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oChef » Sonamu – San Francisco
Sonamu - San Francisco
Photo from Sonamu
Sonamu at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 39 of the guests
#844 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#12 Korean Restaurant out of 36 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
261
Reviews
80.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious banchan
- Quiet atmosphere
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Echoing ambiance
- Questionable value
The restaurant Sonamu is a welcoming Korean Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Richmond District of San Francisco. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic Korean flavors.
Whether you’re seeking a satisfying lunch or a delightful dinner, this spot offers a genuine taste of Korea right in the heart of the city. It’s a great choice for a relaxed dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Sonamu
Sonamu generally offers a pleasant dining experience, with many appreciating its inviting atmosphere that allows for peaceful conversations. However, some guests have noted that the overall ambiance can feel a bit lacking or even dark at times, with occasional echoes.
The culinary offerings are a clear strength, with many praising the quality and variety of banchan. Yet, there are instances where the food quality can be inconsistent, and some diners have experienced unexpected omissions or issues with portion sizes.
Good
7.8
out of 10
261
Reviews
80.5%
Satisfaction
43
negative
8
neutral
210
positive
Sonamu achieves a solid overall score of 7.8, reflecting a generally positive reception from diners. Customer satisfaction stands at a healthy 80.5%, indicating that most guests leave content.
This positive sentiment is drawn from 261 customer remarks, with 210 positive observations outweighing 43 negative ones. Looking closer at the specifics, Food (8.1) is a standout, consistently praised for its quality.
Ambience (8.1) also scores well, often noted for its clean and quiet setting. Service (6.9) presents a more mixed picture, with some experiencing exceptional attention while others faced delays.
Value (5.6) is the lowest, suggesting some diners find the pricing a bit high for the experience.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh banchan
- Inviting, quiet atmosphere
- Attentive, kind service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service attention
- Echoing ambiance
- Questionable value
Sonamu presents a compelling option for those prioritizing well-prepared Korean dishes and a comfortable setting. While the culinary offerings are a clear draw, be mindful that service can be inconsistent, and the overall value might not impress everyone.
With a Recommendation Score of 8, it’s certainly worth considering, especially if you appreciate good food in a relaxed environment. Just manage expectations regarding service consistency and be prepared for a potentially higher bill.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sonamu
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.1 and a solid 84.2% customer satisfaction. Many diners rave about the delicious japchae , flavorful Galbi with its quality meat, and the fantastic variety of banchan , especially the homemade kimchi . With 144 positive remarks out of 171 total, it's clear that most guests leave happy and well-fed, often praising the generous portions and Korean comfort food options.
However, a few experiences, accounting for 20 negative opinions, point to some areas for improvement. Some found the seafood pancake a bit too batter-y or lacking flavor, and certain banchan were occasionally described as uninspired. There were also comments about spicy rice cakes being overly spicy and braised kimchi being too salty, alongside observations of galbi being tough to chew.
Food
171
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
20
negative
7
neutral
144
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Galbi
- Varied Banchan
- Flavorful Stews
What people don't like
- Batter-y Seafood Pancake
- Salty Braised Kimchi
- Skimpy Rice Servings
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was marked by quick and delicious food. However, I noted that when ordering Bulgogi, it did not come with a side of rice, which was a bit unexpected.
- banchanThe banchan was all fresh, delicious and different variety
- FoodThe japchae is fantastic, I live for the seafood pancake, and the galbi tang is perfect for a cold day. The food quality is exceptional, and I always have a great time here.
- side dishesMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great service and the decent side dishes. The comfort-styled Korean dishes were solid, particularly the Oxtail soup and Bibimbap.
- GalbiThe Galbi and Bulgogi were also very good
- kimchiThe regular kimchi and cucumber kimchi were really crunchy and delish
- seafood pancakeseafood pancake... all were excellent
- BulgogiThe Galbi and Bulgogi were also very good
- appetizersI loved the appetizers
- dishesI had a wonderful and enjoyable experience at this restaurant. The impeccable service and appetizing dishes truly stood out. Our server, Hauk, was exceptionally kind and attentive.
Frequently criticized
- banchanWhile we understood it was busy, we observed tables seated much later receiving their food and drinks, including some of the same items we ordered. When we asked for banchan to snack on, we were told they were out of kimchi, only to overhear the next table receive it immediately. It felt like our server either forgot our order or prioritized other tables.
- bibimbapthe bibimbap wasn’t a good value either
- braised kim chibe warned that if you have never had braised kim chi you may find this dish to be too salty for your taste
- complimentary banchangipping customers of complimentary banchan
- drinkstook another 20 minutes to get our drinks
- foodFood was bad
- galbiThe galbi looked better than it tasted. It was really hard to chew the meat
- kimchiWhile we understood it was busy, we observed tables seated much later receiving their food and drinks, including some of the same items we ordered. When we asked for banchan to snack on, we were told they were out of kimchi, only to overhear the next table receive it immediately. It felt like our server either forgot our order or prioritized other tables.
- kimchi fried riceThe kimchi fried rice wasn’t a good size for sharing
- leek pancakeMy least favorite was the leek pancake because it had too much batter
If you're craving authentic Korean flavors, especially their Galbi and diverse banchan , this spot is largely a winner. While a few dishes might occasionally miss the mark on texture or spice, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests a satisfying culinary experience awaits.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally leaves a good impression, scoring a respectable 6.9. With 69.6% customer satisfaction, its a mixed bag but leans positively. Many of the 39 positive remarks praise the friendly service, attentive staff, and warm hospitality, making guests feel truly welcome.
However, its not always smooth sailing. The 17 negative comments highlight areas for improvement, such as food taking a while, instances of zero attention, slow order taking, and feeling ignored, which can definitely put a damper on the dining experience.
Service
56
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
17
negative
0
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow food delivery
- Lack of attention
- Order taking delays
Often praised
- serviceI had a wonderful and enjoyable experience at this restaurant. The impeccable service and appetizing dishes truly stood out. Our server, Hauk, was exceptionally kind and attentive.
- ServiceThe Service
- staffHauk was the goat he is a w W MAN MAN HE IS VERY NICE W MAN and very kind WWWWW
- wait timeWait time:No wait
- exceptional serviceprovided exceptional service throughout our meal
- free shot glassesthey gave us free shot glasses
- friendly servicefriendly service.
- menuasked if I had any questions about the menu
- niceI ordered the short ribs, which had an exquisite smoky flavor. The service was excellent and the staff were very nice.
- ownerMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The owner was lovely<3. I absolutely loved the appetizers, and the short ribs were among the best I've ever had.
Frequently criticized
- serviceInconsiderate and unacceptable service
- serverThe server either forgot to put in our order or gave other tables preference
- attentionzero attention
- communicatedThey should have communicated better
- dirty disheshuge pile of dirty dishes piled up
- food took a whileThe banchan selection was solid, especially the fish cake and fried potatoes, which I particularly enjoy. Service was friendly, but the food took a while. Overall, it was a decent experience with a price point of $20–30 per person for dinner.
- ignoredOVER AN HOUR of being ignored
- informationAfter walking in and calling out, a lady eventually emerged from the kitchen to inform me that they open at 5 PM. This contradicted both the information on Google Maps and a sign displayed in their window.
- opening hoursthey open at 5pm
- order takentook over 20 minutes to get our order taken
Overall, if you value a friendly atmosphere and generally good service, this place is worth a visit. Just be mindful that on occasion, you might encounter some delays or feel a bit overlooked, so patience can be a virtue here.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.1 and an impressive 88.5% customer satisfaction, guests frequently praise the clean and inviting atmosphere. Many of the 23 positive remarks highlight a casual vibe and appreciate that its often not too busy, allowing for peaceful conversations and a chill, welcoming experience.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 3 negative comments mention a slight echo in the space, which can make conversations carry a bit. There were also a couple of observations about the place feeling empty and dark, with some feeling there was no ambience at all.
Ambience
26
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, inviting atmosphere
- Quiet noise level
- Casual, welcoming vibe
What people don't like
- Echoing conversations
- Empty, dark feel
- No ambience
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was also perfect
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- CleanClean and super friendly!
- casual vibehad a pretty casual vibe
- cleanThis place was clean
- inviting atmosphereinviting atmosphere that set the tone
- loudit wasn't loud so you could have conversations peacefully.
- noise levelNoise level:Very quiet
- not too busyit wasn’t too busy
- overall experienceoverall experience is just like coming home
Frequently criticized
- ambienceno ambience at all
- echoThe vibe is casual, the space is clean, and service is efficient with food coming out quickly. There is a bit of an echo, so conversations carry, but it’s not a dealbreaker. The banchan spread is generous with seven tasty sides, and they’ll happily refill them on request.
- placethe place was empty and dark
Overall, if youre looking for a clean, welcoming, and generally quiet place to enjoy a meal, youll likely be pleased. Just be aware that on quieter nights, the spaciousness might feel a little too open, leading to a slight echo.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, many folks found the prices quite decent, with some even calling it a solid value for the cuisine. Based on 4 positive remarks, guests appreciated the overall cost, noting the reasonable price per person and that prices were great! However, the value aspect is a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of just 50% and an average score of 5.6.
Some experiences, highlighted by 3 negative comments, mentioned a surprise service charge and felt the prices were a bit high, making them unacceptable in certain situations.
Value
8
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Solid value for food
- Decent prices
What people don't like
- Unexpected service charge
- Prices a bit high
Often praised
- pricesprices are decent
- price per personIt was about $50 a person (with tip).
- solid valueit’s also a solid value for Korean food in SF
Frequently criticized
- pricesWith the prices they charged, that's unacceptable
- service chargeserver tacked on 18% "service charge."
This spot offers a somewhat average value experience. If youre seeking a decent meal and dont mind potentially higher prices or an added service charge, it might be worth a try. However, if budget is your top priority, you might find it a bit of a mixed bag.
How are the prices at Sonamu?
You’re looking at roughly 31 per person – reported by 39 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Korean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 31, many guests tend to spend a bit less, often in the $21–$30 range, though some also opt for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 39 reviews.
How this Korean restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Korean restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a solid mid-range meal and those willing to splurge a little more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sonamu
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Delicious Korean Food on a Chilly Night
I visited on a Friday night and found the restaurant to be not too busy. The atmosphere was clean with a casual vibe. We ordered the seafood and scallion pancake and the Tofu Stew with beef.
The banchan options were good, offering a decent variety for a casual establishment, though not as extensive as more upscale Korean restaurants. The food was delicious and perfectly satisfied my craving for Korean cuisine, especially on such a windy and chilly day.
- not too busy8
- clean9
- casual vibe7
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Disappointing Opening Hours Confusion
I visited at 4: 15 PM on a Tuesday and found the place to be empty and dark. After walking in and calling out, a lady eventually emerged from the kitchen to inform me that they open at 5 PM. This contradicted both the information on Google Maps and a sign displayed in their window.
- opening hours2
- place2
- information2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Craving satisfied, will return!
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. The kalbi was spot on, and the stew perfectly satisfied a pregnancy craving. I will certainly visit again to try other items once the baby arrives.
The service was a perfect 5, and the food was a perfect 5. The atmosphere was rated a 4, and the wait time was no wait at all. The meal was lunch, and the noise level was very quiet.
- kalbi9
- stew9
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Excellent Korean Food - Highly Recommended!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I've ordered from here a few times, and it's honestly one of the best Korean spots in town. I even took my Korean in-laws here, and they approved the quality and care put into the food.
I highly recommend this place!
- Korean spots10
- quality and care10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food and Friendly Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I really enjoyed all the food here. The side dishes were also delicious and plentiful.
Everyone who works here is really nice and friendly! The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a 5. The food itself received a 5-star rating.
The price per person is between $20–30, and there was no wait time.
- food10
- side dishes9
- staff10
What Sonamu offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Sonamu Korean Restaurant accessible and what are the parking options?
Yes, Sonamu Korean Restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms. For parking, you’ll find both paid parking lots and paid street parking available for your convenience.
What dining options and services does Sonamu Korean Restaurant offer, and is it suitable for families?
Sonamu Korean Restaurant provides flexible dining with options for dine-in, takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup. You can enjoy lunch or dinner with table service, and catering is also available. It’s good for kids, offering high chairs for younger guests.
What is the overall dining experience like at Sonamu?
Sonamu generally offers a good dining experience, with an overall score of 7.8 and 80.5% customer satisfaction. The Food (8.1) and Ambience (8.1) are highly rated, though Service (6.9) can be inconsistent and Value (5.6) is considered average.
Are there any particular dishes or aspects of the food that stand out at Sonamu?
Customers frequently praise the fresh and varied banchan, fantastic japchae, and the quality of dishes like galbi tang, oxtail soup, and bibimbap. Many also enjoy the appetizers and seafood pancake.
What are some common concerns or areas for improvement at Sonamu?
Some diners have noted issues with service attention, including long wait times and forgotten orders. There are also mentions of an echoing or dark ambiance, and some find the pricing, including service charges, to be a concern.