Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Tsing Tao – San Francisco
Tsing Tao - San Francisco
Photo from Tsing Tao
Tsing Tao at a glance
San Francisco Alamo Square
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 36 of the guests
#2050 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#227 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
192
Reviews
57.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Dependable food
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent taste
- Poor ambiance
The restaurant Tsing Tao invites you to experience authentic Chinese cuisine right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Alamo Square neighborhood. This cozy Chinese restaurant is renowned for its exceptional tea selection, offering a perfect complement to your meal.
Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and delicious options here.
Overview: Introducting Tsing Tao
Tsing Tao often comes across as a reliable choice for Chinese takeout, frequently highlighted for its dependably delicious food and the hardworking employees who staff it. Many appreciate it as a go-to for a satisfying comfort meal.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies in food quality, with certain dishes lacking flavor. The atmosphere also receives mixed feedback, and occasional issues with customer service for phone orders have been noted.
Good
6.3
out of 10
192
Reviews
57.3%
Satisfaction
65
negative
17
neutral
110
positive
Tsing Tao holds an overall restaurant score of 6.3, placing it in the average category. Customer satisfaction stands at 57.3%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This assessment is drawn from 192 customer remarks, comprising 110 positive and 65 negative observations. The Food (6.4) is generally well-regarded, often described as dependably delicious, and Service (6.3) also garners positive comments about the staff.
However, Ambience (5.9) receives a slightly lower score, with some noting a lack of atmosphere, and Value (5.1) is the lowest, suggesting some find it a bit pricey for the overall experience.
What people like
- Dependable food quality
- Friendly, hardworking staff
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food taste
- Lack of atmosphere
- Unprofessional phone service
If you’re looking for a straightforward Chinese meal, Tsing Tao could be a decent option, especially for its dependably delicious food and the friendly service from its staff. It often serves as a convenient spot for an affordable, satisfying comfort meal.
With a recommendation score of 6.3, it suggests a generally acceptable experience. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in dish quality and a rather basic dining environment, particularly if you prioritize atmosphere or consistent flavor across the menu.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tsing Tao
Food (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.4 putting it squarely in the average range. Customer satisfaction sits at 58.7%, indicating a mixed experience for many. Based on 138 opinions, with 81 positive and 43 negative, many folks rave about the "best Chinese restaurants" quality, "authentic food, " "generous portion" sizes, and "fresh ingredients" in dishes like "Honey Walnut Shrimp" and "Szechuan chicken.
"However, some experiences drag the overall impression down. There are concerns about "worst food" and dishes being "very bland, " with a few unfortunate reports of "food poisoning" and a "bitter/sour taste. " Specific complaints mention "processed white meat' chicken and a lack of authentic taste" in some items, suggesting inconsistency in quality.
Food
138
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
43
negative
14
neutral
81
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, delicious food
- Generous portion sizes
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Risk of food poisoning
- Bland or bitter taste
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- foodMy go-to classic Chinese takeout place offers dependably delicious food and is staffed by humble, hard-working employees. It's the perfect spot for an affordable and satisfying comfort meal!
- Honey Walnut Shrimpthe Honey Walnut Shrimp is my FAVORITE for sure !!
- Veggie Fried RiceWe enjoyed it so much we went back for dinner three days in a row…. 😅 First photo: Honey Walnut Shrimp Second: Veggie Fried Rice Third: Orange Chicken Fourth: House Satay Fried Rice (BBQ Pork/Chk/Prawns/Satay Sauce ALL AMAZING DISHES but I have to say the Honey Walnut Shrimp is my FAVORITE for sure !
- portionsGreat portions and plenty of sauces.
- Chicken MomoChiken momo is very sweet
- Chinese foodBEST MOM AND POPS PLACE IN San Francisco when it comes to that Chinese food
- FoodFood:5
- General Tao chickenthe General Tao chicken and pork fried rice. The quality of the food was good and the taste of it was AMAZING.
- House Satay Fried RiceWe enjoyed it so much we went back for dinner three days in a row…. 😅 First photo: Honey Walnut Shrimp Second: Veggie Fried Rice Third: Orange Chicken Fourth: House Satay Fried Rice (BBQ Pork/Chk/Prawns/Satay Sauce ALL AMAZING DISHES but I have to say the Honey Walnut Shrimp is my FAVORITE for sure !
- Kung Pao chickenTasty Kung Pao chicken
Frequently criticized
- foodHorrible bitter/sour taste in my food
- food poisoningreally bad food poisoning after ordering
- food tasteeverything tastes the same, no matter what its name is
- Chinese foodway better Chinese food in town
- Chinese restaurantworse Chinese restaurant and plate I had in my life
- General Tao's chickennothing close to real general Tao's chicken it tasted more like sweet and sour chicken but no sourness just sweet and a little spicy
- General Tso'sGeneral Tso's was not too flavorful
- Mu-Shu porkThe Mu-Shu pork lacked flavor
- Pork Fried Ricehorribly bitter taste in ... Pork Fried Rice
- Sesame Chickenhorribly bitter taste in both of our Sesame Chicken
If you're looking for a cozy, satisfying meal with generous portions and potentially authentic flavors, it might be worth a try. Just be aware that quality can be inconsistent, and some diners have had less-than-stellar experiences with blandness or even food safety concerns.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a definite bright side! Many customers rave about the friendly servers and polite staff, often highlighting the super fast service and excellent delivery. With 17 positive remarks out of 28 total, it seems the hardworking folks here are making a good impression, contributing to an average 6.3 score and a mixed 60.7% customer satisfaction rate.
However, its not all smooth sailing. Some experiences mention employees who arent very accommodating, issues with delivery instructions not being followed, and a less-than-friendly customer service for phone orders. The take out only aspect also caught a few off guard, leading to 10 negative comments that suggest theres room for improvement.
Service
28
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast delivery
- Excellent takeout
What people don't like
- Missed delivery instructions
- Unaccommodating employees
- Takeout only
Often praised
- serviceopen til late so bumped up the service
- deliveryUnfortunately, my recent delivery order has ended my long-standing relationship with them for Chinese takeout. While the fast & hot delivery remained consistent, the quality of the food has significantly declined. They now use processed "white meat" chicken, which is a stark departure from the quality I've known for years.
- ServiceService:5
- employeeshumble, hard working employees
- hardworking folksMy go-to classic Asian takeout spot with consistently tasty food and genuinely hardworking folks behind the counter. It's a great place when you're craving a cozy, satisfying meal that doesn’t break the bank!
- late night deliveryOrdered a late night delivery from here and it was excellent!
- ownerThe owner was very welcoming to us.
- people workingMy experience at the restaurant involved trying the salt and pepper spare ribs, which were extremely tough to chew. On a positive note, the people working were very nice.
- serversServers also kind of friendly
- staffThe staff is polite and friendly
Frequently criticized
- customer servicecustomer service for phone ordering is not friendly and unprofessional
- deliveryleft my $85.00 order outside my apartment door
- delivery instructionsdidn't adhear to the delivery instructions
- employeesemployees aren’t very accommodating
- longtime customerINstead of trying to hold onto a longtime customer
- ownerhad to argue with, I'm guessing, the owner
- positive reviewsFurthermore, they no longer offer fortune cookies, a staple for any Chinese restaurant. I also suspect they write their own positive reviews, recalling an employee who used her real name for several 5-star ratings. For flavorful Chinese delivery, I strongly advise looking elsewhere.
- restaurants closing timesad so many restaurants close at 930 in this town
- serviceService:2
- take out onlyBe warned that this location is take out only
If youre looking for quick delivery and generally friendly staff, youll likely be pleased. However, be prepared for a takeout-only experience and potential hiccups with specific delivery requests or phone customer service. It's a mixed bag, so manage your expectations, especially if you have particular needs.
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many guests appreciated the atmosphere, noting it was great and clean. Several folks also highlighted the convenience of it being open super late, which is always a big plus. With 6 positive remarks, it seems there are some definite upsides to the setting, including having quite a few seats.
However, the overall feeling is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at 50%. The score of 5.9 also places the ambience squarely in the average range. Some found the atmosphere lacking, describing the place as nothing special to look at, a small spot, and even mentioning limited parking.
Out of 12 total comments, 5 were on the negative side.
Ambience
12
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Open super late
- Plenty of seats
What people don't like
- No atmosphere
- Limited parking
- Small spot
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere was great
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- everythingFood everything is clean
- open super lateOpen super late which is a big plus
- seatspretty big hole: it has quite a few seats in it
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe restaurant is open late, which was a definite plus for service. However, it is quite expensive and has no atmosphere.
- Chinatown locationExpected so much more from Chinatown location
- limited parkingIt's a small spot with limited parking tho
- placeThe place is nothing to look at
If youre looking for a late-night spot with plenty of seating and dont mind a no-frills environment, this place could work. However, if a strong, distinctive atmosphere is high on your list, you might find it a bit underwhelming.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.1, placing it squarely in the average range. Customer satisfaction also reflects this, sitting at 42.9%, which is considered mixed. Many folks appreciate the affordable and decently priced options, noting that the prices are often cheap and doesn't break the bank.
These positive sentiments come from 6 customer remarks. However, not everyone agrees, as 7 other comments point to concerns about prices being priced high and the cost not always being worth the value. Some feel they expect to pay 10 bucks plus for a single course meal, suggesting that for what you get, the value isnt always there.
Overall, with 14 total remarks, its clear theres a noticeable split in opinions on whether youre getting your money's worth.
Value
14
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Doesn't break bank
- Decently priced
What people don't like
- Priced high
- Not worth value
- Expensive cost
Often praised
- affordableMy go-to classic Chinese takeout place offers dependably delicious food and is staffed by humble, hard-working employees. It's the perfect spot for an affordable and satisfying comfort meal! I especially love the beef chow fun and Szechuan chicken.
- decently pricedIt's decently priced
- doesn’t break the bankMy go-to classic Asian takeout spot with consistently tasty food and genuinely hardworking folks behind the counter. It's a great place when you're craving a cozy, satisfying meal that doesn’t break the bank! I’m especially a fan of the noodle stir-fry with steak and the spicy Szechuan-style chicken.
- priceMy recent experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. I found the Kung Pao chicken to be tasty, made with fresh ingredients and served in a generous portion for under $8, making it definitely worth another visit to try other favorites. However, the customer service for phone ordering was not friendly and unprofessional.
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- pricesThe prices were cheap
Frequently criticized
- priceThe restaurant is open late, which was a definite plus for service. However, it is quite expensive and has no atmosphere.
- costThe cost of this place isn't worth the value
- priced highis priced high
- pricesthe prices at 'Tsing Tao' were even more so
- single course mealexpect to pay 10 bucks plus for a single course meal
- valueisn't worth the value
If youre looking for a quick, affordable meal and arent expecting gourmet, this place might hit the spot. However, be mindful that some find the pricing a bit steep for what's offered, so manage your expectations on value.
How are the prices at Tsing Tao?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 36 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.
While this restaurant sits in the mid-range, the market in general shows a wide spread, with many diners opting for more budget-friendly options around $11–$20, and some going for higher-end experiences too.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person at Chinese Restaurants, using the 36 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair. Its not the cheapest option out there, but it offers a good balance for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tsing Tao
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Horrible Bitter and Sour Food Experience
My experience at the restaurant was quite negative due to the food. I encountered a horrible bitter/sour taste in my meal. I'm unsure what went wrong during preparation, but the overall taste was terrible.
- food1
- bitter/sour taste1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Terrible Food, Ruined Taste Buds
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing due to the food quality. Both the Sesame Chicken and Pork Fried Rice had a horribly bitter taste that affected our palates. I noticed that after eating the rice, even my Gatorade, which I purchased there and tasted fine initially, suddenly repulsed my taste buds.
I suspect there might have been accidental cross-contamination with another ingredient or even a cleaning substance. We were unable to eat the food and had to throw it away. While the Gatorade itself tasted fine, the overall food experience was a significant letdown.
- Gatorade5
- Sesame Chicken1
- Pork Fried Rice1
- bitter taste1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Late-Night Spot with Fast Service
My experience at this restaurant was very positive, especially for a late-night visit. The service was nice and fast, which is always a plus. It's great that they are open super late, making it a big advantage for those looking for a meal at unconventional hours.
The food was very good for eating late. Overall, I'd give it an 8/10. 👍😊
- service8
- open super late9
- food8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious Food, Highly Recommended!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was absolutely delicious, with every dish bursting with flavor and clearly made with care. We especially loved the eggplant and string beans.
The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was great. Highly recommended — we’ll definitely be coming back!
- food10
- eggplant10
- string beans10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Disappointing Chicken and Rice Portion
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I ordered a rice with chicken dish that cost $17, but I received a plate that was mostly rice with only a couple of pieces of chicken. The portion size was very unsatisfactory for the price paid.
- portion size2
- price2
What Tsing Tao offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Tsing Tao Restaurant accessible for all guests?
Yes, Tsing Tao Restaurant is designed to be welcoming for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring easy access. Inside, there’s wheelchair accessible seating available, and for your convenience, a wheelchair accessible restroom is also provided, making your visit comfortable.
Is Tsing Tao Restaurant family-friendly, and is parking available?
Absolutely, Tsing Tao Restaurant is good for kids, making it a great spot for family meals in Alamo Square. When you visit, you’ll also appreciate the convenience of free street parking, which helps ensure a smooth and easy experience for everyone in your party.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Tsing Tao?
Tsing Tao has an overall restaurant score of **6.3** and a customer satisfaction rate of **57.3%**, indicating a mixed but generally average experience.
What are the strongest aspects of Tsing Tao according to customers?
Customers frequently praise the **Food** (6.4) for being dependably delicious and the **Service** (6.3) for its friendly and hardworking employees.
What are some common criticisms or areas for improvement at Tsing Tao?
Some customers have noted issues with **Value** (5.1) and a lack of **Ambience** (5.9), describing the dining environment as basic or having no atmosphere.