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oChef » Big Lantern – San Francisco
Big Lantern - San Francisco
Photo from Big Lantern
Big Lantern at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 77 of the guests
#996 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#67 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
468
Reviews
76.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Diverse menu
- Friendly staff
- Good ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Value concerns
- Online risks
- Food inconsistency
The restaurant Big Lantern, a beloved Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, invites you to a delightful culinary journey. You will find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any meal, whether you are looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
This spot is well-known for its diverse offerings, including late-night food and excellent vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring there is something delicious for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Big Lantern
Big Lantern offers a generally positive dining experience, particularly noted for its diverse menu, including many vegetarian options. Guests often praise the fantastic service from a friendly staff, contributing to a pleasant visit.
However, some experiences suggest that while the food is often well-received, there can be occasional inconsistencies in value. While many find the prices reasonable, especially for lunch, a few patrons have raised concerns about unexpected charges or issues with online ordering, including worries about card information security.
Despite these minor points, the restaurant maintains a welcoming atmosphere that many find appealing for a casual meal.
Good
7.6
out of 10
468
Reviews
76.1%
Satisfaction
89
negative
23
neutral
356
positive
Big Lantern holds a respectable overall score of 7.6 out of 10, indicating a good dining experience, which aligns well with a customer satisfaction rate of 76.1%. This positive sentiment is drawn from 468 customer opinions, with 356 positive remarks against 89 negative ones, suggesting a generally well-regarded establishment.
Delving into specifics, Food leads with a strong (7.7) score, followed closely by Ambience (7.6) and Service (7.5), all performing well. Value (6.6) is the lowest-scoring topic, sitting in the average range.
While many appreciate the reasonable prices, particularly for lunch specials, some find certain items or additional charges less appealing, creating a slight dip in this area.
What people like
- Diverse food options
- Attentive service
- Cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent pricing
- Online security concerns
- Occasional food issues
Big Lantern presents itself as a solid choice for those seeking a reliable meal, particularly if you appreciate a wide array of vegetarian and vegan dishes. With a recommendation score of 7.7, it’s clear that many leave satisfied, enjoying the food and the attentive service.
If you’re considering a visit, you’ll likely find a pleasant atmosphere and good food. Just be mindful of potential inconsistencies in pricing for certain items or when using their online ordering system.
It’s a place worth trying for its strengths, especially during lunch.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Big Lantern
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.7 and boasting a solid 76.8% customer satisfaction. Many diners rave about the delicious dim sum, generous portions, and the impressive variety of vegetarian and vegan options. With 235 positive remarks out of 306 total, it seems many leave happy, praising the fresh flavors and quality.
However, not every dish is a winner, as indicated by 52 negative comments. Some found certain items bland, greasy, or noted inconsistent food quality, particularly with chicken dishes. There were also mentions of doughy dumplings and some American Chinese dishes lacking authenticity, suggesting a few misses amidst the hits.
Food
306
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
52
negative
19
neutral
235
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent vegetarian options
- Delicious dim sum
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Some dishes bland
- Greasy items
Often praised
- foodThey serve amazing and comforting Chinese American food with a large vegetarian selection, including tofu and meatless chicken/beef/fish. The service was fantastic, and the food arrived fast, fresh, and perfectly prepared. I highly recommend this place, particularly for vegetarians.
- vegan optionsThe Dim Sum and Chinese dishes are consistently delicious and comforting. I was particularly impressed by the TONS of vegan options available. Some of my favorites include the General Tso’s Meatless chicken, steamed rice rolls, veggie dumplings, and turnip cakes.
- vegetarian optionsMy experience at this restaurant was SO good! They have so many vegetarian options, which was fantastic. We brought four kids with us, and they all found foods they liked, mostly buns and dumplings.
- Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a spacious and nice restaurant that serves delicious Chinese food. I was particularly impressed with the tons of vegan options available.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the service was very kind and the portions were generous, the food itself was just okay. I ordered the sesame noodles, hot and sour soup, and the veg dim sum combo, and unfortunately, the food was so mid 😣.
- dim sumWe brought four kids with us, and they all found foods they liked, mostly buns and dumplings. The kids really loved the dim sum. The food, service, and atmosphere were all rated a 5 out of 5.
- FoodFood:5
- Orange Chickenone of the best Orange Chicken dishes I've ever had
- brothWhile the service was excellent, with a rating of 5, the food was just okay, rated at 3. The sizzling rice soup had vegetables that were way too chunky and tasted raw because they were so big, though the broth was tasty. The shrimp dumplings were very bland, and they didn't offer any dipping sauces to go with them.
- chickenI was super impressed. While I wouldn't have minded a touch more broccoli, the dish was otherwise perfect, featuring crispy chicken and a delicious tangy sauce. The service was also fabulous.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was incredibly greasy
- chickenWe ordered string bean chicken to be delivered. THERE WAS ZERO CHICKEN. We called and they said “we are running low on chicken, but you can come pick some up.
- American Chinese foodfood is definitely American Chinese food, nowhere near being authentic
- Chicken Siu MaiThe Chicken Siu Mai was the biggest letdown
- Mongolian beefMongolian beef was supposed to have broccoli and it did not
- Szechuan fishIt has a classic Chinatown sort of feeling, with a sprawling menu including lots of dim sum and veggie options. Even at "extra spicy", the Szechuan fish was tepid, but otherwise all of our food was great, and our server was very nice ☺️
- Thai ice teaThe thi ice tea was in a can ( not good at all)
- beef and chicken entree1 beef and 1 chicken entree and it was $50
- brown sauceEverything has the same brown sauce, on the sweat side
- chicken breastthe chicken breast seems overcooked and so tough to chew
If you're seeking a spot with a wide array of vegetarian and vegan choices, especially for dim sum, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that while many dishes shine with great flavor and portions, some might find certain items a bit inconsistent or bland.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
Youll likely find the service here to be quite pleasant! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at 76.7%, its clear many appreciate the experience. Out of 90 comments, 69 rave about the friendly staff, fast service, and accommodating nature, often highlighting wonderful staff members.
However, it's not always perfect. About 20 comments point to some hiccups, mentioning issues with service, waiting times, and unresponsive staff. A few even noted rude people, suggesting there might be occasional inconsistencies in the overall experience.
Service
90
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
20
negative
1
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Unresponsive staff
- Rude people
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was really nice. I always love their great food and fantastic service, whether I eat in or take out. They offer vegetarian options, and I particularly love their Tofu dishes.
- staffAwesome place with awesome staff!!
- ServiceThe restaurant was clean and not busy, but take out orders were off the hook. Service was friendly, helpful and fast. My food was packaged in the ziplock containers which smelled delicious.
- serverIt has a classic Chinatown sort of feeling, with a sprawling menu including lots of dim sum and veggie options. Even at "extra spicy", the Szechuan fish was tepid, but otherwise all of our food was great, and our server was very nice ☺️
- deliveryAwesome delivery without going through grubhub or uber.
- wonderful staffI highly recommend not missing out on the Ma Po Tofu or the Sesame Meatless Chicken, as both are to die for. It's a sweet little restaurant with wonderful staff, and I want to thank them for the incredible meal. We won't soon forget it.
- Dine inWe had been craving a meatless BBQ pork bun for a year, and this dish truly hit the spot. The dine-in service for lunch was appreciated, and the price per person was reasonable at $10–20.
- Everyone was niceEveryone was nice.
- Friendly auntieFriendly auntie takes your order.
- JudyJudy was amazingly warm and friendly!
Frequently criticized
- serviceTHERE WAS ZERO CHICKEN. We called and they said “we are running low on chicken, but you can come pick some up. ” What!
- card informationI'm sad to have to write this because I genuinely enjoy the food, but I strongly advise against ordering from their website. On my first online order, my card information was skimmed, leading to an unauthorized purchase. I initially dismissed it, thinking it was a one-off incident.
- exterminatorThe waitress said the exterminator just came and sprayed!!!
- forgot one of my itemsthey forgot one of my items
- informationI can’t trust them with my information
- online payment portalthe only common denominator is their online payment portal
- ordernot responding my order
- ordersdidn't gave me my orders
- peoplethe people are extremely rude here
- problem fixingI paid almost $20 for some (delicious!) green beans. No chicken, no rice, no fixing the problem. Order elsewhere.
Overall, the service leans heavily towards positive, making it a good bet for a pleasant dining experience. While there are occasional reports of slow or unresponsive moments, the friendly and fast service often shines through. You can generally expect attentive and welcoming staff.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a solid 76.5%, the ambience here is definitely good. Many folks rave about the atmosphere, traditional setting, and Chinatown feeling, often highlighting the spaciousness and Mom and Pop charm, making it feel like a true neighborhood gem.
Out of 34 total opinions, 26 were positive, painting a pretty picture! However, not everything is perfect. A few guests (6 opinions) noted some downsides, mentioning cramped seats and an unpleasant smell of bleach.
Parking can also be a challenge in the area, and some felt the outside could use a little sprucing up. These are minor points, but worth keeping in mind for your visit.
Ambience
34
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Spacious and warm
- Traditional charm
What people don't like
- Cramped seating
- Unpleasant odors
- Parking challenges
Often praised
- atmosphereHowever, like every dish here, it was packed with flavor. Lively even on a weekday night, this spot offers great prices, a cozy atmosphere, and an unbeatable vegetarian menu. Highly recommend!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restaurantrestaurant is spacious yet cozy
- Chinatown feelingIt has a classic Chinatown sort of feeling
- Chinese spaceCute Chinese space
- Mom and PopSeems Mom and Pop
- ambianceNice ambiance
- feng shuiVery feng shui
- inside decorthe inside is cute
- neighborhood spotThis is a true neighborhood spot
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- black spotswater cup had black spots in the water
- outsidethe outside needs to be fixed up though
- parkingThis restaurant is located in the Mission District, so parking may be an issue. The restaurant was clean and not busy, but take out orders were off the hook.
- seatsThe seats are very cramped
- smellsmelled like bleach and cleaning fluid
If youre looking for a place with a cozy, traditional vibe and plenty of space, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potential parking woes and maybe a slightly less inviting exterior. Overall, its a solid choice for a pleasant dining experience.
Value (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners are pleasantly surprised, often finding the prices to be quite fair and even inexpensive. The lunch specials frequently get a shout-out for being an absolute steal and offering great value. With 26 positive remarks out of 38 total, and a customer satisfaction of 68.4%, its clear many appreciate the affordability, contributing to a solid 6.6 score.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. Some customers have raised concerns about menu prices not matching the final bill, perceived price increases, and an extra 20% charge that can catch you off guard. These 11 negative comments suggest that while the overall score of 6.6 is average, there's definitely room for improvement in pricing transparency.
Value
38
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great lunch specials
- Reasonable prices
- Excellent overall value
What people don't like
- Menu price confusion
- Unexpected extra charges
- Overpriced drinks
Often praised
- pricesThis is easily the best Chinese food we've had across the board, and it has likely ruined our ability to go to low-quality Chinese places back home. I highly recommend it for the food, service, and proper prices. For the freshest experience, your first try should definitely be in the restaurant.
- lunch specialslunch specials for less than $15 are unbeatable
- priceI simply loved this place. Their dim sum is amazing and at a really good price. I never thought that having 4 pieces could be so filling.
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially considering the great value, particularly for their lunch specials. I found myself becoming a regular during my one-month stay in SF.
- Price per personWe had been craving a meatless BBQ pork bun for a year, and this dish truly hit the spot. The dine-in service for lunch was appreciated, and the price per person was reasonable at $10–20.
- good priceI need Chinese food with no sugar or sweet due to my diet, and they are very accommodating. The food is most delicious and at a good price, especially considering it's in the city. The service is fast and personal.
- inexpensiveinexpensive compared to other surrounding places
- lunch specialabsolute steal during their lunch special
- reasonable pricesI loved the spaciousness and personal warmth here. The delectable food, including the hot and sour soup and vegetarian lo mein, was served at reasonable prices. I read Anthony Lane’s review titled “Road Trips” in the restaurant.
- walletwithout killing your wallet
Frequently criticized
- price?! I paid almost $20 for some (delicious!) green beans. No chicken, no rice, no fixing the problem.
- 12oz can soda$2.50 for a 12oz can soad
- can of tea$5.50 for a can of tea
- extra 20% chargethat extra 20% they tag on for service
- false advertisingThat's false advertising LOL
- menu pricesmenu said $13 for each item then when I'm paying it is $17 each item
- price increaseincreasing it nearly 30% to take advantage of inflation
- reasonably priced Chinese restaurantThis used to be my favorite reasonably priced Chinese restaurant
- rice, soy sauce, chopsticks, fortuneno rice, no soy sauce, no chop sticks, no fortune
- updated menusaid they have an updated menu somewhere they can show me
If youre looking for a good deal, especially during lunch, this spot can offer great value. Just be sure to double-check the menu prices and be aware of potential extra charges to avoid any surprises. Its a mixed bag, so go in with open eyes!
How are the prices at Big Lantern?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 77 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 25, many guests actually spend less, with a good chunk of prices falling in the $11–$20 range. This suggests a nice mix of affordable dishes alongside some more premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 77 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the variety of price points and the mid-range average for a Chinese Restaurant, we think the pricing here feels quite fair. It offers flexibility for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Big Lantern
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
1
Metal found in food!
My experience was extremely negative. I was not even halfway through my lunch when I discovered a piece of metal in my meat. This is a serious food safety concern.
- piece of metal1
- meat1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Obsessed with Fresh and Flavorful Food!
Since discovering this place just 10 days ago, I've already ordered from them three times, which is unusual for me as I rarely order delivery. I am absolutely obsessed with their food! It's incredibly fresh and flavorful.
They offer many great vegetarian options, and I highly recommend them for vegetarians. My favorite dishes include the crispy fried tofu, which is surprisingly juicy and reminds me of McDonald's chicken nuggets, the vegetarian wonton soup, and the turnip cakes. The dim sum items are also quite good.
- food9
- vegetarian options9
- crispy fried tofu10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food and Friendly Service
My experience at Big Lantern was very positive. I enjoyed both the Wood Ear Mushroom with fish and the Portobello Mushroom with fish, which were delicious and came with plenty of perfectly cooked vegetables. For times when I'm feeling unwell, their chicken rice porridge is my go-to.
The service was notably friendly and fast.
- Wood Ear Mushroom with fish9
- Portobello Mushroom with fish9
- added vegetables8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Wonderful Service, Great Food, Vegan/GF Options
I've been coming here about once a week for the past two years. While it might seem like just another kitchen, the service is wonderful, the food is consistently great, and they offer many different vegan and gluten-free options. I'm very thankful for Joyce!
- service10
- food9
- vegan and gluten-free options9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Delicious Chinese Food, Fast Delivery!
I absolutely love Big Lantern and honestly believe this place deserves a higher rating than its current 4. 2. I've dined in and ordered online multiple times.
In person, it's a typical, no-frills, old-school Chinese spot with friendly aunties taking orders. The service is straightforward, not fine dining, but efficient. When ordering online, I highly recommend using their website for free delivery, as Big Lantern employees deliver faster than third-party apps.
My order arrived in less than 10 minutes (though I live less than a mile away, so manage expectations). The delivery person was cheerful with a lovely smile and appreciated a generous tip. The food is delicious with large portions and fair prices, making it quite cheap compared to other places.
I've enjoyed their orange chicken, chow mein, fried rice, and crispy chicken. The combination chow mein is particularly good, boasting a nice wok hei flavor and generous amounts of chicken, beef, and shrimp. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, and the fried rice is spicy with plenty of meat.
I haven't tried the vegan options yet, but I plan to continue supporting this place. I love Big Lantern and think you will too!
- food10
- portions9
- prices9
What Big Lantern offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and dietary options can you expect at Big Lantern?
At Big Lantern, you can enjoy a casual and cozy dining experience for lunch, dinner, or even late-night food. The menu features a variety of Chinese dishes, with excellent provisions for different dietary needs, including both vegan and vegetarian options, alongside small plates and a selection of wine, coffee, and beer.
What service options and accessibility features does Big Lantern offer?
Big Lantern provides flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and no-contact delivery for your convenience. For accessibility, you will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests. Reservations are also accepted for planning your visit.
How does Big Lantern rate overall?
Big Lantern receives a good overall score of 7.6 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 76.1%. Its strongest areas are Food (7.7), Ambience (7.6), and Service (7.5), while Value (6.6) is considered average.
Does Big Lantern offer good options for vegetarians?
Yes, Big Lantern is highly praised for its extensive vegetarian and vegan options, including various tofu dishes, meatless chicken, and a wide selection of dim sum and buns.
Are there any common issues to be aware of at Big Lantern?
Some customers have noted inconsistencies in pricing, with certain items feeling expensive or unexpected charges appearing. There have also been concerns regarding the security of their online payment portal.