Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » E&O – San Francisco
E&O - San Francisco
Photo from E&O
E&O at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍜 Asian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 113 of the guests
#1187 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#10 Asian Restaurant out of 22 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
602
Reviews
73.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Hidden charges
The restaurant E&O is a standout Asian Restaurant located in the vibrant Union Square neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a truly memorable dining experience here, known especially for its great dessert offerings.
This spot combines an upscale yet cozy atmosphere, making it perfect for various occasions, whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or an elegant dinner.
Overview: Introducting E&O
E&O offers a generally pleasant experience, with many guests appreciating the attentive service and the lively vibe , making it a good spot for a social outing. However, some diners did encounter inconsistencies, with occasional delays in staff attention.
The food receives considerable praise for its quality and variety, with many finding the portions reasonable. Yet, a few specific dishes occasionally miss the mark, and the availability of robust vegetarian options could see improvement.
Good
7.5
out of 10
602
Reviews
73.4%
Satisfaction
115
negative
45
neutral
442
positive
The restaurant holds a solid 7.5 score, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 73.4% , suggesting most diners leave content.
With 442 positive observations against 115 negative ones out of 602 total customer remarks, the positive sentiment clearly outweighs the critiques. Looking closer at the specifics, Ambience (8.5) stands out as a strong point, creating an exciting and lively atmosphere.
Food (7.7) also performs well, often described as tasty and satisfying. While Service (7.1) is generally good, some experiences point to areas for improvement, particularly regarding attentiveness.
Value (4.9) is where opinions diverge most, with some finding drinks and small plates reasonably priced, while others felt certain items were expensive or lacked transparency.
What people like
- Lively, exciting ambience
- Attentive, caring staff
- Tasty, satisfying food
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Undisclosed water charges
- Some dishes lack flavor
E&O presents itself as a generally reliable choice, especially if you prioritize a vibrant atmosphere and well-regarded food. With a 7.7 recommendation score, it suggests that for many, the positives outweigh the negatives, making it a place worth considering for a casual meal or social gathering.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and clarify any charges for water upfront to avoid surprises. If you’re looking for a lively spot with good food and don’t mind a few minor quirks, E&O could be a good fit for your next outing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on E&O
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction of 76%. Many positive comments (272 out of 358 total) highlight delicious offerings like the corn fritters, ribs, black cod, and dumplings, praising the inventive Asian fusion cuisine. Still, 57 negative opinions suggest there's room for improvement.
Some found dishes salty or lacking flavor, while others felt the portion sizes could be better. A few experiences were unfortunately described as mediocre food overall, with certain entrees falling short.
Food
358
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
57
negative
29
neutral
272
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious corn fritters
- Inventive Asian fusion
- Flavorful dumplings
What people don't like
- Inconsistent flavor
- Small portion sizes
- Mediocre dishes
Often praised
- foodThe gin and tonic was also a lovely drink and received high praise. Overall, I consider the food here to deliver a solid experience that, combined with the setting and location, makes E&O a very good option. But there's one more important thing to mention: the service at E&O, from the reservation call to the greeting upon entry, to taking and delivering orders, was spot on.
- corn fritterscorn fritters: crispy. good corn flavor. enjoyed the sauce
- drinksWe had the corn fritters which were delicious, and the firecracker beef and salmon in risotto were both so good. The drinks were tasty. Strangely, the Manhattan came with a big ice cube, but the old fashioned came with smaller ones; that can easily be changed and improved.
- butternut squash dumplingsbutternut squash dumplings, steamed pork buns, and fritter bites, as well as the Rickshaw Rita. Amazing.
- portionsIt's a good place to have a casual meal with a beer around Union Square. The portions were more generous than expected, though the prices were a bit on the higher side.
- FoodFood:5
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the fantastic food and fun cocktails, all at reasonable prices. I highly recommend trying the corn fritters and the braised lamb noodles.
- ribssurprised though, at how big they were considering they are only $3 each
- Asian foodE&O was able to provide us with a private room on extremely short notice, which was a godsend! The food was the best Asian food I’ve had in a long time!
- beerMy experience at this restaurant was positive. It's a nice place to grab a beer and a decent meal in San Francisco's Union Square. The food was good, and the atmosphere was enjoyable, both rated at 4.
Frequently criticized
- corn frittersserved since dried out and reheated lumps of batter and were terrible
- foodE&O’s food as a slight notch above Panda Express — decent, but very mediocre
- Ahi Tartarehonestly I felt like it lacked a lot of flavor
- portion sizesportion sizes could be better
- vegetarian optionsnot many vegetarian options and the few dishes are not tasty
- Brown Butter Coconut “B’ingka”Philippine dessert cake bibingka tasted little dry.
- Famous Fritter BurgerThe Famous Fritter Burger was a letdown due to the fragile corn fritter buns
- Green Curry ChickenGreen Curry Chicken with green beans: thick curry paste and more spicy (even though it has coconut milk). It was more spicy than I would like.
- Jade Buddha drinkdrink Jade Buddha shrunk in size
- Pad ThaiI ordered a Pad Thai and it was not good
If you're looking for a generally solid Asian fusion experience with some standout dishes, the food here is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some items might be inconsistent in flavor or portion size.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
It seems the service here is quite a mixed bag, scoring a 7.1, which is pretty good, though customer satisfaction sits at a more moderate 65.7%. Many of the 90 positive remarks highlight the attentiveness and friendly staff, with excellent service and quick food arrival often praised. Guests frequently mention helpful recommendations and specific servers like Antonio for their outstanding care.
However, not everyone had such a smooth experience, with 39 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some guests reported waiting to be seated or experiencing long waits for service, while others noted a lack of staff attention or even a rude attitude from servers, which can definitely put a damper on a meal.
Service
137
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
39
negative
8
neutral
90
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent, quick service
- Helpful recommendations
What people don't like
- Long waits
- Inattentive staff
- Rude service
Often praised
- serviceThe food was great, and the drinks were a good deal, although they can lean towards the sweet side. I found it to be a vastly underrated dining spot with great service. I highly recommend getting the pork buns!
- staffThe staff is not only efficient but also genuinely caring
- AntonioThe spacious room leads to the kitchen, which is also quite spacious, allowing us to watch the staff work hard to prepare the meals. Our server, Antonio, was quite good, refilling waters and asking the appropriate amount of questions without being pushy. The food is the star of the show.
- ServiceService:5
- bartenderel bartender es mexicano y nos atendio fenomenal
- serverthe server was very attentive
- excellent serviceAntonio provided excellent service
- serversWe received the perfect balance of attentiveness and space to enjoy each other socially. Requests arrived quickly, and at all times, servers were cordial and professionally responsive. We never felt rushed, and the entire staff added positive energy to the pleasing and understated elegance of this place.
- Bartender AdrianBartender Adrian has any drink you would like to order
- EveryoneEveryone was very friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service could have been a little better
- serverThe plant-based protein options were so tasty you wouldn't know otherwise. I gave it 4 stars because they were short-handed on staff, which meant the server wasn't as attentive as they could have been. The atmosphere was rated 5, and the food was rated 5.
- waterIt didn't seem like they were understaffed, but rather unorganized. We experienced a long wait just to be greeted, and after being seated, no one brought water or acknowledged us for well over 10 minutes. An employee eventually stopped by, asked if anyone had checked on us, brought water, and promised to send someone to take our order.
- ServiceService not up to par
- attitude of the serverthe attitude of the server was dismal
- businessObviously they didn't want my business!
- drink and food ordersMissed individuals while bringing drink and food orders
- duplicate itemsduplicate items being brought to the table
- empty glassesleft with empty glasses
- event servicethe event service felt a bit underwhelming
If youre looking for a place with potentially excellent and attentive service, its worth a try, especially given the good score. However, be prepared that there's a chance of encountering slower service or less attentive staff, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a fantastic score of 8.5 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 90.9%. Guests consistently rave about the cool and upbeat vibe, gorgeous aesthetic, and spacious room that creates a warm, comfortable, and inviting atmosphere. Many appreciate the quiet noise level and great bar, making it perfect for a nice time or even a secluded booth experience, based on 70 positive remarks.
While overwhelmingly positive, with only 3 negative comments out of 77 total, a few guests noted minor issues. Some found specific bar seating less ideal, and a large table occasionally made conversation difficult. There was also a mention of feeling rushed near closing time, but these are isolated incidents compared to the overall positive feedback.
Ambience
77
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
3
negative
4
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inviting atmosphere
- Spacious, comfortable setting
- Quiet, low noise
What people don't like
- Awkward large tables
- Rushed at closing
Often praised
- atmosphereI've always enjoyed this place. On a Thursday night, it wasn't too busy, offering a nice atmosphere and good food and drinks. We shared a combination of a few small plates and one large plate, which was plenty for three people.
- ambianceMy recent experience at E&O Trading was a significant departure from the restaurant I've known and loved for the past 20 years. E&O Trading was always a go-to for its great ambiance, service, and great food. We visited for dinner on a Saturday evening around 7 pm.
- placeStill I give full stars for the food and the place
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceThe ambience in this restaurant is quite exciting
- locationWe visited for dinner on a Saturday evening around 7 pm. The location was easy to find and clean. We were seated and had a good server, Arturo, take care of us.
- noise levelnoise level during dinner rush was great also
- restaurantThe restaurant was super clean
- spaceThe space was lively and packed with people
- vibethe vibe was really cool and upbeat
Frequently criticized
- bar seatingMy experience at this restaurant was always great, assuming they can keep the homeless out and not sitting next to me at the bar. The food and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5, and the service was rated a 4.
- closing timestaff began closing down. We felt like we were holding them up
- tablethe table we got was massive and it was really hard for conversation to flow
If youre seeking a restaurant with an inviting atmosphere, spacious setting, and generally pleasant noise level, this place is definitely worth trying. Youll likely enjoy the great vibe and comfortable aesthetic. Just be mindful of potential large tables if you prefer intimate conversations, or if you tend to linger close to closing time.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
Based on 30 customer opinions, with 10 positive remarks, many guests found good aspects of the value here. They often praised the happy hour deals and nicely priced drinks , noting reasonable prices and good value for certain dishes. While the score for value sits at an average 4.9, the customer satisfaction is a rather poor 33.3%.
However, the poor customer satisfaction is largely driven by 16 negative comments. Many felt the prices were too high for the portions, describing it as an expensive place overall. Hidden costs, like a significant charge for water , and strict cancel fees also left a sour taste for some.
Value
30
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
16
negative
4
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Reasonable drink prices
- Good value dishes
What people don't like
- High food prices
- Hidden water charge
- Strict cancellation fee
Often praised
- happy hourfew places that have happy hour on the weekends
- priceIt was ~$65 and the portions were reasonable
- nicely priced drinksnicely priced drinks and small plates
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the fantastic food and fun cocktails, all at reasonable prices. I highly recommend trying the corn fritters and the braised lamb noodles.
- pricingThe pricing and portions were great.
- valueTasty and good value.
Frequently criticized
- pricesWhile there were some options, the food quality and taste were not good. Everything felt below average, and the prices were high. I do not recommend this place, especially for vegetarians, as there are not many vegetarian options and the few dishes available are not tasty.
- pricewasn’t happy with the price of my cocktail as it was filled to the very top of the glass with ice and almost no drink
- Hawaiian volcanic still watera $14 charge for "Hawaiian volcanic still water"
- cancel feeCouldn’t even cancel, they would charge $40 per person as a fee
- charge for waterThe main issue arose when we were offered water upon being seated. We were not informed that it came with a significant charge, which turned out to be a $14 charge for "Hawaiian volcanic still water" that was not disclosed upfront. This lack of transparency regarding pricing was a major drawback.
- expensive placeTerrible, terrible experience for such an expensive place
- food pricePriced a little high for what is served
- still waterStill water he brought us cost seven dollars
- suggested additional tipsuggested additional tip; 2%, 3%, etc up to 7%
- total pricestop reading out the total price at the table
If you're looking for a great happy hour with nicely priced drinks , this spot might be worth a visit. However, be prepared for potentially high prices on other items and watch out for unexpected charges like still water to avoid disappointment.
How are the prices at E&O?
On average, you’ll spend around 50 per person – from 113 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For an Asian Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the spread of prices, we see a good cluster around the 31 – 50 $ mark, indicating a popular mid-range experience. However, there’s also a notable number of diners opting for higher-end meals, showing a nice mix of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 113 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for an Asian Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers options for a solid mid-range meal, with room to splurge if you’re looking for something more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about E&O
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Service Shines, Food Disappoints
I returned solo to E&O after a previous memorable experience with my team, where we sampled several dishes like interesting green beans, specialty naan, perfectly cooked beef ribs, and all the dumplings. Tonight, I ordered a couple of dishes with the intention of taking more home for my family. The service was great, but the food was not so great.
I sent back a plain naan dripping in butter and topped with something green. The mushroom noodle dish had very few mushrooms, tough vegetable parts, and an overwhelming amount of soy sauce, tasting like Chinese food in a can. The mushroom dumplings were undercooked, resulting in a chewy, pasty casing.
My family was interested in the fries, but I learned they are made from frozen potatoes, not fresh. I didn't get a clear answer about the green beans. The best part was the service, delivered with a smile.
However, great service and mediocre food is a losing combination that will cause this family to lose the desire to return.
- service10
- green beans5
- naan1
- mushroom noodle dish2
- soy sauce1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
A Delicious Return to a Favorite
I had the pleasure of dining here back in 2003 and was finally able to enjoy it again. This time, I brought the wife and kids along for the experience. It's amazing how life unfolds!
The restaurant was just as good as I had anticipated. The food was not only delicious but also beautifully presented. We all had a nice time.
- food9
- food presentation9
- nice time8
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Excellent Food, Poor Service Execution
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of excellent food and atmosphere, but the service was not the best. The food and atmosphere were excellent, with no complaints. However, the service was lacking.
Food was brought to the table out of order, with a side dish arriving after we were finished eating, and was consequently sent back. The table next to us experienced the same issue. Even the espresso was served well before the dessert.
Overall, the food and atmosphere were top-notch, but the service execution significantly detracted from the dining experience.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- service2
- food order2
- side dish2
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
3
Disappointing Entrees, Potential Unmet
We tried E&O tonight and ordered 4 dishes. While the starters were strong, the entrees were disappointing. The flavor was extremely one note, and portion sizes could be better.
I can cook better entrees than what this restaurant offers. It’s embarrassing for us to ask for salt and pepper from an Asian fusion restaurant because there’s no flavor in their risotto… The snow peas in my dish weren’t even prepped properly, so I had to peel off the inedible string bits myself. Our server wasn’t the most attentive, so I didn’t even have enough water during my meal to wash down all the oil in my noodle dish.
This place has the potential to be so much more, but unfortunately for us, we won’t be back.
- starters8
- entrees2
- flavor1
- portion sizes3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Excellent Food and Service, Highly Recommended!
I recently had dinner at this restaurant with a few colleagues, and it was a fantastic experience. It had been many years since my last visit, but I remembered the service and food being really good, and they certainly did not disappoint this time around. The service was truly great, and the staff took excellent care of us.
The food was as wonderful as I remembered. We ordered several dishes to share, including the Naan with Minced Lamb, Salt and Pepper Calamari, Minced Chicken with Lettuce cups, Pad Thai (with Shrimp), Roasted Black Cod, and Corn Fritter Bites. Everything was great, but the Roasted Black Cod and the Corn Fritter Bites were the absolute stars of the show.
The atmosphere was also great, and the drinks were very good. I will definitely be returning the next time I'm in SF.
- service10
- food9
- Naan with Minced Lamb8
What E&O offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at E&O Kitchen and Bar?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended for both lunch and dinner at E&O Kitchen and Bar. Planning ahead ensures you secure your preferred seating time for a seamless dining experience.
What kind of dietary options and beverages are available at E&O Kitchen and Bar?
E&O Kitchen and Bar caters to various preferences with healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options. You can also enjoy a wide selection of beverages, including wine, beer, cocktails, hard liquor, and coffee.
How does E&O generally perform?
E&O maintains a good overall score of 7.5, with customer satisfaction at 73.4%. Its ambience (8.5) and food (7.7) are particularly well-regarded, while service (7.1) is good but value (4.9) is more mixed.
What do customers appreciate most about E&O?
Diners frequently praise the restaurant’s lively atmosphere and the attentive, caring nature of its staff. The food is often highlighted as tasty and satisfying, with specific mentions of dishes like pork buns and corn fritters.
Are there any common concerns at E&O?
Some customers have noted inconsistencies in service, occasionally experiencing delays or inattentiveness. There have also been concerns regarding transparency around water charges and some dishes being perceived as lacking flavor or having high prices.