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oChef » Larkin – San Francisco
Larkin - San Francisco
Photo from Larkin
Larkin at a glance
San Francisco Little Saigon
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 33 of the guests
#240 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#6 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
190
Reviews
88.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Friendly service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Sketchy neighborhood
- Food inconsistencies
The restaurant Larkin invites you to experience authentic Vietnamese flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Little Saigon. This Vietnamese Restaurant offers a casual dining atmosphere where you can enjoy a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
You’ll find a focus on healthy options, making it a great spot for a nutritious and delicious culinary journey. Whether you’re craving small plates or a full meal, this spot has you covered for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Overview: Introducting Larkin
Larkin offers a dining experience where the culinary focus truly shines, delivering dishes that are often described as flavorful and satisfying. Patrons frequently highlight the warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, some experiences with the service have been inconsistent, and the surrounding area can be a bit challenging. Despite these minor points, the overall impression of Larkin leans positive, with many appreciating the friendly service and the substantial portions that offer good value.
The establishment maintains a welcoming vibe, though the neighborhood might require a bit of navigation. It’s a place that prioritizes the plate and a relaxed setting.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
190
Reviews
88.9%
Satisfaction
15
negative
6
neutral
169
positive
Larkin achieves a solid overall score of 8.5, reflecting a generally positive customer experience. This is supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rating of 88.9%, indicating that most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from a considerable 190 customer observations, with 169 positive remarks outweighing 15 negative ones. The restaurant’s strengths are evident across several areas.
The Food (8.7) stands out, frequently praised for its quality and flavor, while Service (8.7) also garners high marks for its attentiveness. Customers find good Value (8.6) in their meals, and the Ambience (7.2) is generally considered pleasant and spacious, contributing to a comfortable visit.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Friendly, quick service
- Good value for money
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service interactions
- Challenging neighborhood location
- Occasional food inconsistencies
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.6, Larkin is certainly worth considering if you prioritize delicious, well-prepared food and appreciate a friendly, efficient service. It’s a place that delivers on its culinary promises and offers good value, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
However, be mindful of the location and manage expectations regarding occasional service hiccups. If you’re seeking a straightforward, flavorful dining experience in a comfortable setting and can overlook external factors, Larkin could be a good fit for your next outing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Larkin
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
Alright, lets talk food! The culinary experience here is overwhelmingly positive, scoring an excellent 8.7 and boasting an impressive 91.6% customer satisfaction. With 109 positive remarks out of 119 total, diners consistently rave about the flavorful broth, fresh ingredients, and generous portions, especially for their authentic Vietnamese pho and Hu Tieu Nam Vang.
However, its not entirely without minor critiques. A small handful of 6 negative comments noted issues like eggs cooked wrong and some finding the pho broth a little bland or salty. These seem to be isolated incidents rather than widespread concerns, given the overall high praise.
Food
119
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
6
negative
4
neutral
109
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful broth
- Fresh ingredients
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent egg cooking
- Variable pho broth
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I enjoyed super quality food and delicious food. The staff were extremely friendly and talented.
- phoMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great service and the delicious pho and hu tieu nam vang. The broth was super flavorful, and the restaurant itself has a wonderful spacious dine-in space.
- brothPretty sure this was the best pho I’ve ever had. The broth is deep and flavorful and they don’t skimp on the meat portions. The real surprise was their magical made in-house chili oil.
- ingredientsI also tried the pork chop, and it was equally great. The restaurant focuses on fresh ingredients and offers good prices, creating a no-frills yet satisfying dining experience.
- Hu Tieu Nam VangTry the Hu Tieu Nam Vang if you’re wanting to try something different
- beefthe beef is incredibly flavorful
- noodlesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the amazing pho which featured fresh wide noodles. I also tried the pork chop, and it was equally great.
- Vietnamese foodAs a cornerstone of Little Saigon, this place should be a protected landmark. Vietnamese food is being slowly displaced in favor of Middle Eastern cuisine in the Tenderloin, but this restaurant upholds Vietnamese food pridefully. The menu here is smaller than most, which allows them to increase the quality of ingredients, and it shows.
- banh khotThe banh khot was hot and crispy
- flavorful brothWe didn’t plan to eat here, but it turned out to be such a pleasant surprise! The pho was really impressive—flavorful broth, fresh ingredients, and generous portions. It wasn’t busy at all, which made the experience even more relaxing.
Frequently criticized
- eggs cooked wrongthey cooked my eggs wrong
- phothe pho 🍲 it’s a little salty
- pho brothPho broth was a little bland
- scrambled eggsAsked for scrambled and got over easy
- seafood PhoI wish they put more stuff in my seafood Pho
- whites not fully cookedThe white was not cooked all the way
If you're craving delicious and authentic Vietnamese cuisine, especially pho, this spot is definitely worth a visit. The high-quality ingredients and generous portions make it a standout, though you might want to specify how you like your eggs cooked!
Service (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place really shines! Guests consistently rave about the friendly staff and quick service, with many noting how welcoming everyone is. With an excellent score of 8.7 and a fantastic 90.6% customer satisfaction, its clear that the team here goes above and beyond to make you feel at home, often getting your food fast.
However, out of 32 comments, there were a few isolated incidents. A couple of experiences mentioned a less-than-ideal encounter with a kitchen guy or a man who greeted me, leading to one paying customer' feeling unwelcome. While these are rare, they highlight small areas for improvement in an otherwise stellar service record.
Service
32
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Unwelcoming interaction
Often praised
- serviceThe real surprise was their magical made in-house chili oil. The service was friendly and quick, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Nice low key setting when you’re looking to avoid crowds or ‘it’ places.
- staffextremely friendly talented staff
- peopleThe people in this restaurant are friendly
- ServiceService:5
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- employeethe employee is nice
- familyThe family is very welcoming to all
- food came fastThis food came fast
- friendly peopleThe owners and staff were friendly people.
- friendly serviceService is fast and friendly
Frequently criticized
- kitchen guykitchen guy take trash bags and drop them
- man who greeted meman who greeted me... directed me to leave
- paying customerThis is a restaurant, not a coffee shop, ” and directed me to leave if I wasn’t buying more. An experience I was very excited about turned very sour being asked to leave as a paying customer, regardless of how much I bought. I am a black person with locs, and I can’t help but think that if I didn’t look like this, he would have let it slide.
Overall, if friendly and efficient service is high on your list, you're likely to have a great experience here. The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests the team genuinely cares, making it a solid choice for a pleasant meal.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.2, indicating a good experience, and customer satisfaction at 70.4%, also landing in the good range, most folks enjoy the setting. Out of 27 total remarks, 19 were positive, often praising the atmosphere, clean environment, spacious dining area, and thoughtful table spacing.
It sounds like a warm, inviting, and comfortable place to dine. However, its not without its quirks, as 6 negative comments point out. While its a true old school pho joint, some found it lacked a fancy ambiance.
More significantly, concerns were raised about the location being a bit sketchy and issues with parking, which could impact your overall arrival experience.
Ambience
27
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean dining area
- Spacious table spacing
- Warm, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Sketchy neighborhood
- Parking can be difficult
- No fancy ambiance
Often praised
- atmosphereThe real surprise was their magical made in-house chili oil. The service was friendly and quick, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Nice low key setting when you’re looking to avoid crowds or ‘it’ places.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeWith a big portion too. I thought the place was small, but NOPE, I was wrong; their place is massive and spacious. I truly liked the setting; I wasn’t close to anyone at another table.
- vibeEach table was spaced out perfectly. The vibe they gave me was comforting and friendly to vibe with friends. I got the pho combo and that shi was bussing!
- cleanThe restaurant was clean
- dine in spacewonderful spacious dine in space
- dining areaSpacious and clean dinning area
- friendly and well prepared restuaranta friendly and well prepared restuarant
- hidden gemDefinitely a hidden gem
- old school phó jointTrue old school phó joint
Frequently criticized
- neighborhoodMy experience at this restaurant was centered around its delish & wholesome Vietnamese pho and a savory crepe, all offered at reasonable prices. While the food was a definite highlight, it's worth noting that the neighborhood is sketchy.
- fancy ambianceThe menu here is smaller than most, which allows them to increase the quality of ingredients, and it shows. It's a true old-school pho joint, with no fancy ambiance, just homemade pho and spring rolls, perfect for those cold SF nights, which is pretty much always.
- locationthe location...skechy & not safe for parking
- parkingnot safe for parking
- trash bagstake trash bags and drop them across the street
If youre looking for a clean, spacious, and comfortable spot with a friendly vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that the immediate neighborhood and parking might require a little extra planning, as its more about the cozy interior than a glamorous exterior.
Value (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, this place truly shines, boasting an impressive 100% customer satisfaction! With a solid 8.6 score, diners consistently rave about getting great value for the price. Based on 12 positive remarks, many found the prices to be incredibly affordable price and reasonable prices for the quality and portion sizes.
What's truly remarkable is that out of all 12 customer remarks, there were absolutely no negative comments or concerns regarding the pricing. It appears every diner found the value to be spot-on, with no complaints about costs whatsoever.
Value
12
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Affordable prices
- Reasonable cost
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceThe dining area was spacious and clean, which is a rarity in the neighborhood. I found the food to be fresh and reasonably priced. The service was friendly.
- pricesI also tried the pork chop, and it was equally great. The restaurant focuses on fresh ingredients and offers good prices, creating a no-frills yet satisfying dining experience.
- $14+I won’t forget the young gentleman and how he was so soft-spoken and kind. It was all worth $14+! With a big portion too.
- affordable priceat a more than affordable price
- reasonable pricesat reasonable prices
- value for the priceVery good value for the price
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place where your money goes far, this restaurant is a clear winner. Diners consistently praise the affordable and reasonable prices, ensuring you get great value without compromising on quality. Its definitely worth trying if budget-friendly deliciousness is what you seek.
How are the prices at Larkin?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 33 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners stick right to that $11–$20 sweet spot, showing a very consistent pricing experience.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 33 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a consistent mid-range experience without any big surprises, which is always a good sign!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Larkin
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Pho and Spacious Atmosphere!
Bru, I gotta write one! This place is one of the great spots for pho, you hear me? !
I won’t forget the young gentleman and how he was so soft-spoken and kind. It was all worth $14+! With a big portion too.
I thought the place was small, but NOPE, I was wrong; their place is massive and spacious. I truly liked the setting; I wasn’t close to anyone at another table. Each table was spaced out perfectly.
The vibe they gave me was comforting and friendly to vibe with friends. I got the pho combo and that shi was bussing! Usually, the beef balls won’t have that much taste, but once I ate it, I was wrong lol.
A must-try, and I’ll be back!
- pho9
- young gentleman10
- portion9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Hu Tieu Nam Vang!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The star of the show is undoubtedly the Hu Tieu Nam Vang, also known as Phnom Penh noodles. While the menu simply states 'noodle soup, ' I highly recommend asking for the dry version.
The noodles are tossed in a delicious sauce, with the broth and proteins served separately in a small bowl. It's a unique way to fully enjoy the dish – try the noodles dry first, then gradually add the broth and protein as you progress through your meal. The restaurant itself is friendly and well-prepared, and the people here are super sweet.
I encourage everyone to support local mom and pop places like this one.
- Hu Tieu Nam Vang10
- dry version9
- noodles9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Pho with Great Value
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I had some very good pho here, and I appreciated that they serve both wide and thin noodles, which is a definite plus. The use of high-quality ingredients was evident.
The restaurant itself was clean and the presentation was nice. Overall, it offered very good value for the price.
- wide and thin noodles9
- high-quality ingredients9
- clean8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Delish Vietnamese Pho & Crepes
My experience at this restaurant was centered around its delish & wholesome Vietnamese pho and a savory crepe, all offered at reasonable prices. While the food was a definite highlight, it's worth noting that the neighborhood is sketchy.
- Vietnamese pho9
- savory crepe8
- reasonable prices8
- neighborhood3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Hu Tieu Nam Vang, Fast Service
My experience at the restaurant was excellent. The Hu Tieu Nam Vang was super delicious with a flavorful broth and plenty of tasty meats and shrimp. The service was fast and friendly.
The atmosphere was rated 5, with a moderate noise level. We were a group of 3-4 people and had no wait time.
- Hu Tieu Nam Vang10
- flavorful broth9
- tasty meats and shrimp9
What Larkin offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Larkin Restaurant accessible and what are the parking options?
Yes, Larkin Restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Parking in the area can sometimes be a bit challenging to find a space, so you might want to plan accordingly when visiting Little Saigon.
What dining options and amenities does Larkin Restaurant offer?
Larkin Restaurant provides a variety of dining options, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with comfortable seating and table service. You can also enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi and a gender-neutral restroom. They are good for kids and offer high chairs, making it a family-friendly Vietnamese Restaurant.
How does Larkin generally perform?
Larkin holds a strong overall score of 8.5, driven by its highly-rated Food (8.7) and Service (8.7), alongside good Value (8.6) and a pleasant Ambience (7.2).
What do customers appreciate most about Larkin?
Customers frequently praise Larkin for its delicious and flavorful food, particularly the broth and fresh ingredients. The friendly and quick service, along with good value for money, are also often highlighted.
Are there any common concerns about Larkin?
Some patrons have noted issues with inconsistent service interactions and the surrounding neighborhood being less appealing. There were also occasional comments about food preparation, such as eggs being cooked incorrectly or pho broth being bland or salty.