Highlights
- Sports
- Great tea selection
oChef » Sai’s Vietnamese – San Francisco
Sai’s Vietnamese - San Francisco
Photo from Sai’s Vietnamese
Sai’s Vietnamese at a glance
San Francisco Telegraph Hill
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 126 of the guests
#494 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#15 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
500
Reviews
83.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant Sai’s Vietnamese, a vibrant Vietnamese Restaurant in San Francisco’s Telegraph Hill neighborhood, invites you to discover its authentic flavors. You will find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal, complemented by a great tea selection.
Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a full dinner, this spot offers a welcoming experience.
Overview: Introducting Sai’s Vietnamese
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
500
Reviews
83.8%
Satisfaction
58
negative
23
neutral
419
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sai’s Vietnamese
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.2 and a strong customer satisfaction of 84.4%. Many patrons rave about the amazing food, praising its traditional flavors and generous portions. With 238 positive remarks out of 282 total, it seems most diners leave happy, especially enjoying the fresh and tasty Vietnamese dishes.
However, a smaller group of 30 comments noted some areas for improvement. Concerns included bland dishes, inconsistent pho broth, and occasionally tough meat. While many loved the spring rolls, a few found them premade or tiny, suggesting some dishes might not always live up to expectations.
Food
282
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
30
negative
14
neutral
238
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful dishes
- Generous portion sizes
- Fresh, quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Blandness in some dishes
- Inconsistent pho broth
- Tough meat sometimes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant on their first day in their new location was fantastic. Bo + Charles provided excellent recommendations from the menu, and everything turned out great! The service was top-notch, and the food was delicious.
- dishesthe dishes were delicious and savory
- phoI’m convinced that this is the best pho in town! It's my go-to spot whenever I crave pho and Vietnamese coffee👌.
- FoodThere are about a dozen vegetarian options available. The service and atmosphere were both rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a 5 out of 5. The price per person is around $20–30 for dinner.
- Vietnamese foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had some of the best and tastiest Vietnamese food. I super loved the Peanut Sauce of my Fresh shrimp roll, and of course, the yummy chicken pho soup.
- brothThe broth in our soup was rich, complex, and so comforting
- portionthe portion generous to the point I saved half for dinner
- chickenFollowing his recommendation, I ordered the Chicken Bahn Mi, which was satisfying and flavorful. The bun was crispy and soft, the chicken well marinated and well cooked. The ingredients were fresh and filling, and the portion was generous enough that I saved half for dinner.
- flavorsflavors all go well together
- portion sizethe portion size is massive
Frequently criticized
- spring rollsspring rolls... they were premade, but they arrived ice cold
- Spring RollsSpring Rolls was not good
- foodFood and the venue itself were nothing to brag about
- phoThe pho and rice could definitely have used a bit more flavor
- Bun Bo Huewent for Bun Bo Hue, but they didn't have it
- Pho portionsThe Pho portions was smaller then I’m used to
- PhơI don't approve Phơ here. It is pathetic.
- Unsweetened TeaUnsweetened Tea but Japanese green tea
- brothThe broth taste lịke water + fish sauce.
- bugfound a bug in my dish
If you're seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine with generally generous portions and delicious flavors, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few dishes might occasionally miss the mark on flavor or texture, so choose wisely.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot really shines! With an excellent score of 8.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 86.2%, its clear guests often leave happy. Out of 123 total remarks, a whopping 106 praise the friendly demeanor, quick serving, and familial, warm service, often highlighting the owners personal touch and the staffs attentiveness.
However, its not entirely without its bumps. A smaller number of 11 comments pointed to occasional slow service, issues with ordering by app, or even a rude waiter. Some guests also mentioned being moved mid-meal or an unexpected card charge, suggesting there's a little room for improvement in consistency and transparency.
Service
123
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
11
negative
6
neutral
106
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, warm service
- Quick, efficient serving
- Attentive, personal touch
What people don't like
- Service can be slow
- Occasional rude staff
- Moved mid-eating
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the great pho and the amazing service made me feel like a local, even though I was visiting from out of town. The awesome staff and good vibes created a truly welcoming atmosphere.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was largely positive, with lots of great menu options and highly experienced staff. The bathroom was downright beautiful.
- ServiceThere are about a dozen vegetarian options available. The service and atmosphere were both rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a 5 out of 5. The price per person is around $20–30 for dinner.
- ownerthe owner, who saw to us personally, was very accommodating
- ownersThe owners are super friendly too, really good people
- peopleall the people there are super nice too
- recommendationstaking the time to go through dishes and recommendations
- servermy server but the whole staff is friendly
- waiterOur waiter was funny, attentive, and helpful
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I went for lunch and despite it being busy, I was seated within 5 minutes. The food was fantastic and ordering was super easy, with the food arriving quickly.
Frequently criticized
- ServiceThe server took the dish back to the kitchen and charged me full price
- card chargeMy experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing. The owner unilaterally decided on a generous tip to add to the bill and charged my card even though I protested. The food and the venue itself were nothing to brag about.
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marred by terrible customer service. I was moved mid-eating so that the staff could seat a larger group that arrived later.
- first impressionsthe first impressions were disappointing
- lady taking orderMy experience at this restaurant was centered around legit tasty food. While the service was average, the lady taking our order was a little gruff. However, if you can overlook that, the food is definitely worth it.
- meal next timeThis soup tasted awful and was full of oil; honestly, it felt like I was served a bowl of just oil. Upon informing the server, they stated, "we cannot do anything, we’ll give you a meal next time on the house. " This response was unhelpful, and I doubt I will visit again.
- moved mid-eatingMoved me mid eating
- ordering by apporder by app from a QR code taped to a table is always a minus
- serverupon letting the server know they said we cannot do anything
- serviceService was super slow
If you're looking for a place with genuinely warm, attentive, and efficient service, this restaurant is definitely worth a try. While a few minor hiccups like occasional slow moments or app ordering issues might occur, they seem to be rare exceptions to an otherwise excellent experience.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, boasting a good score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction of 83.8%. Many guests, accounting for 57 positive remarks out of 68 total, rave about the welcoming atmosphere and vibe, especially praising the cleanliness and the spacious feel of the new location. It's often described as a kid friendly and wheelchair accessible spot with bright interiors.
However, a few guests, 9 to be exact, did note some areas for improvement. Concerns occasionally arose regarding parking difficulties and uncomfortable seats. There were also isolated comments about the restaurant being hot or, in one instance, feeling unsanitary, though these seem to be less common issues compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Ambience
68
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Clean and spacious
- Kid-friendly vibe
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Uncomfortable seats
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service was excellent – super friendly, attentive, and fun. I had an enjoyable lunch with the nice Columbus atmosphere and lively restaurant vibe.
- AtmosphereThere are about a dozen vegetarian options available. The service and atmosphere were both rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a 5 out of 5. The price per person is around $20–30 for dinner.
- vibeMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially regarding the food, which was outstanding. While the vibe leans more towards a lunch spot, their new and improved location looks great.
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The owner was so cute and friendly, contributing to a great casual spot with lots of seating and a cheery ambiance. The food was very affordable and yummy!
- cleanlinessspacious, clean, good vibes
- new locationTheir new location is amazing — spacious, clean, good vibes.
- restaurantNeat and clean restaurant
- vibesI had the great pho and the amazing service made me feel like a local, even though I was visiting from out of town. The awesome staff and good vibes created a truly welcoming atmosphere. It truly felt like a home away from home with delicious food.
- ambienceAmazing ambience
- bathroomthe bathroom was downright beautiful
Frequently criticized
- parking spaceParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
- atmospherereally hot in the restaurant
- mom and pop feelI miss the old mom and pop feel frankly
- parkingParking is usually difficult in this area
- seatsthe seats were oddly uncomfortable
- tablehe gave us a dirty table
- unsanitaryrestaurant is pretty unsanitary
- venueFood and the venue itself were nothing to brag about
If you're seeking a place with a fantastic atmosphere and a spacious new setting, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While you might encounter some parking challenges or uncomfortable seats, the overall vibe and cleanliness are highly praised, making it a great choice for a casual outing.
Value (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found the experience quite positive, with 18 positive remarks out of 27 total. Guests frequently praised the affordable price, great price, and value for money, often noting the fair price for generous portions. The overall score for value sits at an average 6.4, suggesting its generally seen as a decent deal.
However, not everyone felt the same, with 8 negative opinions highlighting some concerns. Issues like an overcharged bill, feeling overpriced for the quality, and unexpected charges for tip or to-go containers did crop up. Customer satisfaction for value is a mixed 66.7%, indicating theres definitely room for improvement in consistency.
Value
27
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Good value
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Unexpected charges
- Overpriced quality
- Unilateral tip
Often praised
- pricesEveryone is very kind and the dishes were delicious and savory, the portions generous even for a foodie like me. The prices were also reasonable, I spent $28 for an appetizer, main course, and drinks. I will surely return on my next trip to SF.
- priceprice is fair
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- affordableThe owner was so cute and friendly, contributing to a great casual spot with lots of seating and a cheery ambiance. The food was very affordable and yummy! I had no complaints.
- affordable priceat an affordable price
- fair priceat a fair price
- foodYummy affordable food!
- free street parkingParking options:Free street parking
- great priceI've been coming here specifically for this dish, and it truly is the best of the best. The chicken is great tasting, served in generous portions, and offered at a great price. The owner is friendly, contributing to a positive overall experience.
- menu pricesso are the menu prices
Frequently criticized
- billMy bill as been also overcharged for 15usd
- to-go containersthey do charge for to-go containers, but it’s not mentioned up front
- full pricecharged me full price even though the dish was barely touched
- plastic bageven the plastic bag
- priceIt’s not the same as the old pho restaurant here, unfortunately. I found it to be a bit overpriced for the quality of steak in the pho tai. Paying $20 with tax and tip for mediocre pho is rough to see, but that’s SF these days.
- tipMy experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing. The owner unilaterally decided on a generous tip to add to the bill and charged my card even though I protested. The food and the venue itself were nothing to brag about.
If you're looking for generally affordable options and good portions, this spot could be a decent choice. However, be mindful of potential extra charges or inconsistencies in pricing, especially regarding tips and to-go items, to avoid surprises.
How are the prices at Sai’s Vietnamese?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 126 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits at 22, many guests find themselves spending a bit less, with a big cluster of prices in the $11–$20 range. It seems like there are plenty of options to fit different budgets, keeping things accessible.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 126 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in San Francisco?
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Vietnamese restaurant, especially given the options available. It offers good value whether you’re looking for a quick, affordable meal or something a little more substantial.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sai’s Vietnamese
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Delicious and Generous Portions in SF
My experience at this restaurant was excellent! I received a tres bon accueil (very good welcome). The dishes were generous and truly delicious, and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal.
The prices were more than fair for San Francisco.
- welcome10
- dishes10
- prices9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Hidden Gem with Yummy, Affordable Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a hidden treasure in SF, offering yummy affordable food. I was warmly welcomed by a sweet woman named Avonne, who was very helpful.
The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and a cute family restaurant. I highly recommend it!
- food9
- restaurant8
- Avonne10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Bahn Mi and Excellent Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Our waiter was incredibly funny, attentive, and helpful, even though I didn't catch his name, he has a letter tattoo on his neck. Props to him for making the experience doubly enjoyable.
Following his recommendation, I ordered the Chicken Bahn Mi, which was satisfying and flavorful. The bun was crispy and soft, the chicken well marinated and well cooked. The ingredients were fresh and filling, and the portion was generous enough that I saved half for dinner.
My friend's pork dish was succulent and tasty. I'm already planning my next visit! I also appreciated the complementary barley tea.
- waiter10
- Chicken Bahn Mi9
- bun9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Food and Service!
Wow, the food was incredible! It's an excellent place to eat, and the service was extremely friendly. It was a very pleasant experience dining here.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Surprisingly Good, Highly Recommended!
This is a very good restaurant. Despite not typically enjoying this type of cuisine, I highly recommend it.
- restaurant9
- recommendation10
What Sai’s Vietnamese offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options can you expect at Sai’s Vietnamese in San Francisco?
At Sai’s Vietnamese, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable seating and table service. For your convenience, they offer no-contact delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in. You can also plan for catering or private dining events.
Does Sai’s Vietnamese offer amenities and accessibility features for all guests?
Yes, Sai’s Vietnamese is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Amenities include an onsite bar, free Wi-Fi, and gender-neutral restrooms. They are also good for kids and allow dogs outside, making it a versatile choice for many.