excellent service and accommodating teams.
However, a larger number of 108 negative experiences point to significant issues. Some diners encountered rude or judgmental staff, slow service, and communication breakdowns, particularly around the reservation process. These instances suggest that while some visits are smooth, others can be quite frustrating and leave a sour taste.
Service
195
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
108
negative
7
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Efficient, attentive staff
- Quick food delivery
- Easy reservations
What people don't like
- Rude, dismissive staff
- Slow, inattentive service
- Problematic reservations
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, offering tasty dim sum and attentive, polite service in a clean interior. The wait staff were proficient in both English and Chinese.
- staffthe staff stayed friendly and patient the whole time
- ServiceService:4
- wait staffAll wait staff appear to speak English and Chinese
- wait timedidnt take too long to get to the table
- reservationsWe made reservations for dinner on a Sat at 6:30pm and glad we did
- Harborview teamThe Harborview team is great to work with
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- accessible via BARTEasily accessible via BART
- amazing experiencewe had an amazing experience!
Frequently criticized
- service" Another waiter who took our order didn't speak a single word to us. The food quality simply doesn't compensate for the shitty service. The only positive aspect was the patio, which offered a really nice view of the Ferry Building.
- staffThe manager on duty was immediately angry that our party was 22 instead of 25, yelled at us for not pre-ordering (which we were never asked to do), and when I calmly asked for his name, he gave me a derogatory phrase in Chinese—assuming I wouldn’t understand. When I asked other staff for his name, no one would tell me. He even told me I could leave if I didn’t like his attitude.
- waitersThe food is good, although I highly suggest asking the waiter about each dish if you're not familiar with oriental cuisine. However, not all waiters speak English, and communication can be very difficult for simple things like ordering a drink or asking for a napkin. We visited on a day there was an event on the terrace, and it was chaos; the reception wasn't working, and they couldn't control the crowd.
- waiterthe waiter definitely cussed me out in his language
- serverThe crab roe was absolutely bitter. Our server argued with me that the crab was fresh and when I explained the situation, she simply told me it was fresh. Anywhere else, especially in a purported high-end restaurant, the customer’s opinion would be verified - not here.
- attitudeWhen we clarified that we didn’t want noodles and preferred fried rice, she brought both anyway—then insisted we had ordered both. While we weren’t charged for the rice, the attitude was dismissive and unwelcoming. The food may have been decent, but the service left such a bad taste that it hardly mattered.
- customer servicethe costumer service is below decent standards
- managerWe came to celebrate my dad’s 80th birthday before his cancer treatment, and were met with one of the most unprofessional restaurant experiences I’ve ever had. The manager on duty was immediately angry that our party was 22 instead of 25, yelled at us for not pre-ordering (which we were never asked to do), and when I calmly asked for his name, he gave me a derogatory phrase in Chinese—assuming I wouldn’t understand. When I asked other staff for his name, no one would tell me.
- ServiceService is a little lacking
- apologyNo apology, just asked how many boxes
If you're considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent service experience. While some guests rave about the attentive staff and quick food delivery, others have faced significant frustrations with rudeness and slow attention. It might be worth a try if you manage your expectations, but be aware that service can be a gamble.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
The ambiance here generally hits the mark, with a 7.4 score and a solid 74% customer satisfaction. Many guests, accounting for 94 positive remarks out of 127 total, rave about the outdoor seating, amazing view of the bay, and beautiful decor, creating a truly family-friendly atmosphere that makes for a memorable dining experience. However, not all experiences are perfect, with 24 negative remarks noting that it can get crowded and noisy during peak times.
Some also mentioned inconsistent patio access due to temperature issues and concerns about unclean fish tanks, which can detract from the overall vibe.
Ambience
127
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
24
negative
9
neutral
94
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing bay views
- Spacious outdoor seating
- Pleasant decor
What people don't like
- Loud and crowded
- Inconsistent patio access
- Unclean fish tanks
Often praised
- atmosphereThe seafood fried rice could be a whole meal on its own. The restaurant is large and can be a bit noisy, but that added to the atmosphere. I should have gone with a larger group to sample more of the menu.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceambiance was as expected
- viewMy experience at this restaurant was for a special occasion. The service, presentation, and decor were fantastic, complemented by a great view. However, the prices are on the higher side, and the portions are not huge, which is something to consider if you're comparing it to cheaper establishments.
- decorThe decor inside is exceptional
- locationI believe it is the best Chinese restaurant in SFO right now. The location is great, offering one of the best views of the harbour. The food, service, and atmosphere were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- placeGreat place to visit
- outdoor seatingThe outdoor seating with a view of the Ferry Building is amazing.
- patioThe patio on a nice day was very nice
- restaurantIn one word, Awesome. This is a superb restaurant with great and authentic service. The food was extremely tasty, truly resembling the food I ate in China.
Frequently criticized
- noise levelNoise level:Very loud, hard to hear
- ParkingParking was full at dinner time
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was chaotic and loud
- busy and loudbusy and loud during the busy times
- cleanlinessthe cleanliness of the place was questionable
- crowdedrestau is crowded in the evenings
- dead fishfreak out by the dead fish and suspicious ecosystem
- decorthe decor was drab
- entranceMy friends invited us to this Chinese dim sum restaurant, which is set in a high-end environment. The entrance was a bit confusing; we were told they were seated on the 2nd floor, but the actual entryway is on the 1st floor, with no direct access to the restaurant on the 2nd floor. Despite the initial confusion, the restaurant was bustling with customers, many of whom were Chinese, which we took as a good sign of authenticity.
- event on the terraceHowever, not all waiters speak English, and communication can be very difficult for simple things like ordering a drink or asking for a napkin. We visited on a day there was an event on the terrace, and it was chaos; the reception wasn't working, and they couldn't control the crowd. The service was very bad.
If youre looking for a restaurant with stunning bay views and a lively atmosphere, especially with outdoor seating, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential crowds and noise, and perhaps check on patio availability if thats your preference.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
Despite an average 4.1 score for value and a poor 17.6% customer satisfaction, a few diners found the experience worthwhile. With 9 positive remarks out of 51 total, some felt the price was fair for the quality and location, even calling it worth the $$. Plus, perks like plenty of parking and occasional voucher offers added a nice touch.
However, the majority of the 30 negative comments highlight significant concerns. Many felt the restaurant was overpriced and were particularly frustrated by the automatic service charge or 18% gratuity on the bill. There were also complaints about small portions for the price and even being charged for additional items not received.
Value
51
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
30
negative
12
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the price
- Fair price/quality
- Discounted parking
What people don't like
- Automatic service charge
- Often overpriced
- Charged for unreceived items
Often praised
- priceWe were a party of four and tasted from a large variety. We ended up with $110 per couple including tax and tip. Be aware that the restaurant is crowded in the evenings.
- gratuity18% gratuity is already included in the total bills
- plenty of parkingThe atmosphere is equally impressive, with a score of 5/5. For parking, there's a paid parking lot, and it's described as having plenty of parking. You can park in the Embarcadero 4 garage right downstairs, and Harborview validates parking.
- pricesPrices were reasonable
- underground parkingUnderground Parking is discounted when dined here!
- valueAs someone who grew up eating Cantonese food, this is one of the best dim sum spots in SF. On the pricier side, but well worth it. In my opinion, the quality is better than anything you can find in SF's Chinatown.
- voucherThe atmosphere was incredibly busy, with a packed restaurant and a lively crowd. A nice bonus was the unexpected $50 voucher for the next visit, which made the experience even better. Overall, a good spot for dim sum, but be prepared for the hustle and bustle!
Frequently criticized
- priceportions were small for the price
- billWe asked the waiter, and he said he had already served everything. The worst part was when they brought the bill, they wanted to charge us for everything they didn't bring. You need to be careful.
- gratuityadded gratuity to the check, which I thought was ridiculous
- service chargethey put a 18% service charge on your bill.
- 18% gratuitythey even included 18% in the check
- 18% service chargecharge 18% for service automatically
- 18% service feethey forced placed an 18% service fee on the bill
- 20% tipThere was a 20% tip that was non negotiable
- additional itemshad additional items we did not ask for or receive
- amount of moneyfor the amount of money we paid, I feel pretty slighted
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially steep bill. While some find the quality justifies the cost, many feel its overpriced, especially with automatic service charges. Double-check your bill carefully to avoid surprises.
How are the prices at Harborview?
You’re looking at roughly 62 $ per person – reported by 125 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 62 $, prices are quite spread out. We see a good number of diners spending less, especially in the $41–$50 range, but also a significant portion opting for more premium experiences above 101 $.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 125 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, especially with the range of options available to diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Harborview
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Great Food, Fast Service!
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. We visited around lunchtime and were able to get a seat immediately. The service was pretty fast and the food was also great!
I definitely recommend getting the fried rice. We had the crispy pork belly, stir fry beef, fried chicken and fried rice. We weren't in the mood for dim sum that day, but it was the closest to us, so we gave it a try and we are pretty happy coming here!
We will definitely order dim sum next time.
- fried rice9
- service9
- food9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
6
Solid Food, Frustrating Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food is highly regarded and on its own, is actually pretty solid. However, the service is scatterbrained, which has been consistent across our 3-4 annual visits.
Orders marked on the dim sum sheet are often missed, and we've received dishes we didn't order while missing those we did. It's essential to double check your order. We found ourselves repeatedly chasing down staff for basics like an extra fork, water, teapot refills, and the check.
This extra effort significantly diminishes the quality of the food experience. Adding to the frustration, an 18% tip is auto-added at this price point, which feels annoying. 😓 Parking is a bit constrained, but you can usually find something in the Embarcadero structures across the street.
Remember to validate your parking before leaving. 🚘
- food8
- parking5
- service2
- orders2
- dishes2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Extremely Rude Service at Dim Sum
My experience at this dim sum restaurant was marked by incredibly rude service. The staff exhibited a complete lack of engagement, offering blank looks and no responses when I asked for anything. When we requested to have some dishes cut in half, a common practice in dim sum, we were told, "you have a knife, cut it yourself.
" There was zero eye contact and a clear unwillingness to take orders or answer questions. This was by far the most disrespectful and disappointing experience I've had in San Francisco.
- rude service1
- blank looks1
- dishes cut in half1
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Amazing Food & Family-Friendly Experience
My first visit to Harborview Restaurant was an amazing experience. The food was delicious, with everything we ordered being full of flavor and cooked perfectly. The roast duck with buns, fried rice, and noodles were all so tasty.
It's evident they use fresh ingredients and put care into every dish. Despite it being crowded, the staff remained friendly and patient throughout our meal. Having my active 15-month-old baby with us, who made a bit of a mess, was handled with such kindness and understanding by everyone, which truly enhanced our dining experience.
Overall, Harborview Restaurant earns 5 stars for its great food, great service, and a very family-friendly atmosphere.
- food10
- roast duck10
- fried rice10
- noise level3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
3
Divine Pork, Rude Service, Nice View
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the crispy pork and chicken feet were absolutely divine, the rest of the food was quite mediocre and certainly not worth the price. I believe you can find better dim sum for a fraction of the cost in Chinatown.
The most significant issue, however, was the extremely rude service. When we asked if a dish could be cut, a waiter pointed to the knife and said, "use that. " Another waiter who took our order didn't speak a single word to us.
The food quality simply doesn't compensate for the shitty service. The only positive aspect was the patio, which offered a really nice view of the Ferry Building.
- crispy pork9
- chicken feet9
- patio8
- rest of the food3
- price2
- dim sum3
What Harborview offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking options are available when visiting Harborview Restaurant & Bar?
You’ll find several convenient parking options when visiting Harborview Restaurant & Bar. There’s a paid parking lot, a paid parking garage, and paid street parking available. Usually, you’ll find plenty of parking to make your visit hassle-free.
Does Harborview Restaurant & Bar offer happy hour specials or vegetarian options?
Yes, Harborview Restaurant & Bar caters to various preferences. You can enjoy both happy hour drinks and happy hour food. Additionally, if you’re looking for plant-based dishes, you’ll be pleased to know that vegetarian options are available on the menu.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Harborview?
Harborview has an overall restaurant score of 6.5, which is considered average, and a customer satisfaction rate of 59.7%, indicating a mixed reception. While Food (7.3) and Ambience (7.4) generally receive good marks, Service (4.9) and Value (4.1) are perceived as average.
What do customers appreciate most about Harborview's atmosphere?
Many customers praise Harborview’s atmosphere, highlighting the exceptional decor and the great views, especially from the outdoor seating or patio overlooking the Ferry Building. The location is often cited as a significant positive.
Are there any common complaints regarding the service or billing at Harborview?
Yes, several customers have reported issues with inconsistent or rude service, including communication difficulties with staff. Additionally, there are frequent complaints about mandatory service charges or gratuity being automatically added to the bill, sometimes without clear communication.