Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Lily – San Francisco
Lily - San Francisco
Photo from Lily
Lily at a glance
San Francisco Jordan Park
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 82 of the guests
#557 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#18 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
673
Reviews
82.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Culinary creativity
- Warm hospitality
Frequently criticized
- Cost concerns
- Noise level
The Vietnamese restaurant Lily in San Francisco’s Jordan Park neighborhood offers a delightful culinary journey. You’ll discover a menu rich with healthy and organic options, perfect for a casual yet trendy dining experience.
Whether you’re seeking vegan dishes or a robust coffee, Lily provides a cozy atmosphere for every visit, ensuring a memorable meal.
Overview: Introducting Lily
Lily offers a distinct dining experience where culinary creativity truly shines. Many guests praise the inventive dishes and the overall inviting atmosphere, making it a pleasant spot for a meal.
The staff often receives commendation for their attentive service and warm hospitality. However, some diners have noted that the overall value can be a point of contention, with concerns about pricing and additional charges.
While the ambiance is generally well-regarded, a few experiences mention the space can sometimes feel a bit loud or cramped.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
673
Reviews
82.5%
Satisfaction
99
negative
19
neutral
555
positive
Lily earns a solid overall rating of 8.1, reflecting a generally positive reception. Customer Satisfaction stands at 82.5%, indicating that most diners leave content with their experience.
These figures are drawn from 673 customer remarks, with 555 positive observations outweighing 99 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Food (8.4) is clearly a standout, consistently impressing patrons.
The Ambience (8.3) also garners high marks for its appealing setting, and Service (8.2) is largely seen as a strong point. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.6), which registers as average, suggesting that while quality is appreciated, the cost can be a consideration for some.
What people like
- Creative, flavorful food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Inviting, stylish ambiance
What people don't like
- High prices, fixed fees
- Occasional service lapses
- Noisy, cramped dining
If you prioritize innovative cuisine and a pleasant dining environment, Lily is certainly worth considering. The strong scores for food, service, and ambiance suggest a well-rounded experience, particularly for those seeking creative dishes and attentive care.
However, be mindful of the pricing structure, as value is a mixed bag for some guests. If you’re comfortable with the cost, the 8.4 recommendation score indicates a high likelihood of a satisfying visit, especially for a special occasion.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Lily
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
Get ready for a culinary adventure! The food here truly shines, earning a 8.4 score and a 86% customer satisfaction, both indicating a good experience. With 376 positive remarks out of 437 total, guests rave about the delicious and creative Vietnamese comfort food.
Highlights include the amazing garlic noodles, standout Chow Fun, and incredible pho, all bursting with vibrant flavors. However, not every dish hits the mark for everyone. There were 47 negative comments, with some finding certain portions small or the food overpriced.
A few mentioned dishes being overly salty or hard to eat, and some innovative dishes didn't quite land with all palates.
Food
437
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
47
negative
14
neutral
376
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, creative food
- Vibrant, rich flavors
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Overly salty dishes
- Overpriced food
- Hard to eat dishes
Often praised
- foodEchoing what others have said, the service was great and the dishes were very original. I've never had food like this before. The garlic noodles, filet mignon and scallions, and the calamari were especially good.
- drinksI definitely won't go home hungry. The food and drinks were great. A unique aspect is that if you sit at the end of the bar, you might even have the owner pick your menu for you, which is a delightful touch.
- garlic noodlesIt boasts a stylish aesthetic and the staff were super. The food was banging, with the Duck rolls, shaking beef salad, and garlic noodles being absolute must-tries. While it's always fun to explore other dishes, these are definite highlights I wouldn't miss.
- dishesMy experience at Lily's was a delightful splurge on upscale Vietnamese food. Growing up with traditional Vietnamese cuisine from neighborhood pho spots and my grandma's home cooking, I found Lily's offers a unique take on dishes I haven't encountered before. The pricing and quality are exceptionally well-matched, making it a worthwhile indulgence.
- flavorsThe food was outstanding, creative, and flavorful. Each dish offered a unique explosion of delicious flavors, from appetizers to dessert. We particularly enjoyed the beef pho, jackfruit pizza, chow mein, cauliflower curry, creme brulee, and bread pudding.
- menuThis menu covers a drink, appetizer, and a large entree. The service here is always excellent, and needless to say, the menu will have you coming back. I'm looking forward to trying more items and cocktails.
- cocktailsCocktails will cater to folks who love all things tropical and sweet
- jackfruit pizzaWe enjoyed a delicious 3-course meal during restaurant week. We particularly loved the Vietnamese carpaccio with bone marrow, the classic turmeric fried catfish, the jackfruit pizza, and the BBQ pork. We are already looking forward to returning for the duck confit spring rolls.
- mealThe atmosphere was great, and the menu was also fun. Overall, it was an enjoyable meal, though it was expensive. I would go back and would be happy to bring friends or family here for a special meal.
- Beef CarpaccioBeef carpaccio and pork chop were so good.
Frequently criticized
- foodMost of the food is dry and greasy
- chow funthe pork chop and chow fun for mains
- pork chopPork chop was unevenly cooked. Delicious on the ends but dry in the middle.
- portionpricey for the portion
- qualitysuper expensive for quality
- BBQ chicken bahn mithe BBQ chicken bahn mi was a bit difficult to eat
- Banh MiBanh Mi had more of a taste and look of a Philly cheesestake than an actual Banh Mi
- Carpacciodon't recommend the Carpaccio wth bone marrow
- Cha ca La VongThe fish in "Cha ca La Vong" is not supposed to be deep-fried and the tumeric note should be more fragrant.
- Foodthe dishes at Lily were far from our memories of the actual dishes.
If you're seeking creative, elevated Vietnamese cuisine with rich flavors and often generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might be on the pricier side or have unique interpretations that may not suit all tastes.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.2, indicating good performance, and a customer satisfaction rate of 82.5%, it's clear most diners leave happy. Many praise the friendly staff, attentive service, and genuine hospitality, often highlighting the engaging owner interaction, based on 104 positive remarks.
However, not every experience is perfect, with 19 negative comments pointing to occasional hiccups. Some guests encountered slow service, an unfriendly attitude, or even a wrong order. While these instances suggest room for improvement in overall customer service, they appear to be less frequent.
Service
126
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
19
negative
3
neutral
104
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent hospitality
- Engaging owner
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Unfriendly attitude
- Order errors
Often praised
- serviceIt was also super clean. The service was prompt and attentive, making for a really excellent overall experience. We enjoyed the shaking beef salad, egg rolls, pork belly rice paper rolls, garlic shrimp noodles, and mussels shared family style.
- staffI was particularly impressed with the creativity and presentation of the food. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, ensuring that my dining experience was nothing short of superb. I will definitely be returning to Lily SF and encourage others to do the same.
- ownerThere is a sense that this place is a beloved neighborhood spot, with plenty of regulars being greeted like friends. It’s always a good sign when the owner clearly enjoys his job and genuinely loves interacting with his guests. We even witnessed him step out to buy fresh fruit directly from the vendors during the Clement Street Farmers Market.
- ServiceService:5
- ChefChef came over to drop off first dish and congratulate us on the newborn.
- chefWe are already looking forward to returning for the duck confit spring rolls. A special thanks to the chef for visiting our table!
- friendly staffThe menu offered an array of mouthwatering dishes, and each one was a true testament to the culinary artistry of Vietnam. The cozy and inviting ambiance combined with the friendly staff made it a delightful dining experience. Don't miss out on this hidden gem!
- hospitalityThey showed genuine care for our experience. Lily isn't just serving great food but delivering an experience built on warmth and outstanding hospitality. I can't recommend it enough!
- 30 minsonly waited about 30 mins which is super reasonable
- Chef Robertgot a chance to chat with Chef Robert who was so nice
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was.... Well, if I could just get a smile or two from the server
- Latino cheffriendly grin from the Latino chef cooking Vietnamese cuisine
- customer serviceYou just decided to charge us despite having eaten there a number of times before and living just blocks away. You have lost customers for life now, and we will tell everyone we know NOT to eat at Lily again due to the terrible customer service and zero flexibility.
- dirty silverwarewhen the appetizer plates were cleared the dirty silverware was left on the table.
- effort to make wait less bothersomenessuno sforzo per renderci l’attesa meno fastidiosa
- flexibilityYou just decided to charge us despite having eaten there a number of times before and living just blocks away. You have lost customers for life now, and we will tell everyone we know NOT to eat at Lily again due to the terrible customer service and zero flexibility.
- friendlinessNot always the friendliest
- main dishThe owner clearly cares, which I respect, and the cool space is inviting. However, they forgot our main dish, which was a significant service oversight. The atmosphere could benefit from some noise buffering.
- reservationnonostante la prenotazione
- server attitudevery unfriendly attitude toward us
Overall, you can expect a warm welcome and attentive service here, making it a great choice for a pleasant dining experience. While there are a few reports of slow or less friendly interactions, the vast majority of guests have a positive impression, so it's definitely worth a try.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 86.1%. Out of 72 opinions, a whopping 62 rave about the atmosphere, highlighting its fun vibe, beautiful interiors, and cozy and inviting ambiance. Many appreciate the stylish aesthetic that makes for a great dining experience.
However, its not without its minor drawbacks, with 9 opinions noting some concerns. A few found the place could get loud or felt cramped, particularly in the dining room. There were also isolated mentions of an unpleasant smell, ' suggesting some areas might need a little attention.
Ambience
72
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fun, lively vibe
- Beautiful interiors
- Cozy, inviting ambiance
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Cramped dining room
- Unpleasant smell
Often praised
- atmosphereThe place has an atmosphere that feels high end but not intimidating
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibeThe vibe is perfect, and it’s easy to feel at home
- ambianceThe ambiance, the food, the service- all on point.
- vibesThe egg rolls and catfish were standouts, as was the Hanoi pork. The service was warm and friendly, and the restaurant had great vibes. I will definitely be back!
- restaurantrestaurant was beautifully put together
- Asian influencesThe vibe definitely has Asian influences
- bar seatingthe bar seating was really awesome because we were able to watch all the chefs make the food
- beautiful placeWhat a beautiful place for a good meal.
- bright, clean atmospherea bright, clean atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- RestaurantThe service was slow, and the staff were overly friendly. The restaurant was noisy and too drafty. I wish I had this night back.
- dining roomway too cramped, just too tight and uncomfortable a dining room
- entranceHard to spot the entrance because the sign that is out doesn't say Lily
- loudIt can get very loud
- noise bufferingNeed a little noise buffering
- parkingParking is almost impossible during dinner time
- placeThe place is a little more run-down and smaller than expected
- restaurant smellimmediately smelled like old towels, public bathroom, and gas leak
If youre looking for a place with a lively, stylish, and generally inviting atmosphere, youll likely enjoy your visit. Just be prepared that it can get a bit noisy and potentially feel snug during peak times, so it might not be ideal for a quiet, intimate conversation.
Value (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with an overall score of an average 4.6. Many guests, based on 13 positive comments, found the lunch special and brunch options to be a reasonable price and genuinely worth it, offering good value for money for the quality and portions received. However, the picture gets cloudier with 24 negative comments, leading to a rather poor customer satisfaction of 34.2%.
Many felt the prices were simply too high, describing the experience as pricey or even overpriced. The automatic service fee and perceived poor price to quality ratio left some feeling it was a rip off.
Value
38
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
24
negative
1
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lunch specials a bargain
- Brunch deals reasonable
- Quality justifies price
What people don't like
- Prices are too high
- Automatic service fee
- Poor price-quality ratio
Often praised
- lunch specialWe had the lunch special that was $32 for a drink, appetizer, and entree.
- 70 per person after tax and tipssteal for 5 courses and 3 drinks with awesome service
- Brunch Prefix MenuBrunch Prefix Menu $36pp
- brunchBase price of $32.00 for a brunch is actually not that bad
- priceSo I think it’s fair
- pricesThe service was friendly, and we appreciated the opportunity to share plates "family style" to taste more things. The prices were quite reasonable for the quality of the experience.
- pricingpricing and quality are exceptionally well-matched
- reasonable pricefood for a reasonable price
- sunday lunch specialsunday lunch special where for 32 dollars got a drink, an appetizer and an entree
- value for moneygreat value for money of this menu
Frequently criticized
- priceafter paying $80 per person - I expected a transformative meal
- service chargequestioned about the high service charge
- 20% service feecharge a fixed 20% service fee which I'm not super fond of
- PriceyPricey but worth it!
- chargesexcessive charges on most of the main dishes
- expensivealbeit expensive
- foodThe food is SUPER expensive
- gratuityremember the 20% added gratuity
- hidden service chargehidden service charge was 20% for 2 ppl
- hot sauce‘ artisanal ‘ hot sauce extra 6 bucks
If you're considering a visit, definitely look into their lunch specials or brunch deals, as these often hit the mark for value. However, be prepared for potentially higher regular menu prices and an automatic service charge that might impact your overall perception of the cost.
How are the prices at Lily?
On average, you’ll spend around 63 per person – based on 82 guests. That places the restaurant squarely in the $61–$70 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, that’s certainly on the higher-end, hinting at a more upscale or specialized dining experience.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a pretty wide spread, with many guests opting for premium choices, not just clustering around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 82 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing feels fair if theyre delivering a truly elevated Vietnamese experience. Its definitely not your everyday pho spot, so we’d expect the quality and ambiance to match the price tag.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Lily
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Creative Vietnamese Fusion with Friendly Staff
My experience at Lily was fantastic! I loved the creative and delicious Vietnamese faire, which masterfully blends innovation with tradition. The fusion dishes were a particular highlight.
The staff were good, and the chef was friendly and delightful. I will definitely be back.
- Vietnamese faire9
- fusion dishes10
- staff8
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Upscale Vietnamese with a Twist
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's a great upscale Vietnamese restaurant with a twist. All the dishes were delicious and looked beautiful.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a 5. We had dinner with a group of 3-4 people and experienced no wait time.
- dishes10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Pretentious and Overpriced Food
My experience at this restaurant was pretentious and the food was horrible. It was super expensive for the quality offered. To add to the disappointment, a 20% service charge was automatically added to the bill.
With so many great restaurants in the city, I would never choose to return.
- atmosphere8
- service6
- food1
- quality1
- price1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Incredible Pho and Oxtail at Lily's
My experience at Lily's on Clement Street was exceptional. The pho and oxtail were incredible, and it's easy to see why. The flavors are rich and vibrant, with fresh ingredients that honor timeless Vietnamese recipes cooked to perfection.
The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect score of 5.
- pho10
- oxtail10
- flavors9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Hidden Service Charge is a Rip-Off
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The food was good, but the overall experience was soured by a hidden service charge of 20% for two people. This was not mentioned anywhere on the menu, and when I questioned it, I received many excuses.
It felt like a big rip-off. I paid, but I will not be returning and will be leaving a bad review. I advise others to ask about the service charge when dining here.
- food7
- hidden service charge1
- service charge1
- rip off1
What Lily offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What healthy and dietary options can you find at Lily?
At Lily, you’ll discover a wide array of healthy, organic, vegan, and vegetarian options. The menu is thoughtfully crafted to cater to various dietary preferences, ensuring you can enjoy delicious meals that align with your lifestyle, from small plates to full dinners.
What kind of dining experience and services does Lily offer?
Lily provides a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere for your dining pleasure. You can enjoy onsite dining, outdoor seating, takeout, or delivery. Reservations are recommended for dinner, and the restaurant is wheelchair accessible, offering a comfortable experience for everyone.
How does Lily generally rate among diners?
Lily holds a strong overall rating of 8.1, with diners particularly appreciating the Food (8.4), Ambience (8.3), and Service (8.2). However, the Value (4.6) is noted as an area for consideration.
What makes Lily stand out positively?
Diners frequently commend Lily for its creative and flavorful dishes, often highlighting the unique culinary approach. The inviting atmosphere and the attentive, friendly staff also contribute significantly to a positive dining experience.
Are there any common concerns when dining at Lily?
Some guests have noted that the pricing, including fixed service charges, can be a concern. Additionally, the dining space can sometimes feel noisy or cramped, and there are occasional remarks about service consistency.