Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Chef Hunan – San Francisco
Chef Hunan - San Francisco
Photo from Chef Hunan
Chef Hunan at a glance
San Francisco Excelsior
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 19 of the guests
#1675 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#142 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
105
Reviews
71.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Budget-friendly
- Large portions
- Fast service
Frequently criticized
- Old decor
- Uneven food
- Rushed staff
The Chinese restaurant Chef Hunan, nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Excelsior neighborhood, invites you to a delightful culinary journey. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic flavors.
Whether you’re seeking small plates, healthy options, or a quick bite, this spot offers a welcoming setting for your lunch or dinner plans. It’s a great choice for families too.
Overview: Introducting Chef Hunan
Chef Hunan offers a compelling proposition for those seeking good portions and great prices. While the food generally receives positive remarks for its good flavor, some aspects of the dining experience, particularly the decor, could use attention.
Diners appreciate the professional staff and quick service, making it a convenient option. However, a few experiences suggest inconsistencies in food quality and the overall comfort of the space.
Good
7
out of 10
105
Reviews
71.4%
Satisfaction
23
negative
7
neutral
75
positive
Chef Hunan earns a solid 7 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive experience for many patrons. With 71.4% customer satisfaction, it lands firmly in the ‘good’ category.
This assessment is drawn from 105 customer opinions, comprising 75 positive remarks against 23 negative ones, indicating a favorable lean. Customers particularly appreciate the restaurant’s strong Value (8.3), noting the generous portions and reasonable pricing.
The Food (7.4) also scores well, with many finding it satisfying, though some specific dishes fall short. Service (7) is generally efficient and friendly, while Ambience (5) is the primary area needing improvement, often described as less comfortable or outdated.
What people like
- Great value pricing
- Generous food portions
- Prompt, friendly service
What people don't like
- Dated dining ambiance
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Occasional rushed service
If you’re seeking a meal that offers great value and substantial portions without breaking the bank, Chef Hunan is a solid contender. It’s a practical choice for a quick, satisfying meal, especially if you prioritize affordability over a polished dining setting.
With a 7.5 recommendation score, Chef Hunan is worth considering for its strengths. Just manage your expectations regarding the atmosphere and be aware that food quality can vary.
It’s a functional spot for a casual, budget-conscious meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Chef Hunan
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, you're generally in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.4 and a customer satisfaction of 78%, many diners rave about the consistently good quality and fresh ingredients. Out of 50 comments, 39 were glowing, highlighting delicious lunch specials, top-notch fried rice, and excellent food with huge portions that offer great value.
However, not every dish hits the mark. A few of the 8 negative remarks mentioned disappointment with the wonton soup, finding it unpleasant or ruined by unexpected ingredients. Some felt the style of the food was too Americanized, and there was even a concerning report of sickness, plus a dish like the Sweet and Sour Chicken lacking flavor.
Food
50
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
8
negative
3
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Huge portions offered
- Excellent food quality
- Good lunch specials
What people don't like
- Caused sickness reported
- Unpleasant soup experience
- Americanized food style
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It’s a nice place to eat with good pricing, good portions, and some good food. I discovered this place recently and have been enjoying it greatly.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It’s a nice place to eat with good pricing, good portions, and some good food. I discovered this place recently and have been enjoying it greatly.
- Chinese American farejust solid Chinese American fare
- Chinese foodGood variety of Chinese food
- General's chickenThey offer huge portions for both lunch and dinner entrees at a fraction of usual city prices. My buddy and I got their lunch portion chicken fried rice, the General’s chicken, and two beers for only $28! The food came out quickly, the server was nice and quick, and the food was really good!
- Meal sizeMeal size was very large
- Orange ChickenOrange chicken was good and had good flavor
- Pan fried noodlestheir Pan fried noodles
- Vegetable Fried Riceand Vegetable Fried Rice
- Walnut ShrimpWe had Walnut Shrimp
Frequently criticized
- Asian cuisineWelcomed To One Of my Favorite Cultural dishes Asian cuisine and it's not what I imagined it to be
- Sweet and Sour Chickensweet and sour chicken had no taste at all
- expectationsit's not what I imagined it to be
- foodthis restaurant needs significant improvements in both its food
- sicknessI got sick The very next day
- soupI ordered a fried rice and a soup. The fried rice was acceptable, but the soup was extremely unpleasant; I didn’t even finish it. When I was about to take a break and check my phone, the staff unexpectedly urged me to eat quickly.
- style of the foodAs a Chinese customer, I sincerely suggest to the owner that this restaurant needs significant improvements in both its food and service. The style of the food is quite American, which does not match its price. I ordered a fried rice and a soup.
- wonton soupThe broth was not a fancy broth. The chef ruined it with broccoli in the soup adding this vegetable taste to it.
If youre looking for generous portions of generally good Chinese-American fare, especially their fried rice and lunch specials, this spot is worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes, particularly certain soups or Americanized options, might not live up to everyones expectations, and there's a rare but concerning report of sickness.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid 7 score and 71.4% customer satisfaction, its clear most folks have a good experience. Out of 21 comments, 15 praised the "staff" and "servers" for being "professional, " "nice, " and ensuring "food came out quickly.
" Many appreciate the friendly, quick service and even a single waiter handling multiple roles like a pro. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. A few of the 4 negative comments pointed to issues with professionalism and order accuracy.
Some found the experience uncomfortable or unprofessional, with staff sometimes urging customers to eat quickly, which definitely isn't ideal.
Service
21
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Professional, quick staff
- Friendly, remembering servers
- Efficient single waiter
What people don't like
- Unprofessional staff behavior
- Order accuracy issues
- Urging to eat quickly
Often praised
- serviceI've been coming here and find it a very decent place to eat. The food is good and the service is very friendly. I like it.
- staffThe Orange Chicken was good and had nice flavor, but the Sweet and Sour Chicken had no taste at all. The meal portions were very large, and the staff was nice. The price was reasonable for the area.
- Englishspeak good English
- food came out quicklyThe food came out quickly
- peopleNice people
- serverthe server remembers what you order and greets with a smile
- server was nice and quickthe server was nice and quick
- single waiterProps to the single waiter that handled the dine-in, to-go and phone orders all by himself.
- staff are very professionalThe staff are very professional
- tipThey close at 3 pm Monday through Saturday and are closed on Sundays. Please be patient with the staff and remember to tip kindly.
Frequently criticized
- order accuracyCouldn't get my order right both times
- professionalismMy experience at this restaurant was very uncomfortable and unprofessional. I became sick the very next day after my visit.
- servicethis restaurant needs significant improvements in both its service
- staffThe fried rice was acceptable, but the soup was extremely unpleasant; I didn’t even finish it. When I was about to take a break and check my phone, the staff unexpectedly urged me to eat quickly. I really don’t understand this behavior.
Overall, you can expect a pretty good service experience here, with many praising the friendly and efficient staff. While there are a few hiccups regarding professionalism and order accuracy, the positives largely outweigh the negatives. It's definitely worth a try if good service is high on your list!
Ambience (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! When it comes to ambience, this spot lands squarely in the middle with an average score of 5. Many folks appreciate the easy location, finding the place clean and nicely decorated, with plenty of room inside.
Out of 19 total opinions, 8 were positive, highlighting a decent and pleasant atmosphere. However, the customer satisfaction for ambience is a bit of a mixed bag at 42.1%, with 10 negative opinions. Some guests felt the decor and table cleaning could be better, describing the dine-in experience as uncomfortable.
Concerns were also raised about the floor carpet and the kitchens cleanliness, suggesting there's definitely room for improvement.
Ambience
19
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Easy to find
- Clean and decorated
- Plenty of room
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable seating
- Poor decor
- Dirty kitchen
Often praised
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It’s a nice place to eat with good pricing, good portions, and some good food. I discovered this place recently and have been enjoying it greatly.
- businessactually open and in business still
- easy locationeven easy location
- nicely decoratedI enjoyed excellent food at a great price. The place is clean and nicely decorated, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. Furthermore, the staff are very professional, which enhanced the overall dining experience.
- place is cleanThe place is clean
- restaurantgood clean restaurant
- room insideThe prices were good, making it a great value. Although it's a small place out front, there's lots of room inside. The staff were nice people and spoke good English.
Frequently criticized
- Latino Jimmy Swaggarta latino jimmy swaggart telling the folks to save their heathen souls
- cityso sad so see the city in ruins
- comfortVery uncomfortable
- decordo a little better with the decor
- dine in experiencethe dine in experience isn't the best.
- floor carpetthe floor carpet is nasty
- kitchenthe kitchen looks dirty
- table cleaningdo a little better with the table cleaning
- vacant businessessurrounded by vacant, boarded up businesses
- yelling homeless guythe yelling homeless guy
If youre looking for a place with a super cozy or pristine atmosphere, this might not be your top pick. However, if you prioritize a clean, functional space over perfect decor and dont mind a few rough edges, it could still be worth a visit.
Value (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to getting bang for your buck, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.3 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 86.7%, its clear that diners feel theyre getting a great deal. Based on 13 positive opinions out of 15 total, many rave about the lunch under $15, great prices, and finding a deal that feels like a fraction of usual city prices.
Youll often hear about generous portions for the cost and excellent value for the quality. However, its not entirely without a hitch. One opinion, which also mentioned price, suggested that for a Chinese customer, the Americanized food style didnt quite match the cost, implying the value might not be there if youre seeking authenticity.
This single negative perspective suggests that while the prices are generally good, expectations for specific cuisine types might influence how you perceive the value.
Value
15
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices
- Good portions
- Excellent value
What people don't like
- Price doesn't match food
Often praised
- priceThe meal portions were very large, and the staff was nice. The price was reasonable for the area. Overall, the restaurant seems like it has seen better days.
- pricesthe prices are really good
- billmy bill is only $15
- dealThe service is cordial throughout the meal; the server remembered my order and greeted me with a smile. It's the best deal for your money.
- fraction of usual city pricesa fraction of usual city prices
- great priceexcellent food at a great price
- great pricesreally great prices for the quality of food
- lunch under $15dine in for lunch under $15 that actually has food you want to eat.
- pricingMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It’s a nice place to eat with good pricing, good portions, and some good food. I discovered this place recently and have been enjoying it greatly.
Frequently criticized
- priceAs a Chinese customer, I sincerely suggest to the owner that this restaurant needs significant improvements in both its food and service. The style of the food is quite American, which does not match its price. I ordered a fried rice and a soup.
If youre looking for a place where your wallet will thank you, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Its a fantastic option for budget-conscious diners seeking good portions and reasonable prices. Just be aware that if you're after very specific, authentic cuisine, your perception of value might differ slightly.
How are the prices at Chef Hunan?
On average, you’ll spend around 17 per person – from 19 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners are right in that $11–$20 sweet spot, with a few finding cheaper bites and a couple opting for a slightly pricier experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 19 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, offering good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chef Hunan
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
A Decent Place with Good Food and Service
I've been coming here and find it a very decent place to eat. The food is good and the service is very friendly. I like it.
Shall try it out.
- food8
- service8
- place7
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Uncomfortable Experience, Order Errors, and Sickness
My experience at this restaurant was very uncomfortable and unprofessional. I became sick the very next day after my visit. To make matters worse, they couldn't get my order right on both occasions.
It was disappointing to have my expectations for a favorite cultural dish, Asian cuisine, not met. Honestly, I would rather make the drive to Cambodian street food in Oakland, CA, as it's worth the trip. Happy New Year.
- comfort1
- professionalism1
- sickness1
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Delicious Food, Needs Ambiance Polish
My experience at this restaurant was primarily centered around the food, which was absolutely delicious. The service was good, though there's room for improvement in certain areas. Specifically, the table cleaning and decor could be enhanced to truly elevate the overall dining experience.
It seemed like many patrons were opting for takeout, which might explain why the dine-in atmosphere wasn't as polished. However, the food was the most important factor for me, and it certainly delivered.
- food10
- service7
- take out6
- table cleaning4
- decor4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Food and Service
As a Chinese customer, I sincerely suggest to the owner that this restaurant needs significant improvements in both its food and service. The style of the food is quite American, which does not match its price. I ordered a fried rice and a soup.
The fried rice was acceptable, but the soup was extremely unpleasant; I didn’t even finish it. When I was about to take a break and check my phone, the staff unexpectedly urged me to eat quickly. I really don’t understand this behavior.
In short, I hope this restaurant can make changes and improve their food and service.
- fried rice6
- food2
- service2
- style of the food3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great Lunch Specials & Value
My experience at this restaurant was very positive, especially regarding their lunch specials. The food is consistently good, and the prices are really good. I often get tea with my lunch special, and even when I opt for a Coke, my bill is only around $15, which includes a $2 tip.
I highly recommend this place and will continue to return to enjoy the items on the lunch special menu. They close at 3 pm Monday through Saturday and are closed on Sundays. Please be patient with the staff and remember to tip kindly.
- lunch specials9
- food9
- prices9
What Chef Hunan offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What parking options are available at Chef Hunan?
When you visit Chef Hunan, you’ll find convenient free street parking available. This makes it easy for you to stop by for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner in the Excelsior neighborhood.
Is Chef Hunan accessible for all guests?
Yes, Chef Hunan is designed with accessibility in mind. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for everyone.
How does Chef Hunan rate overall?
Chef Hunan holds a **7** out of 10 overall score, with **71.4%** customer satisfaction. Its **Value** (8.3), **Food** (7.4), and **Service** (7) are rated well, though **Ambience** (5) lags behind.
What do customers like most about Chef Hunan?
Diners frequently praise Chef Hunan for its **great prices** and **good portions**, offering a satisfying meal at a reasonable cost. The **staff** are also often noted for being friendly and efficient.
Are there any common complaints about Chef Hunan?
Some customers find the **ambience** to be dated or uncomfortable, and there are occasional remarks about **inconsistent food quality**, particularly with certain dishes.