oChef » Noriega Star – San Francisco

Noriega Star - San Francisco

Chinese Restaurant Noriega Star in San Francisco
Photo from Noriega Star
How do the guests rate it?
Noriega Star at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 18 of the guests
#1494 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#120 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
7.9
Food
5.3
Service
7.8
Ambience
6.6
Value
73

Reviews

69.9%

Satisfaction

Often praised
  • Cantonese food
  • Dim sum
  • Reasonable prices
Frequently criticized
  • Inconsistent service
  • Minimal portions
  • Parking difficulty

The restaurant Noriega Star is a welcoming Chinese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Sunset District. You’ll discover a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying a variety of small plates, whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.

It’s a great spot for a relaxed meal, offering convenient dine-in and takeout options for your convenience.

Overview: Introducting Noriega Star

Noriega Star offers a compelling culinary experience, particularly for those seeking authentic Cantonese food and dim sum. Many find the food to be a good deal, served in a clean and modern setting that enhances the dining experience.

While the overall dining environment is welcoming, some guests have noted inconsistencies with the service, particularly during busy times. However, the reasonable prices often make any wait worthwhile for the quality of the cuisine.

Good
7.2 out of 10
73

Reviews

69.9%

Satisfaction

16

negative

6

neutral

51

positive

Noriega Star achieves a respectable overall score of 7.2, indicating a generally positive dining experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.9%, suggesting some diners leave less impressed than others.

This feedback comes from 73 customer observations, with 51 positive remarks outweighing 16 negative ones. The Food (7.9) is a clear highlight, consistently praised for its quality and authenticity.

The Ambience (7.8) also contributes positively, offering a pleasant setting. Where Noriega Star faces challenges is with Service (5.3), which falls into the average range, and Value (6.6), which is decent but not outstanding.

What people like
  • Authentic Cantonese food
  • Excellent dim sum selection
  • Reasonable prices
What people don't like
  • Inconsistent service
  • Minimal meat portions
  • Difficult parking

With a strong recommendation score of 7.8, Noriega Star is certainly worth considering, especially if you prioritize excellent food and a pleasant setting. It’s a solid choice for those seeking quality Cantonese cuisine and a satisfying meal.

Be prepared for potentially slower service during peak hours, and consider parking challenges. If you can overlook these minor points, the culinary rewards and reasonable value make it a worthwhile visit.

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Verdict: Our expert take on Noriega Star

Food (7.9 out of 10)

mentioned by 93% of the guests

When it comes to the food here, things are looking pretty great! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at 79.5%, diners are clearly enjoying their meals. Many rave about the delicious dim sum, flavorful wontons, and excellent chung fun and steam flat noodles.

People appreciate the authentic Cantonese food, good portion sizes, and that dishes are often made to order, as noted in 31 positive remarks. However, it's not entirely perfect, with just 4 negative comments out of 39. A few diners noted issues with vegetarian items not being truly vegetarian, and some found the beef and shrimp rice noodles had minimal amounts of their namesake ingredients. There was also a specific warning about the lemon ice tea, suggesting it might not be for everyone.

7.9 Food

39

Reviews

79%

Satisfaction

4

negative

4

neutral

31

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Delicious dim sum
  • Authentic Cantonese dishes
  • Dishes made to order
What people don't like
  • Limited vegetarian options
  • Minimal protein in noodles

Often praised

  • food
  • Food
  • Cantonese food
  • HK milk tea
  • Osmanthus water chestnut pan fried cake
  • breakfast
  • chung fun
  • delicious items
  • dessert
  • dim sum

Frequently criticized

  • beef rice noodles
  • lemon ice tea
  • shrimp rice noodles
  • vegetarian items

If youre a fan of authentic Cantonese food, especially dim sum and noodles, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While most dishes are a hit, be mindful if youre looking for robust vegetarian options or generous protein in certain noodle dishes. Overall, it's a strong contender for a satisfying meal.

Service (5.3 out of 10)

mentioned by 64% of the guests

When it comes to service, there are some definite bright spots! Many guests appreciated the fast service and found the staff to be very friendly. Some even liked the organized waiting list, not minding the wait.

With 8 positive observations, it's clear that when things go well, they go really well, contributing to an average score of 5.3. However, the service experience is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at 50%. There were 8 negative comments, often pointing to slow service and issues with the host and seating management during busy times.

Some found certain serving staff unresponsive, indicating areas needing improvement.

5.3 Service

16

Reviews

50%

Satisfaction

8

negative

0

neutral

8

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Fast service
  • Friendly staff
  • Organized waiting list
What people don't like
  • Slow service
  • Poor host management
  • Unresponsive staff

Often praised

  • Service
  • service
  • staff
  • wait
  • waiting list

Frequently criticized

  • common sense
  • host
  • seating
  • service
  • serving staff
  • staff
  • waiting time
  • waitress recommendation

Overall, the service here is a bit of a gamble. If you catch them on a good day, you'll likely enjoy friendly and fast service. However, be prepared for potential delays or host issues, especially during peak hours, which might disappoint.

Ambience (7.8 out of 10)

mentioned by 50% of the guests

The ambience here definitely sets a good tone, scoring a solid 7.8, which is quite good! With 70% customer satisfaction, its clear most guests enjoy the surroundings. Many appreciate the nice clean area and the overall Atmosphere, often describing it as a place with a fresh modern interior.

This positive sentiment is echoed in 7 positive remarks out of 10 total observations. However, there are a couple of points to consider, based on 2 negative observations. Some guests felt the own table space was a bit tight, especially when ordering a lot of dishes.

Additionally, finding a Parking space can be somewhat difficult', which is always a minor inconvenience to keep in mind before your visit.

7.8 Ambience

10

Reviews

70%

Satisfaction

2

negative

1

neutral

7

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Clean, modern interior
  • Inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
  • Limited table space
  • Difficult parking

Often praised

  • Atmosphere
  • place
  • area
  • atmosphere

Frequently criticized

  • Parking space
  • own table

Overall, the ambience offers a pleasant and clean environment that most people enjoy. Just be aware that table space might be a bit snug if youre planning a big order, and parking could be a challenge. If those arent deal-breakers for you, it's certainly worth experiencing the inviting atmosphere.

Value (6.6 out of 10)

mentioned by 50% of the guests

When it comes to value, many folks are finding some real gems here! With 5 positive remarks out of 8 total, customers frequently praise the economic prices and how very reasonable the price is, with some even calling it the MOST reasonable in the area. The overall score for value sits at 6.6, which is pretty average, but the positive feedback definitely highlights some good deal opportunities.

However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as 2 voices out of 8 total felt quite differently. Some found the experience Really expensive and even declared it Absolutely not worth the price. This mixed sentiment is reflected in the customer satisfaction for value, which stands at 62.5%, indicating a somewhat mixed bag where not everyone feels theyre getting a great price for their money.

6.6 Value

8

Reviews

62%

Satisfaction

2

negative

1

neutral

5

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Prices are reasonable
  • Great deals found
  • Best value locally
What people don't like
  • Really expensive
  • Not worth price

Often praised

  • price
  • prices
  • deal

Frequently criticized

  • price

So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? While some find the prices incredibly reasonable, others feel its quite expensive. If youre looking for a potential deal and dont mind a bit of a gamble on value, it might be worth checking out, but be prepared that not everyone agrees on the fairness of the price'.

How are the prices at Noriega Star?

Expect to pay around 20 per person. This is based on 18 reviews. It lands in the $11–$20 category.

For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s a fair mid-range price. Most guests spend in this $11–$20 bracket. However, some choose slightly pricier options, reaching the $21–$30 range.

This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 18 most recent reviews.

Heres how this restaurants value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.

We think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers good value for a mid-range experience.

Customer Reviews: what people think about Noriega Star

Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Winston L.
Review date: 09/20/2025
8
Simple Food, Great Service & Atmosphere
I'm curious if this restaurant is owned by the same people as the three-star restaurant a few buildings away on the same block. The food here is very simple. I had the instant noodle with ham and egg and also the wonton soup with vegetables. I will be back.
  • instant noodle with ham and egg7
  • wonton soup with vegetables7
  • Service10
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
D J.
Review date: 08/22/2025
9
Hidden Gem for Authentic Cantonese Comfort Food
I discovered this restaurant, a true hidden gem in the Sunset, thanks to a friend who raved about its comfort and great Cantonese food. My second visit confirmed it; I always leave feeling satisfied after a wonderful Cantonese meal, surrounded by locals. The menu is extensive, featuring dim-sum a la carte, traditional Cantonese dishes, various noodle options, fried rice, stews, and desserts. The Osmanthus water chestnut pan fried cake is particularly outstanding. Be sure to arrive early to secure a table, as a line forms right at opening.
  • Cantonese food9
  • dim-sum a la carte8
  • Osmanthus water chestnut pan fried cake10
  • Parking space4
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Quick Meal
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Wait Time
  • Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
  • Loud
Kalen W.
Review date: 07/08/2025
2
Expensive and Slow Service
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to its high price and slow service. We had to approach the staff to place our order, and it took about 20 minutes for our four items to arrive. The beef rice noodles and shrimp rice noodles were particularly lacking, with minimal amounts of beef and shrimp – only two pieces of shrimp and small strips of beef. It was absolutely not worth the price.
  • price2
  • service2
  • beef rice noodles3
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Couple
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Short (6–15 min.)
Alzila
Review date: 06/13/2025
9
Delicious Dim Sum Worth the Wait
I finally got to visit this place after my first attempt was met with closure. Upon arrival, the lines were out the door, but they do have a waiting list, which is a plus. I'm a patient person, so I didn't mind the wait. After 10 minutes, my name was called. Since it was a full house, my friend and I shared a table with another party, which I didn't mind as I was very hungry and ready to order. Their menu features a variety of options including dim sum, noodle soup, steamed rice bowls, wok fry items, and baked goods. I ordered a variety of delicious items and was ready to feast. Everything was made to order, which is a thumbs up, and all their dishes are authentic with a history behind them. I wished we had our own table because we ordered a lot, and it barely fit on the table we were given. I highly recommend this place for dim sum enthusiasts, those wanting to try something new, or anyone looking for a place with very reasonable prices. I will definitely be back to try out the other delicious items they have to offer.
  • waiting list8
  • wait7
  • sharing a table6
  • own table4
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Kate C.
Review date: 06/08/2025
8
Good Food, Mixed Service Experience
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, primarily due to the food quality. I found the food to be quite good, and there were some dishes unavailable in other places, making it worth visiting to try them. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the food itself also received a 5-star rating. However, the service was a bit inconsistent. While most of the staff were very friendly, one particular staff member was not very responsive when we asked for sauces and was observed arguing with someone. This was an isolated incident, as the other staff were very friendly. Despite this hiccup, I kind of like this place.
  • food quality9
  • dishes unavailable8
  • atmosphere10
  • staff3

What Noriega Star offers

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards

Children

  • Good for kids

Popular for

  • Dinner
  • Lunch
  • Breakfast
  • Solo dining

Amenities

  • Restroom

Offerings

  • Small plates

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Table service
  • Dessert
  • Dinner
  • Lunch

Service Options

  • Dine-in
  • Takeout

Parking

  • Free street parking
  • Usually plenty of parking
  • Paid street parking

Atmosphere

  • Casual

FAQs

What are the parking options available when you visit Noriega Star Restaurant?
When you plan your visit to Noriega Star Restaurant, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s usually plenty of free street parking available right outside. Additionally, paid street parking options are also accessible in the vicinity, making your arrival hassle-free.
Absolutely, Noriega Star Restaurant is known for being good for kids, making it a family-friendly choice. You can enjoy a casual dining experience with table service, offering everything from small plates to full meals for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Noriega Star holds an overall score of 7.2. Its strong points are **Food** (7.9) and **Ambience** (7.8), while **Value** (6.6) is decent and **Service** (5.3) is an area for improvement.
Customers frequently praise the authentic **Cantonese food** and consider it one of the top **dim sum** places. Specific items like the **HK milk tea** and **Osmanthus water chestnut pan fried cake** receive positive mentions.
Some guests have experienced inconsistent **service**, particularly with seating management during busy times. Portions of meat in dishes like **beef rice noodles** can be minimal, and finding **parking space** might be challenging.
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Location
2547 Noriega St, 94116 San Francisco
Opening hours