Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Mama Ji’s – San Francisco
Mama Ji's - San Francisco
Photo from Mama Ji’s
Mama Ji's at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 94 of the guests
#1382 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#112 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
592
Reviews
69.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent food
- Great service
- Clean ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Food inconsistency
- Service problems
The restaurant Mama Ji’s brings an authentic Chinese dining experience to San Francisco’s vibrant Duboce Triangle neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for any meal.
Known for its great tea selection, this spot offers a delightful culinary journey. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner, you’ll find a welcoming setting here.
Overview: Introducting Mama Ji's
Mama Ji’s has recently reopened, bringing back a local favorite known for its excellent food and impeccable service. Many appreciate the perfectly cooked dishes and the generally pleasant atmosphere.
It’s often seen as a solid choice for those seeking genuine flavors without being entirely unaffordable. However, some experiences have been less favorable, with concerns about the interior being freezing cold and certain dishes not meeting expectations.
There are also notable issues regarding overpriced items and, in some cases, service that felt nonexistent or even problematic.
Good
7.3
out of 10
592
Reviews
69.8%
Satisfaction
132
negative
47
neutral
413
positive
Mama Ji’s earns a respectable overall score of 7.3, placing it firmly in the good category. However, customer satisfaction sits at 69.8%, indicating a somewhat mixed reception.
This perspective comes from a substantial 592 customer observations, with 413 positive remarks balanced against 132 negative ones. It suggests that while many have positive experiences, a notable portion finds areas for improvement.
Diving deeper, the Food (7.4), Service (7.6), and Ambience (7.9) all perform well, reflecting many positive comments about these aspects. The culinary offerings, in particular, are frequently praised.
Where Mama Ji’s struggles is with Value (4), which registers as average. This suggests that while the quality of the experience is often appreciated, the pricing can be a point of contention for some diners.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Attentive, friendly service
- Pleasant, clean atmosphere
What people don't like
- Overpriced, small portions
- Inconsistent food quality
- Service issues, dishonesty
Mama Ji’s presents a mixed but generally positive picture. With a recommendation score of 7.4, it suggests that many diners would indeed suggest a visit.
If you prioritize well-prepared dishes and attentive service in a clean setting, this spot often delivers. However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it a bit steep for the portions.
While the food is often praised, occasional inconsistencies and service hiccups have been noted. It’s worth trying if you’re seeking specific Chinese flavors, but manage expectations regarding value and occasional operational quirks.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Chinese Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
221
94.1%
- $$
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
285
95.4%
- $$
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
286
93.7%
- $$
- Seacliff
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
269
91.4%
- $$
- Jordan Park
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
480
91.3%
- $$
- Transbay
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
77
90.9%
- $$
- Sunset District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Mama Ji's
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.4 score and a 69.5% customer satisfaction, indicating a good but mixed experience. Based on 296 positive remarks out of 426 total comments, many rave about the authentic Chinese food and flavors. Standout dishes like the Triple C Tofu and Hot & Numbing fish consistently receive high praise.
However, not every dish is a winner. With 93 negative comments, some found the food bland, oily, or salty. There were also mentions of dry chicken and concerns about inconsistent quality, suggesting some dishes might not always live up to expectations.
Food
426
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
93
negative
37
neutral
296
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Sichuan flavors
- Excellent Triple C Tofu
- Great Hot Numbing Fish
What people don't like
- Bland or oily food
- Dry, tough chicken
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- foodThis recently reopened local favorite was closed for 4 months due to a pipe burst. My experience was fantastic, with excellent food, impeccable service, and a wonderful atmosphere. The parking was also a breeze with plenty of free street parking available.
- dumplingsdumplings, rice and veggie dishes all cooked perfectly
- green beansgreen beans which were perfectly cooked to a light crunch with lots of ginger flavor.
- Chongqing chickenBEST chongqing chicken I have ever tasted. It's just out of this world delicious.
- dim sumexcellent place to try your first dim sum
- dishesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! After trying a few dishes and chatting with some locals, it was confirmed that this is one of the best Chinese food spots in the city. I feel so lucky to have discovered it.
- hot and numbing fishMy favorite dishes are hot and numbing fish
- Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant was that it offered decent cheap Chinese food. It's definitely better than most Chinese options at a similar price point in San Francisco, and I understand why it has a high average rating.
- FoodFood:5
- Triple C TofuParticular favorites are the Triple C Tofu
Frequently criticized
- foodMy first experience at this restaurant was uncomfortable due to the freezing cold inside, caused by the door being wide open. The food was not good at all 👎, and I believe Panda Express would have been more delicious. It also made my kids' stomachs bad.
- beef chow meinforgot to put the sauce/flavor on the noodles. I got plain noodles and beef.
- cumin lambThe cumin lamb featured more bell pepper than lamb
- garlicthe garlic they used was minced garlic from Costco. Not fresh.
- kung pao chickenexcept the kung pao chicken, which wasn't very flavorful
- kung pao shrimpkung pao shrimp when it was very roughly chopped bell peppers and seemingly frozen shrimp
- pork shumaiI was surprised when the total came up to $90 for two people (before tip), especially considering the tiny plates and portions. We ordered the pork shumai, shanghai dumplings, golden lava buns, steamed spare ribs, shrimp dumplings, and lotus leaf with two beers at $10. 00 each.
- Americanized palettemenu seems more attune to an Americanized palette
- Beijing style chickenBeijing style chicken w/ eggplant - needlessly over spiced without any flavor beyond spicy.
- Chinese foodmuch better Chinese food than this
If youre seeking authentic Sichuan flavors and dont mind a bit of spice, this place is worth a try, especially for their signature dishes. However, be aware that some experiences point to inconsistency, so you might encounter a dish that falls flat.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and a customer satisfaction of 77.6%, its clear many diners appreciate the experience. Out of 98 total comments, 76 praise the friendly staff, attentive servers, and quick service, often noting a warm welcome that makes you feel right at home.
However, not every interaction is perfect. 19 negative remarks highlight concerns like an aggressive sales pitch, slow service, and even dishonest behavior from staff. Some experiences describe unprofessional' conduct, suggesting there might be inconsistencies in the service quality.
Service
98
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
19
negative
3
neutral
76
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick service
- Warm welcome
What people don't like
- Dishonest staff behavior
- Inconsistent hours
- Slow service
Often praised
- serviceThis recently reopened local favorite was closed for 4 months due to a pipe burst. My experience was fantastic, with excellent food, impeccable service, and a wonderful atmosphere. The parking was also a breeze with plenty of free street parking available.
- staffTheir staff is very friendly and attentive
- ServiceService is top notch
- servermy server was attentive and friendly
- takeoutget takeout frequently and either way it's amazing
- Andrewcourtesy to Andrew for how he sold us on everything
- Apple Paywe finally figured out a solution
- FoodFood comes out quickly
- Lily (Mama Ji!)She was so enthusiastic and energetic when she talked about her cooking.
- StaffStaff is professional and helpful
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice is basically nonexistent after they drop off your food
- aggressive sales pitchservers give a pretty aggressive sales pitch
- another plateI had to ask her to come back and please get me another plate
- closing earlyMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to their inconsistent adherence to posted hours of operation. Upon arrival, I was told, "Sorry we are having lunch now, we are closing early today. " This was a frustrating experience, as it directly contradicted the hours they advertised.
- demanding a tiphe became visibly irritated and raised his voice at me, demanding a tip
- dimsum cartsI'd rate the food a 4/10 compared to other dimsum restaurants in the Bay Area and a 2/10 compared to dimsum restaurants in Hong Kong. Another miss was that they didn't have dimsum carts for weekend brunch. On a positive note, the interior of this restaurant was clean, which is rare for a Chinese restaurant, but the food is seriously overpriced.
- dishonest behaviorWe ordered takeout, which totaled around $70. I tipped $7 through their payment system, only to discover later that the restaurant staff had fraudulently adjusted the tip to $80. I had to contact my bank and the restaurant to resolve the issue.
- posted hours of operationDon't adhere to the posted hours of operation
- recommendationsWhen asked for recommendations, his curt response was simply, “I don’t know.”
- refundGetting a refund was next to impossible
Overall, the service here is generally good, making it a pleasant dining experience for most. While you can expect friendly and quick attention, be aware that a few customers have encountered less-than-ideal situations. It's worth trying for the positive interactions, but keep an eye out for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.9 and solid customer satisfaction at 76.1%. With 35 positive opinions out of 46 total, many rave about the local vibes, cleanliness, and charming outdoor seating. The family-owned shop feel and quaint interior often create a lovely experience.
Yet, a few of the 4 negative comments highlight some comfort issues. Concerns about the interior being freezing cold due to the door being wide open occasionally dampened the atmosphere for some. While these are isolated, they suggest potential temperature inconsistencies.
Ambience
46
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
4
negative
7
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean interior
- Local family vibes
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Cold indoor temperature
- Lack of ambience
Often praised
- atmosphereNo gaudy chandeliers, no big floor vases, not a big dining room at all. Quaint, simple and clean. Because we came in on a Sunday morning just before 10 am, we were the only ones in there.
- parkingparking was also a breeze
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- cleanlinessit's clean
- dining inor dining in
- experiencewe very much enjoyed the experience
- family owned goodnessbest for local vibes and family owned goodness
- family-owned shopThis family owned shop will always have my heart!
- interiorAnother miss was that they didn't have dimsum carts for weekend brunch. On a positive note, the interior of this restaurant was clean, which is rare for a Chinese restaurant, but the food is seriously overpriced. I believe this is a tourist/techie trap.
- local atmospherethe service, the food and the local atmosphere are all amazing
Frequently criticized
- ambienceNo ambience
- atmosphereif the atmosphere in the service is anything like the food
- door being wide opendoor was wide open
- freezing coldmade it freezing cold inside
If you're seeking a spot with a genuinely local, clean, and often charming atmosphere, especially with outdoor seating, this place is worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few guests have experienced comfort issues with temperature, so perhaps bring a light jacket just in case!
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found things to appreciate, with 6 positive opinions highlighting that the price is right for certain dishes, even calling some items not unaffordable and feeling the cost was justified. While there are some bright spots, the overall score for value sits at an average 4, and customer satisfaction is quite low at 27.3%, indicating a significant split in experiences. On the flip side, a significant 16 negative opinions expressed frustration, with many feeling the pricing was not cheap and often overpriced for small plates and portions.
Concerns were raised about the total bill, with some noting a high price and even misleading pricing or discrepancy that left them feeling the value wasn't there.
Value
22
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
16
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Price is right
- Cost justified
What people don't like
- Seriously overpriced
- Small plates, high cost
- Misleading pricing
Often praised
- $18 green beansbest $18 green beans I have ever had
- PricePrice is right
- costso it justifies the cost
- not unaffordableI've been searching for authentic, mouth-numbing Sichuan chicken, and the Chongqing chicken here is exactly that. It was perfect and surprisingly not unaffordable. This is a great find for anyone craving genuine Sichuan flavors.
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was that it offered decent cheap Chinese food. It's definitely better than most Chinese options at a similar price point in San Francisco, and I understand why it has a high average rating. However, if you're looking for truly amazing, higher-end Chinese cuisine, there are much better options available elsewhere in San Francisco.
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I found it to be overpriced and overrated, a typical mediocre SF restaurant. If you're looking for REAL dim-sum, I'd recommend heading to the Sunset District, Burlingame, or even Emeryville to HK Ocean restaurant.
- pricingmisleading pricing. charged $16.75 for an item listed as $12.95
- 6 pieces overallfor 6 pieces overall you pay 20 usd with tax
- discrepancy75. This 30% discrepancy is not acceptable.
- foodAnother miss was that they didn't have dimsum carts for weekend brunch. On a positive note, the interior of this restaurant was clean, which is rare for a Chinese restaurant, but the food is seriously overpriced. I believe this is a tourist/techie trap.
- high pricesurprised at the high price
- pricesThe prices are hiked now
- small platesSmall plates start at $6.50
- specialsThe specials are not at a reduced price as might be expected
- totalIf you're looking for REAL dim-sum, I'd recommend heading to the Sunset District, Burlingame, or even Emeryville to HK Ocean restaurant. I was surprised when the total came up to $90 for two people (before tip), especially considering the tiny plates and portions. We ordered the pork shumai, shanghai dumplings, golden lava buns, steamed spare ribs, shrimp dumplings, and lotus leaf with two beers at $10.
If youre seeking specific, authentic dishes and dont mind potentially paying a premium, you might find some value here. However, be prepared for portions that some find small and prices that many consider high, especially if you're looking for budget-friendly options.
How are the prices at Mama Ji's?
On average, you’ll spend around 34 per person – from 94 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average sits at 34, the prices are quite spread out. Many diners find options in the $21–$30 range, but a good number also opt for dishes in the $41–$50 bracket and even higher. This suggests a nice mix of choices, from more budget-friendly to premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 94 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good range of options, allowing diners to choose between more budget-friendly dishes and more premium experiences, making it a solid choice for its type.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mama Ji's
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Mama Jis Lost Its Way
I haven't visited Mama Jis in some time, but it seems the essence of the restaurant has left. My recent experience was far from the good Chinese dishes I remembered. The authenticity of the dishes was lacking, and there appeared to be no quality control in the kitchen.
Many dishes were overloaded with bell pepper, onion, and an excessive amount of garlic. Even the simple rice was disappointing, being dry and undercooked. The greens with garlic were almost the highlight, but the lotus root was drowned in a garlic chili sauce that was unbalanced, with the garlic overpowering the chili, creating a hot mess.
The cumin lamb had more bell pepper than lamb and tasted very similar to the Wowo Tou, with only a hint of cumin. It's a bummer, especially since there aren't many Chinese restaurants in the Castro. I hope Mama Jis finds its way back.
- authenticity2
- quality control2
- rice3
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Mixed Feelings on Dishes
My experience at the restaurant was not entirely positive. I ordered the cucumbers, green beans, and kung pao shrimp. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy two out of the three dishes.
The green beans were the only item I truly liked, and they were prepared in a way that is generally considered good. The cucumbers were too tangy for my preference, lacking sufficient garlic or spice, and I found it unusual that the skin was removed. The kung pao shrimp had a minimal numbing sensation, and overall, I was not a fan of its flavor.
- green beans8
- cucumbers3
- kung pao shrimp4
- skin4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Ideal Chinese Comfort Spot!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was so impressed with the food that I forgot to take a picture before eating. It's the ideal hole-in-the-wall Chinese comfort spot.
The cucumber salad and Shanghai dumplings were great, but the absolute best items were the Szechuan beef and chicken chow mein. The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated a 5 out of 5, and the service was equally excellent, also rated 5 out of 5, with no wait time. The price per person was reasonable, ranging from $10–20.
- food10
- cucumber salad8
- Shanghai dumpling8
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
A Go-To Favorite for Tasty Food and Good Service
This is one of our favorites. It's always a go-to spot in this part of the city. The food is tasty, and the service has always been good for us.
- food9
- service8
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Amazing Food, Service, and Atmosphere
My experience at Mama Ji’s was absolutely amazing! The service, the food, and the local atmosphere were all incredible. We had the pleasure of sitting outside with our dog and enjoyed a truly delicious meal.
The noodles, dumplings, rice, and veggie dishes were all cooked to perfection.
- service10
- food10
- local atmosphere10
What Mama Ji's offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options are available at Mama Ji's?
At Mama Ji’s, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. They offer lunch, dinner, and even brunch. You can choose between table service or seating, and catering is also available for your special events. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!
Does Mama Ji's offer options for different dietary needs and service preferences?
Yes, Mama Ji’s caters to various preferences. You’ll find excellent vegetarian options on their menu. For service, you can enjoy outdoor seating, dine-in, or convenient delivery. They also offer small plates and quick bites, perfect for any occasion.
How does Mama Ji's generally perform?
Mama Ji’s holds an overall score of 7.3, indicating a good dining experience. Its Food (7.4), Service (7.6), and Ambience (7.9) are rated well, though Value (4) is considered average.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Mama Ji's?
Diners frequently praise Mama Ji’s for its excellent food quality, with dishes often described as perfectly cooked. The service is also highlighted as attentive and friendly, contributing to a pleasant dining atmosphere.
What are some common concerns at Mama Ji's?
Key concerns revolve around the restaurant’s value, with some finding it overpriced for the portion sizes. There have also been reports of inconsistent food quality and occasional issues with service, including misleading pricing or dishonest behavior.