Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Shin Toe Bul Yi – San Francisco
Shin Toe Bul Yi - San Francisco
Photo from Shin Toe Bul Yi
Shin Toe Bul Yi at a glance
San Francisco Parkside
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 12 of the guests
#1296 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#20 Korean Restaurant out of 36 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
273
Reviews
73.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Attentive service
- Fair pricing
Frequently criticized
- Crowded atmosphere
- Slow service
- Dated decor
The restaurant Shin Toe Bul Yi, a Korean restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Parkside neighborhood, invites you to experience its cozy atmosphere. Here, you’ll discover a welcoming spot perfect for a casual meal, whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner.
With its friendly vibe, it’s a place where you can relax and enjoy authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting Shin Toe Bul Yi
Shin Toe Bul Yi offers a culinary experience centered around flavorful and authentic Korean dishes that many find satisfying. The attentive service, often from a family-run team, contributes to a welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel at home.
However, the setting can be a bit small and crowded , with some noting the decor feels a little run down . Despite these points, the overall dining experience, coupled with reasonable prices , often leaves a positive impression.
Good
7.4
out of 10
273
Reviews
73.3%
Satisfaction
46
negative
27
neutral
200
positive
Shin Toe Bul Yi earns a solid 7.4 overall, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a 73.3% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most diners leave content.
These insights are drawn from 273 customer opinions, with a strong majority of 200 positive remarks outweighing the 46 negative ones. The Food stands out as a clear strength, scoring well at (7.7), often praised for its authentic flavors.
Service also performs commendably at (7.2), with staff frequently noted for their attentiveness. While Value (6.6) is considered fair, the Ambience (6.4) is where the restaurant shows room for improvement, often described as modest.
What people like
- Flavorful, authentic food
- Attentive, welcoming service
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Small, crowded atmosphere
- Slower service at peak
- Run down decor
With a strong 7.9 recommendation score, Shin Toe Bul Yi is certainly worth considering if you prioritize delicious, authentic Korean cuisine and friendly service. It’s a place where the food genuinely shines, making up for some minor shortcomings.
Be prepared for a potentially small and crowded setting, especially during busy hours, and possible slower service . However, for a satisfying meal at reasonable prices , many find the experience rewarding and a good choice for Korean food.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Shin Toe Bul Yi
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre looking at a pretty solid experience! With a good score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction sitting at a good 78.8%, the general consensus is quite positive. Many of the 141 positive opinions highlight delicious options like the "fried chicken, " "bibimbap, " and the overall "authentic" Korean flavors, often served in "generous portions.
"However, its not without its minor hiccups, as indicated by 22 negative opinions. Some feedback points to dishes occasionally having small portions, being a bit dry or oily, or sometimes lacking flavor. So, while many dishes hit the mark, a few might not quite live up to expectations.
Food
179
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
22
negative
16
neutral
141
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Fried Chicken
- Authentic Korean Food
- Generous Portions
What people don't like
- Small Portions
- Dry/Bland Dishes
- Too Oily
Often praised
- fried chickenThis is my go-to place for Korean food in the Sunset District. I tried the seafood pancake, japchae, fried chicken, and tofu soup. Everything was incredibly flavorful and had just the right amount of spice to keep me wanting more.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was characterized by delicious food, despite the small and crowded atmosphere. While most dishes were spicy, it wasn't an overwhelming issue.
- soft tofu soupsoft tofu soup were all stellar
- tofu souptofu soup on the house. All three were good
- Korean foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great tasting authentic Korean food. The Bibimbap in the stone bowl is my favorite.
- mackereloffer a few pieces of mackerel that’s on the house
- portionsportions were huge for standard sf pricing
- BibimbapBibimbap in the stone bowl is my fav
- KFCThe food quality and quantity never disappoint. I always love the mackerel, beef intestine, pancake, and KFC.
- bibimbapbibimbap were all stellar
Frequently criticized
- foodthey started skimping on their food
- BibimbapBibimbap: we order sizzling bowl, it has few ingredient and think slice of meat.
- fried chickenI came here excited to try a few dishes, but overall the food fell short for me. We ordered the fried chicken, which looked great coming out, but the meat was on the dry side. I usually enjoy non-sauced fried chicken, but in this case, it felt like it could have really used some sauce to balance things out.
- Fried ChickenPricey for its size, white meat is dry, small pieces, wheres the meat?
- Japchaetoo oily, small portion.
- Side diskSide disk: you can see from other's pic. It is minimal
- batterbut heavy on batter
- cod fish stewThe cod fish stew was very fishy tasting.
- qualitybut not great quality
- ribsThe ribs were bland n not tender.
Overall, the food here is a strong contender for your Korean cravings, especially if you're a fan of their celebrated fried chicken and authentic flavors. Just be mindful that some dishes might come in smaller portions or occasionally lack that extra punch, but the positives generally outweigh the negatives.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
Lets dive into the service here! Overall, its a pretty good experience, scoring 7.2, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 65.4%. Based on 34 positive remarks out of 52 total comments, many guests rave about the friendly staff and excellent service.
You'll often find accommodating staff making customers feel right at home, ensuring fast service and accurate orders. However, 13 negative observations suggest a few bumps in the road. Be prepared for potential long waits, especially during peak times, which can sometimes lead to slower service.
A few folks also mentioned issues like a card machine being down or servers not checking in as frequently as desired.
Service
52
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
13
negative
5
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Excellent service
- Accommodating staff
What people don't like
- Long waits
- Slower service
- Card machine issues
Often praised
- serviceI visited on a Saturday evening around 5: 30 PM and was seated immediately, though it started to get busy around 6: 30 PM. Despite the influx of customers and takeout orders, the service was attentive and I never felt rushed. The waitress was particularly helpful and patient, answering my questions about spice levels to accommodate my elderly aunt.
- staffThe staff was very nice and welcoming
- wait timeThe wait was not too bad, approximately 10 minutes
- waitthe food is well worth the wait
- accommodating staffThey are super accommodating
- customer serviceExcellent customer service
- customers feel right at homeThis modest, family-run gem, now open for dine-in service on Fridays and Saturdays, sits right beside the Taraval line. The mother and father lovingly prepare each dish in the kitchen, while their daughter handles the front of the house, ensuring that customers feel right at home. I’ve tried many other spots, but this place still wins me over every time.
- dinner crowdjust before the dinner crowd and that was a good thing. Within 15 mins there were tons of people waiting for a table.
- excellent servicegives an excellent service
- family-run gemfamily-run gem ... ensuring that customers feel right at home
Frequently criticized
- waitWhile the Japchae isn't as good as it used to be, it's still okay. Be aware that the restaurant gets super busy during prime time, so expect a wait and slower service. However, it's definitely worth it for the quality of the food.
- lineThe line could be long on weekends
- card machineCard machine was down
- noticeno notice of this
- outdated photoGoogle Maps had an outdated photo
- serversServers never came by asking if we needed anything.
- serviceslower service
- tipWaitress got mad over tip
- waiting timeWaiting time can be long.
- waitressWaitress got mad over tip
If you're seeking genuinely friendly and accommodating service, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that popular times might involve a bit of a wait, but many find the overall service quality makes it worthwhile.
Ambience (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
Lets talk about the vibe! While the ambience here gets an average score of 6.4 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 57.1%, theres definitely a lot to love. Many guests, contributing to 16 positive observations out of 28 total, rave about the cozy atmosphere and the charm of this neighborhood family-run spot.
They often mention it feels like eating at someones home, appreciating the quiet meal experience and how clean the place is inside. However, its not all sunshine and roses, with 8 negative remarks highlighting some drawbacks. Several diners found the space to be quite small and a common complaint is that your clothes might smell after eating.
The decor is sometimes described as a bit run down or dingy, and the music can be loud, impacting the overall atmosphere. Also, be aware that there's no indoor dining available.
Ambience
28
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
8
negative
4
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Family-run feel
- Clean interior
What people don't like
- Small space
- Clothes smell
- No indoor dining
Often praised
- atmosphereWe liked the atmosphere of the restaurant. It felt cozy
- placeEveryone I brought to eat here love this place
- Korean dinerspeople of Korean descent who dine here
- bathroomClean bathroom
- clean insideit's very clean inside
- dishesDishes are clean
- environmentComfortable environment.
- mom and pop shopCute mom and pop shop
- neighborhood family-runNeighborhood family run. Feel like your eating at someone's home.
- neighborhood jointGreat neighborhood joint for Korean food
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was characterized by delicious food, despite the small and crowded atmosphere. While most dishes were spicy, it wasn't an overwhelming issue.
- clothes smellyour clothes all will smell after
- decortheir decor seems a little run down
- indoor diningA local recommended their fried chicken, which I'm eager to try on a future visit. It's important to note that this establishment offers take out only, with no indoor dining available.
- musicMusic is loud
- placehow run down the place seemed
- restaurantThe restaurant is pretty dingy and grimy
- smallthis place is relatively small
If youre seeking a cozy, family-style takeout spot and dont mind a small space or potential lingering food smells, this place could be a charming find. However, if indoor dining, modern decor, or a quiet, scent-free experience are high on your list, you might want to consider other options.
Value (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found the offerings quite appealing, with a score of 6.6 indicating an average experience. Customers frequently mentioned the price, reasonably priced, and fairly priced options, often highlighting deals like 2 meals for $30 that feed more, or Lunch specials are reasonably priced. With 9 positive opinions out of 14 total, it seems many appreciate the reasonable costs and even complimentary appetizers.
However, the overall customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 64.3%, suggesting theres room for improvement. A few diners felt the value wasnt quite there, with 3 negative opinions noting that dishes were Overpriced for these reasons or Pricey for its size, and one even mentioning a total almost $60. While not a deal-breaker for everyone, these concerns about the price are worth considering.
Value
14
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced dishes
- Good lunch specials
- Complimentary appetizers
What people don't like
- Overpriced for size
- Can be pricey
Often praised
- pricesthe prices are relatively reasonable
- price2 meals for $30, but definitely feeds up to 4
- fairly priceddishes are fairly priced and tasty
- reasonable pricesIt's also a great bonus that they offer complimentary appetizers. The prices are reasonable, and I would definitely recommend this spot to friends who are in the area.
- reasonably pricedLunch specials are reasonably priced
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was marked by delicious food and great service, all at an excellent value. Be aware that there is a wait on Friday and Saturday nights between 6-8 PM, so plan accordingly.
Frequently criticized
- priceOverpriced for these reasons.
- total almost $60Total almost $60
If you're looking for a spot with generally reasonable prices and good deals, especially for lunch or larger portions, this place could be a solid choice. However, be mindful that some find certain items a bit pricey for what you get, so choose wisely to ensure good value.
How are the prices at Shin Toe Bul Yi?
On average, you’ll spend around 38 per person – from 12 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Korean Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average is 38, its interesting to see that most diners spent between $21–$30, with a few opting for more premium experiences up to $81–$90. So, theres a bit of a spread, offering options for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 12 reviews.
A comparison of value for money at this restaurant versus similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the variety of experiences reflected in the spending, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Korean Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers flexibility for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Shin Toe Bul Yi
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Food Fell Short, Service Was Fine
I came here excited to try a few dishes, but overall the food fell short for me. We ordered the fried chicken, which looked great coming out, but the meat was on the dry side. I usually enjoy non-sauced fried chicken, but in this case, it felt like it could have really used some sauce to balance things out.
The soup was nothing special—it lacked the depth and richness I expect from a good Korean stew. It ended up tasting pretty one-note. The japchae was decent in flavor, but for the portion size and what it is, it felt a bit overpriced.
Service was fine, but food-wise, nothing really stood out enough to make me want to come back soon.
- japchae5
- Service6
- fried chicken3
- soup3
- food3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Mixed Experience: Good Service, Lukewarm Drinks
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of positive and negative. The food came out hot, which was great. However, the tea came out lukewarm.
The customer service was excellent, and the dishes were clean, as was the bathroom. I visited on a Saturday night around 8 pm, and surprisingly, the place was empty. The music is loud, but despite that, I was seated quickly.
It's interesting to note that 20 years ago, this restaurant used to be so crowded that the wait time was at least 45 minutes.
- food8
- customer service10
- dishes8
- tea4
- music4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
A Favorite Spot for Quality and Quantity
This has always been one of my favorites, and will continue to be until my next visit. The food quality and quantity never disappoint. I always love the mackerel, beef intestine, pancake, and KFC.
- food quality10
- food quantity10
- mackerel9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Accommodating Service for a Group Lunch
Joanne handled a large weekday group lunch order for me. She was super accommodating, and all my coworkers loved the meal. There were plenty of seafood options for our pescatarian folks and bibimbap/glass noodles/tofu soup was perfect for our gluten-free folks.
- service10
- seafood options9
- gluten free options9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Delicious Food and Great Service!
I hadn't been back since the pandemic started, but I've been wanting to dine in. Each time I tried to stop by, there was always a line, which I take as a good sign that the food must be good! Today, I called minutes after they opened 😄 and ordered takeout.
I got the lunch special mackerel and seafood pancake. After picking them up and getting home, I immediately started eating. Oh my words… everything is so delicious!
The service is great, and the portion is generous. The young lady on the phone was very friendly. I think I'll become a regular here and plan to dine in on Friday or Saturday since I live only a few blocks away.
I enjoyed every bite. Thanks so much!
- food10
- service9
- portion9
What Shin Toe Bul Yi offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Shin Toe Bul Yi?
At Shin Toe Bul Yi, you can enjoy both lunch and dinner with comfortable seating and table service. For those on the go, takeout is also available, providing flexibility for your meal plans.
Is Shin Toe Bul Yi a family-friendly restaurant?
Absolutely! Shin Toe Bul Yi welcomes families with children, offering high chairs for the little ones to ensure a comfortable dining experience for everyone in your party.
How does Shin Toe Bul Yi rate overall?
Shin Toe Bul Yi holds a good overall score of 7.4, with customer satisfaction at 73.3%. Its Food (7.7) and Service (7.2) are highly regarded, while Value (6.6) is fair, and Ambience (6.4) is its lowest point.
What can I expect from the food at Shin Toe Bul Yi?
You can generally expect flavorful and authentic Korean dishes, with many praising items like the soft tofu soup and bibimbap. While most food is well-received, some specific items like fried chicken have been noted as occasionally dry .
Is Shin Toe Bul Yi a good spot for a comfortable dining experience?
Shin Toe Bul Yi is often described as a small and crowded mom and pop shop with a cozy atmosphere . While the service is attentive , be aware that the decor might appear run down to some, and wait times can be long during peak hours.