Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Asian Box – San Francisco
Asian Box - San Francisco
Photo from Asian Box
Asian Box at a glance
San Francisco Marina District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 77 of the guests
#1502 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#175 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
365
Reviews
71.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Gluten-free
- Flavorful food
- Good atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Hidden fees
- Service issues
- Small portions
The restaurant Asian Box in San Francisco’s vibrant Marina District is a casual and trendy spot where you can enjoy a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. You’ll find a focus on fresh ingredients and customizable options, making it perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Whether you’re looking for vegan or vegetarian choices, or just a quick bite, this restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Asian Box
Asian Box offers a compelling menu, particularly for those seeking gluten-free options, with many finding the dishes quite flavorful. The overall dining environment also contributes positively, providing a generally pleasant setting for a meal.
It seems to be a place where the culinary experience often shines through. However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall value, particularly due to unexpected hidden charges.
Service experiences can also be a bit of a mixed bag, with some interactions falling short of expectations, which might detract from an otherwise enjoyable visit.
Good
7.2
out of 10
365
Reviews
71.8%
Satisfaction
81
negative
22
neutral
262
positive
Looking at the numbers, Asian Box holds a respectable 7.2 out of 10 for its overall performance, with Customer Satisfaction sitting at a solid 71.8%. This indicates a generally positive reception from diners.
The 365 customer opinions, with 262 positive remarks against 81 negative, paint a picture of a restaurant that largely hits the mark, especially with its culinary offerings. Delving deeper, the Food (7.6) is clearly a strong point, often described as delicious and accommodating for dietary needs.
The Ambience (7.4) also contributes positively, offering a comfortable setting. However, Service (6.4) appears to be an area with room for improvement, and Value (5.4) is where some diners express significant reservations, particularly concerning pricing transparency and portion sizes.
What people like
- Gluten-free menu
- Flavorful food
- Inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Hidden service fees
- Inconsistent service
- Portion size concerns
If you prioritize a delicious, often gluten-free meal in a pleasant setting, Asian Box is certainly worth considering. The culinary experience is frequently praised, making it a good choice for those focused on food quality and specific dietary needs.
However, be mindful of potential hidden charges and manage your expectations regarding service consistency and portion sizes. With a Recommendation Score of 7.4, it suggests a generally positive experience, but being aware of these points will help ensure a more satisfying visit.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
283
98.6%
- $$
- Lower Nob Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
307
100%
- $$
- Saint Francis Wood
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
97
99%
- $$
- Telegraph Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
182
96.2%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
249
98.4%
- $$
- Cow Hollow
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
533
98.1%
- $$
- Marina District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Asian Box
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and a customer satisfaction of 76.2%, its clear most diners are happy. Out of 244 comments, a whopping 186 were positive, praising the delicious, fresh, and often gluten-free menu, with many experiencing an explosion of flavors'.
However, not everyone leaves completely satisfied, with 40 negative comments. Some found issues with the bread and meat quality, while others noted bland sauces or disappointing portion sizes, suggesting inconsistency in execution or value.
Food
244
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
40
negative
18
neutral
186
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fully gluten-free
- Delicious, fresh food
- Explosion of flavors
What people don't like
- Lacks flavor
- Small portions
- Food often cold
Often praised
- foodThe food was not only delicious but also safe for anyone with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Hands down, it's the best food I've had while in San Francisco. The staff is awesome and super friendly, and they are fully aware of the needs of those with gluten sensitivities and Celiac disease.
- FoodFood:5
- dishesMy experience at this restaurant was an absolute dream. It's a completely gluten-free Asian restaurant, and every single dish was incredibly delicious. You absolutely must try the cookies; they are so, so good!
- gluten freeHard to believe it’s all gluten free, so good
- gluten-free menuentire menu is gluten free by default
- meatPerfectly cooked and seasoned meat
- Asian foodbig portion Asian food
- banh miTry the banh mi, you won’t regret it
- chickenbut the chicken is bomb too
- coconut curryThe coconut curry is delicious
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food is mediocre at best
- vegetablesAdditionally, the price felt a bit high for what was expected. It seemed like they simply threw cut vegetables onto a plate with no real effort or taste. Overall, the food was not enjoyable.
- broccoliforgot to put The broccoli
- food temperaturefood sometimes cold when I order through UberEats
- meatMeat: Nearly non-existent.
- portion sizeAs a loyal customer of over a year, my recent experience at this restaurant has been disappointing. Despite paying extra for double protein, I received a much smaller portion size than before. Even with the larger serving, the box was only half full, leaving my husband and me hungry after spending $50 on dinner for two.
- saucesauce very bland
- Asian theme'd ChipotleAsian theme’d Chipotle… but not nearly as delicious
- Vita Coco drinkThe stewed egg had zero flavor. To add to the disappointment, they tried to charge me $7 for a Vita Coco drink. I won't be returning 🥲.
- banh miEverything about their banh mi seems cheap.
If you're looking for a delicious, fresh, and especially gluten-free meal with an explosion of flavors, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention inconsistent portions or occasional blandness, so manage your expectations.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
Lets talk service! With a score of 6.4, its clear the experience here is generally average, and customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 63.1%. Out of 65 total comments, 41 were positive, often praising the friendly staff, attentive service, and their willingness to accommodate special requests and dietary restrictions.
Many guests felt well-cared for, appreciating the good communication and efficient service. However, 23 negative comments indicate there's room for improvement. Some patrons unfortunately encountered rude staff and reported long wait times for their orders.
Concerns were also raised about online order handling, staff attitude, and even questionable hygiene, suggesting a somewhat inconsistent service experience.
Service
65
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
23
negative
1
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Accommodates special requests
- Good communication
What people don't like
- Rude staff encountered
- Long wait times
- Poor staff attitude
Often praised
- staffThe staff is awesome and super friendly
- servicelovely and gracious service
- ServiceService:5
- waiterWhile the Mai Tai wasn't entirely to my taste, it was still good. Our waiter was incredibly sweet, attentive, and very nice, even bringing out dessert for friends who had just gotten engaged. It was a truly great experience!
- StaffStaff was very friendly
- Dietary restrictionsthey were very happy to accomodate me!!
- accommodated everyoneaccommodated everyone’s taste buds!
- allergen warningAllergen warning: lots of peanuts and nuts in this kitchen.
- cashierreassured by the cashier who said he’d emphasize the severity of my allergy
- communicationNot only was their communication GREAT but, no joke, the Bahn Mi is the best
Frequently criticized
- staffMy friend asked for a to-go bag, so we packed my food and left. As we were leaving, the girl with the chair screamed at another customer who was complaining. I ended up finishing my food outside in the cold.
- cashierThe cashier had charged me twice on accident
- employeesJust put a new price over your menu prices like other restaurants to if you want to be honest. Your employees didn’t even know about the 6% sneaky fee and it wasn’t visible. All of this reflects terribly on how you are operating.
- attitudef the attitude of these brats
- bankthe bank would not let me dispute my transaction
- closing timethey told us that they are about to close
- eat some of the meateat some of the meat from the chopping board
- franchiseI heavily dislike this franchise and their ways of resolving problems
- handling foodwas handling food items..... RUN
- one item making one hour1 item making one hour
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and accommodating staff, youll likely find it here. However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service, as some experiences include rudeness or long waits. It's a bit of a gamble, but often worth it for the positive interactions.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to the overall vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.4 and a customer satisfaction of 77.4%, its clear many find the ambience good. Based on 24 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the "small beautiful place, " its "location, " and the inviting "outside seating.
" Many also rave about the "vibes" and the overall "experience, " making it a great place to hang out. However, its not all perfect, as 7 negative comments suggest there's room for improvement. Some found the chairs a bit uncomfortable, and a recurring issue was the presence of flies in the dining area, which was quite unpleasant.
There were also mentions of an irritating situation, especially during peak hours, which could detract from the overall atmosphere.
Ambience
31
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful setting
- Great location
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable chairs
- Flies present
- Awkward atmosphere
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- locationThe food was excellent and served as a menu, which was reasonably priced. The location on Chestnut Street is very well accessible by bus. Next to the restaurant, you can find other dining alternatives, boutiques, and shops.
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was also a highlight
- Disco musicloved the Disco music softly playing
- eating experienceThis place made it so so much less stressful to eat
- environmentthe environment was very clean.
- experienceGreat experience!
- indoor and outdoor seatingThey have ample indoor and outdoor seating.
- outdoor seatingThey have nice outdoor seating available
- outside seatingI highly recommend it! Also, the outside seating is great!
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- chairsthe chairs were a little uncomfortable.
- dining areaHowever, the flies were not friendly at all. Seeing flies flying around the dining area was quite unpleasant. It would be great if the fly issue could be resolved.
- fliesThe food was delicious and the staff were friendly. However, the flies were not friendly at all. Seeing flies flying around the dining area was quite unpleasant.
- kitchenwhen the kitchen is visible from the cash register
- peak hoursavoid peak hours unless you enjoy a side of sass
- situationExtremly irritating and awkward
If you're looking for a place with a lovely location, great outdoor seating, and good vibes, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that some find the chairs uncomfortable, and there have been issues with flies, especially if you visit during peak hours.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests found things to love, with 11 positive opinions highlighting reasonable price and affordable options. Customers often felt they got a great deal and good value for their money, especially considering the neighborhood. The overall score for value sits at an average 5.4, suggesting a decent but not outstanding experience.
However, it's a mixed bag, as customer satisfaction is at a mixed 44%. An equal 11 negative opinions raised concerns about unexpected costs, specifically a hidden charge or sneaky fee for Operating Overhead. Some felt the experience was overpriced or that the price felt a bit high, leading to disappointment despite tasty food.
Value
25
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Hidden charges
- Sneaky fees
- Overpriced feeling
Often praised
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was super yummy and cheap for a lot of food! The options were healthy as well and customizable.
- valueGood value for the Buck especially for this neighborhood
- affordableAffordable
- great dealGreat deal and so delicious!!
- pricesprices are reasonable
- value for moneyThe tofu rolls were also top. The value for money is very good. Around $15 for a dish with vegetables, rice, and meat (for example).
- value for priceVery good value for price
Frequently criticized
- priceI found the meal to be tasty and fresh. However, I do wish it was slightly cheaper for what it was.
- Operating Overhead6% hidden charge for “Operating Overhead”
- chargewith a 16 dollar charge
- hidden charge6% hidden charge for “Operating Overhead”
- meal for twoleft hungry after spending $50 on a meal for two
- operatingYour employees didn’t even know about the 6% sneaky fee and it wasn’t visible. All of this reflects terribly on how you are operating.
- pricesPrices are higher
- sneaky feeJust put a new price over your menu prices like other restaurants to if you want to be honest. Your employees didn’t even know about the 6% sneaky fee and it wasn’t visible. All of this reflects terribly on how you are operating.
- stole moneyMy receipt included a 6% hidden charge for “Operating Overhead” that I was not informed about. Asian Box *stole* money from me and almost certainly from others. No one at the store could explain it.
So, is it worth it? While many appreciate the affordable options and good value, be wary of potential hidden charges that have left some feeling short-changed. If you're looking for a good deal, it might deliver, but double-check your bill to avoid surprises.
How are the prices at Asian Box?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 77 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the full picture, most guests spend within the $11–$20 range, though a good number also venture into the $21–$30 bracket, showing a nice mix of options.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 77 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Restaurant, especially given the range of options available. It seems like a solid choice for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Asian Box
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Healthy and Delicious Workout Box
As a type 2 diabetic, I was happy to find that I could eat here. I ordered the workout box with chicken, and it was a great choice. The meal was fresh, packed with protein, and easy to digest.
I felt good after eating here.
- workout box with chicken9
- fresh9
- protein9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Curry Rice and Free Refills!
My experience at the restaurant was great! The curry rice was very nice. I also ordered the Vietnamese ice coffee, which was a pleasant surprise as it's free refillable!
Overall, everything was great.
- curry rice9
- Vietnamese ice coffee9
- everything9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Asian Food, Big Portions!
I highly suggest coming here for authentic and big portion Asian food! I ordered the Vietnamese dish, which was buzzing. The meat was delicious and tender, making my stomach feel so full and making me want to come back again.
The price is affordable for such good and big portions of Asian food. The location is also good, with many stores around this area, and the view is amazing!
- Asian food9
- Vietnamese dish9
- meat9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Healthy Meal Options
My experience at the restaurant was great, offering a great selection of clean eating options. They have different types of protein, including tofu. I’d recommend this to someone looking to get great healthy meal options.
- clean eating options9
- healthy meal options9
- protein8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Good Tofu Bowl, Could Be Better
My experience at this restaurant was pretty good, especially considering I was very hungry. I ordered the tofu bowl, which was satisfying with a good portion size and a nice balance of ingredients. While I enjoyed it as is, my friend suggested it would be even better with smaller pieces of tofu and more curry sauce, a sentiment I agree with.
The kitchen has an allergen warning for peanuts and nuts, which is important to note. I was initially hesitant due to the prevalence of peanut items but was reassured by the cashier who promised to emphasize the severity of my allergy to the kitchen. This level of attention to allergies is a significant positive.
- tofu bowl7
- tofu5
- curry sauce5
What Asian Box offers
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
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dietary options are available for you at Asian Box in San Francisco?
At Asian Box, you can easily find a variety of choices to suit your dietary preferences. They offer healthy options, dedicated vegan options, and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone looking for a mindful meal in the Marina District.
What kind of dining experience and service options can you expect at Asian Box?
You can enjoy a casual and trendy atmosphere at Asian Box, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. They provide outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, delivery, and even no-contact delivery, offering flexibility for your lunch or dinner plans in San Francisco.
How does Asian Box generally perform according to customer feedback?
Asian Box generally performs well, with an overall Restaurant Score of 7.2 and Customer Satisfaction at 71.8%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.6) and Ambience (7.4), though Service (6.4) and Value (5.4) show some areas for improvement.
Is Asian Box a good option for those with dietary restrictions?
Yes, Asian Box is highly regarded for its gluten-free offerings. Many customers praise the entire menu for being gluten-free by default, making it a safe and delicious choice for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
What should I know about the pricing and service experience at Asian Box?
While some find the prices reasonable and offer good value, others have expressed concerns about a 6% “Operating Overhead” hidden charge and smaller portion sizes for the cost. Service experiences can be mixed, with some staff being friendly and accommodating, while others have been described as inconsistent or having attitude issues.