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oChef » Seoul Garden – San Francisco
Seoul Garden - San Francisco
Photo from Seoul Garden
Seoul Garden at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 59 of the guests
#1988 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#28 Korean Restaurant out of 36 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
616
Reviews
62.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
- Good ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent quality
- Rude staff
The restaurant Seoul Garden is a delightful Korean Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Japantown. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re looking for a dine-in experience, convenient takeout, or delivery, this spot has you covered. They offer a range of delicious dishes, including vegetarian options, complemented by wine and beer.
It’s also a great choice if you’re dining with kids.
Overview: Introducting Seoul Garden
Seoul Garden offers a mixed experience, with many guests praising the delicious fried chicken and authentic Korean BBQ. The welcoming owner and generous banchan often leave a positive impression.
However, some diners have found the overall experience to be overpriced, raising questions about its value. While the culinary offerings frequently hit the mark for flavor and authenticity, the cost can be a point of contention.
The attentive service and pleasant setting contribute positively, but potential inconsistencies in both food quality and staff interactions are worth noting for prospective visitors.
Good
6.5
out of 10
616
Reviews
62.8%
Satisfaction
207
negative
22
neutral
387
positive
Seoul Garden earns an overall Restaurant Score of 6.5, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer sentiment is a bit more mixed, with Customer Satisfaction at 62.8%.
This assessment is drawn from 616 customer comments, comprising 387 positive remarks against 207 negative ones, indicating a generally moderate reception. Delving deeper, the Food (7) generally receives good marks, with many enjoying the flavors.
The Ambience (8) stands out as a strong point, often described as pleasant. However, Service (6.6) hovers around average, and Value (3.5) is a clear area for improvement, frequently cited as a concern by diners.
What people like
- Delicious Korean food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Pleasant, clean atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices
- Inconsistent food quality
- Poor service experiences
Seoul Garden presents a compelling case for its flavorful Korean cuisine and inviting atmosphere, often elevated by genuinely friendly service. However, the experience can be uneven, particularly concerning the perceived value for money and occasional inconsistencies in food quality and staff interactions.
With a Recommendation Score of 6.7, Seoul Garden is worth considering if you prioritize good Korean dishes and a pleasant setting, and are prepared for potentially higher prices. If value is your primary concern, or you seek consistently flawless service, you might want to explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Seoul Garden
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7 out of 10. With 225 positive remarks out of 323 total, many rave about the authentic Korean cuisine, quality food, and generous portions. You'll often find delightful vegetarian options and delicious banchan, making for a satisfying meal. However, the customer satisfaction for food sits at a 69.7%, indicating a mixed bag for some.
Concerns often surface around the food being overpriced, with some finding portions small or the meat tough. There are also mentions of poor quality fish, suggesting inconsistency in certain dishes.
Food
323
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
88
negative
10
neutral
225
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Korean food
- Quality ingredients
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Small portions
- Tough meat
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a modernized and sophisticated layout. The service provided was very nice, and the food was very good, although it was very spicy. I would definitely come again to try something more soothing for my tongue.
- side dishesSeoul Garden is a nice little Korean restaurant in Japantown, and the food and service is FANTASTIC. I came with a party of 4, and we each got dishes, and there were plenty of side dishes for the table. The food was very tasty, but what truly made this experience was the owner who was serving us.
- bibimbapThe bibimbap is delicious with lots of veggies
- Korean foodFrom the moment I entered, the owner's warm welcome made me feel like I was back home. I finally tasted Korean food that suited my palate after a long time in the US. The side dishes were so delicious that I finished them before my rice arrived.
- fried chickenThe fried chicken was hands down the best
- Korean BBQthe best place for Korean BBQ
- banchanMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great Korean food and a generous selection of good banchan. While it is on the pricier side, I found it to be worth it when compared to other dining options in San Francisco.
- green tea ice creamOur table's BBQ stove was surrounded by unlimited sides for the meal, which was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. To top it off, we received a small dish of green tea ice cream at the end. The owner is a truly humble and down-to-earth person; he even put down his food tray to thank us and give us fist bumps as we were leaving.
- Foodit was absolutely fantastic!
- bulgogiWe got The Original, bulgogi, and spicy pork.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was overpriced, and the portion sizes were tiny
- chickenMy fiancé and I were very disappointed. We were told it was “crispy chicken, ” but it was not edible, and we had to return it. While the staff seemed nice, I cannot recommend wasting your money on their chicken.
- side dishesfew of the side dishes were also went bad/sour
- portionssmall portions, meat less
- food qualityHoly Moly, this place was *cheap* despite its seemingly expensive setup. The service was cheap, the attitude was cheap, and the quality was cheap. I'm still scratching my head wondering why I went to this eatery.
- meatsometimes the meat it a little tough
- portion sizegot only enough servings to feed 1 person
- BBQBBQ didn’t vent well and I had a face full of smoke
- Korean BBQthe worst korean bbq ever
- Korean BBQ experienceI agree with other reviewers that this is not a place I would like to return to. The food was super overpriced, and it was the worst Korean BBQ experience I've ever had. The waiter was rude, and they have a policy of not changing the grill, only allowing it to be changed a maximum of 3 times.
If you're seeking authentic Korean flavors and quality BBQ, this place is definitely worth a visit, especially for its diverse menu and side dishes. However, be mindful of potential price points and occasional inconsistencies in portion sizes or meat quality, which might lead to a mixed experience for some.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, many diners had a genuinely pleasant experience. With a score of 6.6 and customer satisfaction at 64.2%, its clear that many appreciated the friendly service, attentive and accommodating staff, and the owners warm welcome. Out of 165 comments, 106 highlighted positive interactions, often praising quick service and kindness.
However, not everyone had such a smooth experience. About 58 comments pointed to issues like rude staff, poor service, and a general lack of attentiveness. Some guests reported long wait times, feeling ignored, or even experiencing unprofessionalism, suggesting that consistency might be an area for improvement.
Service
165
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
58
negative
1
neutral
106
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Warm owner welcome
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Rude staff encountered
- Slow, inattentive service
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a modernized and sophisticated layout. The service provided was very nice, and the food was very good, although it was very spicy. I would definitely come again to try something more soothing for my tongue.
- ownerowner who was serving us. This is genuinely the kindest and funniest server I have ever met
- staffSuper sweet staff that made the experience great
- Serviceit was absolutely fantastic!
- experienceMy experience at this restaurant was amazing. The atmosphere and service were incredible, making it the best experience I've had in this neighborhood. I will definitely go back and recommend it to my friends.
- no waitThe older gentleman providing service was incredibly kind, and this place is severely underrated! If you're looking for quick service with no wait and fantastic food, you should definitely check it out. As a bonus, the BBQ comes with a scoop of green tea ice cream, which was a delightful and unexpected treat!
- older gentlemanOnly the older gentleman was courteous and seemed genuine with his interactions.
- serverThis is my new favorite place on Earth. Our server was the sweetest person ever, always attentive to our needs and checking in. I can't express in words how kind this man is and how his service made our whole table smile.
- waitressReviews were mediocre, but we decided to give it a try and were NOT disappointed. This was our first experience at a Korean BBQ, and the waitress, who knew plenty of English, was really patient with us and very helpful in choosing dishes. I have read some reviews that said children are not welcome here.
- Timothy and RoseTimothy and Rose took great care of us
Frequently criticized
- serviceHorrible service they are very rude and disrespectful
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was one of the worst service I have ever encountered. The staff was rude and disrespectful, and they would put all things in your bowl without asking or confirming. They threatened people in totally different ways, especially foreigners.
- customer servicecustomer service is poor
- reservationthey didn't have our reservation
- tipMy food was ok, but my partner's meal was the tail end and poor quality fish. To make matters worse, I was then asked why I did not tip on my card. I explained that I was leaving the USA the next day and wanted to use up my small bills.
- waiting timeThe food tasted just okay. Despite making a reservation for 6: 30 PM, it took thirty minutes for all the food to come out. They first brought out one soybean paste stew, then ten minutes later the grilled mackerel, and then five minutes after that, the rice.
- banchan refillsyou cannot get refilled banchan
- confirmationput all things in your bowl without asking and confirming
- confirmed with ushost claimed she confirmed with us
- customers also got confusedcustomers also got confused before
The service here can be a bit of a mixed bag. While many praise the friendly and attentive staff, others have encountered rudeness or slow service. Go in with an open mind, and you might just have a wonderful experience.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! This spot really nails the atmosphere, with many guests raving about the upscale ambience and authentic atmosphere. Its often described as a beautiful, calming venue with a modernized layout and sophisticated, clean environment.
With a solid score of 8 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 89.4%, it's clear most people are having a great time, enjoying the quiet and comfortable setting, as evidenced by 42 positive remarks. However, a few folks (just 3 out of 47 comments) did hit a snag. Some found the table size a bit tight, especially when trying to sit by the BBQ table.
There were also mentions of smoke and boiling oil being a minor issue, which can sometimes detract from an otherwise pleasant experience.
Ambience
47
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Upscale, calming ambience
- Clean, quiet environment
- Authentic atmosphere
What people don't like
- Tight table seating
- BBQ smoke/oil
Often praised
- atmosphereenjoyed the atmosphere, finding it to be a pleasant place
- Atmospheremy experience with the atmosphere
- establishmentthe establishment was quite clean
- placeThe wooden interior and design sets a nice atmosphere
- Korean RestaurantLovely decorated Korean Restaurant in Heart of Japantown
- Noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- ambienceI enjoyed the ambience of the restaurant.
- authentic atmosphereAuthentic atmosphere
- boothit was very comfortable
- clean environmentclean environment
Frequently criticized
- BBQ tablein order to sit by the BBQ table
- smoke and boiling oilsit smoke and boiling oil
- tablewe were too big for the table we were seated at
If youre looking for a restaurant with a genuinely pleasant and often upscale feel, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that seating around the BBQ tables might be a bit snug, and there could be some cooking fumes. Overall, its a strong contender for a great dining atmosphere.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found bright spots, noting that the food quality and service made it worth it and that lunch specials offered a good deal. A few even felt the price was fair for what you received, especially considering the San Francisco dining scene. However, with a score of only 3.5, the overall sentiment isn't exactly glowing.
Despite those few positive remarks, the overwhelming majority of opinions, with 58 negative compared to just 14 positive out of 81 total comments, paint a different picture. Many felt the restaurant was overpriced and even a tourist trap, with complaints about extreme prices and price gouging. Customer satisfaction sits at a very low 17.3%, indicating significant concerns about what you get for your money.
Value
81
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
58
negative
9
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the price
- Good lunch specials
- Fair pricing
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Extreme price gouging
- Complete tourist trap
Often praised
- pricethe price is fair for what you get
- good deala good deal for the amount you get
- lunch specialsThere’s lunch specials until 3pm
- nice pricefor a nice price
- paid parking lot시간당 3불에 싸게 잘 주차했어요
- pricedI'm not sure where the "so expensive. " comments are coming from; as a San Francisco resident since 1999, I consider Seoul Garden to be in the top 5 and appropriately priced. For any restaurant in San Francisco, especially a really good one, I suggest checking the menu online beforehand to understand pricing – it's just smart consumerism.
- pricesgood prices
- valueGood value
- value for moneywith the quality of the food and service, it was worth it!
- worth a tryit's worth a try
Frequently criticized
- priceHoly Moly, this place was *cheap* despite its seemingly expensive setup. The service was cheap, the attitude was cheap, and the quality was cheap.
- pricesWhile I personally liked the chicken best, we loved all the dishes. The prices were a bit high, but the overall experience made it worthwhile. We’ll definitely be back again soon.
- expensiveit's expensive
- overpricedIt was overpriced by its quality
- 20% tipadded 20% tip on my bill
- BBQ entryHowever, the food is severely overpriced by about 50%, and you couldn't even find an appetizer less than $10. Every BBQ entry (about 10 oz meat + lettuce) is from $30 to $50, and the quality is just so-so. I've been to much cheaper places where both food quality and service were superior.
- Discover cardI wanted to pay with my Discover card but they do not take that
- PricePrice was soo expensive
- amount of meatpricy for amount of meat that you are getting
- appetizercouldn't even find a an appetizer that's less than $10
If youre looking for a great deal or expecting budget-friendly options, you might want to reconsider, as many found the pricing to be a major drawback. However, if youre willing to splurge and focus on the quality of food and service, some found it to be a worthwhile experience.
How are the prices at Seoul Garden?
You’re looking at roughly 53$ per person – reported by 59 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Korean Restaurant in San Francisco, this is definitely on the higher side, leaning towards a premium experience.
Interestingly, while the average is quite high, our data shows a wide range of spending, from more budget-friendly options to some truly high-end meals.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 59 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Korean Restaurant in San Francisco, the pricing feels like its targeting a more premium dining experience. We recommend it if youre looking for quality and are prepared to spend a bit more for a memorable meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Seoul Garden
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Golden KBBQ Experience in Japantown!
Listen, don't miss this! This is the most golden experience in Japantown when it comes to KBBQ, and you will not regret your life choices. We enjoyed The Original, bulgogi, and spicy pork.
The owner was a delight; we loved chatting with him and learning about the food and side dishes. The fried chicken was AMAZING, and if you come only for that, I don’t think you’ll regret it. The green tea ice cream was creamy and more like a Japanese custard—delicious.
What a treat of an experience! We all left full, happy, and hoping to return soon.
- The Original9
- bulgogi9
- spicy pork9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Korean Food and Service!
THIS PLACE IS AMAZING AND YOU NEED TO COME HERE ASAP. Seoul Garden is a nice little Korean restaurant in Japantown, and the food and service is FANTASTIC. I came with a party of 4, and we each got dishes, and there were plenty of side dishes for the table.
The food was very tasty, but what truly made this experience was the owner who was serving us. This is genuinely the kindest and funniest server I have ever met. He was so sweet and brought us extra things and made us feel very welcomed.
We’ve been here for like 2 hours.
- food9
- service10
- owner10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Absolutely Loved This Place!
This is my new favorite place on Earth. Our server was the sweetest person ever, always attentive to our needs and checking in. I can't express in words how kind this man is and how his service made our whole table smile.
The food was also so amazing. I love this place.
- server10
- service10
- kindness10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Hidden Gem with Amazing Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was for a birthday party, and I was absolutely blown away by the food and the service. It truly is a hidden gem.
- food10
- service10
- hidden gem10
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Exceptional Service and Delicious Korean Fare!
My experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful! The staff were incredibly nice and provided attentive service. They even brought us several additional dishes on the house, which was a lovely surprise.
The banchan was fresh and offered a great variety. I particularly enjoyed the bibimbap, which was delicious, packed with veggies, and featured good quality meat. The kimchi dumplings were also delicious.
I was very impressed with the overall experience!
- attentive service10
- additional dishes9
- banchan9
What Seoul Garden offers
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
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is parking available and is Seoul Garden accessible?
Yes, you’ll find a paid parking garage nearby, and there’s usually plenty of parking available. For accessibility, Seoul Garden offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What dining options and beverages does Seoul Garden offer?
Seoul Garden provides various dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert with table service. You can also enjoy a selection of beverages, including wine, beer, and other alcohol. Vegetarian options are readily available for your meal.
What's the overall verdict on Seoul Garden?
Seoul Garden holds an average Restaurant Score of 6.5 with mixed Customer Satisfaction at 62.8%. While Food (7) and Ambience (8) are generally well-regarded, Service (6.6) is average, and Value (3.5) is a notable concern.
How is the food quality and pricing at Seoul Garden?
Many praise specific dishes like the fried chicken and Korean BBQ, noting delicious flavors and generous banchan. However, some find the portions small and the overall price to be on the higher side, leading to concerns about value.
What can I expect from the service and atmosphere?
The owner and some staff are often highlighted for their kind and attentive service, creating a welcoming experience. The ambience is generally described as pleasant, clean, and quiet, offering an authentic feel. However, some negative experiences with rude service have been reported.