Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » New Ming’s – San Francisco
New Ming's - San Francisco
Photo from New Ming’s
New Ming's at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 54 of the guests
#1844 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#186 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
276
Reviews
64.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality food
- Good service
- Value pricing
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Hidden fees
- Lackluster decor
The restaurant New Ming’s in San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood offers a delightful Chinese dining experience. You’ll discover a casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for dinner.
This spot is known for its inviting ambiance and diverse menu, featuring delicious small plates and vegetarian options, making it a go-to for authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting New Ming's
New Ming’s offers a mixed experience, often praised for its attentive staff and generally satisfying dishes. Many find the prices surprisingly fair, especially given the generous portions that leave diners feeling well-fed.
However, some experiences with the owner’s attitude have been less positive, and the addition of a service fee has raised concerns. While the food is often good, a few find certain dishes to be a bit bland or inconsistent.
Good
6.7
out of 10
276
Reviews
64.9%
Satisfaction
76
negative
21
neutral
179
positive
New Ming’s holds a respectable overall score of 6.7, indicating a generally positive experience for many. However, customer satisfaction sits at 64.9%, suggesting a somewhat mixed reception among diners.
This slight divergence highlights that while the restaurant performs well in several areas, there are also aspects that leave some patrons wanting more. This assessment is drawn from 276 customer observations, with 179 positive remarks and 76 negative ones.
Unsurprisingly, Food leads the way with a solid score of (7.0), consistently impressing diners. Service also performs reasonably well at (6.2), often described as fast and friendly.
However, both Value (6.1) and Ambience (5.9) hover in the average range, indicating areas where experiences can vary. While the food is a strong draw, these other elements contribute to the overall mixed sentiment.
What people like
- Delicious, satisfying food
- Friendly, attentive service
- Fair prices, good portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service attitude
- Unexpected service charges
- Plain interior ambiance
With a recommendation score of 6.9, New Ming’s generally offers a worthwhile dining experience, particularly if you prioritize flavorful and substantial dishes. It’s a place that often delivers on taste and portion size, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and the added service charge. If you’re seeking a vibrant atmosphere, you might find the decor a bit understated.
Overall, it’s worth a try for the food, but manage expectations regarding other aspects.
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Verdict: Our expert take on New Ming's
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.9%. Many diners rave about the deliciousness and freshness, with 130 positive remarks highlighting favorites like the crispy orange chicken, flavorful dumplings, and generous portion sizes. You'll often find great food and an extensive menu here.
However, not every dish is a winner, as 43 negative comments point to some inconsistencies. Issues include bland or oily food, especially with wet oily rice and some egg rolls. There are also mentions of low quality udon and small side portions, suggesting that while the main dishes might be generous, some aspects could disappoint.
Food
186
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
43
negative
13
neutral
130
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Generous main portions
- Extensive menu variety
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Bland, oily food
- Small side portions
Often praised
- foodWe were very pleasantly surprised and pleased with the 2 dishes we ordered. They were substantial and very satisfying. It's a pity we won't have the opportunity to try their food again now that we are back home in Australia.
- FoodFood:5
- Orange ChickenI must recommend the Ma Po Tofu, Bittermelon with choice of meat stir-fry, Shrimp & Lobster Sauce over rice, Crispy Noodle dishes, Chinese pancakes, and XO Sauce dishes. For premade lunch items, the Basil Eggplant & Tofu, Orange Chicken, Salt & Pepper Chicken, and Salt & Pepper Pork are a must-try.
- Singapore noodlesThe orange chicken and Singapore noodles were perfect
- chickenthe beef, the chicken and the shrimp are also very flavorful
- dishespleased with the 2 dishes we ordered. They were substantial
- house fried riceWe tried the house fried rice and SciChaun fried tofu with Eggplant. Both were real good
- orange chickenThe orange chicken was so crispy and packed with that orange flavor
- portionsMy experience at the restaurant was really, really delicious. The prices were surprisingly cheap for San Francisco, and the portions were generous. I appreciated that they served drinks in cans, unlike other places that use soda machines which taste like tap water.
- riceThe rice was cooked perfectly and very flavorful
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was very disappointing.
- riceThere was so much cartilage in the rice, I could eat it
- Kung Pao chickenKung Pao chicken the level of heat is too much
- MaoxuewangThere is no blood in Maoxuewang.
- Szechuan lambthe Szechuan lamb lacked the expected depth of flavor and spiciness
- badly tasting fishI ordered the seafood soup, which was far from great. It featured low quality udon, badly tasting fish, nearly raw broccoli, and overcooked squid. The broth was also unremarkable.
- beef fried ricebeef fried rice. What ever little beef i found was just fat cuts mixed with pork.
- bell peppersToo much bell peppers
- blandKinda bland, in my opinion.
- brothThe five wontons lacked a bouncy chew and were mostly pork, with no shrimp. The broth was lifeless, and the noodles were sparse. The pork, however, was surprisingly plentiful but a bit dry.
If youre looking for a place with potentially delicious and generously portioned main dishes, its worth a try. Just be mindful that some items might lack flavor or have inconsistent quality, especially when it comes to sides or specific ingredients.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres definitely a bright side to explore! Many guests rave about the friendly service and the staff being incredibly accommodating to needs. With 25 positive remarks out of 41 total, it seems the lady running the place and her team often leave a warm impression, contributing to a 61% customer satisfaction.
However, its not all sunshine, as the service scores an average 6.2. Some experiences mention a challenging owner's attitude or poor service leading to long wait times. There were 16 negative comments, including instances where staff were perceived as rude or even demanding a tip, suggesting some inconsistencies that could use attention.
Service
41
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
16
negative
0
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Accommodate needs
- Sweet service
What people don't like
- Rude owner
- Poor service
- Long waits
Often praised
- serviceFor $16, I expected much better. On the positive side, the service was good; it was fast and nice.
- staffThe staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming
- ServiceService:5
- StaffStaff was very accommodating
- accommodating our needsaccommodating our needs
- employeesEmployees seemed nice.
- family runfamily run
- ladies who work herePorridge is also really tasty and they do it well! The ladies who work here are extremely sweet and I really appreciate their hard work. Please support local restaurants and try this place, you won't be disappointed!
- lady running the placeThe lady running the place is super nice
- lady who works hereMy experience at this restaurant was great! The lady who works here is very funny. She gave me chopsticks, but my white boyfriend and other white customers received forks.
Frequently criticized
- advance noticeThey should have said so in advance.
- bad reviewI have never given a bad review to any store
- chopsticksdidn't give us Chopsticks
- credibilityThe owner's attitude was also super bad when I questioned the absence of blood. I did not return the dish, but I want to warn everyone that a restaurant without credibility will not last long. This is the worst experience I have ever had, and I sincerely hope others see my comments.
- free tablesdidn’t even let me sit at one of their many free tables
- kitchenIt took longer to come out of the kitchen than I expected.
- ladythe lady was rude and kicked me out
- owner's attitudeThe owner's attitude was super bad.
- personalThe Personal wasnt the kindest
- seatingthey wouldn't seat us around 6:30 pm
If you're looking for a place with potentially friendly and accommodating staff, it might be worth a try. Just be aware that some visitors have encountered issues with owner attitude, slow service, or rude interactions, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, many folks find this spot to be quite the gem! With 10 positive remarks out of 22 total comments, guests often praise its great location and describe it as an amazing place or even an oasis. The clean decor and pleasant atmosphere contribute to a generally enjoyable dining experience, making it a nice little place to sit.
However, the ambience isn't without its quirks. With 8 negative comments, some visitors noted issues with seating availability and felt the decorations were too simple or the interior quite bare. The overall vibe was sometimes described as plain, and a few even mentioned a bad place smell.
The overall score for ambience sits at an average 5.9, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 45.5%.
Ambience
22
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
8
negative
4
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great location
- Clean decor
- Urban oasis
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Plain decor
- Bad smell
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- amazing placeit's an amazing place
- atmosphereVery clean inside
- clean decorPlaces was tidy with clean decor
- dining experiencemaking the dining experience even more enjoyable
- foodbut the food was loud!
- good place to sitThe prices were fair, especially considering the location. It's also a good place to sit and eat, offering a pleasant atmosphere.
- locationgreat location
- nice little placeNice little place
- oasisThis is an oasis in the middle of SOMA
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere doesn’t feel like much
- decorationsDecorations are too simple.
- interiorInterior is very bare
- interior decorInterior decor can be better though
- place smellthe place had a bad smell to it
- seatingno seating available so requested takeout
- storeThe existence of this store is the biggest disgrace to the industry.
- vibeThe vibe of the place is plain.
If you're looking for a spot with a great location and a clean, simple aesthetic, this place could be a pleasant surprise. However, if comfortable seating, elaborate decor, or a lively vibe are high on your list, you might find the atmosphere a bit underwhelming.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot gets an average score of 6.1, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 51.9%. Many diners, based on 14 positive comments out of 27 total, rave about the surprisingly reasonable prices, especially for the city. They often highlight the great price for food and even the cheap beers, making it a decent quick eat option.
However, not everyone feels the same, with 9 negative comments pointing out some concerns. A recurring issue is the introduction of a 15% service fee on top of the bill, even with a tip jar still present. Some also feel the prices have been creeping up, making certain dishes feel a bit pricey or not worth the cost for the portion size.
Value
27
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cheap beers available
- Fair food prices
- Good city value
What people don't like
- Service fee added
- Prices increasing
- Portions too small
Often praised
- pricesprices were surprisingly cheap for San Francisco
- great priceat a great price
- priceI ate well for a good price.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- beersCheapest beers in the city (so far) $4.75 per bottle.
- cheap & decent Chinese/Taiwanese quick eat spotsfew cheap & decent Chinese/Taiwanese quick eat spots
- cityNot bad for the city
- fairly pricedAll the food is very fairly priced and portion sizes are very reasonable.
- one item comboit was 9.25 for the one item combo
- reasonable pricegreats with reasonable price
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was that it was a bit expensive for the portion size. I paid $18 for noodles and three sides, and the side portions were very small.
- 15% "service fee"charge a 15% "service fee"
- PricePaid $20 for mid Chinese food
- pricesThey also offer a great combo meal with a choice of 1, 2, or 3 entrees served with rice or lo mein. However, I've noticed that their prices keep going up.
- priceythey are a Lil pricey
- tip jarI always enjoy their food, especially the Rock Cod in Black Bean Sauce. However, I lowered my rating because they started to charge a 15% "service fee", even on a single order, and still have the tip jar out. Their need to put up a sign stating that you are already paying a 15% tip is evident.
If you're looking for a quick, reasonably priced meal, especially for drinks, this place might hit the spot. However, be mindful of the added service fee and potential price increases, as some find it a bit pricey for what you get.
How are the prices at New Ming's?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 54 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 24, the majority of diners actually spend in the $11–$20 range, with another significant group in the $21–$30 bracket. This means you’ll find a good mix of price points, not just one fixed spending level.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 54 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a more casual bite and those ready to spend a bit more for a fuller experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about New Ming's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Pleasantly Surprised by New Ming's Takeout
While traveling in the USA and visiting San Francisco, we decided to have some Chinese food. New Ming's was conveniently located within walking distance of our hotel. As it was nearing their 7 pm closing time, we opted for take-out.
We were very pleasantly surprised and pleased with the 2 dishes we ordered. They were substantial and very satisfying. It's a pity we won't have the opportunity to try their food again now that we are back home in Australia.
- dishes9
- food9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
4
Disappointing Seafood Soup, Good Service
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. I ordered the seafood soup, which was far from great. It featured low quality udon, badly tasting fish, nearly raw broccoli, and overcooked squid.
The broth was also unremarkable. For $16, I expected much better. On the positive side, the service was good; it was fast and nice.
- broth5
- service8
- seafood soup2
- low quality udon2
- badly tasting fish1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
GOAT Dan Dan Noodle Soup!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially with their Dan Dan noodle soup. It's the GOAT! The soup featured thick fricken noods, ground pork, pickled veg, and pea shoots, all swimming in a perfect tart-umami-spicy Sichuan broth.
The food quality was a perfect 5/5, and the service was equally impressive at 5/5. This was a great lunch experience for two people, with a price per person between $10–$20.
- Dan Dan noodle soup10
- thick fricken noods9
- tart-umami-spicy Sichuan broth10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
8
Reasonable Prices, Quick Takeout
My experience at the restaurant was positive. The food arrived quickly for takeout, and the price was reasonable, especially considering the limited number of affordable Asian restaurants in the area. The service, atmosphere, and food were all rated a 4 out of 5.
- food8
- price8
- take out8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Food, Service, and Location
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The service was great, and the food was equally impressive. Its location in the heart of downtown San Francisco is very convenient.
I visited slightly after the lunch rush, so it wasn't busy. There were so many good options to choose from, making the decision process a pleasant challenge. I opted for the house fried rice, which was packed with various meats.
The rice was cooked to perfection and incredibly flavorful. The beef, chicken, and shrimp were also very tasty. Overall, it was a great meal at a great price.
- service10
- food10
- location9
What New Ming's offers
Crowd
- 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
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is New Ming's accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, New Ming’s ensures a comfortable experience for all guests. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating, making it easy for everyone to enjoy their Chinese meal in the Transbay neighborhood.
What kind of dining options and food does New Ming's offer?
At New Ming’s, you can enjoy lunch and dinner with table service. The menu features delicious small plates and a variety of vegetarian options, perfect for a quick bite or a more leisurely meal in San Francisco.
What is the overall performance of New Ming's?
New Ming’s holds an overall score of 6.7, suggesting a generally good dining experience. The Food is a strong point with a score of 7.0, while Service (6.2), Value (6.1), and Ambience (5.9) are considered average.
What aspects do customers enjoy at New Ming's?
Diners frequently appreciate the delicious and satisfying food, often noting the generous portions. The prices are also commonly highlighted as fair and surprisingly reasonable for the area.
What are some common criticisms of New Ming's?
Some customers have expressed concerns about inconsistent service attitudes and the inclusion of an unexpected service charge. The restaurant’s interior ambiance is also sometimes described as plain or lacking in decor.