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oChef » My Father’s Kitchen – San Francisco
My Father's Kitchen - San Francisco
Photo from My Father’s Kitchen
My Father's Kitchen at a glance
San Francisco Lower Pacific Heights
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 39 of the guests
#1771 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#216 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
345
Reviews
64.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Broth
- Fresh Ingredients
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Small Portions
- Limited Hours
- Tight Seating
The restaurant, a cozy spot in San Francisco’s Lower Pacific Heights, invites you to experience its warm ambiance. My Father’s Kitchen offers a casual setting perfect for any meal, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious food and good company.
Overview: Introducting My Father's Kitchen
My Father’s Kitchen offers a mixed experience, often praised for its flavorful broth and fresh ingredients that elevate many dishes. While many find the food comes out fast and the staff helpful, some experiences point to a less welcoming service interaction.
Diners generally appreciate the affordable meals and feel it’s worth it for the price point. However, the atmosphere can sometimes be a bit cramped or cold, and some have noted issues with cleanliness.
Good
6.8
out of 10
345
Reviews
64.6%
Satisfaction
95
negative
27
neutral
223
positive
Overall, My Father’s Kitchen holds an average standing with a 6.8 score, reflecting a generally positive but not outstanding impression. Customer satisfaction sits at a 64.6%, indicating a mixed bag of experiences among patrons.
The Food (6.9) is its strongest suit, drawing 223 positive remarks out of 345 total, though some find the Service (6.6) to be less consistent. The restaurant’s Ambience (7.0) receives a slightly better score, suggesting a comfortable, if sometimes imperfect, setting.
Value (6.7) also sits in the average range, with many finding the pricing fair. While there are 223 positive comments, 95 negative opinions highlight areas needing attention, creating a balanced picture of what to expect.
What people like
- Flavorful Pho Broth
- Fresh Ingredients
- Reasonable Prices
What people don't like
- Small Portion Sizes
- Inconvenient Hours
- Cramped Seating
With a recommendation score of 7, My Father’s Kitchen is a solid choice, especially if you’re seeking a quick, satisfying meal. It generally delivers on its promise of good food at a fair price, making it a reliable option for many.
However, be mindful of the early closing times and potentially tight seating. If you prioritize a flavorful bowl and good value over spacious dining or late-night options, you’ll likely find it a worthwhile stop.
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Verdict: Our expert take on My Father's Kitchen
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
Alright, lets talk food! Overall, the culinary experience here is quite a mixed bag, with a 6.9 score indicating its generally good, though customer satisfaction sits at a 64.3%, suggesting some room for improvement. Based on 227 opinions, with 146 positive remarks, many folks rave about the delicious pho, especially the rich broth and fresh ingredients.
Quality meats and flavorful dishes like chicken satay also get a lot of love. However, with 61 negative comments, some diners found the portion sizes to be on the smaller side, and a few mentioned the food could be bland or lack authenticity. Issues like greasy imperial rolls or a disappointing broth quality also popped up, so it's not always a perfect plate.
Food
227
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
61
negative
20
neutral
146
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful pho broth
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Tender meats
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Bland, flavorless food
- Lack of authenticity
Often praised
- foodMy experience was positive, particularly with the food.
- phoI used to live in the neighborhood, and this place is the best pho in SF. The food was rated a 5 out of 5, service was a 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere was a 5 out of 5.
- brothThe food is delicious; my favorite is #6. The broth is rich and flavorful, and the meats are super soft and tender.
- PhoMy experience at this restaurant has been very positive, particularly for their good Pho and great service. I have really enjoyed getting takeout from here on Thursday nights.
- peanut saucecreamy peanut sauce with the fresh spring rolls
- pho gaMy experience at this restaurant was largely defined by its inconvenient hours, which close at 7 PM, making it difficult for me to visit after work. While the pho ga was decent and the service was quick, the overall food was not memorable. Additionally, the portion size felt a bit small for the price.
- chicken and ricesatay sauce yummy over the chicken and rice!
- fresh ingredientsfresh ingredients were evident in every dish
- imperial rollsThe service was prompt and kind, and the food was fresh and delicious. I particularly enjoyed the crispy imperial rolls and the combination pho, complemented by a Vietnamese pour-over. I'm already looking forward to my next visit!
- noodlesThe menu is refreshingly concise, unlike other establishments. I particularly enjoyed the BEEF PHO, which is prepared in the Northern Vietnamese style, emphasizing the basics: fresh meat, a flavorful broth, and thick noodles, without the usual sprouts or basil. While prices are comparable to other city spots, around $9 for pho and $11-12 for noodle dishes, the experience is well worth it.
Frequently criticized
- portion sizeAs someone who loves Vietnamese food, especially pho, it saddens me to give low ratings. My experience was disappointing due to the overpriced nature of the meal, small portions, and a tasteless broth. The noodles were also overcooked, and the utensils were dirty.
- phoMy wife ordered the pho and was disappointed in the quality of the broth.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was largely defined by its inconvenient hours, which close at 7 PM, making it difficult for me to visit after work. While the pho ga was decent and the service was quick, the overall food was not memorable. Additionally, the portion size felt a bit small for the price.
- noodlesmushy non-traditional noodles
- bean sproutsno bean sprouts
- brothAs someone who loves Vietnamese food, especially pho, it saddens me to give low ratings. My experience was disappointing due to the overpriced nature of the meal, small portions, and a tasteless broth. The noodles were also overcooked, and the utensils were dirty.
- chickenI wished there was more chicken!
- rice noodlesI felt sick after eating. My plate was filled with leafy greens and some old rice noodles. The vegetarian imperial rolls were really bad, just thick deep-fried batter with no real filling.
- 5 spiced chicken dishthe 5 spiced chicken dish is just too small
- Imperial rollsI ordered the Imperial rolls. They are supposed to also have crab, shrimp, and pork, but they didn't seem to have very much of any of those things. The rolls were very greasy and surprisingly flavorless.
If youre craving a good bowl of pho with quality ingredients, especially the broth, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that portions might be smaller than expected, and some dishes could lack the robust flavors youre hoping for.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
Many guests have raved about the incredibly friendly and helpful staff, often noting how quickly food comes out, especially during the lunch rush. With 40 positive remarks, its clear that prompt and courteous service is a highlight, making diners feel truly welcome. However, the experience isnt always perfect.
Some patrons encountered rude or impatient waitstaff, describing the customer service as slow or even dismissive. These 22 critical observations contribute to an overall service score of 6.6 and a customer satisfaction of 63.5%, indicating a mixed bag where improvements could be made.
Service
63
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
22
negative
1
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Food comes fast
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Staff ignores guests
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant has been very positive, particularly for their good Pho and great service. I have really enjoyed getting takeout from here on Thursday nights.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was largely positive, with delicious food and very friendly staff. My only complaint is that the seating is very cramped inside.
- ServiceService was excellent
- SERVICEAnd the SERVICE WAS GGGRRRREEEAAT
- customer serviceI used to live and work in the area and I miss this place so much! The food was the best with amazing customer service. It makes me happy to see it's still popping!
- dine-in dinneror dine-in dinner
- food comes out fastfood also came out fast
- helpful and courteousthose working were very helpful and courteous.
- lunch rushknows how to crush a lunch rush
- staffsThe staffs are super friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by rude and brusque service, which I found to be about on par with an army mess hall. The food quality was mediocre and the authenticity factor low.
- customer servicecustomer service here is about on par with an army mess hall
- waitressAside from our waitress being hella impatient
- characterI personally noted the difference in character
- dignity and respecttreat me with as much dignity and respect
- dinner hoursDespite the fact this place is closed half the time and dinner ends at 7pm, their pho is great. It's flavorful and deep without being oily, too sweet, or too salty.
- hoursAlthough the hours of this place need to be extended by two hours for us neighbors, this is one of the best simple Pho restaurants in SF. I have been to Vietnam and eaten at all the Pho places in town and this is on my top 5 list.
- hours of operationsonly downside is their hours of operations
- menudidn't get a menu for about 5 mins
- open on SundaysPLEASE open on sundays even if its just for a few hours
If you value friendly and quick service, this spot often delivers, especially for a fast lunch. However, be prepared that service can be a bit of a gamble, with some experiences falling short due to rudeness or slow attention. Its worth a try if youre feeling lucky, but don't expect perfection every time.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
Overall, the ambience here scores a solid 7, indicating a good experience, and customer satisfaction sits at a strong 75.8%. Many guests, in 25 positive remarks out of 33 total, praise it as an SF Gem with a cozy place vibe, noting the cleanliness and nice and calm atmosphere that makes it feel homey and inviting, especially for a lunch spot. However, 6 negative remarks point to some areas for improvement.
Some found the atmosphere impacted by being cold inside, while others mentioned cramped seating and a need for deep cleaning in certain areas, suggesting a few minor comfort and maintenance issues that could detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
33
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, calm atmosphere
- Clean environment
- Convenient location
What people don't like
- Cold interior
- Cramped seating
- Deep cleaning needed
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere both received a perfect 5 out of 5
- AtmosphereAtmosphere was quiet, easy to talk
- locationConvenient location for the UCSF medical crowd
- Pho shopSmall but inviting Pho shop
- SF GemThis SF Gem is well worth the visit
- cleanlinessit's clean.
- cozy placesuch a nice cozy place to come in from the cold
- design elementsa few nice design elements
- environmentClean environment
- family of 6Great food for family of 6.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with both the food and service being great. However, I'm only giving 4 stars instead of 5 because it was so cold inside that everyone had to wear their jackets and hats. The atmosphere was impacted by the temperature.
- child booster seatskeep the child booster seats in there bathrooms
- deep cleaningthe place could use a deep cleaning
- inconvenient hoursinconvenient hours (closes at 7pm!
- seatingit's very cramped inside as far as seating
- utensilsdirty utensils
If youre looking for a generally pleasant and cozy spot with a good vibe, this place is worth checking out. Just be prepared for the possibility of it being a bit chilly or snug, and youll likely have a great time.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners find this spot hits the mark! With 12 positive remarks out of 22 total, guests often feel its truly worth it thanks to reasonable prices and affordable meals. The overall score for value sits at a respectable 6.7, indicating a good experience, though customer satisfaction is a more mixed 54.5%.
However, not everyone agrees on the value proposition. There are 6 negative comments, with some finding the price a bit steep, especially for the portion size. Concerns include feeling its overpriced or that you get a small portion for $9, suggesting that while some find it reasonable, others expect more for their money.
Value
22
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
6
negative
4
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable meals
- Reasonable pricing
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Can be overpriced
Often praised
- priceit's very reasonably priced
- pricesthe prices are very reasonable
- affordable mealsAffordable meals
- debit/credit cardsThe large windows in the front created a nice place to dine in, and the service was nice and fast. They also serve beer and accept debit/credit cards.
- mealBeyond the excellent food, the service is fast, and the prices are very reasonable. You can get a very hearty meal for well under $10. I can't recommend this place enough.
- meal under $20While I agree with other reviews that mention the lack of bean sprouts and basil, I disagree that it needs those to be a good pho. The portion was very substantial and any restaurant meal under $20 after tips of this quality is rare to see in the city.
- pricingGood pricing
- reasonable pricesMy experience at this Pho shop was very positive. It's a small but inviting place with very good food and reasonable prices. I definitely recommend it as a must try.
- worth itit’s worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceThe pho soup was not traditional, lacking bean sprouts and featuring mushy noodles. I found it to be overpriced for what little you get. The 5-spice chicken was just okay.
If youre looking for generally affordable meals and dont mind potentially smaller portions, this place could be a good fit. However, be aware that some find it a bit pricey for what you get, so manage your expectations regarding portion sizes.
How are the prices at My Father's Kitchen?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 39 diners. That puts it squarely in the $11–$20 category. For a Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests are indeed spending right in this sweet spot, showing a clear preference for this price point.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 39 reviews.
Comparing value for money: How this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant experience in San Francisco. It hits that sweet spot where quality meets value.
Customer Reviews: what people think about My Father's Kitchen
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Must-Try Chicken Satay & Thai Iced Tea!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The Chicken Satay is an absolute MUST-TRY, and it was perfectly complemented by the Thai Iced Tea. I'm definitely planning on coming back!
- Chicken Satay10
- Thai Iced Tea9
- Food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Best Pho in SF!
I used to live in the neighborhood, and this place is the best pho in SF. The food was rated a 5 out of 5, service was a 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere was a 5 out of 5. We had no wait time and dined with 2 people.
- pho10
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Food okay, but concerning health effects
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The food was just okay. However, both my son and I experienced light headaches, felt lightheaded, and had numbness after our meal.
This led me to question if MSG is used in their dishes.
- food5
- MSG5
- light headaches2
- lightheaded2
- numbness2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Food, Great Coffee!
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. I found the crispy crab and chicken to be absolutely delicious, fresh, and tasted light and healthy. I also loved the drip coffee and condensed milk for its sweetness.
The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was quiet and conducive to conversation.
- crispy crab and chicken10
- drip coffee and condensed milk9
- Service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Authentic Vietnamese Gem with Kind Service
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The food was excellent, featuring a simple yet well-executed menu. I particularly enjoyed the fresh, light pho ga with carefully pulled chicken and the creamy peanut sauce with the fresh spring rolls.
Everything was just right, bringing back memories of Vietnam without the downsides. The service was kind and understated, making me feel welcome. It was also reasonably priced, offering great value.
- food10
- pho ga10
- peanut sauce9
What My Father's Kitchen offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is My Father's Kitchen accessible for everyone?
Yes, you’ll find that My Father’s Kitchen is designed with accessibility in mind. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
What kind of dining experience and offerings can you expect at My Father's Kitchen?
At My Father’s Kitchen, you can enjoy a range of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert with table service. They also offer healthy options, quick bites, and a selection of wine, coffee, and beer.
What is the overall rating for My Father's Kitchen?
My Father’s Kitchen has an overall score of 6.8. Its Ambience scores 7.0, Food 6.9, Value 6.7, and Service 6.6, indicating a generally average experience with some strong points.
Is the food at My Father's Kitchen well-regarded?
Yes, many customers praise the flavorful broth and fresh ingredients, particularly in their pho and imperial rolls. However, some mention small portion sizes or inconsistent broth quality.
What should I know about the service and operating hours?
Service is often described as friendly and quick, but some experiences note rude service. Be aware that the restaurant has inconvenient hours, typically closing early, which can be a challenge for some diners.