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oChef » Ling Ling – San Francisco
Ling Ling - San Francisco
Photo from Ling Ling
Ling Ling at a glance
San Francisco Silver Terrace
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 21 of the guests
#2033 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#211 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
224
Reviews
57.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Reliable food
- Quick service
- Fair pricing
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Limited space
- Parking difficulty
The restaurant Ling Ling is a welcoming Chinese restaurant nestled in the vibrant Silver Terrace neighborhood of San Francisco. When you’re craving authentic flavors, Ling Ling Cuisine Restaurant offers a casual dining experience perfect for both lunch and dinner.
You’ll find it’s a great spot for families, providing high chairs for the little ones. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, this local gem ensures a satisfying meal in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Ling Ling
Ling Ling offers a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine, often praised for its reliably good food and generous portion size. Many appreciate the quick service and the overall value, making it a frequent choice for those seeking a satisfying meal.
However, some experiences point to inconsistencies, with occasional concerns about poor customer service and certain dishes falling short. The dining space can feel a bit constrained with limited seats, and parking might require some effort.
Good
6.4
out of 10
224
Reviews
57.1%
Satisfaction
69
negative
27
neutral
128
positive
Ling Ling achieves an overall score of 6.4, placing it in the average category, with Customer Satisfaction at 57.1%, indicating a mixed reception. This assessment comes from 224 customer observations, with 128 positive remarks and 69 negative ones, suggesting a noticeable split in experiences.
Digging deeper, the Food stands out with a good score (7.1), often described as reliably good and authentic. However, Service (5.5) and Ambience (4.8) hover in the average range, with some finding the service inconsistent and the dining environment a bit basic.
Value (6.7) is generally seen as fair, though not exceptional.
What people like
- Reliable Cantonese food
- Quick service
- Fair pricing
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Limited seating
- Parking difficulties
With a Recommendation Score of 6.9, Ling Ling presents itself as a decent option, particularly if you prioritize a quick, value-driven meal. It’s a place that delivers on its core promise of accessible Chinese cuisine, especially for those familiar with its traditional offerings.
If you’re seeking a polished dining experience or expect consistently flawless service, you might find it falls short. However, for a straightforward, satisfying meal where the food generally hits the mark and the price is right, Ling Ling is certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ling Ling
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.1 score. Many patrons rave about the authentic Chinese dishes, generous portions, and excellent wok cooking, with specific praise for Shanghai noodles and fried rice. With 83 positive remarks out of 121 total, there's a clear appreciation for the taste and authenticity.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a 68.6%, indicating a somewhat mixed experience for some. While only 26 negative comments exist, they highlight concerns about oily food, doughy wontons, or tough meat. Specific dishes like the curry or certain noodles also received criticism, suggesting some inconsistencies in quality.
Food
121
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
26
negative
12
neutral
83
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Chinese dishes
- Generous portions
- Good wok cooking
What people don't like
- Oily food
- Doughy wontons
- Tough meat
Often praised
- food" I've been a patron for many years, especially when I lived in the Bayshore area before the pandemic. Returning recently, I was reminded of why I like it so much: reliably good food, reasonable prices, and quick service. They manage to deliver on all three fronts, which is an impressive feat.
- Chinese foodserves outstanding Chinese food
- menuTheir 3 items with free rice menu is large
- portion sizewe were actually pleasantly surprised with the portion of the food
- Cantonese style foodThis is a nice little hole in the wall that you might miss if you don't pay attention. The restaurant serves Cantonese style food and has a tasty and old school feel. It's one of my go-to spots in the area.
- 3 other dishesalong with 3 other dishes
- Cantonese foodMy experience at this restaurant was positive overall. The wok cooking was good, and they serve Cantonese food. The price was fair, and I appreciated that the house soup was free with the entree.
- Chinese dishesserves authentic Chinese dishes
- Mongolian Beefhe said if was FIRE!
- Mongolian chickenUsually order Mongolian chicken
Frequently criticized
- foodWorst food I ever had
- BBQ porkThe BBQ pork was dry
- CurryNever try the Curry,worse!!!!!!!!!!!
- beef stew with tofuthe beef was quite tough, and had to chew through it
- broccoliThe won ton was absolutely doughy, with no shrimp and no pop – just mush. The ling ling chicken had inferior chicken and pale broccoli that was overcooked. I really want this place to succeed, but they need to make some improvements.
- cheap oilCheap oil made me throw up
- chokedwe almost got cough up
- deep-fried tofuDeep fried tofu 2 small,can not enjoy how soft inside the bean curd.
- dim sumsign says dim sum, not general cuisine
- eggplant in garlic saucedish came out and there was no meat to be found
If you're looking for authentic Chinese dishes with generous portions, this place is definitely worth trying. Just be aware that some items might be a bit oily or inconsistent, so choose your dishes carefully.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
Based on 43 customer opinions, many folks appreciate the quick service and friendly staff here, often noting that food comes out fast and orders are timely. Theres a good vibe from the service staff, with several positive remarks about their attentiveness. This contributes to an overall score of 5.5, which lands it in the average range.
However, the experience isnt always smooth sailing. A significant number of comments point to issues with waiting times, with some customers feeling ignored or experiencing poor customer service. This mixed bag of experiences is reflected in the 46.5% customer satisfaction, indicating there's definitely room for improvement in consistency.
Service
43
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
19
negative
4
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Service is quick
- Staff is friendly
- Food comes fast
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Poor customer service
- Staff can ignore
Often praised
- service" I've been a patron for many years, especially when I lived in the Bayshore area before the pandemic. Returning recently, I was reminded of why I like it so much: reliably good food, reasonable prices, and quick service. They manage to deliver on all three fronts, which is an impressive feat.
- orderThis was my first time trying this restaurant. They got my order correct, and the broccoli in the beef and broccoli was perfect. However, there were way too many veggies and not enough meat in both the beef broccoli and the chicken with garlic sauce.
- credit cardsThey do take credit cards
- food speedFood comes out fast.
- preparation speedprepares super fast like in 10-15 mins
- quick serviceMy experience at the restaurant was positive. I found it to be a good place with quick service. The 3 dishes option for $24.
- service staffThe service staff was nice though
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was excellent. I found a great sit down menu selection with super friendly staff. Even with fully loaded tables, my order was timely.
- waiting timeNo wait at 11am on a Friday
Frequently criticized
- serviceService the same,big nose,cool!!!!!!!!
- waiting timewaiting a long time. I waiting for a hr
- acknowledged meShe finally acknowledged me
- chilli saucelady wouldn't give me another Chilli sauce, super stingy
- customer servicethe customer service needs major improvement
- deliveriesI wish they did deliveries
- experienceget a poor experice
- ignored meshe just continued to ignore me
- kitchenShe then instructed the kitchen to put some pork on top of my dish
- menudidn't notice any menu
If you're looking for a quick meal and friendly faces, you might be in luck. However, be prepared for potential waits and inconsistent customer service, which could make or break your visit.
Ambience (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
Despite a challenging overall customer satisfaction, the ambience here still manages to charm some guests. With 9 positive remarks, many appreciate the old school feel and window view, noting its a kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible spot. Plus, its often busy, adding to a lively atmosphere, and guests generally find the cleanliness to be good.
However, the ambience receives a moderate 4.8 score, and with a low 24.3% customer satisfaction, there's clearly room for improvement, especially given 20 negative comments. Many find the place to be very small with limited seating, making it feel narrow and tiny. Concerns also include loud noise, an old awning, and even a mention of a beetle on the wall, impacting the overall atmosphere.
Ambience
37
Reviews
24%
Satisfaction
20
negative
8
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Old school feel
- Kid-friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Loud noise
- Beetle on wall
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- busynessIt's busy
- cleanlinessit’s very clean
- good placeGood place
- kid-friendlyKid-friendliness:yes. food & family style seating.
- old school feelThis is a nice little hole in the wall that you might miss if you don't pay attention. The restaurant serves Cantonese style food and has a tasty and old school feel. It's one of my go-to spots in the area.
- restaurantThis small restaurant has stood the test of time, proving that good things truly do come in small packages. In a competitive Chinese food scene like San Francisco's, this place "woks the talk.
- wheelchair accessiblewheelchair accessible entrance & dining
- window viewa window view
Frequently criticized
- parkingI particularly loved the salt and pepper pork. However, it's worth noting that they have limited seats and parking.
- Parking spaceParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
- atmospherethe food makes up for the atmosphere
- restaurantit's a small restaurant hard to fit a big company
- awninghow about a new awning
- beetle on the wallGot a little scared by the large beetle on the wall
- limited seatsthey have limited seats
- noise levelThe place was really loud with customers practically yelling at each other
- placeThe place is very small
- plastic takeout containersplastic takeout containers, how about a new awning. Paper Chinese takeout containers
If youre seeking a cozy, old-school vibe and dont mind a tight squeeze or some noise, this spot might charm you. However, be prepared for potentially limited seating and a bustling, loud environment, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners are thrilled, often describing the food as incredibly affordable and a fantastic deal. Customers frequently praise the good price for generous portions, especially the popular 3 dishes option that offers great quantity. With 16 positive opinions out of 23 total, its clear many appreciate the bang for their buck.
However, the value isnt always perfect, as reflected by a customer satisfaction of 69.6%, which is a mixed bag. A few customers (4 negative opinions) have encountered issues like unexpected charges for a rice bowl or an upgrade fee. There are also concerns about forced tips, which can certainly sour an otherwise good deal.
While the overall score is a respectable 6.7, these points suggest areas for improvement.
Value
23
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great affordability
- Excellent deals
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Unexpected charges
- Forced tipping
- "Upgrade fees"
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I ordered three dishes and rice for only $25. They provide a great quantity of each dish, and the food tastes really good and is very authentic.
- prices" I've been a patron for many years, especially when I lived in the Bayshore area before the pandemic. Returning recently, I was reminded of why I like it so much: reliably good food, reasonable prices, and quick service. They manage to deliver on all three fronts, which is an impressive feat.
- 3 dishes option3 dishes option for 24.99
- affordabilityso great and so affordable!
- cheaperit's cheaper
- dealWhere do you find a deal like that?
- family style Chinese restaurantsone of the cheapest family style Chinese restaurants
- good pricegood at a good price
- low priceMy experience at this restaurant was positive. I found the Chinese food to be great, especially considering the low price. The service was very friendly, and the atmosphere was okay.
- takeout specialGot the 32.95 takeout with 3 entrees and rice
Frequently criticized
- "upgrade fee"She then proceeded to offer me a "upgrade fee" of $1
- charge me dinner plate priceif I want meat in the dish then she will have to charge me dinner plate price
- forced tipsforced tips, attempting to make me double tip
- rice bowlridiculous $2.5 for a rice bowl
If you're seeking generally affordable and generous portions, particularly with their popular 3 dishes option, this place is often a great choice. However, be aware of potential extra charges for items like a rice bowl or any upgrade fees to ensure your experience remains a good deal.
How are the prices at Ling Ling?
You’re looking at roughly 26 per person – reported by 21 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 26, it’s interesting to see that many guests actually spend less, often in the $11–$20 range, suggesting a good mix of options from quick bites to more elaborate meals.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 21 reviews.
Comparing value for money: how this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good range, so you can likely find something whether you’re looking for a quick, affordable meal or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ling Ling
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Terrible food and experience
My experience at this restaurant was terrible. The food was the worst I've ever had. The noodles were burned, and the cheap oil used made me throw up an hour later.
Overall, a terrible experience.
- food1
- noodles1
- cheap oil1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Reliably Good Chinese Food in SF
This small restaurant has stood the test of time, proving that good things truly do come in small packages. In a competitive Chinese food scene like San Francisco's, this place "woks the talk. " I've been a patron for many years, especially when I lived in the Bayshore area before the pandemic.
Returning recently, I was reminded of why I like it so much: reliably good food, reasonable prices, and quick service. They manage to deliver on all three fronts, which is an impressive feat.
- food8
- prices8
- service8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Mongolian Beef is FIRE!
My brother loves the Mongolian Beef here. I bought him lunch, and he said it was FIRE! The food was great, and he particularly enjoyed the Mongolian Beef.
The service was excellent, with a perfect score of 5. The atmosphere also received a perfect score of 5. It's a kid-friendly place with family-style seating, and it's wheelchair accessible with an accessible entrance and dining area.
Parking is available via paid street parking, but finding a spot can be difficult.
- Mongolian Beef10
- food8
- service10
- Parking space3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Ling Ling Cuisine: Clean, Friendly, and Delicious!
This was our second visit to Ling Ling Cuisine Restaurant, and we absolutely loved it! The restaurant is exceptionally clean, and the service was both attentive and friendly. The food is made to order and was truly delicious.
We also appreciated that the portions were good. We would definitely recommend this restaurant and plan to return for sure!
- cleanliness10
- service10
- food10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Rice Bowl and Forced Tips
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I was charged a ridiculous $2. 5 for a rice bowl without being informed of the price beforehand.
Additionally, I felt pressured by forced tips, which seemed to be an attempt to make me double tip. The food received a rating of 3, service a 1, and atmosphere a 1.
- food6
- rice bowl2
- forced tips1
- service2
What Ling Ling offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What are the parking options available at Ling Ling Cuisine Restaurant?
Finding parking near Ling Ling Cuisine Restaurant can sometimes be a challenge, as spaces are usually difficult to find. However, you can look for free street parking or paid street parking options in the surrounding Silver Terrace neighborhood.
Does Ling Ling Cuisine Restaurant offer accessible dining and various meal options?
Yes, Ling Ling Cuisine Restaurant is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating. You can enjoy a range of dining options including lunch, dinner, and catering services, all with comfortable seating and table service available.
How does Ling Ling generally score with customers?
Ling Ling holds an overall score of 6.4 with Customer Satisfaction at 57.1%. While Food scores well (7.1), Service (5.5) and Ambience (4.8) are considered average, with Value (6.7) being fair.
What do customers appreciate most about Ling Ling's food and value?
Many patrons praise Ling Ling for its reliably good food , authentic Chinese dishes , and generous portion size . The reasonable prices and 3 dishes option are frequently highlighted as offering good value.
Are there any common concerns about Ling Ling's service or dining environment?
Some customers have noted inconsistent service and long waiting times . The limited seats and difficult parking are also mentioned as potential drawbacks for the dining experience.