Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great tea selection
oChef » Burma Love – San Francisco
Burma Love - San Francisco
Photo from Burma Love
Burma Love at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍜 Asian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 126 of the guests
#1497 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#16 Asian Restaurant out of 22 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
892
Reviews
68.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Attentive staff
- Vibrant ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Noisy environment
- Allergy concerns
The restaurant Burma Love invites you to experience an authentic Asian culinary journey right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District. This trendy yet casual spot is renowned for its exceptional flavors and a truly great wine list, perfect for pairing with your meal.
Whether you’re seeking healthy options, vegan delights, or classic dishes, you’ll find a diverse menu designed to satisfy every palate. It’s a fantastic destination for both lunch and dinner, offering a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Overview: Introducting Burma Love
Burma Love offers a vibrant dining experience where the culinary offerings generally impress, often described as delicious and varied. Guests frequently praise the attentive staff and the overall pleasant atmosphere, making for an engaging visit.
However, some diners find the overall cost to be a point of contention, with concerns about price and additional fees. While the dining experience is largely positive, these financial aspects can sometimes detract from an otherwise enjoyable meal.
Good
7.2
out of 10
892
Reviews
68.7%
Satisfaction
232
negative
47
neutral
613
positive
Burma Love achieves a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.2, indicating a generally positive reception. This is supported by a substantial number of customer comments, with 613 positive observations against 232 negative ones out of 892 total.
The Food (7.4) stands out as a particular strength, consistently earning high marks for its quality and variety, while the attentive Service (7.3) also contributes significantly to guest satisfaction. Despite these strengths, the Customer Satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.7%.
While the Ambience (7.7) is often appreciated for its lively setting, the perceived Value (3.7) is a notable area for improvement. Some guests feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the experience, suggesting that while many aspects shine, the cost can be a point of concern for a segment of diners.
What people like
- Delicious food variety
- Attentive staff
- Lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices, fees
- Loud, crowded setting
- Allergy accommodation issues
Burma Love, with a Recommendation Score of 7.4, is a solid choice for those seeking vibrant Burmese flavors and a lively dining experience. If you prioritize delicious food and an engaging atmosphere, you’ll likely find it a rewarding visit.
However, be prepared for the cost, as some guests find the pricing and additional fees a drawback. If budget is a primary concern or you prefer a quieter setting, you might want to consider other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Burma Love
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 71.4%, many diners rave about the delicious offerings. Out of 559 pieces of feedback, 399 remarks highlight favorites like the iconic tea leaf salad, flavorful garlic noodles, and comforting samosa soup, often praising the vibrant flavors and excellent vegan options.
However, not every bite is perfect. Around 132 comments point to some areas for improvement, such as concerns about small portions and a noticeable lack of consistency in dish quality. There are also critical notes regarding blandness in some dishes and serious allergy cross-contamination issues, particularly for gluten and nut sensitivities.
Food
559
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
132
negative
28
neutral
399
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tea leaf salad
- Great flavors
- Vegan options
What people don't like
- Allergy cross-contamination
- Portions too small
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- foodThe menu was so cute, it started off with a map of Burma and a quick history, which was a sweet touch. The menu was fantastic, and the food was delicious. Lots of people filled into the tables, making it a trendy place for delicious food and drinks.
- tea leaf saladThe calamari is also perfectly fried. While other salads are good, the tea leaf salad is outstanding. When it comes to entrees, I highly recommend the Burmese curries and other beef dishes.
- coconut riceMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely SPECTACULAR! I highly recommend the tea leaf salad, mint chicken, and coconut rice. The appetizer sampler was also a hit.
- drinksOur bartender, Ou, delivered 5-star hospitality, as did the general manager, Louie! The main restaurant was a full house on a Thursday, which is true feedback for a hospitality group that delivers well-rounded dining, from the most delicious drinks and appetizers to excellent service and atmosphere. I definitely recommend the Burma Superstar mocktail – it was pretty and delicious.
- cocktailsWe enjoyed the chicken platha and dip, two cocktails, pork belly with mustard greens, and chicken kebat. Everything tasted really good, and the cocktails offered were unique and went well with the food. I do wish we had gotten more of the chicken dip in the platha dish, as it was a highlight.
- Burmese foodLunch was pretty light, so we were able to get seated and our food within 20 minutes. I will definitely be back, as this was my first time eating Burmese food.
- Tea Leaf Saladthe Tea Leaf Salad and the Garlic Noodles are definitely worth trying
- garlic noodlesEverything on their menu is bonkers and delicious. My personal favorites include the tea leaf salad, Wok-tossed broccoli, garlic noodles, and samosa soup. They also serve great cocktails.
- lamb curryI can't comment on the authenticity of the food, but it tastes great and the portion sizes are pretty good. I recommend the lamb curry. My only gripe is with the 5% fee added to the bill in addition to paying a tip.
- menuThey mix it tableside, which provides a creative visual experience that precedes the delicious gustatory experience that follows. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. It's rare that everything at one place tastes delicious, but this place is the exception.
Frequently criticized
- tea leaf saladtea leaf overpowered everything, and every spoonful felt like eating straight from a jar of pesto
- foodMy experience at the restaurant involved a 7: 00 reservation, but we ended up waiting 45 minutes before being seated. The service was slow and the food was mediocre.
- coconut ricethe rice was overly sweet to hide the low quality and lack of authentic coconut flavor
- garlic noodlesGarlic noodles was so tasteless couldnt see a hint of garlic
- noodlesThe noodles will join into one large mass of a starch block
- chickenthe chicken was over cooked and as a result was not tasty
- dishesmiddling and bland dishes that left me feeling more disappointed
- chicken dishesI would recommend against most of the chicken dishes
- curryI ordered the lamb curry with coconut rice. Unfortunately, the lamb was dry, the curry was loaded with oil, and the rice was overly sweet, seemingly to mask a lack of authentic coconut flavor and low quality. While Burma Love may have been an institution, it now feels like a money grind relying on outdated accolades.
- food qualitythe food was, simply put, underwhelming and disappointing
Overall, the food here is a strong draw for many, especially if you're keen on unique Burmese flavors and diverse vegan choices. Just be mindful of potential portion sizes and, if you have severe allergies, communicate clearly to ensure a safe dining experience.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at 71.6%, its clear that most diners have a good experience. Many praise the "great service, " "friendly staff, " and "attentive waiters, " often noting quick seating and efficient service, as seen in 116 positive remarks out of 162 total.
However, not everyones experience is perfect. About 40 comments point to areas for improvement, including instances of slow service, feeling rushed off the table, and issues with allergy concern handling. Some also mentioned the place feeling understaffed at times, suggesting a bit of inconsistency in their otherwise good service.
Service
162
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
40
negative
6
neutral
116
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Allergy handling issues
- Feeling rushed
Often praised
- serviceOur bartender, Ou, delivered 5-star hospitality, as did the general manager, Louie! The main restaurant was a full house on a Thursday, which is true feedback for a hospitality group that delivers well-rounded dining, from the most delicious drinks and appetizers to excellent service and atmosphere. I definitely recommend the Burma Superstar mocktail – it was pretty and delicious.
- staffThey're one of my top go-to's that I like to take friends to. The service is great, and the staff are prepared to recommend what to order and accommodate dietary restrictions. The Laphet (green tea leaf) salad is a must on the menu.
- ServiceThe food quality was excellent, and the atmosphere was also a perfect 5. The service was equally impressive, also rated a 5. Overall, it was a wonderful dining experience.
- serversOur servers were very attentive both in serving and removing our empty plates
- serverOur server, Zin, was all smiles and super nice
- NeoOur server Neo recommended
- dietary restrictionsMy experience at the restaurant offered a very nice selection of dishes, with many vegan options that were clearly marked. I appreciated the great service from the waiters, who were aware of dietary restrictions. The food was very good, though some dishes were a tad salty.
- foodThis was my first time at this restaurant, and it was fantastic! Lunch was pretty light, so we were able to get seated and our food within 20 minutes. I will definitely be back, as this was my first time eating Burmese food.
- teamThe team was professional and responsive
- waitI will definitely recommend visiting. Be prepared for it to get busy, so patience is needed to secure a spot, but it's totally worth the wait.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThey seem to be more concerned with getting ppl in and out
- waiting timeWe were 9 minutes late for our 7: 15 reservation and they had given our table away several minutes before we arrived, despite the website stating they hold tables for 15 minutes. We were seated about 25 minutes later. Our server was great, and the dinner was great.
- serverthe server said it would come in the next 5 minutes. It took another 10 to 15 minutes
- waitressthe waitress kept saying "its not supposed to be bitter" and refused to add syrup
- apologyWe let the manager know he was having a reaction at the restaurant and he did not handle the situation well. We did not get any sort of apology other than a free salad and he did not essentially care for the situation in his management. If you do have any food allergies, I would strongly recommend not dining at this restaurant as they did not have much concern for the allergy, and we would have rather been told not to order the salad and/or find a new restaurant.
- bad servicethe bad service
- bar staff knowledgebar staff know close to nothing about the food menu
- computer systemthere was some mistake with the computer system
- concern for allergyWe did not get any sort of apology other than a free salad and he did not essentially care for the situation in his management. If you do have any food allergies, I would strongly recommend not dining at this restaurant as they did not have much concern for the allergy, and we would have rather been told not to order the salad and/or find a new restaurant.
- customer servicejust based on the customer service
Overall, you can expect good service here, with many finding the staff friendly and efficient. Just be aware that on busy days, there might be some minor hiccups or a bit of a wait, but it's generally worth it for the positive interactions.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction of 79.8%. Based on 91 positive remarks out of 114 total, guests frequently praise the atmosphere and vibe, often highlighting the decor, lighting, and spaciousness. Many find it lively yet intimate, perfect for various occasions from group dining to a date night.
However, its not without its quirks, with 19 negative observations pointing out some challenges. Common concerns revolve around the loud and noisy environment, especially when it gets crowded. Some also mentioned seating issues, like being too close together or by a drafty door, and occasionally finding the lighting' too dim.
Ambience
114
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
19
negative
4
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere, vibe
- Stylish, lively decor
- Spacious, intimate feel
What people don't like
- Can get very loud
- Crowded, close seating
- Drafty door seating
Often praised
- atmosphereAdditionally, their signature dish, the “Tea Leaf Salad”, is a must-try. The food quality was excellent, and the atmosphere was also a perfect 5. The service was equally impressive, also rated a 5.
- ambianceCool ambiance, dimly lit and good for a catchup
- ambiencegeneral ambience is lively and engaging
- AtmosphereAtmosphere is also great
- locationThe location is nice
- vibeThe vibe is casual and welcoming
- vibesAnd great vibes!!
- Western settingI really enjoyed the catfish curry, which featured freshly fried catfish. The food was tasty and presented in a Western setting.
- aestheticCute aesthetic as well.
- arrangement of liquor bottlesneat arrangement of the liquor bottles at the bar
Frequently criticized
- parkingfinding parking was 'somewhat difficult'
- atmosphereIt's still very loud
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- ambianceThe service was good, receiving a score of 5. However, the ambiance was very noisy. I would definitely recommend this place.
- ambient sound issueThe restaurant has an ambient sound issue
- changing tableDoes NOT have a changing table for kids in the bathroom…
- crowdedDefinitely gets crowded
- disruptive patronproceeded to harass me while i was sitting at the bar
- lightingthis place is too dark
- loudgets very loud to the point
If youre seeking a lively spot with a stylish atmosphere, youll likely enjoy the vibe here. Just be prepared for it to get a bit loud and potentially crowded, especially during peak times, and consider requesting a table away from the door.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, leaning heavily towards the needs improvement side. While a few diners found the Happy Hour specials and quantity provided to be reasonable and good value for money, these positive sentiments are unfortunately overshadowed. With a score of only 3.7, indicating poor performance, and a customer satisfaction rate of just 12.3%, its clear theres significant room for improvement.
Indeed, the overwhelming sentiment, based on 41 negative comments compared to just 7 positive ones out of 57 total, points to concerns. Many found the experience overpriced and expensive, citing issues with portion sizes for the cost and unexpected junk fees. It seems the general consensus is that the price point doesn't quite align with the overall offering.
Value
57
Reviews
12%
Satisfaction
41
negative
9
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy Hour specials
- Reasonable for area
- Good portion size
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Unexpected fees
- Small portions for price
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was amazing. The food was great with huge portions for the price. The service was lovely as well.
- Happy Hour specialsthey have Happy Hour specials too
- quantity providedCost is also not a lot for the quantity provided
- reasonableoverall it was reasonable for the area
- value for moneyI had great cocktails and great food. It is a little on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for!
- à la cartesave a lot of money by just ordering à la carte
Frequently criticized
- priceThey were really nice and fast-moving. However, the food did not match the hype or the price at all. I tried the Tea Leaf Salad, Yellow Bean Tofu, Chicken Fried Rice, Platha and Dip, and Shama Noodles.
- pricesat the prices they charge we should get at least two hours to enjoy our meal
- $25 dishwhat I received for a $25 dish
- 5% feeI recommend the lamb curry. My only gripe is with the 5% fee added to the bill in addition to paying a tip. Just include this cost in your dish prices!
- 5% junk feeA 5% junk fee was applied
- PlathaI wish the Platha wasn't so expensive
- Price per personWe spent so much money too
- SF pricesridiculous even for SF prices
- bill splittingif you try to split the bill - they can't
- cocktailsno cocktails
If youre considering this restaurant, be prepared for potentially high prices and keep an eye out for any added fees. While some find value in specials or large portions, many feel its overpriced for what you get, so it might disappoint if you're looking for a budget-friendly option.
How are the prices at Burma Love?
You’re looking at roughly 44 per person – reported by 126 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an Asian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people spend, most diners are in the $31–$40 and $41–$50 sweet spot, right around that average. While there are a few who spend less or more, the prices definitely cluster in the mid-range, showing a consistent offering.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 126 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its an Asian Restaurant in San Francisco, the pricing feels pretty fair for the quality and experience youd expect. We think it offers good value for a mid-range dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Burma Love
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Tea Leaf Salad and Samosa Soup!
My experience at the restaurant started with some fantastic appetizers. The tea leaf salad was crunchy and delicious, a definite must-try! The samosa soup was also a standout, almost rivaling the tea leaf salad.
For entrees, the tofu with fresh mint was the best dish of the night. The garlic noodles were good, but didn't quite stand out. I'd likely skip the fiery tofu next time.
Both desserts, the tea-rimisu and fried banana milk, were mediocre and can be skipped. If I had to choose between the two desserts, I'd pick the fried banana milk over the tea-rimisu.
- tea leaf salad10
- samosa soup9
- tofu with fresh mint10
- fiery tofu3
- tea-rimisu4
- fried banana milk4
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Burma Love: A Modern Gem
Burma Love in the Mission District is the perfect sister spot to the longtime neighborhood favorite, Burma Superstar. It carries the same magic — those bold, comforting Burmese flavors — but in a fresh, modern setting. We ordered the eggplant and daikon, fried rice, and mango chicken, and every dish was bursting with flavor and perfectly balanced.
You can taste the care in the spices and textures — nothing feels heavy, just deeply satisfying. The drinks were also a highlight — strong, tasty, and thoughtfully mixed. The space itself has a moody, intimate vibe with dim lighting and warm tones that make it feel both stylish and inviting.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Burma Superstar or new to Burmese cuisine, Burma Love is absolutely worth the visit. 🌶️🍚🍸
- Burmese flavors10
- eggplant and daikon10
- fried rice10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Mixed Feelings at Burma Love
My experience at Burma Love had some definite highs and lows. The Tea Leaf Salad and Garlic Noodles were standout dishes, offering bold and unique flavors with solid food quality. The restaurant itself is stylish and lively, making it a great spot for a casual night out or a fun dinner with friends.
However, the overall experience felt inconsistent. While the service was friendly, it was slow, and some dishes arrived lukewarm or with significant waits between them. Additionally, the portion sizes felt a bit small for the price.
It's not a bad place by any means, but it didn't quite meet the hype for me. I'd return for specific dishes, but wouldn't go out of my way.
- Tea Leaf Salad9
- Garlic Noodles9
- flavors8
- service3
- dishes3
- wait between them3
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Burmese Flavors and Welcoming Vibe
My experience at Burma Love was amazing! The Burmese dishes were full of flavor, from the savory curries to the fresh salads and noodles. The portions were generous, and the food was comforting and satisfying.
The vibe was casual and welcoming—perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or family.
- Burmese dishes9
- savory curries9
- fresh salads9
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
6
Great Food, High Price
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was on point, and the ambience was nice. However, the lunch special was surprisingly expensive at $100 for two people, and that didn't even include cocktails.
- food9
- ambience8
- lunch special3
- cocktails4
What Burma Love offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
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
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do I need a reservation to dine at Burma Love in the Mission District?
Yes, dinner reservations are highly recommended, especially given the restaurant’s popularity. While walk-ins are welcome, securing a table in advance ensures a smooth and enjoyable dining experience at this San Francisco gem, particularly during peak hours.
What accessibility and dining options are available at Burma Love?
Burma Love ensures comfort with wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms. Their menu features healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, complemented by a full bar offering wine, beer, and cocktails. High chairs are also provided, making it a welcoming spot for families in San Francisco’s Mission District.
How does Burma Love generally perform?
Burma Love holds a Restaurant Score of 7.2, indicating a good overall experience. Its strengths lie in Food (7.4), Service (7.3), and Ambience (7.7), though Value (3.7) is an area where it receives lower marks.
What are the standout features of the dining experience?
Guests frequently praise the diverse and delicious food, particularly the tea leaf salad and various curries. The staff is often described as attentive and helpful, contributing to a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Are there any common concerns for diners?
Some patrons express concerns about the pricing, including additional fees, and find the restaurant can get quite loud and crowded. There have also been specific instances of issues with allergy accommodation.