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oChef » Jin Mi – San Francisco
Jin Mi - San Francisco
Photo from Jin Mi
Jin Mi at a glance
San Francisco Civic Center
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 28 of the guests
#1425 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#22 Korean Restaurant out of 36 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
296
Reviews
71.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Good value
- Caring staff
- Pleasant ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Hygiene issues
- Difficult parking
- Service inconsistency
The restaurant Jin Mi Korean Cuisine invites you to experience authentic Korean flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Civic Center. This casual Korean restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
You’ll find a diverse menu, perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for healthy options or small plates to share.
Overview: Introducting Jin Mi
Jin Mi offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its authentic Korean cuisine. Many patrons highlight it as a cozy spot with a welcoming feel, making for an enjoyable meal.
The attentive staff frequently receives positive remarks for their helpfulness and care. However, some aspects of the restaurant’s physical environment could use attention.
While the overall ambience is appreciated, there have been mentions of issues with cleanliness in certain areas, particularly the bathroom and kitchen, which might detract from the experience for some.
Good
7.2
out of 10
296
Reviews
71.3%
Satisfaction
55
negative
30
neutral
211
positive
Jin Mi achieves a solid overall score of 7.2 out of 10, indicating a good dining experience for most. Customer satisfaction stands at 71.3%, suggesting that the majority of visitors leave content.
This positive sentiment is supported by 211 positive remarks compared to 55 negative ones, from a total of 296 customer comments. The restaurant’s strongest aspect is its Food (7.4), which is frequently discussed and highly rated.
Value (7.1) also performs well, with many finding the pricing fair. Service (7.0) is generally considered good, though experiences can vary.
The Ambience (6.3) is where there’s more room for improvement, often described as cozy but sometimes needing better upkeep.
What people like
- Delicious Korean food
- Reasonable prices
- Attentive staff
- Cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Cleanliness issues
- Parking challenges
- Occasional staff attitude
Jin Mi is a reliable option if you’re seeking flavorful Korean dishes at a reasonable cost. With a recommendation score of 7.5, it’s a place worth considering, especially if your priority is good food and fair pricing.
However, be mindful that the physical environment might not be pristine, and service can occasionally be inconsistent. If a spotless setting and perfectly smooth service are crucial for your dining enjoyment, you might find some minor drawbacks here.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Jin Mi
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're generally in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.4 and a customer satisfaction of 73.2%, diners frequently praise the authentic Korean food, highlighting delicious options like bulgogi, spicy chicken, and generous banchan. Many appreciate the huge portions, making for a satisfying meal, as seen in 142 positive remarks.
However, not every dish hits the mark. Some found the tofu soup inconsistent or overly salty, while others noted issues with portion size, especially for wings. There were also mentions of rubbery galbi and a floury seafood pancake, contributing to the 31 less favorable comments out of 194 total.
Food
194
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
31
negative
21
neutral
142
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Korean flavors
- Generous portions
- Delicious bulgogi/chicken
What people don't like
- Inconsistent tofu soup
- Rubbery galbi
- Small wing portions
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was positive, primarily due to the food quality. Although the place itself needs some sprucing up, the food was very good. The staff was attentive and pleasant, contributing to a good service experience.
- Korean foodAnnie, our server, was excellent; she explained everything and made great food suggestions. It's the best Korean food in town with reasonable prices.
- portionsportions not too large which was perfect for lunch
- tofu souptofu soup, galbi, seafood pancake, side dishes hits all the cozy Korean comfort food check marks!
- dishesI've tried this restaurant a few times, and overall, most of the dishes are good. However, the fried chicken isn't their specialty.
- riceThe rice is always perfectly crispy at the bottom
- vegetarian optionsanother Asian restaurant with vegetarian options
- appetizersThe all you can eat appetizers are flavorful
- banchanBanchan (small side dishes) is well seasoned
- bulgogithe bulgogi is better than most
Frequently criticized
- kimchiI wish they would give extra kimchi without finishing it all first
- portion sizededucting one star for the portion size
- side dishesside dishes were inedible
- tofu soupTheir tofu soup is flavorful but overly salty and watery
- wingsThe wings in particular were underwhelming in terms of size
- It used to beMy experience at this restaurant was that the food and prices are okay. It used to be a lot better. Knowing that, I don't really care to return.
- Korean foodIt’s the worst Korean food I’ve ever had.
- better spotsThere are better spots in the area
- bibimbap bowlsbibimbap bowls that were less than remarkable
- brisket ramenout of brisket ramen
If you're craving authentic Korean cuisine with generally good flavors and generous portions, this spot is worth a visit. Just be aware that some dishes, like certain tofu soups or wings, might be a bit inconsistent, so choose wisely.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7. Many folks (34 out of 50 comments!) raved about the friendly staff and quick service. Youll often find attentive servers, like Annie, who are super helpful, ensuring your food is ready fast and your experience is smooth.
The owners and workers often get a shout-out for their welcoming vibe. However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68%, indicating theres still room for improvement. Some experiences (12 comments) mentioned frustratingly long waiting times and occasional slow service.
A few even encountered a rude server or felt the place was understaffed, leading to issues like order cancellations or a lack of basic items like napkins.
Service
50
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
12
negative
4
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Long waits
- Slow service
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was great, and the food came fast and was absolutely amazing. My only minor issue was the radio playing, but it was faint enough not to be a problem.
- service speedbut fast, clean, casual and good.
- staffAlthough the place itself needs some sprucing up, the food was very good. The staff was attentive and pleasant, contributing to a good service experience. It's conveniently located within walking distance of the Asian Art Museum of SFO.
- wait staffthe wait staff was a single person, but she was very caring and helpful
- AnnieAnnie was our server she explained everything
- Korean ownerKorean owner was really nice
- ServiceIt's not outright spicy but has a slow-building heat and includes veggies and fish cake for extra flavor. Service is pretty friendly, and for dinner, the place has always been pretty empty. The venue is a small restaurant with a mixture of seating.
- employeethe employee was so friendly
- food speedThis individual was also described as curt/rude, providing only the bare minimum of service. On a positive note, the food came out pretty fast. The interior felt a little dark and dirty.
- food was readyour food was ready within 10 minutes
Frequently criticized
- serviceIt's a very popular place, and even arriving at 1: 20 PM, it was still crowded. The service is not all that quick; it's pretty much a 'sit, order, brings food' kind of experience. Regarding the food, I find their offerings to be really pricey for what you get.
- food preparation statusthey said my food was being prepared. Totall BS.
- omissiondidn't leave it out
- order cancellationThey cancelled my order an hour after they said my food was being prepared.
- parkingparking was quite difficult
- serverthe server wouldn't seat our table of 3 because we only had 2 people present
- staff attitudekinda curt/rude
- staff availabilityobviously understaffed
- utensils or napkinsthey did not include any utensils or napkins
- waiting timeit can take more than an hour from when you get in to when you get out
If youre after a quick meal with generally friendly faces, youll likely have a good experience. Just be prepared that on busier days, you might encounter a bit of a wait or a less-than-stellar interaction.
Ambience (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
The ambience here presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.3 and customer satisfaction sitting at 61.3%. Many guests appreciate the restaurant venue, often describing it as a super cozy and authentic spot, perfect for small groups. The atmosphere is frequently noted as quiet, clean, and welcoming, contributing to a pleasant dining experience, as seen in 19 positive remarks.
However, there are some areas needing attention. Concerns were raised about inconvenient parking and the surrounding area, with some finding the interior a little dark or dirty. Bathroom cleanliness and its location, often through the kitchen, also drew criticism, accounting for 9 negative comments out of 31 total observations.
Ambience
31
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, authentic atmosphere
- Clean, casual venue
- Welcoming dining experience
What people don't like
- Inconvenient parking
- Dirty bathrooms
- Unpleasant surrounding area
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was quiet and quaint
- ambiancethe ambiance of the place was really good
- authentic spotMy experience at this restaurant was quite pleasant. It's a super cozy and authentic spot. The portions were not too large, which was perfect for lunch.
- cleanlinessfast, clean, casual and good.
- cozy spotMy experience at this restaurant was quite pleasant. It's a super cozy and authentic spot. The portions were not too large, which was perfect for lunch.
- dining experiencemaking for a pleasant dining experience with friends
- hole in the wall placeIts a small hole in the wall place you can't miss it
- locationGreat option for dinner before heading over to the symphony, ballet or opera a couple blocks away.
- rampvery small grade of a ramp after entering the restaurant
- restaurantA small but neat, cozy and well maintained restaurant
Frequently criticized
- areaEven the area is not the best
- bathroom cleanlinessbathroom was pretty dirty
- bathroom locationbathroom is literally all the way through the kitchen
- cleanlinessinterior is a little dirty
- homeless peopleI truly enjoyed the Rabokki and Kalguksu, and I highly recommend it. However, parking was quite difficult, and there were many homeless people in the vicinity.
- interiorinterior is a little dark
- kitchen cleanlinessthe kitchen cleanliness was the worst
- parkingThe parking was inconvenient
- placeneeds some spoofing up
If youre seeking a cozy, casual spot for a meal with friends and can overlook some minor issues with the surrounding area and facilities, this place could be a good fit. Its a decent choice for a relaxed dining experience, especially if you're not driving.
Value (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at 76.2%, its clear many diners feel they get their moneys worth. Out of 21 comments, 16 highlighted the reasonable prices and price point , often calling it very reasonably priced and a good value for what you receive, especially for items less than $9 .
However, not everyone agrees, with 3 comments expressing concerns. Some found the food offerings really pricey for what you get, feeling that for $15 I can get a dozen wings elsewhere. There was also a mention of a lunch price issue on Sundays that felt deceptive, suggesting some inconsistencies in their pricing structure.
Value
21
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good value
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- High cost items
- Deceptive pricing
Often praised
- pricesits reasonable prices
- priceeverything was delicious and reasonably priced
- price pointany place at their price point
- less than $9For less than $9
- pricedvery reasonably priced
- valueMy experience at the restaurant was positive, especially for lunch. I found it to be a good value. The Tofu soup was yummy, though I requested extra spicy and it was still only medium.
Frequently criticized
- dozen wingsFor $15 I can get a dozen wings
- foodThe service is not all that quick; it's pretty much a 'sit, order, brings food' kind of experience. Regarding the food, I find their offerings to be really pricey for what you get. My go-to is the fried chicken wings, which come with ban chan (side dishes) and rice.
- lunch priceThe menu said the bowls were $12. 99 for lunch, but when we went to pay they told us the lunch price doesn't apply on Sundays, which seemed kind of deceptive. There is way better Korean food in the Bay Area and I won't be back.
If you're looking for generally reasonable prices and a good value , especially for lunch, this place is often a solid bet. However, be mindful that some items might feel a bit pricey for what you get, and double-check any special lunch price deals.
How are the prices at Jin Mi?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 28 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Korean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 20, most diners stick to the $11–$20 bracket. But hey, a good number also venture into the $21–$30 range, showing there’s a little something for everyone, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or indulging a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 28 reviews.
How this Korean restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Korean spot in San Francisco. It offers good value for a mid-range experience, catering to different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Jin Mi
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Okay Food, Better Spots Nearby
My experience at this restaurant was just okay. The food was decent, but the kimchi wasn't very good. I believe there are better spots in the area.
- food5
- kimchi3
- better spots3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Phenomenal Korean Food at a Great Price!
We were overwhelmed by the number of Korean restaurants and unsure which to choose. Initially, we thought the higher prices of some would guarantee better quality, but we were seeking something more reasonably priced and discovered Jin Mi. We were SO glad we did! The food was phenomenal!
We ordered a bimbimbap bowl, Ramen, and tofu soup, and every dish was simply delicious. The service was fast, and the employee was incredibly friendly. This was the best place we ate at in SF this trip!
Thanks so much.
- food10
- bimbimbap bowl10
- Ramen10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Perfect Korean Comfort Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The Dol Sot Bibimbap was perfect, with rice that was always perfectly crispy at the bottom and a perfectly balanced mix of vegetables. All the staple dishes were great too, including the tofu soup, galbi, and seafood pancake.
The side dishes were also excellent, hitting all the right notes for cozy Korean comfort food.
- Dol Sot Bibimbap10
- rice10
- vegetables10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Vegetarian Takeout at Jin Mi Korean Cuisine
I had the most amazing takeout dinner here at Jin Mi Korean cuisine. The food tasted really good and it is a good place to eat if you are a vegetarian. The service was friendly and the ambiance of the place was really good.
I give them 5 stars ⭐️. I may come back again sometime.
- food10
- vegetarian options9
- service10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
7
Cozy Spot with Fresh Seafood
My experience at this restaurant was quite pleasant. It's a super cozy and authentic spot. The portions were not too large, which was perfect for lunch.
I found the tofu soup to be not too spicy. While the seafood was a bit overcooked, it was also varied and fresh.
- cozy spot9
- authentic spot9
- portions8
What Jin Mi offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Jin Mi Korean Cuisine accessible for all guests?
Yes, Jin Mi Korean Cuisine ensures a comfortable experience for everyone, featuring both a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating.
What dining options and services does Jin Mi Korean Cuisine provide?
At Jin Mi Korean Cuisine, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, and dessert with table service. They also accept reservations and offer convenient no-contact delivery, takeout, and curbside pickup.
What is the overall dining experience like at Jin Mi?
Jin Mi generally offers a good dining experience, reflected in its overall score of 7.2 out of 10 and a customer satisfaction rate of 71.3%. The Food (7.4) is a highlight, followed by good Value (7.1) and Service (7.0). The Ambience (6.3) is considered average.
Does Jin Mi offer good value for money?
Yes, many customers find Jin Mi to offer good value, with its Value score at 7.1. Opinions frequently mention reasonable prices and delicious food that is well-priced, making it a favorable option for those on a budget.
How is the ambiance and cleanliness at Jin Mi?
The ambiance at Jin Mi is often described as a cozy and authentic spot, contributing to a pleasant dining experience. However, some patrons have noted concerns regarding cleanliness, particularly in the bathroom and kitchen areas, suggesting the interior could use some sprucing up.