Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Bodega SF – San Francisco
Bodega SF - San Francisco
Photo from Bodega SF
Bodega SF at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 105 of the guests
#1552 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#50 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
646
Reviews
68.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional food
- Inviting atmosphere
- Creative drinks
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent service
- Strict cancellation
The Vietnamese restaurant Bodega SF in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood offers a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll discover a fantastic culinary journey here, complemented by a great wine list that perfectly pairs with your meal.
This spot is known for its inviting atmosphere, making it a popular choice for both casual outings and special occasions. Whether you’re seeking healthy options or delightful small plates, you’ll find something to savor.
Overview: Introducting Bodega SF
Bodega offers a distinctive culinary experience, with many guests praising its well-crafted dishes and creative drinks. The inviting ambiance often receives positive remarks, complemented by generally attentive staff who enhance the dining atmosphere.
However, some diners find the overall value proposition challenging, particularly with additional fees impacting the final bill. Occasional inconsistencies in service and a sometimes noisy environment are also mentioned as areas for improvement.
Good
7.1
out of 10
646
Reviews
68.4%
Satisfaction
138
negative
66
neutral
442
positive
Bodega earns a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.1, indicating a generally positive experience for many. However, Customer Satisfaction sits at 68.4%, suggesting a somewhat mixed reception overall.
This perspective comes from 646 customer observations, with 442 positive remarks outweighing 138 negative ones. The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring a solid (7.5).
Diners frequently praise the inventive dishes and flavorful profiles. The restaurant’s atmosphere also contributes significantly, as Ambience achieves an impressive (8), creating a pleasant setting for guests.
Where Bodega faces more scrutiny is in its Service, which registers an average (6.1). While many find the staff attentive, some experiences point to inconsistencies.
The most notable area for improvement appears to be Value, scoring an average (4.4). Guests often comment on the pricing, especially concerning additional charges, which can detract from the overall perception of what you get for your money.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Inviting atmosphere
- Creative drink selection
What people don't like
- High prices, extra fees
- Inconsistent service
- Strict cancellation policy
Bodega presents a compelling culinary journey with its well-regarded dishes and appealing setting. While the food and ambience stand out, be mindful of the pricing structure and occasional service hiccups.
It’s a place that aims for a refined experience. With a Recommendation Score of 7.3, Bodega is certainly worth considering if you prioritize innovative cuisine and a pleasant environment over strict budget adherence.
If you’re seeking a special occasion spot and are prepared for the cost, you’ll likely find it a rewarding visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bodega SF
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a 7.5 score and a 73.1% customer satisfaction. With 301 positive remarks, diners frequently praise the elevated Vietnamese food, high quality ingredients, and unique dishes. Expect flavorful dishes with well-balanced flavors and generous portion sizes.
However, 62 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Some found certain items like the truffle crab fried rice to be bland, while others noted issues with salty pho or cold chicken. There were also mentions of small portions for some dishes and a lack of authentic Vietnamese food for others.
Food
412
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
62
negative
49
neutral
301
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Elevated Vietnamese cuisine
- High quality ingredients
- Bold, balanced flavors
What people don't like
- Some dishes bland
- Pho can be salty
- Inconsistent authenticity
Often praised
- foodWe visited for a relatively quick dinner and enjoyed the bun cha, mac khem lamb chops, and a side of the thit kho maitake mushrooms. The food was absolutely incredible. The mushrooms were some of the best we've ever had.
- Bun ChaWe enjoyed mixing the Thit Ho Mushrooms with the broth🔥. The Bahn Cuon has the softest rice rolls in a gentle stack that blended beautifully with the sauce, a contrast to the savory umami punch of the Bun Cha. We loved every morsel and hope to return to try new dishes someday.
- bun chaWe ordered the bun cha, banh cuon and beef pho
- drinksNow, let's talk about their drinks - love the use of Asian inspired flavors like pandan, mango, Jasmine, chrysanthemum, etc. All of their drinks are so good but my favorite was Mango OT. You wouldn't be able to tell it's alcoholic because it's just that tasty.
- Foodevery single dish that came out was absolutely delicious
- dishesI particularly enjoyed the Vietnamese coffee, which was so tasty that I had to order two. All of our dishes were fantastic, but the lamb with Maggie butter was hands down our favorite.
- Banh CuonBanh Cuon: Similar to rice noodle rolls, with a generous amount of filling
- banh cuonthe bo tai chanh and the banh cuon were both great
- Vietnamese foodYou might find it a little bit pricey, but the portion sizes are quite large, making it a good experience if you go with your friends or workmates. I personally liked the lamb chops a lot, but everything is really good and has a very unique take on Vietnamese food. The atmosphere and service were rated highly.
- beef phoI was grateful that they still took my order for Pho. The beef portion was generous and incredibly tender, making it a very delicious meal. The beef pho was so good!
Frequently criticized
- beef phoThe spring roll itself was good, but the sauce could have been more flavored. The pho was too salty, and I'm not sure if it was due to too much fish sauce or something else.
- foodThe food didn’t blow me away.
- FoodWas pretty disappointed to be honest
- Hoi An chicken rice4 stars on Google Map reviews and they did so many things wrong. I ordered Hoi An chicken rice and they mixed Lemongrass and too much lime juice that made the salad very sour. The turmeric rice was overpowered, and they did not use fried shallot garnish, which destroyed the flavor profile.
- oystersOysters were covered in spicy sauce that completely overpowered any flavor
- sauceI had spring rolls and beef pho for lunch. The spring roll itself was good, but the sauce could have been more flavored. The pho was too salty, and I'm not sure if it was due to too much fish sauce or something else.
- Bo Luc LacThe Bo Luc Lac was recommended to us by the server but it was underwhelming.
- Dungeness crab saladthe tobiko was a little overused causing it to overwhelm the other textures.
- Hanoi Phowhat I’ve got was a huge bowl of dark greasy stuff
- Lemongrass ClamsThere were maybe 10 clams in the Lemongrass clams. The clams were small and sad.
If you're seeking creative, elevated Vietnamese cuisine with bold flavors and good portions, this spot is definitely worth a try. While a few dishes might miss the mark on authenticity or flavor balance, the overall experience is highly praised, making it a solid choice for a delicious meal.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
While the service here has its shining moments, with a score of 6.1 and customer satisfaction at 55.7%, it's a bit of a mixed bag. Many guests, in 68 positive opinions, praised the friendly staff, attentive servers, and knowledgeable bartenders, often highlighting outstanding service from individuals. Conversely, 48 negative opinions reveal some significant inconsistencies.
Common complaints include rude hosts and unfriendly staff, leading to excessive waiting times and slow service. Some even felt a lack of respect, which certainly detracts from the experience.
Service
122
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
48
negative
6
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Knowledgeable recommendations
- Outstanding service
What people don't like
- Rude, unwelcoming hosts
- Excessive waiting times
- Inattentive, slow service
Often praised
- serviceThey sell cocktails in the evening, so there are many appetizer-focused dishes. The atmosphere and service were good, and the food was especially tasty. I'd like to recommend the "TOM RIM" TIGER PRAWNS.
- staffI visited twice during my 3-day stay. The staff were also very friendly.
- ServiceService and ambiance were top notch.
- serverI left feeling financially ruined and took the T car back, eating a leftover Chalupa from Taco Bell. The server was nice, which is why I'm giving 2 stars. Verdict: No.
- bar staffThe bar staff was attentive and knowledgeable
- serversThe servers were also friendly
- waiterThe waiter was incredibly attentive
- Conorthe bartender, Conor, told me about their specials not on the menu
- StaffStaff is friendly and knowledgeable
- bar experiencehave a great experience, bartender was making suggestions and very attentive
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service here was slow
- waiting timewas told about 20 minutes or less for a seat. I patiently waited only to consistently see couples get seated before me
- hostMost of the staff were kind and attentive. Unfortunately, our evening was ruined by the host, Bakie. From the moment we walked in, she greeted us with an unfriendly expression and seated us in a hidden corner with no warmth at all.
- 2 hours2 hours isn't enough time to account for unforeseen circumstances
- attitudeFrom the moment we walked in, she greeted us with an unfriendly expression and seated us in a hidden corner with no warmth at all. Throughout the night, we saw her walking around the restaurant smiling and chatting with other tables, but with us she kept a cold, unwelcoming attitude. We did nothing to deserve such treatment, and it made us feel singled out and uncomfortable.
- bar seatingasked nicely if we can sit at the bar, she rolled her eyes
- check waitwaited 30mins for the check
- first impressionthe first impression is very important
- fork or chopsticksthere was no fork or chopsticks at all
- fork or spoonhelpful to have a fork or spoon & not just chopsticks
The service here is a bit of a gamble. While many rave about the attentive and friendly staff, be prepared for potential long waits and inconsistent host interactions. Its worth trying if youre patient, but some aspects might disappoint.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The ambiance here truly stands out, earning a good score of 8 and a fantastic 86.5% customer satisfaction! With 64 positive remarks out of 74 total, guests consistently praise the modern atmosphere, cozy atmosphere, and overall vibe. Many found it sleek, stylish, and intimate, perfect for dates or gatherings, with great lighting and comfortable settings that make you feel right at home.
However, its not without a few minor hiccups, as 7 negative comments indicate. Some found it could be a bit noisy, and there were mentions of ventilation system issues or an odd lighting arrangement. A few guests also noted being seated at small tables near the restroom, which wasnt the most ideal table location for their experience.
Ambience
74
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Modern, stylish decor
- Cozy, intimate vibe
- Great for dates
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Ventilation issues
- Odd lighting
Often praised
- atmosphereThey sell cocktails in the evening, so there are many appetizer-focused dishes. The atmosphere and service were good, and the food was especially tasty. I'd like to recommend the "TOM RIM" TIGER PRAWNS.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- ambianceThe ambiance is nice and suitable for dates or gatherings
- decorrestaurant has great decor
- placeThe place is clean, and invuting
- restaurantWhile not the best Vietnamese food I've ever had, I still left the restaurant feeling quite satisfied. The restaurant was having issues with its ventilation system the day I visited, which unfortunately limited the number of options on the menu.
- RestaurantBeautiful stylish restaurant
- barIt was very comfortable at the bar
- birthday celebrationWonderful time celebrating a birthday
- comfortableit's pretty comfortable if you have a group
Frequently criticized
- lightingPics not the greatest because lighting dim
- lighting arrangementfound the lighting arrangement odd
- noisyit can be a bit noisy
- table locationled to a table that is small and closest to the restroom
- talkative patronThe only issue was this tipsy guy next to me at the bar that WOULD NOT STOP TALKING
- upscalefalse upscale.
- ventilation systemhaving issues with ventilation system
If you're seeking a stylish and comfortable spot with a great vibe for a date or gathering, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that it can get a little noisy, and some seating might not be as private as others.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests found the pricing reasonable for the quality and location, especially with perks like hotel partnership discounts. A few even highlighted that the experience offered good value relative to the quality of the food, making it feel worth it despite initial thoughts of being pricey. This positive sentiment, however, is less frequent.
Based on 38 customer observations, with 21 negative remarks outweighing 9 positive ones, the overall perception of value is quite challenging. Many felt the prices were expensive and pricey, often citing unexpected surcharges like the SF Health Tax and hefty cancellation policy fees as major issues. This leads to a poor customer satisfaction of just 23.7%, despite an average score of 4.4.
Value
38
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
21
negative
8
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality justifies price
- Hotel discounts help
- Worth the money
What people don't like
- Unexpected surcharges
- Very high prices
- Steep cancellation fee
Often praised
- priceThe Flaming Lotus came with a little fire show, which actually added a really nice scent to the overall drink - also so delicious! Their food is top notch so yes, it may seem over priced but I find it so worth it. The beef carpaccio has such a great crunch and flavor that you'll be wanting more.
- hotel partnership discounthotel 제휴로 15% 할인도 된다는데
- pricesThe dishes were well prepared and very tasty. While the prices for lunch were higher than I typically pay, they were quite justified by the quality of the food.
- pricing reasonablepricing reasonable for quality and location
- reasonable pricefor the same food at a more reasonable price there are tons of options
- valuerelative to the quality, good value
Frequently criticized
- priceThe tiger prawns and mushrooms were definite highlights, and the special of a braised short rib was also excellent. The food quality is excellent, though it's important to note that it is definitely on the pricier side. If you're looking for something a little more upscale, this place is great, but for the same food at a more reasonable price, there are tons of other options available.
- health mandateMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to an unexpected fee. If you want to avoid paying an unnecessary 6% health mandate, I would advise against dining here. When I asked the waiter about this fee, they simply replied, 'I don't know what the fee is.
- $25 per guest$25 per person is the price of an entire meal
- 6% SF Health tax6% SF Health tax is not a real tax
- 6% surchargeOnly criticism was the 6% surcharge. A bit excessive.
- PricesPrices were very high
- SF Health Mandatecharged a 6% SF Health Mandate, which is absolutely not a mandate for customers to pay
- SF Health Tax6% SF Health Tax is not a real tax and not mandated
- Truffle Crab Fried Rice priceAdvertised at MP, it was revealed at the end to be $67
- cancellation policycharges you $25 per guest if you cancel a reservation within 2 hours
If you're highly sensitive to price and unexpected fees, you might find the value here disappointing. However, for those prioritizing high-quality food and willing to pay a premium, some aspects of the experience can still feel worthwhile, especially if you can snag a discount.
How are the prices at Bodega SF?
You’re looking at roughly 52 per person – reported by 105 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s definitely on the higher-end side!
While 52 is the average, the prices are quite spread out, showing that many guests are enjoying more premium experiences, with a good number of prices even higher than the average, alongside some mid-range options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 105 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco, 52 per person is a premium price point. We think its fair if the quality of the food and the overall dining experience truly match this higher expectation. It’s likely a spot for a special occasion or a truly elevated Vietnamese meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bodega SF
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Good Food, Efficient Service
My experience at this restaurant was positive, focusing on the food and service. I enjoyed the pork chop with garlic noodles, which had great flavor and was well balanced overall. While the noodles were a touch salty, they were still really good.
The service was efficient, which I particularly appreciated as I was dining solo for lunch.
- pork chop with garlic noodles8
- garlic noodles6
- service9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Incredible Pho, But Risky Cancellation Policy
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of culinary delight and policy concern. The Pho was absolutely incredible, possibly my favorite in San Francisco. The food quality is a definite 5 out of 5.
However, the restaurant's cancellation policy is quite strict, charging $25 per guest for cancellations within 2 hours of the reservation. While I understand the need to prevent no-shows, this timeframe feels insufficient for unforeseen circumstances, and the fee is equivalent to an entire meal. This policy seems a bit ridiculous and I believe it should be reconsidered.
- Pho10
- cancellation policy2
- $25 per guest2
- 2 hours3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Awesome Pho Broth!
My experience at The Pho Hanoi was awesome! I literally drank every drop of the broth. This was my first time here, though I have visited San Francisco many times.
I would recommend.
- broth10
- Pho Hanoi10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Okay experience with fermented pork and chicken
My experience at the restaurant involved trying the fermented pork spring roll and the chicken and rice dish. Both were just okay.
- fermented pork spring roll5
- chicken and rice dish5
- Food5
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Food, Great Atmosphere!
I visited wanting to try their pho, but unfortunately, it's not available during dinner. I ordered other dishes, and the food was truly delicious! They sell cocktails in the evening, so there are many appetizer-focused dishes.
The atmosphere and service were good, and the food was especially tasty. I'd like to recommend the "TOM RIM" TIGER PRAWNS. The shrimp were large, and the sauce was incredibly delicious.
They offer a 15% discount with hotel partnerships during lunch, and I would have visited again if I had more time. A recommended restaurant in San Francisco~!
- food10
- cocktails6
- appetizer-focused dishes6
- pho3
What Bodega SF offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Bodega SF?
Bodega SF presents a casual, cozy, trendy, and romantic atmosphere. You can enjoy brunch, lunch, and dinner with table service, plus catering. The menu offers small plates, healthy options, and a diverse beverage selection, including happy hour drinks, wine, beer, and cocktails, ensuring a delightful visit.
Does Bodega SF offer reservations and is it accessible for everyone?
Yes, Bodega SF accepts reservations, with dinner reservations recommended. The restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. While parking can be challenging, paid parking lots and paid street parking are available nearby, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
How does Bodega generally perform across different aspects?
Bodega earns a Restaurant Score of 7.1, driven by strong marks for Food (7.5) and Ambience (8). Service is average (6.1), and Value (4.4) is an area where guests express concerns about pricing.
What are the culinary highlights at Bodega?
Diners frequently praise the inventive and flavorful dishes, with many highlighting the unique take on Vietnamese cuisine and the creative, tasty drinks that incorporate Asian-inspired flavors.
Are there any common concerns regarding the dining experience?
Some guests note that the overall value can be a concern due to higher prices and additional fees. Occasional inconsistencies in service, such as slow waits or an unwelcoming host, have also been mentioned.