Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Orchids – San Francisco
Orchids - San Francisco
Photo from Orchids
Orchids at a glance
San Francisco Ingleside
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 11 of the guests
#441 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#20 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
161
Reviews
85.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic flavors
- Friendly service
- Clean ambience
Frequently criticized
- Card minimum
- Weak appetizers
- Dish inconsistencies
The Chinese restaurant Orchids Cafe in San Francisco’s vibrant Ingleside neighborhood offers you a delightful culinary experience. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or enjoying small plates with friends.
Whether you prefer to dine-in, grab takeout, or opt for convenient delivery, this spot has you covered. It’s also wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Orchids
Orchids provides a pleasant dining experience, often noted for its clean and family-friendly atmosphere, complemented by soft Cantonese music. Guests frequently highlight the attentive service, making for a comfortable and welcoming visit.
While the menu generally delivers authentic flavors and generous portions, some dishes have received mixed feedback. A few items, like certain appetizers, might not always impress, and some find the overall value a bit inconsistent.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
161
Reviews
85.7%
Satisfaction
11
negative
12
neutral
138
positive
Orchids maintains a solid overall standing with a Restaurant Score of 8.2, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer Satisfaction is also strong at 85.7%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This positive sentiment is supported by 138 positive remarks against only 11 negative ones out of 161 total opinions. The Service (8.9) stands out as a particular strength, with many appreciating the attentive staff.
Ambience (8.4) also contributes positively, creating a pleasant setting. While Food (8.1) is well-regarded for its authentic flavors and generous portions, Value (7.3) is seen as good, though some find certain aspects a bit pricey or note the credit card minimum.
What people like
- Authentic HK flavors
- Attentive, friendly service
- Clean, family ambience
What people don't like
- Credit card minimum
- Appetizer flavor issues
- Occasional dish inconsistencies
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.7, Orchids is certainly worth considering for a meal. It delivers a comfortable setting and reliable service, making it a solid choice for those seeking authentic Hong Kong-style cuisine in a family-friendly environment.
While the overall experience is positive, be mindful of the credit card minimum and some minor inconsistencies in specific dishes. If you appreciate generous portions and a welcoming vibe, you’ll likely find Orchids a satisfying option.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Orchids
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally hits the spot, boasting a strong 8.1 score and a fantastic 83.3% customer satisfaction. Many rave about the delicious baked dishes, dumplings, and curry dishes, often highlighting their authentic Hong Kong style food. Guests consistently appreciate the generous portions, ensuring a hearty meal.
This positive sentiment is echoed in 85 positive remarks out of 102 total. However, there are a few areas for improvement. Some found the appetizers lacking flavor, and occasional saltiness was noted in certain dishes.
Specific concerns included bony chicken in the Hainanese rice and sauce issues with some baked items. While these are minor, they offer constructive feedback for an otherwise well-loved menu, based on 8 negative remarks.
Food
102
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
8
negative
9
neutral
85
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious baked dishes
- Generous portions
- Authentic HK style
What people don't like
- Bony chicken
- Flavorless appetizers
- Occasional saltiness
Often praised
- foodThe food here is delicious with authentic HK flavors.
- portionsthe portions are big
- baked dishesfavorites are their baked dishes
- baked rice dishesand baked rice dishes !!
- dumplingsVery tasty dumplings (xao long bao)
- milk teathe milk tea was a treat. It had the kind of creamy richness and smooth flavor
- portionvery generously portioned
- Asian cuisineI found the dishes to be amazing and the price to be unbeatable. It's a highly recommended spot for anyone seeking delicious Asian cuisine at a fair price. The atmosphere is perfect for mingling with friends and having a great time.
- HK cha chaang teng’sone of best HK cha chaang teng’s
- HK classic cha chaang teng itemsmenu has so many tasty HK classic cha chaang teng items
Frequently criticized
- appetizersTheir appetizers could use some flavoring
- baked pork chopThe baked pork chop was too sweet and taste like ketchup
- bony sideThe service was quite friendly; they were willing to serve us even though they were about to close in 10 minutes. My Hainanese Chicken rice was good, but it was more on the bony side. It came with some cool pickles but no soup.
- chickenlet the chicken sit too get all the grease off
- clams and musselsThe clams and mussels did not taste fresh
- egg and veggiesBoth dishes were excellent. The chicken fried rice had an intense pepper flavor, though it was light on the egg and veggies. The Thai beef basil egg rice was varied and flavorful, with just the right amount of spicy punch.
- saltinessMy only gripe was the saltiness
- sauce for the baked seafood riceThe sauce for the baked seafood rice was too thick and pasty
If you're looking for a spot with delicious, authentic Hong Kong-style food and truly generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. While a few specific dishes might have minor quirks like occasional saltiness or sauce consistency, the overall culinary experience is highly satisfying and offers great value.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
When it comes to service, youre in for a treat! With an impressive score of 8.9 and a customer satisfaction rate of 90.3%, the service here is truly excellent. Reviewers consistently praise the "staff, " "owner, " and "waiters" for their exceptional "customer service.
" From super friendly staff and warm greetings to attentive care and quick service, guests feel genuinely welcomed and well looked after, with efficient touches like hot tea appearing promptly and easy app ordering. Based on 31 customer remarks, with a fantastic 28 positive observations and absolutely zero negative ones, its clear that the service is a standout feature. There are no complaints or areas for improvement mentioned, which is quite rare and speaks volumes about the consistent quality of the hospitality.
Service
31
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
0
negative
3
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Warm owner greetings
- Excellent customer service
What people don't like
Often praised
- serviceTheir soup dumplings are incredibly juicy, offering a satisfying pop without the risk of burning my mouth with molten filling. The service was attentive and quick; hot tea was served as soon as I sat down. Its convenient location near city college makes it a dangerous temptation – I anticipate visiting every week.
- staffI highly recommend bringing friends with big stomachs because the portions are big and great for sharing. The staff is super friendly and on top of it. They also offer plenty of vegetarian options.
- customer serviceThe customer service was great!
- ownerowner greeted us warmly, and his attentive care
- KevinKevin comes from the kitchen like a super hero
- card paymentsFinally accepting cards via their menu app!
- hospitalalityKevin's hospitalality was truly memorable
- hot teahot tea appearing on my table
- menu appaccepting cards via their menu app!
- order on appJust order on the app and pick it up.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If great service is high on your list, you absolutely won't be disappointed here. The staff goes above and beyond to make your visit enjoyable, making this a place definitely worth trying for a welcoming and efficient experience.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.4 and an excellent 100% customer satisfaction, its clear guests love the atmosphere. Based on 15 positive remarks and zero negative ones, people consistently praise its clean and family friendly feel, often noting the cozy atmosphere and even the soft Cantonese music that makes it feel like home.
Its even considered a nice spot for a date! Interestingly, there are absolutely no negative comments about the ambience, which is quite rare! This suggests a consistently pleasant and welcoming environment for all visitors, leaving no room for constructive criticism in this area.
Ambience
15
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean and trendy
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Soft Cantonese music
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was awesome, and the atmosphere was really cozy. I'm excited that a place this good has opened up here, especially since the previous pho spot closed down.
- cleanMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's a family friendly and clean establishment serving high quality Hong Kong style food. Of all the dishes, the chicken ginseng soup truly stood out; you could taste the quality and the effort put into its preparation.
- Cantonese musicGreat job everyone at Orchids Cafe. I felt at home with the soft Cantonese music playing in the background.
- ParkingParking was not hard to find
- ambienceit’s clean and trendy inside
- experienceEasy, safe, clean.
- familyMy experience at this restaurant was positive, making it a good place to bring your family. The atmosphere is casual, and the food is generally tasty.
- family friendlyMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's a family friendly and clean establishment serving high quality Hong Kong style food. Of all the dishes, the chicken ginseng soup truly stood out; you could taste the quality and the effort put into its preparation.
- family gatheringIt was a great gathering with my family
- little cafeGreat little cafe
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place with a consistently pleasant and welcoming vibe, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Its clean, family-friendly atmosphere, complete with soft music, makes it perfect for gatherings or a relaxed date night.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
Customers often praise the restaurant for offering great value for money and fair prices, with many finding the portions generous and the food affordable. The overall sentiment for value is quite strong, reflected in a 7.3 score and a 76.9% customer satisfaction rate. Out of 13 comments, 10 specifically highlighted the positive aspects of pricing.
However, a few guests did find the experience a bit pricey for the type of cuisine, and some were inconvenienced by a minimum credit card spend. These concerns, though fewer in number (3 out of 13 remarks), suggest that while generally good, there are specific instances where the value proposition might not meet everyone's expectations.
Value
13
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Fair and good prices
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Credit card minimum
Often praised
- priceThe Thai beef basil egg rice was varied and flavorful, with just the right amount of spicy punch. Both meals were generously portioned for $17 each. I'm definitely coming back to try everything else!
- fair priceI found the dishes to be amazing and the price to be unbeatable. It's a highly recommended spot for anyone seeking delicious Asian cuisine at a fair price. The atmosphere is perfect for mingling with friends and having a great time.
- foodfood is cheap
- price rangeMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful! The food is so good and within price range. While I've tried many dishes, I consistently order the baked mixed vegetables with rice because it's my favorite, and they bake it beautifully.
- pricespaired with the reasonable prices
- value for moneyI particularly enjoyed the baked pork chops, which were perfectly seared, and the tomato sauce was amazing. The portion sizes are big, making it great value for money. The service is fast and the staff is friendly!
Frequently criticized
- meals with no drinks2 meals with no drinks ran us about $35 with tip
- minimum credit card spendminimum of using credit card is 20$. That is tooooooo high....☹️
- priceyQuite pricey for HK style cafe
Overall, the restaurant generally offers good value, especially if youre looking for generous portions at a fair price. Just be mindful of the credit card minimum if youre planning a smaller order. It's definitely worth checking out for an affordable and satisfying meal.
How are the prices at Orchids?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 11 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 find themselves in the $11–$20 range, with some opting for dishes that push them into the $21–$30 bracket.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 11 reviews.
A comparison of this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair for the quality and experience youre likely to get. Its a good spot if youre looking for a reliable mid-range option.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Orchids
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Value and Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was incredibly good, and the portions were generous. We ordered the curry pork and tomato sauce pork chops, and both dishes featured two large pieces.
What's even more amazing is that the price for both was just under $20. To top it off, we received two free iced lemon teas. I definitely recommend this place!
这家真的量大便宜 焗猪扒饭好惊艳！老板还送了两杯饮料，中国人不骗中国人 推荐来吃
- food10
- portion9
- curry pork9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Authentic HK Cha Chaan Teng Gem
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true hidden gem that deserves more recognition. The menu offers a wide array of tasty HK classic cha chaang teng items.
I particularly enjoyed the baked pork chops, which were perfectly seared, and the tomato sauce was amazing. The portion sizes are big, making it great value for money. The service is fast and the staff is friendly!
Overall, it's one of the best HK cha chaang tengs I've found in San Francisco.
- HK classic cha chaang teng items9
- baked pork chops10
- tomato sauce9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Charming Chinese with Stellar Food
Our Christmas lunch last year at this charming neighborhood Chinese restaurant was a delightful experience, leaving us feeling both full and happy. The owner's warm greeting and attentive care throughout the meal created a welcoming atmosphere, making us feel like we were dining at a friend's place. It's truly rare to find such genuine and welcoming service these days, and it perfectly set the stage for a wonderful dining experience.
The food was the undeniable star, offering a comforting, nostalgic HK café vibe. We were completely won over by the salted egg yolk calamari, with its thick, satisfying pieces coated in rich, umami-packed salted duck egg yolk, boasting a perfect balance of flavor and texture. The shredded Hainan chicken was another highlight, moist and flavorful with cilantro and sesame, offering a touch of freshness and nuttiness.
The fish with bok choy was a simple yet perfectly executed dish, featuring tender fish and crisp bok choy. We also enjoyed the stir-fry seafood chow fun, generously filled with seafood and infused with that delightful "wok hey" flavor. A thoughtful touch was the option to order a side of fried rice without a full plate, allowing for variety without overindulgence.
To complete the meal, the milk tea was a treat, its creamy richness and smooth flavor reminiscent of classic HK tea shops. Combined with the reasonable prices and the owner's genuine hospitality, this meal felt like a true gift. We're so glad to have this restaurant in our neighborhood and eagerly anticipate returning regularly to enjoy more meals and support this wonderful local business.
- owner10
- service9
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Hearty Portions, Tasty Dishes, Kind Service
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, offering a hearty meal with big portions. The Hand Shredded Chicken with Hainanese Rice was a standout, likely the most popular item for good reason. The chicken was tender and chilled, served with very tasty rice, steamed cabbage, and a delicious ginger sauce.
My only critique was that it was a bit too salty. The Shanghai Soup Dumplings were decent, with plenty of soup, though the pork filling was just average. I found the Pork Dumplings With Yellow Chives to be even better, featuring juicy seasoned pork and a good wrapper texture.
The owner was incredibly kind and even provided complimentary Hong Kong Lemon Tea. It's a hidden gem in the area, perfect for a satisfying meal.
- Hand Shredded Chicken with Hainanese Rice8
- rice8
- Shanghai Soup Dumplings6
- saltiness4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Takeout with Flavorful Dishes
My experience was with takeout, and I ordered the chicken fried rice and Thai beef basil egg rice. Both dishes were excellent. The chicken fried rice had an intense pepper flavor, though it was light on the egg and veggies.
The Thai beef basil egg rice was varied and flavorful, with just the right amount of spicy punch. Both meals were generously portioned for $17 each. I'm definitely coming back to try everything else!
- chicken fried rice8
- Thai beef basil egg rice9
- pepper flavor7
- egg and veggies4
What Orchids offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Coffee
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Catering
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Orchids Cafe accessible for everyone?
Yes, Orchids Cafe prioritizes accessibility for all guests. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating available, ensuring a comfortable and convenient dining experience for every visitor.
What kind of dining options and offerings can you expect at Orchids Cafe?
At Orchids Cafe, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch and dinner, with table service provided. They also offer catering services. For a quick bite, you’ll find small plates and coffee available.
What is the overall standing of Orchids?
Orchids holds a strong Restaurant Score of 8.2 with 85.7% Customer Satisfaction. Its Service (8.9), Ambience (8.4), and Food (8.1) are particularly well-regarded, while Value (7.3) is also considered good.
What can I expect from the atmosphere and service at Orchids?
Guests often describe the atmosphere as clean and family-friendly, enhanced by soft Cantonese music. The service is frequently praised for being attentive and friendly, with staff often going the extra mile.
Are there any specific things to be aware of regarding value or food?
While portions are generous, some patrons note a $20 minimum for credit card payments. Regarding food, a few appetizers have been mentioned as lacking flavor, and some specific dishes occasionally show inconsistencies.