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oChef » Cordon Bleu – San Francisco
Cordon Bleu - San Francisco
Photo from Cordon Bleu
Cordon Bleu at a glance
San Francisco Lower Nob Hill
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 75 of the guests
#405 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#12 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
499
Reviews
84.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Great value
- Warm service
Frequently criticized
- Tight seating
- Cash only
- Hygiene concerns
The restaurant Cordon Bleu Vietnamese Restaurant, nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Lower Nob Hill neighborhood, offers you an authentic taste of Vietnam. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
This Vietnamese restaurant is known for its healthy options and is an excellent choice when you’re looking for a quick bite. It’s a welcoming spot for both lunch and dinner, providing table service for your convenience.
Overview: Introducting Cordon Bleu
Cordon Bleu offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its heartfelt cooking and the genuinely kind and dedicated staff who make you feel right at home. While the food consistently earns high marks for its authentic flavors, the intimate setting, though charming to some, can feel quite snug.
Many appreciate the excellent value provided, making it a popular choice for a satisfying meal. However, guests should be prepared for potential waits due to limited seating and note that payment options are somewhat restricted, which can be a minor inconvenience for some diners.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
499
Reviews
84.6%
Satisfaction
39
negative
38
neutral
422
positive
Cordon Bleu achieves a commendable overall score of 8.3, indicating a good dining experience, with customer satisfaction also strong at 84.6%. This positive sentiment is largely driven by the exceptional Food (8.7), which stands out as a primary draw, and the attentive Service (8.4) that patrons frequently commend.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 499 customer observations. The restaurant also delivers good Value (7.9), making it an appealing option for many.
The Ambience (7.4), while still rated as good, is a bit more polarizing due to the small space. With 422 positive remarks compared to just 39 negative ones, the feedback clearly leans towards a favorable impression.
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Exceptional value
- Friendly, dedicated staff
What people don't like
- Limited, cramped seating
- Cash-only payment
- Cleanliness concerns
If you’re seeking authentic, flavorful Vietnamese cuisine served with genuine warmth and at a fair price, Cordon Bleu is certainly worth considering. Its 8.7 recommendation score suggests a high likelihood of a satisfying visit, especially if you prioritize taste and hospitality over spacious dining.
However, be mindful of the cozy, often cramped seating and the cash-only policy. It’s a spot best enjoyed when you’re not in a rush and are prepared for a no-frills, focused culinary experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cordon Bleu
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, you're in for a treat! With an excellent score of 8.7, the culinary experience is highly praised, backed by an impressive 91.4% customer satisfaction. Out of 278 comments, 254 rave about the delicious food, especially the imperial rolls, five spice chicken, and huge portions.
However, not every dish hits the mark. A few of the 16 negative comments mentioned bland and flavorless food, chewy shish kebab, or even small bones and small black hairs in dishes. While these are isolated incidents, they suggest occasional inconsistencies in quality.
Food
278
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
16
negative
8
neutral
254
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Imperial Rolls
- Flavorful Grilled Chicken
- Generous Portions
What people don't like
- Bland Dishes
- Chewy Meat
- Unappetizing Inclusions
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. I could feel the love that goes into the food. The owner, Katie, works with incredible dedication, like a monk repeating the same motions with her whole heart, and it truly shows in the food.
- imperial rollThe menu is simple, but they have the juiciest chicken I've tried in the city. I recommend the chicken salad with meat sauce on top and an imperial roll. They accept cash and Venmo!
- chickenThe vegetables in the salad were practically nonexistent. I've found a new favorite spot for this type of Vietnamese cuisine at Kim Son in the outer Richmond, which offers WAY better chicken and their rolls are both huge and flavorful. I'm bummed that Katy's place has slipped, as I used to love it.
- imperial rollsMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their spot-on greasy spoon Vietnamese comfort fare. I enjoyed dishes like roast chicken, imperial rolls, and spicy pork chops. The seating is counter-only, and it's best to visit when you're not in a hurry, as the service is slow.
- five spice chickenThe five spice chicken and the shish kabob were well-seasoned and juicy
- meat sauceThe meat sauce came straight from heaven
- Vietnamese foodserving the most authentic Vietnamese food in the city
- menuThe ladies are very friendly and cook extraordinarily well. It's worth trying the entire menu. Great, great Vietnamese food.
- portionsHuge portions of amazingly delicious food
- FoodFood was A++++
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was not what I remember
- vegetablesIt also contained a significant amount of small bones, along with large, unappetizing pieces of fat and gristle. The vegetables in the salad were practically nonexistent. I've found a new favorite spot for this type of Vietnamese cuisine at Kim Son in the outer Richmond, which offers WAY better chicken and their rolls are both huge and flavorful.
- 5 spice chickenThere were also a ton of small bones in the salad and big snotty pieces of fat and gristle
- beefThe beef was dried and not marinated well.
- chicken marinadethe chicken was not well marinated nor did the meat fall off the bone.
- everything plateThe everything plate was way too much
- food tastethe food was bland
- imperial rollsimperial rolls were burnt fried and had a weird taste
- noodle saladmy noodle salad with the 5 spice chicken was bland and flavorless
- sauceThe sauce was watered down with very little meat.
If you're looking for a place with generally fantastic food, especially grilled meats and imperial rolls, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Most diners leave happy and full thanks to the generous portions and delicious flavors. Just be aware that a few rare experiences mention inconsistencies in taste or quality.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 84.6%, its clear guests feel well taken care of. Based on 66 positive remarks out of 78 total, terms like "friendly owner, " "sweetest women, " and "warm and accommodating" frequently pop up, highlighting the excellent service and personal touch from the staff.
However, a few guests did note some potential snags. Out of 7 negative comments, "wait, " "waiting for seats, " and "slow service" were mentioned, suggesting that while the service is great, it might come with a bit of a delay during busy times. Its a small trade-off for such a beloved experience.
Service
78
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
7
negative
5
neutral
66
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Excellent service
- Personalized attention
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow service
- Cash/Venmo only
Often praised
- serviceThe place is small, with only 10 seats, most of which are barstools. The staff was very kind and provided excellent service. The pricing was very good, offering great value for the meal.
- staffThe upside: The food and the staff. Your taste buds and your belly will thank you.
- ServiceThe atmosphere was pleasant, though not exceptional. Service was also good. Please don't go there because there are so few seats there might not be one left for me.
- KatieKatie, the woman who runs this place with the other ladies, is the sweetest human ever
- ladiesThe chicken, imperial roll, and pork chop are absolutely delicious. The price is so good, and the ladies are masters with the grill!
- ownerShe’s really what makes it seems like you’re having a home cooked meal at someone’s table.
- grill masterKatie is the ultimate grill master
- ownersThe owners are lovely who always greet you with a smile.
- Good serviceGood service.
- Kick-Ass ladiesthe most Kick-Ass ladies running the restaurant
Frequently criticized
- Google Mapssaid it was open on google maps, and it was closed
- payment methodthey do not accept card
- service speedtook me about 15 minutes of standing there
- slow serviceslow service
- waitPut this little hole-in-the-wall gem on your list of places to eat in SF – you will not be disappointed. The one downside is that it's very small, so at peak times the wait can be something to contend with if you're really hungry. I usually go when it's less crowded.
- waiting for seatsHad to awkwardly wait for people to finish before grabbing a seat
- walked 30 minwalked 30 min to go here
If you're looking for a place with genuinely warm and personalized service, this is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potential wait, especially during peak hours, but the friendly staff makes it worthwhile.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
The ambiance at this spot generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 72.2%. Many of the 65 positive opinions out of 90 total praise its cozy place and intimate, small restaurant feel, often highlighting the local neighborhood ambiance and mom & pop shop vibe that makes it a true hole in the wall spot with grill-facing bar seating for a unique experience. However, the 14 negative comments point to the small size and limited seating, which can sometimes feel cramped.
There are also a few concerns about the filthy conditions and lack of hygiene, suggesting that while charming, the tight quarters and cleanliness might not appeal to everyone.
Ambience
90
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
14
negative
11
neutral
65
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, intimate vibe
- Watch food cooking
- Neighborhood gem
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Cramped space
- Cleanliness concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereThe place is tiny — think shoulder-to-shoulder bar space with just one table — but that’s part of its charm.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeThey are temporarily closed until April 2nd. I found it to be an amazing place with good food, good prices, and good service.
- San Francisco experienceThe pork chop was delicious, perfectly marinated in lemongrass, basil, and ginger. For a no-frills, San Francisco experience pre-dating the tech boom, this place is a good time capsule.
- cozy atmospherewonderful cozy atmosphere
- cozy placeVery nice and cozy place
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- companionable Fellow PatronsCompanionable Fellow Patrons.
- counter cafe settingwhole counter cafe setting
- counter seatingSit at the counter and watch the women cook
Frequently criticized
- seatingThe food was pretty awesome, which is the most important thing. However, the place is a real hole in the wall with very limited seating, probably less than 10 seats in total. Because of the small space, I opted for take out for dinner.
- placeSmall place that can feel a tad cramped
- atmospherekinda tiny/cramped (elbow to elbow)
- establishment cleanlinessthe place was super filthy
- food safetyfood safety-wise, oof, the place left a lot to be desired
- hygienelack of hygiene in the place
- insideinside is quite small
- limited seatsIt was pretty cool that they cook the food right in front of you. It's worth noting that this is a small restaurant with limited seats.
- restaurantrestaurant is old and look dirty and not sanitary
- seatsService was also good. Please don't go there because there are so few seats there might not be one left for me.
If youre seeking a genuinely cozy, intimate spot with a local vibe and dont mind a snug setting, this place is definitely worth a visit. However, if spaciousness and pristine cleanliness are top priorities, you might find it a bit challenging.
Value (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly delivers! With a good score of 7.9, many customers rave about getting a great deal and bang for your buck. Based on 37 positive remarks, diners consistently find the food cheap, reasonably priced, and offering good value, often leading to generous portions and even leftovers.
However, customer satisfaction sits at 69.8%, indicating a mixed bag for some. A couple of concerns (2 negative remarks) popped up, mainly around the cash only policy, which some found extremely annoying, and an upcharge for takeout orders. These minor points suggest a few areas for improvement.
Value
53
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
2
negative
14
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great deals
- Excellent value
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Cash only
- Takeout upcharge
Often praised
- pricetwo full plates came out to under $30. Hard to beat that in the city.
- pricesThis place is a true hidden gem, serving the most authentic Vietnamese food in the city. The prices are excellent, and it's a BYOB establishment. I highly suggest dining in so you can chat with the ladies and watch them grill your meats.
- deala great deal for large and filling Vietnamese meals
- BYOBit's BYOB
- bang for your buckThe imperial rolls and BBQ meats and skewers were highlights, and the pork chop over rice with salad was a favorite. The food is incredibly delicious, and the servings are huge, offering so much bang for your buck. The service was excellent, with a 5-star rating.
- cheapI was initially skeptical about their grilling skills, but these ladies truly impressed me. They "throw down" and "iron chef'd" their way into my top 5 places for hunger cravings on the cheap. I highly recommend the "Number 5 plate" all day long.
- cheap, delicious, homey mealThere seemed to be a lot of regulars, and I would absolutely be one too if I lived in SF. Definitely come here for a cheap, delicious, homey meal.
- entreeThe Dragon Rolls are an absolute must-have – they are super crispy and stuffed with several kinds of meat. For just $14 per entree (as of Jan 2023), the value is incredible, with every dish made fresh and ample protein, often leading to leftovers. The service was reasonable, with food arriving in about 15 minutes.
- five star affordablebest five star affordable
- good valuereally delicious and good value
Frequently criticized
- cash onlycash only which is extremely annoying
- takeoutupcharge if you take your food to go
If youre looking for a fantastic meal that wont break the bank, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared with cash or Venmo, and consider dining in to avoid any takeout upcharges.
How are the prices at Cordon Bleu?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 75 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests are happily dining within that $11–$20 sweet spot, showing prices are pretty consistent around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 75 reviews.
Comparing value for money: how this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Vietnamese spot. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cordon Bleu
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Hidden Gem with Flavorful Food
What an absolute hole-in-the-wall gem! The place is tiny, with just shoulder-to-shoulder bar space and one table, but that's part of its charm. Despite the humble setup, the food truly punches way above its weight.
The chicken dish was fantastic—juicy, flavorful, and seasoned perfectly. My only note for next time is to ask for the sauce on the side, as it was poured over the rice by default and became a bit heavy. The mapo tofu was served in a generous portion, featuring silky-soft tofu with a rich, savory flavor.
It was a bit salty and not very spicy, even though we asked, but still really tasty overall. We enjoyed the free hot tea, which is always a plus. The best part?
It's cash or Venmo only, and two full plates came out to under $30, which is hard to beat in the city. Overall, it's a cozy, unpretentious spot packed with flavor. A must-try if you're nearby and want great food without the frills.
- chicken dish10
- sauce6
- mapo tofu8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Delicious and Affordable Homemade-Style Cooking
My experience at this little spot was fantastic! They offer some of the most delicious and affordable cooking around, truly feeling like a homemade meal. I tried their #5 and loved every bite.
The chicken, the kebabs, and the imperial roll were all 🧑🍳 chefs kiss. The space is small, and while we found spots when we arrived, expect a tight and cozy environment. Overall, the food was exceptional, and the atmosphere was rated highly.
- cooking10
- homemade meal9
- chicken10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Chicken Salad and Rolls!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I really enjoyed the Chicken salad, which was made with chicken from the grill and was full of flavor. The Imperial rolls were also incredible.
The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- Chicken salad10
- Imperial rolls10
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Amazing Home-Style Cooking and Cozy Vibe!
I used to come here when I was in art school, and returning with my family was just as amazing as before. My family really enjoyed every bit of the home style cooking and the cozy vibe!
- home style cooking10
- cozy vibe10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Unique Meat Sauce Diner Experience
My experience at this cozy, old-school diner was delightful. The meat sauce was truly unlike any other I've tasted. The food was excellent, earning a perfect score, and the service was also top-notch.
The atmosphere was pleasant, rated a 4, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to have a conversation. It's a great spot for a satisfying meal.
- meat sauce10
- food10
- service10
What Cordon Bleu offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Cash-only
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Cordon Bleu Vietnamese Restaurant?
At Cordon Bleu Vietnamese Restaurant, you can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere. They offer dining options for both lunch and dinner, complete with table service, making it a comfortable spot for your meal.
What service options are available at Cordon Bleu Vietnamese Restaurant?
Cordon Bleu Vietnamese Restaurant provides several convenient service options. You can enjoy onsite services, opt for takeout, or have your meal delivered. Dine-in service is also available for a traditional restaurant experience.
How does Cordon Bleu rate overall?
Cordon Bleu holds a solid overall score of **8.3**, indicating a good experience. This is primarily driven by its highly-regarded **Food** (8.7) and attentive **Service** (8.4). While **Value** (7.9) is also strong, the **Ambience** (7.4) is a bit more modest.
What kind of dining experience can I expect at Cordon Bleu?
Expect a no-frills, counter-style setting that many find cozy, offering authentic Vietnamese comfort food. The staff are often described as very kind and dedicated, contributing to a homey feel, though seating is quite limited.
Are there any common issues to be aware of before visiting Cordon Bleu?
Patrons frequently mention the very limited and often cramped seating, which can lead to waits. Additionally, the restaurant operates on a cash-only basis, which some find inconvenient, and a few have raised concerns about cleanliness.