Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » House of Nanking – San Francisco
House of Nanking - San Francisco
Photo from House of Nanking
House of Nanking at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 175 of the guests
#2101 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#231 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
960
Reviews
56.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Quick service
- Lively atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Rude service
- Crowded seating
- High cost
The restaurant House of Nanking invites you to experience authentic Chinese flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown. This casual yet trendy Chinese restaurant is renowned for its great tea selection, offering a perfect complement to your meal.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Overview: Introducting House of Nanking
House of Nanking offers a culinary experience where the food often shines, praised for its delicious and authentic flavors. Many appreciate the fast service and the bustling, authentic atmosphere that adds to the overall dining adventure.
It’s a place where the dishes are frequently described as well-made and flavourful. However, some diners have noted challenges, particularly with the service, which can sometimes be perceived as rushed or even rude.
The crowded conditions and occasional cleanliness concerns also temper the experience for a few. While the value is generally good, some find the pricing a bit steep for certain items.
Good
6.2
out of 10
960
Reviews
56.3%
Satisfaction
349
negative
71
neutral
540
positive
House of Nanking garners an overall 6.2 score, placing it squarely in the average range, with customer satisfaction at a 56.3% mixed level. This assessment is drawn from 960 customer remarks, comprising 540 positive and 349 negative observations.
It suggests a dining experience that has its high points but also areas needing attention. Delving deeper, the Food (7.2) stands out as a strong performer, frequently praised by diners.
However, Service (4.9) appears to be a more inconsistent aspect, often noted for its speed but sometimes for its demeanor. The Ambience (5.7) is generally seen as average, while Value (4.3) also falls into the average category, indicating that while portions can be generous, some find the pricing less compelling.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Fast food arrival
- Authentic, bustling atmosphere
What people don't like
- Rude, pushy service
- Crowded, tight seating
- Questionable value/pricing
With a recommendation score of 6.6, House of Nanking presents a mixed but generally positive dining proposition. If you prioritize bold, authentic flavors and a lively, bustling environment, it could be a worthwhile visit.
Be prepared for a potentially quick meal, as service can be efficient. However, if a serene dining experience or consistently polished service is paramount, you might find it falls short.
Consider it for a flavorful, no-frills meal where the food is the star, but manage expectations regarding comfort and staff interactions.
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Verdict: Our expert take on House of Nanking
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, there's a lot to love! With a solid score of 7.2 and 355 positive remarks out of 510 total, many rave about the delicious food and amazing food. Guests frequently highlight unique dish options and appreciate the large portions that ensure you leave satisfied.
However, the customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 69.6%, with 128 negative comments. Some diners found issues like no flavor, overly sweet sauces, or even cold food. A few also mentioned the food being salty, suggesting some inconsistency in preparation.
Food
510
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
128
negative
27
neutral
355
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, unique dishes
- Generous portion sizes
- Bold, authentic flavors
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland or too salty
- Small portions sometimes
Often praised
- foodI highly recommend not ordering off the menu and instead, just letting them serve you. Everything was so delicious from beginning to end. The food was a little on the spicy side, and there were definitely some creative combinations with mustards and curries.
- sesame chickenService was extremely attentive and the food was phenomenal. We enjoyed the wonton soup, fried rice, sesame chicken, and chicken & green beans. We could’ve shared one of these entrees.
- Chinese foodabsolute best Chinese food I have ever had
- Fooddelicious, overall 10/10
- dishesAll the dishes were well-made, definitely a level above most American Chinese food I've encountered. The dishes were flavourful, with a distinct sweetness characteristic of this cuisine. I particularly enjoyed the honey apple beef; the beef was tender, the apples were slightly crisp yet soft, and the honey flavor complemented it perfectly.
- Sesame ChickenThe Sesame Chicken also stood out to me— 37 year tradition was one of my favorites! Crispy, sweet, with a touch of spice
- fried riceService was extremely attentive and the food was phenomenal. We enjoyed the wonton soup, fried rice, sesame chicken, and chicken & green beans. We could’ve shared one of these entrees.
- house noodleshouse noodles — both were absolutely outstanding
- dumplingsMy overall experience was poor. While the dumplings were good, earning them two stars for food, that was the only moment of culinary decency. The Spicy Szechuan Sauteed Chicken with Peppers was so bland that even my grandmother, who has GERD, could have eaten it.
- flavorsThe flavors were bold, authentic, and unlike any Chinese food
Frequently criticized
- foodHowever, my experience at House of Nanking was not an experience at all. The food was bland, the service was 'eh, ' and the entire meal left me wondering how this business is still open in a community filled with amazing food. I'm guessing Keanu gets better food when he visits.
- fried riceThe PHENOMENAL dishes included the Famous Crispy Honey Beef with Bok Choy, the House Noodles, Mogu Beef with Mushrooms, dry braised green beans, and anything with the spicy garlic mustard sauce – these were out of this world and some of the best we've ever had. On the other hand, the fried rice, Calamari, Sesame Chicken, and honey apple prawns were less memorable. I highly recommend coupling the meal with the flower blossom tea.
- sauceWhat is Mogu beef? Still trying to figure out what Mogu sauce is, an overly sweet mustardy/mayo sauce. There were 3 cubes of beef, shiitake and cauliflower.
- sesame chickenThe sesame chicken is just fried chicken with a very salty sauce.
- dishesThis place is famous for its chicken and rice with egg, but I was not impressed at all. The portions were very small, and the dishes were quite greasy. The service was very mediocre; the staff seemed too rushed, not giving us enough time to decide what to order.
- Chinese foodworst place I've eaten Chinese food
- beefI was expecting a Chinese or Americanized Chinese meal, but instead, I received a dish that was more like Chinese-inspired fusion. The Mogu Beef, which I was instantly recommended, was served in a small bowl with three cubes of beef and a sauce I couldn't identify, described as overly sweet, mustardy, and mayo-like. This, along with a small bowl of rice, cost $30.
- food qualityThey seemed eager for us to finish quickly so more people could come in. Although the place is busy and the prices are average, the food quality versus the cost doesn't justify it. I believe there are other places with better flavor, higher quality food, and better service for the same price.
- fried rice portionFried Rice portion was small, good for two if other dishes are ordered, otherwise it is only for one.
- portiongave him the larger part of our portion
So, is the food worth it? While many find the dishes truly delicious and unique, be aware that experiences can vary. If youre open to trying some standout items, it could be an amazing meal, but theres a chance of hitting some inconsistencies.
Service (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.9 and customer satisfaction at 40.9%. Many guests praise the quick service, attentive staff, and the owners personal touch, often highlighting "great service" and how "promptly" food arrived. Out of 276 customer remarks, 113 were positive, noting helpful "wait staff" and efficient "food delivery.
" However, theres a noticeable downside, with 144 negative remarks. Common complaints revolve around long wait times, feeling rushed by staff, and instances of rude or inattentive service. Some experiences mention issues with water refills or staff being unfriendly, suggesting inconsistency in the overall service experience.
Service
276
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
144
negative
19
neutral
113
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick food delivery
- Attentive staff
- Owner interaction
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
- Feeling rushed
Often praised
- serviceThe atmosphere felt truly authentic, and the food was delicious and flavorful. We enjoyed a fantastic meal with fast service. I highly recommend trying the wonton soup and the house noodles, as they were absolutely outstanding.
- ServiceIt’s a bit tight inside, so the wait could be quite long, but not for us at 5: 15pm on a Monday. Service was extremely attentive and the food was phenomenal. We enjoyed the wonton soup, fried rice, sesame chicken, and chicken & green beans.
- staffThe staff did accommodate our group of eight fairly quickly
- ownerThe owner came up and asked us a few questions
- waitdid not have to wait for a table
- wait timeFor food, we ordered the sesame chicken, chicken fried rice, and chili oil wontons. Everything was delicious and came out within 15 minutes. While you shouldn't expect super friendly interactions, you can definitely expect good food.
- food arrivalEssen ging sehr schnell
- lineThe dishes were very tasty, and the waitresses were great! There was no line when we went early on the recent Friday evening, and we were in and out quickly. Worth a try.
- waiting timeThe food tasted very good, and the service was very friendly. The waiting time for the food also flew by. Highly recommended.
- Chef FangChef Fang was onsite helping out
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marred by terrible service. While the food is good, the rude and terrible staff significantly detracted from the overall experience.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was marred by terrible service. While the food is good, the rude and terrible staff significantly detracted from the overall experience. The staff were literally yelling at us when they misheard what we were saying.
- waitressMy experience at this restaurant was very disappointing. From the moment we sat down, the waitress rushed us, asking for our order before we had even opened the menu. Despite stating we needed more time, she returned with an awkward attitude and pressured us to order quickly.
- tipIf I could give 0 stars for service, I would. The staff were rude and forced us to give the amount of tip that they said. I would never ever go back.
- customer serviceIts customer service and any online ordering method is not good at all
- serverrushed by the sever to submit my order in somewhat of a pushy/ rude manner
- waiterservice here seems to have trouble hearing and couldn’t understand
- waitressesThe waitresses were not attentive at all
- orderthen order but overall it was worth it!
- ownerThe price-performance ratio here is completely off. The owner was incredibly pushy and even complained about us only ordering two drinks and two appetizers (dumplings, and we spent over $30 on everything.). She started arguing about why we weren't giving a tip.
If youre looking for lightning-fast food and dont mind a potentially bustling, no-frills experience, you might find the service efficient. However, be prepared for the possibility of long waits or rushed interactions, as consistency seems to be a challenge here.
Ambience (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a lively and authentic atmosphere, often described as bustling with a cool vibe. Many appreciate the old skool vibe and Chinatown experience, contributing to 58 positive sentiments out of 126. While the overall score sits at an 5.7, indicating an average experience, theres definitely a charm that draws people in. However, the customer satisfaction is a mixed 46%, with 49 negative remarks pointing to some significant drawbacks.
Concerns include a sewage stench outside, dirty conditions, cramped seating, and a high noise level. It seems the restaurant space and cleanliness' are areas needing attention for a more consistently pleasant visit.
Ambience
126
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
49
negative
19
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, lively vibe
- Bustling atmosphere
- Cool history
What people don't like
- Dirty, unkempt space
- Cramped, noisy seating
- Unpleasant smells
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially the food, which was super! The atmosphere was a bit unusual and took some getting used to, but it somehow worked out in the end. I definitely give it a clear recommendation.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- experienceI had the best Chinese food I've ever had anywhere. The owner personally guided my order, which was a very cool experience. He came to our table, took the menu, and trusted him to work his magic.
- Chinatown experiencefor a Chinatown experience
- authentic atmosphereIf you want AUTHENTIC food and atmosphere, honestly no better place. I had the chicken Szechuan with the fried rice.
- bustlingThis place is bustling every night, and it's easy to see why! It's Neo's favorite noodle shop, and we all love Keanu Reeves, trusting his judgment on noods.
- cool historythe place has some cool history too
- crowd and bustleConsidering how busy it was, the service was quite fast. I also found the atmosphere to be a plus; the overwhelming crowd and bustle made it feel like a genuine Chinese restaurant. My wife enjoyed the food significantly more than I did.
- customers waiting outsidea line our customers waiting outside. A very good sign.
- firethe fire comes out so fast
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereVery crowded, you are practically sitting elbow to elbow
- cleanlinessCleanliness and food safety should never be in question
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- seatingNo has the seats most comfortable
- toiletAlso, they only have one toilet for all customers. There was a line, which you were standing right next to their drink station and the only walkway to the kitchen.
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- bathroomEl baño bastante regular
- boxesda überall Kartons rumstehen
- chairsthe chairs have about an inch of dust caked on them
- charm outsidefuera pierde encanto
If youre seeking a lively, authentic, and bustling atmosphere and dont mind a bit of chaos or potential cleanliness issues, this place might be for you. However, if a pristine, quiet, and spacious dining experience is what you crave, you might find yourself disappointed.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot lands an average 4.3 score, with some guests finding genuine gems. Many appreciated the generous portions and felt they got great value for money and a bang for your buck. Opinions often highlighted affordable and reasonable prices, making it feel like an absolute steal for some, based on 14 positive remarks out of 48 total.
However, the experience is significantly dampened by a poor 29.2% customer satisfaction, with 28 negative remarks. Many felt caught in a tourist trap due to obnoxiously high prices and frustrating billing issues. Concerns about overcharging and an aggressive tipping culture frequently arose, leaving some feeling it was spendy and not worth the cost.
Value
48
Reviews
29%
Satisfaction
28
negative
6
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Generous portions
- Affordable prices
What people don't like
- Aggressive tipping demands
- Billing issues
- Feels like tourist trap
Often praised
- pricefor a reasonable price
- pricesThe portions were really large, offering great value. While it's not a fancy place, the good service and reasonable prices make it a worthwhile visit. They also have some items clearly marked as gluten-free, which is a plus for dietary needs.
- affordabilitymuch more affordable
- affordable and authenticAffordable and authentic— I definitely recommend it!
- bang for your buckGood bang for your buck
- bill$54 after tip for two (no drinks), very full
- price per personThe price per person was between $10–20
- reasonable pricesReasonable prices
- valueit was so much better than ordering off the menu… better value
- value for moneyRapport qualité prix imbattable
Frequently criticized
- tipWhile the food was average and nothing extraordinary, the waitress's attitude significantly detracted from the meal. After tipping nearly 10% on a bill for a party of 3, she loudly demanded more. I felt compelled to give an additional tip despite receiving no superior service.
- tourist traphonestly felt like a tourist trap
- priceThere were 3 cubes of beef, shiitake and cauliflower. This and a small bowl of rice for $30. It wasn’t the worst I have eaten in my life, the veggies and mushrooms were fresh.
- pricesThey seemed eager for us to finish quickly so more people could come in. Although the place is busy and the prices are average, the food quality versus the cost doesn't justify it. I believe there are other places with better flavor, higher quality food, and better service for the same price.
- LunchLunch was $300!?!
- additional $5After receiving the bill for exactly $67, we left $80 in cash (a 20% tip). For reasons unknown to us, the waitress demanded an additional $5. We paid the extra amount and left feeling disgusted.
- better restaurantsMuch better restaurants to select
- billUltimately, I'm giving one star due to the final situation. After receiving the bill for exactly $67, we left $80 in cash (a 20% tip). For reasons unknown to us, the waitress demanded an additional $5.
- bill receiptasked me if I can add another $5 or $8 on top of it
- billing issuescharged me for the entrée I never got and all appetizers except one
While some diners find decent value and reasonable prices, a significant number report frustrating billing issues and feel its a tourist trap. If youre seeking consistent affordability and transparent pricing, you might want to explore other options.
How are the prices at House of Nanking?
You’re looking at roughly 32 per person – reported by 175 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 is 32, the prices are quite spread out. Many guests spend less, often in the $21–$30 range, but there are also plenty of options for those looking to spend a bit more, even up to $41–$50 and beyond. It offers a good mix of price points.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 175 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good range of options, so you can find something that fits your budget without compromising on the experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about House of Nanking
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Loud
1
Overhyped and Underwhelming Experience
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly disappointing. We were excited to try it and ordered several dishes, but unfortunately, all the food arrived cold. The veg dumplings had an odd taste, and the sesame chicken was rock hard.
Adding to the unpleasantness, the windows were up, allowing the sewage stench from outside to completely overshadow the dining experience. The restaurant desperately needs a deep clean; the chairs were covered in about an inch of dust, and the menus were filthy.
- veg dumplings2
- sesame chicken1
- food1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Once a Gem, Now a Disappointment
My experience at this restaurant was a stark contrast between the past and the present. 25 years ago, it was a gem, offering much more affordability and great service. Today, however, it's not so much.
They seem to be living on their laurels. The place needs a complete renovation as it just looks dirty. They now operate as if they just don’t care.
- affordability8
- great service8
- place renovation2
- dirty1
- don't care2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Great Food, Terrible Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was great and very delicious, earning a 5-star rating. However, the service was a major letdown, receiving only a 1-star rating.
We experienced extremely late food delivery, with a wait time of 35-45 minutes, and dishes arrived separately. To make matters worse, the servers did not even apologize for the delay. The atmosphere was also rated low at 1 star due to it being very crowded, with tables practically sitting elbow to elbow.
The noise level was loud, but conversation was still possible.
- food10
- noise level6
- service1
- servers1
- atmosphere1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Mind-Blowing Chinese Food Experience
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely incredible. The Chinese food was the best I’ve ever had in my life. It was like doing drugs – I went to another dimension with every bite.
The food quality was outstanding, truly a culinary journey. The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere also received a perfect 5/5. We visited for lunch as a group of 2 people.
The noise level was loud, but it was still possible to hold a conversation. The price per person was between $10–20.
- Chinese food10
- food quality10
- service10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Chinese Food Experience
Like others, I decided to give House of Nanking a try given its good reviews and relatively high rating. Upon reaching the establishment, I saw their “accolades” filling the entire door, which reformed my expectation. However, upon being seated, I was rushed by the server to submit my order in a somewhat pushy/rude manner.
Honestly, this was not a big deal to me as sometimes this is a sign of top-tier food 😅. Unfortunately, the food was anything but top-tier; in fact, it may have been some of the worst Chinese food I’ve had. The steamed dumplings and Szechuan chicken both lacked flavor and were truly disappointing.
To compensate for the lack of flavor, I asked for chili oil, but even this was some sort of combination of chili flakes and hot sauce. I’m not sure if this restaurant is catered to the local palate, but I would not consider this anything close to authentic Chinese cuisine.
- steamed dumplings2
- Szechuan chicken2
- chilli oil3
What House of Nanking offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is parking available and is House of Nanking accessible?
Finding parking near House of Nanking can be challenging, but paid parking garages and street parking are available. The restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
What dining options and offerings can you expect at House of Nanking?
House of Nanking offers a range of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, with table service available. You can enjoy small plates, vegetarian options, and a selection of wine and beer. They also provide convenient takeout and delivery services.
What is the overall rating for House of Nanking?
House of Nanking has an overall score of 6.2, with customer satisfaction at 56.3%. Its Food scores 7.2, Ambience 5.7, Service 4.9, and Value 4.3.
Is the food at House of Nanking considered good?
Many customers find the food at House of Nanking to be delicious, flavorful, and authentic, often highlighting its well-made dishes and bold tastes.
What is the dining experience like at House of Nanking?
The dining experience at House of Nanking is often characterized by a bustling, authentic atmosphere and quick food delivery. However, some guests have noted that service can be inconsistent, with instances of staff being perceived as rude or rushed, and the seating can be quite crowded.