Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Daeho Kalbijjim – San Francisco
Daeho Kalbijjim - San Francisco
Photo from Daeho Kalbijjim
Daeho Kalbijjim at a glance
San Francisco Merced Heights
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 27 of the guests
#947 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#14 Korean Restaurant out of 36 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
159
Reviews
75.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- High price
- No takeout
The restaurant Daeho Kalbijjim, a popular Korean Restaurant in San Francisco’s Merced Heights, invites you to experience authentic flavors. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family.
Whether you prefer to dine-in, grab takeout, or have your food delivered, this spot offers convenient service options. It’s known for its delicious Kalbijjim and other Korean specialties, making it a must-visit for lovers of Korean cuisine in the city.
Overview: Introducting Daeho Kalbijjim
Daeho Kalbijjim generally offers a satisfying dining experience, particularly noted for its well-regarded food and attentive service. While portions are often generous, some patrons find the value a bit steep.
The atmosphere is typically pleasant, though it can get busy. Many appreciate the delicious beef and varied sides, though a few recent experiences mention concerns about food temperature or meat quality.
The staff’s kindness and patience are frequently highlighted, contributing to a positive overall visit.
Good
7.7
out of 10
159
Reviews
75.5%
Satisfaction
26
negative
13
neutral
120
positive
Daeho Kalbijjim earns a solid 7.7 overall score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 75.5%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 159 customer observations, with 120 positive remarks outweighing 26 negative ones. The Food (8.1) is a clear strength, often described as delicious and hearty, though some recent comments mention concerns about meat quality or overall flavor.
Service (7.1) is also well-regarded for its attentiveness. The Ambience (7.9) contributes positively, while Value (5.0) is a more mixed aspect, with some finding it expensive.
What people like
- Delicious, hearty food
- Attentive, kind service
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- High price point
- Inconsistent meat quality
- No takeout option
If you’re seeking a Korean meal with generally well-prepared dishes and attentive staff, Daeho Kalbijjim is worth considering. With a Recommendation Score of 8.1, it generally delivers a satisfying experience, especially if you prioritize taste and good service.
Be mindful of the pricing, which some find a bit high, and potential wait times during peak hours. While the food is often a highlight, recent feedback suggests occasional inconsistencies in meat quality.
Plan accordingly for a dine-in experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Daeho Kalbijjim
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 8.1 and leaving 81.7% of customers satisfied. Many rave about the incredibly tender meat and flavorful dishes, especially the beloved kalbijjim and various soups. Guests often appreciate the generous portions and delicious side dishes, making for a truly satisfying meal, as reflected in 89 positive remarks out of 109 total comments.
However, not every dish is perfect, with 13 negative comments noting occasional issues. Some found the short ribs to have inconsistent tenderness or an overly sweet flavor. A few mentioned that portions can sometimes feel small, contradicting other experiences, and some soups were deemed a bit too salty.
Also, be aware that the food can be quite spicy for some palates.
Food
109
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
13
negative
7
neutral
89
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tender, flavorful meat
- Delicious kalbijjim
- Excellent soups
What people don't like
- Inconsistent tenderness
- Small portions
- Salty soups
Often praised
- foodI had an amazing set of food that made me feel happier than before. The staff and service were excellent, and the greatly varied pickle like siders were a highlight.
- beefThe beef, rice, and sides, everything was absolutely delicious
- brothThe oxtail soup and dolsot bibimbap were incredible. The tendon pieces in the soup were perfectly cooked, and the broth was milky and delicious. The bibimbap had great crispy bits and a smoky smell.
- meatmeat was drowning in broth that you have to dig deep to reach for the meat and noodles
- portionThe portion is quite big for 5-6 person
- Kalbijjimorder the Kalbijjim (갈비찜)... everything was absolutely delicious
- beef soupmeat was drowning in broth that you have to dig deep to reach for the meat and noodles
- noodlesI stopped in to order the infamous kalbijim and decided to get the version with oxtail, medium spicy level, extra meat, noodles, rice cake, and purple rice. It was a bit pricey, but the portion was hefty – it felt like about 10 lbs and normally feeds 3-4 people according to the staff.
- rice cakeI stopped in to order the infamous kalbijim and decided to get the version with oxtail, medium spicy level, extra meat, noodles, rice cake, and purple rice. It was a bit pricey, but the portion was hefty – it felt like about 10 lbs and normally feeds 3-4 people according to the staff.
- sidesThe beef, rice, and sides, everything was absolutely delicious
Frequently criticized
- Banchangave me only one small pack of Banchan
- bibimbapFor a $30 bipimbap I left disappointed
- chewy noodlesIt’s super refreshing on a sunny day, love the icy broth! I’m not big on chewy noodles but I can go crazy with their broth 🤤
- food temperaturemore recently not hot
- hard tendonfull of hard tendon :(
- kalbijjimvery heavy on starch - rice cakes, carrots and potatoes
- meat qualitythe meat quality is poor
- overall flavorWe didn't find the short ribs to be very substantial, and surprisingly, they were not that tender. The overall flavor was also a bit too sweet. Considering the portion and quality, $75 felt like a VERY steep ask – basically double what I thought the dish was actually worth.
- portionsPortions are super small now
- short ribsshort ribs to be very substantial, and surprisingly they were not that tender
If you're looking for a place with generally delicious and tender Korean dishes, especially kalbijjim and hearty soups, this spot is definitely worth trying. Just be mindful that some experiences mention inconsistent portion sizes or spice levels, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
Overall, the service here is quite good, scoring a solid 7.1, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 67.9%. Many of the 19 positive comments out of 28 total experiences highlight the friendly staff and great workers, especially the welcoming woman at the front. Guests appreciate the quick service, patience, and kindness shown, often noting the absence of long waits.
However, there are some areas for improvement, with 8 negative experiences noted. Some guests faced issues like forgotten orders or long waiting times, sometimes up to an hour. Others were disappointed by the lack of takeout options or the challenge of finding a table during the lunchtime rush.
A few also mentioned concerns about water service, specifically plastic bottle water.
Service
28
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Good management
What people don't like
- Forgotten orders
- No takeout option
- Long waits possible
Often praised
- serviceI recommend coming during off-hours to avoid the lunchtime rush, as it's a challenge to find a table. The food quality was excellent, earning a food: 5 rating, and the service was also top-notch with a service: 5 rating. However, the atmosphere was just okay, rated at atmosphere: 3.
- staffstaff to service
- explanationsleur patience, leurs explications, leur gentillesse.
- good managementThis really shows the importance of good management
- great workersThe woman at the front was very friendly and always wore a smile. Great food and great workers.
- kindnessleur patience, leurs explications, leur gentillesse.
- metal cupsMetal cups would be perfect
- patienceleur patience, leurs explications, leur gentillesse.
- waitThe wait wasn't too long, being no longer than 30 minutes
- waitsMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. It's just as good as the SF and San Mateo locations but without the waits and restaurant surcharges. I always love coming here before a grocery run at Hmart.
Frequently criticized
- Banchan packserver said one Banchan pack per dish
- dine-inThe soups were wonderful, and the entire menu was very good 😋. It's important to note that they only serve for dine-in; I wanted to order takeout, but they do not offer that service. I recommend it.
- lunchtime rushavoid the lunchtime rush, it's a challenge to find a table.
- orderthey forgot to make the order
- plastic bottle waterWe don’t need plastic bottle water
- takeoutThe soups were wonderful, and the entire menu was very good 😋. It's important to note that they only serve for dine-in; I wanted to order takeout, but they do not offer that service. I recommend it.
- waitingI wanted for one hour
- waterprovide water when requested
If youre planning to dine in and value friendly staff, youll likely have a good experience here. Just be aware that takeout isnt an option and peak times can mean waits. Its a solid choice for a sit-down meal.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, earning a 7.9 score, which is quite good! Many customers rave about the marvelous atmosphere, especially enjoying the lively food court and the convenience of plenty of parking. The excitement around their second location also adds to the positive experience, with 9 positive remarks out of 13 total.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a 69.2%, indicating a mixed bag despite the good score. The primary concern, noted in 1 negative comment, is the challenge to find a table during busy times, suggesting that while the vibe is great, it can get a bit crowded.
Ambience
13
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
1
negative
3
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Marvelous atmosphere
- Lively food court
- Ample parking space
What people don't like
- Hard to find table
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service and atmosphere were also excellent
- experienceI strongly suggest it! Thank you so very much for this great experience of taste and health!
- food courtThe food court was very lively, which was enjoyable to eat in
- free parkingParking options:Free parking lot
- marvelousc'était merveilleux.
- plenty of parkingParking space:Plenty of parking
- second locationso glad they open this second location in Ocean View
Frequently criticized
- find a tableMy experience at this restaurant was very good, but the food was spicy! I recommend coming during off-hours to avoid the lunchtime rush, as it's a challenge to find a table. The food quality was excellent, earning a food: 5 rating, and the service was also top-notch with a service: 5 rating.
Overall, the atmosphere is a definite plus, offering a lively and enjoyable setting. Just be mindful of peak hours, as finding a table can be a bit of a quest, but it's certainly worth experiencing.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, some folks felt the price was actually okay, especially when considering the base cost without extra restaurant surcharges. One person even joked its "worth it if you have the money to burn lol. " These 3 positive sentiments suggest that for some, the initial cost felt reasonable.
However, the overall picture for value is a bit of a mixed bag, leaning negative. With 4 negative comments out of 9 total remarks, many found the pricing to be "somewhat ridiculous" and "a bit expensive, " especially with extra costs like having to "pay $5 for each extra pack. " The value score sits at an average 5, but customer satisfaction is quite low at just 33.3%, indicating theres definitely room for improvement here.
Value
9
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Base price okay
What people don't like
- Extra pack fees
- High pricing
Often praised
- moneyWorth it if you have the money to burn lol
- pricein actuality price was ok
- restaurant surchargeswithout the restaurant surcharges
Frequently criticized
- expensivea bit expensive
- extra packhave to pay $5 for each extra pack
- price$75 is a VERY steep ask
- pricingpricing however is somewhat ridiculous
If youre mindful of every dollar, this might not be the place for you, as extra charges can quickly add up. However, if youre prepared for a potentially higher bill and don't mind a few surcharges, the base price might not be a deal-breaker.
How are the prices at Daeho Kalbijjim?
You’re looking at roughly 32 per person – reported by 27 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Korean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 32 $, most guests actually spend less, with a strong cluster in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges. This suggests a good mix of options, from more affordable bites to some premium choices that pull the average up.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 27 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Korean Restaurant, we think the pricing feels fair. It offers a range of options, so you can likely find something that fits your budget, whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Daeho Kalbijjim
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Tried all Bay Area locations!
I was in the city and made sure I tried this location too. Overall, the food was just as good, and I'm finally able to say I have tried all their restaurants in the greater Bay Area. The service and atmosphere were also excellent, both receiving a perfect score.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food and Great Experience!
I had an amazing set of food that made me feel happier than before. The staff and service were excellent, and the greatly varied pickle like siders were a highlight. I strongly suggest it!
Thank you so very much for this great experience of taste and health!
- food10
- staff9
- service9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
3
Disappointing Decline in Quality
My recent experience at this restaurant has been disappointing. The portions have become super small, and the meat quality is poor. More recently, the food has not been served hot.
It's sad because we used to love coming here for yummy comfort food. For a $30 bibimbap, I left feeling disappointed. On a positive note, the service is awesome.
- service10
- portions2
- meat quality2
- food temperature3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
My Favorite Dish in the Bay!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with the 반반 냉면. It's my current favorite dish in the bay. From its depth of flavor to its presentation…Perfection 😘.
The food was rated a 5, and the atmosphere a 3.
- 반반 냉면10
- depth of flavor10
- presentation10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Cold Noodles and Perfect Experience!
I finally tried their cold noodles and they were so good. Everything else was perfect as well! Thank you :)
- cold noodles10
- Everything else9
What Daeho Kalbijjim offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegetarian options
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is parking available at Daeho Kalbijjim & Beef Soup?
Yes, you’ll find a free parking lot at Daeho Kalbijjim & Beef Soup. There is usually plenty of parking available, making your visit convenient and stress-free for lunch or dinner.
What accessibility features does Daeho Kalbijjim & Beef Soup offer?
Daeho Kalbijjim & Beef Soup is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests during their meal.
What is the overall dining experience like at Daeho Kalbijjim?
Daeho Kalbijjim offers a good overall dining experience with a score of 7.7. Its Food (8.1) and Ambience (7.9) are highly rated, supported by good Service (7.1), though Value (5.0) is more average.
Is Daeho Kalbijjim a good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find the portions generous, others consider the pricing to be on the higher side, especially for certain dishes or extra items like Banchan.
What should I know before visiting Daeho Kalbijjim?
Expect delicious beef and varied sides, often in large portions. Service is generally kind and patient. Be aware that it’s dine-in only, and there can be waits during busy lunchtimes.