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oChef » Turtle Tower – San Francisco
Turtle Tower - San Francisco
Photo from Turtle Tower
Turtle Tower at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 57 of the guests
#1523 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#49 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
441
Reviews
66.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Pho
- Attentive Service
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Uncomfortable Seating
The restaurant Turtle Tower is a beloved Vietnamese Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Transbay neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal, whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner.
This spot offers a genuine taste of Vietnamese cuisine, making it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike seeking authentic flavors in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Turtle Tower
Turtle Tower has made a notable return, bringing back many beloved flavors that patrons have deeply missed. The consistent quality of their pho and other dishes, alongside genuinely warm service, stands out, creating a memorable dining experience for many.
However, this new chapter also introduces some changes. While the new location boasts an elevated aesthetic, some guests have noted concerns regarding the overall value and occasional inconsistencies in certain menu items.
Good
7.1
out of 10
441
Reviews
66.9%
Satisfaction
113
negative
33
neutral
295
positive
Turtle Tower earns a solid 7.1 overall, indicating a generally good dining experience, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 66.9%. This divergence suggests that while many find it quite good, a significant portion of diners have reservations.
These insights are drawn from 441 customer opinions, with 295 positive remarks and 113 negative ones. Looking closer, Service (7.7) and Ambience (7.5) are clear strengths, contributing significantly to the positive sentiment.
The Food (7.3) also scores well, with many praising specific dishes. However, Value (3.2) is a notable area for improvement, reflecting concerns about pricing relative to the offering.
What people like
- Exceptional Pho Broth
- Attentive Service
- Modern Decor
What people don't like
- High Prices
- Uncomfortable Seating
- Smaller Portions
For those seeking a comforting bowl of pho and attentive service, Turtle Tower generally delivers. The updated ambiance and dedicated staff create a pleasant atmosphere, making it a worthwhile stop for many.
However, be prepared for a higher price point, as the value proposition is a common concern. With a recommendation score of 7.6, it suggests that while not without its drawbacks, the overall experience is positive enough for many to recommend.
If you prioritize quality pho and a modern setting over budget, this spot could be a good fit for your next meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Turtle Tower
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners have much to praise, with 204 positive remarks out of 295 total. The culinary experience scores a good 7.3, highlighting many delicious moments. Guests frequently rave about the flavorful pho, rich broth, and silky noodles, with the pandan waffle often noted as a delightful treat.
While customer satisfaction is a mixed 69.2%, the offerings clearly hit the mark for many. However, some diners expressed concerns, with 68 negative comments. Common criticisms revolve around the broth sometimes being bland or watery, and noodles occasionally described as mushy or overcooked.
There were also mentions of portions being too small and a general lack of flavor in certain dishes, suggesting inconsistency that could disappoint some patrons.
Food
295
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
68
negative
23
neutral
204
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic pho shines
- Broth is flavorful
- Pandan waffle delights
What people don't like
- Broth lacks flavor
- Noodles are mushy
- Portions are small
Often praised
- foodI can confidently say it's the best Vietnamese food I have ever eaten. I moved away a while ago, but I regularly dream about this food and always make sure to get it when I’m back in the city! The food quality is outstanding, and the overall experience was so positive that I find myself reminiscing about it.
- phoApparently they’re still in their soft opening phase, so after the grand opening I’ll come back and sample what other new items they have on the menu. San Francisco is definitely lacking the diversity of Viet food San Jose and even Oakland has, but even if I’m not partial to their new menu items, I will always, ALWAYS come back for their pho. They could charge $25 per bowl and I’d still come back.
- brothDuring that time, I searched high and low, but nothing came close to their signature Pho (#6). The rich, clean broth mixed with perfectly stirred fried noodles are unmatched. I’m beyond thrilled that Turtle Tower is back better than ever!
- imperial rollsI don’t care what they charge—I’m just grateful they’re back, and I’ll never take them for granted again. Some of my all-time favorite dishes include the imperial rolls, spring rolls, bún chả, and honestly, every single noodle soup. And my new obsessions?
- chicken phoWe ordered the chicken pho, spring rolls, and imperial rolls, and all the dishes were fire! The chicken pho was so flavorful, warm, and nostalgic on a cold SF day. The spring rolls were fresh, and the imperial rolls were so crunchy!
- noodlesThe noodles were excellent and consistent
- meatThe flavor of each broth was so incredible and deep. The meat was tender. So good.
- pho gaI’ve really missed their pho ga—it’s the ultimate comfort bowl of soup.
- spring rollsUpon entering, we were greeted warmly, and the service was quick and friendly. We ordered the spring rolls with shrimp & pork (Goi Cuon Tom Thit), Tom Boc Chien Gion, and the Pho Ga. All dishes were good, but my greatest fear materialized, especially with the Pho.
- FoodThe Food is blessed. 😇
Frequently criticized
- brothThe cocktail was not worth the cost. The Pho was just okay; the broth was definitely missing flavor, although the noodles were nice. I would not come back, as other places in the TL offer more authentic flavor for a better price.
- noodlesPrices are noticeably higher, the vibe is more upscale, and unfortunately the food just isn’t the same. I gave the new location three tries to be fair, but each time the broth was overly salty, the noodles overcooked, and the portions seemed smaller with no size options anymore. The service is still friendly, which is the one bright spot.
- beef phoThe broth was thin and lacking flavor and the noodles were downright soggy even though we were among the first people in the restaurant when they opened. Same with the beef pho which my companion ordered. This is not the original Turtle Tower taste or quality.
- phoWe ordered spring rolls and imperial rolls as starters which were solid, though the imperial rolls did not come out until after our mains arrived. However, the pho was really disappointing. I vividly remember how richly "chickeny" the pho ga was at the original location, but not at the new place.
- portionsPrices are noticeably higher, the vibe is more upscale, and unfortunately the food just isn’t the same. I gave the new location three tries to be fair, but each time the broth was overly salty, the noodles overcooked, and the portions seemed smaller with no size options anymore. The service is still friendly, which is the one bright spot.
- soupThe soup was not as punchy and chicken-y as it used to be
- Pho GaTwo years ago Turtle Tower charged $16.75 for Pho Ga
- chickenno way chicken costs another $5 for a few measly slices of meat
- rice noodlesThe presentation looked good, and the beef tasted good. However, the rice noodles were a bit mushy and appeared to be overcooked.
- Pho Bo brothPho Bo broth is pretty tasteless
If you're seeking authentic Vietnamese flavors, especially pho, this spot is definitely worth a try, as many find the food delicious and satisfying. However, be mindful that some experiences mention inconsistent broth quality or smaller portions, so manage your expectations regarding every dish.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a solid score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 75%. Many guests rave about the staff, with 42 positive remarks highlighting EXCELLENT care, friendly faces, and quick and efficient service. Youll often find the team described as "kind to us, " making for a welcoming and pleasant dining experience.
However, its not always perfect. Out of 56 total comments, 11 point to some bumps in the road. A few experiences mention rude host interactions, slow service, or staff who seemed off putting or not wanting to be there.
While these instances are fewer, they suggest occasional inconsistencies in the overall service quality.
Service
56
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Staff are friendly
- Service is quick
- Excellent customer care
What people don't like
- Rude host encountered
- Service can be slow
- Staff sometimes off-putting
Often praised
- serviceI am so happy that Turtle Tower is back in the Financial District! This legendary spot for Northern Vietnamese pho has returned with the same clean, rich broth and lightning-fast service that made it a cult favorite. The pho ga (chicken pho) is comforting perfection — simple, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
- ServiceThe noodles were soft and easy to eat, and the fresh green onions and herbs gave it that extra lift. Service was quick and efficient, and the food came out steaming hot. The vibe is casual and straightforward, which makes it great for a quick meal or a low-key dinner spot.
- customer servicewhat really stood out was the customer service
- staffBrianna and the rest of the staff were incredible and very kind
- waitthe wait wasn’t too bad
- Chef PhamChef Pham hasn't skipped a beat!
- EXCELLENT careBrianna took EXCELLENT care of us
- Pham FamilyThank you Pham Family for all the love, warmth, and deliciousness
- everyoneEveryone was kind
- experienceMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional, largely due to the friendliest staff I've ever encountered. The team made us feel so welcome and truly went above and beyond to ensure we had a great experience. I definitely recommend this place!
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice a bit slower than I expected
- customer serviceCustomer service not so friendly
- hosthost that greeted us was incredibly rude
- linethere was a line all day when I went
- off puttingThe experience was very off putting
- refused to let me sit at a tableThe host who was going to seat me today refused to let me sit at a table
- restaurant service professionalMy experience at this restaurant began with a host who was incredibly rude. They were the most condescending and unprofessional restaurant service professional I’ve encountered, even before saying hello. This initial interaction set a negative tone for the entire visit.
- serverThe server seemed to be not wanting to be there at all.
- serversservers don't have the care nor efficiency
- table cleaningThe portions of meat felt light for the price. Service was friendly and the food came out quickly, but we did wait quite a while for our table to be cleaned and set up. Overall, it's a solid spot in SF for authentic Northern Vietnamese dishes, especially the bún chả.
Overall, you can expect a largely positive service experience here, with many praising the friendly and efficient staff. While there are occasional reports of less-than-stellar interactions, the good customer satisfaction suggests these are not the norm. If youre looking for a place where service usually shines, its worth a visit, but be prepared for a rare off day.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a 7.5 score and 76.3% customer satisfaction showing a good reception. Many appreciate the modern and stylish feel, gorgeous decor, and warm lighting, creating an upscale atmosphere. With 45 positive remarks among 59 total, guests often find the new space quite appealing.
However, not everyone is completely charmed. Some found the seating to be uncomfortable, with specific complaints about bar chairs causing pain. A few also felt the new space is cramped or lacks a certain charm, and parking can be a challenge, as noted in 9 opinions.
Ambience
59
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
9
negative
5
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Modern, stylish decor
- Upscale atmosphere
- Convenient new location
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable seating
- Cramped space
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- new locationI am incredibly excited for the return of what I believe to be the best pho in San Francisco, if not the entire world. I had the pleasure of attending the friends & family opening, and the new location is simply stunning. It boasts a sophisticated, upscale, and modern interior with a full bar and gorgeous decor.
- atmosphereGreat place for a date night or just a night out with friends
- decorThe food is still phenomenal (thankfully!), but now the entire experience is elevated. The inviting aromas, the vibrant and modern decor, the upbeat Vietnamese music that fills the space, and the genuinely warm, positive energy—it’s a full sensory celebration. Every visit makes me feel joyful and nostalgic all at once.
- vibeService was quick and efficient, and the food came out steaming hot. The vibe is casual and straightforward, which makes it great for a quick meal or a low-key dinner spot. Overall, Turtle Tower serves up pho that feels both authentic and refreshing.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationthe location is incredibly convenient for me
- SF only spotIt’s a truly special SF only spot
- aesthetic, modern dining spaceThey have an aesthetic, modern dining space
- ambianceDoes ambiance really affect how we perceive our food?
- beautiful barMy experience at this new location in Fi-Di was great. It features a huge, beautiful bar. While it's no longer family-owned, it has been invested in by hospitality investors.
Frequently criticized
- vibeSince their move to FiDi, though, it feels like a different place entirely. Prices are noticeably higher, the vibe is more upscale, and unfortunately the food just isn’t the same. I gave the new location three tries to be fair, but each time the broth was overly salty, the noodles overcooked, and the portions seemed smaller with no size options anymore.
- bar chairsfound the bar chairs difficult to sit at because the design is a spring that flexes down on the back of the stool
- chairsSeating was a significant drawback. The chairs were extremely uncomfortable, and for shorter individuals like myself and my children, our legs were left dangling. Overall, I am very happy that Turtle Tower is open again.
- charmit lacks a certain charm
- pain on my backvery uncomfortable to sit in, and quite painful on my back
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- seatingThe seating was a significant drawback
- spaceThe new space is cramped
If you're looking for a modern, stylish spot with an upscale vibe, this place generally delivers. Just be aware that seating comfort and parking might be a bit of a gamble, so plan accordingly if those are top priorities for you.
Value (3.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, a small group of diners (4 comments out of 31) found some positives. They noted that while prices might have increased, they felt it was worth it or on par with current costs for the quality received. Some even considered the prices still moderate, suggesting that for them, the experience justified the expense.
However, the overwhelming sentiment from 25 comments paints a different picture, reflected in a score of 3.2 (poor) and a very low customer satisfaction of 12.9% (poor). Many felt the price was simply too high, describing dishes as pricey or the overall experience as a money grab. The consensus is that the cost often doesn't align with the perceived value.
Value
31
Reviews
12%
Satisfaction
25
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality justifies price
What people don't like
- High prices
- Overpriced dishes
- Poor value
Often praised
- pricesThey are as delicious as ever. The prices are on par with current costs.
Frequently criticized
- priceSo when I learned last month Turtle Tower was reopening with the same ownership, I damn near shed a tear. With that said, nearly $40 for a bowl of pho ga and an order of goi cuon bo kinda hurt. Rest assured, the pho ga tastes EXACTLY the same.
- pricesSince their move to FiDi, though, it feels like a different place entirely. Prices are noticeably higher, the vibe is more upscale, and unfortunately the food just isn’t the same. I gave the new location three tries to be fair, but each time the broth was overly salty, the noodles overcooked, and the portions seemed smaller with no size options anymore.
- $25 for a bowl of Pho Ga$25 for a bowl of Pho Ga is a tough sell
- FIDI pricingthat fidi pricing hurts 💔😭
- PriceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I started with an overpriced and badly made tequila cocktail, served in a large glass filled with ice, leaving very little liquid. The cocktail was not worth the cost.
- cost of the Pho Gathe cost of the Pho Ga after tax and tip is now $25
- dishtoo expensive for what you get
- goi cuonUnfortunately, I didn’t snap a photo, but 5000% you can get goi cuon of equal or better quality in a larger portion for cheaper in the city. I wish I took a photo, but didn’t, so you just gotta trust me here - it was barely worth $10, much less the $15 it costs. Hardly any meat, almost no mint, mostly lettuce.
- high costsMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The menu is much more limited now, and the quality of ingredients has decreased, likely due to high costs. It feels like there's no reason for previous customers to return.
- money and hypenot worth money and hype
If youre watching your wallet, this spot might be a tough sell, as many feel the value isnt there for the high costs. However, if youre willing to pay a premium for specific dishes and arent overly concerned with price, you might still find something to enjoy.
How are the prices at Turtle Tower?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 57 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests find themselves right in this sweet spot, with a few venturing a bit higher or lower.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 57 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Vietnamese spot, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It’s a good balance for a quality meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Turtle Tower
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Authentic Bún Chả in SF
My experience at this restaurant offered the most authentic bún chả I've had in the US, with flavors very close to Hà Nội. We also tried the phở bò tái and phở đặc biệt. The broth was flavorful and clean, though it could have been a bit hotter.
The portions of meat felt light for the price. Service was friendly and the food came out quickly, but we did wait quite a while for our table to be cleaned and set up. Overall, it's a solid spot in SF for authentic Northern Vietnamese dishes, especially the bún chả.
- bún chả10
- broth8
- broth temperature6
- table cleaning3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Best Pho I've Had!
I went for lunch and arrogantly thought I could finish a large size, as I can at other pho establishments. I was wrong. This is easily one of, if not the best pho I've had.
Their large size accurately reflects its generous portion. The food received a food: 5 rating, while service and atmosphere both got a service: 4 and atmosphere: 4 respectively.
- pho10
- large size8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Turtle Tower: Northern Vietnamese Pho Reborn
I am so happy that Turtle Tower is back in the Financial District! This legendary spot for Northern Vietnamese pho has returned with the same clean, rich broth and lightning-fast service that made it a cult favorite. The pho ga (chicken pho) is comforting perfection — simple, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
The place gets busy fast, especially during lunch, but bowls come out in minutes and are always delicious. Don’t miss the stir-fried pho and crispy imperial rolls. Service is quick and efficient, and the space feels fresh yet familiar.
A beloved San Francisco classic reborn — still one of the best pho spots in the city.
- broth10
- service10
- pho ga10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Authentic and Refreshing Pho Experience
If you're craving a comforting, no-frills bowl of pho in SF, Turtle Tower is the spot. I came here for their chicken pho and it hit the mark. I went with the large bowl and the portion was generous -- perfect if you're really hungry.
What I loved most was the broth. It's light, clean, and flavorful without being overly salty (a problem I've run into at a lot of other pho places in the city). You can really taste the freshness of the ingredients -- it feels balanced instead of heavy.
The noodles were soft and easy to eat, and the fresh green onions and herbs gave it that extra lift. Service was quick and efficient, and the food came out steaming hot. The vibe is casual and straightforward, which makes it great for a quick meal or a low-key dinner spot.
Overall, Turtle Tower serves up pho that feels both authentic and refreshing. If you're in the mood for quality chicken pho that won't leave you thirsty from salt overload, this place is worth checking out. Highly recommend!
- chicken pho9
- portion9
- broth10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
New Location, Great Food, Slow Service
I loved the new location and the nice decorations. The food quality is as good as before. However, the service was a bit slower than I expected.
- new location9
- nice decorations8
- food quality9
- service4
What Turtle Tower offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What are the parking options available when visiting Turtle Tower in San Francisco?
When you plan your visit to Turtle Tower, you’ll find several parking options. There’s a paid parking lot, a paid parking garage, and paid street parking available. However, be aware that finding a space can usually be difficult in this busy San Francisco area.
Is Turtle Tower accessible for all guests, and what amenities does it offer?
Yes, Turtle Tower is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. You’ll also find convenient amenities like a restroom, free Wi-Fi, and an onsite bar where you can enjoy various beverages.
What is the overall verdict on Turtle Tower?
Turtle Tower holds an overall score of 7.1, indicating a good experience, though customer satisfaction is mixed at 66.9%. Service (7.7) and Ambience (7.5) are strong, Food (7.3) is good, but Value (3.2) is a significant concern.
What are the standout dishes at Turtle Tower?
Many patrons consistently praise the pho, particularly the rich and clean broth, and the tender meat. The imperial rolls and spring rolls are also frequently highlighted as delicious starters.
Are there any common complaints about Turtle Tower?
Yes, the prices are often mentioned as being high, impacting the overall value. Some guests also found the seating uncomfortable, and there were occasional comments about broth inconsistency or smaller portions.