Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Z & Y – San Francisco
Z & Y - San Francisco
Photo from Z & Y
Z & Y at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 144 of the guests
#1379 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#110 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
549
Reviews
70.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Szechuan dishes
- Good atmosphere
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- Hidden fees
- Cleanliness issues
- Uncomfortable seating
The Chinese restaurant Z & Y Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown invites you to discover a culinary journey. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere here, perfect for enjoying their authentic dishes.
Don’t miss their great tea selection, a true highlight that complements any meal. Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, this spot offers a delightful experience.
Overview: Introducting Z & Y
Z & Y offers a culinary journey where the vibrant flavors of its dishes truly shine, with many guests highlighting the authentic taste and quality. The dining atmosphere generally contributes positively to the experience, often described as pleasant and clean.
However, some aspects of the overall visit, particularly regarding value and certain service interactions, could use refinement. While the kitchen consistently delivers on taste, with dishes like the boiling fish and mapo tofu frequently praised, guests have noted concerns about unexpected charges and occasional inconsistencies in staff attentiveness.
Despite these points, the restaurant maintains a generally welcoming feel, making it a notable spot for its culinary strengths.
Good
7.3
out of 10
549
Reviews
70.5%
Satisfaction
122
negative
40
neutral
387
positive
Z & Y earns a respectable overall score of 7.3, indicating a good dining experience, which aligns well with a solid customer satisfaction rate of 70.5%. This positive sentiment is built on a strong foundation of its Food (8) and a pleasant Ambience (7.7), both of which receive high marks from diners.
However, the picture is more nuanced when looking at other aspects. Service (6.7) falls into the average range, suggesting room for improvement, while Value (3.3) is a clear area of concern, scoring poorly.
These insights are drawn from a substantial pool of 549 customer observations, including 387 positive remarks and 122 negative ones, providing a comprehensive view of the restaurant’s performance.
What people like
- Delicious Szechuan dishes
- Pleasant dining atmosphere
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- Unexpected hidden fees
- Cleanliness concerns
- Uncomfortable seating
If you’re seeking robust and authentic flavors, Z & Y is certainly worth considering, especially given its strong culinary performance. The restaurant’s recommendation score of 7.5 suggests that many diners leave satisfied, primarily due to the quality of the dishes and the generally agreeable setting.
However, be mindful of the pricing structure and potential for additional charges, as value is a consistent point of contention. While the food often impresses, managing expectations around cost and occasional service hiccups will ensure a more enjoyable visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Z & Y
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place really shines! With a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction of 80.3%, it's clear that diners are generally very happy. Out of 335 total opinions, a whopping 269 rave about the authentic Sichuan flavors, especially dishes like the spicy explosive chicken, delicious Peking duck, and flavorful mapo tofu.
It seems like a truly good culinary experience awaits! However, not every dish hits the mark for everyone. While the positives heavily outweigh the negatives, 44 comments pointed out some areas for improvement.
Some found certain dishes to be a bit too oily, mentioned subpar ingredients in a few instances, or felt the cooking was occasionally mediocre. A few also noted that portion sizes could be on the smaller side.
Food
335
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
44
negative
22
neutral
269
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Sichuan flavors
- Delicious spicy dishes
- Peking duck
What people don't like
- Oily dishes
- Small portions
- Subpar ingredients
Often praised
- foodThe boiling fish and duck blood dish were absolute must-orders and truly stood out. The food quality was rated a perfect 5, and the service and atmosphere also received top marks of 5. The wait time was minimal, up to 10 minutes, and the noise level was moderate.
- FoodFood:5
- duckThe duck and the mongolian beef were delicious.
- mapo tofuThe mapo tofu was a wonderful blend of spice and numbing while still having the underlying flavors.
- orange chickenThis orange chicken was the best I’ve ever had.
- Szechuan foodbest Szechuan food I've ever had
- explosive chickenmapo tofu and explosive chicken were so so delicious
- flavorshad great flavors, not too spicy
- fried ricefried rice, it was absolutely phenomenal!
- green beansalong with the green beans
Frequently criticized
- foodask for a nonspicy one if you don't like very very spicy food.
- Chow MeinChow mein could have been more flavorful
- dishesdommage que les plats n’ont pas de garnitures comme accompagnement
- duckkept the duck on the bill and tried to make us pay
- Boiled Fish with Green PeppercornI highly recommend trying the Boiled Fish with Green Peppercorn. It's a perfect balance of spicy and sour--delicious and comforting, however it was a bit oily. The Sautéed Shredded Potatoes and Eggplant in Garlic Sauce were both excellent choices as well.
- FoodFood:2
- Kung Pao chickenKung Pao chicken, which unfortunately turned out to be a disappointment
- Sichuan pepperSichuan pepper had me struggling
- Spicy fried chickenSpicy fried chicken is less spicy than normal ones
- chickenthe chicken tasted refried and stale
If youre craving bold, authentic Sichuan flavors and dont mind a few potentially oily dishes, this spot is definitely worth a try. The high satisfaction and good score suggest a delicious experience, especially if you stick to their highly praised specialties.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, it seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.7 leaning towards average and customer satisfaction at 63.3%. Still, many diners had positive experiences, with 69 out of 109 comments highlighting things like fast service, attentive staff (Esther gets a special mention!), quick seating, and helpful recommendations. On the flip side, 36 comments brought up some frustrations.
These often revolved around long wait times, instances of rude servers or waiters, and a general feeling of inattentiveness. Some also encountered issues with the payment process or felt a bit rushed.
Service
109
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
36
negative
4
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast, attentive service
- Quick seating
- Helpful recommendations
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
- Inattentive service
Often praised
- serviceThe boiling fish and duck blood dish were absolute must-orders and truly stood out. The food quality was rated a perfect 5, and the service and atmosphere also received top marks of 5. The wait time was minimal, up to 10 minutes, and the noise level was moderate.
- ServiceI wish this dish was better. Other than that, we are pretty happy with the experience!
- wait timeThe food quality was rated a perfect 5, and the service and atmosphere also received top marks of 5. The wait time was minimal, up to 10 minutes, and the noise level was moderate. The price per person was in the $30–50 range, making it a great value for the quality of the meal.
- staffThey deliver bold, authentic Sichuan flavors with perfectly balanced spice. The lively atmosphere, attentive staff, and extensive menu make it a must-visit spot for anyone craving delicious, fiery Chinese cuisine.
- waiting timewaited an hour and it was worth it
- EstherShoutout esther. She liked it
- ServicesServices is prompt
- Wait timeNo wait time
- accommodate allergiesthey were nice enough to accommodate (all veggies r ok, tea duck ok too)
- attention from waitressesThe attention from the waitresses was excellent too.
Frequently criticized
- serviceWaiter was a bit rude and looked irritated anytime we asked for something.
- waitMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially regarding the food. Despite a really long wait, the food was amazing, making it one of my favorite spots in SF. The service received a score of 4, and the atmosphere was also rated highly at 4.
- wait timeWait time was somewhat long even as a single party
- attentivebut not attentive
- attentivenessnot attentive enough
- business practiceTerrible business practice
- come backNot so sure I'll come back
- customer servicecustomer service is not good
- deliveryDo not order for delivery this place will take your money and not cook the food
- long lineThere was a long line, but the wait was not too bad.
Overall, the service here seems to be a bit of a gamble. If you're lucky with timing, you might get quick, friendly, and attentive care. However, be prepared for potential waits and occasional inconsistencies, especially during busy periods.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits a good note! With a score of 7.7, the ambience is often described as wonderful, great, and lively, creating a good energy. Many appreciate the cleanliness and cozy interior, making it a nice place to be.
This positive sentiment is reflected in 42 positive remarks out of 63 total, highlighting the overall atmosphere and good vibes. However, the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 66.7%, indicating there's still some room for improvement. A few of the 9 negative comments point to issues like a very loud noise level, making it hard to converse.
Some found the chairs uncomfortable, and there were occasional concerns about cleanliness needing more attention to detail, which can certainly impact the overall feel of a place.
Ambience
63
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
9
negative
12
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Clean environment
- Good energy/vibe
What people don't like
- Very loud noise
- Uncomfortable seating
- Cleanliness concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereThe boiling fish and duck blood dish were absolute must-orders and truly stood out. The food quality was rated a perfect 5, and the service and atmosphere also received top marks of 5. The wait time was minimal, up to 10 minutes, and the noise level was moderate.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- cleanlinessMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a great atmosphere and a very clean environment. The food was nice, but we found it to be a bit pricy.
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- ambiencethe ambience and the service is great too
- decent spotThe oxtail, which is their signature dish, was also solid – wouldn’t say it wowed but was tasty. Overall, a strong experience and a decent spot for SF.
- good energy/vibegave this place a good energy/vibe
- interiorThe interior was very cozy
- nice placestopped in this nice place
- vibeHigh vibe restaurant
Frequently criticized
- atmospherepossesses all the charm of a tax office, no pretense of grandeur
- attention to detailcleanliness needs attention to detail
- chairsforgive the chairs, which appear to have been designed by an enemy of comfort
- food safety inspection reportroach and rat issue listed
- hair on platea hair on one of our plates
- noise levelNoise level:Very loud, hard to hear
- placethe place felt unwelcoming
If you're looking for a place with a generally good atmosphere and a lively vibe, this restaurant is worth checking out. Just be prepared that it might get a bit noisy, and seating comfort could be a hit or miss for some.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
While the overall sentiment around value is quite low, with a score of just 3.3 and customer satisfaction at a mere 16.7%, a few diners did find some silver linings. Some appreciated the affordable options and felt they received Quality food at a reasonable price. A handful even noted that despite being on the pricey side, it was worth every penny!
based on 7 positive remarks out of 42 total. However, the overwhelming majority of feedback, comprising 33 negative comments, points to significant concerns. Many found the experience very expensive, citing unexpected surcharges, hidden fees, and even junk fees that added up.
Issues like being double charge tips and charges for basic items like white rice or to-go box left many feeling the value was poor.
Value
42
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
33
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality food value
- Reasonably priced
What people don't like
- Hidden fees added
- Unexpected surcharges
- Very expensive
Often praised
- priceYes, it’s pricier than your typical neighborhood Chinese spot, but this is destination dining
- Reasonably pricedReasonably priced and well worth visiting.
- affordablevery affordable
- better optionsfor the price there are definitely better options nearby for much cheaper
- price per personThe wait time was minimal, up to 10 minutes, and the noise level was moderate. The price per person was in the $30–50 range, making it a great value for the quality of the meal.
Frequently criticized
- priceBut this one costs 58 plus two rice and 10% surcharge to server almost doubled price comparing to Peking duck one!!!
- 10% surchargecharge you an unexpected 10% surcharge
- billkept the duck on the bill and tried to make us pay
- expensivefood is average but expensive
- pricesPrezzi un po’ alti per standard cinese
- additional half wrappay an extra $6 for the additional half wrap
- check outwhen we went to check out, junk fees
- double charge tipsvery dishonest business. They double charge you tips.
- hidden feesthis hidden fees
- junk feesjunk fees of an astounding 10% were added
If you're highly sensitive to pricing and unexpected charges, this spot might leave you feeling disappointed. While some find value in the quality, the prevalence of complaints about hidden fees and high costs suggests you should budget carefully and scrutinize your bill.
How are the prices at Z & Y?
You’re looking at roughly 44 per person – reported by 144 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a nice mix! While the average is 44, a good chunk of diners find options in the 21 – 40 $ range, showing there’s value to be found, alongside some more premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 144 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco. There’s a good range of options, so you can tailor your meal to your budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Z & Y
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Tasty Chinese Food, Busy Dinner Spot
My experience at Z & Y was positive. I had a tasty and quick dinner. The peking duck was great, and so were the dumplings.
The service was decent, and the restaurant gets fairly busy around dinner. It's a good place for authentic Chinese food.
- dinner8
- peking duck9
- dumplings9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Flavors Good, Lamb All Fat
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. While the flavors were present, the cumin lamb was disappointingly ALLLLL FAT, literally all fat. This was a significant letdown.
I will return, but I will likely choose a dish that is predominantly MEAT. The staff, considering the circumstances, was pleasant.
- flavors7
- staff7
- cumin lamb2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Food and Excellent Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic. The duck and the mongolian beef were absolutely delicious. Additionally, the attention from the waitresses was excellent.
I would definitely come back again.
- duck9
- mongolian beef9
- attention from waitresses10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Honest Dining: Flavor Over Finesse
My experience at Z & Y Restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown was a journey of unexpected delights. Despite its unpretentious atmosphere, which felt more like a tax office than a dining establishment, the restaurant truly shines in its culinary offerings. The proprietors seem to prioritize palate over polish, and this focus is evident in the food.
We ordered several dishes, and while the sheer abundance initially felt overwhelming, the quality of the food was exceptional. Even a surprisingly divine dessert, sweet and subtle, capped off the meal beautifully. While the chairs were notably uncomfortable, the restaurant compensates with sincerity, passion, and a touch of beautiful chaos.
It's not fine dining, but it is honest dining, which is a rare and valuable quality.
- food10
- dishes8
- dessert10
- chairs2
- atmosphere2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Enjoyed our quick lunch!
We stopped in this nice place for lunch. We were in San Francisco for like 2 hours. I so enjoyed eating here.
Amazing!
- nice place8
- eating here10
What Z & Y offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Z & Y Restaurant?
Yes, reservations are recommended for both lunch and dinner at Z & Y Restaurant. You can easily plan your visit to ensure you get a table for your preferred dining time, whether you’re coming for a midday meal or an evening feast.
Is Z & Y Restaurant accessible and suitable for families?
Absolutely! Z & Y Restaurant offers a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring comfort for all guests. It’s also good for kids, providing high chairs to accommodate younger diners, making it a great family-friendly option.
What is the overall verdict for Z & Y?
Z & Y holds a good overall score of 7.3, with customer satisfaction at 70.5%. Its strengths lie in Food (8) and Ambience (7.7), while Service (6.7) is average, and Value (3.3) needs significant improvement.
What are some standout dishes at Z & Y?
Customers frequently praise the boiling fish, duck blood dish, and mapo tofu for their authentic flavors. The orange chicken and fried rice also receive positive remarks.
Is Z & Y considered good value for money?
While the food is often enjoyed, the Value score of 3.3 suggests pricing is a concern. Many customers noted unexpected surcharges and found the restaurant to be on the pricier side.