Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Aria – San Francisco
Aria - San Francisco
Photo from Aria
Aria at a glance
San Francisco Lower Nob Hill
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 79 of the guests
#2122 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#31 Korean Restaurant out of 36 in San Francisco
Good
6.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
478
Reviews
53.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fried Chicken
- Good Value
- Quick Service
Frequently criticized
- Bad Location
- Hidden Fees
- Soggy Takeout
The restaurant, a vibrant Korean Restaurant in San Francisco’s bustling Lower Nob Hill, invites you to experience its trendy atmosphere. At Aria, you’ll discover a spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner, offering delicious small plates and even late-night food options.
Whether you’re craving authentic Korean flavors for lunch or dinner, this casual eatery provides a welcoming setting for your culinary adventure.
Overview: Introducting Aria
Aria offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking satisfying fried chicken and generous portions. Many appreciate the consistent quality and efficient service, making it a reliable choice for a quick meal.
However, some aspects, like the neighborhood and certain extra charges, present a mixed picture. While convenient for takeout, the physical space and some service interactions have drawn criticism.
Good
6.1
out of 10
478
Reviews
53.6%
Satisfaction
171
negative
51
neutral
256
positive
Aria holds an overall score of 6.1, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction is a mixed bag at 53.6%, indicating a split in experiences.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 478 customer remarks, with 256 positive and 171 negative observations. Diving deeper, Food leads with a solid (6.4), often praised for its quality.
Service follows closely at (5.9), generally seen as efficient. However, both Value (5.1) and Ambience (5.1) hover in the lower average range, suggesting these areas could benefit from attention.
What people like
- Delicious Fried Chicken
- Generous Portions
- Fast Service
What people don't like
- Sketchy Neighborhood
- Extra Charges
- Inconsistent Takeout Food
Aria presents a mixed offering, with its strengths lying in its core food items and efficient service. While it delivers on flavor and speed, potential diners should be aware of the surrounding environment and some pricing practices.
With a recommendation score of 6.5, Aria is worth considering if you prioritize quick, flavorful fried chicken and don’t mind the practicalities of a takeout-focused spot. However, if ambience or strict budgeting are key, you might find it less appealing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Aria
Food (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot offers a mixed bag, scoring an average 6.4 with a mixed 59.1% customer satisfaction across 323 opinions. Many rave about the delicious fried chicken, generous portions, and the delightful sweet and spicy flavors, especially in dishes like the bulgogi taco. You'll find plenty of positive remarks about the taste and quality.
However, some experiences suggest room for improvement, with 109 negative remarks noting issues like soggy items, disappointing bulgogi fries, bland kimbap, or unseasoned dry chicken. There are also concerns about changes to the menu and overall quality, indicating some inconsistency in the food offerings.
Food
323
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
109
negative
23
neutral
191
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious fried chicken
- Generous portions
- Sweet and spicy
What people don't like
- Soggy food
- Bland kimbap
- Unseasoned chicken
Often praised
- foodThere is also limited parking on the street, so you might have to park on the opposite side and cross the street. The chicken and everything in general is really delicious, but it can be a lot of food, so going somewhere to walk it off after is a good idea.
- chickenI ordered delivery from this place and tried a few items. The Korean fried chicken taco with green sauce was delicious — the chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The gangjung chicken was also crispy, but the sauce was a bit too sweet and sticky for my taste.
- fried chickenhands down, the best fried chicken I’ve had
- Korean Fried ChickenFor commuters and take-out, I recommend the regular KFC over the Gangjung KFC because the sauce is served on the side, which prevents the chicken from getting soggy. Even after a delayed BART ride of about 45 minutes, my order was still crunchy upon arrival home. Leftovers reheat well in a toaster oven or pan to restore their crunch.
- tacosThe tacos require two hands to eat
- FoodFood:5
- bulgogi friesIt's not Korean anymore; it feels more Mexican now. This is quite sad because we loved the bulgogi fries and have been loyal customers for years.
- bulgogi kimbapwe also had the bulgogi kimbap which was also really tasty
- kimbapThe food was great. It was my first time trying kimbap
- sauceThe portions were very generous, so much so that I added an extra garlic soy sauce. For commuters and take-out, I recommend the regular KFC over the Gangjung KFC because the sauce is served on the side, which prevents the chicken from getting soggy. Even after a delayed BART ride of about 45 minutes, my order was still crunchy upon arrival home.
Frequently criticized
- chickenHow can you taste the feeling? Well, the takeout makes the chicken soggy/lukewarm and dulls the color of the food itself. Wait time is on the longer side with customer service being good!
- bulgogi friesbulgogi fries were my favorite meal in SF and are now served with pico de gallo and guacamole
- foodWhile I understand they can be busy, messing up our order is not acceptable. We were hoping for a chill night and to enjoy our food, but thanks for ruining it.
- bulgogithe bulgogi is a bit of a disappointment
- fried chickenA significant portion of the fried rice was still white, and while the taste wasn't bad, the overall quality was a letdown. The fried chicken was definitely overhyped and not authentic Korean fried chicken.
- Kimbapno longer has the Kimbap which was imo the best thing
- Korean foodhoping the Korean food was going to be cooked by Koreans. Not the case.
- Korean fried chickenIt’s definitely not good Korean fried chicken
- bulgogi kimbapbulgogi kimbap though... it should be re-named to beef jerky kimbap or 4-day old bulgogi kimbap
- dumplingsthey don’t even put it in your bowl.
If youre craving Korean fried chicken and dont mind a bit of a gamble on other menu items, this place might be worth a try. Focus on their highly praised chicken dishes, but be aware that some of their fusion or side options might not hit the mark for everyone.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
Many customers have highlighted the quick service and friendly staff, often praising the fast delivery and smooth online ordering process. Out of 96 total comments, 43 were positive, showing a decent appreciation for efficiency. While the overall score for service is an 5.9, placing it in the average range, customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 44.8%.
On the flip side, there are noticeable concerns about long wait times and a sometimes frustrating ordering process. Several customers mentioned issues with unanswered phones and difficulties getting ahold of anyone, leading to missing orders or a perceived lack of staff hospitality. These points were raised in 31 negative observations.
Service
96
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
31
negative
22
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick service
- Friendly staff
- Fast delivery
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Unanswered phones
- Missing orders
Often praised
- ServiceFood was ready for pickup almost instantaneously
- serviceconsistently sustain their service
- customer serviceWell, the takeout makes the chicken soggy/lukewarm and dulls the color of the food itself. Wait time is on the longer side with customer service being good! I think they would get so much more customers or offer dining in if they had a bigger space.
- deliveryAlways get delivery from this place
- staffStaff is very helpful and very friendly
- service speedLightning fast, order is ready in less than 5 minutes!
- takeoutEverything you could ever hope for when ordering some takeout
- FriendlyFriendly, fast, flavorful.
- Take outTook it back to hotel room
- call aheadgood idea to call ahead and place your order
Frequently criticized
- phoneThey do not answer the phone so there is no way to contact them
- QR codethe employee pointed to the QR code and walked away when I told her my phone can't scan QR codes.
- Uber Eats driversUber Eats drivers have been waiting for 15-20 min or over
- always forget somethingthey always forget something
- always have a problemwe always have a problem
- business hourswithin the business normal hours of operation
- can't get ahold of anyonewe can't get ahold of anyone
- customer healthno care for customer health or diet concerns
- customer servicecustomer service here is absolutely horrible and rude
- delivery servicewish they will expand their deliver service
So, whats the verdict on service? If youre looking for a quick bite and plan to order online or for takeout, you'll likely have a smooth experience. However, be prepared for potential hiccups with phone orders or longer waits during busy times, as the service can be a bit inconsistent.
Ambience (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
Despite a customer satisfaction of just 32.1%, some folks really dig the vibe here, with 9 positive remarks among 28 total comments. They love that authentic Korean street food vibe and the big city vibe it brings. The dining in experience with the tray is often highlighted as enjoyable, contributing to an overall ambience score of 5.1.
However, the ambience has its significant drawbacks, with 16 negative observations. Many find the Tenderloin location to be a sketchy part of town, and the cramped space is a frequent complaint. The lack of indoor dining and limited seating are also major concerns, along with some hygiene worries.
Ambience
28
Reviews
32%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic street food vibe
- Lively big city feel
- Unique tray dining
What people don't like
- Sketchy Tenderloin location
- Cramped, tiny space
- No indoor dining
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Korean street food vibegot the Korean street food vibe
- big city vibeA very big city vibe
- dining in experienceThe dining in experience with the tray is just irreplaceable and enjoying
- locationis walkable to and from the Civic Center
- popularityIt seems very Popular
Frequently criticized
- indoor diningNo indoor dining only Street dining
- NeighborhoodHideous Neighborhood
- TenderloinThe Tenderloin is kind of shady
- Tenderloin locationlocated in the Tenderloin, which is a pretty sketchy part of SF
- area for eatingthey have no area for eating really
- bigger shoptotally wish they can expand and get a bigger shop
- cramped spacethe cramp space just ain't it
- glovesnot wearing gloves while preparing / cooking
- hygieneThe fried chicken burrito was good, especially with the tater tots both inside and on the side. The only downside was how it was wrapped in aluminum foil; it got stuck to the foil, which I don’t think is very hygienic. They should have used parchment paper before wrapping it in foil.
- inside spaceThe inside space was closed (and super tiny anyway)
If youre looking for a quick, authentic street food experience and dont mind a bustling, potentially cramped setting in a less-than-ideal neighborhood, this spot might work for you. However, if comfort, ample seating, and a pristine location are high on your list, you might want to look elsewhere.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
It seems like the value here is a bit of a mixed bag, with a 5.1 score putting it squarely in the average range. Many customers appreciate the affordability and generous portions, often finding the food to be cheaper than expected, especially for San Francisco. With 13 positive remarks out of 31 total, theres definitely a sense that you can snag some great deals, like buy one get one free offers, making it a satisfying meal for the price.
However, the value proposition isnt always clear-cut, as reflected by a 41.9% customer satisfaction. Some diners felt they couldn't justify the price, citing unexpected charges for things like dipping sauces, cutlery, or even paper bags. There are also concerns about significant price jumps and the overall cost being too high for the quantity and quality received, based on 15 negative comments.
Value
31
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Affordable prices
- BOGO deals
What people don't like
- Hidden charges
- Price jumps
- Expensive for quantity
Often praised
- priceAria has become a go-to spot in San Francisco because they consistently maintain their quality and service. I ordered the 10-piece Korean Fried Chicken (KFC) with garlic soy sauce and chipotle aioli for $13. The portions were very generous, so much so that I added an extra garlic soy sauce.
- pricesaffordable prices
- PortionsPortions are a great value for the price
- Price per personThe service was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere also received a 5/5. I visited for lunch and the price per person was very affordable, between $1–$10.
- affordabilityIf you have a fried chicken craving, this is the place to get your fix – they're better than the Colonel's! The food was consistently tasty, tender, juicy, affordable, and fresh. Everything you could hope for when ordering takeout.
- buy one get one freeThis restaurant is pick up / delivery only; you cannot dine in. I ordered the buy one get one free Korean Fried Chicken tacos on DoorDash. After just one taco, I was full; it was delicious and I would definitely go back.
- cheaper than expectedthe food is certainly cheaper than expected
Frequently criticized
- pricemissing a few marks that we just couldn't justify the price
- chicken comboJacking it up to 26 is an abomination
- cost to pick upit cost $15 to pick up
- cutlerycharges $1.50 for a set of cutlery
- dipping saucesthey should lower the price of the dipping sauces
- legal US currencyMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing because they refused to accept legal US currency. I couldn't even try the food.
- moneyit’s not worth at all. Save your money
- paper bagcharge 25c for a cheap paper bag
- plastic cutlerycharge for plastic cutlery
- price jumpWOW the price jump from $16/$17 to $22 each
If you're looking for generous portions and potential deals, especially for delivery or specific items, you might find some great value here. However, be mindful of potential extra charges and recent price adjustments that could make the overall cost feel less justified for some.
How are the prices at Aria?
On average, you’ll spend around 21 per person – from 79 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Korean Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners cluster around this average, with a good number finding options in the $11–$20 range, and a few going for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 79 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar places in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Korean Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good mid-range option, with flexibility for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Aria
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
8
Delicious Chicken, Busy Street
My experience at the restaurant was primarily focused on the food. I found the chicken to be incredibly tasty, and the portion size was so generous that I was full after eating just six pieces, needing to save the rest for later. The restaurant is located on a very busy street with lots of people around.
Delivery or pick-up options are available through DoorDash. The atmosphere was rated low, but the food was rated high.
- chicken10
- portion size9
- busy street6
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Price Increase is Outrageous
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to a significant price increase. A chicken combo that used to cost no more than $15 a couple of years ago has now jumped to $26. This price hike is an abomination.
I hope the AI boom lasts long enough for them to stay in business, but this local will not be returning.
- chicken combo1
- price1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Incredible Korean Fried Chicken
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the incredible Korean Fried Chicken. It tasted exactly how I remember it tasting in Korea. The Service, Atmosphere, and Food were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- Korean Fried Chicken10
- Service10
- Atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
6
Great Chicken, Shocking Price Jump
My experience at this restaurant involved enjoying their Yangnyeom and soysauce garlic chicken, which were still good. However, I was a bit shell-shocked by the massive price jump from $16/$17 to $22 each in recent weeks.
- Yangnyeom chicken8
- soysauce garlic chicken8
- price jump2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
10
Absolutely Heavenly Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was heavenly delicious! ❤️ The food was amazingly delicious ❤️❣️ I am so thankful I found this restaurant on Uber Eats ❣️❤️. The food was so nice and hot when it was delivered too ❤️.
I’m definitely going to keep ordering from them ❤️. Thank you to the restaurant for being so outstanding ❤️.
- food10
What Aria offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Aria Korean Street Food?
At Aria Korean Street Food, you can enjoy a casual and trendy dining experience perfect for lunch or dinner. They specialize in small plates and offer vegetarian options, making it ideal for a quick bite or a more relaxed meal. You can also find late-night food here.
Does Aria Korean Street Food offer convenient service options and accessibility?
Yes, Aria Korean Street Food provides flexible service with dine-in, takeout, and delivery options to suit your needs. Located in Lower Nob Hill, San Francisco, the restaurant also features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests.
How does Aria generally perform according to customer feedback?
Aria maintains an overall score of 6.1, indicating an average performance. Its Food scores highest at (6.4), followed by Service at (5.9). Value (5.1) and Ambience (5.1) are considered average.
What are the standout food items at Aria?
Customers frequently praise the fried chicken for being crispy and juicy. The regular Korean Fried Chicken is often recommended for takeout as its sauce is served on the side, helping it stay crunchy.
Are there any common concerns about Aria's dining experience or pricing?
Some customers have noted issues with the neighborhood and the lack of indoor dining. There are also mentions of unexpected charges for items like cutlery or paper bags, impacting the perceived value.