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oChef » San Wang – San Francisco
San Wang - San Francisco
Photo from San Wang
San Wang at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 65 of the guests
#1033 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#71 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
444
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Friendly service
- Good portions
Frequently criticized
- Hygiene concerns
- Flavor inconsistency
- Service issues
The Chinese restaurant San Wang in San Francisco’s vibrant Japantown neighborhood offers you a taste of authentic flavors. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite during your lunch break or a relaxed dinner with friends, this casual spot provides a welcoming atmosphere.
You’ll find it’s a perfect place to enjoy traditional Chinese cuisine, making it a convenient stop for locals and visitors exploring the area.
Overview: Introducting San Wang
San Wang offers a taste of authentic Korean-Chinese cuisine, often praised for its generous portions and flavorful dishes. Many appreciate the warm atmosphere and the feeling of a cherished local spot, reflecting its long-standing presence in the community.
However, some experiences suggest occasional hygiene problems and minor inconsistencies in the dining environment . Despite these points, the restaurant maintains a reputation for its core offerings and a generally positive reception from its patrons.
Good
7.6
out of 10
444
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
86
negative
16
neutral
342
positive
San Wang holds a respectable overall score of 7.6 , indicating a good dining experience, with customer satisfaction at 77% . This suggests that most diners leave content, finding the restaurant largely meets their expectations.
The positive feedback significantly outweighs the negative, with 342 positive remarks compared to 86 negative ones across 444 customer comments. Looking closer, Service stands out with an (8.1) score, often described as friendly and attentive.
Food also performs well at (7.6) , with many appreciating its authenticity and quality. While Ambience (7.2) contributes positively, Value (6.5) is seen as acceptable, though some found prices a bit high.
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Friendly, attentive service
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Occasional hygiene issues
- Inconsistent dish flavor
- Service inconsistencies
With a recommendation score of 7.7 , San Wang is a solid choice if you’re seeking genuine Korean-Chinese flavors and appreciate a restaurant with a strong local presence. Its strengths lie in its well-regarded food and the attentive service provided by its long-term staff.
While minor concerns about the dining environment and occasional dish inconsistencies exist, they don’t overshadow the overall positive experience. It’s worth a visit for its authentic offerings, especially if you prioritize taste and friendly interactions over a pristine setting.
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Verdict: Our expert take on San Wang
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction rating of 76.8%. Many customers, accounting for 235 positive remarks out of 306 total, raved about the delicious jjajangmyeon , fresh seafood , and large portions . The authenticity and variety on the menu also received high praise, making it a go-to for many.
However, not everyone was completely satisfied, with 59 negative comments noting some dishes had bland flavor or were underseasoned . A few found the tangsooyook pork too thin, and some mentioned a fishy taste in certain seafood items. There were also concerns about the quality of kimchi and general food taste not meeting expectations.
Food
306
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
59
negative
12
neutral
235
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Korean-Chinese food
- Delicious jjajangmyeon
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Some bland flavor
- Occasional fishy taste
- Thin tangsooyook pork
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant in Japantown was fantastic. It's a mom and pop spot offering delicious Chinese and Korean food. The portions are great and the cost is reasonable.
- portionsThe food is to die for, especially the dry chicken wings 😋. They are very generous with portions and extras. Very friendly, a lot of food, and good pricing.
- dishesThis place is the real deal! I’m a big fan of Korean Chinese cuisine, and the dishes here are very authentic, bringing back memories of Seoul. Happy to enjoy these dishes again!
- noodlesThe texture of the noodles was perfect!
- FoodFood:5
- JjajangmyeonSome reviews say it doesn't taste like Korean Jjajangmyeon, but that's incorrect. This is the taste of Incheon Jjajangmyeon, especially from Chinatown. Incheon is where Jjajangmyeon originated.
- Mongolian beefMongolian beef is a must as it is super delicious
- clamsAfter 30 years of eating here, my experience has been consistently excellent. The fried squid and clams are highlights, and using the clam sauce in the soup noodles is a brilliant touch. Decades of this quality still going strong.
- jajangmyeonOther signature dishes of SanWang are jajangmyeon
- sizzling rice soupThis restaurant is one of my family's favorites! We're willing to drive 45 minutes just for their dried fried chicken, clams, and sizzling rice soup. The food quality is excellent, earning a perfect 5/5.
Frequently criticized
- foodPlease, do not go. I thought it was a popular restaurant, but the taste was not the only issue; the hygiene problems seem to be very serious. I could barely touch the food.
- JjamppongJjamppong was incredibly bland, as if salt or soy sauce was either forgotten or not used at all.
- kimchiA table behind me was offered seconds of kimchi, while I was ignored. Additionally, there was no yellow pickled radish, and the kimchi was made with regular cabbage instead of napa cabbage.
- fishy smell비린내가 좀 나는거 같아서.. 짬뽕 아쉽네요.
- flavorI ordered jajangmyeon and jjamppong. While the vegetables and seafood were plentiful and fresh compared to the overall portion size, the noodles were rough, and the flavor was bland.
- noodlesI ordered jajangmyeon and jjamppong. While the vegetables and seafood were plentiful and fresh compared to the overall portion size, the noodles were rough, and the flavor was bland.
- tasteI went hoping to eat Korean food but was disappointed. The taste seems to have been localized. The location was good as it was in a bustling area with a Blue Bottle nearby.
- Chinese foodone of the worst Chinese food I have had
- JiajangmyeonJiajangmyeon was underseasoned though the noodles were long, chewy and good
- Jiangjianengfoods don’t taste really good as we expected
If you're craving authentic Korean-Chinese comfort food, especially jjajangmyeon or seafood dishes, this place is definitely worth a visit for its generous portions and genuine flavors. Just be mindful that some items might be a hit or miss, so stick to their highly recommended specialties.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place really shines, boasting a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 83.3%. Out of 84 total comments, a whopping 70 praise the friendly and welcoming staff, quick service, and incredible hospitality, often highlighting the owners attentiveness and the family-run feel. That said, there were 14 instances where things werent quite perfect.
Some guests felt the staff could be cold or rushed their order, with a few mentions of less-than-ideal customer service, including waitstaff asking for tips or being generally unfriendly.
Service
84
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
14
negative
0
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Quick service speed
- Attentive owner, staff
What people don't like
- Unfriendly, cold staff
- Rushed order speed
- Staff asked for tips
Often praised
- serviceThat's why I almost "obligatorily" visit every time I come to San Francisco. The prices are reasonable and the service is friendly, making it a must-visit spot for Korean Air and Asiana Airlines flight attendants. If you call out "President Wang~~!
- staffMy experience at this old-school Chinese-Korean eatery, one of the last remaining from the 1970s in San Francisco, was a journey back in time. Many of the staff have been working here for decades, serving dishes like jjajangmyeon (짜장면) and jjampong (짬뽕) noodles to a diverse clientele. It truly fulfills a craving for Chinese food made the traditional way, showcasing the adaptive nature of Chinese cuisine globally.
- ServiceService:5
- ownerIt was incredibly delicious! The owner was friendly, and the staff were also kind.
- owner and staffowner and staff were extremely friendly
- Uncle 5visit our new friend uncle 5 here! He was so kind
- accommodatingaccommodating for the number of people
- attentive staffattentive staff
- bagMy experience has consistently been excellent, with delicious food and exceptional service. A recent incident where I accidentally left my bag behind was handled wonderfully; they saved it for me, which I am so grateful for.
- best interestsThe owner, San, was incredibly welcoming and sociable. He precisely recommended delicious dishes based on our preferences and genuinely kept our best interests at heart. It was definitely a 5/5 experience.
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhile the Jajangmyun was decent, the service was lacking. A table behind me was offered seconds of kimchi, while I was ignored. Additionally, there was no yellow pickled radish, and the kimchi was made with regular cabbage instead of napa cabbage.
- Jjamppong takeout container특히 짬뽕 투고 용기가 너무 좁고 깊어 절대 이대로 면을 담궈먹을 수 없음.
- asking for tipsthey asking for tips
- cash tipsgave the waitress $20 cash tips on $120 food
- chefThe Jjamppong was incredibly bland, as if salt or soy sauce was either forgotten or not used at all. To make matters worse, the chef came out from the kitchen with a benevolent smile, acting as if they had mastered the art of food, which was very irritating. As a traveler, I can simply choose not to return, but I question what is considered "very delicious" here.
- customer servicegive you attitude if you ask for a straw
- order speedThey rush their customers to order
- staffcold heartless people that dont care about the customers
- tea refillWe had to actually go to the kitchen to ask for our pot of hot tea to be refilled
- waiter웨이터가 살짝 불친절했습니다
Overall, you can expect a very positive service experience here, with many praising the friendly and efficient staff. While a few minor hiccups exist, the overwhelming sentiment suggests youll likely leave feeling well-cared for. Its definitely worth trying if good service is a priority for you.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a score of 7.2, the ambience is considered good, and it boasts 25 positive remarks out of 37 total. Diners frequently praise the convenient location, welcoming atmosphere, and the lovely environment that often feels like a cozy mom-and-pop shop.
Many found it a perfect place for a good time, appreciating the wide seating and available parking. However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 67.6%, indicating some areas for improvement, with 8 negative comments. A few guests noted hygiene problems and dirty table issues, while others found the interior stuffy inside or warmer than I prefer.
Parking, despite some positive mentions, was also cited as difficult by others.
Ambience
37
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
8
negative
4
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Convenient location
- Neighborhood charm
What people don't like
- Hygiene issues
- Stuffy interior
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed clean, fresh, high-quality, and authentic Korean-Chinese food in a nice atmosphere. This family-owned business clearly takes pride in their fine cuts of meat and seafood.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationThe taste seems to have been localized. The location was good as it was in a bustling area with a Blue Bottle nearby.
- environmentVery lovely environment.
- Northern China environmentI really love this Northern China environment
- SanWangSanWang is a popular destination for locals
- ambianceEach dish was a delight—rich in flavor, perfectly balanced, and truly authentic. The atmosphere added to the experience, with a warm and welcoming ambiance that made us feel right at home. I highly recommend this spot for anyone craving delicious, genuine Chinese and Korean cuisine!
- bustling areaThe taste seems to have been localized. The location was good as it was in a bustling area with a Blue Bottle nearby.
- mom-and-pop shopIt's a mom-and-pop shop
- neighborhoodimportant part of the neighborhood
Frequently criticized
- customersI could barely touch the food. From the moment I entered, I was surprised by how empty it was, with almost no customers. If you come to Japantown, you'd be better off eating Japanese or Korean food.
- eating at the hotel호텔에서 먹어야하는 우리는 아주 난감했음.
- hygiene problemsthe hygiene problems seem to be very serious
- loud annoying musicThe restaurant offers home-cooked meals with quality ingredients. The staff was attentive, and importantly, there was no loud annoying music, allowing for an enjoyable dining experience focused on good food and incredible hospitality. I've observed that people leave happy, and I've personally experienced this myself.
- parking주차하기가 좀 힘듭니다
- stuffy insideIt was a bit stuffy inside
- tableThe table was so dirty
- warmer than I preferIt was a little warmer than I prefer
If you're looking for a place with a generally welcoming, neighborhood feel and a convenient spot, this restaurant could be a good fit. Just be aware that some guests have experienced issues with cleanliness and comfort, so it might be a bit of a gamble on those fronts.
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
Alright, let's talk value! While the overall score for value sits at an average 6.5, customer satisfaction is a good 70.6%, suggesting many walk away happy. Out of 17 total comments, 12 rave about the pricing and prices, frequently calling them reasonable prices and affordable.
It sounds like you can often find a great deal here! On the flip side, 5 comments did express some disappointment. Concerns popped up about food prices being inflated when ordering online, and a few felt things were overpriced for what they received.
So, while many find it a steal, keep an eye out for those specific situations.
Value
17
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Very overpriced
- Inflated online prices
Often praised
- pricesThat's why I almost "obligatorily" visit every time I come to San Francisco. The prices are reasonable and the service is friendly, making it a must-visit spot for Korean Air and Asiana Airlines flight attendants. If you call out "President Wang~~!
- pricinga lot of food good pricing
- priceThe jajangmyeon is a must-try. I was impressed with the great food at a great price. They offer free hot tea and delicious homemade banchans.
- affordablyKorean-style Chinese food affordably
- costthe cost is reasonable
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price
- reasonable pricesI have been dining here with my family since childhood, and it remains a cherished spot. The lunch menu offers great value with reasonable prices, generous portions, and includes soup (egg flower), steam rice, and a kimchi appetizer. My friend enjoyed the Mongolian Beef from the lunch menu, while I explored individual dishes.
Frequently criticized
- priceVery overpriced for what I got
- food pricesfood prices are inflated when ordering online
- money and timeavoid wasting your valuable money and time
- tip팁을 말도 없이 18%로 계산해버리더군요
So, should you go? Absolutely, if you're seeking generally reasonable prices and affordable meals, especially for their lunch specials. Just be a savvy diner and watch out for potentially inflated food prices when ordering online, as some found it overpriced in those instances.
How are the prices at San Wang?
On average, you’ll spend around 28 per person – based on 65 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people usually spend, most diners cluster around the 11 – 30 $ mark, but there’s also a good number of guests who opt for a slightly more premium experience, spending a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 65 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a solid mid-range meal and those willing to spend a little more for a special occasion.
Customer Reviews: what people think about San Wang
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Korean-Chinese Fusion!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious chicken wings, mapo tofu, and fresh jajang mien. It's the best mix of Korean and Chinese fusion.
I can’t believe I haven’t gone sooner.
- chicken wings9
- mapo tofu9
- jajang mien9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Lovely Environment, Flavorful Food, Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The environment was lovely, and the hosts were nice. The food was flavorful and served quickly, arriving nice and hot.
We enjoyed it so much that we ate it very fast, so no pictures were taken! They even provided complimentary sodas, which was a nice touch. Much love!
- environment10
- hosts9
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was amazing, and the restaurant provided a nice, warm environment. The portions were big, and the food was amazing.
I highly recommend the broccoli beef.
- service10
- environment9
- portions9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Food, Welcoming Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was automatically welcomed upon walking in, and the staff were extremely sweet. The food portions were huge and delicious.
I would love to come back here again!
- staff10
- service9
- food portions10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Food, Generous Portions, Friendly Service
My experience at the restaurant was wonderful. The lady who served us was very friendly, and the food was delicious. They also serve generous portions, which are great for sharing with others.
- lady who served us9
- food10
- portions9
What San Wang offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What parking options are available when you visit San Wang Restaurant?
When you plan your visit to San Wang Restaurant, you’ll find several convenient parking options. You can choose from a paid parking lot, free street parking, a paid parking garage, or paid street parking. This variety ensures you can easily find a spot, whether you’re stopping for a quick meal or a longer dining experience in Japantown.
What dining options does San Wang Restaurant offer, and is it accessible?
San Wang Restaurant provides flexible dining options, including dine-in service for both lunch and dinner, with comfortable seating. For your convenience, takeout and delivery are also available. The restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
What is the overall customer sentiment for San Wang?
San Wang generally receives good feedback, with a customer satisfaction rate of 77%. The restaurant scores 7.6 overall, indicating a largely positive dining experience for most patrons.
How does San Wang's food and service compare?
The food at San Wang is well-regarded, scoring 7.6, with many praising its authentic Korean-Chinese flavors and generous portions. Service is a particular strong point, scoring 8.1, often described as friendly and attentive by customers.
Are there any common concerns about San Wang?
Some customers have noted occasional hygiene issues and inconsistencies in dish flavor. While the ambience scores 7.2, a few found the environment less than ideal, and there were isolated comments about service inconsistencies.