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oChef » Le Soleil – San Francisco
Le Soleil - San Francisco
Photo from Le Soleil
Le Soleil at a glance
San Francisco Jordan Park
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 41 – 50 €
mentioned by 26 of the guests
#742 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#32 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
309
Reviews
79.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful dishes
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Poor value
The restaurant Le Soleil is a Vietnamese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s Jordan Park neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying a range of healthy options, small plates, and vegetarian dishes, complemented by wine, coffee, or beer.
Overview: Introducting Le Soleil
Le Soleil generally delivers a pleasant dining experience, with many guests highlighting the delicious food, especially dishes like garlic noodles and shaken beef. The atmosphere is often described as clean and inviting, contributing to a comfortable visit.
However, some diners have noted that the value can be a concern, with certain items feeling pricey for the portions. Service, while frequently friendly, occasionally faces criticism for being slow, leading to longer waits.
Good
7.9
out of 10
309
Reviews
79.9%
Satisfaction
40
negative
22
neutral
247
positive
Le Soleil achieves a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.9 out of 10, indicating a generally good performance across the board. This is supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 79.9%, suggesting most patrons leave content with their experience.
These figures are drawn from 309 customer opinions, with a healthy balance of 247 positive remarks against 40 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (8.3) stands out as a clear strength, frequently receiving high praise.
Ambience (7.5) also contributes positively to the experience, while Service (7.1) is generally well-regarded, though some experiences point to areas for improvement. The primary area needing attention appears to be Value (5.8), which sits in the average range, indicating that some guests find the pricing and portions less compelling.
What people like
- Flavorful, diverse dishes
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Clean, inviting ambiance
What people don't like
- Slow service, long waits
- Value for money
- Inconsistent dish quality
Le Soleil presents a compelling option for those prioritizing well-prepared dishes and a pleasant setting. While the food and atmosphere generally impress, be mindful of potential service delays during busy periods.
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.1, it’s worth considering if you’re seeking a meal where culinary quality and a comfortable environment are key. Just manage expectations regarding the pace of service and overall value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Le Soleil
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food at this spot is generally a hit, boasting a strong score of 8.3 and a customer satisfaction rate of 85.9%, which is quite good! With 183 positive comments out of 213 total, diners frequently rave about delicious options like Hainanese chicken rice, garlic noodles, and pho, often highlighting the fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. While overwhelmingly positive, there are a few areas that could use a tweak, noted in 16 negative opinions.
Some guests found the pho broth inconsistent, while others mentioned that portion sizes could be on the smaller side. A few dishes, such as the beef stew and catfish, were occasionally described as either too salty or overly sweet.
Food
213
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
16
negative
14
neutral
183
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Asian fusions
- Fresh premium ingredients
- Flavorful traditional dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent pho broth
- Small portion sizes
- Overly sweet dishes
Often praised
- foodWe were craving Burmese food, but the waits were too long. We happened across this place and experienced no wait, delicious food, and great service. The short ribs in coconut curry, lamb in macadamia, and the garlic noodles made for a great meal!
- garlic noodlesWe happened across this place and experienced no wait, delicious food, and great service. The short ribs in coconut curry, lamb in macadamia, and the garlic noodles made for a great meal! Cheers!
- shaken beefThe shaken beef and garlic noodles are to die for.
- PhoF. I highly recommend their great Pho, Vietnamese Crepes, and impure rolls, which are my go-to dishes. They've also recently opened a new location in Stonestown!
- chicken lollipopsI was impressed by the huge portions, and the price was reasonable. My personal favorites include the garlic noodles, chicken lollipops, and clay pot, but honestly, everything is pretty solid.
- curry crabI absolutely loved the papaya salad, though I wished it could have been spicier. The curry crab with garlic bread was also a highlight. The overall food quality was rated a 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere was equally impressive with a score of 5.
- garlic breadI absolutely loved the papaya salad, though I wished it could have been spicier. The curry crab with garlic bread was also a highlight. The overall food quality was rated a 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere was equally impressive with a score of 5.
- papaya saladMy experience at the restaurant was largely positive, especially regarding the food. I absolutely loved the papaya salad, though I wished it could have been spicier. The curry crab with garlic bread was also a highlight.
- spring rollsThe spring rolls were delicious
- Foodgreat Pho, Vietnamese Crepes, and impure rolls
Frequently criticized
- food qualitybecause the food is way over priced for the portion size and quality.
- beef stewMy beef stew was very salty
- catfishThe catfish was too sweet
- chicken phochicken pho was disappointing, tastes too much sesame oil
- crispy calamaricrispy calamari is very oily after few bites
- dessertsThe only items I didn't care for were the desserts
- egg rollBut skip the egg roll, not the same as spring roll
- fish sauce tasteI do wish, however, there was more of a fish sauce taste.
- hot sauceSpicy to this establishment is putting hot sauce in the food.
- pho brothPho broth did not taste correct.
If you're craving flavorful Asian cuisine with many standout dishes, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While a few items might miss the mark on portion or specific flavor balance, the overall experience for food is highly recommended.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.1. Many guests rave about the experience, with 35 positive remarks out of 53 total mentions. You can expect friendly staff, amazing service, and even a personable executive chef who makes an appearance, ensuring a top-notch and attentive experience.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 66%, indicating some room for improvement, especially with 15 negative mentions. Some diners encountered slow service, long waits for food, and even difficulty getting staff attention. There were also instances of poor communication and staff appearing overworked, leading to less-than-stellar interactions.
Service
53
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Personable chef
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waits
- Poor attention
Often praised
- serviceWe were craving Burmese food, but the waits were too long. We happened across this place and experienced no wait, delicious food, and great service. The short ribs in coconut curry, lamb in macadamia, and the garlic noodles made for a great meal!
- staffThe basil chicken was different than anything I’ve had before and was really, really tasty. The staff were very friendly and the service was great. Excited to try more menu options soon!
- ServiceService was nice
- AnnieThe service was amazing. Annie was social and doing an incredible job hosting every party – a true superstar of a restauranteur. The chef even came out for cheers and pleasantries.
- Dennis WongDennis is so down-to-earth he was helping to bus my table
- changing platesEverything is detail oriented, including the changing plates
- executive chefDennis Wong, the executive chef, is very personable
- experienceamazing experience was 10+
- friendly and helpful staffFriendly, helpful staff
- ladyAnd the lady was so nice!
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe absence of MSG meant the flavors weren't as intensely mouth-watering as typical Asian cuisine, but it also avoided the post-meal 'hangover. ' Service was a bit slow, partly due to being seated behind a pillar, making it difficult to get attention. It's a good option if you're in the area and want to avoid a long weekend wait, and they do take OpenTable reservations.
- attentionit was hard to get their attention.
- communicationThere wasn’t much communication from them
- kitchenkitchen took longer than expected
- menuI really had no idea what kind of food it was because there are no menus in the front
- staffthe staff seems overworked
- wait at the doorwaited quite few mins at the door before seated
- wait for foodI couldn’t finish the beef stew because it got even saltier as I kept eating near the bottom of the bowl and didn’t bother to take the leftover home. Service was very slow (about 40 mins wait for our food) and we got quite hungry and annoyed during our visit.
- waiting timeWaited 1.5 hours for our meal
- water glassesNever came to help fill water through the whole time
Overall, the service here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. While many praise the friendly and attentive staff, be prepared for potential inconsistencies like slow service or long waits. If you value a personable experience, it's worth a visit, but manage your expectations regarding speed.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot really shines! Many guests rave about the clean, warmly decorated space and the overall sweet restaurant feel. With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at 75.9%, it's clear the atmosphere is a big draw.
Out of 29 comments, a whopping 22 praise the inviting decor and pleasant ambience, making it a truly enjoyable place to dine. However, a few minor points came up among the 3 negative remarks. Some found the floor a bit sticky, and one guest mentioned it could be a little chilly when sitting outside.
While not directly about the interior, parking was also noted as a bit tricky, which could impact your overall arrival experience. These are small considerations in an otherwise well-received setting.
Ambience
29
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
3
negative
4
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, decorated space
- Inviting atmosphere
- Good outdoor dining
What people don't like
- Sticky floor
- Chilly outside
- Tricky parking
Often praised
- atmosphereAll you are paying here for is the presentation and the atmosphere
- ambienceThe ambience is good
- decorI couldn't agree more with the Zagat description. The restaurant offers good lunch specials and has recently remodeled decor. Both the catfish and chips and beef options are good.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- ambiancethe ambiance is that of a trendy place
- cleanClean
- clean, warmly decorated spaceA clean, warmly decorated space
- outdoor diningfelt very safe for outdoor dining during covid
- placeGreat asian style interior
- presentationAll you are paying here for is the presentation and the atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- floorIdk why the floor is soooo sticky
- parkingParking is a little tricky though
- sitting outsideA bit chilly sitting outside this evening
If a pleasant and inviting atmosphere is high on your list, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. You'll likely enjoy the clean, well-decorated space and good vibes. Just be mindful of potential parking challenges and maybe bring a light jacket if you plan on outdoor dining.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests found the pricing quite fair, often describing it as reasonable or decent for a lunch combo. Some even felt it doesn’t break the bank, highlighting that the price and prices were often seen as affordable. With 7 positive remarks out of 14 total opinions, theres a definite sense that many customers appreciate what they get for their money.
However, the value proposition isnt universally loved. With 6 negative remarks, some diners felt it was a bit pricy or even too expensive for small portions, especially when considering the portions and overall value. The sentiment that prices were overpriced suggests room for improvement, reflected in an average score of 5.8 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 50%.
Value
14
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Expensive, small portions
- Perceived poor value
- Overpriced items
Often praised
- priceThe service was both fast and friendly, and the ambience was nice. While it was a bit pricy, we felt it was absolutely worth it. The cuisine leans more towards Vietnamese than French.
- affordableit doesn’t break the bank
- cheaperthat are way cheaper, bigger portion, and better quality.
- pricesvery reasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- priceit was a little pricey
- portionsMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a significant concern regarding the cost relative to the portion sizes. I found the pricing to be too expensive for small portions. Specifically, I spent 12 dollars on a two sips of mystery red wine, which felt like a poor value.
- pricesThe prices were way too expensive and overpriced!
- red wineI found the pricing to be too expensive for small portions. Specifically, I spent 12 dollars on a two sips of mystery red wine, which felt like a poor value. The atmosphere was rated a 4, and the food a 3, while service received a 2.
- valuewasn't too impressed by the value
Overall, the value here is a bit of a mixed bag. If youre looking for reasonable prices and arent overly concerned about portion sizes, you might find it works for you. But if you expect generous servings for your dollar, you might find it a bit pricey.
How are the prices at Le Soleil?
On average, you’ll spend around 47 per person – from 26 guests. That puts the restaurant in the 41 – 50 € category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average is 47, youll find a good mix of prices. Many guests spend in the 41 – 50 € range, but theres also a notable group enjoying options in the 21 – 30 € bracket, alongside some higher-end experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 26 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s pricing stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco. With options ranging from mid-range to a bit more premium, theres likely something for everyone, depending on what youre looking for.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Le Soleil
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Fusion with Huge Portions!
My experience at this neighborhood gem, a Vietnamese/Chinese fusion restaurant, was fantastic. The service was consistently on point, and the food was always delicious. I was impressed by the huge portions, and the price was reasonable.
My personal favorites include the garlic noodles, chicken lollipops, and clay pot, but honestly, everything is pretty solid.
- service9
- food10
- portions9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Underrated Gem with Amazing Food!
My experience at this restaurant was sooo good! I tried the chicken and shrimp crepe, curry veggies, and garlic noodles, and they were all fantastic. Honestly, it was wayyy better than GAO Viet.
The lady who served us was also so nice! I really think this is an underrated spot.
- chicken and shrimp crepe10
- curry veggies10
- garlic noodles10
Price per Person
- 41 - 50 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Refreshing Lotus Salad & Crispy Chicken Lollipops!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I was particularly impressed with the lotus salad, which was incredibly refreshing and flavorful. The chicken lollipops were also a highlight, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
What truly stood out was the attention to detail, evident in aspects like the changing plates and the citrus-fused water. I strongly recommended this place!
- lotus salad9
- chicken lollipops9
- changing plates8
Price per Person
- 41 - 50 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Creative Asian Fusion with Healthy Flavors
My experience at this restaurant was marked by interesting creative Asian fusions. While I'd categorize it more as Chinese than Vietnamese, the flavors were notably healthy – not oily, too sweet, or too salty. I absolutely loved the cuisine and will definitely be visiting again!
- Asian fusions9
- cuisine10
- healthy9
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Great food, busy Saturday evening
My group had a wonderful experience sharing several dishes. We particularly enjoyed the crispy noodle and chicken lollipops. We visited around 6 pm on a Saturday and noticed the restaurant filled up quickly.
If we had arrived any later, we would have faced a wait.
- crispy noodle9
- chicken lollipops9
- restaurant filled up6
What Le Soleil offers
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
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Le Soleil in San Francisco?
At Le Soleil, you’ll discover a cozy and casual Vietnamese dining experience in San Francisco’s Jordan Park. You can enjoy healthy options, small plates, and vegetarian dishes, perfectly paired with wine, coffee, or beer. They offer flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and even outdoor seating.
Is Le Soleil accessible and family-friendly, and what about parking?
Yes, Le Soleil is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. It’s also a great choice for families with kids, as high chairs are available. While finding parking can sometimes be a bit challenging, paid street parking options are usually available nearby.
What are the standout dishes at Le Soleil?
Customers frequently praise the garlic noodles, shaken beef, and curry crab for their delicious flavors and quality.
How is the service experience at Le Soleil?
Service is often described as friendly and personable, with staff like Annie and Dennis Wong receiving specific mentions for their attentiveness, though some guests have experienced slower service and longer waits.
How does Le Soleil rate overall, and what are its main strengths and weaknesses?
Le Soleil holds a Restaurant Score of 7.9 and a Customer Satisfaction of 79.9%. Its main strengths lie in Food (8.3) and Ambience (7.5), while Service (7.1) is generally good. The primary area for improvement is Value (5.8), where some find portions small for the price.