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oChef » Golden King – San Francisco
Golden King - San Francisco
Photo from Golden King
Golden King at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 25 of the guests
#1828 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#61 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
266
Reviews
66.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Generous portions
- Budget-friendly
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent quality
- Service reliability
The Vietnamese restaurant, Golden King, invites you to experience a taste of authentic flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown. You can easily enjoy their delicious offerings, whether you’re looking for a convenient meal at home or on the go.
This spot is perfect for those seeking a quick and satisfying Vietnamese culinary journey, offering both takeout and delivery services to fit your busy schedule.
Overview: Introducting Golden King
Golden King offers a mixed experience, often praised for its generous portions and flavorful pho. Many diners appreciate the straightforward approach to Vietnamese cuisine, finding certain dishes quite satisfying.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly with overall food quality and aspects of the staff interaction. While the prices are generally seen as a strong point, the atmosphere might not appeal to everyone.
Good
6.7
out of 10
266
Reviews
66.2%
Satisfaction
67
negative
23
neutral
176
positive
Golden King registers a respectable overall score of 6.7, placing it in the higher end of the average range. Customer satisfaction stands at 66.2%, indicating a mixed reception where opinions are somewhat divided.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 266 customer remarks, with 176 leaning positive and 67 expressing concerns. Diving deeper, Value (7.3) is a clear strong point, frequently highlighted by patrons.
Food (6.9) also generally performs well, though not without some specific critiques. Service (6.3) and Ambience (6) both hover in the average territory, suggesting areas where experiences can vary significantly.
What people like
- Generous food portions
- Authentic pho dishes
- Excellent overall value
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Unreliable service information
- Questionable cleanliness standards
If you’re seeking a meal that offers good value and generous portions, Golden King could be a suitable choice, especially for its well-regarded pho. It’s a place where you can expect a satisfying and affordable experience.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in other dishes and service. With a recommendation score of 6.9, it’s worth considering if your priorities align with its strengths, but manage expectations regarding overall polish.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Golden King
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a 6.9 score indicating a good culinary experience. Many diners rave about the amazing pho, generous portions, and authentic Vietnamese flavour, especially the delicious pho broth and freshly prepared food. With 113 positive remarks out of 165 total, there's a lot to love on the menu.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a 68.5%, suggesting a mixed bag. Some experiences point to poor food quality, greasy food, and inconsistent taste, with concerns about old ingredients and salty broth. These 40 negative comments highlight areas where the kitchen might occasionally miss the mark.
Food
165
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
40
negative
12
neutral
113
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing pho
- Generous portions
- Authentic flavor
What people don't like
- Poor food quality
- Inconsistent taste
- Old ingredients
Often praised
- foodSan Francisco had a lot of Vietnamese restaurants, but this was the best we had. We tried tacos and Japanese food, but this was the only exceedingly good food. The staff was very nice.
- phoI'm not sure about the taste preferences of those who gave this place one star, but my wife and eldest daughter said the pho was the best they've had in the US. For reference, they asked for the herbs to be removed.
- portionsThe service is quick, and the owner is very nice. The portions are very generous. I tried three different pho dishes over four days: the special, seafood, and chicken.
- PhoMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, particularly with their Pho. I can confidently say it's the best Pho I've ever had in the Chinatown area. Their Dac Biet is exceptional, with noodles cooked to perfection, thinly sliced meats, and a spectacular soup base.
- noodlesThe noodles are cooked to perfection
- Bun Bo Huesatisfied with the Bun Bo Hue, it is an authentic Vietnamese flavour
- beef phobeef pho... everything was delicious
- chicken phoI tried three different pho dishes over four days: the special, seafood, and chicken. All were very good, but I personally preferred the chicken. The cha gio rolls are also very good too.
- meatthe pho broth and meat is so good
- menuquite extensive menu, with many classic dishes
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was terrible too
- noodlesdidn't care for the way the noodles tasted
- Bun Bo Huetastes strange and completely different from the REAL Bun Bo Hue
- Phoexpected better quality and quantity of meats, tripe and brisket for Pho
- food qualityThe food quality was poor.
- porkSweet and sour : D. However, I did notice that the pork wasn't too fresh.
- tasteFor reference, they asked for the herbs to be removed. This taste wasn't really to our liking. I had the Vietnamese shrimp curry, which was delicious and a generous portion.
- teaThe tea sucks
- Broth temperaturecould've been hotter
- Vietnamese flavorIt did not have the Vietnamese flavor
If you're craving authentic Vietnamese pho and generous servings, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might have inconsistent quality or taste, so stick to the popular choices for the best experience.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests rave about the incredibly friendly staff and quick service, often highlighting how welcoming and helpful the owners are. With 33 positive remarks out of 56 total, patrons frequently mention the speedy food preparation and the overall nice people, making for a pleasant experience. However, the experience isn't always consistent, leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 58.9% and an average score of 6.3.
Some diners encountered rude staff, long wait times for food, and even messed-up orders, with 19 negative comments pointing to issues like employees being aggressive or unwelcoming.
Service
56
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
19
negative
4
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick service
- Welcoming, helpful staff
- Support family owners
What people don't like
- Rude staff behavior
- Long wait times
- Messed up orders
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The service is quick, and the owner is very nice. The portions are very generous.
- staffWe tried tacos and Japanese food, but this was the only exceedingly good food. The staff was very nice. Would return :)
- ownersthe owners recognized us. Very friendly
- Friendly folksFriendly folks
- Friendly peopleFriendly people
- family-run restaurantsupport this friendly family runned restaurant
- food came very quicklythe food came very quickly
- good servicebuena atención
- incredible friendly serviceIncredible friendly service.
- nice peopleNice people, too
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was terrible
- employeesthe employees are rude
- informationIt was very frustrating and disappointing. If they are permanently closed, they should update their information.
- long time to servethey took a long time to serve
- messed up orderThe service is rude, and the employees make you wait a long time for food even when the place is empty. They also messed up a family member's order and did not offer a refund or replace the food. The food quality and atmosphere were also rated poorly (1/5).
- neighboring shopI tried calling the number listed on Google, and there was no answer. A neighboring shop confirmed they were closed. It was very frustrating and disappointing.
- number listed on GoogleTried calling the number listed on Google, and no answer
- online listingsI tried to visit this restaurant in January 2025, but it appears to be closed, even though online listings say otherwise. The windows were covered with cardboard and curtains, with no sign indicating they were out of business.
- owner ordering foodowner and her daughter ordered other restaurants food
- posted dinner service timeThe windows were covered with cardboard and curtains, with no sign indicating they were out of business. I waited until the posted dinner service time, but nothing happened. I tried calling the number listed on Google, and there was no answer.
Service here seems to be a bit of a gamble. While you might encounter incredibly friendly and quick staff, be prepared for the possibility of rude interactions or longer waits. If you value speed and a warm welcome, it's worth a try, but manage your expectations.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
Lets talk about the vibe! Many customers found the atmosphere quite enjoyable, praising the plentiful seating and the generally clean place, including the restrooms. Its described as super casual and even a perfect dive when the weather calls for it, with the bonus of free WiFi. Out of 21 total comments, 11 were positive, highlighting a good time for many.
However, the ambience isnt without its challenges, leading to a mixed 52.4% customer satisfaction. Some found the tables unclean and were put off by the owners children constantly running through. There were also concerns about an unpleasant tobacco smell from the kitchen and a bathroom needing desperate attention.
The overall score for ambience sits at an average 6, suggesting there's room for improvement.
Ambience
21
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
5
negative
5
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Plentiful seating
- Clean place
- Super casual vibe
What people don't like
- Running children
- Unclean tables
- Tobacco smell
Often praised
- WiFiWiFi was the only redeeming quality.
- atmosphereLoved the atmosphere
- casualSuper casual
- clean placeClean place including restroom
- free wifiThe availability of free wifi was a convenient bonus
- great timewe had a great time!
- perfect diveperfect dive when it's chilly and rainy outside
- popularitySeems like the most popular too.
- pretensionwithout pretension
- seatingseating is plentiful
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- bathroomThe bathroom needed desperate attention.
- owners childrenowners children were constantly running through the restaurant
- tobacco smellsmelt tobacco from the kitchen which was not pleasant
- unclean tablesUnclean tables.
If you're seeking a super casual spot with plentiful seating and free WiFi, you might find the atmosphere charming. However, be prepared for potentially unclean tables, a possible tobacco smell, and active children, as these aspects could detract from your experience.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this spot generally hits the mark! Many diners rave about the reasonable prices and how cheap it is to eat well here, often finding low price options that offer great value. With a solid score of 7.3, indicating good value, and customer satisfaction at a strong 79.2%, its clear most people are happy with what they pay.
This positive sentiment is echoed in 19 favorable remarks out of 24 total. However, a few voices mention concerns about expensive meals or feeling like theyre being charging for extra things. While these are only 3 negative opinions, its worth noting that a couple of patrons felt the payment process or overall cost could be a bit much, contrasting with the generally positive feedback.
Value
24
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
- Low cost
What people don't like
- Extra charges
Often praised
- priceFrom the menu, I recommend number 1, the Pho (beef noodle soup). It's like a beef noodle soup, and you can have a very generous meal for less than $10.
- pricesThe service was excellent, and the owners were incredibly welcoming. I was impressed by the reasonable prices, which offered great value. The restaurant has strong ties to the community and is clearly well-known.
- Decent priceDecent price
- cheapate well and cheap
- low pricepour pas chère
- not much moneyfilling for not much money
- paid $67Pagamos 67$
Frequently criticized
- chargingcharging you for many things
- expensive mealsMuch cheaper than all the expensive meals
- paymentif they don't like it equal have to pay
If youre looking for a place where your wallet wont take a huge hit, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Most customers find the prices very reasonable, offering good value for money. Just be mindful of potential extra charges, but overall, it's a solid choice for budget-conscious diners.
How are the prices at Golden King?
On average, you’ll spend around 23 per person – based on 25 guests. That places this spot in the $21–$30 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, thats comfortably mid-range, perhaps a touch above the cheapest options.
While the average is 23, the pricing isnt all clustered there. Most guests actually spend a bit less, with the largest group landing in the $11–$20 range. There’s also a sprinkle of higher and lower spends, showing a pretty diverse offering.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 25 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Vietnamese Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value, especially with many options available in that $11–$20 sweet spot. Its a solid choice for a tasty meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Golden King
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Authentic Pho and Welcoming Staff
I've visited this restaurant many times, often for a quick bite or for dinner after a basketball session. They serve authentic pho and a variety of Vietnamese dishes, including rice plates and shareable items. The staff are incredibly welcoming, well-trained, and understanding, ensuring I've never had any issues during my visits.
Everything is made to order, which I appreciate, and I don't mind the wait as I'm a patient person. I highly recommend this place to all pho lovers, whether you need a quick meal or have limited time. I'll definitely be back to try their other delicious options.
- pho9
- Vietnamese dishes8
- staff10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Restaurant Closed Despite Listings
I tried to visit this restaurant in January 2025, but it appears to be closed, even though online listings say otherwise. The windows were covered with cardboard and curtains, with no sign indicating they were out of business. I waited until the posted dinner service time, but nothing happened.
I tried calling the number listed on Google, and there was no answer. A neighboring shop confirmed they were closed. It was very frustrating and disappointing.
If they are permanently closed, they should update their information.
- online listings2
- posted dinner service time1
- number listed on Google1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Terrible Service and Food
My experience at this restaurant was quite negative. The service was terrible, with a particularly rude staff member. Despite the restaurant being empty except for us, the wait time for our food was excessively long.
Furthermore, the food itself was also terrible.
- service1
- woman1
- long time to serve1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Terrible Service, Avoid This Place!
‼️I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE‼️ My experience was terrible. The service is rude, and the employees make you wait a long time for food even when the place is empty. They also messed up a family member's order and did not offer a refund or replace the food.
The food quality and atmosphere were also rated poorly (1/5).
- service1
- employees1
- wait a long time for food1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
1
Horrible Experience with Spoiled Pork
My husband and I went for lunch and ordered two dishes. We had fried chicken, pork chop, rice, and an extra egg. Unfortunately, when we started eating, the pork was totally damaged.
When we informed the staff, they suggested we eat the chicken and rice, but we had lost our appetite. We offered to pay for one dish and the drinks, but they refused. The situation escalated, and they became aggressive and rude, even calling the police.
A man came out, took the pork from our plates, ate a piece, and insisted we pay, stating, 'This is not Latin America, this is America. ' It's crucial to eat food in good condition, especially pork, as it's delicate and can be harmful if spoiled. I do not recommend eating here, and there were many other issues not worth mentioning.
- pork1
- staff1
- payment1
What Golden King offers
Offerings
- Coffee
Service Options
- Takeout
- Delivery
FAQs
What service options are available at Golden King Restaurant?
Golden King Restaurant offers convenient service options to suit your needs. You can enjoy their delicious Vietnamese cuisine through either takeout or delivery, making it easy to savor your meal wherever you are.
Does Golden King Restaurant offer coffee or have restroom facilities?
Yes, Golden King Restaurant provides coffee as part of its offerings. Additionally, for your comfort and convenience, the restaurant is equipped with a restroom for its patrons.
How does Golden King generally score with customers?
Golden King holds an overall score of **6.7** and a customer satisfaction of **66.2%**. While **Value** (7.3) and **Food** (6.9) are often praised, **Service** (6.3) and **Ambience** (6) receive more mixed feedback.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at Golden King?
Many customers highlight the **pho** as a standout, often describing it as authentic and among the best they’ve had. The generous **portions** are also frequently appreciated.
Are there any common concerns about Golden King?
Some patrons have reported issues with **service**, including rudeness or confusion regarding opening hours. There are also mentions of inconsistent food quality and concerns about the cleanliness of the dining area.