Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » The Lucky Creation – San Francisco
The Lucky Creation - San Francisco
Photo from The Lucky Creation
The Lucky Creation at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥦 Vegetarian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 53 of the guests
#1479 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Vegetarian Restaurant out of 1 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
385
Reviews
69.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Vegan food quality
- Friendly service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Cash only
- Unreliable hours
- Dated ambiance
The restaurant The Lucky Creation is a delightful Vegetarian Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This gem is particularly celebrated for its great tea selection, offering a unique experience alongside its healthy and delicious vegan and vegetarian options. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, you’re in for a treat.
Overview: Introducting The Lucky Creation
The Lucky Creation offers a notable culinary experience, with many praising its diverse menu and excellent dumplings. Diners often appreciate the friendly staff and the overall positive vibe.
However, some experiences point to inconsistent service and occasional issues with food flavor. The ambiance can be a bit no-frills, and payment options are limited to CASH payments.
Good
7.2
out of 10
385
Reviews
69.4%
Satisfaction
78
negative
40
neutral
267
positive
The Lucky Creation holds a respectable overall score of 7.2, indicating a generally good dining experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at 69.4%, suggesting a somewhat mixed reception among diners.
This slight contrast highlights areas where experiences can vary, despite the solid overall rating. These insights are drawn from 385 customer remarks, with 267 positive observations and 78 negative ones.
Diving deeper, Food scores well at (7.7), clearly being a strong point for many. Service also performs commendably at (7.1), contributing positively to the experience.
However, the Value (6.6) and especially the Ambience (5.9) receive more moderate assessments, indicating these aspects might not consistently meet expectations.
What people like
- Excellent vegan food
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Good value
What people don't like
- Cash-only payments
- Unreliable opening hours
- Dated ambiance
With a recommendation score of 7.7, The Lucky Creation is generally a place worth considering, especially if you prioritize flavorful vegan Chinese cuisine and appreciate a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. It offers good value for its offerings, making it an appealing choice for many.
However, be prepared for a no-frills setting and remember to bring cash, as payment options are limited. If you can overlook these minor inconveniences and its sometimes unpredictable hours, you’ll likely find a satisfying meal here.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Lucky Creation
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% 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 at a healthy 77.7%, many diners rave about the delicious specialties, authentic Chinese food, and generous portions. Out of 233 comments, a whopping 181 were positive, highlighting everything from vegan sushi rolls to mock meats.
However, its not all perfect, as 36 comments pointed out some areas for improvement. Some found the food to lack flavor or be bland, while others noted certain dishes were too greasy. There were also specific concerns about the texture and taste of some imitation pork options, suggesting a bit of inconsistency.
Food
233
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
36
negative
16
neutral
181
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic vegan Chinese
- Delicious mock meats
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Food lacks flavor
- Some dishes greasy
- Mock meat issues
Often praised
- foodThis is our favorite Chinese vegetarian restaurant in SF. They also have already made food you can buy to take home.
- menuI had probably the best all-vegan Chinese food I've ever encountered. Everything on the menu is vegan, which is a huge plus. The two ladies who waited the tables were very friendly.
- dumplingsWhile it's not the best place for a sit-down meal due to its no-frills ambiance, or for Chinese-American vegan food (I'd recommend Oakland's Nature Vegetarian for that), my rating is for their dim sum, which is excellent! What more can you ask for than an abundant box of dumplings, char siu bao (my childhood favorite!), yuba rolls, and fake meat for under $10? !
- Chinese foodabsolute best Chinese food I have ever had
- vegan Chinese foodbest vegan Chinese food I’ve had in my life
- vegetarian Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their very good vegetarian Chinese food. They primarily operate as a take-out establishment, though a few tables are available for dine-in.
- appetizersHands down the best Chinese food in San Francisco. From soups to appetizers to the layered tofu to the crispy chow mien, it's all so very good. I just wish it was easier to get to and was open more often.
- chasu baosEverything was simply divine. The chasu baos
- dim summy rating is for the dim sum is it is excellent!
- great foodMy experience at the restaurant was positive. I enjoyed the great food and the nice people. For $22, I had soup, a main course, a small bowl of rice, and tea.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe gluten puff with green beans and mushrooms was also underwhelming. While we might have ordered the wrong things, I agree that many of the flavors were off, and the food was bland at best. The restaurant was crowded, and the service was unfortunately lacking.
- vegan sweet and sour pork dishthe “pork” dish was inedible
- Chinese broccolithe Chinese broccoli and rice dishes were horrible
- chow meinchow mein - also bland
- cream corn noodle soupbroth didn't have much flavor and there was way too much corn
- dishesThe dishes we got were #18 and the panfried noodles the waitress recommended. Both tasted off. Like so oily.
- flavorsa lot of the flavors were off
- food qualityfood is as basic as the one you get in prisons
- glutenGluten could use some stuffing in the middle as it felt like it could use some substance on the bite.
- gluten intolerantI'm gluten intolerant now and this would definitely hurt my tummy
If you're seeking authentic, generous, and often delicious vegetarian and vegan Chinese food, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many dishes shine, some might find certain items, particularly mock meats, to be a bit inconsistent in flavor or texture.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
The service here often earns high marks, with a good score of 7.1 and a respectable 68.3% customer satisfaction. Many of the 43 positive comments rave about the friendly staff, attentive servers, and quick service, often highlighting the nice people who make the experience enjoyable. However, it's not without its quirks.
Among the 63 total comments, 14 point to some issues. Some found the service autocratic or not helpful, but the most frequent complaints concern limited hours and unreliable opening hours, which can be frustrating for potential visitors.
Service
63
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
14
negative
6
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Limited hours
- Unreliable opening hours
- Autocratic service
Often praised
- serviceThe flavor was good, however. The restaurant itself has a definite hole-in-the-wall vibe, but the service was fast and the staff was quick to assist. I would definitely stop by again to explore more dishes, especially as a vegetarian.
- staffI’ve been eating at Lucky Creation since 1995! My experience has consistently been one of delicious food, friendly staff, and great prices. They offer an extensive menu with anything you can think of available.
- peopleI love the people and the concept.
- SeatingSeating took about ten minutes
- employeesVery nice employees
- family run businessIt’s a family run business
- hostessThe hostess was incredibly nice and welcoming
- ladies that waitthe two ladies that wait the tables are very friendly
- nice peopleMy experience at the restaurant was positive. I enjoyed the great food and the nice people. For $22, I had soup, a main course, a small bowl of rice, and tea.
- ownerMy husband and I are vegetarians, and we absolutely loved this place! The owner was very kind and made recommendations. The portion sizes were huge, so we had enough for a second meal.
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was fast but not friendly or welcoming
- closedWent to go twice and it was closed
- closed on Wednesdaysthey are closed on Wednesdays
- dish suggestionsuggested a more expensive dish without telling me
- hoursit's not open for long, and the hours on Google maps are wrong
- limited hoursmy biggest complaint is just the limited hours
- open more oftenwas open more often
- opening hoursUnreliable opening hours
- staffthey were not helpful
Expect a generally friendly and quick service experience from a dedicated team when you visit. Just be mindful of their potentially limited and unreliable opening hours to avoid disappointment.
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a mixed bag, with a 5.9 score putting it in the average range, and customer satisfaction at 44.3%, which is quite mixed. Many patrons appreciate the authentic, cozy, and homey atmosphere, often describing it as a charming mom and pop shop or a hole in the wall find. With 27 positive remarks out of 61 total comments, theres a definite fondness for its simple, no-frills vibe.
However, the ambience isnt without its drawbacks, as noted in 20 negative comments. Some found the place and atmosphere to be old or rundown, with concerns about cleanliness and a noticeable smell of oil. Issues like limited room between tables, lack of wheelchair accessibility, and a generally not-so-fancy interior design were also mentioned, suggesting it's not a place to linger for everyone.
Ambience
61
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
20
negative
14
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, homey atmosphere
- Authentic 'mom and pop' vibe
- Charming hole-in-the-wall
What people don't like
- Repugnant oil smell
- Questionable cleanliness
- Not wheelchair accessible
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was great! It's a small restaurant, but it felt cozy & fun. We enjoyed all the food.
- Chinatown treasureA true Chinatown treasure
- ambiancereally nice, with great ambiance
- authenticSo authentic I felt like I was in China
- authentic Chinese restauranttiny authentic Chinese restaurant
- charming placeSuch a charming place.
- comfortableI ordered the house pan-fried noodles, and it was delightful: a toasty flavor to thin noodles, and tasty veg in a savory sauce that was warm and comforting. The decor and ambiance feels very typical Chinatown, so don’t expect anything fancy, but it’s very cozy, homey and comfortable.
- conceptI love the people and the concept.
- cozyI ordered the house pan-fried noodles, and it was delightful: a toasty flavor to thin noodles, and tasty veg in a savory sauce that was warm and comforting. The decor and ambiance feels very typical Chinatown, so don’t expect anything fancy, but it’s very cozy, homey and comfortable.
- cozy and lived inVery cozy and lived in.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere felt old and rundown
- placeLike so oily. The place is dingy. I honestly just don’t understand how this place has 4 stars.
- ambianceI have enjoyed visiting Lucky Creation for over 20 years whenever I'm in Chinatown. While it's not the best place for a sit-down meal due to its no-frills ambiance, or for Chinese-American vegan food (I'd recommend Oakland's Nature Vegetarian for that), my rating is for their dim sum, which is excellent! What more can you ask for than an abundant box of dumplings, char siu bao (my childhood favorite!), yuba rolls, and fake meat for under $10?
- ambiencethe ambience is not inviting
- bathroomthe bathroom smaller than a plate
- cleanlinessthe cleanliness was questionable
- draftOn a cold day the draft will hit your face
- easier to get towish it was easier to get to
- emotional warmthI wish there was emotional warmth to this place but it is all attitude
- fancy atmospherenot fancy atmosphere
If youre seeking an authentic, cozy, and unpretentious hole in the wall' experience, this place might charm you. However, if cleanliness, modern comforts, or accessibility are high on your list, you might find the ambience a bit challenging.
Value (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot gets an average score of 6.6, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 57.1%. Many diners appreciate the affordability here, with 16 positive remarks out of 28 total. Youll often hear praise for the reasonable and good price options, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious eaters.
However, not everyone is thrilled with the value. There are 8 negative comments, with some feeling its a waste of money or that prices are high. A significant point of contention is the CASH payments policy, which can be a dealbreaker for those who prefer card options.
Value
28
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
8
negative
4
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good value
What people don't like
- Cash only payments
- Prices are high
Often praised
- pricesI’ve been eating at Lucky Creation since 1995! My experience has consistently been one of delicious food, friendly staff, and great prices. They offer an extensive menu with anything you can think of available.
- priceVery reasonably priced
- $22for $22
- affordabilityvery affordable vegetarian Chinese food
- cost $77 inc. tipand cost $77 inc. tip. Highly, highly recommended.
- good pricefor a good price
- reasonableI always stop here whenever I am in San Francisco. It's not fancy, but the food is always tasty and reasonable.
Frequently criticized
- pricesPrices are high which would be fine if the food was better
- CASH paymentsthey accept ONLY CASH payments
- Metered parkingTo reach the restrooms, you pass through the hot kitchen where four cooks were stir-frying. Metered parking is difficult to find, so taking an Uber/Lyft, taxi, or walking if you're fit is a good idea. We'll be back.
- billthey did not offer to take it off of the bill
- cashdon't forget your cash because they don't take credit
- priceIt's not cheap either, considering this place is a hole in the wall.
- waste of moneyIt was a waste of money
If youre looking for an affordable meal and dont mind paying with cash, this place could be a good fit. However, be prepared for potentially higher prices on some items and the cash-only policy, which might disappoint some.
How are the prices at The Lucky Creation?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 53 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Vegetarian Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves spending in the 11 – 30 $ sweet spot, showing prices are pretty consistent around that average, with just a few venturing higher.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 53 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Vegetarian Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for the quality and experience youre likely to get. Its a good spot if youre looking for a solid meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Lucky Creation
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Amazing food, hole-in-the-wall vibe
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially the food, which was out of this world. The staff was nice, and I really enjoyed the hole-in-the-wall vibe. I'm taking one star off for service only because I found the prices to be expensive, but overall, the quality of the food and the atmosphere made it a great visit.
- food10
- staff8
- hole-in-the-wall vibe8
- prices4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Favorite Chinese Vegetarian Spot
This is our favorite Chinese vegetarian restaurant in SF. They also have already made food you can buy to take home. I only gave four-star for service and atmosphere, because it is very Hong Kong authentic, if you know what I mean.
:)
- food10
- already made food8
- service7
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Excellent Dim Sum To Go!
I have enjoyed visiting Lucky Creation for over 20 years whenever I'm in Chinatown. While it's not the best place for a sit-down meal due to its no-frills ambiance, or for Chinese-American vegan food (I'd recommend Oakland's Nature Vegetarian for that), my rating is for their dim sum, which is excellent! What more can you ask for than an abundant box of dumplings, char siu bao (my childhood favorite!), yuba rolls, and fake meat for under $10?
! I highly recommend taking it to go and enjoying it while wandering up Grant to Columbus. Thank you Lucky Creation for your service!
- dim sum10
- dumplings9
- char siu bao9
- ambiance4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
A True Gem for Food Lovers!
This might be my favorite restaurant in the world. Everything is delicious, especially the eggplant, pepper, and bean curd stuffed with taro! Their gluten meat is fabulous.
It's the kind of little hole in the wall, mom and pop place that I dream about. The atmosphere is very cozy and lived in. They just want to make you delicious food.
The omnivores I've taken here love it, too! So good!
- eggplant, pepper, and bean curd stuffed with taro10
- gluten meat10
- cozy and lived in9
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Amazing Place, Great Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was very nice and buttyfull. The online live today photo and photography were good. The location is the best place, very nice and buttyfull, a public demand place.
The food was nice and very nice, and the work and working business work service was the best, very nice and buttyfull. The atmosphere was great, and the people were the best demand and very nice and buttyfull. The online live today experience was also good.
- photography8
- location9
- food9
What The Lucky Creation offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is The Lucky Creation Vegetarian Restaurant accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, The Lucky Creation Vegetarian Restaurant offers wheelchair accessible seating for your comfort. Regarding parking, you should be aware that finding a space can usually be difficult, though paid street parking is available nearby in San Francisco’s Chinatown.
What kind of dining experience and food options can you expect at The Lucky Creation Vegetarian Restaurant?
At The Lucky Creation Vegetarian Restaurant, you can enjoy a cozy, casual atmosphere with table service for lunch or dinner. They offer diverse vegetarian and vegan options, including healthy choices and small plates perfect for a quick bite. It’s also good for kids, with high chairs available for your convenience.
How does The Lucky Creation rate overall?
The restaurant holds an overall score of 7.2. Its Food (7.7) and Service (7.1) are well-regarded, while Value (6.6) and Ambience (5.9) receive more moderate assessments.
What kind of food can I expect at The Lucky Creation?
The Lucky Creation is known for its excellent vegan Chinese food, with many praising its diverse menu and particularly its dim sum offerings.
What should I know about the dining experience at The Lucky Creation?
Be aware that the restaurant has a no-frills, dated ambiance and primarily accepts cash payments. Some customers also note its limited and sometimes unreliable opening hours.