Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Golden China – San Francisco
Golden China - San Francisco
Photo from Golden China
Golden China at a glance
San Francisco Westwood Park
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 8 of the guests
#412 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#12 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
127
Reviews
87.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality food
- Generous portions
- Affordable pricing
Frequently criticized
- Inattentive service
- Long waits
- Cleanliness issues
The restaurant Golden China is a beloved Chinese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s charming Westwood Park neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual spot perfect for a relaxed meal, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner.
They offer a delightful selection of small plates and thoughtful vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for everyone. It’s a great choice for a comfortable dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Golden China
Golden China offers a culinary experience where the food often takes center stage, with many appreciating the generous portions and fresh ingredients. Diners frequently praise the authentic flavors, making it a reliable choice for those seeking well-prepared Chinese dishes.
The establishment has built a reputation for its consistent offerings over the years. While the cuisine generally receives high marks, some experiences with service have been less consistent, occasionally leading to longer waits or a feeling of being overlooked.
The atmosphere, described by some as a “hole in the wall” with a “homey feel”, suggests a focus on the meal itself rather than elaborate surroundings.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
127
Reviews
87.4%
Satisfaction
12
negative
4
neutral
111
positive
Golden China generally performs well, earning a solid 8.3 overall score and a strong 87.4% customer satisfaction rate. This indicates a largely positive dining experience for most patrons.
The Food (8.8) stands out as a particular strength, frequently praised for its quality and flavor, which is reflected in the high number of positive comments. While Food excels, Service (7.8) also contributes positively, though with some room for improvement.
The Ambience (7.0) is considered good, offering a comfortable if not luxurious setting, and the Value (7.6) is seen as fair. These insights are drawn from 127 customer observations, with 111 positive remarks outweighing the 12 negative ones, providing a clear picture of the restaurant’s standing.
What people like
- Quality Chinese food
- Generous portions
- Affordable pricing
What people don't like
- Inattentive service
- Occasional long waits
- Cleanliness concerns
With a strong 8.6 recommendation score, Golden China is a solid choice if you prioritize flavorful, well-portioned Chinese cuisine at a reasonable cost. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate a straightforward dining experience where the food is the main attraction.
While service can occasionally be a point of contention, the overall positive feedback suggests that for many, the culinary rewards outweigh minor inconsistencies. If you’re seeking a reliable spot for satisfying Chinese fare, it’s certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Golden China
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.8 and a fantastic 94.7% customer satisfaction, its clear the food is a major hit. Out of 75 opinions, a whopping 71 rave about the amazing food, often highlighting it as fresh made, served in large portions, and boasting authentic flavors.
However, not every bite was perfect, with 3 opinions noting some dishes wasnt that great or even very bad for a specific item. While these are few, it's worth noting that even in a sea of praise, a rare misstep can occur.
Food
75
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing food
- Large portions
- Freshly made
- Authentic flavors
What people don't like
- Some dishes disappoint
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I was incredibly impressed with the AMAZING FOOD, especially the BIG PLATES. I loved their food and the customer service.
- Chinese foodWhile not my main go-to for Chinese food (my main is closed on Sundays), Golden China is a very good personal alternative. Not as fast as others but just as delicious.
- fried riceMy experience at this restaurant was very good. I enjoyed the vegetable egg Foo young, fried rice, and saute spinach and garlic. The dishes were made with fresh veggies.
- good foodMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently positive over the years. It's one of the better cheap greasy spoon places I've found, offering good food at reasonable to inexpensive prices. The service is quick, which is always a plus.
- Cantonese foodcrave authentic, southeastern style Cantonese food
- Chinese food restaurantbest Chinese food restaurant I've ever been to
- Chinese restaurantit's one of my favorite Chinese restaurant
- General chickenmy son had General chicken
- General's chickenI also tried the Mongolian lamb, Sichuan eggplant, garlic spinach, and general's chicken, all were fresh and delicious
- Honey Walnut prawnsMy favorite is the Honey Walnut prawns
Frequently criticized
- foodTo be honest, the food here wasn’t that great. After we ate, we waited 20 minutes until they asked us if we wanted a box for our food.
- Prawn, Scallops, squid and Bok Choy over ricePrawn, Scallops, squid and Bok Choy over rice. Oh, no. it was very bad.
If youre looking for delicious, authentic Chinese food with generous portions, this spot is definitely worth a try. The overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely leave satisfied, though a rare dish might miss the mark. It's a solid choice for a flavorful meal.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a score of 7.8 and a customer satisfaction of 75.9%, which is quite good! Many guests (22 remarks) frequently praise the friendly owner and attentive staff for their extra care and time, often highlighting quick service and a warm, family business vibe. However, not every experience is perfect, with 5 remarks pointing to some hiccups.
A few diners noted frustrating waiting time for basic requests and a perceived lack of attention from servers or a specific waitress, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in service speed and attentiveness.
Service
29
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly owner
- Attentive staff
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Lack of attention
- Server issues
Often praised
- serviceI particularly enjoy their vegetable fried rice because they chop up chunks of vegetables instead of the tiny diced pieces other places use. The quality is real, the service is fast, and the prices are fair. I've found the best cook here.
- customer serviceI was incredibly impressed with the AMAZING FOOD, especially the BIG PLATES. I loved their food and the customer service. I wish I had more space in my stomach to try more!
- peoplevery nice people enjoying a great meal
- JuanJuan remembers the orders
- SafetyI decided to get some food and do my part. Safety was first, and we even maintained a 6-foot distance while talking and reminiscing about family. My prayers are with everyone during this time.
- ServiceService:5
- attentive staffWe enjoyed multiple courses. The staff was very attentive and always kept an eye on us.
- extra care and timeappreciate the extra care and time taken!
- family businesssupport family business. Feeling like eating at home.
- friendly ownerMy son and I decided to give it a try. Upon entering, we were warmly greeted by the friendly owner. When I mentioned the referral, she shared that they've been in the same location for over 30 years.
Frequently criticized
- attentionAnd there was only one other couple next to us. No one checked up on us at all. So in short, I didn’t think they deserved a tip (we even had 3 different servers wait on us), and I left no tip as we weren’t well attended and waited 20 minutes to get a box of food.
- checkSo in short, I didn’t think they deserved a tip (we even had 3 different servers wait on us), and I left no tip as we weren’t well attended and waited 20 minutes to get a box of food. Another 10 to get our check and pay. After we left, our “waitress” had the nerve to chase us down on the street and say “you forgot MY tip” she didn’t take our order, give us the tea, take our check, or give us boxes.
- serversNo one checked up on us at all. So in short, I didn’t think they deserved a tip (we even had 3 different servers wait on us), and I left no tip as we weren’t well attended and waited 20 minutes to get a box of food. Another 10 to get our check and pay.
- waiting timeTo be honest, the food here wasn’t that great. After we ate, we waited 20 minutes until they asked us if we wanted a box for our food. And there was only one other couple next to us.
- waitressAnother 10 to get our check and pay. After we left, our “waitress” had the nerve to chase us down on the street and say “you forgot MY tip” she didn’t take our order, give us the tea, take our check, or give us boxes. The only thing she did was she bring our food.
Overall, youre likely to find genuinely warm and efficient service here, often from the dedicated owners. While there are occasional reports of slow attention, the positive experiences strongly suggest a pleasant visit. Its worth trying if you appreciate a personal touch and generally quick service.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot scores a solid 7, indicating a generally good vibe, and customer satisfaction is also quite good at 73.3%. Many folks, 11 out of 15 total mentions, really appreciate the cozy atmosphere and homey feel. Its often described as a charming hole in the wall or a mom and pop establishment thats clean, quiet, and a true neighborhood favorite.
However, not everyone is completely won over, with 3 negative mentions pointing out some concerns. A few guests felt the cleanliness could be better, noting its not the cleanest place. Theres also a sentiment that for some, the overall ambiance simply isn't the main draw here.
Ambience
15
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, homey feel
- Clean dining area
- Quiet atmosphere
What people don't like
- Cleanliness concerns
- Ambiance not priority
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- hole in the wallMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's a re-upholstered hole in the wall that truly hits the spot when you crave authentic, southeastern style Cantonese food. The food is simply and straightforwardly good, a testament to a restaurant that has been around for over 30 years.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- cleanITS CLEAN
- family ownedFamily owned
- homey feelMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. It's a mom and pop establishment with a touch of home, and the food was most definitely the highlight.
- neighborhood favoritealways been a neighborhood favorite
- small placeDespite being a small place, everything about it was awesome
Frequently criticized
- ambianceIt's not about the ambiance
- cleanlinessnot the cleanest place to eat at
- staff living conditionsthey live in the back of the restaurant
If youre looking for a fancy, pristine dining room, this might not be your spot. But if a cozy, authentic, and clean hole in the wall with a homey feel sounds good, you should definitely give it a try. Its a place where the vibe is more about comfort than flash.
Value (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a great 87.5%, its clear guests are happy with what they pay. Many folks, across 7 positive remarks out of 8 total, rave about the "reasonable price, " "affordable prices, " and that its definitely not pricey, often calling it amazing food & prices.
Youre getting a lot for your money here! On the flip side, one comment, highlighted by the term "tip, " suggests a potential hiccup in the overall value proposition. A guest felt the service received didnt warrant a tip, indicating that while prices are generally praised, the perceived value of the service might occasionally fall short, leading to dissatisfaction.
Value
8
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Generous portions
- Excellent food value
What people don't like
- Tip value questioned
Often praised
- pricesI particularly enjoy their vegetable fried rice because they chop up chunks of vegetables instead of the tiny diced pieces other places use. The quality is real, the service is fast, and the prices are fair. I've found the best cook here.
- affordable pricesMy experience at this restaurant was consistently positive. They serve delicious Chinese food at extremely affordable prices. A significant highlight is the mountain of food they provide, whether you dine-in or order takeout.
- cheap greasy spoon placesone of the better cheap greasy spoon places
- not priceyI wish I had more space in my stomach to try more! The restaurant was CLEAN and NOT PRICEY, and everything tasted FRESH MADE.
- pricereasonable price
- reasonable to inexpensive pricereasonable to inexpensive price wise
Frequently criticized
- tipNo one checked up on us at all. So in short, I didn’t think they deserved a tip (we even had 3 different servers wait on us), and I left no tip as we weren’t well attended and waited 20 minutes to get a box of food. Another 10 to get our check and pay.
If youre looking for a place where your money goes far, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out for its great prices and generous portions. Just be aware that while the foods value is high, there might be an occasional dip in service quality that could impact your overall experience.
How are the prices at Golden China?
You’re looking at roughly 26 per person – reported by 8 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 26, the actual prices paid by guests are quite spread out, showing a mix of both more budget-friendly and premium choices. With only 8 reviews, this data is limited but gives us a good indication.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 8 most recent reviews. With limited data, it still gives a good indication of the spending patterns.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, especially given the flexibility in spending. It seems you can tailor your meal to your budget, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Golden China
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
1
Terrible Lunch Special
I ordered the lunch special, which included Prawn, Scallops, Squid, and Bok Choy over rice. Unfortunately, my experience was very bad. The food was extremely disappointing.
- food1
- Prawn, Scallops, squid and Bok Choy over rice1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Best Food, Great People, Casual Vibe
While not a place for glamor dining, my experience was fantastic! The food was the absolute best, and the people were very nice, enjoying a great meal. I was served massive plates with excellent taste.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a 5. It was quiet and easy to talk, making for a pleasant dining experience.
- food10
- people9
- massive plates9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Owner, Incredible Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, largely due to the owner/main cook. I've known her for over 15 years, and she is truly amazing at what she does. She's also an incredibly sweet woman.
The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect 5/5 rating, reflecting an overall exceptional visit.
- owner10
- food10
- service10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Like Eating at Home
We come here every week to support this family business. It truly feels like eating at home. The food is good and the price is reasonable.
- family business9
- food8
- price8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Neighborhood Favorite with Delicious Choices
This place has always been a neighborhood favorite. The service was great, and there were many delicious choices to choose from. We will definitely be back!
- neighborhood favorite9
- service9
- delicious choices9
What Golden China offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Golden China Restaurant accessible for all guests?
Yes, Golden China Restaurant ensures a welcoming experience for everyone. You’ll find both a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating available for your comfort.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Golden China Restaurant?
At Golden China Restaurant, you can look forward to a casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner. They offer convenient dine-in and takeout service, along with a selection of small plates and vegetarian options.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Golden China?
Golden China holds a strong overall score of 8.3 and a customer satisfaction of 87.4%. Its Food (8.8) is highly rated, followed by Service (7.8), Value (7.6), and Ambience (7.0).
What are the highlights of the food at Golden China?
Customers frequently praise the quality of the Chinese food, noting generous portions and fresh ingredients, particularly dishes like fried rice, General’s chicken, and Honey Walnut prawns.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Golden China?
While generally positive, some customers have noted occasional inattentive service, leading to longer waits. There have also been minor mentions regarding cleanliness.