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oChef » New Fortune – San Francisco
New Fortune - San Francisco
Photo from New Fortune
New Fortune at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 104 of the guests
#1464 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#117 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
451
Reviews
69.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Food
- Generous Portions
- Great Value
Frequently criticized
- Limited Seating
- Payment Policies
- Long Waits
The restaurant New Fortune is a beloved Chinese Restaurant nestled in the vibrant South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco. When you step inside, you’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious small plates.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this spot offers a genuine taste of Chinese cuisine right in the heart of the city. It’s a fantastic choice for an authentic dining experience.
Overview: Introducting New Fortune
New Fortune offers a culinary experience centered around its well-regarded dishes, often praised for their authentic flavors and generous portions. Many appreciate the coziness of this family-owned spot, finding it a pleasant, if simple, place to enjoy a meal.
The overall sentiment points to a satisfying dining experience. However, diners should be aware of certain practicalities.
The restaurant can get quite crowded quick due to its limited space, and some have noted issues with waiting time for food or service. Payment policies, such as credit card minimums, have also been a point of contention for some patrons.
Good
7.2
out of 10
451
Reviews
69.8%
Satisfaction
93
negative
43
neutral
315
positive
New Fortune achieves a respectable overall Restaurant Score of 7.2, indicating a generally good dining experience. However, its Customer Satisfaction sits at 69.8%, which is a mixed result, suggesting some patrons leave less impressed than others.
This divergence highlights areas for potential improvement, despite the positive overall impression. These insights are drawn from a substantial 451 customer opinions.
The standout here is undoubtedly the Food (7.9), which garners the highest praise and is a clear strength. While Ambience (6.6) and Value (6.4) are considered average, they still contribute positively.
The Service (6.1) also falls into the average category, though it receives a fair share of comments. With 315 positive remarks against 93 negative ones, the restaurant generally hits the mark, particularly with its culinary offerings.
What people like
- Authentic, tasty food
- Generous portions
- Excellent value
What people don't like
- Limited seating space
- Payment policy issues
- Extended waiting times
New Fortune, with a Recommendation Score of 7.7, is a solid choice if you prioritize flavorful, authentic Chinese cuisine and generous portions at a good price. It’s particularly appealing for those seeking a casual, value-driven meal, especially if you’re prepared for a bustling environment.
However, be mindful of the potentially limited seating and possible waits, especially during peak hours. Also, it’s wise to clarify payment methods beforehand to avoid surprises.
If these practical considerations don’t deter you, New Fortune could offer a rewarding and satisfying dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on New Fortune
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a strong 81.6%, it's clear many diners are leaving happy. Based on 208 positive opinions out of 255 total, guests frequently praise the authentic food, especially the wonton soup and generous portions, often noting the delightful wok hey flavor in their dishes.
However, not every bite is perfect. A smaller number of 28 negative opinions point to some areas for improvement. Some feedback mentioned dishes being flavorless or having rubbery meat, and a few found the rice dry or ingredients to be of poor quality.
Specific items like Peking pork chops were sometimes described as too saucy.
Food
255
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
28
negative
19
neutral
208
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Chinese food
- Generous portions
- Delicious wonton soup
What people don't like
- Bland/flavorless dishes
- Poor quality meat
- Dry rice
Often praised
- foodTheir chow fun wasn’t good, it was more bland, so maybe they can add more seasonings into it. But I think this place has really good food, the service is just lacking. It took us much longer to get out of here than we hoped because the woman working seemed to be spread too thin and they barely had anyone serving tables.
- portionsI ordered the wonton soup, broccoli fried noodles, and Yangzhou fried rice. The food was very good, and the portions were generous. I also noted that Beef Chow Mein was a recommended dish.
- wonton soupMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We enjoyed a delicious and generous wonton soup that truly brought us back to life after a tiring day of touring. The Mongolian beef was also very tasty and served with fresh rice.
- FoodFood is really tasty!
- sweet and sour chickenPerfectly crunchy without being too crunchy. Just the right amount of sauce where it's not dry but it's not drowning in the sauce.. REALLY good.
- Chinese foodThis place is a hidden gem for Chinese food in SF. While the restaurant itself is a bit small, the service was fast.
- authentic Chinese foodIt’s very authentic Chinese food
- tasty foodMy experience at the restaurant was great! I enjoyed the tasty food and the generous portions. The place is small, which makes it perfect if you're dining on your own or if you're a larger group looking to share a table family-style.
- Cantonese foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, offering excellent Cantonese food. Locals line up out the door, and while the seating is very limited, it's well worth the wait.
- Mongolian BeefNew Fortune tastes slightly better since I think they use szechuan peppers in the dish.
Frequently criticized
- chow funI had been craving pan fried noodles for so long and this restaurant knocks it out of the park! Their chow fun wasn’t good, it was more bland, so maybe they can add more seasonings into it. But I think this place has really good food, the service is just lacking.
- meatThe meat was not of good quality, it was very rubbery
- noodlesSadly we were the only non Asian people in that tiny establishment and the only ones handed forks and not even offered chopsticks. I was extremely surprised at the assumption that we didn't know how to use them : / Food was decent, noodles kind of flavorless. It took 45 minutes for our food to come out while everyone around us had already been served no more than 20 minutes after their arrival and our orders were pretty much the same thing.
- riceMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. The rice was dry and the soup tasted like instant soup. The dumplings were okay.
- Beef Stew Wonton SoupBeef Stew Wonton Soup has tripe but NO BEEF!
- Mongolian beefaverage size of Mongolian beef... it’s not the beef was a little bit soft and mushy and the flavor while there was a ton of heat on the spice almost no spice for flavor.
- Peking pork chopsPeking pork chops were too saucy and sweet
- amount of beefits got a pity amount of beef
- auberginethe Aubergine tasted like nothing
- beefthe beef was a little bit soft and mushy
If youre looking for authentic Chinese flavors and generous portions, especially their highly-praised wonton soup, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few dishes might miss the mark on flavor or meat quality, but overall, its a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.1, placing it in the average range. Many customers praised the personal, attentive staff and quick service, highlighting positive experiences with the owners and wait staff. Out of 79 total customer remarks, 43 were positive, often noting great service and pleasant interactions.
However, customer satisfaction sits at 54.4%, indicating a mixed reception. A significant number of guests, 33 to be exact, reported issues like long waiting times, feeling the place was understaffed, and generally slow service. Some even mentioned being lectured for tips or experiencing non-existent service during busy periods, which definitely put a damper on their visit.
Service
79
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
33
negative
3
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, pleasant service
- Charming personal
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Slow service
- Understaffed issues
Often praised
- serviceWe left the meat after 2-3 bites and only ate the vegetables and rice. The prices were cheap, and the service was nice and fast. However, we would only eat vegetarian there in the future.
- staffThe Beef Chow Mein was also tasty and affordable. The staff were friendly, and the small store had everything we needed for a great meal. Highly recommend!
- ServiceService:5
- ownerThe owner is sooo nice
- waitressEspecially the price is great for San Francisco standards, with meals costing between $10-12. The waitress was very nice. The restaurant itself is small and doesn't look fancy.
- cashier is the serverCashier is the server too.
- customer serviceCustomer service was wonderful!
- family dinnerHad our whole family there for dinner.
- great servicealong with great service
- kind serviceKind Service
Frequently criticized
- waiting timeI was extremely surprised at the assumption that we didn't know how to use them : / Food was decent, noodles kind of flavorless. It took 45 minutes for our food to come out while everyone around us had already been served no more than 20 minutes after their arrival and our orders were pretty much the same thing. Still patiently we waited.
- serviceTheir chow fun wasn’t good, it was more bland, so maybe they can add more seasonings into it. But I think this place has really good food, the service is just lacking. It took us much longer to get out of here than we hoped because the woman working seemed to be spread too thin and they barely had anyone serving tables.
- wait timewe had to wait quite a bit to get our order served
- busythey get *busy*
- closing timecloses by 7pm
- coins for changeintentionally hold extra coins for tips when I pour all my coins out
- food arrivalit never arrived
- food preparationthe food can take a bit long to prepare
- lectured for tipsbeing asked and even lectured for tips doesn’t worth my tips
- queueThere was a queue during dinnertime
If you're not in a rush and catch them on a good day, you might experience some genuinely friendly and quick service. But be prepared for potential delays and understaffing, especially during peak hours, as waiting times can be a real dealbreaker here.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot has a lot going for it, with many guests praising its welcoming atmosphere and coziness. Based on 32 positive remarks, people love the vibe, often describing it as a small, authentic restaurant or even a hidden gem. The cleanliness and the unique communal eating experience also frequently receive high marks, contributing to a generally pleasant feel.
However, the overall experience for ambience lands at a 6.6 score with a 51.6% customer satisfaction, indicating a mixed bag. While some find it charming, others point out the limited seating and that it can get crowded quick. Concerns about the small space and even occasional mentions of fruit flies suggest there's room for improvement, especially for those seeking a more spacious or quiet setting.
Ambience
62
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
15
negative
15
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic atmosphere
- Clean and cozy
- Communal experience
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Can get crowded
- Small space
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was a perfect 5/5
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- CLEANCLEAN LOCAL
- Noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- amazing restaurantvisit this amazing restaurant
- cleanlinessvery clean food
- communal eating experienceallows for a quaint, communal eating experience
- cozinessplace has a coziness of a hole in the wall
- dining roomsimple clean dinning room
- family owned restaurantit’s a family owned restaurant
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereUPDATE: Down to a star since the owner has the audacity to comment. I can not recall the last time I felt so out of place anywhere let alone a restaurant. Sadly we were the only non Asian people in that tiny establishment and the only ones handed forks and not even offered chopsticks.
- seatingvery limited seating
- Parking optionsParking is unavailable
- buildingThe food was delicious. Although the building is small, the food is simply super. I recommend it with all my heart ❤️.
- crowded quickit gets crowded quick
- fruit fliesfruit flies dive bombing your food
- insidethe inside of the restaurant is a bit small
- limited seatssmall restaurant with limited seats
- limited spacethe only real downside is the space inside is *limited*
- restaurant sizeMy experience at this eatery was marked by its busy and crowded atmosphere, with a queue forming during dinnertime. It's advisable to go early as the restaurant is small and closes by 7 pm. Despite being a Chinese restaurant, it attracted a proportion of non-Chinese customers.
So, if you're looking for a cozy, authentic, and potentially communal dining experience, this place could be a great fit. Just be prepared for a potentially busy and intimate setting with limited space, especially during peak hours.
Value (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some real fans! Many diners (32 positive opinions out of 55 total) genuinely appreciate the experience, often exclaiming how truly worth it it is. They frequently highlight the low price and reasonable prices for generous portions, making it feel like a true value for money find.
The overall score for value sits at an average 6.4, indicating a generally positive perception. However, it's not all smooth sailing, with 17 negative opinions raising some eyebrows. Patrons occasionally faced issues with credit cards not being accepted for smaller bills or unexpected fees for using cards.
The most significant gripes often revolved around what felt like a mandatory tip or confusing receipts, contributing to the mixed 58.2% customer satisfaction.
Value
55
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
17
negative
6
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Low prices
- Great value
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Card payment issues
- Mandatory tip
- Hidden charges
Often praised
- pricesWe left the meat after 2-3 bites and only ate the vegetables and rice. The prices were cheap, and the service was nice and fast. However, we would only eat vegetarian there in the future.
- priceThe thin wrap of the wontons added a delightful texture to each bite, making it a standout dish that I wholeheartedly recommend. The Beef Chow Mein was also tasty and affordable. The staff were friendly, and the small store had everything we needed for a great meal.
- worth itThis is worth it!
- price-performance ratiosehr guten Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis
- Chow Mein with ChickenChow Mein mit Chicken für 10.75 Dollar
- billThe portions were great, and the prices were fair. Our bill was about $100 for a party of six. I definitely recommend stopping in Chinatown and visiting this amazing restaurant.
- dealsThey added chili and black pepper, and it was delicious. I usually get two dishes and rice, and it's typically less than $25, which are absolutely banging deals. I've been here at least 6 times and always leave feeling like I got the best food deal of my life, stuffed with leftovers.
- food dealI usually get two dishes and rice, and it's typically less than $25, which are absolutely banging deals. I've been here at least 6 times and always leave feeling like I got the best food deal of my life, stuffed with leftovers.
- good and economicaldebe ser es bueno y económico
- low priceLow Price
Frequently criticized
- receiptyou won't get a receipt paying cash
- billTried to charge way more than the actual and played dumb when I challenged the bill.
- card paymentCard for more than $20 bill only, not told before I pay
- credit card chargeadditional charge for the credit card if the bill is below 20
- credit cardsMy experience at this restaurant was marked by very tasty food that was also reasonably priced. However, there's a specific payment policy: they only accept credit cards if your total is more than $20. Despite being short-staffed, the waitress still provided good service.
- dine in tipall dine in tip is auto added
- fancy overpriced placesnot trying to spend on fancy overpriced places
- fee for using cardBe aware, there’s a fee for using card
- mandatory tipsneaking in a mandatory tip is pretty gross
- mealsall 11.75 meals come out to $15
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal with generous portions, this place could be a great pick. Just be prepared for potential payment quirks like credit card minimums or extra fees. Always double-check your bill for any unexpected charges.
How are the prices at New Fortune?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 104 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests spend within this $11–$20 bracket, showing prices cluster around the average, though a few opt for cheaper bites, and a couple splurge on more premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 104 reviews.
This chart compares the value for money of this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant. It offers a good balance for diners looking for a quality meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about New Fortune
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Authentic Cantonese Food Worth the Wait
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, offering excellent Cantonese food. Locals line up out the door, and while the seating is very limited, it's well worth the wait. I had the 3 meats chow mein, which was delicious.
The table condiments of hot chili and white pepper were fresh and spicy, completely enhancing the spice on the dish 😋. I will definitely come back again and again.
- Cantonese food10
- wait9
- 3 meats chow mein9
- seating3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was amazing, and the service was equally impressive. It's a dainty and nifty spot to grab some grub.
My friend, visiting San Francisco for the first time, had a great time chowing down on chow mein here.
- food10
- service10
- spot9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic Chinese Food Experience
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was fabulous, with excellent flavor, portion size, and food quality. Everything tasted so fresh.
This place is clearly not for tourists; it's a local restaurant for local people. The experience of eating authentic Chinese food was definitely worth it. The atmosphere was very quiet, which was sometimes disconcerting.
I believe adding some ambient music would be a plus. I highly recommend it for lovers of Chinese food.
- food10
- flavor10
- portion size10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
6
Great Food, Terrible Service Experience
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was awesome, truly a highlight. However, the service was a significant letdown.
I was informed only after paying that cards were accepted for bills over $20, which was not communicated beforehand. To make matters worse, when I paid with coins, the waitress intentionally held back extra coins, implying they were for tips. She even lectured me, saying, “They all need tips here, ” and assumed I was a tourist who could be easily taken advantage of.
While I always tip for a smooth experience, being pressured and lectured for tips completely ruined the service aspect for me. I suggest either adopting a more classic American service style or dining with company to avoid such awkward and forced tipping situations.
- food10
- service1
- card payment2
- coins for change1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
New Fortune's Spicy Mongolian Beef
This was my first visit to New Fortune, a new restaurant I discovered after exiting the subway station in Chinatown. I decided to try their Mongolian Beef to compare it with the version from my hometown Chinese restaurants. New Fortune's rendition tasted slightly better, possibly because they use Szechuan peppers, which I appreciate as I enjoy spicy food.
Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of my lunch. A good sign for a Chinese restaurant, in my opinion, is seeing many Asian people dining there.
- Mongolian Beef8
- Szechuan peppers8
- spicy food8
What New Fortune offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and service does New Fortune Restaurant provide?
At New Fortune Restaurant, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences. They offer both lunch and dinner, with table service available. For your convenience, you can choose to dine-in, order takeout, or have your meal delivered right to your door. Planning ahead is easy as they also accept reservations.
Are there accessible facilities and family-friendly options at New Fortune?
Yes, New Fortune Restaurant is designed to be welcoming for everyone. You’ll find wheelchair accessible seating and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring comfort for all guests. It’s also considered a good place for kids, making it an excellent choice for family outings in San Francisco.
What is the overall rating for New Fortune and its key aspects?
New Fortune holds a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.2. Its Food (7.9) is highly regarded, while Ambience (6.6), Value (6.4), and Service (6.1) are considered average.
Is New Fortune known for good value?
Yes, many customers find New Fortune offers excellent value, with opinions frequently mentioning “cheap prices” and “banging deals” for generous portions, making it an economical choice for a meal.
What should I know about the dining experience at New Fortune?
Be aware that the restaurant has “limited seating” and can get “crowded quick,” potentially leading to “extended waiting times.” Some patrons have also noted specific “payment policy issues,” such as credit card minimums.