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oChef » SoHoMei – San Francisco
SoHoMei - San Francisco
Photo from SoHoMei
SoHoMei at a glance
San Francisco Golden Gate Heights
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 51 of the guests
#1452 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#126 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
309
Reviews
68.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Great value
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Inattentive service
- Cleanliness concerns
- Food inconsistencies
The restaurant, a delightful Chinese eatery in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Heights neighborhood, invites you to experience its casual charm. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a relaxed dinner, SoHoMei offers a welcoming atmosphere.
You’ll find it’s a perfect spot to enjoy authentic flavors without fuss, making it an ideal choice for your next meal out. They prioritize your convenience with various service options.
Overview: Introducting SoHoMei
SoHoMei offers a culinary experience where the food often hits the mark, with many appreciating its authentic flavors and generous portion size. Diners frequently praise the quality of the dishes, suggesting a kitchen that understands its craft.
However, the experience isn’t without its minor drawbacks. While some find the service welcoming, others have noted occasional lapses in attention or efficiency.
The overall setting is generally comfortable, though cleanliness has been a point of concern for a few.
Good
7.2
out of 10
309
Reviews
68.3%
Satisfaction
68
negative
30
neutral
211
positive
SoHoMei earns a respectable 7.2 overall, indicating a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction of 68.3%, which suggests a mixed but leaning positive reception from guests.
With 211 positive remarks against 68 negative ones out of 309 total opinions, there’s a clear appreciation for what the restaurant offers, even if not every visit is perfect. Looking closer, Value stands out with a strong (7.5) score, often highlighted for its reasonable pricing.
The Food also performs well (7.2), consistently praised for its quality and authenticity. While Ambience (7.0) is generally seen as cozy, Service (6.9) receives a slightly lower score, indicating areas where attention could be improved for a more consistent experience.
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Excellent value, large portions
- Cozy, comfortable atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, inattentive service
- Cleanliness issues
- Food quality inconsistencies
SoHoMei presents a compelling case for those seeking authentic and well-priced dishes, reflected in its solid 7.4 recommendation score. If you prioritize flavorful food and generous portions over polished service, this spot could be a worthwhile visit.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and some concerns regarding cleanliness. While the culinary offerings often shine, these aspects might temper the overall experience for some diners.
Consider it for a casual, value-driven meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on SoHoMei
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.2! Customers frequently rave about the authentic Chaozhou cuisine, especially the delicious congee, massive portions, and high-quality ingredients. With 151 positive remarks out of 226 total, many find the food to be a comforting and satisfying experience.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 66.8%, indicating some areas for improvement. While many praise the dishes, 51 negative comments point to issues like inconsistent food quality, tasteless broth, and sometimes poor bread. It seems some items don't quite live up to the hype.
Food
226
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
51
negative
24
neutral
151
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Chaozhou cuisine
- Generous, huge portions
- Delicious congee/porridge
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Tasteless broth/noodles
- Poor bread quality
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant has been great so far. The food is seasoned perfectly, and I'm looking forward to trying the fried rice and other dishes soon. This place is open late sometimes, and I wish they would stay open until 2 am every day.
- FoodFood:5
- Teochew foodVery authentic Teochew food is served here
- chicken porridgethe chicken porridge is the other dish we had which is super tasty
- oyster pancakeoyster pancake and steamed rice roll are to die for
- portion sizeWhen I was sick in mid-December, my first craving was for some nice, hot, savoury congee. This place absolutely satisfied the craving, and the portion size was huge. I definitely recommend it for chilly winter days and sick days alike.
- steamed rice rollMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the phenomenal oyster cake and steamed rice roll, which I highly recommend – don't pass them up. It's best to go inside and get it for here, as the prices are cheaper than online.
- Chao Zhou Pan Fried Oyster CakeTheir Chao Zhou Pan Fried Oyster Cake is very good!
- Chaozhou foodspecialized in Chaozhou food
- Chicken congeeRecommend - Chicken congee
Frequently criticized
- phoThe pho suffered a similar deficiency
- breadThe bread isn’t crisp and toasted, tastes almost stale and chewy.
- broththe broth was tasteless
- foodfood had decent texture but subpar taste
- food qualityThe food here was below that standard
- pateThere is literally no pate on there except the thinnest of smears.
- Hong Kong style milk tearun out of Hong Kong style milk tea
- allergiesMy primary concern with the restaurant's reaction is their lack of focus on customer safety, prioritizing instead the rejection of my account. I urge the restaurant to take allergies more seriously and advise customers to be extremely cautious when dining here.
- bamboo green noodle soupthe meat smelled like rotten
- banh miThe congee and banh mi were hardly worth eating
Overall, if you're looking for authentic Chaozhou comfort food with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might be a hit or miss, so stick to their highly praised specialties like congee and oyster cake for the best experience.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally receives a good nod, with a score of 6.9, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 67.4%. With 29 positive remarks out of 43 total, many customers rave about the super nice staff and welcoming owners who enthusiastically help with the menu. The speed of food coming out is often praised, making for a quick and efficient experience.
However, not every interaction is perfect. There are 10 negative comments, with some guests mentioning issues like long waiting times and a perceived lack of attention from waitstaff. A few experiences even included order cancellations or feeling unheard by the waitress, highlighting areas where the service could be more consistent.
Service
43
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Helpful owners
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Lack of attention
- Order cancellations
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was super yummy with super nice service. I will definitely come back with my families and friends again and again!
- staffthe staff members were welcoming and helpful
- ServiceService:5
- ownersowners who enthusiastically helped us navigate through the menu
- chef and kitchen teamchef and kitchen team are true masters
- menuThe menu on the wall had many pictures making it easy for you to choose to order.
- neighborhood placesMy experience at this restaurant was that it's a simple, casual place to get a quick bite to eat. The service is okay, but it's better than most neighborhood places.
- senior programThey also participate in senior program where seniors can have discounts
- speed of foodFast speed of food coming out
- takeoutsGood for takeouts if you are in a hurry
Frequently criticized
- waiterhe simply insisted it has always been like that
- attentionThe food quality was as good as one could ask for. The restaurant is a bit understaffed, so don't expect frequent attention. It's just a place to quietly enjoy your own food.
- customer safetythe safety of their customers was not their primary concern
- menusOne table hadn't even been given menus
- order cancellationmy order has been cancelled
- owners/wait staffowners/wait staff cutting there nails near the kitchen
- serviceOne star for the service
- waiting timekeeping your customer waiting
- waitresstold the waitress, she said it's like that
If you're looking for a place with generally friendly staff and quick service, especially for takeouts, this spot is worth a try. Just be aware that occasional inconsistencies in attention or wait times might pop up, so manage your expectations for a perfectly seamless experience.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
The ambience here generally gets a thumbs-up, scoring a good 7 with customer satisfaction at 73.9%! Out of 17 positive remarks, many rave about the inviting atmosphere, describing it as cozy and comfortable, an authentic place, and appreciating the overall restaurant cleanliness and pleasant noise level. Yet, a few of the 4 critical observations highlight some cleanliness concerns.
Specific mentions include an unpleasant toilet smell and issues with dirty spoons and bowls or uncleaned tables, suggesting some inconsistency in tidiness.
Ambience
23
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, comfortable feel
- Good atmosphere
- Clean restaurant
What people don't like
- Unpleasant toilet smell
- Dirty tables
- Unclean cutlery
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was also rated highly
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- ambienceIt's quite cozy and clean inside
- authentic placeVery authentic place
- comfortable feelinside is a nice, comfortable feel
- cozy and comfortableit's cozy and comfortable
- diner placeMy experience at this nice small diner place was very positive. The prices are very reasonable, and they mostly serve comfort food.
- noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- open latethis place is open late sometimes
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was that it's a simple, casual place to get a quick bite to eat. The service is okay, but it's better than most neighborhood places.
Frequently criticized
- cleanlinessin terms of cleanliness
- dirty spoons and bowlsnoticed a few dirty spoons and bowls
- tablesneither table had been properly cleaned
- toilet smellMy experience at this restaurant was quite concerning. The whole place was stinking and had a weird toilet smell. This made the food safety quite concerning.
If a generally pleasant and comfortable setting is what you seek, this spot is a good bet. While the overall vibe is positive, be mindful that occasional cleanliness issues might pop up, so manage your expectations.
Value (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at a strong 82.4%, its clear most diners feel theyre getting a good deal. Out of 17 customer remarks, 14 were positive, praising the value for price, reasonable prices, and low price for generous portions, often noting its cheaper than online or offers cash discounts.
However, not everyone is entirely convinced, with 3 negative remarks. Some found the pricey side a bit of a concern, especially when compared to other establishments. A few also mentioned the to-go box charge as a minor annoyance, suggesting theres a little room for improvement in perceived cost.
Value
17
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Generous portions
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- To-go box fees
Often praised
- priceI think the price is fair for the quality and amount of food
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was defined by its surprisingly low prices, especially for drinks. I was super surprised at their prices, and I'm pretty sure the last time I paid so little for drinks was when I was in China. While I can't speak for their food, their drinks are pretty good.
- $30/persongot pretty full with $30/person
- bahn mibahn mi which is still relatively cheap at sub-$6
- cash discountif you pay cash, you get a 5% discount that covers you container fee!
- good priceHuge portion with good price
- low price⭐️ My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! They serve authentic Chinese food from Chaoshan with very high quality and at a relatively low price. All the dishes are home-made and presented with chef’s craftsmanship.
- reasonable pricesMy experience at the restaurant was positive. The food was good with big portions and reasonable prices. It's a good option for takeouts if you are in a hurry.
- senior discounted meal programespecially with their recent inclusion in the SF CHAMPS senior discounted meal program
- value for priceIndeed valuable for the price
Frequently criticized
- priceit is more expensive than Kevin's noodle house
- pricey sideA bit on the pricey side.
- to-go box chargebugged me a little since I really didn’t know how much food to order and the portion size
If youre looking for a place where your money goes further, especially for generous portions, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential extra charges for takeout containers, and youll likely find it a good bang for your buck.
How are the prices at SoHoMei?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 51 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.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners are indeed in the $21–$30 sweet spot, but there’s also a good number opting for slightly cheaper eats in the $11–$20 range. A few guests even splurge on more premium dishes, pushing the overall spend higher.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 51 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers options for both budget-conscious diners and those looking to splurge a bit, which is always a good sign.
Customer Reviews: what people think about SoHoMei
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Incredible Chicken Congee - Worth Every Penny!
I’m writing this review while still at the restaurant – that’s how blown away I am. This was the most incredible chicken congee I’ve ever had in my life. Not only was service quick, efficient, and mindful (it’s a cold rainy day here in SF, and instead of bringing me water, the waiter brought me a cup of hot tea – just what I needed!).
I came here for rice porridge and when I saw it was $18, I was a little unsure. I am a chef and know how much wholesale ingredients cost, but SF is expensive to live/operate a business in, and I like to support small family businesses, so I ordered. Well, this was absolutely worth every penny!
The porridge is the perfect texture; flavorful, topped with fresh fragrant herbs and big meaty pieces of chicken within. It’s a huge portion, so it is more than worth the price. I ordered fried donut sticks to dip into the congee and oh my gosh… I have perhaps passed on and gone to heaven.
This is PHENOMENAL. And nothing needed to be seasoned! It came out perfect, no need to add salt or white pepper or anything.
The chef and kitchen team are true masters at their craft. If you are ever in the SF area and craving a good bowl of rice porridge, this is THE place to go. This is the kind of place that should have a line around the block.
Absolutely divine.
- chicken congee10
- service9
- hot tea8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
8
Generous Portions, Fast Service
My experience at this restaurant was marked by massive portions, which was impressive even for a big guy. The speed of food coming out was also notably fast. Beyond that, it felt like a normal casual Chinese diner.
They also offer plenty of spice if that's what you're looking for.
- massive portions9
- speed of food8
- casual Chinese diner6
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Phenomenal Food, Worth the Trip
My experience at this restaurant was phenomenal. A friend recommended it, and this was our second visit, traveling from the south bay. Apparently, the chef is quite established in China.
This place deserves more recognition, but selfishly, I appreciate that they always have a seat and no wait. Lol
- food10
- wait time10
- chef9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Authentic Flavors, Generous Portions
My experience at this restaurant was quite positive. We ordered the noodle soup, braised duck, pan fried oyster cake, and fried rice. For the price, the portions are great, especially the noodle soup – three of us shared a bowl and still couldn’t finish it.
The oyster cake tasted great but was a bit too starchy. I’d recommend this place as their dishes are pretty authentic.
- noodle soup9
- braised duck7
- pan fried oyster cake8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic Chaoshan Cuisine & Great Value
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the authentic and umami tastes of Chaoshan cuisine. The beef noodle bowl was unbelievably large, perfect for one person, and truly valuable for the price.
I highly recommend it to anyone in the area. It was great to see many Cantonese speakers, both young and prime, dining here. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a perfect 5.
It was quiet, making conversation easy, and the food was rated a 5.
- authentic tastes10
- umami tastes10
- beef noodle bowl9
What SoHoMei offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Family-friendly
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
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options does SoHoMei offer?
SoHoMei provides a range of convenient service options, including no-contact delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in. For your dining pleasure, you can enjoy lunch or dinner with comfortable seating and table service. They also accept reservations for your planning convenience.
Is SoHoMei accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, SoHoMei is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance. It’s also a great choice for families, as it’s considered good for kids and provides high chairs to ensure a comfortable dining experience for your little ones.
How does SoHoMei rate overall, and what are its strongest aspects?
SoHoMei holds a good overall score of **7.2**. Its **Value** (7.5) and **Food** (7.2) are particularly well-regarded, while **Ambience** (7.0) is also positive. **Service** (6.9) is slightly lower but still decent.
Is SoHoMei a good option for budget-conscious diners looking for authentic cuisine?
Yes, many guests praise SoHoMei for its surprisingly low prices and generous portion sizes, making it a strong choice for value. It’s also noted for serving authentic Teochew and Chaozhou food.
What are some common concerns guests have about SoHoMei?
Some diners have reported issues with inconsistent service, noting staff can be inattentive or the restaurant understaffed. There have also been occasional mentions of cleanliness concerns regarding tables and utensils.