Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Fang – San Francisco
Fang - San Francisco
Photo from Fang
Fang at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 132 of the guests
#2008 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#216 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
906
Reviews
58.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Owner interaction
- Unique ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Hidden costs
- Service inconsistency
The restaurant Fang is a Chinese Restaurant located in the vibrant Transbay neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a culinary journey here, highlighted by its great tea selection.
This casual yet trendy spot offers a delightful dining experience, whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner, with a full bar onsite.
Overview: Introducting Fang
Fang offers a culinary journey that many find truly memorable, with dishes often described as having incredible depths of flavor. Guests frequently praise the overall dining experience, noting a classy Chinese heritage vibe that adds to the appeal.
However, some visits have been marred by concerns over how costs are presented, with reports of deceptive billing practices. While the food often shines, the overall experience can be a mixed bag, particularly regarding how guests are looked after.
Good
6.4
out of 10
906
Reviews
58.1%
Satisfaction
323
negative
57
neutral
526
positive
Fang holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.4, placing it in the average category, suggesting a generally acceptable but not outstanding experience. Customer Satisfaction sits at 58.1%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This balance reflects a place with clear strengths but also areas needing attention, based on 906 customer opinions. Delving deeper, the Food (7.1) stands out as a strong point, frequently earning praise for its quality and flavor.
However, Value (3.5) is a notable concern, often cited for unexpected costs. Ambience (6.1) generally meets expectations, while Service (5.4) appears to be quite inconsistent, with some guests receiving attentive care and others feeling overlooked.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Engaging owner presence
- Distinctive ambiance
What people don't like
- Unclear pricing
- Inconsistent service
Fang presents a compelling case for its culinary offerings, especially if you appreciate bold flavors and a unique atmosphere. The food often receives high marks, making it a worthwhile visit for those prioritizing taste and a distinctive dining setting.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and a close eye on the bill, as some guests have reported unexpected charges. With a Recommendation Score of 6.6, it’s a place that could delight, but it’s wise to manage expectations regarding overall value and service consistency.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Fang
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners often rave about the restaurants ability to deliver a truly unique experience. With 354 positive remarks out of 521 total opinions, many appreciate the unique twists on traditional dishes and the incredible flavor found in items like delicious Chinese dishes and the chefs selection menu. The overall score for food is a solid 7.1, indicating a generally good culinary offering.
However, the customer satisfaction for food sits at a mixed 67.9%, suggesting some room for improvement. Among the 134 negative comments, common concerns include dishes being over-sauced, salty, or greasy, with some even finding certain items tasteless. This indicates a bit of inconsistency in execution.
Food
521
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
134
negative
33
neutral
354
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique flavor twists
- Incredible dish variety
- Chef's selection praised
What people don't like
- Over-sauced dishes
- Inconsistent seasoning
- Greasy food
Often praised
- foodWe answered that we would try anything, and he had free rein to bring us whatever he wanted. My only mistake was being so excited about the food that I did not get pictures of each course. We had beef pot stickers, pork steamed buns, a mushroom & spring pea dish, and this shrimp & apple dish.
- Foodalways been wowed by how amazing it is
- dishesThe apple shrimp situation was phenomenal. All the dishes had sauces with incredible depths of flavor. I recommend coming with as many people as possible, as eating family style with as many different options to share is your best bet.
- food qualityWe absolutely love the bao and Mongolian beef. We have tried many different dishes, and each time we are wowed by how amazing it is. The food quality is outstanding, and the overall experience keeps us coming back.
- fried riceThe best showy entrée was the fried rice that is cooked at your table
- Chinese foodBest Chinese food and dinner experience I've ever had
- appetizersWe asked about their specialty, and the chef came out to ask us about our dietary preferences. They then sent out the most delicious appetizers and a three-course dinner I’ve had in a while. It’s a shame I live so far, but I will definitely come back if I’m in the area.
- broccoliChinese cuisine with an authentic menu and incredible flavor. I highly recommend the Bao Buns and Crispy Sichuan Garlic Chicken (the broccoli is incredible). The service lacks a little; they never brought us water cups even after requesting them two different times.
- sesame chickensesame chicken was on the spicy side but it was well cooked
- vegetarian optionsGreat vegetarian options as well
Frequently criticized
- foodAdditionally, the bag was missing essential items like cutlery, chopsticks, and napkins. The food itself was not very good, leading me to not recommend this restaurant.
- fried riceA word of caution: the restaurant was quite smoky on a Saturday night, so a weeknight visit might be preferable. Additionally, if they prepare fried rice at your table at the end of the meal, be sure to step away to avoid being splattered with hot oil.
- Chinese foodThis was Chinese food conceptualized by someone with a 1950s/1960s food mindset and prepared by someone who didn’t care. It was the worst Chinese food I have had anywhere in SF. Our waitress recommended every dish we ordered, so I have to assume we received the best they had to offer.
- broccoliHe ordered special ribs not on the menu, which cost $56 for our group of 7 (4 adults, 3 kids), listed as $8 per person for 7 people. The broccoli was very sweet, the short ribs were just alright, and the sesame chicken was okay. All the sauces were on the sweet side.
- dishesWe would not have opted for this if we had known it was a tasting menu. It was off-putting, and we received several dishes we would have never ordered. The people were nice, but the overall experience was off-putting.
- saucesthe sauces lack the nuanced flavors one would expect
- sesame chickenThe only positive aspect of the meal was the two appetizers we ordered. Unfortunately, all the other food was way too salty, and the sesame chicken was so over fried it was hard to eat. The fried rice was also unremarkable.
- FoodFood:1
- cocktailThe flavors were very unbalanced based on the description of the drink.
- food qualitylost its way in terms of both service and food quality
If you're seeking adventurous Chinese cuisine with unique flavors, this spot could be a great find. Just be aware that while many dishes shine, some diners have experienced inconsistencies with seasoning and sauce, so it might be a bit of a gamble.
Service (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.4 and customer satisfaction at 46%. Many guests rave about the personal touch, often highlighting how they were seated promptly and the owner or Chef Peter Fang provided hospitality and quick service. With 103 positive remarks out of 224 total, theres a clear appreciation for attentive and personalized experiences.
However, the 111 negative remarks point to some significant inconsistencies. Some diners encountered rude waitress behavior, felt rushed to order, or dealt with incompetent staff and long wait' times. It seems that while some receive exceptional care, others face a less welcoming and efficient experience, suggesting service can be quite unpredictable.
Service
224
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
111
negative
10
neutral
103
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Owner's personal touch
- Quick food delivery
- Accommodating staff
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Feeling rushed
- Inattentive service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic, both in the quality of the food and the service, as well as the atmosphere. It was our first time visiting, and if you mention it to the owner, he will offer to take care of you and bring the best selections of courses, which turned out to be phenomenal.
- ownerWhat a delightful dining experience! Upon sitting and ordering our drinks, the owner, Peter, came up and asked our party if we’d been in before. We said we hadn’t.
- ServiceService was immaculate.
- chefchef came to ask us out dietary preferences
- Chef FangChef Fang asked us if we wanted to go on a journey tonight
- Peter FangPeter Fang works the floor and accommodates photo-ops
- seated promptlyWe arrived, we were seated promptly
- serverMy experience at the restaurant was exceptional. We asked the server to choose the entrees for our entire table, and everything was exceptional.
- staffhis staff is well trained and attentive
- Chef Peter FangMet Chef Peter Fang & he ask that I trust him
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was not worth it at all. The dishes were dirty, the food was bad, and the service was bad as well.
- staffWe enjoyed the crispy sesame chicken, veggie chow mein, and pork belly buns and duck buns. However, the staff was very loud, speaking in raised voices as if the restaurant wasn’t open during prep work. The individual who served our table seemed totally disinterested and put out by basic service, which was a little sad.
- waitressThe waitress didn’t say a word to me, she just ripped the receipt and threw it on the table!!
- ownerEach dish came with an unannounced $20 surcharge, effectively doubling the price of our meal. The owner personally took our order but aggressively steered us away from our selections. When I ordered a simple cabbage and tofu dish, he questioned why I was choosing "so many vegetables" if I wasn't vegetarian.
- serversWe came in as a party of 2 and were seated in the back right of the restaurant where one person has to face a wall. Tucked away, I felt a little forgotten by the servers throughout the meal. No one came over to check on us, and we had to call out 'excuse me' to get someone to come over for drink refills or boxes.
- billWe had water to drink because no one took our drink order, and she never came to refill it after our initial order. We never saw her again until she brought us our bill. We were disappointed with the service but loved the food.
- chefchef waved the menus in our faces
- customer serviceHorrible customer service! The servers had no manners
- recommendationsHe wanted to recommend all these dishes but from what I read online… there were instances of costly bill after the recommendation of dishes.
- takeouthow little fish they would serve when I order a takeout
If youre looking for a personalized experience and are willing to trust the owners recommendations, you might have a fantastic time. However, be prepared for the possibility of inconsistent service, as some guests have reported less-than-stellar interactions and feeling rushed.
Ambience (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
Many diners find the restaurants atmosphere quite appealing, often highlighting its cleanliness and unique experience. Guests frequently mention the classy Chinese heritage vibe and appreciate it as a great spot for family dinners. With 62 positive sentiments out of 110 total, theres a definite charm that resonates with many.
Despite the positives, the ambience receives a score of 6.1 and a customer satisfaction of 56.4%, indicating a mixed bag. Some 39 opinions point to issues like cramped seating, occasional dirty/messy conditions, and even a bad smell or poor lighting in certain areas, suggesting room for improvement.
Ambience
110
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
39
negative
9
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique dining experience
- Clean, pleasant atmosphere
- Classy heritage vibe
What people don't like
- Cramped, dirty spaces
- Unpleasant smells
- Poor lighting
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic, both in the quality of the food and the service, as well as the atmosphere. It was our first time visiting, and if you mention it to the owner, he will offer to take care of you and bring the best selections of courses, which turned out to be phenomenal.
- AtmosphereIncredible Atmosphere
- cleanlinessRegarding service, I experienced an over-pressed level in the small restaurant and had to make myself known to be recognized, which I acknowledge can be a cultural aspect, similar to visiting China. The establishment seemed pretty clean and the food came out pretty fast. The owner was present during pickup and made recommendations, though the "do you trust me" approach could have been enhanced with small "amuse bouche" type samples to showcase quality and potentially drive more sales.
- ambianceThe ambiance is fantastic especially upstairs and downstairs.
- ambienceAmbience food and service were nice!
- experienceA truly incredible experience we will never forget.
- locationThe location is pretty good
- accessibilitymakes this fancy place accessible
- charmit's all part of the charm
- classy Chinese heritage vibeFang had a no pretentious, classy Chinese heritage vibe.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe food was not memorable, and the service felt robotic, even when the place was only 80% empty. I rated the food a 3, service a 2, and atmosphere a 2.
- dustinsane amount of dust covered the walls
- seatingI had to ask to be re-seated as I was initially placed near the bathroom
- tableseated near the kitchen away from the other diners
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- Fangfound it was boarded up!
- Parking optionsParking options:Paid street parking
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- ambienceAmbience was off
- basement smellhad a gross basement smell when you first walk in.
If youre looking for a place with a distinct, often charming atmosphere and dont mind potential quirks like close seating or occasional cleanliness issues, this spot could be worth a try. However, if a pristine, spacious, and consistently perfect environment is your top priority, you might find it a bit disappointing.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
While the overall sentiment around value isn't great, a few diners did find some silver linings. Some appreciated that certain items were well-priced, inexpensive, and even affordable, feeling they got good value for their bill. These positive remarks, though few among 51 total comments, highlight that some experiences were indeed positive.
However, the general consensus paints a different picture, with a poor score of 3.5 and customer satisfaction at a very low 13.7%. Many of the 39 negative comments expressed frustration over pricey and expensive dishes, often citing unexpected charges, hidden fees, or feeling like the experience was a scam. The overall value proposition seems to be a significant concern for most.
Value
51
Reviews
13%
Satisfaction
39
negative
5
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable options
- Well-priced items
What people don't like
- Unexpected high costs
- Deceptive billing practices
- Poor value proposition
Often praised
- pricesthe prices were great
- affordableAll of it was affordable, and amazing!
- billthe owner removed it from our bill.
- inexpensiveand inexpensive when compared to some of the other options
- pricewell worth it.
- well-pricedThe other owner, Kathy, checked on us to ensure everything was as we wanted. What we received was so good and well-priced. Always trust the owner to bring you the best the restaurant offers!
Frequently criticized
- pricepaid $65 dollars for that without any prior notice regarding the price
- billour bill was $415. We were in shock.
- expensivemost expensive 3 huge portioned plates
- pricesthe prices are surprisingly high
- businessThis is just not the right way to do business
- cancellation and refundconfirm the cancellation and refund of the duplicate charge
- charged twiceI was charged twice for the amount of $31.17
- costly billthere were instances of costly bill after the recommendation of dishes.
- deceptive billing practicesthe restaurant engaged in deceptive billing practices
- dishesMy experience at the restaurant was that if you ask the chef to get the food for you, every dish will be pricy. The reviewer's experience with the food was rated 3 out of 5, service was rated 3 out of 5, and atmosphere was rated 1 out of 5.
If you're considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially high bill and scrutinize the menu carefully. The overwhelming feedback suggests many felt the experience was overpriced and not worth the money, so approach with caution if value is a top priority for you.
How are the prices at Fang?
You’re looking at roughly 54 per person – reported by 132 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, prices arent all clustered around that average; we see a good mix of diners spending less, especially in the $21–$30 and $31–$40 ranges, but also a fair number opting for more premium experiences above 80 $. So, theres a bit of everything!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 132 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in San Francisco?
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese restaurant in this category, especially given the variety of spending options available to guests. It seems to cater to different budgets while maintaining a mid-range average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Fang
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Excellent Chef's Selection for Groups
My experience with a larger group was fantastic, and the chef's selection menu was precisely the right choice. We started with a variety of appetizers, including dumplings, wontons, and pork buns. The main courses were a constant stream of delicious shareable entrees, such as Sichuan chicken and fish and broccoli.
The food was exceptional, and the variety ensured everyone found something they loved.
- chef's selection menu10
- dumplings9
- wontons9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Experience with Delicious Food
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. The environment was lovely, and the attention from the owner was outstanding. The food was delicious and carefully selected for us.
I highly recommend this place.
- environment10
- attention from owner10
- food10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Business Meeting
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Food and Service at Fang
I had the pleasure of dining at Fang during a business trip to San Francisco with a group of 20. Knowing the owners, Peter and Kathy Fang, and that her father also owns House of Nanking, I was very excited to experience the restaurant. We were seated at a large table in the lower level, across from the wine wall.
The food was absolutely amazing and it was served continuously. Pete Fang himself was present and even assisted in serving our group. While I lost track of everything I ate, I started with a Lychee It Up. The Pork Belly Steamed Buns were particularly awesome.
- food10
- Pork Belly Steamed Buns10
- service9
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing! The food was delicious and it arrived super quick. The service was very good, contributing to an overall amazing experience.
- food10
- service9
- wait time10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Experience with Mr. Fang!
My experience at the restaurant on 10/1 with four colleagues was truly outstanding. We entrusted Mr. Fang with our dining decisions, and we were so happy we did. He thoughtfully inquired about any allergies or religious restrictions.
Everything served was great, and I particularly loved the fried rice made at the table. Although one colleague requested broccoli, which initially seemed a bit odd, it turned out to be the best broccoli I've ever eaten. The service was super attentive, and the pacing of food and drinks was perfect.
I will absolutely go again!
- fried rice10
- broccoli10
- service10
What Fang 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
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Fang?
Yes, reservations are recommended for both lunch and dinner at Fang. You can easily secure your table to ensure a smooth dining experience, especially during peak hours.
Is Fang accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Absolutely! Fang offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests. You’ll find it easy to navigate the space.
What is the overall dining experience like at Fang?
Fang offers an average dining experience with a Restaurant Score of **6.4** and mixed Customer Satisfaction at **58.1%**. While the **Food** (7.1) is generally well-regarded, **Service** (5.4) and **Ambience** (6.1) are average, and **Value** (3.5) is a significant concern for many.
Are there any common issues guests experience at Fang?
Guests frequently report issues with unclear pricing and unexpected charges, sometimes leading to costly bills. Service can also be inconsistent, with some diners feeling overlooked or experiencing less attentive staff.
What aspects do customers praise most about Fang?
Many customers highly praise the food quality, often describing dishes with incredible depths of flavor and outstanding quality. The engaging presence of the owner and the restaurant’s distinctive, classy Chinese heritage ambiance are also frequently highlighted.