Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » New Regent – San Francisco
New Regent - San Francisco
Photo from New Regent
New Regent at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- π₯‘ Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11β$20
mentioned by 17 of the guests
#2095 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#237 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
170
Reviews
64.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great value
- Authentic vibe
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Dirty environment
- Cash only
The cafΓ© New Regent offers you an authentic Chinese restaurant experience right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown. You can enjoy a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or small plates.
This spot is known for its welcoming vibe, making it a great choice for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Whether you’re looking for a coffee or a full meal, you’ll find a comfortable setting here.
Overview: Introducting New Regent
New Regent offers a taste of authentic Hong Kong-style cuisine, often praised for its flavorful dishes that can change preconceived notions about Chinatown dining. Many appreciate the nostalgic vibe and how comfortable the atmosphere feels, making it a popular spot for those seeking a genuine experience.
However, some aspects might temper expectations. While the food is a highlight, the overall dining environment has drawn criticism for its cleanliness and dated appearance.
Additionally, some patrons have noted issues with parking, which can be a minor inconvenience.
Good
6.2
out of 10
170
Reviews
64.1%
Satisfaction
49
negative
12
neutral
109
positive
New Regent holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.2, placing it in the average category, and a Customer Satisfaction rating of 64.1%, indicating a mixed reception from diners. This assessment comes from 170 customer observations, with 109 positive remarks and 49 negative ones, suggesting a noticeable split in experiences.
Looking closer, the Food (7.0) stands out as a strong point, frequently described as delicious and authentic. The Value (6.6) also rates well, with many finding the prices quite reasonable.
However, the Ambience (5.4) and particularly the Service (4.3) fall into the average to poor range, highlighting areas where experiences can be less consistent.
What people like
- Delicious Hong Kong food
- Exceptional value
- Authentic atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Cleanliness issues
- Cash-only payment
If you’re seeking genuine Hong Kong-style dishes at a reasonable cost, New Regent could be a worthwhile stop. The food often hits the mark, offering satisfying flavors that resonate with many.
Just be prepared for an experience where the focus is squarely on the plate, not necessarily the polish of the surroundings. With a Recommendation Score of 6.5, it suggests that while not universally adored, many find enough to appreciate here.
It’s a place to consider if you prioritize a budget-friendly, authentic meal over pristine aesthetics and consistently smooth service.
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Verdict: Our expert take on New Regent
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7 and a good customer satisfaction of 80%. With 68 positive remarks out of 85 total, many rave about the variety of Hong Kong style breakfast options, the satisfying steak & double eggs & toast, and other delicious choices. The milk tea also gets a special shout-out for being top-notch.
However, its not all perfect. There are 12 negative comments, with some diners encountering issues like a dead bug, or finding the noodles were not fresh. A few also described the food as low level or simply terrible', suggesting inconsistency in quality.
Food
85
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
12
negative
5
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic HK dishes
- Great value meals
- Delicious milk tea
What people don't like
- Hygiene concerns
- Unfresh noodles
- Poor food quality
Often praised
- breakfastbreakfast with milk tea or coffee was $2.99
- coffeeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic for a quick and budget-friendly meal. I opted for the daily meal, which included chicken with gravy, a choice of spaghetti noodles or rice, a cup of daily soup, and a cup of coffee, all for an incredible $9. 50.
- foodSeeing many Chinese people dining there, I thought the food must be good. I ordered a menu item recommended by a young staff member, and it was delicious. This place changed my preconceived notions about Chinatown.
- HK milk teaI particularly recommend the steak and egg or the pancakes, sausage, egg. Both options come with toast and a choice of coffee or HK milk tea.
- HK style dishesfeatured HK style dishes
- HK style milk teaMy experience at the restaurant featured HK style dishes. The lunch sets are a great value, as they come with HK style milk tea. I have to say, this was the best milk tea I've tried so far.
- Hong Kong Style Breakfast MacaroniHong Kong Style Breakfast Macaroni with ham, noodle and soup. Super good
- Hong Kong style breakfast optionsvariety of Hong Kong style breakfast options
- authentic Cantonese dishesThe prices were reasonable, making it a good value. It's a place I'd recommend stopping by if you're craving some authentic yet simple Cantonese dishes.
- baked rock codThe food is decent, with cheap and tasty breakfast entrΓ©es. I will definitely return to try their lunches, which include dishes like braised beef tongue in tomato π sauce, baked rock cod with spaghetti, and pig stomach soup noodles. It reminds me of homestyle cooked comfort food that's truly missed since childhood.
Frequently criticized
- foodfood was not delicious
- dead bugdead bug inside the jar of honey
- drinkmissing drink
- food tasteFood is blend
- foodsMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. The foods were bad, and the service was horrible. The people working there were very rude.
- instant noodlesI ordered noodles, but they were served with a sauce that was not what I expected, and the noodles themselves were not fresh. I had originally asked for stir-fried noodles, but they only had instant noodles available. The chef's execution was extremely poor, and the owner was equally clueless.
- low level foodlow level food
- noodlesnoodles were not fresh
- sauceMy experience at this restaurant was terrible! I ordered noodles, but they were served with a sauce that was not what I expected, and the noodles themselves were not fresh. I had originally asked for stir-fried noodles, but they only had instant noodles available.
- whole set lunchThey didn't provide the whole set lunch
If you're looking for authentic, value-driven Hong Kong style comfort food, especially for breakfast or lunch, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many find the food delicious and filling, there are occasional reports of quality issues that might disappoint.
Service (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers have highlighted some real positives! Based on 12 positive remarks, you can often expect a warm welcome from the staff. Folks frequently mentioned fast service and friendly staff, with shout-outs to the waitresses and wait staff for being quick and efficient, making for a pleasant dining experience.
However, the picture isn't entirely rosy, with 18 negative comments painting a different scene. There are concerns about bad service and rude staff attitude, with some experiences pointing to unfriendly attitude and even long waiting time. This contributes to an overall score of 4.3, which is average, and a rather poor customer satisfaction of just 37.5%, suggesting significant room for improvement.
Service
32
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
18
negative
2
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast service
- Friendly staff
- Efficient wait staff
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Bad service
- Long waits
Often praised
- servicethe service and atmosphere were also very good
- ServiceYou'll need to overlook the chairs and the overall aesthetics of the place. The service was fast and very friendly.
- Waitresses50, yummy! Waitresses are nice and quick. I also like the vibe which is bright and spacious.
- fast servicefast service
- friendly stafffriendly staff
- staffBoth dishes were pretty standard β not particularly good or bad, but simple and satisfying enough if youβre craving something familiar. π The staff were friendly and welcoming. The place was quite busy during our visit, and we did wait a little longer than expected for what shouldβve been easy-to-cook dishes.
- wait staffThe wait staff are friendly and efficient
- young staff memberyoung staff member recommended
Frequently criticized
- serviceHowever, this value comes with the associated atmosphere and service. Expect loud patrons, brusque service, and crowded lunchtime tables β it's the quintessential experience. Their breakfast options are also super reasonably priced, with choices like macaroni or vermicelli soups.
- asking for more tipsasking for an extra dollar
- attitudeThe attitude is super rude
- bad serviceBad service
- chefI had originally asked for stir-fried noodles, but they only had instant noodles available. The chef's execution was extremely poor, and the owner was equally clueless. Seeing the noodle dish resemble a 'wet stir-fry' was already upsetting.
- ownerI had originally asked for stir-fried noodles, but they only had instant noodles available. The chef's execution was extremely poor, and the owner was equally clueless. Seeing the noodle dish resemble a 'wet stir-fry' was already upsetting.
- peoplepeople donβt care
- people therepeople there were very rude
- serverSeeing the noodle dish resemble a 'wet stir-fry' was already upsetting. The server was also incredibly unprofessional. I was charged $31, with tax bringing the total to $33.
- staffthe staff donβt either
If youre looking for lightning-fast service and a friendly face, you might just find it here. However, be prepared for the possibility of encountering some less-than-stellar attitudes or longer waits, as the service quality can be quite inconsistent. Its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to the atmosphere, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 5.4 with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 46.2%. Many patrons, based on 12 positive remarks out of 26 total, appreciate the hidden gem feel and find the vibe authentic. They often highlight the bright and spacious setting and the lively guests that contribute to a comfortable, nostalgic atmosphere.
However, the ambience isn't without its challenges, as seen in 11 negative comments. Some guests find the chairs and table to be dirty and the overall aesthetics of the place lacking. Concerns about the dining environment and general cleanliness are frequently mentioned, with some describing the restaurant as super dirty and the table and seats as super outdated.
Ambience
26
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic vibe
- Bright and spacious
- Lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Dirty tables/chairs
- Poor cleanliness
- Outdated aesthetics
Often praised
- ChinatownI ordered a menu item recommended by a young staff member, and it was delicious. This place changed my preconceived notions about Chinatown. I recommend it.
- atmospherethe service and atmosphere were also very good
- atmosphere and traditionCome for the atmosphere and tradition
- bright and spaciousvibe which is bright and spacious
- comfortableit's comfortable nice
- felt very authenticIt also felt very authentic
- guests are livelyguests are lively
- hidden gemItβs a hidden gem.
- nostalgic vibeyou can immediately feel the nostalgic vibe
- parkingOn New Year's Day morning, while looking for a place to have breakfast, I found this restaurant because there was parking available right in front. Seeing many Chinese people dining there, I thought the food must be good.
Frequently criticized
- parkingHard to find parking.
- aesthetics of the placeget over the chairs and aesthetics of the place
- atmosphereFor around $7, I received a roasted chicken leg and thigh, fried rice, soup, a hot drink, and garlic bread. However, this value comes with the associated atmosphere and service. Expect loud patrons, brusque service, and crowded lunchtime tables β it's the quintessential experience.
- chairs and tableStill same dirty nasty chairs & table
- cleanlinessis super dirty
- dining environmentdining environment inside was also very bad
- lunchtime tablesHowever, this value comes with the associated atmosphere and service. Expect loud patrons, brusque service, and crowded lunchtime tables β it's the quintessential experience. Their breakfast options are also super reasonably priced, with choices like macaroni or vermicelli soups.
- placethe place is also not clean
- restaurant cleanlinessReally dirty restaurant
- table and seatstable and seats are super out dated
If you're seeking an authentic, lively experience and can overlook some dated aesthetics and cleanliness concerns, this place might be a charming find. However, if a pristine and modern dining environment is a must-have for you, you might want to manage your expectations or look elsewhere.
Value (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
Youll find that value here is a bit of a mixed bag, though leaning positive, with a score of 6.6 and customer satisfaction sitting at 63%. Many patrons rave about the affordable price and budget-friendly meal options, often highlighting the great value and how inexpensive things are, especially for breakfast or lunch specials. Out of 27 total opinions, 17 lean positive, praising the reasonable costs.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. A few customers have voiced frustration over the cash only policy, finding it quite inconvenient. There are also some grumbles about tip requests and feeling pressured for high tips, with 8 negative opinions pointing to these payment-related issues.
It seems while the base prices are good, the payment experience can be a bit of a snag.
Value
27
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Budget-friendly meals
- Great lunch value
What people don't like
- Cash-only policy
- High tip requests
Often praised
- pricesconsidering the pricesβalmost like McDonaldβsβitβs hard to complain.
- priceExpect loud patrons, brusque service, and crowded lunchtime tables β it's the quintessential experience. Their breakfast options are also super reasonably priced, with choices like macaroni or vermicelli soups.
- valueGreat value with inexpensive price!
- $9.50for $9.50
- affordable priceHereβs my favorite breakfast spot. They have a variety of Hong Kong style breakfast options and are at the most affordable price. A steak & double eggs & toast only $7.
- breakfast for 5 dollarssimple breakfast for 5 dollars
- budget friendly mealPerfect place for a quick and budget friendly meal
- decent lunchAll restaurant prices have gone up, but this was the only place we could find a decent lunch for under $10 per person. The food was excellent (rated 5/5), and the service and atmosphere were also very good (rated 4/5).
- great pricesMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. I enjoyed the great prices and the steak was incredibly flavorful. It was a good breakfast before touring around the city.
- inexpensiveIt's inexpensive, below $6 including tips
Frequently criticized
- cash onlyCash only, very inconvenient
- cheated customerscheated customers
- credit cardsif they can take credit cards.
- high tipswant high TIPS
- priceItβs $7.95 now
- spending31 $ spending
- tip requestAsked for 18% tips for a party of Two
- tipsI even gave them over 15% tips. Over stars, not worth it.
If youre on the hunt for a genuinely affordable meal and dont mind paying cash, this spot offers some great value, especially for breakfast and lunch. Just be aware of the cash-only policy and potential for feeling pressured on tips, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
How are the prices at New Regent?
Youβre looking at roughly 16 per person β reported by 17 diners. That puts it in the $11β$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, itβs comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is in this sweet spot, quite a few guests also find options in the $1β$10 range, showing there’s flexibility for different budgets.
Hereβs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 17 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 Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank, and the distribution shows flexibility for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about New Regent
Price per Person
- $11β$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16β30 min.)
7
Nostalgic HK Cafe in Chinatown
My experience at this old-school Hong Kong cafΓ© in the heart of Chinatown SF was a trip down memory lane. Located on the slope of Pacific Ave, between Grant Ave and Kenny St, it's one of those classic Chinese/Hong Kong-style cafΓ©s that has been around for decades. From the exterior signage, the worn-in interior, and the crowd of loyal older regulars, you can immediately feel the nostalgic vibe.
π The menu offers all the classic HK cafΓ© staples β nothing too fancy or modern, just the usual comfort dishes. My friend ordered the beef stew noodle soup, and I went with the ham and egg macaroni in soup and curry fish balls. Both dishes were pretty standard β not particularly good or bad, but simple and satisfying enough if youβre craving something familiar.
π The staff were friendly and welcoming. The place was quite busy during our visit, and we did wait a little longer than expected for what shouldβve been easy-to-cook dishes. π Overall, itβs a nostalgic stop in Chinatown for anyone who enjoys old-school HK cafΓ© vibes.
Come for the atmosphere and tradition, not for anything fancy or elevated.
- nostalgic vibe8
- beef stew noodle soup5
- ham and egg macaroni5
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Hidden Gem with Great Value
Despite the negative ratings, I decided to try this place and was genuinely surprised. It's a hidden gem. While some reviews might focus on cleanliness, I found it to be more of a casual eatery than a formal restaurant.
Considering the prices, which are comparable to McDonald's, it's hard to find fault. I visited twice and each time ordered the meal of the day. It was consistently very good, featuring a generous portion of meat, rice, and complimentary soup and tea.
The meals were filling, tasty, and incredibly affordable. The authentic atmosphere, with most other customers being Chinese, further speaks to the quality. I can definitely recommend it.
- hidden gem9
- casual eatery6
- prices9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Unfriendly staff, unhappy children
My children visited this restaurant in Chinatown on a school trip and had a very negative experience. The waiters displayed a very unfriendly attitude. Upon payment, they yelled at the children about insufficient tips, causing them to feel unhappy and believe they had done something wrong.
They expressed they would never go back. The children also found the dining environment to be very bad and the food not delicious. This restaurant is recommended only if you are looking to quarrel with someone.
- waiters attitude1
- yelled at children1
- dining environment2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible food and service, avoid!
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. The food was terrible, and the establishment was incredibly dirty. I found a dead bug inside the jar of honey provided for the toast.
Furthermore, the attitude of the staff was super rude. I strongly advise others to avoid this place.
- food1
- cleanliness1
- dead bug1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
7
Decent Food, Dated Atmosphere
I've been coming here since the late 80s, and while the price of breakfast with milk tea or coffee has increased from $2. 99 to $7. 95, the food remains consistently decent.
The restaurant was previously owned and run by two sisters and their family before being sold to the current owners. Despite the persistent issue of dirty chairs and tables, the milk tea is good, and the broth on the instant noodles is just as good as it used to be. You'll need to overlook the chairs and the overall aesthetics of the place.
The service was fast and very friendly.
- breakfast7
- milk tea8
- broth on the instant noodles8
- chairs and table2
- aesthetics of the place3
- price4
What New Regent offers
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility options and parking facilities are available at New Regent Cafe?
New Regent Cafe provides wheelchair accessible entrance and seating for your comfort. Parking options include paid lots and both free and paid street parking. However, finding a spot can often be difficult in this busy San Francisco neighborhood.
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at New Regent Cafe, and is it suitable for families?
New Regent Cafe offers a casual atmosphere for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, complete with comfortable seating and table service. It’s an ideal spot for a quick bite or small plates. You’ll also find it’s good for kids, making it a family-friendly option in Chinatown.
What kind of food can I expect at New Regent?
New Regent is known for its Hong Kong-style dishes, including authentic Cantonese options. Many customers praise the food as delicious, with popular items like breakfast macaroni and various lunch sets.
Is New Regent considered good value for money?
Yes, New Regent is frequently highlighted for its excellent value. Customers often find the prices affordable, with many mentioning budget-friendly breakfast options and reasonably priced lunch sets.
How does New Regent score overall, and what are its main strengths and weaknesses?
New Regent has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.2 and a Customer Satisfaction of 64.1%, indicating a mixed but generally average experience. Its main strength is the Food (7.0) and Value (6.6). However, the Ambience (5.4) and Service (4.3) are areas where it often falls short, with some customers noting cleanliness issues and inconsistent service.