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- Accepts reservations
oChef » Xiaoyu’s – San Francisco
Xiaoyu’s - San Francisco
Photo from Xiaoyu’s
Xiaoyu’s at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 28 of the guests
#771 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#94 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
204
Reviews
81.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Value
- Late hours
Frequently criticized
- Limited seating
- No restroom
- Drink issues
The restaurant Xiaoyu’s offers a delightful culinary experience in San Francisco’s vibrant Richmond District. This casual restaurant is perfect when you’re looking for a quick bite, providing a relaxed setting for both lunch and dinner.
You’ll find it an inviting spot to enjoy a meal, whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout, or opting for convenient delivery. It’s a great choice for families too, welcoming children with its friendly vibe.
Overview: Introducting Xiaoyu’s
Xiaoyu’s presents itself as a charming, often described as a hidden gem, offering a welcoming experience. Many appreciate its late hours, making it a convenient option for evening meals.
This spot is often seen as a reliable neighborhood fixture. While the culinary offerings and pricing are frequently lauded, some aspects of the dining environment, such as noise levels, have been noted.
Despite minor points for improvement, it maintains a generally positive impression among its patrons.
Good
7.9
out of 10
204
Reviews
81.9%
Satisfaction
24
negative
13
neutral
167
positive
Xiaoyu’s earns a solid overall score of 7.9, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 81.9%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
These figures are drawn from 204 customer observations, with 167 positive remarks outweighing 24 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (8.3) and Value (8.5) categories truly shine, consistently receiving high marks.
Service (7) is also well-regarded, though opinions on Ambience (6) suggest it’s more of an average aspect of the visit.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Great value for money
- Convenient late hours
What people don't like
- Limited seating, noise
- No customer restroom
- Inconsistent drink service
If you prioritize excellent food and great value, Xiaoyu’s is certainly worth considering. It’s a place where the culinary offerings often exceed expectations, especially for the price point, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
With a strong recommendation score of 8.3, this spot is a solid option for those seeking quality Japanese fare without breaking the bank. Just be mindful of the casual setting and potential for a bustling atmosphere, and you’ll likely have a good experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Xiaoyu’s
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.3 and customer satisfaction soaring at 87.8%, its clear diners are leaving happy. Out of 131 comments, a whopping 115 were positive, praising the fresh ingredients, variety of options, and hearty meals, especially the delicious katsu and teriyaki dishes.
However, not every bite is perfect. A small number of comments, just 7, pointed out a few areas for improvement. Some found the salad dressing a bit too sweet, while others felt the drinks menu wasnt a highlight or noted occasional inconsistencies with portion sizes.
Food
131
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
7
negative
9
neutral
115
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Great variety of options
- Excellent katsu dishes
What people don't like
- Sweet salad dressing
- Disappointing drinks menu
- Inconsistent portion sizes
Often praised
- foodI’ve lived in the area for close to 10 years and while I’ve learned the neighborhood gems, this one remained hidden. The prices are incredible, and the food is even better. My only comment is to order the chicken katsu instead of the teriyaki; the teriyaki is good and worth the price, but the katsu is too good for what it’s worth!
- chicken katsuThe prices are incredible, and the food is even better. My only comment is to order the chicken katsu instead of the teriyaki; the teriyaki is good and worth the price, but the katsu is too good for what it’s worth! I’ve tried all the Japanese curry places around, and I love Volcano, but if I’m looking for a great meal, a good price, and a satisfying end to my night, the late hours and wonderful food of Xiaoyu is not just a place to settle for, it’s the one I’m hoping is open, and lucky for me, they usually are!
- tempuraMy experience at this small Japanese neighborhood eatery was quite positive, offering some interesting takes on traditional dishes. We enjoyed shishitos with miso, soft shell crab, and tempura. The chicken karage was particularly outstanding, some of the best I've ever had.
- Brussels sproutsavocado roll and Brussels sprouts all delicious
- FoodFood:5
- beef teriyakiThe mackerel was a small portion and slightly over-cooked, but it was fresh & the flavor was excellent! The beef was tender and juicy and cooked medium-rare to perfection. The tempura was, of course, exquisite, as it generally is – sweet potato, broccoli, carrot, and two shrimp.
- mixed tempuraThe beef was tender and juicy and cooked medium-rare to perfection. The tempura was, of course, exquisite, as it generally is – sweet potato, broccoli, carrot, and two shrimp. It came with a small scoop of rice, miso soup (average), and a tiny salad (the dressing was nauseatingly sweet 😵💫).
- pork gyozaProbably the best chicken katsu I've had. The pork gyoza was also wonderful. The filling was tender and flavorful while the outside was crisped and toasted.
- riceI looked around and didn't see a single napkin dispenser or and the cashier had gone into the kitchen. The miso soup was great, the rice was perfectly cooked, and the half of a boiled egg was a boiled egg. However, the salad had too much dressing for me.
- soft shell crabMy experience at this small Japanese neighborhood eatery was quite positive, offering some interesting takes on traditional dishes. We enjoyed shishitos with miso, soft shell crab, and tempura. The chicken karage was particularly outstanding, some of the best I've ever had.
Frequently criticized
- dressingskim on the dressing
- drinksI don't think their drinks are where this place shines.
- hair in seafood bowlSadly had hair in a seafood bowl
- portion sizethey just didn't give me much
- rose milk teaI tried the rose milk tea once and wasn't very impressed.
- saladThe miso soup was great, the rice was perfectly cooked, and the half of a boiled egg was a boiled egg. However, the salad had too much dressing for me. The chicken katsu was fantastic.
- salad dressingThe tempura was, of course, exquisite, as it generally is – sweet potato, broccoli, carrot, and two shrimp. It came with a small scoop of rice, miso soup (average), and a tiny salad (the dressing was nauseatingly sweet 😵💫). I loved the food, and the cashier was friendly.
Overall, if youre looking for a satisfying meal with plenty of tasty options, especially their katsu and teriyaki, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of the salad dressing and dont expect the drinks to be the star of the show.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7. While customer satisfaction sits at a 69% (a bit of a mixed bag), many of the 20 positive remarks out of 29 total experiences praise the quick delivery and overall experience. Folks often highlight the friendly and accommodating staff, even calling them the sweetest!
However, there are a few bumps in the road, with 9 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some customers noted a lack of warmth or civility from the wait staff, and a few found the wait time for takeout a bit long. There were also instances of confusion when taking food orders or missing simple items like napkins.
Service
29
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, sweet staff
- Quick service
- Great takeout/delivery
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Lack of warmth
- Order confusion
Often praised
- servicevery positive regarding the service
- takeoutHave gotten takeout 4x so far and they are consistently tasty
- ServiceService:4
- accommodatingThey’re so accommodating too
- cashierIt came with a small scoop of rice, miso soup (average), and a tiny salad (the dressing was nauseatingly sweet 😵💫). I loved the food, and the cashier was friendly. I'm definitely going to order more food in the future!
- deliveryI tried this place out via Doordash and it comes highly recommended for delivery. The food tasted great, and the presentation, packaging, and overall experience were unlike most other late-night deliveries I've had.
- dinner to gogot dinner to go, which was reasonably priced and quick
- experienceVery pleasant experience
- overall experienceoverall experience was unlike most other late night deliveries
- quickreasonably priced and quick
Frequently criticized
- civilitylack of warmth and civility on the part of the wait staff
- cup of waternot even getting a cup of water
- drink preparationI was sitting on a stool behind photos of menu items and saw "matcha milk tea, " so that's what I asked for. The person didn't know how to make it, so I asked for the "classic boba milk tea" instead. I received the edamame and drink with no napkins.
- lack of warmthlack of warmth and civility on the part of the wait staff
- napkinsThe person didn't know how to make it, so I asked for the "classic boba milk tea" instead. I received the edamame and drink with no napkins. The edamame was how I expected it to taste.
- order confirmationI asked for the edamame because I've never actually tried it. I had to say my order three times, once when I came in, once to confirm, and one more time after I had sat down, because the cashier wanted to confirm again. While waiting for my order, the cashier approached me again and offered me a free drink.
- take food orderseems like a chore for the young guy to take the food order
- takeout servicetakeout takes 40+ min for one item
- wait timetakeout takes 40+ min for one item
So, if you're looking for a place with generally good service, especially for quick takeout or delivery, this spot is definitely worth considering. Just be aware that while the staff can be incredibly sweet and accommodating, there might be occasional hiccups with wait times or order accuracy.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot has a lot going for it! Many customers rave about it being a hidden gem and a nice spot with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a quiet chat. The late hours are a huge draw, making it a beloved neighborhood spot and a wholesome, family-run establishment.
With 13 positive opinions out of 23, it clearly offers a welcoming feel for many. However, the ambience isn't without its challenges, leading to an average score of 6 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 56.5%. Several guests noted the seating area is quite tight, making it tricky for large groups, and the restaurant size is generally small.
There were also mentions of noise from the kitchen and, notably, the lack of a customer restroom, which can be a dealbreaker for some.
Ambience
23
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Hidden gem
- Open late
- Family-run vibe
What people don't like
- Tight seating
- No customer restroom
- Kitchen noise
Often praised
- hidden gemalso a hidden gem
- open lateMy experience at this restaurant was consistently great, especially considering the prices. I also love that they are open late, making it a definition of a go-to neighborhood spot.
- atmosphereit was quiet, we had a great time chatting
- family run establishmentWholesome family run establishment
- hoursvalue and hours - open later than other restaurants
- late hoursthe late hours
- late nightopens late night, major plus!
- neighborhood spotMy experience at this restaurant was consistently great, especially considering the prices. I also love that they are open late, making it a definition of a go-to neighborhood spot.
- nice spotoverall a really nice spot
- placeThis is a quaint place
Frequently criticized
- restroomThere isn't much distance from the kitchen to the seating area, so not the best spot for a conversation because of the noise. Also, there isn't a restroom for customers. Finally, the cashier, who also seems to be the drink maker, should receive more training or ask someone how to make something instead of replying "I don't know how to make it.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- floorsFloors were super sticky
- large groupA large group is not recommended
- noiseI'd recommend getting takeout. There isn't much distance from the kitchen to the seating area, so not the best spot for a conversation because of the noise. Also, there isn't a restroom for customers.
- restaurant sizerestaurant is quite small
- seating areaIt's a tight seating area so I don't think they can accommodate large groups comfortably
If you're seeking a cozy, late-night hidden gem for a small group or solo visit, this spot could be perfect. However, if ample space, a quiet environment for deep conversation, or a restroom are priorities, you might want to consider takeout or another option.
Value (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.5 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 90.5%, guests are consistently thrilled. Based on 19 positive remarks out of 21 total, diners frequently praise the reasonably priced and good prices for the value they receive, often highlighting the great price point for hearty meals.
Whats even more impressive is that out of 21 customer comments, there were absolutely no negative mentions regarding value. It seems customers found nothing to complain about when it came to the cost, indicating a universally positive experience with the pricing.
Value
21
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
0
negative
2
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Unbeatable prices
- Affordable meals
What people don't like
Often praised
- pricesI’ve lived in the area for close to 10 years and while I’ve learned the neighborhood gems, this one remained hidden. The prices are incredible, and the food is even better. My only comment is to order the chicken katsu instead of the teriyaki; the teriyaki is good and worth the price, but the katsu is too good for what it’s worth!
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive, especially considering the incredibly fair price. I enjoyed a Bento Box with 3 choices of entrée from a decent variety of options, along with hot tea, all for just $20 during lunch hours.
- $17My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had delicious bento boxes for only $17. We ended up losing track of time and stayed past closing, but the staff was so polite and didn't rush us out.
- Reasonably pricedReasonably priced
- good pricea good price
- good pricesGood prices
- less than $20hearty meal for less than $20
- price pointBest food and price point in the Bay Area
- reasonable priceReasonable price gets the job done
- reasonably pricedreasonably priced and quick
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a meal that wont break the bank but still delivers on quality and quantity, this place is a clear winner. Customers consistently rave about the incredible value, making it a definite go-to for budget-friendly dining.
How are the prices at Xiaoyu’s?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 28 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners (20 out of 28) find themselves right in that $11–$20 sweet spot, with a few spending a little less or a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 28 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 Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Xiaoyu’s
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Go-To Neighborhood Spot
My experience at this restaurant was consistently great, especially considering the prices. I also love that they are open late, making it a definition of a go-to neighborhood spot.
- quality9
- prices8
- open late8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Excellent Takeout Food with Great Flavors
I was impressed by the food, especially for a takeout spot. The Beef teriyaki was fatty and had a nice char. The Salmon teriyaki was moist and the skin had a nice crunch.
The rice had teriyaki sauce underneath, which was a great touch!
- food9
- Beef teriyaki8
- Salmon teriyaki9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fast Service, Fresh Food, Great Options!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was incredibly fast, and the food was wonderfully fresh. They also offer a wide amount of food options.
I particularly enjoyed the combo plate, which included tempura & eggplant and chicken katsu curry. I loved them both!
- service10
- food10
- food options9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Service and Delicious Vegetarian Options!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was incredible, and the food was delicious. They were very accommodating and happy to make substitutions to my meal.
The prices were unbeatable, and there was a great range of vegetarian options. I highly recommend the veggie dumplings – they are a must-order!
- service10
- food9
- substitutions8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Hidden Gem with Incredible Value
My biggest regret is not knowing this place existed sooner! I’ve lived in the area for close to 10 years and while I’ve learned the neighborhood gems, this one remained hidden. The prices are incredible, and the food is even better.
My only comment is to order the chicken katsu instead of the teriyaki; the teriyaki is good and worth the price, but the katsu is too good for what it’s worth! I’ve tried all the Japanese curry places around, and I love Volcano, but if I’m looking for a great meal, a good price, and a satisfying end to my night, the late hours and wonderful food of Xiaoyu is not just a place to settle for, it’s the one I’m hoping is open, and lucky for me, they usually are!
- prices9
- food9
- chicken katsu10
What Xiaoyu’s offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Xiaoyu’s accessible for everyone?
Yes, Xiaoyu’s is committed to accessibility. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. This makes it an inclusive spot for you to enjoy a meal in the Richmond District.
What dining options are available at Xiaoyu’s, and can I make a reservation?
At Xiaoyu’s, you can enjoy lunch or dinner with convenient table service. For your planning convenience, the restaurant also accepts reservations, making it easy to secure your spot for a delightful meal in San Francisco. Takeout and delivery are also available.
How does Xiaoyu’s generally rate among diners?
Xiaoyu’s holds a strong overall score of **7.9** with **81.9%** customer satisfaction. Its **Food** (8.3) and **Value** (8.5) are particularly well-regarded, while **Service** (7) is good, and **Ambience** (6) is considered average.
What are the main strengths of Xiaoyu’s?
Customers frequently praise Xiaoyu’s for its excellent food, particularly dishes like chicken katsu and tempura , and its incredible prices . The late hours and family run establishment also receive positive remarks.
Are there any common concerns about Xiaoyu’s?
Some patrons note issues with the ambience , citing noise and the lack of a restroom . There have also been occasional comments about lack of warmth from staff and drink preparation inconsistencies.