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oChef » Kayah – San Francisco
Kayah - San Francisco
Photo from Kayah
Kayah at a glance
San Francisco Mission Bay
- 🍜 Asian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 36 of the guests
#640 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#7 Asian Restaurant out of 22 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
276
Reviews
83.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Crafted drinks
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- Bland flavors
- High prices
- Slow service
The restaurant Kayah, by Burma Love, is an inviting Asian restaurant located in the vibrant Mission Bay neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a trendy and casual atmosphere perfect for a memorable meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a delightful dinner, or just some small plates to share, this spot offers a fantastic dining experience. With its focus on fresh flavors and a welcoming vibe, it’s a great choice for your next culinary adventure in the city.
Overview: Introducting Kayah
Kayah offers a dining experience where the atmosphere and service truly shine. Guests often highlight the beautifully designed ambience and the attentive staff who make dining a pleasant affair.
The cocktails are also frequently praised for their balance and unique craft. However, the culinary journey can be a bit of a mixed bag.
While some dishes receive acclaim, others are occasionally described as bland or lacking distinct Asian spices. The overall value for money is also a point of discussion among patrons.
Good
8
out of 10
276
Reviews
83.3%
Satisfaction
37
negative
9
neutral
230
positive
Looking at the numbers, Kayah holds a solid restaurant score of 8 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 83.3% , indicating that most diners leave content.
These figures are based on a substantial 276 customer opinions, with 230 positive remarks outweighing 37 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Ambience (8.6) and Service (8.6) both score very well, reinforcing their status as key strengths.
The Food (8) also performs respectably, offering a good experience for many. However, Value (4.9) is where Kayah struggles, suggesting that guests often find the pricing to be on the higher side for what they receive.
What people like
- Exceptional cocktails
- Inviting ambiance
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food flavor
- High price point
- Occasional service lapses
Kayah presents itself as a stylish venue with excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing experience. The Recommendation Score of 8.1 suggests it’s generally a worthwhile visit, especially if you appreciate well-crafted drinks and a pleasant setting.
However, if you’re seeking consistently bold and authentic flavors at a moderate price point, you might find the food inconsistent and the overall value less compelling. It’s a place to consider for its ambiance and service, perhaps for a special occasion where the cost is less of a concern.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kayah
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8 and a solid good customer satisfaction of 83.3%. With 155 positive remarks out of 186 total, many rave about the incredible flavors, unique Burmese curry, and standout dishes like the Tea Leaf Salad and Crispy Pork Belly. Expect a delicious and well-seasoned experience!
However, not every dish shines, with 24 negative comments pointing to some inconsistencies. A few diners found certain dishes, including some tofu options and the roti, to be bland or lukewarm. There were also mentions of hard pork belly skin and concerns about overall quality for the price, suggesting some items might not live up to expectations.
Food
186
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
24
negative
7
neutral
155
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional flavors
- Delicious unique dishes
- Crispy Pork Belly
What people don't like
- Lackluster flavor
- Bland tofu dishes
- Hard, cold roti
Often praised
- foodThe 1948 cocktail, complete with a smoke bubble, was definitely worth trying. Overall, the food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch.
- tea leaf saladFor a more adventurous experience, they offer Ginger Grass Cider. You can also opt for a full 5-course Burmese meal, featuring dishes like tea leaf salad, plancha calamari with zesty chili crisp, mohinga (a savory lemongrass fish chowder), tender pork jowl in a Burmese herb dressing, and platha with curry dipping sauce. I also tried their Fiery Mango cocktail.
- calamariThe calamari was not breaded and fried but grilled with a touch of chili crunch to give it that crispy texture
- cocktailsTheir cocktails are amazing, smooth and balanced.
- mohingamohinga - a savory lemongrass fish chowder
- coconut riceBoth tasted amazing with coconut rice
- hamachi crudoenjoyed the hamachi crudo, short rib quesadilla, and samosas. Food was very tasty 😋. Hamachi crudo had some nice sauces, cucumber, tomato, jalapeno, and salmon roe eggs.
- chicken lollipopsKids loved chicken lollipops
- coconut chickencoconut chicken... tasted amazing
- drinksDrinks are special and they have a very well crafterd list.
Frequently criticized
- dishesWe found the dishes to be quite bland
- foodthe food was mostly lukewarm. Not sure if the food was sitting for a bit.
- Asian spicesThey lack Asian spices and flavor.
- chicken brothcurry that has chicken broth
- chicken curryskimping on the chicken curry?
- curryserved us curry that has chicken broth
- food tasteFood taste American aside from the overwhelming amount of lemongrass taste.
- fried pork bellyThe fried pork belly is pretty bad.
- meatThe meat is too fat to eat.
- noodlesthe noodles very very al dente
If you're looking for unique and flavorful Burmese cuisine, especially their signature dishes, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some items might lack the same punch, so stick to the highly recommended options for the best experience.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction soaring at 89.6%, its clear guests are well taken care of. Many of the 43 positive remarks highlight the attentive staff, speedy service, and great recommendations, with servers like Bank J often receiving special shout-outs for their exceptional care.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. A handful of the 5 negative comments point to occasional issues like being ignored by staff for a cool 15 minutes or experiencing longer wait times for orders. While these instances seem rare compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback, they are worth noting for a complete picture.
Service
48
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Speedy service
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Ignored by staff
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceThis is likely due to its proximity to the stadium. On the positive side, the service was both polite and speedy. If you're looking to splurge a bit, it might be worth a visit.
- staffThe staff was attentive and made great suggestions.
- bartenderAsk the freindly bartender any suggestions and they will point something out
- serverKayah, a location of the Burma empire in SF, offers a nice setting right next to the Chase stadium and hospital. The service was excellent; our server was attentive and took great care of us, answering questions about dishes in detail. However, the food is where this place really falls short.
- ServiceParking can get difficult if you’re here for an event. Service was great!
- Rachel, our serverRachel, our server, was great
- ample staffthe restaurant had ample staff
- attentionThe right ammount of attenttion I would expect from a Burma Love restaurant.
- baby in a strollerIt's rare to find good food in a restaurant with a lot of space! The atmosphere was very quiet on a Sunday afternoon, and they were able to easily accommodate our baby in a stroller.
- careSecondly, BANK was the best server EVER! He treated us like old friends and took the best care (and pictures) of us. Thank you BANKKKK!
Frequently criticized
- ignoring our tablepretty much ignoring our table for a cool 15 mins
- seats on game daysGood luck getting a seat on game days
- serviceService:2
- wait timeThe wait time was fairly long for the food
- waitercall a waiter 4-5 times before anyone let us order
Overall, the service here is a major highlight, with attentive staff and speedy delivery making for a great experience. You can generally expect to be well looked after, though a rare wait or moment of inattention might occur.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.6 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 93.3%. Guests consistently praise the fantastic atmosphere, beautiful space, and great location, often highlighting the spacious patio and lively environment. With 28 positive remarks out of 30 total, its clear the vibe is a major draw, offering everything from an intimate setting to a vibrant, positive energy.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. While the interior is beautiful, the single negative comment among the 30 observations points out that parking can be difficult, especially if theres an event nearby. This is the only minor hiccup in an otherwise overwhelmingly positive experience regarding the restaurants setting.
Ambience
30
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful space
- Lively atmosphere
- Spacious patio
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereThe 1948 cocktail, complete with a smoke bubble, was definitely worth trying. Overall, the food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch.
- environmentThe environment is nice! Super clean interior
- locationThe location is slick, elegant and very friendly.
- spaceThe coconut chicken curry, fresh roti, and lemongrass black cod with sticky rice were all exceptional for the price. The space is very welcoming and opens up looking over the main entrance of Chase, making it great for people-watching. The great energy makes this place highly recommended.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceThe ambience and design of the restaurant are inviting and aesthetic, effortlessly and harmoniously blending zen and cool vibes.
- beautiful spaceIt’s a beautiful space that brings in the positive energy
- energyGreat energy
- fantastic atmospherethere was a fantastic atmosphere
- intimate atmosphereit was an intimate atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- parkingThe place is beautiful inside. Parking can get difficult if you’re here for an event. Service was great!
If youre looking for a place with a fantastic atmosphere, whether you prefer a lively buzz or a quiet, intimate setting, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential parking challenges if theres an event, and plan accordingly to fully enjoy the beautiful space.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found bright spots, especially with the Price fix meal which was often highlighted as a great value. Many appreciated the fair prices for the quality, noting that dishes were exceptional for the price. Out of 12 opinions, 4 were positive, suggesting some genuinely good experiences.
However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with a 33.3% customer satisfaction rating indicating a poor experience for many. A significant 7 opinions expressed concerns, frequently using terms like overpriced and pricey, with some feeling the quantity didn't match the cost. Despite an average score of 4.9, many expected more for their money.
Value
12
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great price-fix meal
- Fair prices
What people don't like
- Often overpriced
- Quantity too low
- Expected more value
Often praised
- Price fix mealHad the Price fix meal and was a great value
- priceEvery item we ordered was delicious, and the service was rock solid and genuinely friendly. The coconut chicken curry, fresh roti, and lemongrass black cod with sticky rice were all exceptional for the price. The space is very welcoming and opens up looking over the main entrance of Chase, making it great for people-watching.
- pricesWe enjoyed the mohinga, black cod, and chicken skewers. It's a solid choice with fair prices, especially for being from Burma and located at the Chase Center!
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was pretty solid! It's very similar to its sister restaurant, Teakwood, but I felt it might be slightly better valued. The quality also seemed more consistent.
Frequently criticized
- priceKind of pricey, but expected given the location
- overpriceda bit over priced for me
- pricesbut pricey
- quantityThe saving grace was the tea leaf salad and the garlic eggplant dish, both of which were quite tasty. For the price, I really expected more, both in quantity but especially quality. We really wanted to like this place but will not be coming back.
If youre considering this spot for its value, be aware its a bit of a mixed bag. While some find specific items like the price-fix meal to be a good deal, a notable number of guests felt it was overpriced for what they received. It might be worth trying if you stick to known value options, but otherwise, you might find yourself expecting more.
How are the prices at Kayah?
You’re looking at roughly 53 per person – reported by 36 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For an Asian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, the data shows a nice spread. Many guests find options in the 40-50$ range, but there are also some higher-end choices that pull the overall average up, suggesting a diverse menu.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 36 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for an Asian Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, catering to different budgets while still providing a quality experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kayah
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Food and Service for a Birthday Party
We celebrated a birthday party for four people, and our experience was fantastic. Our server, Pelin, was incredibly attentive and took great care of us throughout the meal. The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was excellent.
I highly recommend visiting for lunch, as it's not too crowded at that time, making for a very pleasant and quiet atmosphere.
- food10
- service10
- lunch8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
3
Disappointing Food, Excellent Service
Kayah, a location of the Burma empire in SF, offers a nice setting right next to the Chase stadium and hospital. The service was excellent; our server was attentive and took great care of us, answering questions about dishes in detail. However, the food is where this place really falls short.
We found the dishes to be quite bland and sometimes undercooked. The spicy noodles were not spicy at all and the noodles were very al dente. Several tofu dishes tasted identical, and the paratha curry had very little flavor, which was disappointing.
The saving grace was the tea leaf salad and the garlic eggplant dish, both of which were quite tasty. For the price, I really expected more, both in quantity but especially quality. We really wanted to like this place but will not be coming back.
- location7
- service10
- server9
- food3
- dishes3
- spicy noodles2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Beautiful Restaurant with Delicious Food
My experience at this beautiful restaurant located at the Chase Center was wonderful. The staff was very welcoming, and the food was delicious. I particularly recommend the fish curry.
- restaurant9
- staff10
- food10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Layover Stop with Great Food
I stumbled upon this restaurant during an extended layover at SFO. We walked in off the street and were immediately seated. Our drinks arrived within minutes, showcasing the bartender's expertise.
For an appetizer, we ordered calamari, which was incredibly fresh and perfectly seasoned. Our entrees were awesome, with great flavors. While I enjoy curry, the Burmese curry was a bit more subtle than my usual Indian favorites, but still very good.
I'll definitely be back to try more dishes next time I'm in town!
- seating9
- drinks9
- bartender10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Delicious Cod, Okay Tiramisu
My experience at the restaurant was highlighted by the incredibly soft and delicious black Cod Fish in banana leaf 😋. The tea-misu was just okay.
- black Cod Fish10
- tea-misu5
What Kayah offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Kayah, by Burma Love?
At Kayah, by Burma Love, you can anticipate a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. You’ll find comfortable seating with table service, and for those sunny San Francisco days, outdoor seating is available. The restaurant also offers convenient takeout and delivery options, ensuring you can enjoy their delicious Asian cuisine wherever you are.
Does Kayah, by Burma Love cater to specific dietary needs and offer a full bar?
Absolutely! Kayah, by Burma Love provides excellent healthy options and a variety of vegetarian options to suit your preferences. Beyond the food, you can enjoy a full bar onsite, featuring hard liquor, wine, beer, and expertly crafted cocktails. It’s an ideal spot to pair your meal with the perfect drink.
How does Kayah generally perform according to customer feedback?
Kayah scores a 8 overall, with strong showings in Ambience (8.6) and Service (8.6). Food also performs well (8), though Value (4.9) is a notable area for improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about Kayah's atmosphere and service?
Guests frequently praise Kayah’s ambience for its inviting and aesthetic design, blending zen and cool vibes. The staff is often described as attentive and excellent, making for a pleasant dining experience.
Are there any common concerns regarding the food or pricing at Kayah?
Some diners have found the food to be bland or lacking in traditional Asian spices, occasionally tasting American. The value is also a point of discussion, with several guests finding it pricey for the quantity received.