Highlights
- Great dessert
- Live music
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Kowloon Tong – San Francisco
Kowloon Tong - San Francisco
Photo from Kowloon Tong
Kowloon Tong at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🍰 Dessert Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 49 of the guests
#1197 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#3 Dessert Restaurant out of 8 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
342
Reviews
75.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- HK desserts
- Cozy ambiance
- Quick service
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Service issues
- High prices
The restaurant, a delightful Dessert Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Richmond District, invites you to experience something truly special. You’ll discover why Kowloon Tong is celebrated for its great desserts, offering a perfect escape for your sweet cravings.
This cozy spot is where you can unwind and enjoy a memorable culinary journey, complete with a great tea selection.
Overview: Introducting Kowloon Tong
Kowloon Tong offers a pleasant escape, particularly for those seeking a relaxed spot that stays open late. Guests often appreciate the generally good quality of the food, especially the various sweet treats and savory snacks, making it a versatile choice for different cravings.
However, some experiences suggest that consistency can vary, particularly with certain dishes and aspects of the service. The atmosphere here is frequently described as quite charming and cozy, providing a comfortable backdrop for a meal or a casual hangout.
While many find the offerings to be of good value, especially the desserts, a few patrons have noted that some items might feel a bit pricey for what they are. The staff generally provides attentive service, though there are occasional reports of less smooth interactions.
Good
7.5
out of 10
342
Reviews
75.4%
Satisfaction
56
negative
28
neutral
258
positive
Kowloon Tong earns a solid overall score of 7.5, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is supported by a customer satisfaction rate of 75.4%, which also falls comfortably into the ‘good’ category.
These figures suggest that most visitors leave content, finding the restaurant to meet their expectations across various aspects. Delving into the specifics, the Ambience (8.2) stands out as a particular strength, often praised for its inviting and comfortable setting.
Food (7.5) also performs well, being the most discussed topic with 258 positive remarks out of 342 total customer comments, though some items receive mixed reviews. Service (7.3) is generally positive, while Value (6) is perceived as average, with opinions split between affordability and some items being considered expensive.
What people like
- Delicious HK desserts
- Cozy, retro ambiance
- Attentive, quick service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Service inconsistencies
- Some items overpriced
If you’re looking for a relaxed spot with a cozy atmosphere and a wide selection of desserts and snacks, Kowloon Tong is certainly worth considering. With a recommendation score of 7.9, it generally delivers a satisfying experience, especially for late-night cravings or a casual meet-up.
Just be mindful that while many items are affordable, some might feel a bit overpriced. This establishment shines for its inviting ambiance and a broad menu that caters to both sweet and savory preferences.
While service is often attentive, occasional inconsistencies mean it’s not always a flawless experience. It’s a good choice for a casual outing, but perhaps not for those seeking culinary perfection or strict budget dining on every item.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kowloon Tong
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at 76.3%, many of the 167 positive opinions rave about the delicious Hong Kong style desserts, especially the sago and egg puffs. Dont overlook the savory items like curry fish balls and fried chicken wings, which also get high praise, making for a truly satisfying experience.
However, not everything hits the mark for everyone. Based on 32 negative opinions, some found certain waffles a bit dry, and the popcorn chicken occasionally lacked seasoning. There were also a few comments about the mango pomelo dessert being diluted or the HK-style egg waffle lacking flavor, suggesting some dishes might be inconsistent or not live up to expectations.
Food
219
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
32
negative
20
neutral
167
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious HK desserts
- Tasty savory snacks
- Best ginger milk curd
What people don't like
- Inconsistent waffle quality
- Diluted mango dessert
- Bland popcorn chicken
Often praised
- foodHighly suggest getting the rice rolls as they are so delicious. Overall a really awesome experience because all of the food was pretty decent and service is great. Definitely will be coming back here as they have an extensive menu and they're open late!
- mango sagoone of our orders (mango sago) definitely did but the other (honeydew sago) was just water
- dessertsThis place has never let me down when craving dessert in the area! It's open late and offers affordable desserts.
- dessertThey were delicious, with that perfect amount of sweetness that wasn't too much, just a hint to enhance the natural flavors. I'd highly recommend it if you want a dessert that isn't overly sweet. The only reason I'm giving it a 4-star rating is because I had to re-wipe the table with handsanitizer, as it smelled like it was wiped down with a rag that needed changing out 😮💨.
- FoodFood:5
- chicken wings85 and includes entree, with either rice or spaghetti, choice of sauce, one drink, and dessert (for an additional charge). I got the chicken wings with curry sauce and spaghetti. We were also given corn as part of our meal.
- egg puffsTried the egg puffs and found them very good
- glutinous rice ballsI particularly enjoyed the yummy fish balls, fried chicken wings, sandwiches, and fries. To finish, a comforting bowl of hot sesame and almond soup with sesame or peanut glutinous rice balls was perfect. The special “Happy Hour” menu was a great deal.
- Chinese dessertsGood Chinese desserts both hot and cold
- HK style dessertsone of the best HK style desserts
Frequently criticized
- fruitfruit wasn't sweet enough and some was a bit more ripe than I would have liked
- steam eggfirst time it came unseasoned
- Asian dessertsThe only reason I'm giving 2 stars is because the owners were nice and provided great service. I would not recommend this place if you're looking for authentic Asian desserts.
- HK style restaurantsthere are much better HK style restaurants out there
- HK-style egg waffleThe egg waffle was like a batch of batter that had no egg flavor whatsoever
- Hong Kong milk teaThe milk tea was lukewarm, which was a little disappointing
- beef portionwishing for a heartier beef portion
- deep fried chicken wingsRegarding the food, I ordered the original popcorn chicken, egg puffs, Ovaltine, deep fried chicken wings with udon, and Hong Kong milk tea (iced). I received everything except the deep fried chicken wings, which were replaced with deep fried tofu. While I received a refund for the wings through Doordash, the tofu was not what I ordered.
- deep fried tofudeep fried tofu instead which is not what I ordered
- dessertThe dessert was not good
If you're craving authentic Hong Kong style desserts and tasty savory snacks, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that while many dishes shine, a few might not quite hit the mark, so choose wisely!
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
It looks like the service here generally hits the mark! With a solid 7.3 score and 73.2% customer satisfaction, it's clear that many diners appreciate the experience. Out of 71 total opinions, 52 praise the friendly, quick, and attentive service, often highlighting the wonderful staff and owners who go the extra mile to make you feel welcome.
However, there are a few bumps in the road, with 15 opinions mentioning issues. Some experiences point to slow servers, frustrating waiting times, or confusing ordering experiences. A few customers also faced challenges with billing errors or getting refunds, suggesting inconsistencies in service delivery.
Service
71
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
15
negative
4
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick service
- Attentive staff
- Kind owners
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Billing errors
- Refund issues
Often praised
- serviceHighly suggest getting the rice rolls as they are so delicious. Overall a really awesome experience because all of the food was pretty decent and service is great. Definitely will be coming back here as they have an extensive menu and they're open late!
- ServiceService:5
- staffWhen we walked in, there were a good amount of people eating inside. We were greeted by the staff and immediately were given a table and menus. They have an extensive menu, one with desserts and drinks and another one with food.
- ownerIt's a good place to eat with service that is ok. The owner is amazing. However, on a recent Friday visit when the owner wasn't present, my usual strawberry juice was very sour, and the meat was fatty.
- wait timeWait time:Up to 10 min
- IvanIvan has taking great care of me here
- Quick serviceQuick and friendly service
- attentive serviceThe service was attentive, brought us extra utensils and bowls ready for us to share food, Refilled our water without having to ask!
- beautiful serviceappreciate the beautiful service
- contactlesspayment (via Venmo) were all contactless
Frequently criticized
- serverThe server/person helping out table just insisted that it was how the dish was supposed to be
- boundariesthey need to learn boundaries I didn't appreciate it
- calls unansweredthey didn't answer
- concernsIf they had at least considered our concerns and tried to offer to fix it
- confusionEveryone enjoyed their drinks, but the extra charge threw us for a loop. We tried to tell her we didn’t order it, but I think that threw her off and confused her, so we ended up with it just to stop the confusion! 😬 Added more photos!
- deliveryReally hard to eat. I think they probably send out the left over hard ones for delivery. So sad 😡😡😡
- girl that took orderthe girl that took our order made my husband uncomfortable because she was too close to him and touching him
- new serverI would have given 5 stars, but the new server charged us for an extra drink we didn’t order. I had an ice cream, red bean and grass jelly dessert, others had a mango smoothie, cookies and cream milkshake (one made of soy and another was regular milk), a chocolate milkshake and ovaltine with grass jelly.
- ordering experienceordering experience was horrible
- pickup timeinitial pickup time was incorrect
Overall, you can expect a good service experience, especially if you catch them at the right time. While most visits are smooth and friendly, be aware that occasional hiccups with wait times or billing might occur. It's definitely worth a try for the generally positive interactions!
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner, scoring a solid 8.2 and leaving 86.1% of customers feeling good about their visit. With 31 positive remarks out of 36 total, guests frequently praise the cozy and retro ambiance, the outdoor parklet seating on a quiet side street, and the fact that its often open late. It sounds like a charming spot to unwind!
However, a few of the 36 comments did point out some minor hiccups. There were mentions of needing to rewipe the table due to a lingering smell, and a couple of instances where the restaurant closed unexpectedly or the lights were off, ' which felt a bit odd to some visitors.
Ambience
36
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy retro vibe
- Outdoor parklet seating
- Open late hours
What people don't like
- Unclean tables
- Unexpected closures
Often praised
- atmosphereI visited because I was feeling sad, and the tasty snacks and treats here cheered me right up. The atmosphere was indulgent and cute, making it a delightful experience.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- open latefew places that's open late
- WiFithey have WiFi!
- ambiancemost wonderful warm ambiance
- ambienceambience is laid back
- bathroomI managed to beat the evening rush on Friday night and was seated right away. The bathroom was clean, and the food came out relatively fast. While I wouldn't recommend the popcorn chicken because the seasoning could’ve been stronger, I would definitely go back to try other desserts.
- charming placeI can’t wait to try the waffle ice cream. It’s a charming place for date night 👌🏻.
- cozy and retro ambianceanother highlight of this place is the cozy and retro ambiance it gives of a traditional small Hong Kong cafe.
- cozy placeits a cozy place
Frequently criticized
- lights were offall the lights were off which felt weird
- restaurant closedit was closed
- tablerewipe the table with handsanitizer because it smelled like they wiped the table down with a rag that needed to be changed out 😮💨
If youre looking for a charming, cozy spot with a great vibe, especially for a late-night hangout, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that a few past visitors encountered minor issues like unclean tables or unexpected closures, so it might be wise to call ahead if youre planning a late visit.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some definite upsides. Many guests found the offerings quite affordable, especially noting the Happy Hour menu and generally reasonable prices. With 8 positive remarks out of 16 total, the value score sits at an average 6, suggesting a decent experience for many looking for budget-friendly options.
However, its not all smooth sailing, as the average 6 score and 50% customer satisfaction indicate a mixed bag. Some guests felt certain items were overpriced or had a higher price point, with 6 negative remarks specifically mentioning things like desserts being "too expensive. " This suggests that while some find deals, others feel the value isnt always there.
Value
16
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable desserts
- Great Happy Hour
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Some items overpriced
- Desserts too expensive
- Not worth the price
Often praised
- Happy Hour menuspecial “Happy Hour” menu that is a great deal
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- affordableWe were looking for drinks and a light snack and stumbled upon this gem. The food was good, the service was fast, and it was affordable. It's a versatile spot, perfect for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner.
- affordable dessertshas affordable desserts
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially for their affordable and yummy desserts/snacks. I managed to beat the evening rush on Friday night and was seated right away.
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was great, especially for a late-night visit. They offer a huge selection of desserts at reasonable prices. In addition to sweets, they also have a menu of savory items.
- reasonable pricesat very reasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- dessertstheir desserts were super overpriced
- extra drinkI would have given 5 stars, but the new server charged us for an extra drink we didn’t order. I had an ice cream, red bean and grass jelly dessert, others had a mango smoothie, cookies and cream milkshake (one made of soy and another was regular milk), a chocolate milkshake and ovaltine with grass jelly.
- pricewasn't worth the price
- price pointalbeit with a higher price point
- tofu faI also tried the tofu fa, which was well made. However, while I came for this hard-to-come-by dish, it was way too expensive for what it is.
- valueI can get so much more for the price
Overall, the value here is a bit of a mixed bag. If you're looking for affordable desserts or a good Happy Hour deal, you might find some gems. However, be mindful that some items could feel overpriced, so choose wisely.
How are the prices at Kowloon Tong?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 49 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Dessert Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While most guests find themselves in this sweet spot, there’s a nice mix of options, meaning you can find something a little lighter on the wallet or indulge a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 49 reviews.
Compare the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Dessert Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers good value for a delightful treat without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kowloon Tong
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Authentic Canto Desserts & Happy Hour
My experience at this restaurant was a delightful trip back to the Hong Kong of the 70s and 80s, thanks to their authentic Canto desserts. I particularly enjoyed the yummy fish balls, fried chicken wings, sandwiches, and fries. To finish, a comforting bowl of hot sesame and almond soup with sesame or peanut glutinous rice balls was perfect.
The special “Happy Hour” menu was a great deal. The service was prompt, and the ambience was laid back, making it a perfect way to end a date night.
- Canto desserts9
- fish balls9
- fried chicken wings9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
8
Reliable Comfort Bites and Desserts
I've been coming here since college, and it's long overdue for a small review. This place offers solid, no-frills late comfort bites and dessert. Nothing too fancy, but it's always a nice treat of dishes that really scratch an itch.
The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5, and the food also received a 5. Reservations are not required, and the wait time is up to 10 minutes. The price per person is between $10–20, and we visited as a group of 2 people.
- late comfort bites8
- dessert8
- dishes7
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Tasty Hong Kong Desserts with a Dry Waffle
My experience at this restaurant was centered around their tasty Hong Kong style desserts. They offer many tasty options. We tried the salted egg yolk fries, mango desserts, and waffles.
While the waffle was a bit dry, the overall experience was tasty and hit the spot.
- Hong Kong style desserts8
- tasty options8
- salted egg yolk fries7
- waffles4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Desserts, Worth the Visit!
My experience at this restaurant was crazy good, especially the desserts! I gave the food a 10/10. The portions were big enough to share, but so delicious that you'll want your own.
I'm definitely coming back. We tried the Pan-fried red bean gelatinous balls with crushed peanuts and a Rainbow fruit Bubble waffle sundae. The atmosphere was a perfect 5/5, and the service was a solid 4/5.
There was no wait time, and the price per person was reasonable at $10–20.
- desserts10
- portion size9
- Pan-fried red bean gelatinous balls with crushed peanuts10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Cozy Spot for Asian Desserts
My go-to night dessert spot! I love the Asian desserts here. It's a cozy place to get together with friends or family for a casual and lively meal.
- Asian desserts9
- cozy place9
What Kowloon Tong offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of desserts and drinks can you find at Kowloon Tong Dessert Cafe?
At Kowloon Tong Dessert Cafe, you can indulge in great desserts and a fantastic tea selection. They also offer great coffee, small plates, and late-night food, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed evening.
What is the atmosphere like at Kowloon Tong Dessert Cafe, and are there convenient service options?
You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at Kowloon Tong Dessert Cafe. For your convenience, they offer dine-in, takeout, delivery, and even no-contact delivery. Free street parking is also available.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Kowloon Tong?
Kowloon Tong generally receives a good reception, with an overall Restaurant Score of 7.5 and a Customer Satisfaction of 75.4%. Customers particularly appreciate the Ambience (8.2) and Food (7.5), while Service (7.3) is also well-regarded. Value (6) is considered average.
Does Kowloon Tong offer good value for money?
Opinions on value at Kowloon Tong are mixed. Many customers find the Happy Hour menu and desserts to be affordable and a great deal. However, some specific items, like certain desserts or tofu fa, are occasionally perceived as overpriced.
What kind of food can I expect at Kowloon Tong?
Kowloon Tong offers a variety of dishes, with a strong focus on desserts, particularly HK-style options like mango sago and egg puffs. They also serve savory items such as rice rolls, fish balls, fried chicken wings, and sandwiches. While many find the food delicious, some experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies in quality or authenticity for certain items.