Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Golden Lotus – San Francisco
Golden Lotus - San Francisco
Photo from Golden Lotus
Golden Lotus at a glance
San Francisco Little Saigon
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 11 – 20 €
mentioned by 55 of the guests
#660 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#25 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
326
Reviews
80.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Vietnamese
- Fast service
- Affordable value
Frequently criticized
- Rushed feeling
- Pricing issues
- Sketchy area
The restaurant Golden Lotus invites you to experience authentic Vietnamese flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Little Saigon neighborhood. This Vietnamese restaurant is a true gem, especially if you appreciate a great tea selection to complement your meal.
You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed dining experience, whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner.
Overview: Introducting Golden Lotus
Golden Lotus delivers a compelling Vietnamese dining experience, particularly noted for its flavorful cuisine. Many appreciate the authentic Vietnamese dishes and generous portions, making it a reliable choice for satisfying meals.
The food consistently receives high praise for its quality and taste. However, some diners have noted inconsistencies, particularly regarding service efficiency and certain value aspects like unexpected additional charges.
While the atmosphere is generally pleasant, the surrounding area can be a point of concern for some visitors.
Good
8
out of 10
326
Reviews
80.7%
Satisfaction
46
negative
17
neutral
263
positive
Golden Lotus earns a solid 8 for its overall restaurant score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a strong 80.7% customer satisfaction rate, indicating most patrons leave content.
With 263 positive opinions against 46 negative out of 326 total sentiments, the feedback leans heavily favorable. The Food (8.6) stands out as a clear highlight, consistently impressing diners with its quality and authentic flavors.
Service (7.4) also performs well, often described as fast and friendly, though some experiences suggest occasional rushing. Value (6.7) is generally considered good, offering affordable options, but a few customers encountered issues with pricing discrepancies or automatic tips.
The Ambience (6.6) is seen as average; while clean, the “hole-in-the-wall” feel and neighborhood can be a mixed bag.
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Fast, friendly service
- Affordable, good value
What people don't like
- Rushed service
- Unexpected charges
- Sketchy neighborhood
With a strong 8.1 recommendation score, Golden Lotus is a solid choice if you prioritize authentic Vietnamese flavors and efficient service. It offers good value, especially for budget-conscious diners, making it a worthwhile stop for a satisfying meal.
However, be mindful of potential service rushes and double-check pricing, as some have noted discrepancies. While the food quality is high, the surrounding area might not appeal to everyone.
If these minor points don’t deter you, it’s certainly worth a visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Golden Lotus
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction at 89.4%, it's clear most diners are leaving happy. Out of 198 comments, a whopping 177 praise the amazing broth, authentic Vietnamese dishes, and fresh ingredients, often highlighting the tasty meat and consistent noodles.
However, a few of the 13 negative remarks point to areas for improvement. Some found the thick noodles a bit soggy, while others noted lukewarm pho or dried, wilted vegetables. There were also comments about smaller portion sizes, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in preparation.
Food
198
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
13
negative
8
neutral
177
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing broth
- Authentic food
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Soggy noodles
- Lukewarm pho
- Wilted produce
Often praised
- foodThe staff were incredibly sweet and went out of their way to ensure I knew which items were vegetarian for my takeout order, preventing any mix-ups. The food was absolutely delicious and the prices were totally affordable.
- brothMy experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The amazing broth and imperial rolls were a definite highlight, making it an easy 5-star experience for those items. However, the meat inside the pho was just alright, rating a 3.
- phoWhile the surrounding area isn't the best, the food and hospitality more than make up for it. I consider this the best place for pho in San Francisco. The #3 appetizer, Rice Rolls with Grilled Lemongrass Pork, Mint, Shallots, is absolutely delicious!
- FoodFood:5
- chicken phoThe ingredients were fresh, particularly the vegetables. I loved the delicious broth in the chicken pho and found the bun dishes to be lovely. It's definitely worth a visit.
- Phothis place has the stuff. As good as the very best.
- meatgood amount of meat in it
- portionsIt is a no-frills restaurant, but the moment you walk in, someone is there to greet and seat you immediately. The menu offers a lot of options, and the portions were very large. I ordered a fish Pho large, which was only a dollar more than the small.
- SoupSoup and fresh coconut juice! Delicious!
- VietnameseMy experience at this restaurant was truly great. I found it to offer authentic Vietnamese cuisine at great prices, making it an excellent choice for budget travelers. The ingredients were fresh, particularly the vegetables.
Frequently criticized
- Imperial RollsImperial Rolls weren't browned or crunchy enough
- Pho Dac BietPho Dac Biet unfortunately came lukewarm with over-cooked noodles
- bean sprouts, cabbage, peppers, and limeplate of bean sprouts, cabbage, peppers, and lime was kind of dried and wilted
- hairFound a hair in my bowl of pho
- limelime had dried out completely and did not have any lime juice left
- morning phoOverall, it's solid Vietnamese food in the TL worth a visit. I’m hoping the disappointing experience with morning pho was only a fluke and not the standard.
- noodlesHowever, the Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup, while built off a solid pho broth, could have benefited from more lemongrass, citrus, and sweetness. On a recent morning visit, the Pho Dac Biet (standard combination beef pho) unfortunately came lukewarm with over-cooked noodles. Overall, it's solid Vietnamese food in the TL worth a visit.
- nothing to eatI called multiple times with no answer, not even an answering machine. My lunch break ended with nothing to eat, and I had spent $30 plus tip for nothing. There was no one to assist me or refund my money.
- porkwish there was more pork in the roll
- portion sizesPortion sizes are a bit smaller
If you're seeking authentic Vietnamese flavors with a fantastic broth and fresh ingredients, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there might be minor inconsistencies in noodle texture or temperature, the overall food experience is overwhelmingly positive. Come for the delicious pho and diverse menu options!
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.4 and a solid 72.1% customer satisfaction. Many of the 49 positive remarks praise the owner and staff for their hospitality and quick service. Guests often feel welcomed, find the staff friendly and attentive, and appreciate the promptness of their orders.
However, its not all sunshine, as 16 negative comments out of 68 total point to some issues. Concerns include poor customer service, instances where guests felt rushed, and frustrating experiences with unanswered calls or a lack of respect'. These suggest that while often good, service can sometimes miss the mark.
Service
68
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly owner/staff
- Quick service
- Attentive hospitality
What people don't like
- Poor customer service
- Felt rushed
- Unresponsive communication
Often praised
- serviceThe service is always fast and friendly
- staffthe staff and the atmosphere were pleasant
- ownerThe owner of this restaurant is so friendly and kind too!
- ServiceService:5
- ownerscordial owners
- arrived quicklyI arrived at 7: 05 PM and asked about closing time, being told 7: 50 PM. I ordered only one item because of this, and it arrived quickly, which was good. By 7: 30 PM, I was almost done and asked for the check to be considerate of their closing time.
- customer serviceGreat customer service when I was visiting.
- family runThis family run hole-in-the-wall restaurant
- foodfood came out quickly
- gentleman who served usMy experience at the restaurant was awesome! The food was delicious, and the gentleman who served us was so nice. The restaurant accepts credit card payments.
Frequently criticized
- asked to finish quicklyasked me to finish it quickly
- basic capabilitiesdoesn’t have The basic capabilities of running a simple shift
- business hoursThe business hours of operation are posted for a reason. On Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 1: 30 pm, I was on a tight lunch break and promptly ordered my lunch online via their direct website.
- called multiple timesI called multiple times to my highest disappointment
- daily operationsor better yet daily operations
- eager to take my bowlthe server was very quick to want to get my bowl
- felt rushedI also felt rushed in finishing my meal
- lack of respectThe staff member took my card and haphazardly jammed it into the machine, then tossed my credit card on the counter as if my money wasn't good enough. Due to this lack of respect, I won't be returning.
- lunch breakBeing on a tight lunch break
- no one answerednot even an answering machine and of course no one answered
If you value friendly, quick service, youll likely have a great experience here. Just be aware that a few guests have encountered less-than-stellar interactions, so keep that in mind if youre looking for consistently perfect service.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many customers appreciate the location and the overall atmosphere, often described as pleasant and kind. Folks enjoyed the cleanliness inside, with some even finding a sunny spot to sit. Its also noted as a good hole-in-the-wall spot, especially if youre with a large group, based on 21 positive remarks out of 36 total.
However, the experience isn't universally glowing. Some found the neighborhood a bit sketchy or even dangerous, and there were concerns about seating being dark or cold. A few also questioned the cleanliness, contributing to a customer satisfaction of 58.3%, which is a mixed bag.
The overall score for ambience sits at 6.6, placing it in the average range, with 10 negative comments highlighting these issues.
Ambience
36
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
10
negative
5
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Very clean interior
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Quaint, cozy feel
What people don't like
- Sketchy neighborhood
- Uncomfortable seating
- Cleanliness concerns
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereatmosphere are really kind the food is really good
- cleanlinessImmaculately clean with great Viet selection!
- bathroomincluding the bathroom!
- facilityvery very clean facility
- hole-in-the-wallIt's kinda hole-in-the-wall
- hole-in-the-wall restaurantThis family run hole-in-the-wall restaurant
- inside the storeInside the store was clean and easy to get around
- large groupThe large menu selection offered a great variety, and the prices were reasonable. It's a good place for a large group.
- locationLocation was nice and easy to spot
Frequently criticized
- cleanlinessquestion their cleanliness especially during this time
- areathe only downside is the area is a little sketch
- burst of chills fumesthere was a burst of chills fumes
- dangerous Tenderloin area제일 위험한 텐더로인 지역을 정면으로 똟고 갑니다
- false impressionThis is clearly poor customer service. As a provider of a consumer service, it's utterly ridiculous that a restaurant of this sort doesn't have the basic capabilities of running a simple shift or daily operations, yet they provide a heck of a good false impression. I do not recommend going to PHO 2000.
- gates closed and lockedTo see gates closed and locked
- neighborhoodEven though the neighborhood is not as safe
- restaurant was emptyNo wonder it was empty there
- seatingowner relocated me to table where is dark and cold
If youre seeking a clean, quaint spot with a pleasant atmosphere and dont mind a potentially less-than-ideal neighborhood, this place could be worth a try. Just be aware that the overall vibe is a bit of a mixed bag, so manage your expectations regarding the immediate surroundings and seating comfort.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, but leans positive overall. With a solid score of 6.7, it generally hits the mark, though customer satisfaction sits at a more moderate 66.7%. Many folks rave about the great 16 positive opinions, highlighting prices, bang for your buck, and affordable price, often noting large portions and the convenience of credit card payments.
However, there are 7 negative opinions that suggest some areas for improvement. Concerns pop up around menu prices being outdated online, unexpected tax or additional charge surprises, and even automatic tip additions. It seems while the core pricing is good, some business practices can leave a sour taste.
Value
24
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Good portions
- Accepts credit cards
What people don't like
- Outdated menu prices
- Unexpected charges
- Automatic tip
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was truly great. I found it to offer authentic Vietnamese cuisine at great prices, making it an excellent choice for budget travelers. The ingredients were fresh, particularly the vegetables.
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was always delicious and super affordable. If you're in the TL looking for something fire to eat, this is the place.
- Price per personThis is a great little place for cheap and authentic Vietnamese food. I had the special combination rice platter and it was delicious.
- affordable priceat an affordable price
- bang for your buckpork chop plate(bang for your buck!)
- budget travelersgood for budget travelers
- credit cardAnd they accept credit card.
- credit card paymentsAccepts credit card payments
- pricingPricing is fair. Some may even say "cheap"
- well-pricedwell priced
Frequently criticized
- $30 + Tip30$ + Tip spent on thin air
- additional chargeindicated a 15.34% additional charge
- business practiceNot a great business practice
- menu pricesmenu prices on their website are out of date
- orderThe food was great, but the menu prices on their website were out of date. My $41 order turned into $53 on pick-up, which is not a great business practice.
- taxif it were not for the heavy tax
- tipMy experience at the restaurant was quite negative. They automatically charged my tip without asking, which was unexpected. Furthermore, the service could be the worst in town.
If you're looking for generally affordable prices and good portions, this place is worth a try. Just be mindful of potential discrepancies between online and in-store pricing, and keep an eye out for unexpected charges or automatic tips to avoid surprises.
How are the prices at Golden Lotus?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 55 diners. That puts it in the 11 – 20 € category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests, 39 of them, find themselves in that 11 – 20 € range, showing a clear focus on mid-tier pricing.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 55 reviews.
A peek at how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Vietnamese spot in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for a casual, tasty meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Golden Lotus
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Awesome Food and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was awesome! The food was delicious, and the gentleman who served us was so nice. The restaurant accepts credit card payments.
The food was also described as '맛나요~~ 슴슴하니', which translates to delicious and subtly seasoned. The atmosphere and food were rated 5/5, and the service was also rated 5/5.
- food10
- gentleman who served us10
- credit card payments8
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Fantastic Beef and Friendly Service!
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. The beef was fantastic, and while there are options for those who don't consume beef, I highly recommend trying it if you do. Overall, the food was great, earning a perfect 10/10.
The service was also incredibly friendly. The atmosphere was rated a 5 out of 5, and the food and service also received perfect scores.
- beef10
- food10
- service10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Best Vietnamese Beef Roll Ever!
I've been visiting this restaurant from NYC for several years now. My experience has consistently been excellent, especially with their beef rice roll, which is incredibly delicious, unique, and flavorful. It's truly the best Vietnamese beef roll I've ever had.
While the neighborhood might not feel the safest, the food and experience are absolutely worth the trip. The owner is also incredibly friendly and kind, adding to the overall positive atmosphere.
- beef rice roll10
- Viet beef roll10
- owner10
- neighborhood3
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Top Tier Food and Amazing Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly comforting. The staff and the atmosphere were pleasant, and the food was top-tier amazing and bursting with the freshest flavors! Thank you :)
- staff10
- atmosphere10
- food10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Golden Lotus: My New Go-To Pho Spot
While many flock to Pho 2000 next door, my experience at Golden Lotus has made it my preferred spot. Although the portion sizes are a bit smaller, the beef quality is significantly better, the broth is more flavorful, and there are more herbs. The service was also friendlier.
A great tip is that they open early, making it a perfect place for a post-workout or hangover breakfast pho.
- beef quality9
- broth9
- herbs9
- portion sizes5
What Golden Lotus offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Golden Lotus accessible and what dining options are available?
Yes, Golden Lotus offers a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring comfort for all guests. You can enjoy delicious meals for lunch, dinner, or even dessert with convenient table service. Takeout and delivery options are also available for you.
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Golden Lotus and what are the menu highlights?
At Golden Lotus, you’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal. The menu features healthy options, vegetarian choices, and quick bites. Don’t forget to explore their great tea selection and enjoy a coffee too.
What is the overall rating for Golden Lotus and what are its strongest aspects?
Golden Lotus has an overall restaurant score of 8 and a customer satisfaction of 80.7%. Its Food (8.6) is particularly strong, followed by Service (7.4) and Value (6.7). Ambience (6.6) is considered average.
Is Golden Lotus a good option for authentic and affordable Vietnamese food?
Yes, many diners praise Golden Lotus for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine, generous portions, and affordable prices, making it a good choice for budget travelers.
Are there any common issues to be aware of when dining at Golden Lotus?
Some customers have reported feeling rushed during service, encountering unexpected charges or out-of-date menu prices, and finding the surrounding neighborhood less appealing.