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oChef » Stone – San Francisco
Stone - San Francisco
Photo from Stone
Stone at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 19 of the guests
#1648 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#24 Korean Restaurant out of 36 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
83
Reviews
74.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Korean cuisine
- Fair pricing
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Cold ambiance
The restaurant Stone is a welcoming Korean Restaurant located in the bustling Financial District of San Francisco. You can discover a taste of authentic Korean cuisine right in the heart of the city.
This spot offers a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy a quick bite or a full meal. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking delicious Korean dishes in a convenient urban setting.
Overview: Introducting Stone
Stone offers a culinary experience centered around its well-regarded main dishes, with many appreciating the authentic flavors. Diners often find the overall prices to be reasonable for the quality received, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
However, the dining experience can be inconsistent, particularly concerning the service and the general atmosphere. Some guests have noted issues with staff communication and the restaurant’s patio not being utilized, which can detract from an otherwise pleasant visit.
Good
7
out of 10
83
Reviews
74.7%
Satisfaction
20
negative
1
neutral
62
positive
Stone holds a respectable overall score of 7, indicating a generally good dining experience, which aligns with a solid customer satisfaction rate of 74.7%. This positive sentiment is drawn from 83 customer opinions, with 62 leaning positive and 20 expressing concerns.
The standout aspect is undoubtedly the Food (7.9), which consistently receives high marks for its quality and authenticity. While the culinary offerings are a strong point, other areas present a more mixed picture.
Value (6.8) is generally seen as good, though some find it less consistent. The Service (5) and Ambience (5) both hover around average, suggesting there’s room for improvement in these areas.
Issues like staff communication and the overall feel of the dining space are frequently mentioned.
What people like
- Authentic Korean cuisine
- Flavorful main dishes
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Uninviting atmosphere
- Specific food quality issues
With a recommendation score of 7.7, Stone appears to be a worthwhile consideration, particularly if you prioritize well-prepared Korean dishes. While the food is a clear draw, be mindful that other aspects of your visit might not always meet the same high standard.
If you’re seeking authentic flavors and are prepared for potentially average service or a less vibrant atmosphere, Stone could be a good fit. It’s a place that delivers on its culinary promise, making it a solid choice for a focused meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Stone
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.9 and an impressive customer satisfaction rate of 88.9%, many diners rave about the delicious offerings. Out of 54 opinions, 48 were glowing, praising items like the stone sticky wings, kimchee fried rice, and pork trotters, often highlighting the large portions and authentic Korean flavors that taste like home cooking.
However, not every dish is a winner, as 6 opinions pointed out some areas for improvement. Concerns were raised about the Kalbi meat being fatty and inedible, while some found the pot stickers to be stale or the bugolgi and duk bok ki a bit tough or undercooked. It seems some dishes might be a hit or miss, with a few feeling premade and overpriced.
Food
54
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Korean dishes
- Delicious stone sticky wings
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Fatty Kalbi meat
- Premade food concerns
- Tough meat dishes
Often praised
- foodthe food was actually even better now
- Korean foodAs an exchange student, I had a proper Korean meal after a long time. If I come back to San Francisco, I want to visit again!
- spicy porkKimchi fried rice with additional spicy pork
- BibimbapBibimbap were tasty
- Bulgogi Ddukbekistarted with Bulgogi Ddukbeki , also served in a large stoneware below
- Bulgogi kimbapBulgogi kimbap was fantastic
- Hawaiian itemsserve some semi local Hawaii things
- Kimchi fried ricehad the Kimchi fried rice with additional spicy pork
- Korean Bulgogitheir speciality dish, Korean Bulgogi in a stone bowl
- Korean placesone of the best Korean places
Frequently criticized
- Kalbi meatThe Kalbi meat was very fatty, inedible
- bugolgibugolgi were a little tough
- duk bok kiduk bok ki was a little too undercooked
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was premade and grossly overpriced. The Kalbi meat was very fatty and inedible.
- kalbikalbi were a little tough
- pot stickersThe pot stickers were like made a week ago
If you're craving authentic Korean flavors and generous portions, especially for dishes like stone sticky wings or kimchi fried rice, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some meat dishes, like the Kalbi, might not always hit the mark for everyone.
Service (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to service, some diners have had a genuinely pleasant experience, praising the prompt service and the warm, personal touch of a mom and pop establishment. Many really enjoyed the service, finding it great and good overall. With 7 positive remarks out of 15 total, theres certainly a bright side to the interactions here.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, as the service has also been a mixed bag, reflected in an average score of 5 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 46.7%. Some found the staff rude and unaccommodating, even citing issues with staff English and what they called bad business practice when asking to sit outside. With 8 negative remarks, there's clearly room for improvement.
Service
15
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Prompt service
- Mom and pop feel
- Great service
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Unaccommodating service
- Poor communication
Often praised
- servicereally enjoyed the service
- mom and poprun by a mom and pop
- prompt servicethe prompt service
- regularsThere were plenty of little bites plus the meal. It's worth a try, and I noticed several regulars come in while I was there.
Frequently criticized
- serviceHowever, the service was disappointing. They never open the connected patio, even on nice days, and were rude when I asked to sit outside. I suggest they just close the patio if it's not going to be utilized.
- staffboth people who worked there could not articulate
- business practiceIt’s really bad business practice
- closedthey were closed
- hourstheir hours seemed to be wrong
- staff EnglishStaffs are not good at English
If you're looking for a quick bite and appreciate a mom and pop feel, you might find the service perfectly fine. However, be prepared for potential communication issues or a lack of flexibility, as some experiences suggest the staff can be unaccommodating.
Ambience (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5 putting it squarely in the average range, and customer satisfaction at a rather poor 33.3%. Based on 9 customer opinions, with 3 positive and 5 negative, it seems there are some definite highs and lows. Guests really enjoyed the overall experience, especially appreciating the restaurant and outdoor patio for feeling safe and the fantastic view of the Embarcadero Plaza fountain and Ferry Building.
However, the ambience has some noticeable drawbacks. Many found the restaurant location difficult to find, and the patio was often never open even on nice days. The general atmosphere felt cold, and the lighting could definitely use an upgrade, with one guest even being refused to accommodate a clean table, which certainly doesn't help the overall feel.
Ambience
9
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great Embarcadero view
- Safe, empty space
What people don't like
- Cold, uninviting atmosphere
- Hard to find location
- Patio often closed
Often praised
- experiencereally enjoyed the experience
- restaurant and outdoor patioboth the restaurant and the outdoor patio were almost empty at our 5:30 pm time which allowed us to feel very safe
- viewAnd the view: from the patio where we ate, but also possible from inside, there's a view of the Embarcadero Plaza fountain, the clock and tower of the Ferry Building and the park with trees and lawns to the side of the fountain
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereRestaurant just felt cold
- clean tablerefused to accommodate a clean table
- lightingI also felt like the duk bok ki was a bit too undercooked. The restaurant itself felt cold and could use some better lighting.
- pationever open the connected patio even on nice days
- restaurant locationvery difficult for us to find the restaurant because it’s in the corner behind the building
If youre looking for a great view and a potentially quiet, safe dining experience, this place might be worth a visit. However, be prepared for a potentially cold atmosphere, tricky location, and dont count on the patio being open. It's a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
The value here generally lands on the positive side, with a score of 6.8 and a good 80% customer satisfaction. Many diners, across 4 positive comments, appreciated the great price and found the prices very fair, often noting them as moderate price or not too bad. However, the value isnt universally praised.
One customer, out of 5 total opinions, found the food grossly overpriced, highlighting a concern about the cost. This single negative mention suggests that while most are happy, some might find the price' a bit steep.
Value
5
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great price
- Prices very fair
- Moderate price
What people don't like
- Grossly overpriced
Often praised
- pricesMy experience was very positive; I ordered the spicy pork bibimbap, which was delicious, and the ban chan were decent. The service was good, and the prices were not too bad. It's challenging to find solid Korean food in this area, and I believe this mom and pop establishment is underrated and not well-marketed.
- moderate pricethe moderate price
- pricegreat price
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was premade and grossly overpriced. The Kalbi meat was very fatty and inedible.
Overall, the value seems pretty decent for most, with a good satisfaction rate. While a few might find it a bit pricey, the majority feel the cost is fair for what you get. If youre looking for a place where the prices generally wont break the bank, it's worth checking out.
How are the prices at Stone?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 19 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Korean Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 23 per person, its worth noting that many diners actually spend in the $11–$20 range. The $21–$30 bracket is also quite popular, showing a good mix of mid-range options. Theres even a premium choice for those looking to splurge!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 19 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Korean Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for a mid-range experience, with options for different budgets. Wed say its a solid choice if you’re looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Stone
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Better Than Expected Korean Food
I didn’t expect much from Stone Korean Kitchen, but it turned out to be better than I expected! I really enjoyed the chicken ginseng soup.
- chicken ginseng soup8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Decent Food, Poor Patio Service
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The food was decent, earning a food score of 4. However, the service was disappointing.
They never open the connected patio, even on nice days, and were rude when I asked to sit outside. I suggest they just close the patio if it's not going to be utilized. The atmosphere score was 2.
- food7
- service2
- patio2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Authentic Korean Food Experience!
As an exchange student, I had a proper Korean meal after a long time. If I come back to San Francisco, I want to visit again!
- Korean food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great Service and Experience!
I picked this place on a whim and really enjoyed the service and experience. There were plenty of little bites plus the meal. It's worth a try, and I noticed several regulars come in while I was there.
- service10
- experience10
- little bites8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Excellent Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was excellent! The food was fantastic, especially the Kimchi fried rice with spicy pork. A helpful tip: stir the rice for a few minutes when it arrives in the stone bowl to prevent it from burning.
I also really enjoyed their banchan. The service was impressively fast, even during the lunch rush, and the staff were attentive. The prices were very fair, and the gyoza was quite good.
I'm curious to try their dubu next time. Overall, I'll definitely be back and will bring my coworkers. This place is so good!
- food10
- Kimchi fried rice9
- spicy pork9
What Stone offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Stone Korean Kitchen accessible for all guests?
Yes, you will find that Stone Korean Kitchen is fully wheelchair accessible. This includes a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for everyone.
What dining and service options are available at Stone Korean Kitchen?
Stone Korean Kitchen offers a variety of convenient service options, including no-contact delivery, takeout, and traditional dine-in service. You can also enjoy outdoor seating. For dining, they provide lunch, dinner, and catering services with table seating available.
How does Stone rate overall, and what are its key strengths and weaknesses?
Stone has an overall score of 7, indicating a good experience. Its main strength lies in its Food (7.9), while Value (6.8) is also good. However, Service (5) and Ambience (5) are considered average and could see improvement.
What kind of food can I expect at Stone, and is it well-regarded?
Stone specializes in Korean cuisine, with many positive remarks about its authentic flavors and dishes like Bibimbap and Bulgogi kimbap. It’s often praised for offering a proper Korean meal experience.
Are there any common issues visitors experience at Stone?
Some visitors have noted inconsistencies with the service, including staff communication and issues with patio availability. The atmosphere can also feel cold, and the restaurant’s location can be a bit challenging to find.