Highlights
- Live music
oChef » Osmanthus – San Francisco
Osmanthus - San Francisco
Photo from Osmanthus
Osmanthus at a glance
San Francisco Telegraph Hill
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 94 of the guests
#1202 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#80 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
686
Reviews
74.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive service
- Flavorful dim sum
- Fair pricing
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Service issues
- Cleanliness concerns
The restaurant Osmanthus, a delightful Chinese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Telegraph Hill neighborhood, invites you to a unique dining experience. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere, often enhanced by live music, making it a perfect spot for an evening out.
Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a full meal, this establishment offers a diverse menu to satisfy your cravings.
Overview: Introducting Osmanthus
Osmanthus presents a compelling case for a dim sum experience, often lauded for its attentive staff and the overall quality of its offerings. While many find the culinary creations to be quite satisfying, there are occasional remarks about dishes being a touch under seasoned or overly rich.
The setting itself generally receives positive remarks for its pleasant atmosphere. However, some patrons have noted inconsistencies in the dining experience, particularly concerning the pace of food arrival and, in isolated instances, issues with order accuracy.
Despite these minor stumbles, the restaurant manages to maintain a generally positive impression, balancing its strengths with areas that could see refinement.
Good
7.5
out of 10
686
Reviews
74.2%
Satisfaction
130
negative
47
neutral
509
positive
Osmanthus achieves a solid overall 7.5 restaurant score, indicating a generally good performance across the board. Customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 74.2%, suggesting that a significant majority of diners leave content.
This positive sentiment is drawn from a substantial pool of 686 customer observations, with 509 positive remarks outweighing 130 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Food (7.6) and Service (7.6) topics both earn strong marks, reflecting consistent positive experiences in these key areas.
The Ambience (7.4) also contributes positively to the dining experience. However, Value (5.9) registers as more average, indicating that while the quality is appreciated, some guests might find the pricing a bit less compelling than other aspects.
What people like
- Attentive, knowledgeable staff
- Delicate, flavorful dim sum
- Reasonable prices, good portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Service issues (tipping, slow)
- Cleanliness/comfort concerns
If you’re seeking a dim sum spot with generally reliable food and attentive service, Osmanthus is certainly worth considering. Its strong recommendation score of 7.6 suggests that most visitors have a positive experience, especially appreciating the culinary craftsmanship and the helpfulness of the team.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food preparation or service pace, and manage expectations regarding value. It’s a place that often delivers, but a few minor rough edges mean it might not be perfect for every occasion or every diner’s specific preferences.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Osmanthus
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally pleased, with a 7.6 score reflecting a good culinary experience and customer satisfaction at a strong 74.9%. Out of 426 total opinions, 319 celebrate the delicious dim sum, flavorful Peking duck, and amazing bbq pork buns. Many also praise the garlic noodles and creative cocktails.
Yet, there are 72 comments highlighting areas for improvement. Some found dishes like beef chow mein or soup dumplings to be under-seasoned or lacking broth. Concerns were also raised about food being too oily, and a few instances mentioned issues with quality, such as raw shrimp in shumai.
Food
426
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
72
negative
35
neutral
319
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious dim sum
- Flavorful Peking duck
- Excellent garlic noodles
What people don't like
- Food under-seasoned
- Soup dumplings lack broth
- Dishes too oily
Often praised
- foodThe portions were quite large, almost too much. While the food was texturally amazing, with chicken feet that were fall off the bone and incredibly silky steamed rice rolls, it was a bit under seasoned. I wished everything was a bit more pungent.
- dim sumA special mention goes to Hermen, the owner, who was incredibly nice and easy to work with, going out of his way to ensure everything was set up perfectly. For anyone seeking a spot in San Francisco with delicious dim sum, creative cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere, Osmanthus is definitely worth checking out.
- garlic noodlesMy experience at Osmanthus was amazing! I tried a variety of dishes, including the shrimp and chive dim sum, crispy onion pancake, Chinese broccoli beef, garlic noodles, and fried sesame balls. The food was fantastic, and the service and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5.
- FoodFood is amazing. 10/10 , perfect flavor and spice.
- dishesWe came here for an early dinner and loved all the dishes we had! Our service was quick because we were almost alone in the restaurant.
- dumplingsTheir fried fish and shrimp felt like seafood cake with a crispy coating of spring roll sheets, giving a nice crunch to its crust and a soft meaty filling inside. The dumplings were both steaming hot and fresh, so delicate that they melted in my mouth. Overall, I would say it was one of the best Chinese cuisines I’ve explored so far, and I look forward to coming back soon.
- cocktailsI enjoyed the great quality dumplings and the overall restaurant atmosphere. The bar offered affordable unique cocktails, and there were lots of menu options for food. The service, price, atmosphere, and food were all rated a perfect 5, making it a highly recommended spot.
- pork bunsHad the Chinese broccoli, hot & sour soup, spicy wonton, Singapore noodles, pork buns, and jasmine tea. All of it so so good.
- jasmine teaHad the Chinese broccoli, hot & sour soup, spicy wonton, Singapore noodles, pork buns, and jasmine tea. All of it so so good.
- portionsI was pleasantly surprised! Everything was delicious and we gorged ourselves, particularly since the portions were larger than expected. Definitely get the eggplant, the pumpkin was worth trying, the shumai was hearty, and the Peking duck was done well.
Frequently criticized
- foodWe didn’t realize how big the portions would be and ended up over-ordering. I agree with other comments that the food was a little too oily, especially the ribs and the fried calamari. We liked the dim sum, but unfortunately, no dipping sauce was provided.
- soup dumplingsDisappointed in the soup dumplings. Majority were broken/torn w no soup
- food qualityfood quality. I ordered beef broccoli
- beef chow mein2/5: beef chow mein (overcooked flavorless noodles with soft and chewy salty beef)
- dim sum5/5. However, the Dim sum chicken was a letdown at 2/5, especially since we came specifically for dim sum and they were not as expected. The atmosphere was also rated highly at 5/5.
- Chicken + Jicama dumplingsthe chicken inside was RAW
- Dim sum chickenDim sum chicken 2/5
- Foodthe chicken inside was RAW
- General Tso's chickenThis place is not for everyone. We were looking for a place to get some General Tso's chicken, but what they promote as it is typical orange chicken. The main dish doesn’t come with rice; you need to pay extra for that side to come with the entree.
- Pecking Duckthere was so little meat to eat
If you're craving generally good dim sum and flavorful Chinese cuisine, this spot is definitely worth exploring. While most dishes hit the mark, be aware that a few items might be inconsistent, so choose your selections wisely.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.6 score and a solid 76% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the attentive staff, speedy service, and warm welcome, often noting how quickly food arrived and the lack of wait times. With 98 positive remarks out of 129 total comments, it's clear that many appreciate the efficient and friendly team.
However, not everyone had a seamless experience. Some diners encountered overwhelmed wait staff, leading to slow service and long waits for food or even water. There were also a few instances of impolite interactions or issues with orders being incorrect, contributing to the 28 negative comments.
It seems consistency can be a challenge, especially during busy periods.
Service
129
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
28
negative
3
neutral
98
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Speedy service
- No wait time
What people don't like
- Overwhelmed staff
- Slow service
- Impolite interactions
Often praised
- serviceThe staff was phenomenal—attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about their craft. For expertly made dim sum, great drinks, and stellar service, Osmanthus Dim Sum Lounge easily deserves 5 stars. I can’t wait to go back!
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The setting was nice, complemented by friendly and efficient staff. The food was good, making it a great choice for business folks hosting guests in a casual, not too formal setting, or for a family outing while traveling.
- ServiceI came into the city for a night specifically looking for some good Dim Sum and chose this restaurant based on the reviews. I have dietary restrictions, being gluten-free, and they were very accommodating in helping me understand what I could eat. However, the experience took a severe turn when we ordered the Chicken + Jicama dumplings.
- food arrivalThe food came pretty quickly after we ordered it.
- ownerThe owner is young and creative, enthusiastic
- recommendationsMy experience at this restaurant was incredible. Our server, Herman, did an excellent job making recommendations and providing superb service. I would highly recommend going here for special occasions.
- serverHerman was our server and he did an excellent job
- serversBoth of our servers were incredibly helpful and patient
- wait timewith no wait.
- AJchat with AJ, bartender and part owner. He has fun insights about cuisine around the world
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service wasn’t the best since our food came separately dish by dish
- wait staffOur service was quick because we were almost alone in the restaurant. However, the wait staff became overwhelmed as soon as a couple more groups arrived. There was only 1 waitress for the whole restaurant, so the wait might be quite long.
- farewellwhen I left. I do not recommend
- food outtook forever to get our food out
- harassing themThey even went as far as to chase us down if we tipped 20%, demanding 25%. This happened during a corporate event where they specifically targeted members of Chinese descent in our group, openly harassing them for more money. I strongly advise dining here at your own professional risk.
- kitchenkitchen doesn't close until 9pm
- managermanager could've handled things better
- order sheetorder sheet (which was tampered with)
- orders wrongMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. They took forever to get our food out, and to make matters worse, they got our orders wrong. This was especially frustrating because the restaurant was only about 60% full; I would have understood if it was packed, but it wasn't.
- paymentThey were friendly to a foreigner next to me, but I don't know why. When I paid, they spoke to me coldly, and didn't say goodbye when I left. I do not recommend this place.
Overall, the service here is often a highlight, with many praising the attentive and quick staff. If youre looking for a warm welcome and efficient dining, its definitely worth a try, but be aware that busy times might test their capacity.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.2%. Many guests, with 78 positive remarks out of 101, praise the delightful dining experience, setting, and atmosphere. They often highlight the spacious, clean interior, nice decor, and inviting outdoor dining area, creating a pleasant spot.
However, it's not without its quirks, with 19 negative comments. Some found the noise level a bit high, especially near the street, and a few mentioned issues with floor or bathroom cleanliness, like stickiness. There were also occasional concerns about flies or feeling cold outside despite heaters.
Ambience
101
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
19
negative
4
neutral
78
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spacious and clean
- Pleasant outdoor dining
- Nice bar and decor
What people don't like
- Sticky floors/bathrooms
- Loud noise
- Flies present
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was happy to find a place in Chinatown that wasn't too crowded or pricey, and it also had a nice atmosphere and even served cocktails. Everything we ordered was delicious, including the Peking duck, house noodles, salt and pepper calamari, and the eggplant/string greens.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restaurantVisited on May 6, 2023, at a dim sum and Chinese cuisine restaurant located in San Francisco's Chinatown. The restaurant is spacious, and since it was a weekday, it wasn't too crowded initially, but it gradually filled up during lunchtime. For a small group of 2-3 people, reservations are probably not necessary.
- ambienceThe ambience was top-notch, with a sleek bar, well-curated whisky selection
- barlarge open bar adds to the ambiance
- bathroomsClean bathrooms are pleasant
- decorairy, modern decor is a perfect spot
- locationTheir service location and ambience of this place is really cool
- outdoor seatingthe outdoor seating was such a nice experience
- placeplace seemed nice
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere was ruined by multiple clouds of massive flies
- floorOverall, I felt the meal lacked a lot. The ambiance of the restaurant is nice, but it could be cleaner; the floor was sticky. The staff was nice and served food efficiently, cleaning the table well.
- parkingNo parking though
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- area aroundThe area around is a bit sketchy
- bathroomBathroom was also sticky
- cold outsideIt was super cold outside even with the heaters, which wasn't as pleasant.
- dining roomdining room was also freezing
- fliesmultiple clouds of massive flies all over the indoor and ourdoor dining area
- greasecovered by a layer of grease
If you're looking for a generally pleasant and spacious spot with good vibes, especially for groups or a date night, this place is a solid choice. Just be aware that some minor cleanliness issues or noise might occasionally pop up, so manage your expectations for perfection.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.9, placing it squarely in the average range. Many folks appreciate the bang for their buck, often mentioning the value for the money, reasonable prices, and affordable options. With 14 positive remarks out of 30 total comments, guests frequently highlight good portion sizes and costs that feel fair, especially compared to other places.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at 46.7%, indicating a mixed reception, and 11 negative comments point to some concerns. Several diners felt it was expensive or overpriced, with some noting they were charged for everything. Theres a sentiment that the pricing might cater more to tourists, leading to a feeling that some dishes werent worth the money given the quality.
Value
30
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
11
negative
5
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Reasonable prices
- Good portion sizes
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Overpriced for quality
- Not worth the money
Often praised
- priceI'm happy to report that Osmanthus achieves this perfectly! The portion sizes are great, offering a good variety of well-made and fresh dim sum that is delicious without being very expensive. The service was quick, and the large open setting feels lively and elegant, creating a pleasant atmosphere.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was positive, offering great food for reasonable prices. While it's not the most authentic Chinese I've had, the food itself was delicious, especially the garlic noodles 🧄 🍜 and General Tso's Chicken.
- ParkingThe food was amazing. Parking was easy in the lot next to it, costing $20 for the whole day. Afterwards, we took a nice walk to Coit Tower to burn off the food.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- PricesPrices were very fair as well
- costa fraction of the cost of Yank Sing.
- cost/value/portion/quality/flavorcost/value/portion/quality/flavor is excellent
- value for the moneyThe value for the money is great
Frequently criticized
- priceThe food was of low quality and tasteless. The service was abhorrent, and the overall experience was very overpriced. It's clear this establishment is catering to tourists.
- billbill with taxes and tip ended up over $30 per person
- charge us for everythingproceeded to charge us for everything on the table
- expensiveit’s expensive and that is completely fine for a dine in at San Francisco
- high reviewsWHAT A COMPLETE DISAPPOINTMENT for such high reviews…
- moneyI wouldn't order the congee though. Not worth the money. This is a great place to go!
- touristsclearly for tourists
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal with decent portions, you might find some good deals here. However, be mindful that some items could feel overpriced for the quality, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
How are the prices at Osmanthus?
You’re looking at roughly 32 per person here, reported by 94 diners. That puts this Chinese Restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For its type, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either!
Interestingly, while the average is 32, many guests actually spend a bit less, with the $21–$30 range being the most popular. But if you’re feeling fancy, there are also plenty of options in the $41–$50 range and even higher, showing a nice spread of choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 94 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a solid mid-range meal and those wanting to splurge a little more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Osmanthus
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fast Service, Delicious Food
It was our first time visiting. We arrived at the height of dinnertime on a Saturday night with a table of 5 and were seated right away. The service was fast and the food was brought out as it was prepared.
The wonton soup was excellent, we enjoyed the spicy pork noodles that were a little numbing, and the park fried rice. The dim sum was good overall.
- height of dinnertime8
- seated right away9
- service was fast9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Delicious Food, Excellent Service!
My experience at this restaurant was unbelievably delicious. We ordered too much for two people, but every dish was so good that we couldn't stop eating. We tried the garlic noodles, peeking duck, fried fish and shrimp balls, and the spicy coconut fish broth.
My personal favorites were the garlic noodles and spicy coconut fish broth, both of which were just bursting with flavor. I'd definitely order both again. The service was very quick, friendly, and attentive, with no wait time.
They provided good recommendations and helped us to make a game plan.
- garlic noodles10
- spicy coconut fish broth10
- peeking duck9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Food and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The staff was really nice, and the food was amazing. I especially recommend the turnip cake w/ XO sauce.
- staff10
- food10
- turnip cake w/ XO sauce10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
1
A Complete Disappointment
My experience at this restaurant was a complete disappointment. We ordered several dishes: the chives and shrimp dumplings were just okay (3 ⭐️), and I might order them again, but they were not the best I've had. The Shanghai xiao long bao were terrible (1 star) – the outside was hard instead of soft, and the inside meat was bland.
It was the worst I've ever had. The beef chow mein (2 ⭐️) arrived half cold, suggesting it wasn't fully heated. The chicken feet and shrimp noodle crepes (1 star) were so bad we couldn't even finish them.
However, the savory rice wrapped in banana leaf and the chrysanthemum hot tea were both excellent (5 ⭐️). Despite the high reviews, paying $140 for 7 people was not worth it. As someone from San Jose, I found the food here to be ten times worse than what we have back home.
I am Chinese and will not be returning.
- chives and shrimp dumplings5
- savory rice10
- chrysanthemum hot tea10
- Shanghai xiao long bao1
- beef chow mein2
- chicken feet1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fantastic Dim Sum Party Spot!
I hosted one of my 222 parties at Osmanthus Dim Sum, and the night was such a success! The restaurant provided the perfect atmosphere for our group, featuring great music, a cozy space, and a vibe that fostered connection. The food and drinks were amazing, with the tea-infused cocktails being a particular highlight.
The staff was super attentive and ensured everything flowed smoothly, allowing us to fully enjoy the party. A special mention goes to Hermen, the owner, who was incredibly nice and easy to work with, going out of his way to ensure everything was set up perfectly. For anyone seeking a spot in San Francisco with delicious dim sum, creative cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere, Osmanthus is definitely worth checking out.
- atmosphere10
- music8
- space8
What Osmanthus offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and beverage selections are available at Osmanthus Dim Sum Lounge?
Osmanthus Dim Sum Lounge offers casual dining for brunch, lunch, or dinner with table service. You can enjoy small plates, late-night food, and desserts. A full bar onsite provides hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, plus coffee, ensuring a wide selection of beverages to complement your meal.
What accessibility features and convenient services does Osmanthus Dim Sum Lounge provide?
Osmanthus Dim Sum Lounge is fully accessible with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. You can choose from outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, or delivery. Free Wi-Fi is available, and they accept reservations. The lounge is also good for kids, offering high chairs for families.
How does Osmanthus generally perform according to customer feedback?
Osmanthus receives a good overall restaurant score of **7.5**, with customer satisfaction at **74.2%**. Its **Food** (7.6) and **Service** (7.6) are particularly well-regarded, while **Ambience** (7.4) is also positive. **Value** (5.9) is considered more average.
What positive aspects do customers frequently highlight at Osmanthus?
Customers often praise the **attentive staff** and their **knowledgeable recommendations**. Many also appreciate the **delicate, flavorful dim sum** and find the **portions** to be generous for the **reasonable prices**.
Are there any common concerns or negative experiences reported by diners at Osmanthus?
Some diners have noted **inconsistent food quality**, with issues like **raw chicken** or overly **oily dishes**. There have also been reports of **slow service** and, in rare instances, **unpleasant interactions** regarding tipping practices.