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oChef » Golden Flower – San Francisco
Golden Flower - San Francisco
Photo from Golden Flower
Golden Flower at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 101 of the guests
#1796 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#57 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
498
Reviews
64.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The Vietnamese restaurant Golden Flower in San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown neighborhood offers a casual dining experience perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy a quick bite or a leisurely meal, with healthy options available for lunch or dinner.
This spot is also good for kids, making it a convenient choice for families exploring the area.
Overview: Introducting Golden Flower
Good
6.8
out of 10
498
Reviews
64.3%
Satisfaction
122
negative
56
neutral
320
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on Golden Flower
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a score of 7.3 indicating a good culinary experience. Many diners rave about the pho, spring rolls, and broth, often highlighting fresh ingredients and large portions. With 195 positive remarks out of 277 total comments, it's clear that many find the dishes delicious and authentic.
However, not all experiences are perfect. About 50 comments point to areas for improvement, with some mentioning issues like noodles being cold or scant, meat portions being too small, or the broth lacking depth. A few also felt portions could be inconsistent, suggesting a mixed bag for some items.
Overall, customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 70.4%.
Food
277
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
50
negative
32
neutral
195
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, delicious pho
- Generous portion sizes
- Fresh, flavorful ingredients
What people don't like
- Inconsistent noodle quality
- Small meat portions
- Broth lacks depth
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was largely positive. The milk tea was very delicious, and our food was also excellent. The pho was tasty and served in a big portion.
- phoMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's arguably a top #3 pho spot in the city, and they also have great other food. What truly makes this place shine, however, are the staff & owners.
- PhoI had a great experience at this restaurant. The Pho was delicious, and the fresh rolls were very fresh, complemented by a good peanut sauce. The fried rice was also very delicious.
- brothThe broth was very hot, but rich and balanced.
- portionslarge portions of tasty food
- noodlesMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The Special Combo Noodle Pho was packed with nutrients, featuring thin-cut pieces of meat, noodles, and vegetables. The staff did a great job and provided generous servings.
- soups! The soups are very good, but frankly, a little more vegetables wouldn't hurt. The BBQ pork is to die for!
- FoodFood:5
- authentic phoserve up authentic pho
- beefBeef was tender and generous.
Frequently criticized
- foodI was in disbelief and in shock that they would treat a customer that way. At the end I never got my food. It felt awful to be treated that way.
- meatmeat are supper cheap in China Town
- noodlesThe second time, I noticed a change in the cashier's attitude; she was nowhere near as welcoming as the first time, but I didn't pay it much mind. When I got home, I checked my order and it was the worst noodles I’ve EVER HAD. My guess is, like most restaurants in Chinatown, you have to be Asian to expect an acceptable level of service.
- rice dishespaying $18 (after tax) for very little meat and lots of rice
- Chickenthe Chicken was quite bland and uninspired
- Kung Pao ChickenKung Pao Chicken (absolutely no Sichuan chilli)
- MSG tastea few had MSG taste
- Pho brothPho broth is weird sweet taste
- PortionsPortions smaller
- Vegetarian Delightwas not blown away. very simple dry noodles with tofu and brocolli
If youre looking for generally good Vietnamese food with generous servings, this place is often a hit, especially for its pho and fresh ingredients. While some minor inconsistencies in noodle or meat portions might occur, the overall positive feedback and solid customer satisfaction suggest its definitely worth a try.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot lands squarely in the middle with an average score of 6.1, and customer satisfaction is a bit of a mixed bag at 55%. Based on 131 customer remarks, many appreciated the friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere, and speedy service, often highlighting the owner for their kindness. It seems many felt truly special and well-cared for.
However, not everyone had such a smooth experience. There were 49 negative observations, with common complaints revolving around waiting time, feeling ignored, and some instances of rude or slow service. A few customers also mentioned issues with staff understanding or a less-than-warm welcome, suggesting some inconsistencies in the overall experience.
Service
131
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
49
negative
10
neutral
72
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Speedy service
- Kind owner
What people don't like
- Long waiting time
- Ignored customers
- Inconsistent service
Often praised
- serviceThank you for welcoming us on September 20, 2024, in the middle of the afternoon. It was a quiet time for the restaurateurs, so not an ideal moment for them, but despite this, we were well received. We were looking for more vegetarian food and had a hard time deciding.
- staffThe staff here are all so nice and welcoming
- ownerMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The owner was incredibly nice and accommodating, even offering to substitute an imperial roll for a veggie roll. Everything I tasted was great, the prices were good, and the portions were very large.
- ServiceService:4
- customer servicealso good customer service
- wait timeWait time:No wait
- waiterwaiter was quick
- Friendly staffFriendly staff
- come here againwe will absolutely come here again
- extra herbs, vegAsked for extra herbs, veg and server kindly obliged.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food wasn’t good, I didn’t enjoy it! And I would only recommend this place to Asian patrons! I would advise others to be mindful when dining at these places.
- stafftook a couple of minutes before even a staff showed
- customer service" She even repeated this in Vietnamese, knowing my family could understand, despite us only switching to English after being blatantly ignored. Consequently, we returned the menu without ordering anything due to the horrible customer service. I would not recommend giving them business when they treat their customers like this.
- waiting timeUpon my arrival at the estimated time of pick up, the lady said that they were too busy and orders were at least 30 minutes. I said no problem and waited about 20 more minutes. By that time it had been about 40 minutes since placing my order.
- orderThey accepted my order but then did nothing.
- serverserver is very rude
- DoorDash serviceDoorDash service is very bad
- Vietnamese community reputationoutrageously disappointed it of the Vietnamese community reputation
- attendedI walked in and towards the register and was ignored. Another person came next to me after me and was attended. I still waited patiently for about 5-10 more minutes.
- delivery serviceMy experience with this restaurant's delivery service was extremely poor. They accepted my order but then did nothing.
If you're looking for a place with potentially warm, friendly staff and quick service, it might be worth a try. Just be prepared that service can be a bit inconsistent, so you might encounter longer waits or less attentive moments.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many guests found the restaurant's atmosphere quite charming. There are 32 positive remarks out of 59 total, highlighting a cozy interior with cute plants and decor, often described as having authentic Vietnamese vibes. People loved the festive Lunar New Year decor and appreciated the peaceful noise level, making it feel like a comfortable, family restaurant.
Overall, customer satisfaction sits at a 54.2%, indicating a mixed but leaning positive experience. However, not everyone had a glowing review, with 18 negative comments pointing out some significant issues. Some found the tables cramped and the overall cleanliness lacking, even mentioning multiple big cockroaches roaming the floor.
Other concerns included a poor atmosphere, a desire for background music, and an unclean or hard-to-access bathroom. The ambience score is an 6, placing it squarely in the average category.
Ambience
59
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
18
negative
9
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, authentic atmosphere
- Festive, beautiful decor
- Quiet, peaceful dining
What people don't like
- Cockroaches seen roaming
- Cramped, dirty tables
- Unclean, inaccessible bathroom
Often praised
- atmosphereThank you for welcoming us on September 20, 2024, in the middle of the afternoon. It was a quiet time for the restaurateurs, so not an ideal moment for them, but despite this, we were well received. We were looking for more vegetarian food and had a hard time deciding.
- interiorinterior itself is cool, clean and nice
- placeplace is rlly home
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Chinese decorVery cute Chinese decor.
- ambianceambiance very nice
- ambienceThe ambience is nice, given the bustle of Chinatown.
- authentically Vietnamesefelt probably authentically Vietnamese
- comfortablefelt comfortable being here!
- dining roomvery nice, humble little dining room with cute plants and decor
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThey all side eyed us as we sat down.👀Kept staring at us whilst we are
- bathroomThe bathroom is downstairs and may be hard for some to access.
- background musicI would have liked some background music.
- being watcheddislike being watched while you eat
- cell phonesTheir cell phones rang and had alarms go off
- cleanlinessThe place was a little dirty
- cockroachesmultiple big cockroaches roaming across the restaurant floor
- kitchentheir bathroom and kitchen will make you regret everything
- pathThe path doesn't look clean
- restaurantin the resto, we were freezing!!!!
If youre looking for a cozy spot with authentic decor and a quiet dining experience, this place might charm you. However, be prepared for potentially cramped seating and be aware that cleanliness, especially in the restrooms, has been a concern for some. Its a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
Value (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.1 score, showing it's quite good! Many diners, making up 21 out of 31 comments, rave about the affordable and fair prices, often praising the excellent value for money. They frequently highlight how reasonable the cost is for the generous portions, making it a truly satisfying experience.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 67.7%, indicating some room for improvement. A smaller group of 5 guests raised concerns about listed price issues and being charged dinner price unexpectedly. There were a few instances where the bill seemed higher than anticipated, suggesting occasional discrepancies or a perception of prices being a bit on the higher side.
Value
31
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
5
negative
5
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Fair and affordable prices
- Reasonable for portions
What people don't like
- Price discrepancies
- Higher bill than expected
- Menu pricing confusion
Often praised
- priceThe veggies were fresh, and the cilantro tasted like it was just picked. You can't go wrong here, and it's very well priced.
- pricesThey have reasonable prices
- value for moneyGreat value for money
- affordableThe interior was cool, clean, and nice, offering a pleasant atmosphere. The food was good enough and affordable. However, the dish I ordered didn’t have much meat, and there was an issue with my drink order – I requested Vietnamese iced coffee not sweet, but received a sweet one.
- affordable priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was incredibly tasty, fresh, and served fast, all at an affordable price. While it's a no frills establishment, the aunties serving were genuinely friendly.
- excellent value for moneyExcellent value for money
- fair pricesMy favorite San Francisco Chinatown restaurant for more than 25 years! I've experienced consistent quality, a friendly owner, and fair prices. I almost always order #40 Bun Cha Gio, but their Pho is also excellent.
- price for portionThe location is awesome, right in the heart of Chinatown. It's moderately priced for the portion sizes. The dining room is very nice and humble, with cute plants and decor.
- price to valuePerfect price to value
Frequently criticized
- billthe bill was more expensive than what we ordered
- dinner pricewere charged dinner price
- listed priceListed price for rice dishes were a scam
- menuthe menu we were given and ordered off ….was the lunch menu, not the dinner menu
- pricesprices we a bit on the higher side
Overall, if youre looking for a place that generally offers good bang for your buck, this restaurant is a solid choice. Just be sure to double-check your menu and bill to avoid any surprises, as some guests have noted minor pricing inconsistencies. Its worth trying for its usually fair and affordable offerings.
How are the prices at Golden Flower?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 101 diners. That puts it squarely in the $11–$20 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend right around this sweet spot, though a good number also opt for dishes in the $21–$30 range, showing there’s a nice mix of options available.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 101 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank, making it a reliable choice for a tasty meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Golden Flower
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Cockroach Nightmare Ruined Dinner
My experience at this restaurant was extremely unpleasant due to a severe pest problem. While waiting and eating, we observed multiple large cockroaches roaming the floor, some of which were capable of flying. We unfortunately ignored the initial warning signs and later witnessed a cockroach land on our Vietnamese spring roll at our table.
We paid and left immediately. The food quality was just okay, not as good as a previous visit a couple of years ago, and notably, there were no cockroaches then. The atmosphere was rated very low, likely due to the infestation.
- food quality5
- Service5
- cockroaches1
- atmosphere1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Dishonest Coffee Sale, Disappointing Experience
I inquired about dripping coffee before placing my order. I was told they had it and paid $6 USD. However, I was given instant coffee, which costs less than 50 cents per bag.
As a coffee drinker, the coffee provided was total trash. This was a very dishonest sale. I feel outrageously disappointed, not just for myself but for the reputation of the Vietnamese community.
With many other food options available, returning here is out of the question. You should be ashamed of this practice.
- plenty of food7
- dripping coffee1
- instant coffee1
- dishonest sale1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Cozy Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. The portions were delicious and large. We had no wait for a Sunday night walk-in.
I ordered the large beef pho and found it yummy, though it had too much noodle; I'll opt for a smaller size with extra meat and broth next time. The vegetarian salad was refreshing, offering a sweet and sour crunch with peanuts. They serve oolong tea by default, which was a bit bland.
The interior was cozy, and the staff were friendly 😌.
- portions9
- wait10
- beef pho9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Tasty, Fast, and Friendly - Great Value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was incredibly tasty, fresh, and served fast, all at an affordable price. While it's a no frills establishment, the aunties serving were genuinely friendly.
We will absolutely come here again.
- food10
- fresh food9
- fast service9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Wholesome Food and Homey Feel
I stumbled across this place and had a truly wholesome experience. The food was very good, and the "pepper pig apron lady" is a legend! It genuinely feels like being home 🏠.
- food9
- pepper pig apron lady10
- feels like being home10
What Golden Flower offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Golden Flower Restaurant accessible for all guests?
Yes, Golden Flower Restaurant ensures a comfortable visit for everyone. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating available for your convenience.
Can you make reservations at Golden Flower Restaurant, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Golden Flower Restaurant accepts reservations, so you can plan your visit ahead. Parking can usually be difficult to find, but paid parking garages and paid street parking are available nearby.