Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Punjab – San Francisco
Punjab - San Francisco
Photo from Punjab
Punjab at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 29 of the guests
#940 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#48 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
231
Reviews
77.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Efficient Service
- Generous Portions
- Flavorful Cuisine
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Service
- Food Quality
- Pricing Issues
The restaurant Punjab Restaurant offers you a delightful culinary journey in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District. As a Chinese Restaurant, it stands out with its exceptional and great tea selection, inviting you to explore a range of authentic flavors.
You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. Whether you’re looking for healthy options or vegetarian dishes, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Punjab
Punjab offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often highlighted by its efficient and friendly service. Many appreciate the diverse menu, which includes both Chinese and Vietnamese dishes, often noted for being deep in flavor.
It’s a place where the staff aims to make you feel welcome. However, some experiences suggest occasional lapses, with reports of worst service or issues needing attention.
While many find the portions generous and affordable, a few have found certain dishes to be disappointing in quality or authenticity.
Good
7.7
out of 10
231
Reviews
77.5%
Satisfaction
33
negative
19
neutral
179
positive
Punjab generally earns a solid reception, reflected in its overall score of 7.7. Customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 77.5%, indicating that most diners leave content.
This positive sentiment is drawn from a substantial 231 customer comments, with 179 expressing favorable views against 33 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Service leads the way with a strong (8.3), often described as attentive and efficient.
Ambience also contributes positively with a (7.7), offering a comfortable setting. The Food scores well at (7.6), though some dishes are more consistently praised than others.
Value rounds out the experience with a (6.9), generally seen as fair for the generous portions.
What people like
- Efficient, friendly service
- Generous, affordable portions
- Flavorful Asian cuisine
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Food quality concerns
- Some dishes pricey
Punjab presents itself as a reliable option for those seeking a casual meal with generous portions. With a recommendation score of 8, it’s a place worth considering, especially if you appreciate a family-owned establishment with a generally warm atmosphere.
It often delivers on its promise of satisfying, affordable fare. While the service is often praised, be mindful that experiences can vary.
If you’re in the neighborhood and looking for a straightforward, hearty meal, Punjab could be a good fit. However, if you’re seeking highly authentic or consistently refined dishes, you might find some aspects less impressive.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Punjab
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
It looks like the food here generally hits the spot, with a solid score of 7.6 and a good 77% customer satisfaction. Many folks rave about the delicious and consistent offerings, especially praising the Pho, homemade pork potstickers, and generous portions. With 97 positive remarks out of 126 total, it seems like a lot of happy diners are enjoying the flavorful broth and variety.
However, not everything is perfect. There are 20 negative comments, with some serious concerns about expired meat and rancid meat being served. Other issues include fried rice being mushy or bland, and some dishes being greasy, leading to unfortunate reports of food poisoning.
Food
126
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
20
negative
9
neutral
97
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, consistent food
- Generous portions
- Flavorful Pho broth
What people don't like
- Questionable meat freshness
- Greasy, mushy dishes
- Food quality issues
Often praised
- foodThe restaurant's name is a bit misleading as it serves both Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. It gets the job done – offering quick and efficient service with pretty good food. While I wouldn't travel specifically to dine here, as better Chinese food can be found in the Sunset, Richmond, and Chinatown areas, it's a solid option if you're in the neighborhood and looking for something to hit the spot.
- phoThe pho surprised me with its pretty good broth and a huge portion. The cod in black bean sauce was a little more bland compared to other places, and the rice was a bit dry, but the portion was huge, and they were generous with the cod and veggies. Despite having only one waitress, she was VERY efficient.
- PhoThe rare beef on my pho was very thin. That made it taste very tender.
- brothHidden behind a decades-old signage, the diner is a time capsule from the 1970s, serving Vietnamese noodle soups, Chinese stir-fries, and unique combination rice platters. I particularly enjoyed the #12 Pho Crispy Five Spice Chicken Noodle Soup, which featured a solid broth and fragrant, batterless, deep-fried bone-in chicken reminiscent of quail. Yum!
- flavorYum! The #10 Bun Bo Hue was deep in flavor, though perhaps not the cornerstone house special. This place is a newfound favorite, showcasing the special timelessness of San Francisco Asian cuisine.
- menuThe portions are big and the prices are reasonable. As a family-owned and operated establishment, they are always consistent with a huge menu and variety. The pho and the soups are extremely good.
- vegetarian optionsgreat for vegan and vegetarian options
- Asian cuisineThe #10 Bun Bo Hue was deep in flavor, though perhaps not the cornerstone house special. This place is a newfound favorite, showcasing the special timelessness of San Francisco Asian cuisine.
- Asian home-style foodAsian home style food at its best
- BBQ Pork Wonton SoupTheir BBQ Pork Wonton Soup is simply the best there is.
Frequently criticized
- fried riceThe fried rice was tired. Lacked the crunch bite
- Chinese foodthe worst Chinese food I’ve had
- authentic Chinese foodlooking for some very "authentic" Chinese food, you night be a little bit disappointed
- chicken won ton soupthis is what I found inside my soup
- chow meinalso oddly greasy
- egg rolesEgg roles were frozen costco brand and very greasy
- expired meatthe meat clearly had expired but they served it to me
- foodFood was not good either
- food poisoninggot food poisoning for 4 plus days
- food qualitydisappointing due to the food quality
If you're in the mood for some generally tasty Asian home-style food, especially Pho or potstickers, this place is often a reliable choice with good portions. However, be cautious with certain Chinese dishes, as there have been concerning reports about meat freshness and greasy preparations that might disappoint.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally shines! With a strong score of 8.3 and a solid customer satisfaction of 83%, its clear most folks have a great experience. Out of 53 remarks, 44 praise the friendly customer service, attentive staff, and impressive speed of service, often noting how fast and communicative the team is, making them feel treated like family.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. The 6 negative comments mention issues with the service itself, including a stressed waitress, needing to flag someone down, and even an uncomfortable situation where a tip was demanded. These seem to be isolated incidents rather than a widespread issue.
Service
53
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast, efficient service
- Treated like family
What people don't like
- Demanding tip issue
- Slow to flag down
Often praised
- serviceThe cod in black bean sauce was a little more bland compared to other places, and the rice was a bit dry, but the portion was huge, and they were generous with the cod and veggies. Despite having only one waitress, she was VERY efficient.
- waitressthe waitress handles every table on her own, impressive!!
- peopleThe people who run it have always been so friendly and warm.
- Excellentis Excellent
- Family ownedFamily owned and operated
- SereneSerene is an extraordinary
- attentionexelente atención
- attentive staffthe staff is friendly and attentive
- big groupsThey can server big groups
- communicativesuper communicative
Frequently criticized
- serviceone of the worst service and at the end she demanded for tip
- flag someone downtook 5 minutes before we could flag someone down
- takeout orderorder that was supposed to be done 10 minutes prior
- tipdemanded for tip after her bad service either a sassy tune and look
- waitressthe one waitress was stressed
Overall, you can expect a good experience here, with friendly and efficient service being the norm. While there are a few isolated reports of less-than-stellar interactions, the vast majority of diners leave happy. It's definitely worth a visit if you value attentive and fast service.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction rating of 71.4%, its clear many folks appreciate the vibe. Out of 35 total comments, 25 rave about the charming space, its family-owned restaurant feel, and the enjoyable atmosphere, often noting its impressive cleanliness.
However, not everyone is completely swept away. A few comments (3 to be exact) suggest its not the most stylish restaurant and advise not to judge it by its exterior. While these points are minor, they indicate that the decor might not appeal to those seeking a super modern aesthetic.
Ambience
35
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
3
negative
7
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming historical space
- Laid-back atmosphere
- Community staple
What people don't like
- Not stylish
- Exterior unimpressive
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere of the restaurant is laid back and peaceful
- placeThe people who run it have always been so friendly and warm. Great food, great service, great place.
- spacethe space charming and historical
- big picture windowsbig picture windows for people watching
- cleanlinesslooks clean
- decorPleasantly surprising in decor
- diner style barsit at the diner style bar which is dope
- family restaurantbest family Chinese restaurant
- family-owned restauranta family owned restaurant
- kitchenThe kitchen is much bigger than most
Frequently criticized
- exteriornot to be judged by its exterior
- stylish restaurantIt's not the most stylish restaurant
- this placeThis is what I found inside my soup. I was very sad because I used to love this place very much. I don't think I'll be coming back any time soon.
If youre looking for a charming, community-focused spot with a laid-back atmosphere and good cleanliness, this place is definitely worth checking out. Dont expect ultra-modern decor, but do anticipate a welcoming, established vibe that many find delightful.
Value (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! Many customers rave about getting a great price for the amount you get, often calling it affordable and inexpensive. With 13 positive remarks, its clear that folks appreciate the generous portions for the cost.
The overall score for value is a solid 6.9, and customer satisfaction sits at a good 76.5%, suggesting most diners feel theyre getting a good deal. However, it's not a perfect score across the board. A few voices, 4 to be exact, found the experience to be a bit pricey or felt it was not worth it.
While the general consensus leans positive, some customers did express concerns about the pricing, indicating that value might not always align with expectations for everyone.
Value
17
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great price, big portions
- Affordable menu
- Good value
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Not always worth it
Often praised
- priceabout 25$ each, 2 people can eat a lot of food with leftovers
- pricesThis restaurant has been a staple for my family since I was young. The food is incredibly delicious, and they offer a great menu with good prices. We've celebrated numerous family events here, from baptisms to bridal showers and birthday parties.
- affordablewhich are very affordable
- affordable priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed delicious food at an affordable price. The friendly customer service from all the employees made the visit even better.
- cashCash is cheaper too
- great priceGood food at a great price
- great price for the amount you getFor pick-up, you can call your order in. The food is great for one or more people, and the great price for the amount you get means you will always have leftovers.
- menuPretty affordable
- valuegreat value
Frequently criticized
- priceAll this for $60
- priceyThe venue is primarily Chinese with some American specialties. While the food was good, I found it to be a bit pricey, though this is common these days. The establishment has been here for many years.
- pricingnot honest about their pricing
- valueNot worth it!!
If youre looking for a place where your money goes further, especially for generous portions, this spot is generally a good bet. However, be aware that a few diners found it a bit on the expensive side, so manage your expectations if youre on a super tight budget.
How are the prices at Punjab?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 29 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.
What’s cool is that while the average is 22, most guests actually spend a bit less, often in the $11–$20 range. This tells us there are plenty of wallet-friendly options available, making it accessible for different budgets!
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 29 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the variety of options and the city, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant. It offers good value for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Punjab
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Service and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The service was amazing, and the atmosphere was enjoyable and serene. I found the overall experience to be excellent.
I highly recommend this place!
- service10
- atmosphere10
- Serene10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
A Cherished Family Tradition
My grandmother has been coming to this restaurant since before I was born. She recently passed, and this place holds a special place in my heart. The food here is truly the best, and the people working here are equally wonderful.
If you have the chance, I highly recommend trying their food.
- food10
- people10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Solid Chinese Takeout, Good Value
I was in the mood for Chinese food after an errand and decided to revisit this place. I used DoorDash for pickup and ordered the combo of beef broccoli and sweet and sour pork. The beef was the best part, earning a solid 3.
75 out of 5. The pork was a tad dry but met expectations, scoring 3. 5 out of 5.
The fried rice was disappointing; it lacked the expected crunch and was soft inside. Overall, it's good food at a great price, with $18. 75 providing enough for two meals.
- beef broccoli8
- sweet and sour pork6
- good food8
- fried rice3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Food, Friendly Service, Great Value
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed delicious food at an affordable price. The friendly customer service from all the employees made the visit even better.
They also have a side entrance for wheelchairs, which is great for accessibility.
- delicious food9
- affordable price9
- friendly customer service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Pho and Great Family Feel
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I particularly enjoyed their pho, especially with the red onions. The rare steak was genuinely rare, and the basil and sprouts were incredibly fresh, looking like they were just picked.
I also appreciated the welcoming atmosphere at the diner-style bar; the servers and chefs were always smiling and saying hello, which was dope. It's surprising there's never a wait, given how amazing the food is. I truly felt treated like family.
Bonus tip: paying with cash is cheaper.
- pho9
- rare steak9
- basil and sprouts10
What Punjab offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and accessibility options does Punjab Restaurant offer?
Punjab Restaurant provides you with flexible dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating and table service. You can also opt for catering, takeout, or delivery. For your convenience, the restaurant is wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom.
What kind of atmosphere and menu items can you expect at Punjab Restaurant?
You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere at Punjab Restaurant. The menu offers healthy options, small plates, and vegetarian dishes, complemented by a great tea selection, coffee, beer, and wine. It’s perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal in the Mission District.
What is Punjab's overall customer rating and what are its strongest aspects?
Punjab has a good overall score of **7.7**. Its **Service** (8.3) is highly rated, followed by **Ambience** (7.7) and **Food** (7.6). **Value** also scores well at (6.9).
Is Punjab considered good value for money?
Many customers find Punjab offers **great value** with **affordable prices** and **huge portions**, often resulting in **leftovers**. However, a few opinions suggest some items can be **pricey**.
What is the general consensus on the food quality at Punjab?
The food at Punjab is often described as **flavorful**, with popular items like **pho** and **BBQ Pork Wonton Soup** receiving praise. Yet, some customers have noted **food quality concerns** regarding certain dishes.