Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Luen Fat – San Francisco
Luen Fat - San Francisco
Photo from Luen Fat
Luen Fat at a glance
San Francisco Visitacion Valley
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 12 of the guests
#1170 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#41 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
135
Reviews
76.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional value
- Delicious food
- Angel Wings
Frequently criticized
- Cash only
- Basic ambiance
- No dine-in
The restaurant, Luen Fat, is a Vietnamese Restaurant located in San Francisco’s Visitacion Valley. You can stop by for a quick bite or a relaxing meal, enjoying the casual atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, this spot offers a welcoming environment for everyone, including families with kids. It’s a great place to grab some coffee too.
Overview: Introducting Luen Fat
Luen Fat offers a compelling proposition for those seeking Vietnamese cuisine, particularly noted for its value . Many appreciate the affordable options, making it a go-to for a budget-friendly meal.
The food itself often receives praise for its taste, with specific items standing out. However, it’s not without its drawbacks.
Some experiences mention bland soup or small portions for certain dishes. The ambience is often described as a simple, hole in the wall spot, and be prepared for a CASH ONLY policy.
Good
7.5
out of 10
135
Reviews
76.3%
Satisfaction
24
negative
8
neutral
103
positive
Luen Fat generally performs well, reflected in its solid Restaurant Score of 7.5 . This aligns with a Customer Satisfaction rate of 76.3% , indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from 135 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 103 positive observations outweighing 24 critical ones. Diving deeper, Value stands out with an excellent score (8.1), suggesting you get a good return for your money.
The Food also earns a good rating (7.6), confirming its appeal. Service (6.7) and Ambience (6.6) are rated as good, though they don’t quite reach the same heights as the food and value.
What people like
- Exceptional value
- Delicious Vietnamese food
- Standout Angel Wings
What people don't like
- Cash only policy
- Basic, tiny ambiance
- No dine-in option
With a Recommendation Score of 7.8 , Luen Fat is a solid choice, especially if you prioritize value and flavorful Vietnamese food . It’s a place that delivers on taste and affordability, making it a worthwhile stop for a quick, satisfying meal.
However, be prepared for a no-frills experience and remember to bring cash. If you’re seeking an economical and tasty takeout option, Luen Fat is certainly worth considering, but it might disappoint if you’re looking for a comfortable dine-in atmosphere.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Luen Fat
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here generally hits the spot, with a solid score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 80.2%. Many of the 73 positive remarks, out of 91 total, rave about the delicious Angel Wings, flavorful Pho, and excellent Thai tea, often noting a comforting home-cooked feel. However, not every dish is a winner, as 15 negative comments point to issues like soggy noodles, bland soup, and occasionally small portions.
Some experiences even mentioned concerns about meat quality or stomach pain, suggesting there might be inconsistencies to watch out for.
Food
91
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Angel Wings
- Flavorful Pho
- Excellent Thai Tea
What people don't like
- Bland soup
- Soggy noodles
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodThe service was friendly, and the prices were very reasonable. I found the food to be really tasty. I highly recommend trying the Angel Wings and the Vermicelli w/ BBQ Pork.
- phoMom and pop owned. What a pho joint looks like in your pho dreams when you’re stuck in a food desert where simple, excellent food prepared with love doesn’t exist. Pho Kya!
- Angel WingsHighly recommend the Angel Wings
- PhoThe angel wings were heavenly, some of the best I've ever had. I also enjoyed their excellent food, specifically mentioning the Pho and Bahn Mi. It's super affordable, offering great value for money.
- angel wingsAngel wings are heavenly. Some of the best I've had.
- soupSoup there is outstanding
- spring rollsThey are CASH ONLY, so be prepared by getting cash back from Grocery Outlet or Bank of America nearby. I always order the Large Combination Pho and Steak Pho, along with egg rolls and spring rolls. Their Thai tea is also a must-have.
- thai teaa bowl of pho and a thai tea to go
- Bahn MiThe angel wings were heavenly, some of the best I've ever had. I also enjoyed their excellent food, specifically mentioning the Pho and Bahn Mi. It's super affordable, offering great value for money.
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- foodthe overall food experience very negative
- noodleseven noodles not like the chow mein
- Vietnamese pork sandwichVietnamese pork sandwich I had to throw away
- beef rice3-4 pieces small beef(one piece was completey fat), the rest was water n sauce
- bland soupMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was not up to par, with soggy noodles and a bland soup. It felt like a place for those who have lost their sense of taste and ability to chew.
- brothThe broth tastes also weird.
- chow mein with rice combinationthe chow mein with rice combination, but the portions were so small
- meatthe meat didn't look safe to eat
- portionsthe portions were so small
- ricethe rice was a little hard
If youre in the mood for classic Vietnamese comfort food like Pho or Angel Wings, youll likely find some tasty options here. Just be mindful that some dishes might be inconsistent, so pick your order carefully to ensure a good experience.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to service, many folks found a lot to love, with a solid 6.7 score indicating a generally good experience. Customers frequently highlighted the friendly service, sweet owners, and polite staff, often mentioning the prompt and friendly old man or man behind the counter. With 11 positive remarks out of 16 total observations, it seems many appreciate the warm interactions.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 68.8%, suggesting there's still room for improvement. Some diners noted issues like a slightly long waiting time, the inability to dine in, and inconsistent operating hours. These points, though fewer in number with 4 negative observations, indicate areas where the service experience could be smoother.
Service
16
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, polite staff
- Sweet, supportive owners
- Prompt order taking
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- No dine-in
- Inconsistent hours
Often praised
- serviceI find the food to be incredibly fresh, and the spicy beef noodle soup is a personal favorite. The service is polite, and the value for money is excellent, making it my go-to spot. I eat here about 4 times a week.
- customer serviceGreat customer service!
- folk servingnice folk serving with a smile
- man behind the counterman behind the counter was so friendly
- old manThe pho and noodles are cooked perfect every time, and for lunch, they can get a line sometimes. The old man who takes the order is prompt and friendly enough; he doesn't care about my day but he removed the utensils when I asked to cut down on plastic. The portions have seemingly gotten a touch smaller but not by much, but it would warrant getting an appetizer.
- ownersThe food truly has a home-cooked feel, rustic with really good flavors. The owners are super, super sweet. These are the types of small but mighty businesses that need to be supported during the pandemic.
- peopleIf you’re craving delicious takeout or have a hidden gem that’s all about flavor, this is the spot. The vibe and service aren’t the highlight, but the people are friendly and the food is fantastic.
- take homeyou can take it home
Frequently criticized
- dine innot allow you to dine in
- operating hoursopen when they say
- serviceService:3
- waiting timewaiting time was a little long(about 15min at around 2:30pm)
If youre looking for a spot with genuinely friendly faces and dont mind a potential wait or strictly takeout options, you'll likely enjoy the service here. Just be aware that consistency in operating hours and dine-in availability might be a bit of a gamble.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, scoring an average 6.6 with a mixed 50% customer satisfaction. Many folks appreciate its charm, describing it as a hidden hole in the wall joint that feels like a cozy neighborhood gem. The cute pink box and pink ribbon details, along with a general atmosphere that reminds some of a family-owned restaurant, definitely hit the mark for 5 positive remarks.
However, not everyone is completely won over. With 3 negative remarks out of 10 total, some found it to be a tiny place and felt the overall vibe and atmosphere didnt quite deliver on the high hopes a "hole in the wall" might suggest. It seems the coziness can sometimes lean towards feeling a bit cramped, and the overall ambiance isnt always the highlight of the experience.
Ambience
10
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Hidden neighborhood gem
- Family-owned atmosphere
- Cute pink details
What people don't like
- Tiny place
- Vibe didn't deliver
- Cramped atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere here resembles that of a family-owned restaurant.
- hidden hole in the wall jointlike these hidden hole in the wall joint
- neighborhoodMy experience at the restaurant was centered around the soup. It was coo, and the fact that it's the only one in this neighborhood makes it a convenient choice when I need my soup fix, as it's just 5 blocks away.
- pink boxin a big pink box
- pink ribbonTie it up with the pink ribbon
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereHole in the wall atmosphere which kind of gave me high hope but didn't deliver.
- tiny placeIt is a tiny place
- vibeThe vibe and service aren’t the highlight
If youre looking for a quaint, local spot with a unique, family-like feel and dont mind a smaller space, this place could be a charming find. However, if a spacious, vibrant atmosphere is high on your list, you might find it a bit underwhelming.
Value (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.8%, guests are clearly thrilled. Many of the 18 opinions, specifically 14 positive ones, praise the affordable and great price options, often noting the bang for your money and excellent taste to value ratio.
You can expect delicious food without breaking the bank. However, theres one small catch to keep in mind, mentioned in 2 opinions. The main point of contention revolves around the "CASH ONLY" policy.
While the prices are fantastic, youll need to come prepared with physical money to enjoy the great deals.
Value
18
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great value
- Good taste-value
What people don't like
- Cash only policy
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was great! I had the best Vietnamese sandwich and found it to be the cheapest around. Their menu is extensive, and you can easily take your food home.
- great priceDelicious pho for a great price!
- pricestheir prices and flavor of food
- PricePrice is also good too, XL Pho under $11
- affordableSuper affordable
- bang for your moneybang for your money
- break the bankThe portions have seemingly gotten a touch smaller but not by much, but it would warrant getting an appetizer. The food overall is a win, and whenever I crave Vietnamese food and don't want to break the bank, I'll drop $15 here for a bowl of pho and a Thai tea to go.
- cheap side) and are craving pho. The bahn mis leave something to be desired but are on the cheap side and are filling. The pho and noodles are cooked perfect every time, and for lunch, they can get a line sometimes.
- fast food pricegourmet meal at fast food price
- taste to value ratioMy experience at this restaurant was defined by a great taste to value ratio. I particularly enjoyed the spicy seafood and beef soup, which was delicious.
Frequently criticized
- CASH ONLYI've been happily going to Pho Luen Fat for years and have their phone number saved. They are CASH ONLY, so be prepared by getting cash back from Grocery Outlet or Bank of America nearby. I always order the Large Combination Pho and Steak Pho, along with egg rolls and spring rolls.
- cash onlyThis place is a solid choice if you've got cash on you (cash only! ) and are craving pho.
If youre looking for fantastic food that wont empty your wallet, this place is a strong contender. Just remember to hit the ATM beforehand, as their cash only policy is the only real hurdle to an otherwise excellent value experience.
How are the prices at Luen Fat?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 12 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people usually spend, most diners find themselves in that $11–$20 sweet spot, with a few opting for slightly cheaper or a bit more premium options. So, prices definitely cluster around that average!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 12 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Vietnamese spot in San Francisco. It offers good value without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a delicious meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Luen Fat
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Delicious Banh Mi, Friendly Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best chicken banh mi, which was incredibly delicious. The man behind the counter provided friendly service, and my food was ready quickly.
While it's a cash only establishment with just a couple of tables, it offers no-frills, delicious food.
- chicken banh mi10
- man behind the counter9
- food9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Fantastic Food, Okay Service
If you’re craving delicious takeout or have a hidden gem that’s all about flavor, this is the spot. The vibe and service aren’t the highlight, but the people are friendly and the food is fantastic.
- food10
- service3
- people7
- vibe2
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Food Great, Service & Hours Disappointing
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was excellent, earning a 5/5 rating. However, my overall experience was significantly impacted by issues with their operating hours and dine-in policy.
While I understand businesses have the right to operate as they see fit, it's disappointing when a favorite spot becomes inaccessible. The service and atmosphere were rated a 3/5, reflecting these operational challenges.
- food10
- atmosphere6
- service4
- dine in3
- operating hours3
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Vietnamese Pork Sandwich
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The service was friendly, which was a positive aspect. However, the Vietnamese pork sandwich I ordered for lunch was a major disappointment.
Priced at $7, the meat in the sandwich did not look safe to eat, leading me to discard it. This made the overall food experience very negative.
- service7
- Price per person6
- Vietnamese pork sandwich1
- meat1
- food1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Noodles and Must-Try Angel Wings!
My experience at this restaurant was very positive, especially regarding the food. I found the five spice chicken noodle soup and beef stew noodle soup to be absolutely delicious. I would definitely recommend adding extra noodles to your order.
The angel wings are a must-try item! Overall, a great meal.
- five spice chicken noodle soup9
- beef stew noodle soup9
- extra noodles8
What Luen Fat offers
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Luen Fat?
At Luen Fat, you can look forward to a casual dining experience perfect for both lunch and dinner. They offer table service and are known to be a good spot for kids, making it a family-friendly choice in Visitacion Valley. You can also grab a quick bite or enjoy some coffee.
What are the service and accessibility options at Luen Fat?
Luen Fat provides flexible service options, including both dine-in and takeout, catering to your convenience. The restaurant is also committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring a comfortable visit for all patrons.
How does Luen Fat generally perform?
Luen Fat holds a good overall score of 7.5. It particularly excels in Value (8.1) and offers good Food (7.6). Service (6.7) and Ambience (6.6) are also rated as good, contributing to a generally positive experience.
Does Luen Fat accept card payments?
No, Luen Fat operates on a CASH ONLY basis. Customers are advised to be prepared with cash for their purchases.
What are some notable dishes or food aspects at Luen Fat?
Many customers praise the Angel Wings and Pho for their taste. While generally good, some opinions mention occasional issues like bland soup or small portions for certain items.