Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Pakwan – San Francisco
Pakwan - San Francisco
Photo from Pakwan
Pakwan at a glance
San Francisco Little Saigon
- 🍛 Pakistani Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 79 of the guests
#2007 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#9 Pakistani Restaurant out of 9 in San Francisco
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
396
Reviews
57.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Generous portions
- Authentic Pakistani
- Reasonable pricing
Frequently criticized
- Cleanliness issues
- Service inconsistency
- Parking/neighborhood
The restaurant Pakwan Restaurant – Tenderloin, a renowned Pakistani Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Little Saigon neighborhood, offers you a truly authentic culinary journey. You’ll discover a fantastic dining experience, especially if you appreciate a great tea selection to complement your meal.
This spot is perfect for a casual outing, providing a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious food. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner, you’ll find options to satisfy your cravings.
Overview: Introducting Pakwan
Pakwan offers a culinary experience where the focus is clearly on the plate. Many appreciate the generous portions and the authentic flavors of its Pakistani dishes, making it a destination for those seeking specific cultural tastes.
You’ll find particular praise for items like their flavorful Naan. However, the experience isn’t uniformly polished.
Some guests have noted concerns regarding the overall flavour consistency in certain dishes, and issues with the immediate parking situation and the surrounding area have been mentioned, suggesting a mixed bag beyond the food itself.
Good
6.4
out of 10
396
Reviews
57.8%
Satisfaction
123
negative
44
neutral
229
positive
Pakwan holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.4, placing it in the average category, while customer satisfaction stands at a mixed 57.8%. This indicates that while many find their visit satisfactory, a notable portion of diners have reservations.
The insights are drawn from 396 customer observations, with 229 positive and 123 negative remarks. Delving deeper, Food scores well at (6.9), suggesting it’s a primary draw, though some experiences vary.
Service (6.1) and Value (5.9) hover around average, indicating room for improvement in consistency. The Ambience (5) receives the lowest marks, pointing to areas that could significantly enhance the dining environment.
What people like
- Generous food portions
- Authentic Pakistani dishes
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Cleanliness concerns
- Inconsistent service
- Neighborhood and parking
If you’re primarily seeking robust Pakistani flavors and substantial servings, Pakwan is worth considering. The strong emphasis on the cuisine, reflected in a Recommendation Score of 6.7, suggests that the food often hits the mark for its target audience, despite other aspects being less consistent.
However, it’s wise to set expectations for the overall dining environment and service, which can be a bit of a mixed experience. For those prioritizing a casual meal where the food takes center stage, Pakwan could be a suitable choice, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies beyond the plate.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pakwan
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youll find a lot to love here! With a solid score of 6.9 and 162 positive remarks, many rave about the "authentic food" and "flavorful dishes. " Expect "huge portions" and some even call it the "best biryani" theyve had, making for a truly satisfying meal.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 66.4%, with 64 negative comments pointing to some concerns. Issues like overall food quality being poor, undercooked items, and a lack of flavor in certain dishes pop up. A few even reported finding plastic shards, which is definitely a dealbreaker.
Food
244
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
64
negative
18
neutral
162
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Generous portions
- Excellent biryani
What people don't like
- Poor food quality
- Undercooked items
- Plastic shards found
Often praised
- foodthe food is why you're coming to this place
- biryaniMy friend had a biryani and it was HUGE!
- portionsportions so big we were able to share the main dish
- NihariMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the best Nihari in the bay area. I especially enjoyed the Seekh Kebabs and Goat Kadai.
- chicken biryaniWe had the lamb biryani, chicken biryani, and goat kadahi. Amazing flavor and delicious.
- NaanDespite the limited seating, I managed to get a spot. The food was amazing, especially the Karachi and Naan. I will definitely come back.
- Pakistani foodPossibly the best Pakistani food I have had in the US
- garlic naanButter naan, garlic naan and kulcha were good
- vegetarian optionsClearly labeled vegan, vegetarian & gluten free options
- Chicken Karahihighly recommend try getting Chicken Karahi
Frequently criticized
- foodfood quality was so poor that it led to severe illness
- Naan and RotiNaan and Roti we received were disappointingly rubbery and severely undercooked
- chicken tikkaThe chicken tikka really lacked flavour. Disappointing.
- flavorThere was no flavor
- flavourno flavour in kebab nothing just zero
- food poisoninggot food poisoning after eating it
- goat karahitoo much salt in goat karahi
- naannaan are small sized
- paneerpaneer used in other curries and biryani was very hard
- FoodFood:1
So, is it worth a try? If you're craving authentic, flavorful Pakistani/Indian food with generous portions, it could be a hit. Just be aware that some experiences highlight inconsistencies in quality and occasional serious issues, so manage your expectations.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has some real shining moments, with a 6.1 score indicating an average performance. Many guests, about 30 of them, raved about the friendly and helpful staff, often highlighting individuals like Suleiman for their excellent attention to detail. Youll frequently hear praise for the fast service and quick preparation time, making for a smooth dining experience.
However, its a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at 50%. About 18 comments point to some significant hiccups, particularly concerning missing items in orders, especially for delivery or service to go. Issues with staff communication skills and general poor service experiences also pop up, suggesting there's definitely room for improvement in consistency.
Service
60
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
18
negative
12
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Fast service
- Attentive to detail
What people don't like
- Missing order items
- Poor staff communication
- Inconsistent takeout service
Often praised
- serviceOn a positive note, the rice and garlic naan were delicious. The restaurant is reasonably priced, with a convenient order at the counter system and quick service.
- staffThe quality of food has deteriorated significantly and rapidly. However, the staff is extremely courteous and helpful. Despite the excellent service, the overall eating experience was very sub-par due to the food quality.
- ServiceService:4
- SuleimanEspecially Suleiman always take care of us
- ServersServers are great too
- attention to detailTheir genuine care and attention to detail elevate the entire experience
- fast servicetheir service is fast
- hostChet an was a great host
- preparation timepreparation time was quick
- service was goodIt's not often that restaurants get these dishes just right, but this place truly nailed it. The restaurant was clean, and the service was good. I'm planning to visit one more time before flying out.
Frequently criticized
- orderAlways check to make sure you got everything you ordered
- servicethe service is terrible
- behave with customerdoesn’t know at all how to behave with customer
- deliveryFound a roach in my delivery!!!!!!!!!!!
- instructionsexplicitly mentioned in the instructions
- managerwhen I asked for a manager he said they are not there
- missing itemsTo put it simply, it was a pathetic experience. Despite explicitly requesting onion, chutney, and cutlery in the instructions, the restaurant didn't make any effort to include them. In conclusion, this place provided an overall terrible experience, and I strongly advise against recommending it to anyone.
- onion, chutney, or cutlerydidnt even make an effort to add onion OR chutney OR cutlery
- ownerowner and he knows, but months have passed with no fix
- person at the counterperson at the counter is just a nightmare to talk to
The service here is a mixed bag. You might encounter friendly, fast staff, but be aware of potential issues with order accuracy, especially for delivery. It's worth a try for dine-in, but manage expectations for takeout.
Ambience (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot offers a mixed bag, with a score of 5, placing it squarely in the average category. Some diners really appreciate the welcoming and casual atmosphere, noting the quiet noise level and even the cute historical Pakistani architecture. There are 22 positive remarks highlighting aspects like cleanliness and a pleasant overall feel.
However, customer satisfaction for the ambience is quite poor at just 34.4%, reflecting significant concerns. Many of the 31 negative comments point to issues like a sketchy neighborhood, cleanliness problems, and cramped seating. The broken front door, letting in cold air and impacting comfort, also frequently comes up as a major drawback.
Ambience
64
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
31
negative
11
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming casual atmosphere
- Quiet noise level
- Historical architecture
What people don't like
- Sketchy neighborhood
- Cleanliness issues
- Cramped seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was also good for a fine dine in
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Noise levelNoise level was on the lower side
- Parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- Wheelchair accessibilityWheelchair accessibility:Yes
- ambianceI loved the ambiance
- casual environmentthe casual environment was welcoming and comfortable
- cleanlinessCleanliness is marginally better than Shalimar
- historical Pakistani architecturecute historical Pakistani architecture reflected in the wall art
- hotel proximityWe savored the Khadi Chicken, Roti, and Tandoori Chicken – all were delicious! Conveniently close to our hotel too! 🍗🔥 #FoodieDelight
Frequently criticized
- parkingNo real parking nearby, u have to street park
- areaVery cheap and bad area
- neighbourhoodThe staff were also nice. While the neighborhood can be a bit dirty and feels a bit unsafe, the food itself is amazing and makes the visit worth it.
- ADA/Title 24 accessibilityDespite multiple customers raising this issue and the cashier informing the owner, months have passed without a fix. This isn't just inconvenient; it may violate San Francisco Building Code, ADA/Title 24 accessibility requirements, and the Accessible Business Entrance (ABE) program, all of which require self-closing, well-maintained, and accessible doors. A simple repair would significantly improve customer comfort and bring the restaurant into compliance.
- Accessible Business EntranceDespite multiple customers raising this issue and the cashier informing the owner, months have passed without a fix. This isn't just inconvenient; it may violate San Francisco Building Code, ADA/Title 24 accessibility requirements, and the Accessible Business Entrance (ABE) program, all of which require self-closing, well-maintained, and accessible doors. A simple repair would significantly improve customer comfort and bring the restaurant into compliance.
- San Francisco Building CodeDespite multiple customers raising this issue and the cashier informing the owner, months have passed without a fix. This isn't just inconvenient; it may violate San Francisco Building Code, ADA/Title 24 accessibility requirements, and the Accessible Business Entrance (ABE) program, all of which require self-closing, well-maintained, and accessible doors. A simple repair would significantly improve customer comfort and bring the restaurant into compliance.
- ambiancedon't expect much ambiance wise
- area around the restaurantthe area around the restaurant isn’t the greatest
- broken front doordining experience is ruined by the broken front door
- cleanliness of the employeesMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. I discovered that it is the dirtiest restaurant in San Francisco, both in terms of the cleanliness of the place and the cleanliness of the employees. The treatment of the staff was also an issue.
If you're someone who can overlook a challenging neighborhood and some comfort issues for a quick bite, you might find the casual atmosphere acceptable. But if a clean, comfortable, and inviting environment is high on your list, this place might disappoint.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
Many guests found the prices to be quite affordable and reasonable, often feeling it was worth every penny. With 15 positive remarks out of 28 total opinions, it seems many appreciate the value for money here. Some even highlighted generous portions contributing to a good price-quality ratio.
However, the value proposition isn't universally loved, with 10 negative comments. Some felt the experience was expensive or overpriced, even calling it a waste of money and time. The overall customer satisfaction sits at a rather 53.6%, indicating a mixed bag, and the score for value is an average 5.9.
Value
28
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Generous portions
- Good price-quality
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Not worth money
- Poor value
Often praised
- priceReasonably priced
- reasonable priceshow reasonable the prices were
- AffordableAffordable and hearty portions
- PricesPrices are modest
- affordablefood was delicious and affordable
- budget friendly Indian restaurantatleast one budget friendly Indian restaurant
- final billThe portion sizes are incredibly generous. The final bill came down to $10-12 per head.
- good priceat a good price.
- price-quality ratiobest price-quality ratio places
- reasonably pricedThe food taste was amazing, and the biryani was the best biryani outside of Pakistan. The portion sizes were good, and it was reasonably priced. I highly recommend this place!
Frequently criticized
- expensiveit’s a little expensive
- moneyUnfortunately, the food caused food poisoning, and I started vomiting soon after. The food quality was terrible and not worth the money or time. I will never return and do not recommend this place to anyone!
- money and timejust waste of money and time
- priceoverpriced at $15
- price performanceprice performance is poor for the experience
- pricesPrices are high
- timeUnfortunately, the food caused food poisoning, and I started vomiting soon after. The food quality was terrible and not worth the money or time. I will never return and do not recommend this place to anyone!
- time and moneyThe food also tasted bad, and we were completely ignored by the staff. It was a complete waste of time and money.
- value for moneyNot worth it
If youre looking for potentially affordable options with generous portions, this spot might be worth a try. However, be aware that some find it expensive or not worth the money, so manage your expectations carefully. Its a bit of a gamble on whether youll feel its a good value.
How are the prices at Pakwan?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 79 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Pakistani Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While many diners keep it in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 sweet spot, we also see a good number of guests enjoying more premium experiences, with prices stretching into the $41–$50 range and beyond. It’s a nice mix, offering something for various budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 79 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Pakistani Restaurant in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mid-range experience, with options if you want to splurge a little or keep it more casual.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pakwan
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious and Affordable Food!
My experience at Pakwan was fantastic. The food was delicious and affordable. While it's challenging to rate service and atmosphere for a counter-service spot compared to fine dining, the staff I interacted with were helpful and pleasant.
The casual environment was welcoming and comfortable.
- food10
- affordable10
- staff9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
4
Chicken Seekh Kebab Lacked Flavor, Garlic Bread Was Good
My experience involved ordering the chicken seekh kebab, which unfortunately had no flavour and was described as having "just zero" taste. On a positive note, the garlic bread was good. The service received a rating of 4, atmosphere a 3, and food a 3.
- garlic bread7
- chicken seekh kebab2
- flavour1
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Door Issue Needs Urgent Fix
I was very disappointed with my dining experience. The broken front door, which doesn't close properly, ruined the atmosphere by letting in cold air and making it uncomfortable to eat. Despite multiple customers raising this issue and the cashier informing the owner, months have passed without a fix.
This isn't just inconvenient; it may violate San Francisco Building Code, ADA/Title 24 accessibility requirements, and the Accessible Business Entrance (ABE) program, all of which require self-closing, well-maintained, and accessible doors. A simple repair would significantly improve customer comfort and bring the restaurant into compliance. If the owner continues to ignore this, the city could intervene.
- simple repair8
- broken front door1
- cold air1
- customer comfort1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Pakistani and Sudan Food Near Union Square
I had the opportunity to visit this restaurant when I was in San Francisco. It's conveniently located just a few minutes' walk from Union Square. The restaurant is halal certified, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Kids are welcomed here with no issues. While they only accept walk-ins, the food received a perfect score of 5, and the service and atmosphere were also rated a 5. For vegetarians, it comes highly recommended, with a dedicated vegetarian menu or section available.
The price per person ranges from $30–50. The restaurant offers plenty of parking and is wheelchair accessible. I had a wonderful dinner experience.
- halal certified9
- kids are welcomed9
- Walk-ins only6
1
Sick after eating here
I got sick after eating at this restaurant and haven’t been able to use the bathroom for almost four days. The food quality was so poor that it led to severe illness. This experience was extremely negative.
- food1
What Pakwan offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features and parking options does Pakwan Restaurant - Tenderloin offer?
Pakwan Restaurant – Tenderloin ensures a comfortable visit with a wheelchair accessible entrance and restroom. For your convenience, you’ll find both free street parking and paid street parking available nearby, making your arrival and departure hassle-free.
Can you find healthy, halal, or vegetarian options at Pakwan Restaurant - Tenderloin, and what are the dining hours?
Absolutely! Pakwan Restaurant – Tenderloin caters to diverse tastes with healthy options, halal food, and vegetarian choices. You can enjoy lunch, dinner, and even late-night food, with catering services and delicious desserts also available for you to savor.
How does Pakwan score overall and in key areas?
Pakwan has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.4. Its Food scores well at 6.9, while Service is 6.1, Value is 5.9, and Ambience is 5, indicating a mixed performance across different aspects.
What do customers appreciate most about Pakwan's food?
Customers frequently praise Pakwan for its generous portions and authentic Pakistani dishes, with specific mentions of flavorful biryani, Nihari, and Naan.
What are the main concerns customers have about Pakwan?
Key concerns include inconsistencies in food quality, issues with cleanliness and the general ambiance, and occasional reports of unhelpful service or challenges with parking and the surrounding neighborhood.