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oChef » Sam Wo – San Francisco
Sam Wo - San Francisco
Photo from Sam Wo
Sam Wo at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 124 of the guests
#1863 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#183 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
693
Reviews
64.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Budget-friendly
- Authentic experience
- Quick service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Rude staff
- Stuffy ambiance
The Chinese restaurant Sam Wo, nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown, offers a truly authentic dining experience. You’ll find yourself immersed in a bustling atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a delicious meal.
Whether you’re craving classic dishes or looking for late-night food options, this spot has you covered. It’s a cornerstone of the neighborhood, ready to serve you.
Overview: Introducting Sam Wo
Sam Wo offers a truly authentic experience in Chinatown, often praised for its affordable offerings and generous portions. Many appreciate the attentive staff, contributing to a generally pleasant dining atmosphere.
However, the culinary experience can be a mixed bag, with some dishes noted as bland or diluted. The ambiance occasionally suffers from being stuffy or having minor issues, and service can sometimes be perceived as rude.
Good
6.7
out of 10
693
Reviews
64.6%
Satisfaction
189
negative
56
neutral
448
positive
Sam Wo holds a respectable overall score of 6.7, placing it in the ‘good’ category, yet customer satisfaction sits at a ‘mixed’ 64.6%. This suggests a notable split in diner experiences.
With 693 total opinions, including 448 positive and 189 negative remarks, there’s a clear picture of what works and what doesn’t. Looking closer, Value shines with a strong (7.7), indicating guests feel they get their money’s worth.
However, both Food (6.6) and Service (6.6) hover in the average range, suggesting inconsistency. The Ambience (6.8) also leans towards good, though it doesn’t quite elevate the overall experience to a consistently high level.
What people like
- Great value for money
- Authentic cultural experience
- Attentive, quick service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Occasional rude service
- Ambience can be stuffy
Sam Wo presents a classic Chinatown experience with a 7 recommendation score, suggesting it’s generally worth a visit. If you prioritize value and an authentic experience over culinary perfection, you’ll likely find it a satisfying stop.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in food quality and service. It’s a place with history and character, but managing expectations regarding every dish and interaction will ensure a more enjoyable visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sam Wo
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youll find a lot to enjoy, with many praising the delicious food and huge portions. Based on 265 positive remarks out of 424 total, diners often highlight the authentic Chinese food and especially rave about the BBQ pork rolls. The overall score for food sits at an average 6.6, suggesting a generally satisfying experience.
However, theres also room for improvement, as indicated by 127 negative comments and a mixed 62.5% customer satisfaction. Some found dishes to lack flavor, describing them as greasy or having soggy noodles. Concerns about MSG were also noted, so keep these points in mind when ordering.
Food
424
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
127
negative
32
neutral
265
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious authentic food
- Generous huge portions
- Excellent BBQ pork rolls
What people don't like
- Dishes lack flavor
- Food can be greasy
- Soggy noodles reported
Often praised
- foodIt really gives you an authentic experience in the heart of Chinatown. The food was always amazing, fresh, and priced really well. Because of SF, I am nearly always disappointed with my options for Chinese now (been in FL since '13 and Tampa specifically since '21) - although it has improved a bit over the years.
- Chinese foodExcellent Chinese food in San Francisco Chinatown.
- wonton soupThe delicious taste is the same as I remember. I enjoyed the egg fried rice, BBQ pork rolls, beans, and wonton soup. The food, service, and atmosphere were all excellent, each receiving a 5-star rating.
- FoodFood was delicious!
- portionsthe portions were more than enough for two of us
- dishesThe staff were friendly and attentive, and the food was delicious. I particularly enjoyed the rice, noodles, rolls, soup, and dishes of all kinds. If I could give it 6 stars, I would!
- BBQ Pork Rice Noodle RollBBQ Pork Rice Noodle Roll will always be our favorite!
- sesame chickenRecommended the sesame chicken
- BBQ pork rollsThe delicious taste is the same as I remember. I enjoyed the egg fried rice, BBQ pork rolls, beans, and wonton soup. The food, service, and atmosphere were all excellent, each receiving a 5-star rating.
- Chinese cuisineBecause of SF, I am nearly always disappointed with my options for Chinese now (been in FL since '13 and Tampa specifically since '21) - although it has improved a bit over the years. Sam Wo is part of that and tbh I'm more than happy to be pretentious about genuinely authentic Chinese cuisine.
Frequently criticized
- foodTo top it off, the cashier was incredibly rude when I wanted to tap my card, demanding I hand it over with a nasty look. I would suggest finding somewhere else to eat in Chinatown; you'll get terrible, rude service and inedible, rancid food.
- noodlesHowever, currently, the food is just average. The shrimp were very tasty, but the noodles were a bit bland.
- wontonsWhen I saw the restaurant reopen under new ownership, and heard that 90% of the menu would remain the same with the old chef helping to train the new one, I was really looking forward to having it again. Unfortunately, the soup now tastes quite diluted, and the wontons don’t seem as flavorful as before—I remember there being more pork in the filling. I hope the ORIGINAL RECIPE can be brought back, as it was what made Sam Wo so special!
- duck fried riceduck fried rice had duck in it that tasted like pork
- fried ricefried rice could've been darker
- soupThe soup is bland
- wonton soupUnfortunately, the soup now tastes quite diluted
- FoodMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely disastrous. Four dishes we ordered were all bad. The tomato beef noodles was clearly made with ketchup despite appearing with tomato.
- bean sproutsWe ordered the milk tea (hot) because it was cold, the three shredded meat chow mein, house chow fun, and salt & pepper chicken. My girlfriend really enjoyed the chow mein, which is a plus, though it came with a lot of bean sprouts; more noodles would have been preferred. Personally, the chow fun wasn't prepped the way I like it, but taste is subjective.
- salt and pepper tofuMy salt and pepper tofu was bland and half cooked
If you're seeking generous portions of classic Chinese comfort food, especially the BBQ pork rolls, this place is worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might be a bit inconsistent in flavor or texture, so choose wisely.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a lot to appreciate! Many guests, accounting for 80 positive remarks out of 124 total, frequently praised the attentive staff and quick service, often noting fast food arrival and friendly servers. The overall sentiment here is somewhat positive, with a customer satisfaction of 64.5%, indicating a mixed but leaning positive experience.
However, its not all smooth sailing. About 36 comments pointed to areas needing improvement, such as occasional wait times for tables and instances of slow service. Some guests also reported encounters with rude staff or issues stemming from poor management, which can definitely put a damper on the dining experience.
The service score sits at 6.6, suggesting it's average with room for improvement.
Service
124
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
36
negative
8
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Quick service
- Friendly servers
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Poor management
Often praised
- serviceIt serves authentic Chinese food at an affordable price. The two waitresses were incredibly cordial, attentive, and quick in service. I noticed that the restaurant is frequented by both locals and tourists, which speaks to its quality.
- staffThe staff were kind and attentive
- ServiceService:4
- attentivefor being attentive
- employeesLos empleados son muy amables
- serverTheir congee was also really flavorful. Overall, it's just solid good classic Cantonese food (plus the unique roll), not expensive, and our server was also very nice!
- workersWorkers were so fast and friendly.
- BellaBella was our sever and she was very accommodating
- PingThe pork noodle roll was delicious. I think they have some of the best Chinese mustard ever, but be sure to ask for Ping and see if you can get this Beef fried rice with soft scrambled egg on top. Make sure you sprinkle a little bit of the Chinese pepper sauce!
- amazing staffamazing staff
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was awful, unlike anything I've experienced.
- cashierShe was so rude, so nasty, I couldn't believe it
- staffThe staff, specifically a chubby girl, was rude and practically insulted everyone.
- treatmenttreatment based on our skin color
- waitressthe waitress standing over where the food is being prepared/cooked and CUTTING her nails.
- ServiceService:3
- careDID NOT CARE
- employeesTerrible employees
- food delivery timingI had the Beef Chow Fun, which was very delicious and a nice size portion. We encountered an issue with food delivery timing and a missing drink and food order, even after several reminders. It was a busy night, and the servers were occupied with cleaning tables, seating, and serving other guests.
- make another orderrefused to make me another order
Overall, the service here is a bit of a mixed bag, leaning positive. If youre looking for generally quick and friendly service, youll likely be pleased, but be prepared for potential wait times or occasional hiccups. It's worth a try if you value efficiency, but manage your expectations for consistency.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, scoring a respectable 6.8, which is considered good, but customer satisfaction sits at 64.6%, placing it in the mixed category. Many patrons, accounting for 62 positive remarks out of 96 total comments, truly appreciate the unique atmosphere and rich history of the place, often describing it as an authentic experience with a nostalgic place and a great vibe. They cherish the fond memories made in its unique space.
However, not everyone is charmed, with 21 negative observations pointing out some significant drawbacks. Concerns frequently revolve around the place being small with limited seating, especially upstairs. Some found the bathrooms needing an upgrade, and there were mentions of unpleasant smells and even bugs, which certainly detract from the overall comfort and hygienic feel.
Ambience
96
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
21
negative
13
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Rich history
- Authentic nostalgic vibe
- Comfortable atmosphere
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Unpleasant smells
- Hygiene concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was one of reliably decent American food served in a comfortable atmosphere. The environment was never loud, and the service was quick, making it an ideal break from the outside, especially during events.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- historyThe place has a very pleasant history; it's quite an old restaurant with great recognition. However, currently, the food is just average.
- ambiancesoak in the ambiance of a restaurant steeped in history
- authentic experiencegives you an authentic experience in the heart of Chinatown
- bathroomthe bathroom was clean
- establishmentthis place is an establishment. It is awesome.
- experienceoverall excellent and memorable experience
- restaurantMy experience at this real Chinese small traditional restaurant was fantastic. The food was tasty, hot, and amazing, and the price was fair.
- vibeWent there yesterday for their last day 🥲 I will miss the vibe forever. Their bbq pork noodle roll were so good that I had to order 1 more for take out.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was also a significant letdown, rated at a 1.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- UpstairsA little stuffy upstairs since it was warm that day
- air circulationIt was a bit stuffy inside as I am not sure if they have air circulation going in there.
- ambianceThe service was quick, and the price was less for each dish, offering good quantity. This establishment has been around for over 100 years, though it has limited seatings and ambiance. I would recommend it to others looking for good Chinese food in Chinatown.
- ambiencethe ambience can be better, some smells and bugs are really annoying
- areaArea is really steamy from the cooking
- bathroomsThe bathrooms need an upgrade
- bird nestingA bird is nesting in the restaurant
- bugssome smells and bugs are really annoying
If youre seeking a restaurant with a rich history and a truly authentic, nostalgic vibe, this place could be a memorable experience. However, be prepared for potentially cramped conditions and some cleanliness issues, especially if youre sensitive to such details.
Value (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction of 83.7%. Out of 49 customer remarks, a whopping 41 praise the affordable price, value for money, and how it's not expensive, often noting good quantity for the cost. However, not everyone agrees, with 5 comments expressing disappointment.
Some felt it was not worth it or that portions were small for the price, leading to a feeling of not getting enough for their money, especially with unexpected charges like a lemon charge.
Value
49
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Good value
- Reasonable cost
What people don't like
- Not worth it
- Small portions
- Unexpected charges
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was incredibly fast, and the food was great, offering a good amount of food for the price. I also enjoyed the very nice servers and the pleasant atmosphere.
- pricesThe wings were crispy, and the wonton soup was tasty. Overall, it was an excellent experience with very reasonable prices.
- pricingMy experience at the restaurant was marked by good pricing, but it became clear that you get what you pay for. The noodle soups, unfortunately, didn't contain much meat or vegetables, which was a bit disappointing.
- reasonable priceMy experience at this little place was amazing! The food was really good and served at a reasonable price. It's important to note that the food is served family style, so a couple of dishes for a few people will go a long way.
- Parking validateParking validate $5 discount
- PrixPrix très correct
- affordableTrès bonne adresse abordable
- affordable lowest pricesAffordable lowest prices in China town
- affordable priceat an affordable price
- budget friendlyBudget friendly as well
Frequently criticized
- pricesmall for the price ($16 for what would have fit on a small plate)
- lemon chargeThe Chinese donut tasted like it had been refried, and the hot tea was lukewarm. Be mindful, as they also charge for lemon. I'm unsure if it's worth coming back; probably not.
- moneyI can’t believe this restaurant has 4 stars. Honestly, just save your money and get Panda Express. My experience was so disappointing that I felt compelled to share.
- not worth itit's not worth it at all.
If youre looking for a place that generally offers good bang for your buck, this restaurant is often a solid choice. Just be mindful that a few folks felt the portions didnt always justify the cost, so manage your expectations on quantity.
How are the prices at Sam Wo?
On average, you’ll spend around 21 per person – based on 124 guests. That places this Chinese Restaurant in the $21–$30 category, which is comfortably mid-range for San Francisco, perhaps a touch above. Whats interesting is that while the average is 21, a large number of diners actually spend less, with the majority falling into the $11–$20 range.
This tells us theres a good mix of options, from more budget-friendly choices to those that allow for a slightly higher spend.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 124 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, with options for those looking for a quicker, more affordable bite, and also for those wanting to indulge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sam Wo
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
A Legend's Return: Delicious BBQ Pork!
Welcome back to a legend! I'm so happy we haven’t seen the last of Sam Wo. Of course, the bbq pork rice rolls are still soft, handmade, and as good as ever. I hope we see it around for another century.
- bbq pork rice rolls10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Glad to be back, but something felt missing
Really glad to see this place back in business; I always come here when on work trips. Everything was good, but this time around, something seemed like it was missing. Not sure what it was, but my friend and I agreed that it felt different.
Either way, the service and food were really good!
- food8
- service8
- missing element5
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Late-Night Closure
I was excited to try this place out last night after its reopening. However, upon arriving at 9: 10 PM, I found the restaurant locked up with staff cleaning inside, despite the sign outside indicating they were open until 10 PM on weekends. This was a disappointing experience.
- staff cleaning2
- sign outside2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Favorite Chinese Dish Ever!
This was my second time at Sam Wo when visiting San Fran, and OMG, I just had maybe my favorite Chinese dish ever. Bella, our server, was very accommodating and worked to get us a delicious, no longer on the menu item I had seen in other reviews. The pork noodle roll was delicious.
I think they have some of the best Chinese mustard ever, but be sure to ask for Ping and see if you can get this Beef fried rice with soft scrambled egg on top. Make sure you sprinkle a little bit of the Chinese pepper sauce!
- pork noodle roll9
- Chinese mustard9
- Beef fried rice10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
6
Decent Food, Service Okay, Atmosphere Needs Work
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was not bad, and the service was good, receiving a 4 out of 5. However, the ambience could definitely be better.
There were some unpleasant smells and annoying bugs that detracted from the overall atmosphere, which was rated a 3 out of 5. The vegetarian offerings were adequate with a vegetarian menu or section, and it was somewhat recommended for vegetarians.
- food6
- service8
- vegetarian offerings6
- ambience3
- smells2
- bugs2
What Sam Wo offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
FAQs
What are the service and dining options available at Sam Wo Restaurant?
At Sam Wo Restaurant, you can choose to dine-in for lunch or dinner with comfortable seating and table service. If you prefer to eat elsewhere, takeout and delivery services are also readily available for your convenience.
Does Sam Wo Restaurant accommodate families with children?
Absolutely! Sam Wo Restaurant is known for being good for kids, providing a welcoming environment for families. High chairs are also available to ensure even the youngest diners are comfortable during your visit.
What is the overall rating for Sam Wo?
Sam Wo has an overall score of 6.7, with customer satisfaction at 64.6%. Value scores highest at 7.7, while Food and Service are both 6.6, and Ambience is 6.8.
Is Sam Wo considered good value for money?
Many customers find Sam Wo to offer good value, praising its affordable prices and generous portions, though a few mention some dishes might be small for the cost.
What are common comments about the food at Sam Wo?
While some describe the food as delicious and authentic, others note inconsistencies, with dishes sometimes being bland, diluted, or not meeting expectations.