oChef » Helmand Palace – San Francisco » Helmand Palace – San Francisco – Reviews
Helmand Palace - Reviews
2424 Van Ness Ave, 90214 San Francisco
All reviews at a glance
441
Reviews
87.1%
Satisfaction
44
negative
13
neutral
384
positive
What people say about Helmand Palace
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Visit Type
Service Type
Meal Type
Group Type
Group Size
Wait Time
Price per Person
Noise Level
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Afghan Restaurant Experience!
As an Afghan, I can safely say this is one of the best Afghan restaurants around. The food was awesome, especially the Kabuli palow😘. The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
- food10
- Kabuli palow10
- service10
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Best Place, Amazing Service!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic. I can confidently say it's the best place I have ever been to. The service was exceptional; the guy who works there was really really friendly.
The food and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
- service10
- food10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
1
Extremely Disappointed - Not Afghan Food
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. I was expecting authentic Afghan food, but what I received was far from it. The food had no taste and was completely lacking in salt.
To make matters worse, they got our order wrong. Considering I paid over $200, I am really, really disappointed. Please don't use our food and make it like it's bad.
- food1
- order2
- price2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Good Food, A Bit Spicy
My experience at this restaurant was good. The food was delicious, though it was a bit spicy, which is normal for this style of cuisine. It wasn't spectacular, but it met my expectations.
- food8
- spicy6
- expectations6
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Excellent Food and Service in SF!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was some of the best I had during my time in San Francisco. I also want to express my gratitude to Hassan for his welcoming demeanor and for engaging in interesting conversations with us.
I look forward to visiting again soon.
- food10
- Hassan10
- conversations8
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
2
Disappointing Afghan Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The food didn't even taste like an authentic Afghan dish. The atmosphere felt very tense.
To make matters worse, there was only one person handling cooking, serving, and the cashier. I brought my family who had visited from Europe, and I regret that decision.
- food1
- atmosphere2
- service1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Impeccably Perfect Dining Experience
My experience at Helmand Palace was impeccably perfect. I felt personally loved by the chef, which contributed to a truly wonderful dinner. The smooth timing of each course, the beautiful preparation, and the wonderful flavors made for a delightful meal.
Helmand Palace is a great place to enjoy a classy, delicious, and well-prepared meal.
- chef10
- timing of each course9
- preparation9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Experience, Misrepresented Culture
My experience at this restaurant was deeply disappointing. The use of Afghanistan's name and "Afghan" is inappropriate given the lack of proper hospitality and cultural respect. I suggest improving your manners and customer service first, then focusing on food quality and cleanliness.
The "Qabuli Pulao" served is not authentic; it resembles Shorba Berenj (rice soup) and tastes inferior. I strongly urge you to remove "Helmand" from your restaurant's title, as this misuse misrepresents Afghan cuisine and harms our culture's image. Please avoid tarnishing Afghanistan's heritage for profit.
- Shorba Berenj7
- hospitality1
- customer service1
- food quality1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Hidden Gem with Amazing Afghani Food
What a hidden gem! My experience at this restaurant was amazing. The Afghani food was incredibly tasty, and the environment was great.
The owner was lovely, and I won't be disappointed. The portions are great for the price too!
- Afghani food10
- environment9
- owner10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Hidden Gem with Flavorful Food!
I discovered this hidden gem thanks to a Reddit recommendation and have since returned multiple times, including for takeout. The owner's warm and welcoming demeanor truly enhances the experience. The food is incredibly flavorful, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable.
- food10
- owner10
- prices9
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