Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Golden Star – San Francisco
Golden Star - San Francisco
Photo from Golden Star
Golden Star at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 105 of the guests
#1294 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#45 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
450
Reviews
72.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Reasonable Value
- Fast Service
Frequently criticized
- Limited Ambience
- Unclear Pricing
- Cash Only
The restaurant Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant invites you to a delightful culinary journey right in the bustling heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown. This casual spot is renowned for its great coffee, a perfect start or end to your meal.
Whether you’re looking for healthy options, vegetarian dishes, or just a quick bite, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and satisfying choices. It’s a local favorite for both lunch and dinner.
Overview: Introducting Golden Star
Golden Star offers a straightforward dining experience, often praised for its quick, delicious food that hits the spot. Many appreciate the attentive staff and the feeling of a family-run establishment, making it a local favorite for a casual meal.
However, some experiences with horrible service and unexpected charges, like an unrequested 15% tip, have been noted. While the food shines, these inconsistencies can sometimes detract from an otherwise pleasant visit.
Good
7.4
out of 10
450
Reviews
72.4%
Satisfaction
77
negative
47
neutral
326
positive
Golden Star generally earns a good overall score of 7.4, with customer satisfaction also landing in a good range at 72.4%. This indicates that most diners leave content with their experience.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 450 customer comments, with 326 positive remarks outweighing 77 negative ones. The Food stands out as a clear strength, scoring an impressive (8), consistently receiving high praise.
Service (6.6) and Value (6.4) hover in the average range, suggesting they are generally acceptable but have room for improvement. The Ambience (5.9) is the area that could most benefit from attention.
What people like
- Delicious, authentic Food
- Reasonable Value
- Fast, attentive Service
What people don't like
- Limited Ambience
- Unclear Pricing
- Cash-only policy
Golden Star is a solid choice if you’re primarily seeking flavorful, authentic Vietnamese dishes at a fair price. With a strong Recommendation Score of 7.8, it’s clear many diners find it a worthwhile stop, especially for its culinary offerings.
However, be prepared for a no-frills experience, as the ambiance and service can be inconsistent. If you prioritize excellent food and value over a polished dining environment, Golden Star could be a good fit for your next meal.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Vietnamese Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
94
93.6%
- $
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Vietnamese Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
270
92.2%
- $$
- Haight-Ashbury
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Vietnamese Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
587
89.8%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Vietnamese Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
193
89.1%
- $$
- Glen Park
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Vietnamese Restaurant
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
184
88.6%
- $
- Parkside
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Vietnamese Restaurant
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
190
88.9%
- $$
- Little Saigon
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Golden Star
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 8 and boasting a 80.1% customer satisfaction. With 221 positive remarks out of 276, many rave about the special beef pho, authentic flavors, and generous portions, often praising the flavorful broth that makes dishes truly stand out. However, its not all perfect, with 25 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement.
A few diners found the food to be mediocre, mentioning overcooked noodles or tasteless pho, and occasionally, the grilled chicken vermicelli' was noted as being on the dry side.
Food
276
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
25
negative
30
neutral
221
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic flavors
- Generous portions
- Flavorful broth
What people don't like
- Mediocre food
- Tasteless pho
- Overcooked noodles
Often praised
- foodAfter I paid, he then informed me, "I added 15% ok? " The food and atmosphere were good, but this service practice was quite surprising.
- phoMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I found the best pho in San Francisco here. My personal favorite is always the BUN BO HUE, also known as spicy beef noodle soup.
- brothI would try their shrimp spring rolls next time! The combination pho tasted delicious, the broth was fragrant, the noodles were cooked to the right texture, and it came loaded with meats. The staff was attentive, the food came out quickly, and they served hot tea!
- PhoThe food has maintained the same quantity and quality as before. I will always go back if I am craving for Pho.
- imperial rollsThis no-frills Vietnamese eatery is a gem for local families in Chinatown and tourists seeking a good deal. They serve up savory Vietnamese noodle soups, imperial rolls, spring rolls, and vermicelli noodle bowls. I love this place even more for its authentic flavors, big portions, and real Vietnamese coffee served from a French press.
- Bun Bo HueI ordered the Bun Bo Hue and it came with a perfect equal meat to noodle ratio
- FoodI consistently order the lean spicy beef pho, and it never disappoints. The dish is always delicious.
- chickenHowever, the food was really good, especially the five seasoned chicken with pho soup. I cannot stress enough how good the chicken was. The only reasons for not giving a perfect score are the lack of a bathroom and the exclusively outdoor seating.
- noodlesI would try their shrimp spring rolls next time! The combination pho tasted delicious, the broth was fragrant, the noodles were cooked to the right texture, and it came loaded with meats. The staff was attentive, the food came out quickly, and they served hot tea!
- soupMy personal favorite is always the BUN BO HUE, also known as spicy beef noodle soup. The noodle soup was really yummy, and I could tell they cooked the soup for hours beforehand. All the ingredients were super fresh and delicious.
Frequently criticized
- foodMy coworker also never received their coke after asking for it. To top it off, the food wasn't tasty at all. The service was terrible.
- noodlesHowever, my experience here was just so-so. The broth was decent, but the noodles were not great, tasting like starch. For those who are Korean, I recommend going to a popular pho spot that's well-loved by Koreans.
- PhoPho doesn’t taste original
- Grilled Beef Summer Rollthis was the worst thing I ate here
- PhởPhở is tasteless
- authentic Vietnamese foodnot a place to try for the best authentic Vietnamese food
- bean sproutscustomer didn’t use the bean sprouts. A waiter put back to the refrigerator then use for the another table again.
- chickenThe service was fast and kind. I was initially a little bummed that they didn't have chicken, but I'm so happy I tried something new. The broth is AMAZING!
- cokenever got the coke
- flavorful sauceswithout sauces that provide flavor
If youre craving authentic Vietnamese flavors and generous portions, especially pho, this spot is a strong contender. While a few dishes might miss the mark, its generally a satisfying choice for a delicious meal.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
When it comes to service, many diners rave about the friendly staff and quick service, often highlighting owner recommendations that hit the spot. With 59 positive remarks out of 88 total, it seems many appreciate the accommodating nature of the team, contributing to a 67% customer satisfaction rate that suggests a generally positive experience. However, not everyone has had such a smooth experience.
There are 27 comments mentioning horrible service, long wait times, and even rude staff who put pressure on diners to leave quickly. This mixed feedback brings the overall service score to 6.6, indicating there's definitely room for improvement.
Service
88
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
27
negative
2
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick service
- Helpful owner recommendations
- Accommodating staff
What people don't like
- Rude, slow service
- Long wait times
- Pressure to leave
Often praised
- serviceIt offers everything you'd expect from an Asian mom and pop shop: quick, delicious, decently priced food. Even during the lunch rush, you're able to be seated and served quickly, as long as you don't mind sitting with other single diners. To those complaining about the service, it's clearly not a fine dining restaurant, so y'all should keep your expectations down and you'll be good.
- staffThe combination pho tasted delicious, the broth was fragrant, the noodles were cooked to the right texture, and it came loaded with meats. The staff was attentive, the food came out quickly, and they served hot tea! On top of that, the prices were really reasonable.
- ServiceService:4
- foodThe broth was flavorful, and while I personally prefer it a bit spicier, I easily adjusted it with some sriracha sauce, making it perfect for my taste. The service was good, and the food came out fast. I would definitely come back to try other items on the menu.
- peopleThe people are also extremely friendly
- customer serviceI had the best pho I’ve ever had. The customer service is excellent. They are very accommodating language-wise, with staff fluent in Cantonese, English, Taishanese, and Mandarin.
- family runFamily run so please tip kindly
- fast friendly serviceThis is an under-the-radar gem for those in the know. Bonus points for fast friendly service and excellent imperial rolls and Thai iced tea.
- food came outfood came out 5 min later
- guide dogThe staff were incredibly friendly. Initially, they were unsure about my wife’s guide dog, but once they understood her role and the importance of her service, they were very accommodating. This was their first time experiencing a guide dog in the restaurant.
Frequently criticized
- serviceHorrible service/denied service.
- waiterA waiter put back to the refrigerator then use for the another table again.
- staffanother guy came out and was so rude
- 15% tipadded a 15% tip to the price without even asking me
- attentionWater was only my initial serving, as they never passed by my table again after serving food.
- barely any serviceAlthough the food might be good, the service was severely lacking. We experienced a long wait for our food, and there was barely any service throughout our meal. Despite the poor service, the restaurant had the audacity to demand a $5 tip.
- clearing the tableclearing the table as i was still eating
- communicationThe communication was horrible
- customer servicecustomer service is horrible
- gentleman who took my orderThe gentleman who took my order was mean and insensitive
If youre looking for a quick, friendly meal and dont mind the occasional hiccup, youll likely have a good experience here. However, be prepared that service can be a bit inconsistent, so if youre sensitive to wait times or abruptness, you might want to manage your expectations.
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot offers a somewhat positive experience, with a score of 5.9 and a customer satisfaction of 54.2%. Many folks enjoy the sidewalk dining experience, feeling like a true neighborhood gem among the locals in the vibrant Chinatown area. With 26 positive remarks out of 48 total, guests often praise the welcoming setting and mention that the place feels clean and tidy, adding to its local charm.
However, it's not all sunshine and roses. Some find the look a bit outdated, and parking can be a challenge. There are also concerns about flies and the seating situation, with some noting the lack of a bathroom and issues with cleanliness.
A few customers also mentioned encountering transients in the area, which can detract from the overall atmosphere, as seen in the 15 negative comments.
Ambience
48
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
15
negative
7
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Enjoy local vibe
- Great Chinatown location
- Clean interior
What people don't like
- Flies can be present
- No public restroom
- Limited outdoor seating
Often praised
- atmosphereAfter I paid, he then informed me, "I added 15% ok? " The food and atmosphere were good, but this service practice was quite surprising.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Chinatown areathe Chinatown area around it is definitely worth exploring
- Portsmouth Square garage parkingbring next to the Portsmouth Square garage parking is not a problem
- clean and tidyeverything appeared clean and tidy
- local favoriteit's clear it's a local favorite
- local touchThe place was small, clean and had a nice local touch
- localsalong the sidewalk with the locals it was a nice experience.
- locals eating hereLots of locals eating here that's a great sign
- locationIt’s in an iconic location
Frequently criticized
- outdoor seatingAs of May 2021, there was no indoor dining, but outdoor seating was available on the sidewalk. However, the space is limited, and there were many flies around. Our party of 6 arrived on a Saturday at 1: 30 PM and luckily, we were able to get the last table.
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- bathroomno bathroom
- cleanlinessIt’s not a clean place
- community safetyDangerous and not responsible for the community.
- fireworksDangerous and not responsible for the community. The noise and left over burning fireworks flying all over.
- fliesthere's lots of flies around everywhere
- low classIt’s hilarious and low class
- mentally ill people wanderingMentally ill people wandering San Francisco near was a drag.
- outdatedLooks outdated
If youre looking for a casual, local spot with outdoor seating in a lively area and dont mind a few quirks, this place could be a good fit. However, if modern amenities, easy parking, and a pristine environment are high on your list, you might find the ambience a bit challenging.
Value (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners find the prices quite appealing, often describing them as a fair price, reasonable prices, or even great price and super-affordable. Based on 20 positive comments out of 38 total, it seems many appreciate the cost. While the overall score for value sits at an average 6.4, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 52.6%, theres a definite appreciation for the affordability and good portion sizes.
However, not everyone is thrilled, with 10 negative comments highlighting some concerns. Issues like being cash only, feeling its on the expensive side, or encountering menu pricing discrepancies where youre charged more than expected, or even having a tip demand' are noted. These points suggest that while some find it a good deal, others feel the value could be better.
Value
38
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
10
negative
8
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair, reasonable prices
- Good portion sizes
- Great overall value
What people don't like
- Cash only policy
- Forced tip added
- Menu prices inaccurate
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was that it's a great lunch spot if you work in the financial district. It offers everything you'd expect from an Asian mom and pop shop: quick, delicious, decently priced food. Even during the lunch rush, you're able to be seated and served quickly, as long as you don't mind sitting with other single diners.
- fair pricesfair prices
- pricesThe staff was attentive, the food came out quickly, and they served hot tea! On top of that, the prices were really reasonable. Highly recommended!
- cash and cardaccept both cash and card (Visa)
- fair priceat a fair price
- great pricehits the spot for the craving for a great price
- rapport qualité prixSuper rapport qualité prix
- reasonable priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was full of local Vietnam taste and offered reasonable price. I especially loved that I could speak Cantonese to the waiter for suggestions, which made the experience even better.
- reasonable pricesfound the prices reasonable
- value$60 is great in SF
Frequently criticized
- priceadded 15% tip to the price without even asking me
- cash onlyCASH ONLY.
- chargedgot charged from $2-4 more for each item
- demand tipnerve to demand a $5 tip
- expensive sideA little on the expensive side
- food priceNot reasonable for the food price.
- menu pricingthe menu does not reflect the real price.
- prices on the menuprices on the menu need updating
If youre looking for a potentially affordable meal and dont mind checking the menu prices carefully, this spot could offer good value. However, be prepared for potential cash only situations or unexpected charges, as these are recurring concerns. It's a bit of a mixed bag, so manage your expectations regarding the final bill.
How are the prices at Golden Star?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 105 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 guests (74 out of 105) spend within the $11–$20 range. However, a good chunk (26) also opt for the $21–$30 tier, suggesting a nice mix of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 105 reviews.
This graph illustrates the value for money of this restaurant compared to similar establishments in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Vietnamese Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for a mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Golden Star
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Outstanding Food, Deceptive Pricing
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food quality was truly outstanding, with top-notch flavors. However, the menu pricing was misleading, as the final bill for two orders of No 22 with spring rolls, tax, and a 15% tip came to $62.
This felt really expensive for Pho, despite the excellent quality. The atmosphere received a low rating of 2, and service was rated a 3. Finding parking was also difficult.
- food quality10
- menu pricing2
- Pho3
- atmosphere2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Pho, Great Value
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially regarding the food. The pho was better than most places I’ve been to. I was particularly impressed with the portion size, which accurately reflected the portion amount.
Unlike other establishments that add more noodles to large orders while keeping the meat quantity the same as a regular size, this place got it right. The rice noodles were also excellent; they didn't have a starchy smell, indicating they were thoroughly soaked and rinsed. The service was efficient with no wait time, and the atmosphere was pleasant enough.
- pho9
- portion size8
- rice noodles9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Perfect Place When Hungry!
We ended up here randomly, but it's a perfect place if you are hungry. The food is tasty with good quantities, and you will get out of here well served.
- food9
- quantities8
- service8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Pho, Great Value!
We were craving for some pho as a hangover cure and found this place! We were seated quickly when we arrived, and the room was already full! I ordered their imperial rolls, and the large #1 House special beef soup noodle, which comes with sliced lean beef, brisket, beef tendon, beef tripe, beef balls, and a side plate of bean sprouts, basil, jalopieno, and lemon.
The imperial rolls were just alright; they didn't have enough flavor, lacking the distinct white pepper taste. I would try their shrimp spring rolls next time! The combination pho tasted delicious, the broth was fragrant, the noodles were cooked to the right texture, and it came loaded with meats.
The staff was attentive, the food came out quickly, and they served hot tea! On top of that, the prices were really reasonable. Highly recommended!
- imperial rolls5
- combination pho8
- broth8
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Pho & Warm Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The pho here is consistently delicious and has maintained its authentic flavor for over 20 years. The staff are always welcoming and friendly, and their ability to speak Cantonese adds a wonderfully warm and personal touch to every visit.
It truly feels like a neighborhood gem.
- pho10
- staff10
- neighborhood gem9
What Golden Star offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant?
At Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant, you can enjoy a casual dining experience perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer table service and are good for kids, making it a comfortable spot for families. You can choose to dine-in, grab takeout, or even have your meal delivered right to your door.
Are there healthy or vegetarian options available at Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant?
Yes, Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant prides itself on offering a variety of healthy options and dedicated vegetarian dishes. You can also grab a quick bite or enjoy their highly-praised coffee. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for fresh, flavorful Vietnamese cuisine that caters to diverse dietary preferences.
How does Golden Star generally score with customers?
Golden Star receives a good overall score of **7.4**, with customer satisfaction at **72.4%**. Its **Food** is highly rated (8), while **Service** (6.6) and **Value** (6.4) are average. **Ambience** (5.9) is noted as needing improvement.
What are the standout features of Golden Star's food?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and authentic Vietnamese dishes, particularly the pho with its **fragrant broth** and perfectly cooked noodles. Many highlight the **imperial rolls** and **Bun Bo Hue** for their authentic flavors and generous portions.
Are there any common issues or drawbacks to consider before visiting Golden Star?
Some diners have reported **inconsistent service**, including issues with unexpected added tips and communication. The **ambience** is often described as basic, with concerns about outdoor seating, **flies**, and the lack of a **bathroom**. Pricing practices have also been a point of contention.