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oChef » Dong Baek – San Francisco
Dong Baek - San Francisco
Photo from Dong Baek
Dong Baek at a glance
San Francisco Little Saigon
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 34 of the guests
#2159 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#33 Korean Restaurant out of 36 in San Francisco
Average
6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
315
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Cleanliness issues
The restaurant Dong Baek invites you to discover an authentic Korean dining experience right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Little Saigon neighborhood. You can look forward to a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying a delicious meal.
Whether you’re seeking healthy options or a quick bite, this Korean restaurant offers a welcoming spot for lunch or dinner. With convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery, Dong Baek makes it easy to savor your favorite dishes.
Overview: Introducting Dong Baek
Dong Baek offers a taste of Korea that many find genuinely authentic. While the flavor of the food often receives high praise, some diners have noted that the experience can be a bit on the pricey end.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere, though some aspects like cleanliness and decorations might not impress everyone. Despite some concerns, the restaurant is often described as having plenty of seating and being suitable for larger groups.
However, navigating the parking situation can sometimes be a challenge, and the interior might not be considered particularly modern or polished.
Average
6
out of 10
315
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
110
negative
35
neutral
170
positive
Dong Baek earns a Restaurant Score of 6, placing it squarely in the average category, with Customer Satisfaction at a mixed 54%. This assessment is drawn from a considerable 315 customer remarks, with 170 positive observations balancing against 110 negative ones.
Looking closer, the Food (6.8) stands out as a clear strength, consistently impressing diners. Service (4.8) and Ambience (4.7) hover around average, suggesting a generally acceptable but not exceptional experience in these areas.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (3.8), which customers frequently found less compelling.
What people like
- Authentic Korean food
- Delicious side dishes
- Friendly, attentive service
What people don't like
- High prices
- Cleanliness concerns
- Tricky parking
If you’re seeking genuinely authentic Korean flavors and don’t mind potentially higher costs, Dong Baek, with a Recommendation Score of 6.3, could be a worthwhile visit. The culinary experience is often a highlight, making it a good choice for those prioritizing taste above all else.
However, be prepared for an average setting and service that, while often friendly, might not always be seamless. It’s a place to consider for its food, but perhaps not for a budget-conscious or pristine dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dong Baek
Food (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot offers a generally good experience, scoring a 6.8. Many customers rave about the authentic Korean food, generous portions, and delicious side dishes, with 134 positive remarks out of 201 total customer observations. You'll find plenty of flavor in dishes like spicy octopus, beef chap chae, and various stews, often described as tasting just like home-cooked Korean meals.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 66.7%, indicating some room for improvement. There are 46 negative comments, with concerns raised about declining food quality, blandness in some items, and even issues like expired Gochujang packets or sour side dishes. A few unfortunate experiences also mentioned foreign objects in food, which is definitely a dealbreaker for some.
Food
201
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
46
negative
21
neutral
134
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Korean food
- Generous portions
- Tasty side dishes
What people don't like
- Declining food quality
- Expired sauces
- Foreign objects in food
Often praised
- foodIf you are Korean and want to eat authentic Korean food, Dongbaek is the place to go. The food is so delicious and tastes exactly like the food you eat in Korea. The side dishes are also very tasty, and while other Korean restaurants have localized their food, this place serves authentic Korean food!
- side dishesMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I absolutely love all the side dishes, though I do wish they had the archives one. The Bulgari lunch and bibimbap are both fantastic choices that you can't go wrong with.
- Korean foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It serves the most delicious Korean food in San Francisco. The Jjamppong tasted just like it does in Korea.
- authentic Korean foodThe owner is very kind and warm-hearted. Honestly, this is the real Korean restaurant in SF ㅋㅋ. If you are Korean and want to eat authentic Korean food, Dongbaek is the place to go.
- bibimbapI visited this restaurant because a friend recommended it when I was craving Korean food. The bibimbap was truly delicious! It felt just like the stone pot bibimbap I eat in Korea, which was great.
- noodlesfastest noodles I’ve had
- banchanplenty of banchan, which was really welcomed
- flavorMy wife and I found that a single order's portion could have easily filled us both, but we ate everything, even re-ordering all the sides. The amount, quality, flavor, and price of the food place Dong Baek's food: quality ratio very high. As someone who knows how to cook, I don't eat out very often, typically once every 7-9 weeks, as I don't find the price of food served to have a suitable food: quality ratio.
- seafood pancakesmall seafood pancake, Everything was delicious
- Al-tangThe Galbijjim was fantastic and paired well with soju. The Pajeon was also delicious, and the Al-tang was good too. However, the Spicy Pork Bulgogi was not good due to a strong artificial seasoning taste.
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food itself was also mediocre for the price
- food qualitytheir food and service quality has been noticeably decreasing
- side dishesMy experience at the restaurant was a mix. The Ganjjajang and Tangsuyuk were not bad, but unfortunately, like other reviews mentioned, all the side dishes were sour. Additionally, the scissors provided were not for food and were very dirty office scissors.
- JajjangmyunJajjangmyun is bland
- KanpoongiKanpoongi doesn't taste very good; it tastes americanized
- KimchiKimchi that came with it is very very overfermented
- Kimchi Jjigaefound a foreign object... in my Kimchi Jjigae
- Kimchi side dishKimchi side dish was also very old and almost gone bad
- Korean mealHonestly, it tasted too much like MSG, a flavor that felt forced. It was my last Korean meal in America, and I was disappointed.
- Spicy Pork BulgogiThe Pajeon was also delicious, and the Al-tang was good too. However, the Spicy Pork Bulgogi was not good due to a strong artificial seasoning taste. They also serve Jajangmyeon and Jjamppong.
If you're craving authentic Korean flavors and generous servings, this place is worth a try, especially for its popular stews and side dishes. Just be aware that some experiences point to inconsistencies in food quality and freshness, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, some diners have found bright spots, with 21 positive remarks out of 58 total experiences. Guests frequently praised the attentive staffs and sweet lady who provided good service, often noting how accommodating and friendly the team, including the owner, could be. Many appreciated the attentive service and quick responses from their server or wait staff.
However, the overall picture for service is a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in a poor score of 4.8 and customer satisfaction at 36.2%. A significant 28 negative comments highlight issues like tipping demands, unfriendly staff, and waiting time. Problems with payment methods, delivery service, and even staff attitude, including an elderly lady demanding more tips, frequently left customers feeling disappointed.
Service
58
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
28
negative
9
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Accommodating service
- Prompt service
What people don't like
- Aggressive tip demands
- Unfriendly staff
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceThe food tasted good overall, and with over 100 menu items, there's a wide variety of Korean dishes to try. The service was friendly. They even made ramen for us, even though it wasn't on the menu, and it was very tasty.
- ownerWe ordered two and shared, and I wish we had ordered one more dish. ㅎㅎ The owner was also incredibly friendly!
- serverour server was very friendly
- attentive serviceattentive service
- attentive staffsMy experience at this restaurant, located just a couple of blocks from Union Square in SF, was marked by good and honest foods. The attentive staffs ensured a pleasant dining experience.
- familythey always accommodate my family
- good serviceReally good service
- informationThe staff member working there was Korean and was very friendly and helpful. Since they were Korean, I asked them about potentially unsafe areas and times, and they provided good information. Thank you!
- owner-chefI highly recommend the dumplings. The owner-chef is truly amazing. 👍👍👍
- regular customerWill be a regular customer now
Frequently criticized
- serviceI don't know if it was the owner or an employee, but they explicitly watched me while I was tipping and asked for more. The service wasn't good either, and they weren't friendly. I don't think I'll ever go back.
- English-speaking peopleno other English-speaking people in the restaurant who could assist
- cardboard shipping boxreceived my delivery in a heavy duty cardboard shipping box
- delivery serviceI am FURIOUS about the delivery service! I ordered dinner delivery from this restaurant.
- demand more tipswaiter dared to demand more tips
- dinner receiptAfter dinner, I was about to go to the front door and pick up my packages. And I saw my dinner receipt, with my name and information, attached on the hallway just by the elevator! !
- elderly ladyAlthough the stew was tasty, this interaction left me with a bad feeling. The elderly lady was quite forceful, so be careful when paying your bill. I still can't believe it; it's absurd.
- friendlinessI don't know if it was the owner or an employee, but they explicitly watched me while I was tipping and asked for more. The service wasn't good either, and they weren't friendly. I don't think I'll ever go back.
- impossibility to payThe food was pretty OK, though as we are not so used to Korean food, we can't tell exactly. The thing which really disappointed me was the impossibility to pay by credit card. I had to walk for two miles to get some money at an ATM and pay cash.
- ladyshe said "Your friend doesn't know how to pay tips.
If you're considering a visit, be aware that service can be a gamble. While some experience attentive and friendly staff, others encounter significant issues with tipping practices, unfriendliness, and long waits. Proceed with caution, especially if you prefer straightforward payment and a guaranteed warm welcome.
Ambience (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, there are definitely some bright spots! Many guests appreciate the cleanliness and find the atmosphere enjoyable, often describing it as a quiet place or a nice place overall. The plenty of seating is a big plus, especially for larger groups, contributing to a strong customer base.
However, the overall picture for ambience is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.7 putting it in the average range, and customer satisfaction at a low 30%. Out of 30 total opinions, 17 pointed to issues like a dated interior, plastic cups, and concerns about cleanliness and flies. Some also noted tricky parking and safety concerns outside the restaurant.
Ambience
30
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
17
negative
4
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quiet atmosphere
- Plenty of seating
- Good for groups
What people don't like
- Dated interior
- Cleanliness concerns
- External safety issues
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was also very enjoyable
- cleanlinessit seemed clean enough
- customer basethe customer base at Dong Baek stays so strong
- larger groupsreally good for larger group
- nice placeThis was a nice place
- plenty of seatingThey have plenty of seating
- quiet placeQuiet place with a wide selection
- restaurantSmall cozy restaurant
Frequently criticized
- interiorNo es muy bonito en su interior
- parkingAlthough parking was a bit tricky, I had a very delicious meal and I'm thankful for it. The service was especially good, and the 쟁반짜장 and 돌솥 비빔밥 were incredibly tasty.
- ambianceHowever, one of the largest barriers for me is the price (I never paid 16 dollars for tofu stew till I came to SF!). There are a lot of other Korean spots within five minutes of this place which have a wider selection of alcohol, food, and have a more modern ambiance. That being said, the service I have had at Dong Baek has always been spot on, and it's convenient for what it is.
- carpetscleaner carpets
- cleanlinessThe restaurant has plenty of seating and the service was attentive, receiving a score of 4. However, the restaurant was not the cleanest or most organized. Despite these drawbacks, I credit them as a striving Korean business in the area, and it's worth checking out for a meal.
- decorationsOur server was also very quick and friendly, contributing to a pleasant service experience. The only drawback was the outdated decorations, which were barely noticeable.
- fliesSo many flys, I couldn't eat.
- homeless peopleIt seems to have the most authentic Korean taste among Korean restaurants in the US. It's walkable from Union Square, but there are too many homeless people, making it a bit difficult to walk at night.
- kids safetyMy experience at the restaurant was with their Korean Chinese food, which was pretty good. However, it was hard to park and felt a bit dangerous with kids.
- organizationThe restaurant has plenty of seating and the service was attentive, receiving a score of 4. However, the restaurant was not the cleanest or most organized. Despite these drawbacks, I credit them as a striving Korean business in the area, and it's worth checking out for a meal.
If youre looking for a quiet spot with ample seating for your group and dont mind a more traditional, perhaps dated, aesthetic, this place could work. However, be prepared for potential cleanliness issues and external factors like parking or neighborhood safety that might detract from the experience.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
While the overall value here is a bit of a mixed bag, some diners did find bright spots. Based on 6 positive observations, terms like price, food : quality ratio, and family meals were highlighted for being quite reasonable, making the dining experience feel worthwhile. However, the general consensus leans heavily towards disappointment, reflected in a low customer satisfaction of just 23.1% and a poor score of 3.8.
Out of 26 total opinions, 19 pointed to issues like prices being too expensive or on the pricey end, with concerns also raised about tip amounts.
Value
26
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
19
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
- High food quality ratio
- Good family meals
What people don't like
- High prices
- Excessive tipping
- Pricey appetizers
Often praised
- priceMy wife and I found that a single order's portion could have easily filled us both, but we ate everything, even re-ordering all the sides. The amount, quality, flavor, and price of the food place Dong Baek's food: quality ratio very high. As someone who knows how to cook, I don't eat out very often, typically once every 7-9 weeks, as I don't find the price of food served to have a suitable food: quality ratio.
- family mealstake advantage of the family meals
- food : quality ratioplaces Dong Baek's food : quality ratio very high.
- price per personThe food was rated a perfect 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere was also very enjoyable, scoring a 4 out of 5. For dinner, the price per person was between $20–30, which felt reasonable for the quality received.
- pricingReasonable pricing
Frequently criticized
- pricedifferent price... galbi price... different price... $18... 31 dollars
- tipMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the high prices. I ordered a bowl of Jajangmyeon and Udon, and the total came to $35, including an 18% tip. I was shocked to pay four times the price I would pay for the same dishes in Korea, where they cost around 10, 000 KRW.
- expensiveexpensive than other Korean restaurant
- American restaurants30-40% more expensive than other American restaurants
- appetizersTheir appetizers were a little too pricey to justify
- dumplings8 bucks for some dumplings
- pricesThe prices were too high
- pricey endA bit on the pricey end
- seafood pancake12 bucks for an appetizer portion of seafood pancake
- ticketI was unsure if parking was allowed in front of the restaurant, and ended up getting a $109 ticket. I specifically asked and paid for coin parking, but when I came out after eating, I found a ticket on my truck, as if only trucks were allowed to park there.
If you're looking for budget-friendly dining, this might not be your first choice, as many find the prices steep. However, if you prioritize a strong food-to-quality ratio and are willing to overlook the cost, you might find some dishes satisfying.
How are the prices at Dong Baek?
You’re looking at roughly 30 $ per person – reported by 34 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Korean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people spend, most diners cluster right around this $21–$30 sweet spot, though there are a few options for both cheaper bites and more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 34 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Korean spot in San Francisco. You’re getting good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dong Baek
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
2
Declining Food Quality and Strange Smells
My experience at this restaurant has been disappointing due to a noticeable decline in food quality. On my latest order, the food had a pungent smell that was not expected. Both orders containing tofu also had a strong vinegar-like smell.
Even the side dishes, which we usually skip, smelled old and tasted soured. This has been a consistent issue for some time.
- food quality2
- pungent smell1
- vinegar-like smell1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Authentic Korean Food in SF!
The owner is very kind and warm-hearted. Honestly, this is the real Korean restaurant in SF ㅋㅋ. If you are Korean and want to eat authentic Korean food, Dongbaek is the place to go.
The food is so delicious and tastes exactly like the food you eat in Korea. The side dishes are also very tasty, and while other Korean restaurants have localized their food, this place serves authentic Korean food!
- owner10
- authentic Korean food10
- food10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Flies and Poor Food Ruined Dinner
I went for dinner with friends and was immediately put off by the many flies, which made it impossible to eat. The food quality was not good, although the waitress (possibly the owner) was okay. Due to the overwhelming presence of flies and the poor food, I will not be returning.
- waitress6
- flies1
- food quality1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Exceptional Food, Worth Every Penny
I forgot to take pictures because the food was too good! The sides were beautifully fermented. We ordered the Black Bean Noodles with pork ($14), Kimchi stew ($16), and Pork marinated in special spicy house sauce ($32).
My wife and I found that a single order's portion could have easily filled us both, but we ate everything, even re-ordering all the sides. The amount, quality, flavor, and price of the food place Dong Baek's food: quality ratio very high. As someone who knows how to cook, I don't eat out very often, typically once every 7-9 weeks, as I don't find the price of food served to have a suitable food: quality ratio.
All this to say, not only am I a picky eater, I'm a picky payer. Dong Baek's food is worth every penny. I'll be back to support the business and to add reviews with pictures!
- sides9
- Black Bean Noodles with pork10
- Kimchi stew10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Homemade Korean Food!
Oh la la. I absolutely love the homemade Korean food so much 💜❤️ The sweet lady is so amazing! I loved the Spicy Squid, Seafood Pancake, and Tofu Soup 😋 💋 I will definitely come back for more!
Thanks so much 🙏😊
- homemade Korean food10
- sweet lady10
- Spicy Squid10
What Dong Baek offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Dong Baek?
At Dong Baek, you can enjoy a casual dining experience perfect for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant offers comfortable seating and table service. It’s also good for kids, providing high chairs, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for your entire family.
What service and payment options are available at Dong Baek?
Dong Baek offers convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. For payments, you can use credit cards, debit cards, or NFC mobile payments. The restaurant also accepts reservations, making it easy to plan your visit.
How does Dong Baek generally rate?
Dong Baek holds a **Restaurant Score** of **6** and **Customer Satisfaction** of **54%**. While **Food** (6.8) is a strong point, **Service** (4.8) and **Ambience** (4.7) are average, and **Value** (3.8) is a concern.
Is the food at Dong Baek authentic?
Many diners praise Dong Baek for its **authentic Korean food**, noting that it tastes like dishes found in Korea, including delicious **side dishes** and **bibimbap**.
Is Dong Baek considered expensive?
Opinions suggest Dong Baek can be on the **pricey end**, with some finding the **price** high compared to other Korean restaurants or for certain items like **appetizers** and **dumplings**.