Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Han Il Kwan – San Francisco
Han Il Kwan - San Francisco
Photo from Han Il Kwan
Han Il Kwan at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 101 of the guests
#1381 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#21 Korean Restaurant out of 36 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
648
Reviews
73.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent Korean food
- Value lunch specials
- Authentic atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- High prices
- Parking difficulties
Overview: Introducting Han Il Kwan
Han Il Kwan offers a taste of Korea with its highly regarded food, often described as excellent and authentic. Many appreciate the welcoming and efficient service from the staff, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
The restaurant’s atmosphere also evokes a genuine Korean feel. However, some experiences with service have been less positive, with reports of unhelpful or even disrespectful interactions.
Guests should also be prepared for potential wait times and be aware that parking can be quite challenging in the vicinity.
Good
7.3
out of 10
648
Reviews
73.1%
Satisfaction
140
negative
34
neutral
474
positive
Han Il Kwan earns a solid overall score of 7.3, indicating a good dining experience, and customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 73.1%. This suggests that most patrons leave content with their visit.
These figures are drawn from a substantial pool of 648 customer observations, with 474 positive remarks outweighing 140 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food truly shines with an excellent score of (8.2), consistently impressing diners.
While Value (6.5) and Ambience (6.4) are considered average, offering a balanced experience, the Service (5.3) falls into the average category, suggesting some room for improvement in consistency.
What people like
- Excellent Korean food
- Worthwhile lunch specials
- Authentic Korean atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- High prices for portions
- Challenging parking situation
Han Il Kwan is a solid choice if you prioritize authentic Korean flavors, as its culinary offerings are a clear strength. With a recommendation score of 7.9, it’s certainly worth considering, especially if you’re looking for a satisfying meal and appreciate a traditional setting.
However, be prepared for potentially variable service experiences and the challenge of finding parking. If you’re seeking consistent, top-tier service or are sensitive to pricing for portion sizes, you might want to manage your expectations accordingly.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Han Il Kwan
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
Alright, lets talk food! This spot clearly hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.2 and an impressive 88% customer satisfaction. With 361 positive remarks out of 410 total, diners rave about the delicious KBBQ, generous banchan, and the overall quality meats, praising its authenticity and variety of entree options.
However, its not all perfect. Some of the 34 negative comments point to concerns about meat portions and inconsistent meat quality. A few also mentioned a lack of flavor in certain dishes or issues with overall portion size, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency.
Food
410
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
34
negative
15
neutral
361
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious KBBQ
- Abundant banchan
- Authentic Korean flavors
What people don't like
- Small meat portions
- Inconsistent meat quality
- Lack of flavor
Often praised
- foodEverything was good, comparable to a high-quality Korean set meal (baekban). Unlike other places where meat can smell gamey or seafood can be fishy, and the seasoning isn't to my taste, this place felt like Korea itself! The food was excellent, and the side dishes were delicious.
- banchanI was particularly impressed by the huuuge kimchi pancake and the yummy and comforting doenjjang. The amazing array of banchan was a definite highlight, and the complimentary steam egg was a nice touch. The bibimbap was fragrant, though a little too charred for my personal preference <3.
- side dishesThe side dishes were a highlight, with 4 out of 7 options impressing me.
- steamed eggHowever, it was a little overpriced for the portions you get, especially the meat. On the positive side, the meals come with banchan, rice, and soup or steamed egg. The pork belly was a little tough for my taste.
- Korean foodThis was the best Korean food I've had in the US! I tried a variety of dishes, including meat (galbi), seafood (spicy squid stir-fry, croaker fish stew), and vegetarian options (bindaetteok).
- tofu soupThe staff was incredibly nice and warm. We ordered marinated and non-marinated galbi, pork belly, steamed egg, and tofu soup, all of which came with banchan. The food was fire, and we were so stuffed by the end.
- Korean BBQThe servers were very helpful with recommendations and present when needed. The food was delicious, some of the best Korean BBQ I've had. I would definitely eat again.
- galbigalbi and steamed egg, which were bussin
- seafood pancakesizzling hot pot bibimbop and seafood pancake. Everything was so delicious!
- bibimbapThey also offer complementary sweet rice drinks at the end of the meal. I unfortunately forgot to take pictures of the kimchi soup and the bibimbap.
Frequently criticized
- pork bellywould skip the pork belly
- KBBQ experienceThey didn't clearly explain what was meant for self-BBQ and what was already cooked. We were expecting the full KBBQ experience, but the lack of clarity on this aspect was a letdown. However, the food itself was rated a 5, indicating high quality in that area.
- Kimchi pork tofu stewKimchi pork tofu stew but no pork in there, the meat was so little.
- Tofu soupWe did got our Tofu soup cold
- alcoholthe alcohol we ordered was expired
- batterThe pancake was lots of batter and not much vegetables or seafood
- crispyIt wasn’t crispy either
- dishesUnfortunately, my experience was not positive. The dishes were not cleaned properly, which was quite off-putting. Furthermore, the service attitude was bad, and to make matters worse, a waiter even touched her bracelet on the food.
- dried small fishnot all of them are tasty though such as the dried small fish
- flavorsurprised by the lack of flavor
If you're craving authentic Korean flavors and a great KBBQ experience, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some find the meat portions a bit small or the quality occasionally inconsistent, so manage your expectations.
Service (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
While the service experience here is a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 42%, many guests have shared positive feedback. Out of 143 total opinions, 60 highlighted the friendly and attentive staff who made them feel welcomed and ensured quick seating. Guests often appreciate the efficient food service, contributing to an overall pleasant experience.
However, the service isnt always smooth, reflected in an average score of 5.3. With 73 negative comments, issues like long waiting times and occasional unfriendly service are frequently mentioned. Some diners reported a lack of staff attention and even rude interactions, suggesting theres room for improvement.
Service
143
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
73
negative
10
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Quick seating
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
- Poor attention
Often praised
- serviceThe service was good, and the staff is what you would get from your typical asian restaurant
- staffThe staffs here are welcoming, well trained and understanding
- ServiceService was swift and efficient 💪
- attentive staffwarm greeting from the restaurant's attentive staff
- reservationThe staff here are welcoming, well-trained, and understanding; I have never encountered any issues during any of my visits. If you are not in the mood for waiting, I recommend making a reservation if available. I highly recommend this place to all Korean food enthusiasts, to all Korean barbecue lovers, or if you just want to try something new.
- waitwe didn't have to wait long to be seated
- Jean’s serviceI had such a great experience at Han Il Kwan in SF! I love Jean’s service so much — she was absolutely outstanding, so friendly and attentive, which made the meal even more enjoyable. We ordered pork belly for table cooking, and it was fresh, perfectly sliced, and grilled up beautifully.
- ServersServers will bring a complementary tofu soup during the meal
- StaffStaff is so nice and warn
- cake servicethey were able to store and later serve it
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. The service was not just unfriendly, it was downright disrespectful. While we were dining with children, multiple staff members repeatedly and openly made us feel unwelcome through various actions.
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marred by unbelievably nonexistent customer service. As we were leaving, a waitstaff member chased us outside to demand a larger tip.
- serverthe server just pointed us to a table without saying anything
- wait timewait time can be long so be prepared
- waiterThe foods are nice, but the service is bad. The waiter rolled her eyes when we told her we need more time to think what we’re gonna order🥲.
- waiting timeDespite having no wait, the waiters and the owner seemed more interested in chatting amongst themselves than acknowledging customers. We stood for about 15 minutes, with only a few tables occupied, before the male owner, while chewing, finally led us to a table. We ordered, but were told the first dish, beef brisket, was unavailable.
- parkingPeople come with family for a sit-down meal, so it's busy most of the time. The only drawback is parking; I guess it's best to take an Uber or Lyft. Don't be in a rush eating here.
- waitThe main con was the parking, which was so tough near the restaurant. Expect a wait. If you’re willing to wait and find parking, it’s highly recommended 🙌🏻.
- check" It's unreasonable to expect a first-time visitor to know such things. To cap it off, the check was practically thrown onto the table. The unfriendly service made the entire experience very, very unpleasant.
- grill changeLater, when the seasoned intestines were so burnt we asked for a grill change, they didn't respond but brought the grill. As I was trying to remove the burnt intestines with tongs, a staff member aggressively snatched the tongs from my hand and proceeded to cook it themselves, stating, "this menu is better when we cook it inside. " When we mentioned we didn't know, they replied, "You have to ask of course.
Overall, service here can be a bit of a gamble. If youre lucky, youll encounter friendly, attentive staff and quick service, making for a great meal. But be prepared for potential long waits and inconsistent staff attitudes, which might dampen your experience.
Ambience (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
Many guests find the restaurant's atmosphere and ambiance quite appealing, with 31 positive comments out of 56 total. They often describe it as cozy and appreciate the vibes and energy, contributing to a true Korean experience. The spacious interior decor makes it a great place for family and friends, ensuring a fun and clean environment.
However, the overall ambience receives an average score of 6.4, with customer satisfaction at 55.4%, indicating a mixed bag. A major pain point, highlighted in 21 negative comments, is the challenging parking situation. Other concerns include a small wait room, tables being too close, and a high noise level, alongside mentions of the bathroom needing an update.
Ambience
56
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
21
negative
4
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Cozy Korean vibe
- Spacious interior
What people don't like
- Challenging parking
- High noise level
- Small wait room
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere of the restaurant felt completely Korean, from the interior to the signage. The seafood pajeon was a bit disappointing as it lacked crispness.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restaurantThe restaurant is quite spacious and it can accommodate large groups
- Korean experienceA true Korean experience!
- ambianceThe interior design was a charming blend of traditional and modern, creating a peaceful atmosphere
- ambienceGreat ambience.
- cozyVery cozy
- crowdedI found it to be a respectable Korean BBQ establishment with good cuts of meat and nice sides. The staff was friendly, and I appreciated that it's a bit off the beaten path, meaning it's usually not as crowded as other places. The spicy Ribeye was excellent.
- eating in the restaurantit’s better to eat in the restaurant.
- experienceservice and overall experience were top-notch
Frequently criticized
- parkingI would definitely eat again. However, the area is really difficult to navigate in a car and there is no parking. Additionally, there is a very small wait room.
- atmosphereit was freezing inside
- areaThe area is really difficult to navigate in a car
- bathroomThe food was great, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was wonderful. The only minor drawback was that the bathroom needs an update. Be aware that there's a line out the door for dinner, so I highly recommend making a reservation!
- doorkept insisting on keeping the door open
- noise levelNoise level was pretty high with all these people
- parking lotthere was no parking lot
- seatingdon’t have seating for 1-2 people
- street parkingI struggled with street parking
- tablestables were very close to each other
If youre looking for a cozy Korean spot with good vibes and dont mind a bit of a hunt for parking, this place could be a fun experience. Just be prepared for potential noise and a small wait area, especially during busy times.
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
Looking at value, theres a decent buzz, with an average score of 6.5 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 56.4%. Out of 39 total comments, 22 positive remarks frequently praise the lunch specials and price as reasonable. Many feel they get excellent quality for the price, making it a solid value overall.
On the flip side, 12 negative remarks indicate that prices can be on the expensive side, especially compared to expectations for the portions. Some guests found specific items, like the meat for the grill, to be overpriced, leading to a feeling that the overall bill' was too high.
Value
39
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
12
negative
5
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great lunch specials
- Good quality for price
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Overpriced for portions
- Specific items pricey
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was absolutely amazing and reasonably priced. The staff were very helpful and friendly, making us feel very welcomed and looked after, even though they weren't overly effusive.
- lunch specialsTheir lunch specials are definitely worth the price.
- pricesThis is my favorite traditional Korean place in SF! The prices were reasonable and the banchan selection was great. I enjoyed the kimchi pancakes, which are a solid dish to share.
- Price per personfood that was worth every penny you pay for it
- billWe loved every bite. The bill at the end was served with a delicious sweet rice drink, perfect to soothe your palate. We paid $70.
- lunch menufor lunch, most of the menu was under $20. Really great value!
- lunch speciallunch special is a crazy good deal
- lunch special priceThe lunch special price is a good deal
- pricingthe pricing is very reasonable and affordable.
- quality for the priceMy family and I have been going here for years! It's the best quality for the price, and they make the best Soft Tofu Soup. I think the soup is just perfectly balanced between the texture and spice.
Frequently criticized
- pricesPrices like everywhere in SF, higher than you want to pay
- all-you-can-eatThis is not an all-you-can-eat establishment
- billasked him to correct the bill because we hadn't ordered the item on the bill he refused
- expensiveIt's expensive but worth it
- expensive sideit on the expensive side
- meat for the grillThe meat for the grill is definitely overpriced
- overpriced for portionsA little overpriced for the portions
- priceThe price are very pricey for portion u get.
- pricingVery expensive Korean food compared to what I’m used to
- seafood pancake priceThe seafood pancake was $22 and didn’t have much seafood either
If youre hunting for a good deal, especially during lunch, this spots specials are definitely worth checking out. But for dinner or specific à la carte items, be prepared that the price might feel a bit steep for the portions you get.
How are the prices at Han Il Kwan?
You’re looking at roughly 38 per person – reported by 101 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Korean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits here, you’ll find a good mix of prices, with many guests spending between 21 – 50 $, showing there are options for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 101 reviews.
Comparing value for money: This restaurant versus similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Korean restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank, making it a good option for many diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Han Il Kwan
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Food, Expired Alcohol Issue
This was my second visit to the restaurant. The service and atmosphere were acceptable, aligning with expectations for an average Asian restaurant. The food was great, however, the alcohol we ordered was found to be expired by four months.
We only realized this after consuming half a bottle, which unfortunately led to an upset stomach the following day. It's a shame because I genuinely enjoy the bbq. My advice would be to perhaps avoid ordering alcohol here.
- service6
- atmosphere6
- food8
- alcohol2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Phenomenal Korean BBQ Experience!
My experience at Han Il Kwan was absolutely phenomenal. While it's very busy and comes with a wait, it's absolutely worth it. It's best enjoyed with a big group, as this allows for a lot of variety.
The meats were all absolutely excellent, and the banchan was delicious. We also got the japchae, which I loved. The service is also excellent, despite them being very busy!
Hugely recommended, would for sure come back!
- meats10
- banchan9
- japchae9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Best Korean Food in the Bay Area!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best Korean food I've ever tasted in the Bay Area. The BBQ portions were generous, and every dish was incredibly flavorful.
I genuinely loved everything, including the complimentary small dishes. The only minor challenge was that parking can be somewhat difficult to find in the residential area.
- Korean food10
- BBQ portion9
- every dish10
- parking3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Dry Ribs, Poor Service, But Good Egg Soufflé
My experience at this restaurant was quite mixed. The ribs were extremely dry and lacked any juice or sauce, making them difficult to eat. Even with soy sauce, they were described as dry slices of beef and looked unappetizing.
On a positive note, the Kai bi was good, moist, and boneless. The egg soufflé was also good, but it's important to order it at the beginning as they won't change it later, and it supersedes the soup. However, the customer service was a significant letdown.
Our server was not friendly and seemed rushed, even when my partner had just arrived. We were not checked on, and my friend had to flag down another staff member for water, as we could have used more napkins. The restaurant could improve its customer service by being more welcoming, friendly, and attentive to customers.
Due to the poor service and disappointing ribs, I would go to other Korean restaurants with better service.
- Kai bi8
- egg soufflé8
- ribs2
- customer service2
- server3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Mixed Feelings on Grilled Meat, Loved the Tofu Soup
My experience at the restaurant was a mix of good and not-so-good. The grilled meat was a bit too fatty for my liking. However, I absolutely loved the fermented tofu paste.
The spicy tofu soup was awesome, and I'm already planning to try the seafood pancake next time.
- fermented tofu paste10
- spicy tofu soup9
- grilled meat3
What Han Il Kwan offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
How does Han Il Kwan generally rate?
Han Il Kwan holds a good overall score of 7.3, with customer satisfaction at 73.1%. Its Food (8.2) is a standout, while Value (6.5), Ambience (6.4), and Service (5.3) are considered average.
What do customers appreciate most about Han Il Kwan?
Diners frequently praise the quality of the food, noting its authentic Korean taste and delicious side dishes. Many also find the lunch specials to be a great deal.
Are there any common concerns when dining at Han Il Kwan?
Some customers have reported inconsistent service experiences, ranging from welcoming staff to less attentive interactions. Parking can also be a challenge, and some find the prices on the higher side for the portion sizes.