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oChef » Sun Maxim’s – San Francisco
Sun Maxim's - San Francisco
Photo from Sun Maxim’s
Sun Maxim's at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 56 of the guests
#1107 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#77 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
380
Reviews
74.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Good food
- Great value
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Food inconsistency
The restaurant Sun Maxim’s is a beloved Chinese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Sunset District. When you’re craving authentic flavors, this casual spot offers a delightful dining experience.
You can enjoy a quick bite or a full meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. With convenient service options like takeout and delivery, it’s easy to savor their dishes wherever you are.
Overview: Introducting Sun Maxim's
Sun Maxim’s offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking good food at a reasonable cost. Many appreciate the fresh ingredients and the affordable pricing, making it a popular choice for a satisfying meal.
However, some visits can be hampered by inconsistent service, with occasional reports of rude interactions or delays in dish delivery. The atmosphere, while generally clean, sometimes lacks a certain vibrancy.
Good
7.5
out of 10
380
Reviews
74.5%
Satisfaction
70
negative
27
neutral
283
positive
Sun Maxim’s achieves a solid overall score of 7.5, with customer satisfaction standing at a good 74.5%. This indicates a generally positive reception, supported by 283 positive remarks compared to 70 negative ones, out of 380 total customer observations.
It suggests that most diners leave content with their experience. Looking closer, the Food leads with a score of (7.6), highlighting its consistent appeal.
Service also performs well at (7.3), though some individual experiences vary. Value is strong at (7.2), confirming its affordability, and the Ambience, while not a standout, still rates respectably at (7.1).
What people like
- Fresh, quality food
- Excellent value for money
- House-made rice rolls
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Slow dish delivery
- Occasional rude service
If you’re looking for a place where the food generally hits the mark and offers good value, Sun Maxim’s is worth considering. Expect a straightforward dining experience focused on the cuisine, with a 7.6 recommendation score reflecting its overall appeal.
Be prepared for potential variations in service speed or staff interactions, but the culinary offerings and reasonable cost often make up for these minor inconsistencies. It’s a practical choice for a casual, satisfying meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sun Maxim's
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% 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 rate of 75.2%. Many diners rave about the delicious clay pot rice, fresh rice noodles, and authentic Cantonese flavors. With 191 positive remarks out of 254 total comments, it seems like a lot of people are leaving happy and well-fed.
However, not every dish is a winner, as 41 negative comments point out some inconsistencies. Issues like microwaved food, a lack of flavor or seasoning in certain items, and occasionally greasy dim sum have been noted. It suggests that while many items shine, some might not meet expectations due to low quality ingredients or preparation.
Food
254
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
41
negative
22
neutral
191
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Cantonese food
- Delicious clay pot rice
- Fresh, handmade items
What people don't like
- Microwaved, cold food
- Lack of flavor
- Low quality ingredients
Often praised
- dim sumThis is a local favorite, not just for tourists. I've already walked here for two days in a row to enjoy the Congee (beef), egg rolls, and dim sum. The prices are affordable compared to San Francisco standards.
- foodThe food was worth the money of value
- clay pot riceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I tried the authentic and fragrant clay pot rice, which was excellent. The rice noodle was also a highlight – it was very light and delicious, unlike the gummy and brittle versions often found elsewhere.
- rice noodlesthe rice noodles and steamed rice rolls (chiang fun) are house made
- rice rollsYou can add any toppings you like, but I particularly loved the chicken, mushrooms, and spare rib combination. They mill their rice flour in-house, which results in the freshest, silkiest rice rolls, especially the shrimp and Chinese donut ones. I highly recommend ordering those too!
- freshThe staff was very friendly and helpful, eager to assist us. The food was very inexpensive, very fresh, and very tasty, making it worthwhile to visit when you're nearby. It's a very clean establishment, though you do need to walk back to the counter to order.
- rice rollRice roll is fantastic. Super thin layers of rice with incredible texture.
- shumaiThe shumai and other small dim sum... they’re pretty good as well.
- turnip cakeOther dishes included the meatloaf and fish clay pot (4*), chicken sticky rice (3. 5*), siu mai (3*), and turnip cake (4*). While the food won't necessarily "blow your mind" or be the highest quality, it delivers a satisfying, familiar taste.
- cheong funThe cheong fun (rolled noodles) were exceptional.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe bbq pork bao was still hard and dry from the center. All of our food was ruined. I will not return.
- SIU MAI & SHRIMP DUMPLINGThe SIU MAI & SHRIMP DUMPLING were 'meh'. These were barely warm and got cold and hard so fast. They didn't taste fresh either – I would not recommend them.
- dim sumThe employees were very friendly and welcoming, but most of the food I tried was just okay. I'm not sure if it was just an off day when I came in, but I would avoid the dim sum. The SHRIMP RICE NOODLE had a thin skin and nice texture, and was yummy!
- shrimp rice noodleshrimp rice noodle came with only enough shrimp
- Chinese cookieChinese cookie was too saturated with cooking oil
- Fired wontonthe Fired wonton the skin is too thick for me
- PotstickersPotstickers we’re still frozen inside
- Sui maiSui mai was microwaved
- bbq pork baoThe bbq pork bao is still hard and dry
- char siew bunschar siew buns were cold inside
If you're craving authentic Cantonese food, especially clay pot rice and fresh rice noodles, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dim sum items might be hit-or-miss, so choose wisely to ensure a satisfying meal.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at 71.4%, it's clear most diners have a good experience. Out of 77 comments, 55 praised the friendly staff, attentive servers, and fast service, often highlighting amazing servers like Helen.
However, not every visit is perfect. About 20 comments mentioned some bumps, including frustrating wait times for food and to-go orders. A few customers also encountered rude staff, poor communication, or felt the employees were untrained, which can definitely sour a meal.
Service
77
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
20
negative
2
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast service
- Amazing servers
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
- Poor communication
Often praised
- serviceservice and one of the best dim sum
- staffFriendly staff
- Free WiFiI noticed a variety of dishes available, including Chinese tamales, baked Pork Chop rice, Claypot rice, curry fish balls, and Potstickers, among much more. The restaurant also offers Free WiFi and accepts major credit cards.
- Ms. HelenShe really makes this little gem shine a DIAMOND ***** Palace!
- ServiceService:5
- Street parkingStreet parking was very accessible as well, with smart meters that just made everything easy
- TiffanyTiffany still remind calm and service with a smile
- amazing serverHelen was the most amazing server for our table
- attentivevery friendly and attentive
- auntieAuntie was so nice
Frequently criticized
- waitressI ordered a dish that was nothing like what was described on the menu. When I tried to address the issue with the waitress, she was not only unhelpful but also rude and did not speak English well, making communication nearly impossible. To make matters worse, the elderly lady next to me had a similar experience and was also poorly treated.
- change as tipSusan took our change as “tip”
- communicationI ordered a dish that was nothing like what was described on the menu. When I tried to address the issue with the waitress, she was not only unhelpful but also rude and did not speak English well, making communication nearly impossible. To make matters worse, the elderly lady next to me had a similar experience and was also poorly treated.
- customer careTo make matters worse, the elderly lady next to me had a similar experience and was also poorly treated. This lack of professionalism and customer care is unacceptable. I won’t be returning, and I suggest you think twice before dining here.
- customersThere was only one person serving the customers.
- dish deliveryI went in with some family for a small lunch. We waited a while for our food, only for each dish to be brought out five minutes after each other. After we finished eating, we waited another 10 minutes for our to-go food and to pay for our meal.
- foodThe food took along time.
- inspectorsThey are giving poor Tiffany a really hard time
- kitchenThe kitchen seemed to be a disaster
- pay firstThe lady wait for us to pay first
Expect generally good service here, with many praising the friendly and attentive staff. While some report frustrating wait times or communication issues, the overall sentiment is positive, making it a worthwhile stop if good service is key for you.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.1 score which is quite good! While customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.2%, many folks appreciate the comfort feeling and describe it as a cozy spot with a clean environment. With 18 positive remarks out of 26 total, it’s clear that the honest, down-to-earth, and family-style atmosphere resonates well with many diners, even offering accessible seating for wheelchairs.
However, not everyone is entirely charmed. Some found the restaurant to be a very small place, and a few wished for background music to liven up the energy. With 5 negative comments, theres also a concerning mention of a filthy atmosphere, ' which definitely stands out as an area for improvement, despite the overall positive sentiment about cleanliness.
Ambience
26
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Comfortable, clean feel
- Cozy, family spot
- Accessible seating
What people don't like
- Very small space
- Lacks background music
- Filthy atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere was good and quite
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- breakfast placesfew breakfast places open mornings
- cleanThe food was very inexpensive, very fresh, and very tasty, making it worthwhile to visit when you're nearby. It's a very clean establishment, though you do need to walk back to the counter to order. They have a microwave, and were happy to reheat items that were warm but not hot.
- clean environmentRestaurant has a clean environment
- comfort feelingWould come back again for comfort feeling
- cozy spotHighly recommended cozy spot
- family-stylehonest, down-to-earth and family-style
- hole in the wallHole in the wall kind of atmosphere
- inside dininginclude inside dining
Frequently criticized
- background musicThere was plenty of seating, and we had no trouble finding street parking, which made the experience even more convenient. My only suggestion would be to add some background music to liven up the energy in the restaurant. Overall, a good dining experience.
- filthy atmospherefilthy atmosphere
- mannersI wonder if their parents taught them any outside manners
- placeVERY SMALL PLACE
- restaurantThe restaurant is a bit small though
If youre looking for a comfortable, clean, and family-style spot for a quick bite, this place could be a good fit, especially if you dont mind a smaller space. However, if background music is a must-have for your dining experience or if you're sensitive to space, you might want to consider other options.
Value (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
Good news for your wallet! With a solid score of 7.2 and customer satisfaction at 82.6%, the value here is generally good. Many diners, making up 19 positive remarks, raved about the affordable and inexpensive options, often calling it a great price and best bang for buck.
Youll find plenty of "value" for your money. Yet, a few customers, 4 to be exact, had a different take, describing some items as "expensive" or even a "rip-off. " These opinions, though in the minority, suggest that not every dish or situation hits the mark for everyones budget, with some feeling the food was over price.
Value
23
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair pricing
- Great value
- Inexpensive food
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Unexpected costs
Often praised
- priceWhile the dim sum skin could be thinner, the filling is ample and good. It's definitely great for the price, and the reviewer would return for more claypots and dim sum, along with other Cantonese classics.
- pricesthe prices were reasonable too
- inexpensiveThe staff was very friendly and helpful, eager to assist us. The food was very inexpensive, very fresh, and very tasty, making it worthwhile to visit when you're nearby. It's a very clean establishment, though you do need to walk back to the counter to order.
- pricingThe pricing is fair amongst the comps
- affordableOverall very affordable
- best bang for buckBest bang for buck takeaway dim sum
- decent pricedMy experience at this restaurant was positive. It's a decent priced Chinese restaurant offering both Dim Sum and fast Hong Kong style food. I noticed a variety of dishes available, including Chinese tamales, baked Pork Chop rice, Claypot rice, curry fish balls, and Potstickers, among much more.
- foodThe food is hella cheap
- great priceGreat food for great price
- valuefood is worth the money of value
Frequently criticized
- foodFOOD WAS HELLLLLLA EXPENSIVE
- dinnerPAY $70 FOR DINNER, WHICH I BELIEVE WAS A RIPOFF
- extra tipwith the money she kept it would’ve been an extra $10
If you're looking for a spot where your money goes a long way, this place is generally a good bet, offering plenty of bang for your buck. Just be mindful that a few items might feel a bit overpriced to some, so choose wisely to ensure a great value experience.
How are the prices at Sun Maxim's?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 56 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.
Most guests find their sweet spot in the 11 – 30 $ range, showing a nice cluster around the average. While there are a few premium options, the majority enjoy a great value meal.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 56 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant. It offers a good balance, catering to both everyday diners and those looking for something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sun Maxim's
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Ridiculous Service and Change Incident
I went in with some family for a small lunch. We waited a while for our food, only for each dish to be brought out five minutes after each other. After we finished eating, we waited another 10 minutes for our to-go food and to pay for our meal.
When we paid cash, the server, Susan, took our change as a tip. When we asked for our change back, she insisted it was a tip and pointed to the receipt. While we did order a good amount of food and had calculated a tip, the money she kept would have been an extra $10.
We did eventually get our money back, but the whole situation was ridiculous.
- receipt5
- waiting time for food2
- dish delivery3
- waiting time for to-go2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Yummy food, great service, quiet atmosphere
This was my first time visiting this spot, and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. The service was excellent, and the food taste was so yummy. The lady was very nice to us and even allowed us to bring our dog in a stroller.
Since it was just us and some takeout orders, the atmosphere was good and quiet.
- service10
- food taste10
- lady10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
5
Average Dim Sum Experience
My experience at this dim sum place was pretty average; nothing truly stood out. We arrived around 11: 30 AM, and even though we were one of the few groups there, the items we ordered took a while to arrive. The soup dumplings were good, but I'm not sure I would return.
- soup dumplings7
- waiting time3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
1
Cold Congee and Food Poisoning
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. The fish congee arrived cold, and the fish itself did not taste fresh. Following this meal, my boyfriend suffered from diarrhea for two days.
I cannot recommend this establishment to anyone who doesn't prioritize food quality. Serving cold congee is unacceptable, especially when it's meant to be hot and freshly made.
- fish congee1
- fish2
- food quality1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Authentic Cantonese Gem with Great Value
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the spare rib claypot rice, beef rice noodle roll, and coconut chicken soup. After tip, the total was less than $50, which is a great price.
Everything was tasty, fresh, and retained the original flavor of the ingredients with minimal condiments. It's rare to find this kind of classical style authentic Cantonese restaurant these days, especially for those of us living in the South Bay. The owner is sweet and friendly, and the food came out fast.
The clay pot rice took about 20 minutes as it's made to order, which is a reasonable speed. I definitely recommend everyone check this place out and I will come back for sure.
- spare rib claypot rice9
- beef rice noodle roll9
- coconut chicken soup9
What Sun Maxim's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is parking available at Sun Maxim's in the Sunset District?
Finding parking near Sun Maxim’s can sometimes be a bit challenging, but you’ll typically find options for both free street parking and paid street parking in the vicinity. Plan a little extra time to secure a spot.
What dining options and services does Sun Maxim's offer?
Sun Maxim’s provides a range of dining options including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. You can enjoy onsite services, takeout, or delivery. They also accept reservations and have a wheelchair accessible entrance for your convenience.
How does Sun Maxim's rate overall?
Sun Maxim’s holds a good overall score of 7.5, with customer satisfaction at 74.5%. Its Food scores 7.6, Service 7.3, Value 7.2, and Ambience 7.1, indicating a generally positive dining experience.
What are the standout food items at Sun Maxim's?
Customers frequently praise the fresh ingredients, particularly the house-made rice noodles and rice rolls, as well as the authentic clay pot rice. Many also enjoy the dim sum offerings.
What should I know about the service and value at Sun Maxim's?
While many find the staff friendly and attentive, there are occasional reports of slow dish delivery or communication issues. However, the restaurant is widely considered to offer great value, with affordable and inexpensive pricing.