Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Great Eastern – San Francisco
Great Eastern - San Francisco
Photo from Great Eastern
Great Eastern at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 125 of the guests
#2144 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#243 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
633
Reviews
56.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Dim sum variety
- Fresh ingredients
- Quick food
Frequently criticized
- Auto gratuity
- Poor service
- High noise
The Chinese restaurant Great Eastern, nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown, offers a truly authentic dining experience. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for any meal, from brunch to dinner.
A standout feature you’ll appreciate is their great tea selection, complementing your meal beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a relaxed evening, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Great Eastern
Great Eastern presents a broad selection of Chinese cuisine, with many guests appreciating the diverse dim sum offerings and the consistent use of fresh ingredients. The kitchen often delivers dishes promptly, contributing to a generally satisfying meal.
Yet, the experience at Great Eastern isn’t uniformly positive. Some diners have noted inconsistent service and occasional concerns about dish preparation.
There are also recurring comments regarding the overall value, particularly concerning billing practices.
Good
6.1
out of 10
633
Reviews
56.7%
Satisfaction
225
negative
49
neutral
359
positive
Looking at the numbers, Great Eastern holds a 6.1 overall score, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction sits at 56.7%, indicating a mixed bag of experiences.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 633 customer remarks, with 359 positive observations balancing against 225 negative ones, painting a picture of a restaurant with clear strengths and areas for improvement. Delving deeper, Food is a definite strong suit, earning a solid (7.2), reflecting many positive comments about its quality and variety.
However, Service (5.1) and Ambience (5.7) hover around average, suggesting room for refinement. The most significant challenge appears to be Value (3.2), which falls into the poor range, often cited due to pricing concerns and automatic gratuities.
What people like
- Diverse dim sum menu
- Fresh ingredients used
- Prompt food delivery
What people don't like
- Mandatory gratuity
- Inconsistent service
- Loud dining environment
With a 6.3 recommendation score, Great Eastern is a place that offers a mixed experience. If you’re seeking diverse and authentic Chinese dishes, especially dim sum, and appreciate quick service, it could be a worthwhile visit.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and a lively, sometimes loud, atmosphere. Also, keep an eye on the bill for automatic gratuities.
It’s a spot with definite culinary appeal, but managing expectations is key.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Great Eastern
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.2 score, indicating a good culinary experience. With 241 positive remarks out of 347 total comments, many diners rave about the delicious Dim Sum, flavorful pork buns, and fresh shrimp, often praising the overall taste and quality, as well as generous portion sizes. However, not every dish is a winner, and customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.5%.
Some guests have encountered issues like an overwhelming amount of MSG, concerns about food poisoning, overly salty dishes, or disappointingly small portions. It seems there's room for improvement in consistency across the menu.
Food
347
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
72
negative
34
neutral
241
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Dim Sum
- Fresh ingredients
- Good taste
What people don't like
- MSG issues
- Overly salty
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodThe dim sum menu is incredibly diverse and delicious, and you can also order a variety of other Chinese dishes. My experience was very positive, with great food and a good atmosphere.
- dim sumIn the heart of Chinatown, this place is an amazing spot for dim sum! The prices are quite reasonable compared to other restaurants in the area, and the taste and quality of the dishes were good.
- Dim SumOur favorite spot for anytime dim sum. The shrimp tasted fresh and the food came out quickly.
- FoodFood:5
- Chinese foodI’ve been a loyal customer of this restaurant for over 18 years. Each time I visit San Francisco, it's my go-to spot for great Chinese food. The ingredients are consistently fresh, the sauces are delicious, and the overall experience is just great Chinese food!
- Peking duckHowever, the downstairs location could be challenging for individuals with disabilities due to the stairs. Despite these considerations, the dining experience was memorable, especially with the authentic Peking duck, chicken feet, and fried rice. A standout was the tofu skin with ginko nuts, which added a unique and delightful touch.
- fried riceHowever, the downstairs location could be challenging for individuals with disabilities due to the stairs. Despite these considerations, the dining experience was memorable, especially with the authentic Peking duck, chicken feet, and fried rice. A standout was the tofu skin with ginko nuts, which added a unique and delightful touch.
- teaThey bring tea with your meal
- Mongolian beefThe rest of the food was great too (Mongolian beef
- authentic dim sumOur children found plenty of options to eat, and the ordering process via paper made everything quick and easy. This is definitely not your typical tourist hangout; instead, it offers excellent authentic dim sum.
Frequently criticized
- foodUntil they can do this, I will not be returning. To the owner: I don't care about popularity; you and your staff should be able to handle simple requests like "I don't want my food with sauce! " I am giving this a 1-star rating.
- Peking duckMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. While the food was just okay, the Peking duck had bones in it, which was unexpected and not how I've had it before. It's also difficult to bite into an assembled bao.
- chow meinHowever, I did have to ask for items. My chow mein was dry, so I ended up leaving it. The Peking duck was reasonably priced, and while it was just okay, mixing it with the red chili sauce and plum sauce created a great zest flavor.
- food poisoningall of us had food poisoning next day
- portionsThe service was inattentive, and the food was bad. The chicken with curry had chicken that resembled a paste rather than actual chicken, and the portions were small, including the rice. The dim sum menu looked appealing, but the filling was poor and came waterlogged and poorly drained.
- Beef Fried RiceBeef Fried rice ... weren’t that good as it looked
- Chinese cuisinewe have better Chinese cuisine in Atlanta
- Dim sumdeclined to serve that too us
- MSGalmost had to throw up due to the hefty amount of msg
- Pork Fried Ricepork fried rice weren’t that good as it looked
If youre craving authentic Dim Sum and dont mind navigating a few potential missteps, this place is definitely worth a try for its flavorful offerings. Just be mindful of what you order, as some dishes might not live up to the overall good reputation.
Service (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, many diners have had a pleasant experience, with 63 positive remarks highlighting things like friendly staff, fast service, and a quick turnaround for food. Guests often praised the attentive service and efficient ordering process, making their visit smooth and enjoyable. The overall score for service sits at an average 5.1.
However, the experience isn't universally positive, with 67 negative comments pointing to areas needing improvement. Concerns frequently mentioned include rude staff, slow service, and a general lack of attentive service. This mixed bag is reflected in the 46.7% customer satisfaction, indicating that while some visits are great, others leave much to be desired.
Service
135
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
67
negative
5
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceThe Kong Pau Chicken was sweet and spicy, the Sautéed Beef was tender, and the Fried Rice had a good balance of eggs and scallions. The prices were reasonable, the portions were generous, and the service was quick. This was actually my first time eating in a Chinese restaurant (as I would usually get takeout), and the Great Eastern Restaurant left a great impression.
- staffefficient staff who aren't loitering g round you, but polite and concise
- ServiceExcellent Service always
- foodThe prices are quite reasonable compared to other restaurants in the area, and the taste and quality of the dishes were good. The food came out fast and quick, aside from some of the more special or unique dishes which came a little later. Overall, the place is a great, affordable place for tasty dim sum!
- ordering processthe way of ordering by paper made everything quick and easy
- peopleThe people were very kind and attentive
- serversThe servers are very nice.
- Wait timeNo wait
- bedieningThe Mihoen Singapore was prima eten (excellent food) with ruime porties (generous portions) and goed van smaak (good taste). The vriendelijke bediening (friendly service) was also a highlight. However, the weinig sfeer (little atmosphere) was due to it being very quiet, which I actually found pleasant.
- customer serviceGreat Eastern Restaurant is much better with customer service
Frequently criticized
- serviceextremely disappointed about their service
- staffyou and your staff should deal with "I don't want my food with sauce!"
- waiterwaiter threw our money on the table telling us we didn’t leave enough tip
- customer serviceterrible customer service to Caucasian people
- serverThe server was very very very rude
- waitersThe orange chicken I ordered tasted like orange-scented dishwasher liquid with a Fanta aftertaste. Communication was difficult as the waiters don’t speak a lot of English. Furthermore, the staff was rude and dismissive, clearly in need of customer service training.
- ParkingParking:Go early ti get a quick table
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- ServiceService extremely slow
- card chargeThe waiter charged my card. Didn't forward me to sign for the charges.
The service here is a real mixed bag. While many enjoy friendly, fast attention, be prepared for the possibility of a less-than-stellar experience, as it's not consistently great.
Ambience (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot lands squarely in the middle with an average score of 5.7 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 50%, based on 82 opinions. Many appreciate the spacious and clean restaurant atmosphere, often described as a traditional Cantonese place with a lively, comforting, and family-friendly feel. However, the experience isn't without its challenges, with 33 negative remarks highlighting concerns about noise levels, particularly loud customers, and the overall cleanliness and unpleasant odors, especially in the bathrooms.
Some also found the place a bit dark or felt it lacked a welcoming vibe.
Ambience
82
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
33
negative
8
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Traditional Cantonese setting
- Spacious and clean
- Lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Loud noise level
- Dirty restrooms
- Unpleasant odors
Often praised
- atmosphereThe dim sum menu is incredibly diverse and delicious, and you can also order a variety of other Chinese dishes. My experience was very positive, with great food and a good atmosphere.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeI had 30 guests to entertain at this full packed place on a weekend, and they were all satisfied with the food and service.
- restaurant cleanlinessRestaurant very clean
- ambiancerestaurant maintained a clean ambiance
- classic Cantonese settingthis restaurant had a classic Cantonese setting
- crowd waitingthere is a crowd waiting for it to open
- decordecorated Number 74 steak
- dining areaThe dining area is lively
- downstairs restroomdownstairs restroom, although aged, did not compromise cleanliness
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere was far too loud
- parkingA bit hard to get to because of parking
- placeThe place is very very Loud
- restroomrest room is very small and tight
- Noise levelNoise level:Very loud, hard to hear
- access to restroomsEl acceso a servicios sanitarios no es adecuado para personas con limitaciones fÃsicas
- appearanceshould be improved the appearance of the place
- bathroomsdidn't like bathrooms anywhere close to dining area
- cleanlinessit’s not as clean
- customerscustomers pretty much are screaming at the table
If youre seeking an authentic, bustling Cantonese experience and dont mind a bit of noise or potentially less-than-pristine restrooms, you might enjoy the lively atmosphere. However, if cleanliness and a quiet dining space are top priorities, you might want to consider other options.
Value (3.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found things to appreciate, with 14 positive remarks out of 69 total. Many mentioned the price and prices as reasonable, noting its an affordable place that offers a good amount of food for what you pay. Guests felt the cost was fair, especially for the city, and appreciated the generous portions.
However, the overall sentiment leans heavily negative, reflected in a 3.2 score and 20.3% customer satisfaction, both indicating poor value. With 53 negative comments, many found the restaurant overpriced, frequently mentioning issues with the tip or automatically charged tip. ' Guests often felt prices were too high, especially with mandatory gratuities and unexpected charges.
Value
69
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
53
negative
2
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Generous food portions
- Affordable dining option
What people don't like
- Mandatory tip charges
- Overpriced menu items
- Hidden bill charges
Often praised
- pricesThe Kong Pau Chicken was sweet and spicy, the Sautéed Beef was tender, and the Fried Rice had a good balance of eggs and scallions. The prices were reasonable, the portions were generous, and the service was quick. This was actually my first time eating in a Chinese restaurant (as I would usually get takeout), and the Great Eastern Restaurant left a great impression.
- pricePrice-wise it was not bad. Including a $6 tip, the total came to $44: reasonable, considering we're in San Francisco
- Peking duck priceThe Peking duck was the most reasonable price
- PricesPrices are reasonable.
- affordable placeThe food came out fast and quick, aside from some of the more special or unique dishes which came a little later. Overall, the place is a great, affordable place for tasty dim sum!
- amount of foodThey give a good amount of food for the price.
Frequently criticized
- tipHowever, the restaurant's cleanliness was lacking, though the food did compensate for it. My main concern arose when I received the bill; I was charged for items I didn't receive and an 18% tip was included. I'm quite picky about eating in clean places, and the entire basement level smelling of sewer was a significant turn-off.
- overpricedI don't understand why Obama chose to eat at this restaurant. My experience was marked by terrible food quality and prices that were totally overpriced. The orange chicken I ordered tasted like orange-scented dishwasher liquid with a Fanta aftertaste.
- pricePretty expensive as well. Too expensive for the quality of food served.
- billThe tip was an absolute disgrace at 18%, which was way too high for the service received, and we weren’t even allowed to choose the amount. The bill was written in Chinese, making it impossible to verify its accuracy. I will not be returning and would not recommend this restaurant.
- gratuitycharge 15% gratuity (tips) is just not welcoming
- pricesBased on the prices, just ok food, and shady gratuity practices
- tipstips were automatically added for no good service
- 15% tipThey automatically add 15% tip to the bill
- automatically charged tipthen the automatically charged me 18% tip
- check'TIPS' was hand written on the hand written check.
If you're looking for an affordable meal with good portions, you might find some value here. However, be prepared for potentially high prices and mandatory tips that could significantly impact your bill, making it a risky choice for budget-conscious diners.
How are the prices at Great Eastern?
You’re looking at roughly 37 per person – reported by 125 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 37, a good number of guests actually spend a bit less, with the most common spend falling into the $21–$30 range. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly bites to slightly more indulgent choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 125 reviews.
This graph compares the value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. There’s a good range of options, so you can tailor your meal to your budget without feeling short-changed.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Great Eastern
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Authentic Cantonese Gem with Surprising Delights
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, centered around its authentic Cantonese food. I initially visited for dim sum during lunch and was so impressed that I returned for dinner. If you're seeking a truly authentic Cantonese dining experience, this is the place to go.
I tried the salt and pepper octopus, which was described as similar to sweet and sour dough but lighter and crisper – excellent, earning a 5-star rating. Another dish, the beef tenderloin with scallops and cashew nuts, offered an interesting and unique flavor combination that, while not strictly Cantonese, was very well cooked. What truly surprised me was the exceptional quality of the white rice; I would give it 5+ stars.
The service, atmosphere, and food were all rated a perfect 5 by the reviewer.
- Cantonese food10
- salt and pepper octopus10
- beef tenderloin8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Authentic Dim Sum Experience
My experience at this restaurant was that of authentic Cantonese dim sum. The food was fresh & steamy hot. Locals love to talk loud over good food, so expect a lively atmosphere.
Enjoy! Regarding vegetarian options, there were some available with tofu & leeks, but it's worth noting that Chinese cuisine often features pork. The vegetarian dishes were clearly labeled.
The price per person is estimated at $20–30, and I would somewhat recommend it for vegetarians. The restaurant is suitable for all group sizes. Service received a rating of 4, and the atmosphere a 5.
Parking can be difficult to find, with paid street parking available, and it's advisable to go early to get a quick table as people fill up fast around meal times. There was no wait time for a table. The meal type was lunch, and the food itself was rated a 5.
- authentic Cantonese dim sum9
- fresh & steamy hot10
- Vegetarian options6
- Parking3
- Parking space3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Ma Po Tofu and Rolls!
For Korean diners, I highly recommend trying the Pork & Shrimp Bean Curd Roll with the Ma Po Tofu. Be sure to add steamed rice! The bean curd roll, which seems to be made with tofu skin, is incredibly tasty.
It can be a bit salty, so adding rice is essential!
- Ma Po Tofu9
- Pork & Shrimp Bean Curd Roll10
- steamed rice8
- salty4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Service and Unfair Treatment
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. While the food was decent, the service was far from the best. The person at the front was rude.
We were denied an item, and at precisely 8: 00 PM, our request for Dim sum was also declined, even though a different demographic was served it. This inconsistency in service was baffling. To add to the frustration, we were pre-charged for a tip, which felt unfair given my desire not to tip due to the poor experience.
As someone working in the service industry, I understand good service, and this was certainly not it. I will be going to a different spot.
- food6
- service2
- person at the front1
- Dim sum2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Decent Food, Unremarkable Atmosphere
My wife and I needed a place for a quick bite. This place seemed to be ok, and it is. It's not spectacular in the least; rather, it's just a large room with many tables, reminding me of a buffet-type place.
We ordered two plates to share: the mixed vegetables and sesame chicken, and it was fine. If you want decent food, you should find it here.
- mixed vegetables6
- sesame chicken6
- decent food6
What Great Eastern offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is parking readily available when you visit Great Eastern Restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown?
Parking can often be difficult to find around Great Eastern Restaurant. You should anticipate that street parking is usually paid, so planning ahead for your visit is recommended.
Can you make reservations for your dining experience at Great Eastern Restaurant?
Yes, Great Eastern Restaurant accepts reservations, and it is highly recommended to make dinner reservations, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours.
How does Great Eastern rate overall, and what are its key strengths and weaknesses?
Great Eastern holds an overall score of **6.1** with **56.7%** customer satisfaction, indicating a mixed experience. Its **Food** (7.2) is a strong point, while **Service** (5.1) and **Ambience** (5.7) are average. **Value** (3.2) is noted as a significant area for improvement.
Is Great Eastern a good place for dim sum?
Yes, many customers praise Great Eastern for its diverse and authentic **dim sum** menu, highlighting fresh ingredients and quick delivery of these dishes. It’s often cited as a favorite spot for this cuisine.
What should I be aware of regarding pricing and service at Great Eastern?
While some find prices reasonable, the **Value** score is low due to concerns like mandatory gratuities and bills that can be difficult to verify. **Service** can be inconsistent, with some experiences noting rudeness or slowness.