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oChef » Jilli SF – San Francisco
Jilli SF - San Francisco
Photo from Jilli SF
Jilli SF at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 47 of the guests
#281 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#15 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
425
Reviews
85.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Inventive cuisine
- Attentive staff
- Lively atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High price
- Tight space
The bar & pub Jilli SF in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District invites you to discover a lively spot where you can unwind. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying a casual meal or a night out.
This establishment offers a full range of food, wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed evening, Jilli SF provides a great local experience.
Overview: Introducting Jilli SF
Jilli SF offers a compelling experience, particularly with its inventive Korean food that balances tradition with creativity. Guests frequently praise the exceptional quality of dishes and the attentive service provided by the staff.
The inviting atmosphere also contributes to a pleasant dining outing. However, some diners note that the overall value can be a point of contention, often citing smaller portions relative to the cost.
While the culinary execution is generally strong, there are occasional remarks about slow service or specific dishes not meeting expectations.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
425
Reviews
85.9%
Satisfaction
43
negative
17
neutral
365
positive
Jilli SF generally earns high marks, reflected in its solid overall score of 8.4 and a strong customer satisfaction rate of 85.9%. This positive reception is largely driven by the culinary offerings, with Food scoring an impressive (8.6), and the attentive Service which also stands out at (8.7).
These aspects consistently receive commendations from diners, contributing significantly to the restaurant’s appeal. Based on over 425 customer remarks, with 365 positive observations against 43 negative ones, the inviting Ambience (8.1) also contributes positively to the experience.
However, the Value (3.8) is an area where Jilli SF struggles, often perceived as less favorable. This suggests that while the dining experience is largely enjoyable, some guests find the pricing a bit steep for what is offered.
What people like
- Inventive Korean cuisine
- Attentive, caring staff
- Inviting, lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Small portions, high price
- Tight, noisy dining
Jilli SF presents a compelling option for those seeking creative Korean cuisine and a vibrant dining experience. With a strong recommendation score of 8.6, it’s clear that many guests find the overall offering quite satisfying.
If you prioritize innovative dishes and a lively setting, this spot is certainly worth considering for your next outing. However, be mindful of the pricing and portion sizes, as these aspects have been noted by some diners.
While the service and ambiance generally impress, those sensitive to cost or expecting generous servings might find it less appealing. It’s a place to enjoy the culinary artistry, perhaps for a special occasion.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Jilli SF
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are clearly impressed, with an excellent 90.4% customer satisfaction and a strong 8.6 score. Out of 272 total remarks, a whopping 246 rave about the creative Korean-inspired small plates. Standouts like the delicious shrimp toast, amazing fried chicken sandwich, and diverse makgeolli selection consistently hit the spot, offering unique flavors and generous portion sizes.
However, not every bite is perfect, as 18 negative remarks point out. Some found the food to be bland or incredibly mediocre, with concerns about small portions for the price. A few experiences mentioned oily shrimp toast or flavorless fried chicken, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
272
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
18
negative
8
neutral
246
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative Korean tapas
- Delicious shrimp toast
- Excellent fried chicken
What people don't like
- Bland food taste
- Small portion sizes
- Oily fried items
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I went with friends, and while we knew the Makgeolli was going to be special due to the clear intention behind it, we were blown away by how good the food was. The pork jowel was my favorite, but honestly, every dish we ordered was delicious.
- shrimp toastI've already been twice. I tried a variety of dishes including honey butter chip, tuna dip + trout roe, fried chicken, shrimp toast, wagyu yukhoe, pork jowl jeyuk, rose tteokbokki, rigatoni alla kimchi vodka, diy salmon kimbap, and perilla oil noodle. Everything was seasoned perfectly and tasted authentically Korean, yet was also creative and new.
- pork jowlI liked that it was something different than the KFC (Korean fried chicken) I’ve had elsewhere in the Bay Area, and I’m definitely interested in checking out more of the Chimmelier offerings, which I think are served during lunch (please correct me if that’s wrong). The pork jowl was excellent, fatty and juicy with a little freshness from the salsa verde and “overgrown garnish” as our server called it. This dish I could have ordered 3 servings of.
- dishesWe had a great experience at Jilli last night! First and foremost, the food is great - their dishes are just the right kind of exemplary fusion Korean street food which will satisfy both the ones who are searching for legit Korean food and the ones who are looking for something experimental. Price is also reasonable.
- FoodI highly recommend their yuzu makgeolli, the shrimp toast, and the fried chicken. The food was exceptional, and the overall atmosphere and service were top-notch.
- fried chickenI've already been twice. I tried a variety of dishes including honey butter chip, tuna dip + trout roe, fried chicken, shrimp toast, wagyu yukhoe, pork jowl jeyuk, rose tteokbokki, rigatoni alla kimchi vodka, diy salmon kimbap, and perilla oil noodle. Everything was seasoned perfectly and tasted authentically Korean, yet was also creative and new.
- makgeolliBefore ordering full bottles, we opted for a flight to sample four different types of makgeolli. After the staff's helpful explanations, we enjoyed tasting each one and subsequently ordered two bottles of Saeng makgeolli. I highly recommend this tapas restaurant for anyone looking for Korean-style anju dishes to enjoy with makgeolli during dinner, whether on a weekday or weekend.
- makgeolli flightThe makgeolli flight was a nice way to try all the drinks they had to offer.
- Korean foodI came here for dinner with a friend and it was such a nice spot. If you're looking for something new and creative with Korean food but in more of a fine dining vibe, I'd definitely recommend it. We sat on the patio and the atmosphere was super cozy and aesthetic.
- fried chicken sandwichThe fried chicken sandwich was so juicy and delicious!
Frequently criticized
- foodfood was a significant letdown, scoring only 3/10
- portionsslight con are the small portions given its price point
- FoodFood could be much better in my opinion
- KFCThe KFC is incredibly flavorless with oily batter
- fried chickenThe fried chicken was mostly fried batter
- kimchidid not offer kimchi
- noodle with 깻잎The noodle with 깻잎 was nothing special, blend and only salty.
- panchandid not offer panchan
- pork bellypork belly... ended up tasting bland
- portionfor the price I was expecting 2-3x the portion
Overall, the food here is a definite highlight, offering creative and delicious Korean tapas that largely impress. While a few diners noted blandness or small portions, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youre in for a treat. If youre seeking unique Korean flavors and a great makgeolli experience, it's certainly worth a try.
Service (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
The service here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.7 and leaving 88.4% of customers satisfied. With 61 positive remarks out of 69 total, guests consistently praise the friendly servers, accommodating staff, and great hospitality. Many highlighted owners like Hwang Ha and Helen for their kind and attentive approach, making for an amazing service experience.
However, a few of the 8 negative comments mentioned some hiccups. Issues like slow service and long waiting times were noted, with some guests experiencing staff seeming disinterested. There were also isolated concerns about inconsistent closing times and difficulties with takeout options, suggesting minor areas for operational refinement.
Service
69
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Accommodating owners
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waiting times
- Early closing times
Often praised
- serviceThere are still some signs of the Moroccan restaurant that used to be in the space, which isn’t a negative, more of a reminder that Jilli is still coming together. That said, overall, Jilli’s soft open is a better experience than some more established restaurants in the area. Would I go again?
- staffI had an amazing dinner with my friend and was waiting outside for my uber when a man started harassing us outside the restaurant and wouldn't leave us alone. I walked back inside to wait for my ride and the staff went above and beyond to make me feel safe (even walking me out to the car). Beyond the service and amazing food, I wanted to reaffirm my gratitude for the character and care the staff showed for me even after dinner had ended.
- ServiceI highly recommend their yuzu makgeolli, the shrimp toast, and the fried chicken. The food was exceptional, and the overall atmosphere and service were top-notch.
- ownerthe owner was super chill and attentive
- serversThe servers are very attentive, polite
- Helen and Hwang HaHelen and Hwang Ha were both so accommodating
- Hwanghah and the teamHwanghah and the team were super welcoming and friendly.
- JilliThe fried chicken sandwich was honestly life changing, and the shrimp toast was equally impressive. It seems like Jilli is just getting started, and I can't wait to see what's coming!
- Jillian our servershout out to Jillian our server!
- StaffsStaffs were friendly
Frequently criticized
- check on the tableshe put the check on the table when we still have drinks
- closing timeI always see people in there and they’re influencers standing on tables to take videos and the food set up for photos. When I try to go they said they were closed nearly an hour before listed closing time. They also don’t do take out or anything so the two times I tried to go they wouldn’t or couldn’t serve me anything.
- food serviceFood a little bit slow
- paper menuNo paper manu QR. code only
- serviceThe service was extremely slow
- staffWhen it finally did, it was not worth the wait – the portions were small, the food was bland, and definitely overpriced for the quality. Staff seemed disinterested and not attentive. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this place – there are much better options nearby.
- take outWhen I try to go they said they were closed nearly an hour before listed closing time. They also don’t do take out or anything so the two times I tried to go they wouldn’t or couldn’t serve me anything. Go during earlier hours I guess.
- waiting timeThe service was extremely slow, even though the place wasn’t busy. We waited a long time just to place our order, and even longer for the food to arrive. When it finally did, it was not worth the wait – the portions were small, the food was bland, and definitely overpriced for the quality.
If you're looking for a place with genuinely warm and attentive staff, this spot is definitely worth trying. While there might be an occasional wait, the overall positive service experience makes it a solid choice.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to the atmosphere, this spot really shines! With a strong score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at a solid 78.9%, its clear most diners are loving the vibe. Out of 71 comments, a whopping 56 were positive, frequently praising the atmosphere, decor, vibes, and even the outdoor patio for creating a memorable experience.
However, not everyone was completely swept away. A handful of the 7 negative comments pointed out some minor issues, like tight space or seating arrangement concerns, and a few found the music a bit too loud or the hard surfaces' inside made it feel cold. These are minor points, but worth noting for those sensitive to such details.
Ambience
71
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
7
negative
8
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Stylish decor
- Vibrant vibes
What people don't like
- Tight seating space
- Loud music
- Cold surfaces
Often praised
- atmosphereThe group size was 2 people, and the price per person was over $100. The atmosphere was rated 4, and the noise level was loud but still manageable for conversation.
- AtmosphereI highly recommend their yuzu makgeolli, the shrimp toast, and the fried chicken. The food was exceptional, and the overall atmosphere and service were top-notch.
- vibescozy vibes indoors and outdoor
- spaceThe staff and owners have created a space to vibe and learn about makgeoli
- vibeThe vibe inside was fun and lively
- decorThe vibes were immaculate, and the portions were generous with incredible depth of flavor and texture. It's been a pleasure stopping by a few times, and each visit I've discovered a new yummy gem added to the menu or decor. I'm excited to try hanging out in their outdoor back patio on my next visit.
- Korean cultureWe ordered many dishes, and everything tasted great. Recommend to ppl who are into Korean culture and food.
- ambienceAmbience is comforting
- cute spotCute spot with some great food
- cute vibesThe cute vibes (loved all the decor)
Frequently criticized
- spaceThe rigatoni was good, but for the price, we were expecting a much larger portion. The service was good, but the space is quite tight, leading to people often bumping into us or knocking things over.
- hard surfacesAll hard surfaces inside, feels cold.
- musicthe music was played at deafening volumes
- outdoor patioThere like an outdoor patio with one of those tall pyramid glass fire pits, and some stupid string lights if you’re into that type of thing.
- seating arrangementwas seated instead at the point of sale system
- vibeVibe is kinda meh.
If you're looking for a place with a great atmosphere and stylish decor, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that some find the seating a bit tight or the music loud, so it might not be your quietest option.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
Despite some concerns, a couple of diners found the price to be reasonable, noting that the delicious food options offered decent value. They felt the dishes were just the right kind of exemplary fusion Korean street food, making the prices quite fair. However, the general consensus, with 10 negative remarks out of 13 total, leans towards disappointment.
Many felt things were pricier overall and that portions were small for the price point, with drinks often deemed overpriced. This leads to a poor score of just 3.8 and a low customer satisfaction of 15.4%, indicating that the food worth the price is a frequent concern.
Value
13
Reviews
15%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable food prices
- Delicious food value
What people don't like
- Overall pricey
- Small portions
- Drinks overpriced
Often praised
- PriceFirst and foremost, the food is great - their dishes are just the right kind of exemplary fusion Korean street food which will satisfy both the ones who are searching for legit Korean food and the ones who are looking for something experimental. Price is also reasonable. Their space is hip and cozy - good for casual date nights and social with friends.
- pricesdelicious food options at decent prices
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by phenomenal food that was so good, I felt compelled to leave a review. While it was a bit on the pricy side, the quality of the dishes made it worthwhile. The food was rated a perfect 5, and the atmosphere also received a 5.
- drinksthe drinks are very, very overpriced
- food worth the priceWhile the service received a decent 8/10, the food was a significant letdown, scoring only 3/10. The value for money was also poor, with the food being rated 1/10 for its worth. I was surprised that the chicken sandwich, which I was interested in, was not on the menu and was only a pop-up item.
- portiona bit pricey for the portion
- price pointOur favorites were the Pork Jowl, Popcorn KFC, and Perilla Oil Noodle. The only slight con is the small portions given its price point; many of us weren’t full after a $400+ bill. However, don't let that stop you from giving it a try!
- pricier overallthings were pricier overall
If you prioritize delicious food and dont mind spending a bit more, you might find the experience worthwhile. However, if youre looking for great value or generous portions, this spot might disappoint, especially with drink prices.
How are the prices at Jilli SF?
You’re looking at roughly 48 per person – reported by 47 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, the $41–$50 range is the most popular, but there’s a good mix of guests enjoying both more budget-friendly options and splurging a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 47 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco when it comes to value for money.
Considering it’s a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank, which is a good sweet spot for many.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Jilli SF
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Flavorful Bites, Tacky Vibe
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The shrimp toast was the absolute standout, described as the 'best bite in town right now' with a 'crispy crinkly outside' and 'juicy luscious flavor bomb inside. ' The accompanying hot sauce was a perfect pairing.
I also tried the pork belly, which came with a perilla sauce and leaves. This unique combination was 'most welcome' and not a common offering in the city. While I ordered a few other things, including a makgeolli flight, they were 'memorable' but 'definitely still edible.
' The vibe was 'kinda meh, ' with a patio featuring a 'tall pyramid glass fire pit' and 'stupid string lights, ' which felt 'tacky. ' Inside, the 'hard surfaces' created a 'cold' feeling. I appreciated the focus on flavor over non-foodie influencer trends, which is a refreshing change from many 'gramable venues.
' However, the experience came at a 'pretty penny. ' Overall, it's a 'good spot to try, ' but I might not rush back, and it's 'nothing to travel from out of town to visit. ' I was happy to go across town for it, though.
- shrimp toast10
- hot sauce8
- pork belly8
- vibe3
- outdoor patio3
- hard surfaces3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Exceptional Service and Amazing Food
I wanted to send a note to say a huge thank you again to the staff working during the 6: 30pm dinner shift on 10/16. I had an amazing dinner with my friend and was waiting outside for my uber when a man started harassing us outside the restaurant and wouldn't leave us alone. I walked back inside to wait for my ride and the staff went above and beyond to make me feel safe (even walking me out to the car).
Beyond the service and amazing food, I wanted to reaffirm my gratitude for the character and care the staff showed for me even after dinner had ended. Food: Loved everything we ordered: kimchi olives (definitely going to try making this at home), rigatoni (amazing! Never thought about adding kimchi to my rigatoni), pork with salsa, wagyu tartare, and definitely the shrimp toast.
I would highly recommend visiting Jilli!
- staff10
- kimchi olives9
- rigatoni10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Fantastic Experience at Jilli SF!
My experience at Jilli SF was fantastic. We thoroughly enjoyed the makgeolli flight and were impressed by the selection of other wines. Standout dishes for us were the perilla oil noodles and shrimp toast—absolutely delicious!
- makgeolli flight9
- selection of other wines8
- perilla oil noodles10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Food and Makgeolli Experience
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I went with friends, and while we knew the Makgeolli was going to be special due to the clear intention behind it, we were blown away by how good the food was. The pork jowel was my favorite, but honestly, every dish we ordered was delicious.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and service was also a 5, with moderate noise. Reservations are recommended, and the price per person is around $20–30.
- Makgeolli9
- food10
- pork jowel10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Hip Spot with Delicious Food!
We secured a last-minute reservation for 4, and this place truly did not disappoint! It's a hip little spot situated on the border between Potrero and Mission. You have the option of both indoor and outdoor seating.
The decor is really fun and modern. I definitely recommend going with a few people so you can try everything on the menu! Everything we had was both beautiful and delicious.
I particularly loved the burrata pasta and the fried chicken. I will definitely be back next time I'm in town!
- hip little spot9
- indoor and outdoor seating8
- decor9
What Jilli SF offers
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Alcohol
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
FAQs
What kind of food and drinks can you enjoy at Jilli SF?
At Jilli SF, you can expect a comprehensive selection of offerings. You’ll find delicious food options, a curated wine list, various beers on tap or bottled, and a full range of other alcoholic beverages to complement your experience.
What service options and amenities does Jilli SF provide?
Jilli SF offers flexible service options including dine-in, delivery, and no-contact delivery for your convenience. You can also stay connected with free Wi-Fi available. For planning your visit, reservations are accepted.
How does Jilli SF generally perform according to customer feedback?
Jilli SF holds a strong overall score of **8.4** with **85.9%** customer satisfaction. Its **Food** (8.6), **Service** (8.7), and **Ambience** (8.1) are highly rated, though **Value** (3.8) receives lower marks.
What kind of dining experience can I expect at Jilli SF?
You can anticipate a lively and inviting atmosphere with creative Korean dishes that blend authentic flavors with new ideas. Many guests praise the exceptional quality and innovative nature of the cuisine.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Jilli SF?
Some diners have noted that portions can be small relative to the price, and drinks may be considered overpriced. The dining space can also feel tight or noisy at times.