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oChef » Cafe Bakery – San Francisco
Cafe Bakery - San Francisco
Photo from Cafe Bakery
Cafe Bakery at a glance
San Francisco Golden Gate Heights
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 46 of the guests
#1111 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#78 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
272
Reviews
77.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Generous portions
- Fair prices
Frequently criticized
- Cash only
- Seating issues
- Parking difficulty
The restaurant Cafe Bakery is a Chinese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Heights neighborhood. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing coffee.
Whether you’re stopping by for lunch, dinner, or just dessert, this spot offers a welcoming environment. It’s an ideal place to enjoy authentic Chinese flavors in a laid-back setting.
Overview: Introducting Cafe Bakery
Cafe Bakery offers a generally positive experience, particularly standing out for its generous portions and fair prices . Many appreciate the consistently good food and the welcoming atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
It’s a place where you can find satisfying dishes without breaking the bank. However, it’s worth noting that some visitors have encountered issues like bland food or the cash only policy, which can be an inconvenience.
While the overall vibe is homey, certain practical aspects might require a bit of planning before your visit.
Good
7.5
out of 10
272
Reviews
77.2%
Satisfaction
35
negative
27
neutral
210
positive
Cafe Bakery earns a solid 7.5 out of 10 for its overall performance, with customer satisfaction sitting at a respectable 77.2%. This indicates a generally well-regarded establishment, reflecting positive feedback from 210 out of 272 customer observations.
It suggests that most diners leave feeling content with their experience. Delving into specifics, the Food (7.9) clearly leads the way, often praised for its quality.
Value (6.8) also scores well, suggesting reasonable pricing for what’s offered. Service (6.4) and Ambience (6.4) are perceived as average, providing a functional rather than exceptional experience, but still contributing to the overall positive sentiment.
What people like
- Delicious food
- Generous portions
- Fair prices
What people don't like
- Cash only policy
- Seating fills quickly
- Difficult parking
If you’re seeking a straightforward, satisfying meal with good portions and reasonable pricing, Cafe Bakery is a solid choice. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a no-frills, community-oriented dining spot and don’t mind a few minor quirks.
With a strong recommendation score of 8.1, it’s certainly worth considering for a casual outing. Just be prepared for potential seating challenges during busy times and remember to bring cash, as these are common points of feedback.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cafe Bakery
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it seems like youre in for a treat! With a good score of 7.9 and 83.8% customer satisfaction, many diners rave about the generous portions and great tasting food. Out of 191 remarks, 160 were positive, often highlighting delicious baked pork chop dishes and satisfying Hong Kong milk tea.
However, not every dish hits the mark, as 16 negative comments point out occasional inconsistencies. Some found certain items oversalted, watered down, or bland, with a few mentioning salty soup. While these are minor concerns given the overall positive feedback, its good to be aware.
Food
191
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
16
negative
15
neutral
160
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Great tasting food
- HK-style dishes
What people don't like
- Food oversalted
- Bland food
- Salty soup
Often praised
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The portions are big and offer great value for money. My go-to dish is the baked pork chop over spaghetti.
- foodThe food is always quick and efficient, fair prices for tasty cooking
- milk teaMy experience at this chaa cha teng / HK cafe was really good. They offer yummy daily specials, and I particularly enjoyed their great milk tea. The atmosphere was relaxing and community-oriented.
- amount of foodpleasantly surprised by the amount of food
- daily special17.99 for the daily special which had two different choices
- daily specialsMy experience at this chaa cha teng / HK cafe was really good. They offer yummy daily specials, and I particularly enjoyed their great milk tea. The atmosphere was relaxing and community-oriented.
- jellomiss the jello that came at the end of the meal
- portionLarger portion than I expected
- FoodAbsolutely delicious meal!
- HK style cafebest HK style cafe outside of chinatown
Frequently criticized
- baked chicken steakthe chicken was oversalted
- borsch soupI tried the September Tuesday special, the baked seafood spaghetti for $15, which came with a complimentary borsch soup, milk tea, and jello. While I didn't care for the soup or jello, I thoroughly enjoyed the milk tea and appreciated the refills. The sweet and spicy wings for $11 were decent, featuring a thick sweet sauce over six crunchy, deep-fried pieces.
- celeryThe only thing I did not like was the large pieces of celery.
- coffeea small coffee they overcharged me $4.75 which is insane
- currythe curry only had chicken and potatoes - no onions, peppers, or anything else
- dinner rollsNo more dinner rolls
- foodWatered down and bland food
- food qualityMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the watered down and bland food. While I understand it's a local HK favorite, I truly believe the food quality could be better.
- fried riceThe 'fried rice' on the bottom was rather sad and was just rice mixed with frozen veggies
- jelloor the jello
If youre looking for generous portions of tasty Hong Kong-style comfort food, this place is definitely worth a try. While there might be an occasional miss, the high satisfaction suggests youll likely leave full and happy.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to service, it seems like youll find a bit of a mixed bag here. Many folks rave about the friendly and accommodating aunties serving and appreciate the quick and efficient approach, often highlighting great customer service and how promptly they were seated. With 17 positive opinions out of 27 total, theres definitely a good vibe, contributing to a customer satisfaction of 63%.
However, its not all smooth sailing. Some customers have faced issues like ordering is difficult, feeling uninformed about meal inclusions, or even serious concerns like being refused money back for a food issue. There were also mentions of bland service and problems getting a tea refill.
These 7 negative opinions bring the overall service score to an average 6.4, suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency.
Service
27
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Accommodating, friendly staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Great customer service
What people don't like
- Refused money back
- Difficult ordering
- Inconsistent service
Often praised
- serviceThe service was very prompt, attentive and friendly!
- customer serviceI appreciate the kind customer service
- ServiceService:5
- aunties servingThe aunties serving us were very accommodating
- come back toThis is a place I would definitely come back to
- drinksIt was not too sweet, just right. The aunties serving us were very accommodating and kept our drinks topped off.
- indoor diningnow open for indoor dining
- quick and efficientThe food is always quick and efficient
- seatWe got a seat right away.
- seatedWe managed to stop in on a Saturday night, just before closing time at 8: 00 PM. The place was packed, but we were able to get seated with 30 minutes to spare. It's a no frills restaurant with traditional Hong Kong cafe options.
Frequently criticized
- Covid vaccination cardMy experience at the restaurant was centered around a great oxtail over rice dish. Unfortunately, I wanted to eat in, but I did not have my Covid vaccination card, which was a bummer.
- lineThe seating area is simple but fills up incredibly quickly, so it's advisable to arrive early. By the time we left, there was a substantial line.
- meal inclusionsdidn’t really inform me about the meal which is not included the coffee
- money backThey served me raw chicken in a sandwich, which is unacceptable and a serious health concern. To make matters worse, when I brought this to their attention, they refused to give my money back. This indicates a complete lack of customer service and disregard for food safety.
- orderingordering is difficult
- serviceService is bland
- tea refillThe food was decent, though the price was hefty. Initially, the service was bland; one of the Asian women ignored me when I needed a tea refill. Fortunately, another lady assisted me.
If youre looking for quick, friendly service, especially from the accommodating staff, youll likely have a good experience. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in ordering or attention, as some customers have faced frustrating issues. It's a place worth trying, but keep your expectations balanced.
Ambience (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many customers really appreciate the homey and traditional feel, often calling it a gem with a relaxing community atmosphere. Its seen as a locals spot thats solo dining friendly and often on the quieter side, with restaurant cleanliness also getting a nod. Out of 18 observations, 10 were positive, contributing to an average score of 6.4.
On the flip side, 4 observations point to some practical snags. Parking can be a challenge, with finding parking often described as difficult. The seating is simple and tends to fill up quickly, and if youre looking for a fancy place, this isnt it.
These factors contribute to a customer satisfaction that's a bit mixed at 55.6%, despite the ambience score being an average 6.4.
Ambience
18
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
4
negative
4
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homey, traditional feel
- Relaxing atmosphere
- Clean restaurant
What people don't like
- Hard parking
- Simple seating
- Not fancy
Often praised
- restaurantI hope the restaurant sticks around for more years and decades
- atmosphereit felt very homey and traditional
- community atmosphererelaxing community atmosphere
- gemforgotten that a gem this place is
- locals spotsI always find this place as one of the locals spots.
- quieter sideIt tends to be on the quieter side when it’s not busy
- restaurant cleanlinessThe restaurant is very clean
- solo diningit is solo dining friendly when it’s not busy.
- street parkingThere is street parking available
Frequently criticized
- business closedIt has been close for a couple years now
- fancy placeNot a fancy place to dine in
- parkingfinding parking is a bit hard
- seatingSeating is simple, but fills up incredibly quickly
If youre after a cozy, no-frills local spot with a relaxed vibe and dont mind a bit of a hunt for parking, this place could be a great fit. However, if you're seeking a fancy dining experience or guaranteed easy parking, you might find it a bit disappointing.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a balanced picture. With a good score of 6.8 and customer satisfaction at 63.9%, many appreciate the affordable prices, great bargains, and daily specials. Based on 23 positive comments out of 36 total, diners often feel its worth it and offers great deals for their money.
However, its not without its quirks, as 8 negative comments point out. Some diners have noted the cash only policy as a drawback, and a few found it expensive or were surprised by a surcharge for to-go containers. So, while many appreciate the pricing, be prepared for these minor considerations.
Value
36
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
8
negative
5
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Affordable daily specials
- Fair price-portion ratio
What people don't like
- Cash-only establishment
- To-go container surcharge
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive, offering delicious food at an incredibly good price. I particularly enjoyed the pork chop with mushroom sauce and the garlic chicken chop; both were perfectly seasoned and tasted fantastic.
- value for moneydecent food, value for money kind of place
- pricesthe prices are reasonable
- bargainGreat bargain
- better/cheaper placesbetter/cheaper places in east Bay
- card and cash25 each. They accept both card and cash.
- daily specialthe daily special provides a great price performance
- daily specialsI was glad to find the food is still consistently good. The daily specials come with soup and a drink for $15. They are now open for indoor dining!
- fair pricesfair prices for tasty cooking
- great dealsGreat deals daily
Frequently criticized
- cash onlyMake sure you bring cash. It’s a cash only establishment
- pricethe price is not worth the food!
- expensiveIt was a bit expensive
- hidden chargelike hidden charge!!!!
- plastic to-go boxone plastic to go box is 25¢
- silly 25 cents surchargesilly 25 cents surcharge for take out container
If youre looking for a place with generally good value, especially with their daily specials, this spot is worth checking out. Just remember to bring cash, as its a cash only establishment, and be aware of potential small surcharges for takeout containers.
How are the prices at Cafe Bakery?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 46 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.
The prices here tend to cluster nicely around this average. While a good number of guests spend in the $11–$20 range, many also fall into the $21–$30 bracket, showing a solid mid-range offering.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 46 reviews.
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 Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cafe Bakery
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Portions and Classic Comfort Food
My experience at this restaurant has been consistently positive over many visits. I appreciate that they still offer jello with their set meal combos, a nostalgic touch. I particularly enjoy their chicken steak with cream corn sauce, paired with an ice-cold HK-style lemon tea.
The big portions are a definite highlight, perfect for sharing or taking home for later (to-go containers are $0. 25). They conveniently accept both cash and card.
- jello9
- chicken steak10
- cream corn sauce10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Chicken Steak & HK Lemon Tea!
I love coming here! I recommend the chicken steak with cream corn sauce and an ice-cold HK style lemon tea. The portions are generous, great for sharing or saving for later.
To-go containers are $0. 25 each. They accept both card and cash.
- chicken steak with cream corn sauce10
- HK style lemon tea10
- portions are generous9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Worth the Price for Moist Pork Chops
My experience at this restaurant was quite positive. The pork chops were incredibly moist and juicy. The meal was a complete package, including a soup and a jello dessert.
While it was a bit expensive, I felt the quality justified the cost. The portions were nice, and I appreciated the good selection of seafood in the udon noodles. This is definitely a place I would come back to, especially considering how busy it got at lunchtime, indicating its popularity.
The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect score.
- pork chops9
- soup7
- jello dessert7
- expensive4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Huge Portions, Tasty Sauce, Worth the Wait
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with a few practical considerations. The portions are huge, so much so that one dish can easily be shared by two people. When it comes to the food, the Portuguese-style sauce is tasty and has a flavor similar to curry.
You get to choose your main dish and whether you'd like it served with spaghetti or rice. For those planning a visit, be aware that to-go boxes are $0. 25 each and credit cards are accepted with a $10 minimum.
It's also important to put your name on the busy waitlist as it can get crowded.
- portions9
- Portuguese-style sauce9
- to-go boxes6
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
8
Reliable Hong Kong Style Comfort Food
This is my go-to restaurant when I'm craving Hong Kong style food. While I often stick to my usual orders, my husband always gets the oxtail over rice, and I usually opt for the chicken a la king over rice or the baked pork chop with tomato sauce. The portions are huge, even for takeout orders.
The food is generally good, though occasionally, depending on the cook, it can be a bit too salty for my taste. It's important to note that this is a cash-only establishment. I've been coming here for a long time, even remembering when they had a bakery next door and used to serve complimentary sweet buns before the meal.
While they no longer offer that, I would still definitely go back.
- Hong Kong style food8
- oxtail over rice7
- chicken a la king7
- cash only4
What Cafe Bakery offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Cafe Bakery?
At Cafe Bakery, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. They offer lunch, dinner, and dessert, with table service available for your convenience.
Is Cafe Bakery a good place to bring children?
Yes, Cafe Bakery is considered good for kids, making it a suitable choice for families looking for a casual dining experience in Golden Gate Heights.
How does Cafe Bakery rate overall?
Cafe Bakery holds an overall score of 7.5 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 77.2%. Its Food (7.9) is highly rated, followed by Value (6.8), while Service (6.4) and Ambience (6.4) are considered average.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Cafe Bakery?
Customers frequently praise the generous portions and fair prices , especially noting the daily specials as offering good value for money . The milk tea and overall food quality are also often highlighted as positive aspects.
What should I be aware of before visiting Cafe Bakery?
Be aware that Cafe Bakery operates on a cash only basis, and there might be small surcharges for items like to-go containers. Seating can fill up quickly, and parking might be challenging to find, so planning ahead is advisable.