Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Gourmet Carousel – San Francisco
Gourmet Carousel - San Francisco
Photo from Gourmet Carousel
Gourmet Carousel at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 36 of the guests
#1073 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#59 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
362
Reviews
77.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Good value
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent quality
- High prices
- Difficult parking
The restaurant Gourmet Carousel is a delightful Chinese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Japantown. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re seeking a quick bite during lunch or a full dinner with table service, this welcoming establishment offers a comfortable dining experience for you and your companions.
Overview: Introducting Gourmet Carousel
Gourmet Carousel offers a generally positive dining experience, particularly noted for its flavorful dishes and generous portions. Many appreciate the establishment’s long-standing presence and the cozy feeling it provides, often highlighting the friendly interactions with staff.
It’s a spot where you can expect satisfying Chinese comfort food. However, some diners have encountered issues, particularly concerning the consistency of certain dishes, with a few finding the food to be lacking flavor or texture.
While generally seen as good value, there are occasional remarks about items being a bit expensive.
Good
7.6
out of 10
362
Reviews
77.9%
Satisfaction
62
negative
18
neutral
282
positive
Gourmet Carousel earns a solid 7.6 overall, reflecting a generally positive experience for many patrons. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 77.9%, indicating that a good majority of diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial amount of feedback, with 282 positive comments outweighing 62 negative ones out of 362 total opinions. Looking closer at the specifics, Food stands out with a score of (7.7), often praised for its quality and generous portions.
Service (7.5) and Value (7.5) also contribute positively, suggesting a well-rounded offering. While Ambience (6.8) is considered good, it’s a slightly less emphasized aspect compared to the culinary experience.
What people like
- Delicious, generous food
- Good value
- Friendly service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Occasional high prices
- Difficult parking
Gourmet Carousel appears to be a reliable choice for those seeking satisfying Chinese comfort food with a personal touch. With a Recommendation Score of 7.7, it’s generally well-regarded, especially if you prioritize flavorful dishes and appreciate a family-owned feel.
It’s worth trying for its strong culinary offerings and attentive service. However, be mindful that experiences can vary, particularly regarding dish consistency and occasional pricing.
If you’re looking for a consistently perfect experience or a high-end ambiance, you might find some aspects less polished. For a casual, good-value meal, it’s a solid contender.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Chinese Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
221
94.1%
- $$
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
285
95.4%
- $$
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
286
93.7%
- $$
- Seacliff
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
269
91.4%
- $$
- Jordan Park
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
480
91.3%
- $$
- Transbay
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
77
90.9%
- $$
- Sunset District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Gourmet Carousel
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction rate of 79.2%, it's clear that most diners are leaving happy. Based on 240 opinions, with 190 positive and 39 negative remarks, many rave about the generous portions, authentic Chinese cuisine, great flavors, and the freshness of ingredients.
However, not every dish is a winner. Some experiences mention food being excessively salty or greasy, with occasional complaints about chewy or tough meat and overcooked dishes. While these negative points are fewer, they suggest that consistency might be an area for improvement.
Food
240
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
39
negative
11
neutral
190
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Authentic flavors
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Excessively salty
- Greasy food
- Tough meat
Often praised
- foodThe highlight of my meal was the potstickers, which were the best I've ever had – perfectly crisp outside, tender inside, and complemented by an incredible sauce. Overall, Gourmet Carousel offers a wonderful dining experience with top-notch food and outstanding service. I highly recommend visiting this gem for a taste of some of the best Chinese cuisine in San Francisco.
- portionsMy experience at this local spot for Chinese food was excellent. The portions were generous, and the staff was friendly. I frequently get takeout from here, and the food is ready pretty quickly.
- potstickersthe potstickers, which were the best I've ever had
- Chinese foodReally nice Chinese food! Love them.
- wingsI ordered four different types of wings through Caviar, and each one was incredibly flavorful and well cooked. These are truly the best wings I have ever consumed. I will definitely be back and would recommend this place to anyone looking for an amazing variety of delicious wings.
- dishesMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The dishes come in great portions, which is hard to come by these days. The food is decent, and the restaurant is run by family members who provide attentive service.
- pot stickersmake their own potstickers because the ingredients are full of flavour
- Chinese comfort foodGood Chinese comfort food
- Chinese restauranta good Chinese restaurant in San Francisco
- delicious foodIt's one of the best Chinese restaurants I've eaten at in San Francisco, CA. I first discovered it in the mid-90s, and it's truly a testament to its delicious food and great service that it's still going strong, especially through the pandemic. If you're in San Francisco, I highly recommend giving them a try; I don't think you will be disappointed.
Frequently criticized
- chickenThe "pork" in the dish was sliced ham, and there were only two shrimp in the entire dish. The chicken was spicy and old, clearly cooked and then recooked, possibly fried again. For a total near $50, this was a gross experience.
- noodlesmade the noodles mushy
- shrimpThe deluxe chow noodles tasted of pure dough and were also terribly under-sauced. The "pork" in the dish was sliced ham, and there were only two shrimp in the entire dish. The chicken was spicy and old, clearly cooked and then recooked, possibly fried again.
- Canton style roast ducknormal Canton style roast duck with an upcharge
- Chinese foodDuring our stay in San Francisco, we visited this restaurant and were thoroughly disappointed. I have never in my life tasted Chinese food this bad. The noodles were rock hard, along with the rest of our dish, which was dry and had no flavor.
- Peking duckPeking duck turned out to be normal Canton style roast duck
- bbq porkbbq pork.........????
- beef eggplant over ricebeef eggplant over rice: a little disappointed and lacked flavor. beef was a little chewy.
- chewy and toughThe salt seemed to be on sale, as everything was excessively salty. The salt and pepper pork chop was particularly bad, described as being like a rubber band – very chewy and tough. Service was also an issue; we ordered five dishes, but only four arrived, and we had to wait until we were almost finished to receive the fifth.
- cooksSomething is seriously not right here. Either they’ve changed cooks or one of the cooks can’t cook, because the reviews don’t add up. I ordered four dishes and they were all literally vile.
If you're craving generous portions of authentic Chinese comfort food with good flavors, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might occasionally miss the mark on seasoning or texture, so choose wisely.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and a customer satisfaction rate of 75%, its clear that most diners have a good experience. Many rave about the "friendly family-like service, " "fast service, " and "attentive service, " often highlighting the staffs knowledge and quick food delivery, based on 45 positive remarks.
However, its not always perfect. About 12 comments mentioned issues like "order delay" and "inattentive hostess/waitress, " with some specific frustrations around online orders and "Grubhub" service. While these are noted, they dont overshadow the overall positive sentiment.
Service
60
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly family service
- Lightning fast service
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- Order delays
- Inattentive staff
- Grubhub service issues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed by the amazing prices, friendly service, and great portion sizes. We ordered the Kung Pao chicken and Chow fun with beef, and it was an incredible meal.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food was amazing, and the staff was incredibly friendly. I even witnessed a staff member kindly feed a homeless man outside the restaurant, which speaks volumes about the establishment's character.
- ladyThe lady makes you feel like she's serving food to her kids at home
- service speedMy experience at this restaurant was great! I found it to be a place with cheap, fast, and good Chinese comfort food. It's worth noting that it gets pretty busy on weekdays between 11: 30 AM and 1: 00 PM.
- Fastest take outFastest take out (ready within 12mins)
- Lady who works thereThe lady who works there is pretty cool
- ServiceService:4
- StaffStaff was friendly
- attentive serviceThe dishes come in great portions, which is hard to come by these days. The food is decent, and the restaurant is run by family members who provide attentive service. I have been there numerous times and will certainly be coming back.
- belongingsmy belongings had been kept safe
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice not that good
- GrubhubI particularly enjoy their Buddha's delight, deluxe wonton, and pork moo shu, which are "soooo good. " However, my experience with ordering through Grubhub has been the worst service. On multiple occasions, the app indicated the order was being made, but the restaurant either wasn't delivering at that time or the order didn't go through.
- deliveryrestaurant either does not deliver at that time
- five dishesWe ordered 5 dishes and four came and we forgot about the 5th until it came out
- hostess/waitressThe shrimp with lobster sauce was very salty and unfortunately resembled scrambled eggs with shrimp instead of the expected creamy sauce. My lasting impressions are the good fried chicken, very difficult parking, and an unfriendly hostess/waitress.
- online orderwhen we asked for it they just said no
- order canceledwe get a text saying the order is canceled
- order delayMy order was 25 minutes late
- staffThe prices were also great. While the staff can be a little brusque, the quality of the food makes it a worthwhile trade-off. Their pot stickers are AMAZING and a must-try.
- waitressWaitress was extremely inattentive
If you're looking for a place with generally quick and friendly service, this restaurant is a solid bet. Just be mindful that occasional delays or inattentive moments, especially with third-party delivery, might pop up.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a somewhat positive vibe, with a score of 6.8 and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 64.3%. Many guests appreciate the cozy feeling and positive atmosphere, often highlighting it as a great family owned restaurant with a newly remodeled interior. With 18 positive remarks out of 28 total, it seems many find it a pleasant place to chill, especially with TVs for games.
However, not everyone is charmed, as 6 negative comments point out some drawbacks. Some find the inside to be way too dark, which can detract from the overall experience. While some find parking easy, others mention parking is difficult, which can be a hassle before you even step inside.
So, while it has its bright spots, there are a few areas that could use a little more light.
Ambience
28
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
6
negative
4
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, positive atmosphere
- Family-owned charm
- Newly remodeled interior
What people don't like
- Dark interior
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was great at 4/4
- parkingIt comes with tea. Metered street parking is pretty easy to find most of the time.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Hidden gemThis place is a hidden gem
- TVs for gamesThere are lots of other great dishes on the menu. It's also well priced, and they have TVs for games.
- cozy feelingVery cozy feeling place
- family ownedlong-time family owned restaurant
- family owned restaurantGreat family owned restaurant
- great placeJust a great place
- newly remodeled interiorMy experience at this family owned, well managed restaurant was fantastic. They have just reopened with an updated menu and a newly remodeled interior. The food was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere was great at 4/4.
Frequently criticized
- parkingThe shrimp with lobster sauce was very salty and unfortunately resembled scrambled eggs with shrimp instead of the expected creamy sauce. My lasting impressions are the good fried chicken, very difficult parking, and an unfriendly hostess/waitress.
- ambiancenot for the ambiance
- forks settingwhat chinese restaurant will only have forks setting instead of chopsticks
- insideThe inside is way too dark
- no Asians in the restaurantbig red flag was that there were no asians in the restaurant
If youre looking for a cozy, family-owned spot with a positive vibe and dont mind potentially tricky parking or a darker interior, it's worth a visit. However, if a bright, easily accessible atmosphere is your top priority, you might find it a bit of a mixed bag.
Value (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at a great 85.3%, its clear many diners find the pricing appealing. Based on 29 positive remarks out of 34 total, terms like well priced, affordable places, and reasonable prices frequently pop up, suggesting you can enjoy a good meal without breaking the bank.
However, a few voices, 5 out of 34, did express some concerns. Mentions of upcharge, expensive, and item prices' indicate that some found certain dishes or the overall bill a bit higher than expected, especially when compared to online menus or for specific items.
Value
34
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Well priced meals
- Affordable options
- Good value
What people don't like
- Unexpected upcharges
- Some items expensive
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was great! I found it to be a place with cheap, fast, and good Chinese comfort food. It's worth noting that it gets pretty busy on weekdays between 11: 30 AM and 1: 00 PM.
- pricesdecent prices for what you are getting
- Low pricesLow prices
- PricesPrices are super good
- affordable placesfew affordable places left in SF
- decent pricesThe prices were decent
- good pricesat good prices
- great pricesThe potstickers and wontons are made in-house, which is a great sign of quality. The place has a very cozy feeling with friendly service, great prices, and awesome food.
- inexpensivequite inexpensive
- lunch specialsgood lunch specials
Frequently criticized
- expensiveExpensive for sure!
- item pricesExpect to pay $1-4 more per item
- lunch menu priceslunch menu that pulls up on the Google map profile does not accurately reflect the prices
- priceMy total was near $50 for this
- upchargenormal Canton style roast duck with an upcharge
If you're looking for a place that generally offers good bang for your buck, especially for lunch specials, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that a few items might come with a slightly higher price tag than anticipated.
How are the prices at Gourmet Carousel?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 36 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests (27 out of 36!) stick to that $11–$20 sweet spot. A few venture into the $21–$30 range, and a couple even splurge a bit more. So, while the average is solid mid-range, there’s room for both budget-conscious and slightly more indulgent meals.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 36 reviews.
Curious how this spot stacks up against other restaurants in San Francisco? This chart compares its value for money.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers good value for that mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Gourmet Carousel
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Solid Food, Fast Service, Big Portions!
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was solid, and the service was impressively quick. We were also pleased with the big portions.
A nice surprise was that there was no charge for tea. This has become a family favorite! I highly recommend the beef stew, black bean chow mein, and the yefu fried wonton soup.
- food8
- service9
- portions8
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Classic Chinese Food is Back!
My experience at this classic Chinese restaurant was wonderful! Yin has brought her beloved neighborhood restaurant and cuisine back to life, offering both Dinner and Lunch just like before. I visited on October 6, 2025, and was thrilled that the CRISPY CHICKEN is back on the menu!
I celebrated the Moon Festival with friends and enjoyed the Crispy Chicken, beef with Bitter Melon, and Kung Pao Shrimp. Everything was delicious! My friends missed out on a fabulous dinner.
- Crispy Chicken10
- beef with Bitter Melon9
- Kung Pao Shrimp9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Kind Staff and Authentic Food!
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, largely due to the exceptionally kind staff. I had the relief of finding my passport, which I had accidentally left behind, safely kept by the team. They warmly greeted me upon my return the next day, which I truly appreciated.
Beyond the excellent service, the food was authentic and fresh. 生意興隆！
- staff10
- belongings10
- food9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Fresh, Delicious Food & Great Atmosphere!
We’ve been here so many times, and the food is always so fresh and delish! So glad we can walk here from our apartment 😋. I highly recommend getting the Singapore noodles.
- food10
- Singapore noodles10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Decent Soup, Quick Service
My experience at the restaurant was marked by quick food delivery and service from a nice enough lady. The soup was decent. Overall, it was a satisfactory experience.
- food delivery8
- lady7
- soup6
What Gourmet Carousel offers
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
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Gourmet Carousel?
At Gourmet Carousel, you can anticipate a cozy and casual dining experience. It’s a great spot for both lunch and dinner, offering comfortable seating and table service. If you’re in a hurry, quick bites are also available, ensuring a pleasant meal in a relaxed setting.
What accessibility features are available at Gourmet Carousel?
Gourmet Carousel is committed to providing an accessible environment for all guests. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring easy access into the restaurant. Additionally, wheelchair accessible seating and restrooms are available for your comfort and convenience during your visit.
What are the main strengths of Gourmet Carousel?
Customers frequently praise Gourmet Carousel for its delicious and generously portioned food, often highlighting items like potstickers and wings. The restaurant also receives positive remarks for its good value and friendly, attentive service.
Are there any common issues or drawbacks at Gourmet Carousel?
Some diners have noted inconsistencies in dish quality, with occasional complaints about food lacking flavor or being poorly prepared. There are also mentions of certain items being more expensive than expected, and some find parking challenging.
How does Gourmet Carousel score overall, and what do customers think of its key aspects?
Gourmet Carousel holds an overall score of 7.6, with Customer Satisfaction at 77.9%. Food scores highest at (7.7), followed by Service (7.5) and Value (7.5). Ambience also rates well at (6.8), indicating a generally positive experience across the board.