Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » S & T Hong Kong Seafood – San Francisco
S & T Hong Kong Seafood - San Francisco
Photo from S & T Hong Kong Seafood
S & T Hong Kong Seafood at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 31 – 40 €
mentioned by 24 of the guests
#2018 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#39 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
239
Reviews
61.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality food
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- Billing issues
- Hygiene concerns
The restaurant, S & T Hong Kong Seafood, is a delightful seafood restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Sunset District. You’ll find a truly authentic experience here, complete with a great tea selection that sets it apart.
Whether you’re planning a casual meal or a special dinner, this spot offers a welcoming atmosphere and a taste of Hong Kong’s culinary traditions right in your neighborhood.
Overview: Introducting S & T Hong Kong Seafood
S & T Hong Kong Seafood offers a culinary experience centered around its flavorful Cantonese dishes, with many praising the quality and authenticity of the fare. Diners frequently highlight the delicious dim sum and fresh seafood, suggesting a kitchen that understands its craft.
However, the experience isn’t without its drawbacks. While the food often shines, some patrons have raised concerns about the restaurant’s overall hygiene practices and the somewhat dated atmosphere.
Service, though often described as friendly, can be inconsistent, and issues with billing have also been noted.
Good
6.4
out of 10
239
Reviews
61.9%
Satisfaction
74
negative
17
neutral
148
positive
S & T Hong Kong Seafood holds a Restaurant Score of 6.4, placing it in the average category, with Customer Satisfaction at 61.9%, indicating a mixed reception among guests. This assessment is drawn from 239 customer opinions, comprising 148 positive and 74 negative remarks.
The restaurant’s strongest suit is clearly its Food (7.7), which is rated as good, reflecting many positive comments about its taste and quality. Ambience (6.0) and Service (5.5) both land in the average range, suggesting they are functional but not outstanding.
The most significant area for improvement appears to be Value (3.4), which falls into the poor category, largely due to concerns over pricing and billing practices.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Handmade dim sum
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Dishonest billing
- Hygiene concerns
- Dated decor
If you’re primarily seeking authentic Cantonese flavors and particularly enjoy well-prepared dim sum and seafood, S & T Hong Kong Seafood might be worth a visit. The kitchen generally delivers on taste, making it a solid choice for a focused meal, especially if you prioritize food quality over other aspects.
However, with a Recommendation Score of 6.8, it’s important to manage expectations regarding the overall dining experience. Be mindful of potential issues with billing and the restaurant’s dated decor.
It’s a place that excels in its culinary offerings but has room to grow in other areas.
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Verdict: Our expert take on S & T Hong Kong Seafood
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
Overall, the food here receives a good rating, with a solid score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at a healthy 79.8%. Many diners rave about the authentic Chinese food, particularly the delicious dim sum, noting its delicate flavors and consistent quality. Out of 124 customer comments, a significant 99 were positive about the culinary experience.
However, it's not entirely without its flaws. A smaller number of 16 comments pointed to issues like bland food, some dishes being undercooked, and even serious food safety concerns. While these are less frequent, they suggest that consistency and attention to detail could certainly be improved in certain areas.
Food
124
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
16
negative
9
neutral
99
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Chinese food
- Delicious dim sum
- Good food quality
What people don't like
- Food safety concerns
- Bland or undercooked
- Poor food quality
Often praised
- dim sumMy experience at this restaurant was centered around enjoying some handmade and authentic dim sum. The dishes I ordered looked and tasted good, which is quite impressive for a small establishment.
- fooddelicious food! Well seasoned, not too salty or greasy.
- qualityMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the food to be amazing, of excellent quality, and prepared just right. It's one of my favorite places to eat Cantonese style food.
- Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We enjoyed delicious and authentic Chinese food. The dishes we ordered included eggplant with egg, XO sauce beef short ribs, hot and sour soup, pea shoots, and fried noodles with seafood.
- complimentary mango mochicomplimentary mango mochi which was handmade with real fruit and custard
- crabThe crab was only $65 and the two of us had leftovers
- dishesThe fried rice is perfectly seasoned, light yet flavorful, and the giant clam is a true standout – fresh, tender, and cooked to perfection. I particularly appreciate that the dishes are packed with flavor without being overly greasy. If only I lived closer, I'd be picking up takeout every single day!
- quality of the foodYou can tell that the owner cares a lot about the quality of the food.
- seafoodMy experience at this restaurant was centered around very good seafood. The waiters were busy and efficient, which meant they didn't have time for idle chit-chat.
- Cantonese style foodeat Cantonese style food
Frequently criticized
- BBQ meatsI witnessed the BBQ chef handling money without washing his hands and then immediately returning to cutting char siu (BBQ pork). To make matters worse, I saw him pick up BBQ meats that had fallen onto the table and place them back into the takeout box. This level of disregard for food safety is unacceptable, and I am deeply concerned about the potential health risks.
- Chinese teaThe Chinese tea, Oolong, that we had did not have tea flavor
- MaPo Tofugave us the dinner portion of MaPo Tofu instead of the dim sum size
- bland and forgettable foodfood turned out to be mostly bland and forgettable
- deep fried disha deep fried dish was so boring we had some left over
- dinner portiongave us the dinner portion of MaPo Tofu instead of the dim sum size
- dishesCame here with family and were very disappointed. Half of the dishes were poorly made.
- dishes were blandThe dishes were bland.
- foodfails to deliver in food
- food qualityfood quality need lots of improvement
If you're seeking authentic Chinese food and delicious dim sum, this place is generally a good bet, with most customers leaving happy. Just be mindful that a few experiences have highlighted blandness or food safety issues, so it might be a mixed bag for some.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, many diners have had some really positive experiences. Folks often praise the friendly and efficient staff, noting how attentive waiters are, especially with large parties, and how quickly everything comes out. The nice hospitality from the owner and employees also gets a shout-out, contributing to a pleasant dining atmosphere.
Based on 30 positive remarks, theres definitely a good side to the service here. However, its not all smooth sailing, as the service here is a bit of a mixed bag. Many reports highlight significant waiting times between dishes or for forgotten orders.
More concerning are mentions of the owner's behavior, including hostility, and instances of rude customer service from staff or managers. With a score of 5.5 and 50% customer satisfaction, these issues are highlighted in 26 negative comments.
Service
60
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
26
negative
4
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, efficient staff
- Attentive service
- Quick food delivery
What people don't like
- Rude owner behavior
- Long wait times
- Forgotten orders
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was generally positive, with decent food and good service. However, there are some dishes that could be improved.
- staffstaff were so helpful and friendly
- waitersWaiters often available just flash them down!
- ServiceService is good
- crab-shell-platesThey made sure to change our crab-shell-plates
- employeesThe employees are extraordinarily polite and friendly
- large partyWe had a large party of 11 and none of us was neglected
- needsknew what we needed even before we asked
- nice hospitalityher nice hospitality was a highlight
- ordering for takeoutordering for takeout is easy
Frequently criticized
- waiting timeWhen we went back in 25 minutes they said it would be another 10-15 minutes.
- serviceThe service was incredibly slow
- BBQ chefBBQ chef was handling money without washing his hands
- Chinese condimentshate they don't put out Chinese condiments
- ask for themTou have to ask for them
- baby strollershe insisted us to move our baby stroller
- bad attitudefor this bad attitude
- cashiershe shouted in my face to get out and wait outside
- customer serviceneed to work on their customer service
- forgot the orderFinally, they admitted that they forgot the order.
Overall, service here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. While you might encounter friendly and efficient staff, be prepared for potential inconsistencies like long waits or less-than-ideal interactions. It could be worth a try if you're feeling lucky, but manage your expectations.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many customers find the dining experience here quite pleasant, often calling it a local favorite and a nice place to meet for family-style gatherings. People appreciate that the place was clean and the bathroom relatively tidy, contributing to a generally positive atmosphere. Based on 12 positive remarks out of 22 total, it seems many enjoy the authentic, unpretentious feel.
However, the overall ambience receives an average score of 6 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 54.5%, suggesting there's room for improvement. Some guests noted the decor is plain, with ceiling tiles needing attention and the general ambiance failing to impress. Concerns were also raised about hygiene practices, particularly around the live seafood tank and general cleanliness, as highlighted in 7 negative comments.
Ambience
22
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Local favorite spot
- Good for families
- Clean dining area
What people don't like
- Dated, plain decor
- Poor hygiene practices
- Warped ceiling tiles
Often praised
- atmosphereThe place isn't pretty It's got the feel of an old Chinese restaurant, because it is an old Chinese restaurant Glamorous is not
- Dining inDining in is also a nice experience
- bathroomBathroom is relatively clean
- experienceit’s always a wonderful experience
- family celebration dinnerespecially for a family celebration dinner
- family-style gatheringsgreat for family-style gatherings
- local favoriteClearly a local favorite dining spot
- parkingThe dim sum prices start at $5 a dish in LA. Parking is mainly on the side streets but it’s easy find a parking spot.
- place to meetnice place to meet with friends and family
- place was cleanMy experience was centered around the fu kin fried rice, and it did not disappoint. The serving size was huge, the place was clean, and the food was excellent.
Frequently criticized
- ambiancefails to deliver in ambiance
- ceiling tilesThe ceiling tiles are a bit warped
- decorDecor very plain
- decorsThey provide excellent services. Although the decors were desperately needing updates, the Dim Sums we had were HK level and they were delicious. Besides the usual dim sum items, they also make some nostalgic items such as fried Taro dumplings, water chestnut cakes, and thousand layer cakes.
- health risksTo make matters worse, I saw him pick up BBQ meats that had fallen onto the table and place them back into the takeout box. This level of disregard for food safety is unacceptable, and I am deeply concerned about the potential health risks. I would not recommend this place to anyone unless significant improvements are made to their hygiene standards.
- hygiene practicesMy experience at this BBQ shop was incredibly disappointing. The establishment is extremely unsanitary, and the hygiene practices are appalling. I witnessed the BBQ chef handling money without washing his hands and then immediately returning to cutting char siu (BBQ pork).
- outside of the live seafood tankoutside of the live seafood tank could use some cleaning
If youre looking for a no-frills, authentic spot for family gatherings and dont mind a dated look, this place could be a good fit. However, if modern decor and pristine cleanliness are high on your list, you might find the ambience a bit disappointing.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot does have its moments, with 7 positive remarks highlighting reasonable pricing, especially for dim sum. Guests appreciate that the price compares favorably to similar places, offering good bang for your buck on certain items. However, the overall picture for value is quite challenging, reflected in a low score of 3.4 and a customer satisfaction of just 21.2%.
With 25 negative comments, many patrons felt the experience was too pricey, citing issues like mandatory 15% tips, being overcharged, and concerns about dishonest billing practices.
Value
33
Reviews
21%
Satisfaction
25
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair dim sum prices
- Good comparative value
What people don't like
- Mandatory tips
- Overpriced dishes
- Dishonest billing
Often praised
- priceMy experience at Pang lang jang was excellent. It's one of the best in the area for the price. They also offer Hong Kong breakfast until 11 AM.
- average tipthis place is more than average
- dim sum pricesTheir dim sum prices are very reasonable
- pricesreasonable prices
- pricingMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. Teresa runs a tight ship, ensuring patrons are happy with reasonable pricing for above average dim sum delicacies. The atmosphere was pleasant, not overcrowded, allowing for easy conversation, tea sipping, and a leisurely pace, even on a Sunday late morning.
Frequently criticized
- 15% tip15% tip had been added to our credit card -- without our consent
- priceIt's now overpriced, costing three times what I would have paid
- pricesthe prices for several of the dishes were higher than what was in the order form
- billlook before paying the bill
- charged for tipcharged for 15% tip automatically
- dishonest billing" To compound the problem, a 15% tip was added to our credit card without consent. This establishment exemplifies poor customer service, featuring rude service, dishonest billing, and underwhelming food. I strongly advise saving yourself the frustration, as numerous better Chinese restaurants exist in San Francisco.
- dishonest practicesmarked by dishonest practices
- fish pricewhy the cost of the fish suddenly went up
- increased the priceFirst, a dish was overcharged, with the price on the bill not matching the menu. When this was corrected, they increased the price of another dish, specifically the weight of the fish, without any notification, seemingly hoping we wouldn't notice. The cashier's silence when questioned about the fish price increase further fueled my suspicion.
- mandatory tipMandatory 15% tip applied
If you're considering this place, be prepared for potential billing surprises and mandatory tips. While some find the dim sum prices fair, the overwhelming sentiment suggests you might find the overall value disappointing.
How are the prices at S & T Hong Kong Seafood?
You’re looking at roughly 34 per person – reported by 24 diners. That puts it in the 31 – 40 € category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits here, we see a pretty wide spread in what people spend. There are quite a few enjoying more budget-friendly options, but also some guests opting for much more premium dishes, which pulls the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 24 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco. It seems they offer a good range, so you can likely find something that fits your budget, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a more indulgent meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about S & T Hong Kong Seafood
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Great Food, Inconvenient Condiments
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. I absolutely love the food here, finding it to be delicious and satisfying. However, I was quite disappointed with the service regarding condiments.
You have to ask for Chinese condiments, which felt like an unnecessary hassle. Despite this, the food quality itself is a major draw.
- food9
- Chinese condiments3
- ask for them3
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Wonderful Cantonese Experience with Great Service
My experience at this restaurant has always been wonderful. I often dine here with my Cantonese wife and her mother. The seafood fried rice is my personal favorite.
The owner is consistently friendly; she thoughtfully provided spicy sauce on the side when I mentioned my love for spicy food. Additionally, she always treats us to complimentary mango mochi for dessert. I highly recommend this place!
- seafood fried rice9
- owner10
- spicy sauce9
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
A Hidden Gem Worth Returning For
My family and I consider this place an absolute hidden gem! We find ourselves returning almost every month for a casual dinner, and it consistently delivers. The fried rice is perfectly seasoned, light yet flavorful, and the giant clam is a true standout – fresh, tender, and cooked to perfection.
I particularly appreciate that the dishes are packed with flavor without being overly greasy. If only I lived closer, I'd be picking up takeout every single day!
- fried rice9
- giant clam10
- dishes8
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Classic Restaurant with Great Value
This restaurant has been a staple in the area for over twenty years. My experience was consistently positive, with good food that compares favorably to other classic establishments. The prices are reasonable, and the service is good as well.
I highly recommend it.
- food8
- price7
- service7
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Dim Sum Experience
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. Teresa runs a tight ship, ensuring patrons are happy with reasonable pricing for above average dim sum delicacies. The atmosphere was pleasant, not overcrowded, allowing for easy conversation, tea sipping, and a leisurely pace, even on a Sunday late morning.
I highly recommend going here when you're tired of typical breakfast options, want to enjoy a meal with family or friends, or simply crave fine dim sum.
- dim sum8
- pricing7
- atmosphere8
What S & T Hong Kong Seafood offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services does S & T Hong Kong Seafood offer?
At S & T Hong Kong Seafood, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with table service. Dessert is also available. You can choose between dine-in, takeout, or delivery. For planning, the restaurant accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are recommended.
Is S & T Hong Kong Seafood accessible and what are the parking options?
Yes, S & T Hong Kong Seafood is fully accessible with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. When it comes to parking, you’ll find free street parking, though it can sometimes be somewhat difficult to find a space in the area.
What is the overall customer sentiment for S & T Hong Kong Seafood?
S & T Hong Kong Seafood has an overall Restaurant Score of **6.4** and a Customer Satisfaction of **61.9%**, indicating a mixed but generally average experience. While the **Food** (7.7) is highly regarded, **Service** (5.5) and **Ambience** (6.0) are average, and **Value** (3.4) is a notable concern.
Are there any specific food items that stand out at S & T Hong Kong Seafood?
Yes, many customers praise the handmade and authentic **dim sum**, noting that the dishes look and taste good. The **seafood**, particularly the crab and giant clam, is also frequently mentioned for its freshness and quality.
What are the main drawbacks or concerns reported by diners?
Diners have expressed concerns about **dishonest billing practices**, including unconsented mandatory tips and price discrepancies. There are also significant **hygiene concerns**, with reports of unsanitary practices, and the **decor** is often described as plain and needing updates.