Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Wok Shop Cafe – San Francisco
Wok Shop Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from Wok Shop Cafe
Wok Shop Cafe at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 38 of the guests
#1354 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#107 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
378
Reviews
72.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great food
- Pleasant setting
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Order errors
The restaurant Wok Shop Cafe invites you to experience authentic Chinese cuisine right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Japantown. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Beyond the delicious food, you can also look forward to a great tea selection, offering the perfect complement to your dining experience. Whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner, this spot promises a welcoming atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Wok Shop Cafe
Wok Shop Cafe offers a generally pleasant dining experience, particularly noted for its culinary offerings. Many patrons appreciate the friendly staff and the overall quality of the dishes, making it a reliable choice for a casual meal.
The atmosphere also contributes positively to the visit, often described as clean and comfortable. However, some experiences with service have been less consistent, with occasional reports of rudeness or issues with order accuracy.
While the food generally receives praise, there are isolated instances where expectations weren’t fully met, suggesting a slight variability in execution.
Good
7.3
out of 10
378
Reviews
72.5%
Satisfaction
70
negative
34
neutral
274
positive
Wok Shop Cafe achieves a respectable overall Restaurant Score of 7.3 out of 10, with Customer Satisfaction standing at a solid 72.5%. These figures, drawn from 378 customer comments, including 274 positive and 70 negative remarks, indicate a generally positive reception, though with room for refinement in certain areas.
Delving into specifics, the Food (7.5) and Ambience (7.8) both score well, reflecting consistent positive feedback on the culinary quality and dining environment. Value (7.2) also holds up, suggesting fair pricing for what’s offered.
The Service (6.6), while still in the average range, is the lowest-scoring aspect, pointing to areas where the customer experience could be more consistently excellent.
What people like
- Flavorful food selection
- Clean, inviting atmosphere
- Good value for money
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Order accuracy issues
- Unexpected delivery fees
If you’re seeking a straightforward meal with generally well-regarded dishes and a comfortable setting, Wok Shop Cafe is a reasonable option. The Recommendation Score of 7.4 suggests that most diners leave satisfied, particularly those who prioritize taste and a pleasant environment.
However, be mindful that service experiences can vary, and there have been occasional reports of order discrepancies. While the food is often a highlight, managing expectations regarding service consistency might lead to a more enjoyable visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Wok Shop Cafe
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, things are looking pretty good! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at 73.6%, its clear many diners are enjoying their meals. Out of 254 customer remarks, a whopping 187 praised the great flavor, generous portions, and fresh ingredients, often highlighting the delicious wok charr flavor in dishes like the Singapore style rice noodles and Orange Chicken.
However, not every dish hits the mark. 42 comments pointed out issues like bland taste, poor quality chicken, and small portions, with some even mentioning dry noodles or specific items like the Prawn and Scallop with black bean sauce not meeting expectations. While the positives outweigh the negatives, theres definitely room for improvement in consistency across the menu.
Food
254
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
42
negative
25
neutral
187
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great flavor
- Generous portions
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Food poisoning risk
- Poor quality meat
- Bland taste
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff was super friendly, the food was great, and the prices were good. Plus, they offer a free egg roll, which is a fun bonus!
- egg rollsthe egg rolls were crispy outside and moist inside
- fried riceThe new space is notably bright and airy. I typically enjoy their Singapore noodles, broccoli beef, fried rice, and crab rangoons.
- orange chickenThe orange chicken was amazing. Great flavor and the meat was quality.
- Singapore noodlesWe had Singapore noodles with pork, beef, chicken and prawns
- Chinese cuisineMy experience at the restaurant was surprisingly good. I'm glad I went because they offer a mix of various Asian dishes, with a primary focus on Chinese cuisine.
- Mongolian beefMongolian beef: 9/10 Very good. Rich flavor. Definitely recommend.
- Orange ChickenOrange chicken: 10/10 My favorite out of them all, very very good. Amazing texture, so so yummy. 100000% recommend.
- Pot StickersPot Stickers: 9/10 With all the good reviews on this, I had high expectations. It is still really really good. Very Crispy and good flavor, I just thought it would be better.
- chow meinmild Mongolian beef with chow mein
Frequently criticized
- foodfood is sub par for San Francisco
- fried ricethe "fried rice" I ordered was just steamed rice and broccoli.
- kung pao chickenkung pao chicken, which I had ordered WITHOUT peanuts, it had peanuts
- Chinese food in SFChinese food in SF is very bad compared to the east coast
- General Tso chickenpoorly imitated like beef lo mein and General Tso chicken
- Mushu pancakesMy Mushu pancakes came in a solidified, hard, rock of dough.
- Prawn and Scallop with black bean saucePrawn and Scallop with black bean sauce: 4/10. Server recommended this to us when we asked for a mildly spicy seafood dish, however it did not meet my expectations at all.
- Singapore style noodlesSingapore style noodles were a little dry for me
- beefBeef, blah
- beef fried ricein place of beef fried rice
If you're looking for generally good Chinese food with great flavor and generous portions, this place is worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might not hit the mark, and there have been a few concerns about consistency and ingredient quality.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, but leans positive! Many customers rave about the friendly staff, great service, and quick service, especially for takeout and delivery. With 48 positive remarks out of 76 total comments, and a customer satisfaction of 63.2%, it seems many leave happy, often praising the efficient delivery and helpful people.
However, not everyone has had a smooth experience. Some folks have encountered slow service, bad management, or even rude staff, with issues like long waits for orders, lack of greeting, or problems with delivery drivers. While the overall score is 6.6, these negative experiences, accounting for 22 comments, highlight areas where consistency could improve.
Service
76
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
22
negative
6
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Efficient delivery
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Delivery issues
Often praised
- serviceI especially recommend trying the wild pepper chicken – it's a must-try! The service was fast, and the staff member who took my order was very friendly.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff was super friendly, the food was great, and the prices were good. Plus, they offer a free egg roll, which is a fun bonus!
- take outI’ve been ordering take out from here for years now and every time it’s exactly as I expect.
- deliveryThe food was delivered to our hotel a full twenty minutes early
- DeliveryDelivery was quick
- Friendly staffFriendly staff
- Jackespecially jack
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceTheir customer service is great!
- delivery and takeoutDelivery and takeout work well, too
Frequently criticized
- orderCom and went to pick up my order, but I never actually received it. The Wok Shop never got the order.
- serviceHowever, we were told we couldn't eat inside because they were closing soon. The gentleman who served us was very rude, almost shouting at us, and said he couldn't take our order exactly as we wanted. I understand that, but there's no need to be rude.
- cashiercashier was very rude, completely dismissive
- cursingran outta here cursing me and gave me the finger
- delivery driverThe delivery drive was very nasty and used profanity
- delivery timeWas delivered to hotel 2.blocks away, over an hour.
- giving me the fingergave me the finger
- greetingMy first experience walking in to order dinner on my way to work was disappointing. There was no greeting from the man at the register. I told him I wanted to order, but he did not respond.
- lady taking orderMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. I specifically told the lady taking my order that I didn’t want any rice and paid for a whole side order of what I wanted instead. However, she still gave me a lunch combo with rice.
- managementBad management
If youre looking for quick takeout or delivery and appreciate friendly staff, youll likely have a good experience here. Just be aware that some customers have reported occasional issues with slow or rude service, so it might be a bit of a gamble during peak times.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid 7.8 score and a fantastic 86.4% customer satisfaction, its clear most diners enjoy the vibe. Many of the 19 positive comments praise the "clean" and "quiet" atmosphere, often highlighting the "new space" as "bright and airy" and "spacious, " making it a pleasant place to dine.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. Out of 22 total opinions, there was one notable concern regarding inside seating. A customer reported being denied indoor dining close to closing time, despite the restaurant still being open.
This suggests that while the space itself is generally well-regarded, the availability or management of inside seating can sometimes be an issue.
Ambience
22
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, quiet space
- Bright, airy atmosphere
- Pleasant dining experience
What people don't like
- Inside seating restricted
Often praised
- atmosphereQuiet when we first got there, but soon filled up
- spaceI found it to be my favorite in the city. The staff were incredibly nice, and the space itself was very clean and comfortable, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. The food was also great.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanare clean
- cleanlinessClean restaurant
- convenient Chinese restaurantconvenient Chinese restaurant on Van Ness Ave
- favorite placesThe owners were especially wonderful, particularly Jack. It's definitely one of my favorite places to eat.
- insidethe inside is nice, spacious and seclusive
- new spacenew space is bright and airy
- popularityThe food was amazing, and we are so glad we visited. It was quiet when we arrived but soon filled up, and with take-out orders going out, it was clearly very popular. We enjoyed Singapore noodles with pork, beef, chicken, and prawns, as well as a vegetarian vegetable chow mein.
Frequently criticized
- inside seatingWe arrived at 8 PM because the restaurant states it closes at 9 PM. However, we were told we couldn't eat inside because they were closing soon. The gentleman who served us was very rude, almost shouting at us, and said he couldn't take our order exactly as we wanted.
If youre looking for a clean, pleasant, and often quiet spot to enjoy your meal, this restaurants ambience is generally a great choice. Just be mindful of their closing times, as inside seating might be restricted earlier than expected. Overall, it's a comfortable setting for most visits.
Value (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.2 and boasting a 76.9% customer satisfaction. Many diners rave about the great value and reasonably priced options, especially the dinner combo and overall affordability. With 20 positive remarks out of 26 total, its clear many feel they get a lot for their money.
However, not everyone is entirely thrilled. A few of the 5 negative comments point to concerns about the overall price or specific delivery fees making things feel pricey for what you get. Some felt portions were small for the cost, or that extra charges added up unexpectedly to the dinner bill'.
Value
26
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value offered
- Reasonably priced menu
- Affordable dinner combos
What people don't like
- Unexpected delivery fees
- Service fees add up
- Portions can be small
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's reasonably-priced with lots of options. I'm definitely going to make this my new go-to for tofu and broccoli.
- pricesGreat prices as well.
- pricingpricing is decent
- affordabilitylunch menu items are delicious and affordable
- cards for orderstake cards for orders over $10
- dinner comboespecially the dinner combo
- food is pricedthe food is priced pretty fair
- great dealsthey offer great deals
- great valueThe sweet and sour sauce is so delicious you could take shots of it. It's also great value for the price, particularly the dinner combo. I highly recommend 👌.
- reasonably pricedit was also reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- price$12 for a small take out box of chow mein? Very hard to justify.
- delivery feesa $2.50 service fee was a bit much
- dinner billMy $13.90 "dinner" bill ended up over $22 with various fees, taxes, and tip
- priceyIt's not pricey like most other restaurants
If youre looking for generally good value, especially with their combos, this place is a solid bet. Just be mindful of potential extra delivery fees' or service charges that might sneak onto your bill.
How are the prices at Wok Shop Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 38 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.
Whats interesting is that while the average sits here, most guests actually spend a bit less, typically in the $11–$20 range. So, youll find a mix of options, from more budget-friendly to a few higher-end choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 38 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the variety of price points and the mid-range average for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers flexibility for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Wok Shop Cafe
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
7
Order messed up, but food was good
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. I specifically told the lady taking my order that I didn’t want any rice and paid for a whole side order of what I wanted instead. However, she still gave me a lunch combo with rice.
🤦🏽♀️ Despite this service issue, the food itself was excellent, receiving a score of 5. The service received a score of 3, and the atmosphere a 4.
- side order7
- food10
- rice2
- lunch combo3
- lady taking order2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
3
Disappointing Chow Mein Portion Size
I decided to try this place after walking by. I ordered chow mein over sweet and sour chicken, but was informed by the staff that they could only be ordered as separate entrees. I did so, but instead of a full entree portion of chow mein, I received a small take out box.
At $12 for this small portion, it was very hard to justify the price. The food itself received a 3/5, service a 1/5, and atmosphere a 4/5.
- food6
- atmosphere8
- chow mein2
- portion size1
- price1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great Tofu and Broccoli Spot!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's reasonably-priced with lots of options. I'm definitely going to make this my new go-to for tofu and broccoli.
The food received a perfect score of 5, as did the service and atmosphere.
- price9
- options9
- tofu10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Chinese Food, Friendly Staff!
Wow. I love me some Chinese food and this place is definitely a new go-to spot. I've walked by this restaurant so many times but never ate here.
Shame on me. The food is so damn good, with nice portions and the staff is super friendly. It's not pricey like most other restaurants throughout the city.
Check them out. You won't be disappointed.
- food10
- nice portions9
- staff10
- pricey3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Solid Chinese Staples for Lunch or Dinner
This is a nice place to grab lunch or dinner. They offer lunch specials and a full menu featuring your basic Chinese food staples. My experience was positive, with good food, service, and atmosphere.
- lunch specials8
- Chinese food staples7
- food8
What Wok Shop Cafe offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and accessibility options are available at Wok Shop Cafe?
At Wok Shop Cafe, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, or dessert with comfortable seating and table service. The restaurant is also wheelchair accessible, offering both a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests.
Does Wok Shop Cafe offer convenient service options and is it suitable for families?
Yes, Wok Shop Cafe provides various service options including no-contact delivery, takeout, and dine-in. It’s also a great choice for families, offering a kid-friendly environment with high chairs available, making your visit enjoyable for everyone.
How does Wok Shop Cafe rate overall?
Wok Shop Cafe holds a **Restaurant Score** of **7.3** out of 10, with **Customer Satisfaction** at **72.5%**. Customers generally appreciate the **Food** (7.5), **Ambience** (7.8), and **Value** (7.2), though **Service** (6.6) receives a slightly lower score.
What are the food highlights at Wok Shop Cafe?
Many customers praise the food, with specific mentions of the ‘orange chicken’ for its great flavor and quality, ‘Mongolian beef’ for its rich taste, and ‘crispy egg rolls’. The menu offers a good mix of various Asian dishes, primarily Chinese cuisine.
Is the service reliable at Wok Shop Cafe?
Service experiences at Wok Shop Cafe appear to be mixed. While many describe the staff as ‘friendly’ and ‘fast’, some customers have reported issues with ‘rude’ staff, ‘no greeting’, or problems with ‘order accuracy’ and ‘delivery’ times.