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oChef » Jade Cafe – San Francisco
Jade Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from Jade Cafe
Jade Cafe at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 54 of the guests
#2160 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#245 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Average
6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
307
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic flavors
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Dated ambiance
The restaurant Jade Cafe invites you to experience authentic Chinese cuisine right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District. This casual Chinese restaurant is a perfect spot when you’re craving delicious small plates or a quick bite.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere whether you’re dining in for lunch or dinner, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed meal with friends or family.
Overview: Introducting Jade Cafe
Jade Cafe offers a mixed experience, often praised for its authentic Chinese food and generous portions that provide good value. Many appreciate the quick service and the overall cleanliness, making it a practical choice for a casual meal.
However, some visits are marred by rude customer service and an often lacking atmosphere . While the food can be a highlight, there are instances where dishes are described as bland food or not as fresh as expected, suggesting inconsistency.
Average
6
out of 10
307
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
114
negative
21
neutral
172
positive
Jade Cafe holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6, placing it squarely in the average category. This is mirrored by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 56%, indicating a mixed reception from its patrons.
With 307 customer comments, including 172 positive and 114 negative remarks, there’s a clear split in experiences, suggesting it might not consistently hit the mark for everyone. Looking closer at the specifics, Food (6.2) generally receives an average rating, though it’s the most discussed aspect.
Ambience (6.6) also lands in the average range, with some finding it acceptable while others note areas for improvement. Value (5.8) is perceived as average, and Service (5.3) is the lowest-scoring area, often cited for its inconsistencies.
What people like
- Authentic Chinese flavors
- Generous food portions
- Affordable pricing
What people don't like
- Rude service
- Lacking atmosphere
- Bland food
With a Recommendation Score of 6.2, Jade Cafe is a place that could be worth a visit if you prioritize authentic Chinese flavors and generous portions over a polished dining experience. It often delivers on value, making it a practical choice for a casual meal.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies, particularly with rude service and an often lacking atmosphere. If these aspects are dealbreakers for you, you might find the experience disappointing, but for a straightforward, affordable meal, it has its merits.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Jade Cafe
Food (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners have found plenty to love, with 104 positive remarks out of 175 total comments. Guests often praise the delicious and authentic Asian food, highlighting generous portions and great flavor. The overall score for food sits at an average 6.2, suggesting a generally satisfying experience for many.
However, the customer satisfaction rate is a mixed 59.4%, indicating some areas for improvement. There are 63 negative observations, with common complaints pointing to bland or flavorless dishes, undercooked items, and concerns about quality control. Some experiences mention food not seeming fresh or having inconsistent quality.
Food
175
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
63
negative
8
neutral
104
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious authentic food
- Generous portion sizes
- Great flavor
What people don't like
- Bland and flavorless
- Inconsistent quality
- Undercooked food
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food is incredibly delicious; any dish you choose is a delight. It's very good and I recommend it 100%.
- Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed delicious, authentic Chinese food with large servings. The prices were affordable, and the service was great.
- flavorconsistent in the flavor
- portionsthe portions were generous
- Mongolian BeefI particularly enjoyed the Mongolian Beef
- FoodFood:5
- dishesWe ended up taking more than half of the food home, but it was just as good heated up a second time. I also ordered delivery for my office crew the same week on Friday, and everyone loved their dishes too! It's also super reasonably priced, which is always a plus!
- qualityFor the price and the quality this place is awesome!
- Asian comfort foodbest Asian comfort food dishes in town
- Chinese flavorsThe service was very good and the staff were very friendly. The food is great with real Chinese flavors. It's conveniently situated just across from Franklin Square soccer field.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was underwhelming—it didn’t seem as fresh as I had hoped
- food qualityMy experience at this restaurant was a whole different level of bad cuisine. The food quality was extremely disappointing, as they couldn't even manage to execute basic Chinese dishes properly.
- fried ricefried rice, which was incredibly bland
- Sesame chickenSesame chicken ... was really bland - not much flavor
- beef and broccoliThe beef and broccoli. The beef was way over tenderize
- Chinese foodFor Chinese food?!?
- Kung Paothe Kung Pao is like a soup
- Kung Pao ChickenKung Pao Chicken ... was really bland - not much flavor
- Mongolia beeforder Mongolia beef but the meat doesn’t taste like beef
- Mongolian beefMongolian beef was slimy
If you're looking for generous portions of authentic Asian comfort food with good flavor, this spot often delivers. However, be aware that some diners have experienced inconsistencies in quality, with dishes occasionally being bland or undercooked. It might be worth a try, but temper your expectations for every dish.
Service (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres definitely a bright side! Many customers have highlighted positive experiences, often praising the friendly staff and their welcoming service. Folks appreciate how fast and quick the service can be, with food often arriving sooner than expected, making for an accommodating visit.
These upbeat observations come from 31 reviews, showing a team that often aims to please. However, the service isnt without its bumps, contributing to an average 5.3 score and mixed 47.7% customer satisfaction. A nearly equal number of customers, 30 to be exact, have unfortunately encountered issues, with mentions of rude attitude from some staff members, concerns about order accuracy, and even disrespectful interactions.
It's a mixed bag, where some visits can be less than ideal.
Service
65
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
30
negative
4
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Accommodating team
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Poor attitude
- Order accuracy issues
Often praised
- serviceservice is pretty good
- ServiceService was solid—attentive staff
- staffIt's located in the Mission District and is the best Chinese restaurant. The service was very good and the staff were very friendly. The food is great with real Chinese flavors.
- accommodatingThe family runned business is clean, friendly & accommodating
- deliveryAlso ordered delivery for my office crew the same week
- experiencealways been good to my family and I
- family-run businessThe family runned business is clean, friendly & accommodating
- fastcomes out fast
- foodFood came much quicker than the estimate
- food came quicklythe food came quickly
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service. The lady taking orders as well as handing out the food was extremely rude
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by alright food but rude customer service. Upon arriving as a family of five at 2: 25 pm, we were not greeted.
- servergetting yelled at by the server across the room
- cashierThe one with the glasses is like she is giving me a gift.
- ServiceI ordered shrimp chow mein, salt and pepper shrimp, vegetable deluxe, and beef and broccoli. However, the restaurant gave me someone else’s order, a shrimp vegetable dish. The chow mein was incredibly dry and flavorless, tasting like bland pasta with tiny shrimp.
- attitudethe attitude they give you is really nasty
- bathroomrude with me trying use the bathroom after eating
- disrespectfulvery disrespectful
- driverthe driver called me 3 times to understand where to deliver the food
- free itemfailed to mention that the restaurant gives a free item for orders over 30 dollars
When it comes to service, its a bit of a mixed bag. You might encounter friendly, quick staff, but theres also a chance of less-than-stellar interactions or order mix-ups. If you prioritize speed and a potentially warm welcome, it could be worth a try, but be prepared for some inconsistencies.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
Despite a somewhat mixed customer satisfaction of 55.9%, the ambience here still has its charms, earning an average score of 6.6. Many folks appreciate the clean and moderately spacious environment, often calling it a hidden gem. With 19 positive remarks out of 34 total, the friendly atmosphere and plenty of parking options are frequently highlighted, contributing to a pleasant cafe vibe.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. Some customers feel the overall atmosphere is lacking, with 8 negative comments noting that the place outside doesnt look appealing and the inside could use some love. Mentions of an outdated paint job and a general need for restaurant upkeep suggest there's room for improvement to elevate the dining environment.
Ambience
34
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
8
negative
7
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean and spacious
- Hidden gem feel
- Plenty of parking
What people don't like
- Lacking atmosphere
- Needs upkeep
- Outdated decor
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanThe service was quick, which is always appreciated. While you can't expect a great atmosphere for the price, the restaurant is moderately spacious and clean. I highly recommend the braised codfish, tomato beef Hong Kong style noodles, and bitter melon with spareribs.
- atmospherefriendly atmosphere
- Free parking lotParking options:Free parking lot
- Parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- Plenty of parkingParking space:Plenty of parking
- cafe ambienceThe meat has never been overcooked and the flavor is superb. The staff are very friendly, and the tables are almost always full, contributing to a perfect little cafe ambience. It is most definitely worth a tasty try.
- environmentthe environment of the restaurant
- hidden gemthis place is a hidden gem
- locationThe location is perfect
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere is lacking
- great atmospherecan't expect great atmosphere
- insidethe inside not so much
- outdated paintingIt's truly a dive but clean and consistent in the flavor and amount of food received. All they need is a good paint job and get rid of the outdated painting of a young white girl hanging on their wall. Lol, it's a mish mosh of things, but I guess that's what makes it a dive!
- paint jobIt's truly a dive but clean and consistent in the flavor and amount of food received. All they need is a good paint job and get rid of the outdated painting of a young white girl hanging on their wall. Lol, it's a mish mosh of things, but I guess that's what makes it a dive!
- place outsidePlace outside doesn't look appealing
- restaurant upkeepService was solid—attentive staff, no complaints there. The restaurant itself, though, could use a bit of upkeep. Would I go out of my way to eat here?
If youre looking for a spotless, spacious spot with easy parking and a friendly vibe, youll likely be pleased. But if a modern, polished aesthetic is high on your list, be prepared for a more lived-in feel that might need a little sprucing up.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found the prices quite reasonable, offering affordable meals that felt truly worth your money. With 18 positive remarks among 33 total opinions, guests often praised the generous portions for the cost, contributing to a generally positive sentiment. However, the experience wasn't universally positive, leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 54.5% and an average score of 5.8.
Some of the 13 negative opinions reported feeling scammed or that it was a waste of money due to unexpected extra charges or surprisingly high prices for small portions.
Value
33
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
13
negative
2
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Worth your money
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Unexpected charges
- High prices
- Feeling scammed
Often praised
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was very positive, especially considering the price, which was the cheapest meal we've had in the Mission. The portion size was also generous; my partner and I ate until we were full and still had leftovers for the next day.
- pricesI was ok with the prices very affordable
- affordable mealsI have yet to have a complaint. It's an excellent place for lunch and offers affordable meals. Not to mention, they cook their vegetables perfectly.
- low pricesauthentic Chinese food at low prices
- reasonableI consider reasonable
- reasonable pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed delicious food with more than reasonable prices. While it's nothing fancy, they serve some of the best Asian comfort food dishes in town.
- reasonably pricedSuper reasonably priced also, always a plu!
- worth your moneyThis place, The Jade Cafe is worth your money
Frequently criticized
- priceI was disappointed with how little food they give when it is so expensive. They didn't even fill half of the plate, which I found to be outrageous.
- billThe total of the bill was $90 which was honestly very sad
- chill oilrudly yelled at to pay 3 bucks
- falsely advertisedMaybe my asking for what they're falsely advertising upset them
- free chow mein or fried ricetold its $40. I said ok lets add some drinks make it $40 she then looks at me and says no its not free.
- holding the taxesI think they are holding the taxes
- paying for riceI'm basically paying $15 for rice
- scamMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. I believe this place is a scam and is used to process stolen credit card numbers. I strongly caution everyone to avoid it.
- stolen credit card numbersused this place to process stolen credit card numbers
- sweet-and-sour saucecharge extra for sweet-and-sour sauce
This spot offers a mixed bag on value. While many find the prices reasonable and portions generous, others have encountered unexpected charges or felt the cost didnt match the offering. If youre looking for a potentially affordable meal, it might be worth a try, but be mindful of the bill.
How are the prices at Jade Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 26 per person – reported by 54 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 26, a good chunk of diners actually spend less, with many prices clustering in the $11–$20 range. This means you’ll find a nice mix of budget-friendly options and some slightly more premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 54 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. With options ranging from budget-friendly to mid-range, it offers good value for different appetites and wallets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Jade Cafe
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
More Rice Than Beef for the Price
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food itself was good, but the portion size of the beef was disappointing. I ordered beef with rice, and there was significantly more rice than beef.
The beef pieces were so small, like something a baby cat would nibble. I felt like I was paying $15 primarily for rice, with the green peas and other vegetables appearing larger than the beef. This imbalance in the dish was the main issue.
- food7
- portion size2
- beef sizes1
- paying for rice2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Friendly Staff, Delicious Chinese Food
My experience at this restaurant was made truly worthwhile by the friendly staff who provided a welcoming service. The Chinese menu offers a variety of cultured food to choose from, and the plates are served hot!
- friendly staff10
- welcoming service10
- variety of cultured food9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Perfect - Will Be Back Soon!
My experience at this restaurant was as good as it gets – the real deal! We absolutely loved our dishes. The location is perfect, situated right across the street from our gym.
We're definitely going back soon.
- dishes10
- location10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Best Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings!
I stumbled upon this spot randomly during my trip to SF, and I have to say—their salt and pepper chicken wings might be the best I’ve ever had! The food received a perfect score of 5, and the service was also rated a 5. It was a great dinner experience.
- salt and pepper chicken wings10
- food10
- service10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Portion Size for the Price
I was disappointed with how little food they give when it is so expensive. They didn't even fill half of the plate, which I found to be outrageous.
- food amount2
- price2
- plate2
What Jade Cafe offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options are available at Jade Cafe in San Francisco?
At Jade Cafe, you have several convenient service options. You can enjoy a meal with dine-in service, or opt for takeout if you’re on the go. For ultimate convenience, both delivery and no-contact delivery services are also available, bringing your favorite Chinese dishes right to your door.
Is Jade Cafe in the Mission District accessible and what amenities does it offer?
Yes, Jade Cafe is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Beyond accessibility, you’ll find useful amenities like free Wi-Fi to stay connected, and a gender-neutral restroom for your comfort. It’s designed to be welcoming for all guests.
How does Jade Cafe generally rate among customers?
Jade Cafe receives an overall Restaurant Score of 6, indicating an average experience. While Food (6.2) and Ambience (6.6) are rated similarly, Value (5.8) and especially Service (5.3) tend to be lower, reflecting a mixed customer satisfaction of 56%.
What do customers typically enjoy about the food at Jade Cafe?
Many customers appreciate the authentic Chinese food and generous portions at Jade Cafe. Opinions frequently highlight the consistent flavor and the quality of the dishes, often describing them as delicious and satisfying.
Are there any common complaints about the service at Jade Cafe?
Yes, rude customer service is a recurring concern for some patrons. There are mentions of staff being inattentive or having a poor attitude, which can detract from the overall dining experience.