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oChef » Green Papaya – San Francisco
Green Papaya - San Francisco
Photo from Green Papaya
Green Papaya at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 5 of the guests
#2176 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#67 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Average
5.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
342
Reviews
51.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh food
- Good location
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent service
- Uncomfortable seating
The restaurant Green Papaya is a delightful Vietnamese Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco. You’ll discover a welcoming spot where you can enjoy authentic flavors in a relaxed setting.
It’s a perfect choice whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner. This local gem offers a taste of Vietnam right in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Green Papaya
Green Papaya offers a culinary journey where the Vietnamese food is often celebrated for its fresh flavors, though some diners have noted occasional inconsistencies in overall food quality. While the service can be prompt and attentive, there are instances where guests have experienced delays or found staff less welcoming.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is generally seen as pleasant and clean, often benefiting from a convenient location. However, the value proposition is a point of discussion; some find the pricing reasonable, while others consider certain dishes to be expensive, leading to varied opinions on affordability.
Average
5.9
out of 10
342
Reviews
51.2%
Satisfaction
134
negative
33
neutral
175
positive
Green Papaya holds an overall Restaurant Score of 5.9, placing it in the average range, with Customer Satisfaction at 51.2%, indicating a mixed reception. This assessment comes from 342 customer comments, with 175 positive and 134 negative remarks.
While not outstanding, it suggests a generally acceptable experience for many, but with clear areas for improvement. Looking closer at the specifics, Food (6.5) is the strongest aspect, often praised for its quality.
Ambience (6.7) also scores well, though it’s less frequently discussed. However, Service (5.5) and especially Value (4) pull the overall score down, suggesting these areas are where Green Papaya faces its biggest challenges and could benefit from attention.
What people like
- Fresh Vietnamese food
- Convenient location
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Overpriced dishes
- Inconsistent service
- Uncomfortable seating
With a Recommendation Score of 6, Green Papaya sits squarely in the average category. If you prioritize fresh Vietnamese flavors and a convenient spot, it might be worth a visit.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and a price point that some find a bit high for the overall experience. Ultimately, Green Papaya could be a decent option for a quick meal if expectations are managed, especially regarding value and service.
It’s not a standout destination, but it serves its purpose for those seeking specific dishes without expecting a consistently polished experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Green Papaya
Food (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Many diners rave about the food here, with 108 positive remarks out of 182 total. You'll often hear praise for the great food, delicious Pho, and diverse vegan options, highlighting the flavor and freshness. The overall food score sits at a decent 6.5, suggesting a generally satisfying culinary experience.
However, not everyone is completely won over, with 55 negative comments. Some concerns pop up regarding inconsistent quality, smaller Pho portions, and occasionally dry chicken meat. A few even mentioned MSG or found the food underwhelming, contributing to a mixed customer satisfaction of 59.3%.
Food
182
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
55
negative
19
neutral
108
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great food variety
- Excellent vegan options
- Flavorful broth
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small Pho portions
- Dry chicken meat
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great little find, exactly what I was looking for: good food, an unassuming atmosphere, fast service, and a very reasonable price. I ordered the shrimp and chicken fried rice with vegetables, plus a spring roll on the side.
- Vietnamese foodMy experience at this restaurant was amazing! It was my first time having Vietnamese food this fresh. Unlike many other places in the area that are franchised or have mall food, this place felt home-like and family owned.
- gluten-freemy friend is gluten free, and we eat there because of that - so yeaaahhhh gluten free!
- phoI returned to this restaurant a year after a positive business trip where I had loved the pho. I was excited to share the experience with a friend, but unfortunately, things took a 180-degree turn.
- spring rollstheir spring rolls (non fried included) are out of this world delicious
- PhoThe Pho is great
- brothbroth was savory and beefy with a hint of anise
- chickenchicken wasn't overcooked and dry
- menuThe menu was quite long but helpful with photos
- Banana Blossom Saladget the Banana Blossom Salad
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was very mediocre this time
- bean sproutsThinking of affordable rice noodles like in Korea, the price here is a bit of a burden. The taste is top-notch, but the very strong cilantro and the texture of the stiff bean sprouts are sometimes surprising.
- chickennot to overcook chicken so much that it becomes so chewy
- cilantroThinking of affordable rice noodles like in Korea, the price here is a bit of a burden. The taste is top-notch, but the very strong cilantro and the texture of the stiff bean sprouts are sometimes surprising.
- food qualitythe food quality did not quite meet expectations
- Cha Gioworst Pho and Cha gio I've had
- Fresh Roll at Metreonso much better than Fresh Roll at Metreon - not comparable!
- MSGThey use MSG in their food. I have a specific sensitivity to it
- Phothe soup was not flavorful
- Pho noodlesNot typical Pho noodles
If youre seeking diverse Vietnamese food with good vegan options and flavor, its worth a try. Just be mindful that Pho portions and overall quality can sometimes be inconsistent, so manage your expectations.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers have had a good experience, with 40 positive remarks highlighting aspects like speedy service, attentive staff, and a friendly owner/manager. Youll often find the team passionate and quick to ensure your meal is just right, contributing to a 5.5 score and a 50.6% customer satisfaction rate that shows a mixed but often positive sentiment. However, the service isnt always smooth sailing, with 35 negative comments pointing to potential issues.
Some have experienced slow service, staffing problems, messed up orders, or even an unwelcoming owner/manager. It seems consistency can be a challenge, with some feeling ignored or facing long waiting times.
Service
79
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
35
negative
4
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Speedy service
- Attentive staff
- Friendly owner
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude owner
- Order mistakes
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great little find, exactly what I was looking for: good food, an unassuming atmosphere, fast service, and a very reasonable price. I ordered the shrimp and chicken fried rice with vegetables, plus a spring roll on the side.
- staffthe staff are friendly
- ownerThe owner(?) was very nice and accommodating.
- speednice, clean and quick
- attentivevery attentive for questions and assistance
- canceled the tipthey canceled the tip
- drink carrierappreciated the drink carrier for my Iced Vietnamese Coffee
- earn your businessThey really want to earn your business
- experienceOverall a great experience
- great serviceI was also pleasantly surprised by their wok fried chicken wings, which are secretly some of the best. I highly recommend going here if you're looking for good food and great service.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was fairly good, but marred by poor service. They were clearly not staffed correctly for the number of people coming through.
- ownerMy experience at this restaurant was the worst service ever. The owner was so rude, and I felt I was totally ignored. You can easily find another Vietnamese restaurant nearby.
- waiting timeWaited in line 20 minutes.
- checkRequest check early as it can sometimes be hard to get out of there
- customer attentivenessCustomer attentiveness is apathetic at best
- delivery orderthis was not a complicated order and it failed miserably
- feeling usedTo top it off, gratuity was included on the bill for two people. While the food was decent, I felt used by Green Papaya. I will not be returning, and will instead go to better Vietnamese cuisine options like Tin, located just down the street.
- follow-uphave not followed up
- giving moreVery reluctant to give me some more
- gratitudeThey don't say "thank you"
Overall, the service here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. While you might encounter speedy, attentive, and friendly staff, be prepared for the possibility of slower service or occasional order mix-ups. If youre willing to roll the dice, you could have a great experience, but consistency isnt guaranteed.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 6.7. Many guests appreciate the convenient location and modern ambiance, often describing the interior as beautiful and the place as home-like and family-owned. With 17 positive remarks out of 25 total, it seems many find it a nice place for a great time.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68%, indicating some areas for improvement. A few diners noted issues like uncomfortable chairs and a cramped restaurant space. There were also comments about tatty decor and a need for better cleanliness, including a chipped tea cup, among the 6 negative observations.
Ambience
25
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Convenient location
- Modern ambiance
- Home-like feel
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable chairs
- Cramped space
- Cleanliness issues
Often praised
- locationThe location and ambience of this place is excellent
- ambiancethe ambiance was modern
- ambienceNice ambience.
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great little find, exactly what I was looking for: good food, an unassuming atmosphere, fast service, and a very reasonable price. I ordered the shrimp and chicken fried rice with vegetables, plus a spring roll on the side.
- cleanlinessnice, clean and quick
- convenient locationGood location when come to conference at moscone.
- convention centerreally close (5 minute walk) to the Moscone Center
- family ownedIt was my first time having Vietnamese food this fresh. Unlike many other places in the area that are franchised or have mall food, this place felt home-like and family owned. The owner and his children were lovely and clearly passionate about what they do.
- great timewe had a great time
- interiorThe interior was beautiful
Frequently criticized
- chairschairs incredibly uncomfortable
- cleanlinessThe place can be a bit more clean
- decorDecor is a bit tatty
- family-style seatingbe prepared to eat family style with other lone diners
- restaurant spaceThe restaurant is a bit crammed
- tea cupServed with a chipped and dirty tea cup
If youre looking for a conveniently located spot with a generally pleasant, modern, and home-like vibe, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere. Just be prepared that some find the seating a bit uncomfortable or the space a little cramped, so manage your expectations for a perfect lounging experience.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
Looking at value, there are 10 positive comments out of 56 total, suggesting some guests found it worth it and offered a reasonable price. Many appreciated the no surcharge policy for certain items and the convenience of paying with a credit card. While the overall score for value sits at an average 4, these positive points highlight where the restaurant gets it right.
However, the majority of the 38 negative comments out of 56 total paint a different picture. Many found the experience pricey and overpriced, feeling it was expensive for what was served. Mentions of extra surcharge and paying extra for rice also contributed to dissatisfaction.
This sentiment is strongly reflected in the very poor 17.9% customer satisfaction, suggesting that for many, the value just isn't there.
Value
56
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
38
negative
8
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the price
- Reasonable pricing
- No hidden fees
What people don't like
- Often overpriced
- Extra surcharges
- Pay extra for rice
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great little find, exactly what I was looking for: good food, an unassuming atmosphere, fast service, and a very reasonable price. I ordered the shrimp and chicken fried rice with vegetables, plus a spring roll on the side.
- cheap priceMy experience at the restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. I was blown away by the awesome food, especially considering the cheap price. It was great that there was no surcharge for chicken on banana salad.
- credit cardthey take credit card
- no surchargeNo surcharge for chicken on banana salad
- pricesThe prices were reasonable
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price
- worth itit's worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceThinking of affordable rice noodles like in Korea, the price here is a bit of a burden. The taste is top-notch, but the very strong cilantro and the texture of the stiff bean sprouts are sometimes surprising.
- pricesThe Cubed Filet Mignon was tender. The prices on the menu posted in front of the restaurant and in their takeout menu are old, so make sure you use their menu book when ordering to avoid sticker shock when you get your bill.
- expensiveto me is rather expensive
- overpricedoverpriced for no apparent reason
- $15$15 for one crappy bowl of pho
- $15 for Pho$15 for Pho seems out of range
- $40 mealnever got my $40 meal
- basic Vietnamese dish$20+ with tax for what I would consider to be a basic Vietnamese dish
- billwas put on our bill
- dishesWhile the food is good and they offer a good selection of fake-meat vegetarian dishes, the price is a significant drawback. Most dishes are around $20, and there's an additional charge for rice, making it feel overpriced.
If youre looking for a budget-friendly meal, this spot might disappoint due to frequent mentions of high prices and extra charges. However, if youre willing to spend a bit more for specific dishes that are worth it and appreciate conveniences like credit card payments, you might find some value.
How are the prices at Green Papaya?
You’re looking at roughly 19 $ per person – reported by 5 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most of our diners found themselves in this sweet spot, with just one venturing slightly higher. While our data is based on a small group of 5, it gives us a good indication of what to expect.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 5 reviews. Keep in mind, with a smaller number of reviews, this gives us a good indication, but more data would paint an even fuller picture!
Comparing value for money: How this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Vietnamese spot in San Francisco. It offers a good balance for those looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Green Papaya
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Best Vegan Chinese in SF!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's the best vegan Chinese food in SF, offering a huge menu of items to choose from. The ambiance was fun, though I'd recommend requesting the check early as it can sometimes be hard to get out.
It's totally worth it, though. I highly recommend the vegan Mongolian beef with garlic noodles; you will not be disappointed.
- vegan chinese food10
- menu9
- ambiance8
- check4
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Worst Service, Ruined My Day
My experience at this restaurant was the worst service ever. The owner was so rude, and I felt I was totally ignored. You can easily find another Vietnamese restaurant nearby.
NEVER go to this restaurant, they will ruin your day!
- service1
- owner1
- ignored1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
7
Good Vegetarian Options, A Bit Pricey
I visited this restaurant for lunch with a friend, eager to explore their vegetarian offerings. The location and ambience were excellent, providing a nice, calming vibe. The menu was extensive but helpful, featuring photos.
I was surprised to find non-vegetarian options given the restaurant's name. We ordered several dishes, and while the food was good, it wasn't particularly memorable. For lunch, I found the food to be a bit pricy, though it might be more reasonable if the same menu applies to dinner.
- location8
- ambience8
- menu7
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Speedy Service, Great Food Despite Crowds
My experience at this restaurant was positive, despite it being packed during lunch hour. They offer speedy service and great food. It's a good convenient choice for a hearty meal at a reasonable price.
- speedy service9
- great food9
- hearty meal8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Fairly Good Food, Poor Service
My experience at the restaurant was fairly good, but marred by poor service. They were clearly not staffed correctly for the number of people coming through.
- service2
- staffing2
What Green Papaya offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Takeout
- Delivery
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Green Papaya?
At Green Papaya, you can enjoy various dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable seating and table service. If you prefer to dine elsewhere, takeout and delivery services are also available for your convenience.
Is Green Papaya accessible and family-friendly, and what payment methods do they accept?
Yes, Green Papaya features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring ease of access for all guests. It’s also good for kids, offering high chairs for younger diners. For payments, you can conveniently use both credit cards and debit cards.
What is the overall rating for Green Papaya and its key aspects?
Green Papaya has an overall score of **5.9** (average). Its **Food** (6.5) and **Ambience** (6.7) are its stronger points, while **Service** (5.5) and **Value** (4) are areas that could see improvement.
Is the food at Green Papaya generally well-regarded?
Many customers appreciate the fresh Vietnamese food, with specific mentions of delicious spring rolls and flavorful pho broth. However, some have noted occasional inconsistencies in overall food quality.
Are there any common complaints about Green Papaya?
Yes, some customers find the dishes to be **expensive** or **overpriced**, and there are frequent reports of **inconsistent service**, including long waiting times and less attentive staff.