Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Golden Coast – San Francisco
Golden Coast - San Francisco
Photo from Golden Coast
Golden Coast at a glance
San Francisco Ingleside
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 39 of the guests
#2152 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#248 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Average
6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
217
Reviews
52.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Cuisine
- Generous Portions
- Fair Pricing
Frequently criticized
- Poor Service
- Noisy Environment
- Tipping Issues
The restaurant, a delightful Chinese eatery in San Francisco’s vibrant Ingleside neighborhood, invites you to discover its authentic flavors. At Golden Coast Restaurant, you’ll find a welcoming spot perfect for any meal, from breakfast to dinner.
You can expect a truly memorable experience, especially if you appreciate a great tea selection to complement your meal. This spot offers a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy small plates and more.
Overview: Introducting Golden Coast
Golden Coast offers a substantial menu of authentic Chinese cuisine, particularly noted for its dim sum and Cantonese favorites. Many appreciate the reasonable price for the variety and large portions served.
The atmosphere is often described as a neighborhood gem, with some enjoying the decorations and a good crowd. However, the experience isn’t without its drawbacks.
Some diners have found the service to be inconsistent, with reports of impatience or unhelpfulness. The ambience can also be a challenge, often described as loud, crowded, and sometimes lacking in cleanliness, making it less ideal for a tranquil meal.
Average
6
out of 10
217
Reviews
52.5%
Satisfaction
77
negative
26
neutral
114
positive
Golden Coast holds an overall restaurant score of 6, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction sits at 52.5%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This feedback comes from a substantial 217 opinions, with 114 positive remarks balancing out 77 negative ones. It suggests that while many find aspects to enjoy, there’s also a significant portion of customers who leave less impressed.
Diving into specifics, Food leads the way with a solid (6.9), reflecting its strong positive reception and high mention share. However, Ambience (5.7) and Service (4.7) fall into the average range, with service leaning towards needing improvement.
Value (4.4) also hovers in the average zone, suggesting that while some find prices reasonable, others feel it could be better.
What people like
- Authentic Chinese Cuisine
- Generous Food Portions
- Generally Reasonable Prices
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, Poor Service
- Loud, Crowded Ambience
- Mandatory Tipping Issues
Golden Coast is a place to consider if your primary goal is authentic Chinese and dim sum, especially given its 6.3 recommendation score. It offers a substantial menu with generous portions that many find satisfying.
If you prioritize flavorful food over a quiet dining experience, it could be a good fit. However, be prepared for a potentially bustling and noisy environment, and service can be a mixed bag.
If a tranquil atmosphere and impeccable service are high on your list, you might find Golden Coast disappointing. It’s best approached with an understanding of its strengths and limitations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Golden Coast
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it seems like theres a lot to savor! With a score of 6.9, its generally considered good, and customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 63.7%. Out of 113 comments, 72 were positive, frequently praising the authentic Cantonese food, excellent dim sum, fresh seafood, and unique cooking techniques like the Steam Hot Pot.
However, 26 negative remarks point to some areas for improvement. Some found dishes to be on the salty or oily side, and there were occasional complaints about inconsistent noodle quality and portion sizes not matching the price. It seems some specific items, like certain chicken wings, also missed the mark.
Food
113
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
26
negative
15
neutral
72
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Cantonese food
- Excellent dim sum
- Fresh seafood options
What people don't like
- Food can be salty
- Often oily dishes
- Inconsistent noodle quality
Often praised
- foodI've been here many times for dinner and have always been impressed by their vast menu, which includes a lot of authentic Chinese cuisine. The service was great and the food was good.
- dim sumMy experience at this restaurant was positive. It's a decent & local spot for dim sum. I frequently visit for their taro puffs, dry fried string beans, and the usual dim sum offerings like hargow and chicken feet.
- authentic Chinese foodauthentic Chinese food and amazing
- clay pot choicesImpressively generous and flavorful clay pot choices
- portionsThe menu is quite extensive, but the staff were nice and provided helpful recommendations on popular dishes and the freshest ingredients available that day. The food was good and served in large portions. I did find it to be on the saltier and oilier side, but overall, it was not bad.
- "real" Chinese foodEspecially the "real" Chinese food
- Cantonese favoritesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed their excellent dim sum and Cantonese favorites. I even introduced a friend to their Malaysian style XO stir fry turnip cakes, and they became a fan.
- Cantonese regional dishesMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around its excellent authentic dim sum and Cantonese regional dishes. The reviewer suggests bringing a good vibing crowd to fully enjoy the experience.
- FoodFood:5
- Malaysian style XO stir fry turnip cakesI enjoyed their excellent dim sum and Cantonese favorites. I even introduced a friend to their Malaysian style XO stir fry turnip cakes, and they became a fan. I highly recommend bringing friends to enjoy dim sum here.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food is absolutely horrible. It is so oily and salty.
- noodlesThe noodle is no taste 😔. It is old, no sauce and taste like nothing else.
- BBQ chickenabsolutely nothing BBQ about it. It has a funny taste
- Chinese broccoliordered sautéed Chinese broccoli and got regular broccoli instead
- Shanghai style Siu Long BaoAvoid the Shanghai style Siu Long Bao
- chicken skinthe skin is rubbery
- crabhoping to eat some crab, but they were unfortunately sold out
- dessertwaiter only provided some orange slices for dessert. No sweet red bean soup or buns or tapioca pudding
- food preparationIt was a total waste of your money. You might have an opinion on how you want your food prepared, but they don't seem to care about satisfying the customer. The last time I bought food from this restaurant, I will never go back again ☹️
- food temperatureThe food was sometimes often cold.
If you're craving authentic Cantonese cuisine and excellent dim sum, this place is definitely worth a try, especially for its fresh seafood. Just be mindful that some dishes might lean towards the saltier or oilier side, and noodle quality can be a bit hit-or-miss.
Service (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
Based on 18 positive remarks out of 48 total, many guests appreciated the quick and efficient service, with some highlighting friendly staff and helpful recommendations. While the overall score for service sits at an average 4.7, there are definitely moments where the team shines, making ordering straightforward and enjoyable. However, the service experience seems to be a mixed bag, with a concerning poor 37.5% customer satisfaction.
With 25 negative comments, issues like slow service, long waiting times for food and drinks, and a poor service attitude, including rude language from some staff, frequently came up. This suggests significant room for improvement in consistency and attentiveness.
Service
48
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
25
negative
5
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Helpful recommendations
What people don't like
- Poor service attitude
- Long waiting times
- Rude staff language
Often praised
- servicethe service was good at the beginning
- ServiceService:5
- friendly servicefriendly service too
- orderingordering is very straightforward and no rush or fuss
- ownerThe owner is very nice
- peoplegood people
- quick lunch/dinnerGreat for a quick lunch/dinner
- recommendationsgave us a bunch of recommendations
- service speedThe food can quickly
- service staffscourteous service staffs
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service is so bad and not professional at all.
- service attitudeHorrible service attitude, waivers ignore the customers
- bald waiterThere was a bald waiter that was not serving people but instead talking to people that he knows well and not working.
- customer satisfactionIt was a total waste of your money. You might have an opinion on how you want your food prepared, but they don't seem to care about satisfying the customer. The last time I bought food from this restaurant, I will never go back again ☹️
- employeeone of the employee walked into the toilet with an apron & long gloves
- excusesthere are many excuses
- experiencethis time is a terrible experience
- lady at the cashierThe lady at the cashier is a bit impatient
- payment issueimpatient in helping me to solve the payment issue
- rude languageone women waiver is using rude language
If you're looking for consistent, top-notch service, this might be a gamble, as experiences vary widely. While some enjoy quick interactions, be prepared for potential delays and inconsistent staff attitudes, which could impact your visit.
Ambience (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot has some real charm! Many folks, about 17 out of 34 comments, appreciate it as a neighborhood gem and a great addition to the area. Youll often find praise for the decorations, the restaurants cleanliness, and the overall spacious feel.
It seems like a pleasant place to be. However, the overall experience is a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 50% and an average score of 5.7. About 13 comments point out that the atmosphere can get quite crowded and noisy.
Parking can be tough, and accessibility for some guests is a concern, impacting the overall comfort.
Ambience
34
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Neighborhood gem
- Clean restaurant
- Spacious interior
What people don't like
- Can get crowded
- Loud and noisy
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere:4
- restaurant cleanlinessrestaurant was really clean
- tablesMy experience at this restaurant was that it's a reliable dim sum place that's larger than it looks at first. In addition to the first floor, there are tables above, and also behind on the second floor. They offer a lot of variety of dishes.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- addition to the areaA great addition to the area
- ambianceambiance of it
- decorationslike the decorations around the walls
- good vibing crowdAlways suggest bringing a good vibing crowd
- locationConvenient location
- neighborhood gemStill a neighborhood gem
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking can be a bit tough
- accessibilitynot friendly to those who can not walk up stairs
- atmosphereLoud and tight
- cleanlinessdoubtful about the cleanliness of this place
- crowdedCan get a bit crowded
- dining roomdining room is quite cold in Winter
- experienceBad experience
- loudIt was pretty loud
- noisyMy experience at this restaurant was centered around its authentic Cantonese food, which was served at a reasonable price. While the food was a highlight, the restaurant can get quite crowded and noisy. I would recommend coming here specifically for the food and not to expect a tranquil ambience.
- placeThe service was slow, which I attribute to how busy the place was. The atmosphere felt a bit loud and tight.
If youre looking for a lively, bustling spot and dont mind a bit of a crowd or a hunt for parking, this place could be a fun pick. But if a quiet, tranquil dining experience is your top priority, you might find the ambience a little overwhelming.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
While the overall customer satisfaction for value sits at a rather low 31.8%, there are some silver linings. Out of 22 comments, 7 positive remarks highlight that many found the prices to be quite reasonable or even affordable. Folks appreciated the good dim sum selection and felt the price is right for what you get, making it a solid choice for traditional fare.
However, the majority of the 22 comments, with 13 leaning negative, point to significant concerns. The score of 4.4 for value, which is average, doesnt fully capture the frustration. Many felt the prices were a bit on the higher side or that portions were very small for the price, leading to a feeling of poor value.
The most contentious issue seems to be the mandatory tip or tips, with several feeling it was a waste of money' given the service.
Value
22
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
13
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices offered
- Affordable dim sum selection
What people don't like
- Mandatory tips enforced
- High prices charged
- Small portions served
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was quite positive. I was impressed with the great dim sum selection and the reasonable price. The decorations and ambiance were also enjoyable.
- pricesprices are comparatively reasonable
- affordable pricesolid choice for traditional dim sum at an affordable price
- reasonable priceMy experience at this restaurant was centered around its authentic Cantonese food, which was served at a reasonable price. While the food was a highlight, the restaurant can get quite crowded and noisy.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe price is also more expensive!
- tiphow much you are going to tip them
- tipsMy experience at this restaurant was terrible. There was no service, yet they force you to provide more than 15% tips even after I had already given a tip. Generally, a "gratuity" or a "tip, " is a voluntary amount – it is entirely at the option of the patron to include this amount on the bill for the services rendered.
- amount of foodhow much they charge for the amount of food
- billnearly charged us for it
- mandatory tipmake mandatory 15% and didn’t even let us leave
- moneyIt was a total waste of your money. You might have an opinion on how you want your food prepared, but they don't seem to care about satisfying the customer.
- pricesPrices are a bit on the higher side
- valueIt isn't a very good value
If you're looking for traditional dim sum at what some consider a reasonable price, you might find a decent deal. However, be prepared for potentially higher prices, smaller portions, and especially watch out for mandatory tipping practices that have left many customers feeling shortchanged and questioning the overall value.
How are the prices at Golden Coast?
You’re looking at roughly 43 per person – reported by 39 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits here, prices are quite spread out, with many guests spending less, and a notable group enjoying a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 39 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the range of experiences available, from more casual to premium, we think the pricing here offers good flexibility. It feels fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, especially if you’re looking for something a bit above the everyday.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Golden Coast
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Solid Cantonese Choice for Family Dinners
My experience at this Cantonese restaurant was pretty solid. We came for a family dinner hoping to eat crab, but unfortunately, they were sold out. The menu is quite extensive, but the staff were nice and provided helpful recommendations on popular dishes and the freshest ingredients available that day.
The food was good and served in large portions. I did find it to be on the saltier and oilier side, but overall, it was not bad. The atmosphere was quite loud and busy during my weekday evening visit.
Parking can be a bit challenging, requiring street parking, but it remains a solid choice for monthly family dinners.
- menu6
- workers8
- recommendations8
- crab2
- saltier4
- oily side4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Quality Cantonese Food with Service Hiccups
My experience at this restaurant was overall good, with quality Cantonese food. However, there was a service issue where they forgot to bring our beef balls and nearly charged us for them. It would have been appreciated if they had apologized for this honest mistake.
I did see them eating the beef balls during their family meal afterwards. The service received a score of 3, atmosphere a 3, and food a 4.
- quality Cantonese food8
- beef balls5
- apologize4
- bill3
- service3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Fresh Food and Attentive Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful! We found the food to be amazing and fresh. The staff was also very attentive.
It's worth noting that weekends and holidays can be busy with large family groups dining.
- fresh food10
- staff9
- weekends and holidays6
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Reasonably Priced Neighborhood Gem
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was reasonably priced, especially considering the current economic climate. The service was quick and efficient.
It remains a beloved neighborhood gem among many locals.
- food8
- service9
- neighborhood gem8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing focus on tips over service
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. It felt like they didn't care much about their food or their service. Instead, their primary concern seemed to be how much you were going to tip them.
- food1
- service1
- tip1
What Golden Coast offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Golden Coast Restaurant accessible for all guests?
Yes, Golden Coast Restaurant is committed to accessibility. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
Can you make reservations at Golden Coast Restaurant, and are they recommended?
Yes, Golden Coast Restaurant accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are highly recommended, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours. This helps ensure you secure your preferred dining time.
What is the overall dining experience like at Golden Coast?
Golden Coast holds an overall score of 6, suggesting an average experience. While **Food** is a strong point at (6.9), **Ambience** (5.7), **Service** (4.7), and **Value** (4.4) are generally considered average or could use improvement.
What kind of food can I expect at Golden Coast?
You can expect a vast menu of authentic Chinese cuisine, with a strong focus on excellent dim sum and Cantonese regional dishes. Many find the portions generous and flavorful.
Are there any common issues or drawbacks to consider before visiting Golden Coast?
Some diners report that the restaurant can be loud, crowded, and noisy, impacting the ambience. Service can also be inconsistent, and there have been mentions of issues regarding mandatory tipping.