Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » TĂș Lan – San Francisco
TĂș Lan - San Francisco
Photo from TĂș Lan
TĂș Lan at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- đ Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21â$30
mentioned by 79 of the guests
#412 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#11 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
445
Reviews
82.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Great value
- Quick service
Frequently criticized
- Sketchy area
- Poor ambiance
- Bad parking
The restaurant, a delightful Vietnamese Restaurant in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood, invites you to experience its cozy and casual atmosphere. You’ll find a welcoming spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
One of the highlights you’ll appreciate is their great tea selection, offering a refreshing complement to your dining experience. Whether you’re looking for healthy options or small plates, TĂș Lan provides a diverse menu to satisfy your cravings.
Overview: Introducting TĂș Lan
TĂș Lan offers a compelling experience where the focus is firmly on the plate. Many appreciate the flavorful and plentiful dishes, often highlighting the excellent value for money.
The service is frequently noted for being fast and efficient, contributing to a generally positive dining encounter. However, the setting itself presents a different picture.
The neighborhood can be challenging, and the interior atmosphere has been described as less than pristine, with some finding it not the cleanest place. Despite these environmental factors, the culinary offerings often manage to overshadow the surroundings.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
445
Reviews
82.9%
Satisfaction
49
negative
27
neutral
369
positive
Overall, TĂș Lan garners a strong 8.3 out of 10, with customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 82.9%. This positive sentiment is largely driven by the culinary experience, where Food (8.7) stands out as a clear highlight.
Diners frequently commend the dishes, contributing significantly to the restaurant’s reputation. The efficient Service (8.7) also receives high marks, ensuring a smooth visit for many.
The restaurant also offers considerable Value (8.3), making it an appealing choice for those seeking quality without excessive cost. However, the Ambience (6.1) presents a more mixed picture, often noted as an area for improvement.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 445 customer remarks, with 369 positive observations outweighing the 49 negative ones, providing a credible overview of the dining experience.
What people like
- Flavorful, plentiful food
- Excellent value
- Fast, polite service
What people don't like
- Challenging neighborhood
- Subpar atmosphere
- Parking difficulties
If you prioritize delicious, substantial meals at a fair price over a polished dining environment, TĂș Lan is certainly worth considering. Its strong 8.6 recommendation score reflects a consistent ability to deliver on taste and value, making it a reliable choice for many.
Be prepared for a less-than-ideal setting, as the surroundings are often noted as a drawback. However, for those focused on the culinary experience and efficient service, this establishment offers a compelling reason to visit, promising a satisfying and affordable meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on TĂș Lan
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.7 and an impressive 90.3% customer satisfaction, its clear diners are consistently delighted. Out of 278 total remarks, a whopping 251 praise the "good n plenty Vietnamese food, especially the generous portions and beloved Imperial Rolls.
Expect deliciousness that fills your heart and stomach! However, a few of the 19 negative remarks point to some areas for improvement. Some patrons noted concerns about overall quality, with specific mentions of broth lacking flavor, noodles being rubbery, and grilled pork" occasionally dry.
While these are minor points amidst overwhelming praise, they're worth noting.
Food
278
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
19
negative
8
neutral
251
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Generous portions
- Crispy Imperial Rolls
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Dry grilled pork
- Weak broth/noodles
Often praised
- foodWe had the sour pork (40) and the noodle plate with pork and imperial roll (17). The noodle plate is really good; the food is very flavourful and unique. The sour pork wasn't to my liking; it tasted kind of watered down.
- imperial rollsMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the Amazing Bun Cha and imperial rolls, which were delicious. The staff were super nice and fast.
- Vietnamese foodTu Lan is a survivor. Despite a less-than-ideal area, constant scrutiny from the BOH, and a past fire, TL continues to serve some of the best Vietnamese food Iâve had in SF. Itâs cheap, fast, and the portions are huge.
- Imperial rollsImperial rolls. Packed with tons of flavor, super delicious.
- delicious foodMy experience at this restaurant was marked by delicious food and excellent service. The recommended dishes, such as the Hanoi Style B Beef or C Chicken Noodle Soup, were a highlight.
- imperial rollThe Goi Cuon was very good, although the dipping sauce was only okay. The #17 bun was very good; it had really good grilled pork and the biggest imperial roll known to mankind, stuffed with meat. For one person, I do not recommend getting both an appetizer and a main dish.
- phothe pho, the plates never disappoint!!!
- #17I enjoyed their Chicken Curry Vietnamese style and the Lemon beef salad. For those who want a simple yet satisfying choice, just get the #17. RIP Anthony â€ïžâ€ïžâ€ïž
- Imperial RollsOther staples and fan favorites are Imperial Rolls
- Vietnamese coffeeVietnamese coffee is also solid, but on the sweeter side.
Frequently criticized
- brothThe food was not tasty, and the neighborhood atmosphere was also poor. The broth was salty, the noodles were rubbery and overcooked, and the meat was tough. I feel like my money was wasted.
- Bun Rieu Tom/Cuathis Bun Rieu Tom/Cua is definitely mediocre and not authentic
- Vietnamese coffeeVietnamese coffee was diluted
- Vietnamese foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing as the Vietnamese food was not authentic. Having lived in Vietnam for six months and frequently dining at Vietnamese restaurants globally, I found the Bun Rieu Tom/Cua to be decidedly mediocre.
- cookingwhy not keep cooking the way he always did
- foodnot as good as reviews say
- food qualityfood quality is not good anymore
- grilled porkGrilled pork is small portion, marinated well, but overcooked, too dry to eat.
- meatThe food was not tasty, and the neighborhood atmosphere was also poor. The broth was salty, the noodles were rubbery and overcooked, and the meat was tough. I feel like my money was wasted.
- noodlesThe food was not tasty, and the neighborhood atmosphere was also poor. The broth was salty, the noodles were rubbery and overcooked, and the meat was tough. I feel like my money was wasted.
If you're craving authentic Vietnamese food with generous portions and a high chance of deliciousness, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor inconsistencies might pop up, the overall experience promises to be incredibly satisfying.
Service (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! This spot really shines here, boasting a good score of 8.7 and a fantastic 86.2% customer satisfaction. With 50 positive remarks out of 58 total comments, its clear that patrons frequently praise the friendly service, fast service, and excellent service from the dedicated staff and owners.
Many appreciate the lovely, well-trained, and understanding team who make picking up orders quick and hassle-free. While the service is overwhelmingly positive, there were a couple of less-than-stellar experiences among the 58 total comments. Just 2 negative remarks mentioned rude service or simply not the best service.
It seems these instances are rare exceptions, but it's always good to be aware that perfection is a tough act to maintain for anyone.
Service
58
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
2
negative
6
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Excellent service
What people don't like
- Rude service
Often praised
- staffThe staffs here are welding, well trained and understanding
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was consistently positive. The service was always fast, fresh and polite. I've noticed they have a loyal following of long-time customers, and I've repeatedly encountered friendly familiar faces during my visits.
- ServiceService:5
- service speedMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely incredible. The food tasted great and was made fresh and fast. I was also impressed by what seemed to be the best prices in town.
- Picking upPicking up is always fast & hassle free
- Service speedService is fast and we didn't have to wait long to be seated!
- chefsthe same chefs they've been using for the last 30 to 40 years
- disappointedI'm never disappointed
- easy to pick upWas easy to pick up
- effortfolks here put a lot into it
Frequently criticized
- serviceRude service, the check my be dropped before you finish your soup
If you value a restaurant where the staff are genuinely kind, efficient, and make you feel welcome, this place is definitely worth a visit. The service here is a major highlight, ensuring a smooth and pleasant dining experience that rarely disappoints.
Ambience (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The ambience here gets an average score of 6.1, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 48.6%. Many of the 34 positive remarks among 70 total comments celebrate recent restaurant remodels that have made the space feel much cleaner and more inviting. Guests appreciate the overall cleanliness and often describe it as a special place or a hidden gem.
However, 26 negative observations point to some challenges. The location is frequently mentioned as being in a rough part of town or a sketchy neighborhood, with parking often being a hassle. Some also found the atmosphere too small or loud, impacting the overall dining experience.
Ambience
70
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
26
negative
10
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Remodeled, inviting space
- Clean and inviting
- Unique, special gem
What people don't like
- Sketchy neighborhood
- Difficult parking
- Small, loud space
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. The portions were very generous and the atmosphere was convivial. We dined in and found the price to be very reasonable for the United States : -)
- placeA place I hope never disappears
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- familiar facesLots of familiar faces both eating and working
- ambienceThe restaurant looks different but todays was first time in two years!
- breath of fresh airA truly breath of fresh air
- clean restaurantclean restaurant contrasts almost shockingly
- cleanerMy experience at this restaurant, established in 1977, was a pleasant surprise. It was great to see they remodeled the restaurant, making it cleaner and more inviting. This is a huge plus considering the location.
- cleanlinessIt's much cleaner and not so stuffy!
- conveniencethe quality and convenience of this location
Frequently criticized
- neighborhoodThe neighborhood is crusty, CD, and pretty dirty, but trust me, the food makes up for it!
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is a 3 because when you walk in, it's pretty greasy
- ParkingParking stinks around here
- areaArea is sketchy so be careful around
- avoid wearing maskspeople around avoid wearing masks
- cleanlinessNot the cleanest place
- counterA delicious bargain. I sure miss eating at the counter, though!
- dine in spacenot much dine in space
- locationto be found on one of its worst blocks
- neighborhood atmospherethe neighborhood atmosphere was also poor
If youre willing to overlook a potentially challenging neighborhood and parking, you might discover a charming, recently updated spot. Its worth a visit if you prioritize a clean, inviting interior over a perfect exterior location.
Value (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines with a 8.3 score and a fantastic 87.2% customer satisfaction! Many folks, in 34 positive comments, rave about the affordable prices, calling it a delicious bargain and noting that its often surprisingly well-priced. Youll find plenty of opinions highlighting that the food is inexpensive, offering great quality that makes it truly worth it.
However, a couple of voices, among the 2 negative remarks, did mention some minor hiccups. One customer pointed out that the prices online need updating, which can be a bit misleading. Another felt their money was wasted due to a disappointing meal, suggesting that while generally good, consistency might occasionally waver.
Value
39
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Affordable, quality food
- Delicious and cheap
What people don't like
- Outdated online prices
- Money felt wasted
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was that they offer good 'n plenty at the right price. However, in terms of quality, they've fallen off over the last 2 years.
- pricesThe food tasted great and was made fresh and fast. I was also impressed by what seemed to be the best prices in town.
- cheapThe food was very cheap
- $12 pho$12 fho with beef bone
- Good, Cheap, and PlentifulIt's everything you expect from a hole-in-the-wall place. The neighborhood is seedy, and the place isn't the cleanest with service that could be better, but the food makes up for all of it by being Good, Cheap, and Plentiful. I'll vouch for the imperial rolls, viet iced coffee, and fried fish with ginger sauce.
- Market St. dealThe dishes were really good, offering excellent quality at an inexpensive price point. While the neighborhood can be dicey, the restaurant itself is a worthwhile destination, especially with the 1/2 off Market St. deal.
- affordabilityMy experience at this restaurant is consistently excellent, making it a must-visit every time I'm in San Francisco. The food is outstanding and affordable. I highly recommend their Spicy beef soup, which is the best, and also the Imperial roll.
- affordable pricesThe cha gio with rice noodle did not disappoint, offering a delicious taste. I was also impressed by the friendly, fast service and the affordable prices, making it a great value for money.
- bargainI especially love having my meals prepared and served by these same folks for forty years! A delicious bargain. I sure miss eating at the counter, though!
- checkMy friend loved his chow mein also, which was loaded with seafood and noodles. Overall, our check ended up being $28 for a two-person lunch. Highly recommend this place for a flavorful and fresh meal, at a great price!
Frequently criticized
- moneyThe broth was salty, the noodles were rubbery and overcooked, and the meat was tough. I feel like my money was wasted. I don't understand why it has a 5-star rating; it's a mystery to me.
- prices onlineThe food is good for a good price, especially considering we are right in the middle of SF. They need to update the prices online though.
If youre looking for a fantastic deal on delicious food, this place is definitely worth checking out. Youll likely find excellent quality for an affordable price, making it a great choice for budget-conscious diners. Just be sure to double-check current prices, as online menus might not always be up-to-date.
How are the prices at TĂș Lan?
Youâre looking at roughly 21 per person â reported by 79 diners. That puts it in the $21â$30 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant in San Francisco, itâs comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average spend is 21, it’s interesting to note that most guests actually spend a bit less, with a big cluster around the $11â$20 range. This suggests a good mix, offering both budget-friendly bites and options for those who want to indulge a little more.
Hereâs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 79 reviews.
See 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 flexibility, catering to different budgets while maintaining a mid-range average. Its a solid choice if youre looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about TĂș Lan
Price per Person
- $21â$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful! The food was excellent, and the Curry fried rice was "da bomb! ".
Everything was delicious, and we had leftovers because we couldn't decide on just a few dishes. The staff was super nice, and the service was fast.
- food10
- Curry fried rice10
- leftovers9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6â15 min.)
9
Delicious Cha Gio and Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The cha gio with rice noodle did not disappoint, offering a delicious taste. I was also impressed by the friendly, fast service and the affordable prices, making it a great value for money.
- cha gio with rice noodle9
- friendly, fast service9
- affordable prices8
Price per Person
- $11â$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
9
Huge Flavor in a Small Package!
OMG. I was almost afraid when I first walked in because of how small the place is. For such a small place, it packs some insanely huge flavor!
Some of the best PHO I've ever had.
- PHO10
- flavor9
- place3
Price per Person
- $11â$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
9
Friendly Staff, Great Pho!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff was incredibly friendly throughout my visit, from ordering to receiving my meal. The entire process took a surprisingly short time, about 5-10 minutes.
I ordered the Hanoi pho, which came with a generous shank that I wasn't expecting. This addition made the price of $15 after tax feel very worthwhile. I can definitely see myself becoming a regular customer here.
A helpful note: don't trust auto-generated details; they are not cash only, as I paid with my card.
- staff10
- wait time10
- Hanoi pho9
Price per Person
- $11â$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Authentic Vietnamese Gem
I've visited this restaurant many times, especially when I'm in the area and feeling hungry. My initial visit was driven by a YouTube video showcasing their homemade and delicious foods, particularly their famous eggrolls. The menu offers a wide selection of authentic Vietnamese dishes, including soups and rice plates.
You can choose to sit at the bar for a view of the open kitchen or at a table. Everything is made to order, and I don't mind the wait because I'm patient. It can get crowded, making takeout a good option, or you can wait like me.
The staff are welding, well trained, and understanding; I've never had an issue during my visits. This place is a true hole in the wall spot, easily missed if you're not looking for it. It's suitable for all group sizes, or even for dining solo.
I highly recommend this place if you're looking to try something new or are simply in the area. I'll definitely be back to explore their other delicious offerings.
- homemade and delicious foods9
- authentic Vietnamese dishes9
- made to order8
What TĂș Lan offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Tourists
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at TĂș Lan, and what service options are available?
At TĂș Lan, you can look forward to a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal. They offer flexible service options including convenient dine-in, takeout for meals on the go, and delivery right to your door, ensuring you can enjoy their Vietnamese cuisine however you prefer.
Are there parking options available near TĂș Lan, and is the restaurant accessible for everyone?
Finding parking near TĂș Lan can sometimes be a challenge, with paid parking lots and both free and paid street parking available, though spaces are often difficult to find. However, you’ll be pleased to know that the restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests.
How does TĂș Lan generally score with customers?
TĂș Lan holds a strong overall score of 8.3, with customer satisfaction at 82.9%. This is largely driven by excellent scores for Food (8.7) and Service (8.7), alongside good Value (8.3). The Ambience (6.1) is noted as an area with room for improvement.
What are some popular or recommended dishes at TĂș Lan?
Many diners frequently praise the imperial rolls for their flavor, and the #17 dish is a consistent favorite. The pho is also often mentioned as a reliable choice, with many finding the food generally flavorful and plentiful.
What should I expect regarding the atmosphere and location of TĂș Lan?
While the food and value are highly regarded, the restaurant’s neighborhood is often described as challenging, and the atmosphere can be less refined. Some recent remodels have improved cleanliness, but parking can be difficult.