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oChef » Yin Du Wonton Noodle – San Francisco
Yin Du Wonton Noodle - San Francisco
Photo from Yin Du Wonton Noodle
Yin Du Wonton Noodle at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 70 of the guests
#1861 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#182 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
372
Reviews
60.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Noodle dishes
- Affordable pricing
- Local feel
Frequently criticized
- Cash-only
- Pricing issues
- Poor service
Overview: Introducting Yin Du Wonton Noodle
Yin Du Wonton Noodle offers a focused menu where the food often takes center stage, particularly its well-regarded noodle and wonton dishes. Many find it to be a spot that delivers on value, making it a popular choice for a satisfying meal.
However, it’s worth noting that the experience can be a mixed bag. While the culinary offerings are a highlight, some visitors have pointed to less attentive service and a rather basic ambience, with occasional concerns about pricing.
Good
6.7
out of 10
372
Reviews
60.2%
Satisfaction
87
negative
61
neutral
224
positive
Overall, Yin Du Wonton Noodle holds a respectable 6.7 score, indicating a generally good experience, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 60.2%. This suggests that while many leave content, a notable portion have reservations.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 372 customer comments, with 224 positive remarks balancing against 87 negative ones. The restaurant’s strength clearly lies in its Food (7.8), which receives strong praise.
However, Value (6.3) is seen as average, and the Ambience (5.8) also falls into the average category. The Service (4.3) is where the restaurant struggles most, often described as needing improvement, contributing to the mixed satisfaction.
What people like
- Excellent noodle dishes
- Affordable pricing
- Authentic local feel
What people don't like
- Cash-only policy
- Pricing discrepancies
- Poor customer service
Yin Du Wonton Noodle is a place to consider if your priority is flavorful, authentic noodle dishes at a reasonable price, and you appreciate a no-frills, local atmosphere. Be prepared for a bustling, small space and focus on the culinary experience.
With a recommendation score of 7.2, it’s worth a visit if you can overlook potential service shortcomings and the cash-only policy. It’s a spot for those seeking a genuine taste of local cuisine without expecting a polished dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Yin Du Wonton Noodle
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally quite pleased, with a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 78.8%. Out of 198 comments, a whopping 156 were positive, highlighting the delicious Honk Kong style Chinese food, especially the flavorful wonton noodle soup and tender beef brisket. Many appreciate the generous portions and authentic taste.
However, it's not always perfect. While 19 negative remarks are few, some experiences mention issues like bland soup or tasteless food, and occasionally soggy noodles. A few customers also noted receiving dry noodles when they ordered soup, or found the portion size to be small in some instances.
Food
198
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
19
negative
23
neutral
156
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic HK cuisine
- Delicious wonton soup
- Tender beef brisket
What people don't like
- Bland food
- Soggy noodles
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodI had it with vegetables and BBQ Pork Chow Mein. The food was excellent, earning a 5/5 rating, and the service was also top-notch with a 5/5. The atmosphere was decent, rated at 3/5.
- wontonsTen wontons in their wonton $8 was very tasty
- noodlesI found the portion size to be perfect for one person. The chef was generous with the protein, and the noodles were cooked perfectly. Be prepared for a short wait, around 5-10 minutes, as it's quite popular.
- wonton noodle soupMy experience at this restaurant was positive, especially regarding the food. I found it to be an affordable spot with good wonton noodle soup. I opted for the version with pig feet, but the wontons themselves were so tasty that I would simply order the wonton noodle soup next time.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was defined by its very affordable pricing and large portions. While the taste was average, the overall value was great, and I can't complain.
- beef brisketBeef brisket is my favorite and it never disappoints
- soupThe soup tastes really great not too salty.
- beefThe beef is tender and the tendon is soft.
- noodle soupMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their excellent noodle soup, which is traditionally served southern Chinese style. It's a small restaurant, so if it's busy, you might need to wait a little bit.
- wonton noodlesMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their delicious and authentic Cantonese wonton noodles. For those who can't read Chinese, the reviewer recommends #24 or #4.
Frequently criticized
- beef brisketThe beef brisket was not flavorful
- beef piecesThe beef brisket was not flavorful and lacked the authentic "zhu-hou" sauce taste. The beef pieces were chopped too small, which is not ideal for beef-brisket noodles. The wantons were small, just okay, and contained no prawns.
- broththe broth is bland. Does not have any of the taste
- chili oilThe wantons were small, just okay, and contained no prawns. The soup was rather bland, and the absence of chili oil, with only Lee Kum Kee chili sauce used straight from the bottle, detracted from the expected Hong Kong-style Cantonese experience. Furthermore, there was a discrepancy in pricing, being charged $9 when the menu stated $8.
- dry noodlesbrought me dry noodles
- foodthe food was tasteless
- meatMy experience at this restaurant was horrible. The dish had no meat, only tendons, and was tasteless. My husband and I asked for warm water for our baby's formula, and we were brought half a glass of water, which of course was not enough.
- menu itemsI had the beef stew with rice noodles ($8). The food is still good, but many menu items have been cut.
- noodleNoodle is not as expected
- noodle soupordered noodle soup, but the server brought me dry noodles
If youre looking for authentic Honk Kong style Chinese food, especially their wonton noodle soup and beef brisket, this spot is largely a hit. While a few experiences mention blandness or order mix-ups, the strong positive feedback suggests youll likely enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
Service (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
Looking at the service, it's a bit of a mixed bag. While the overall score hovers at an average 4.3, some diners had genuinely positive experiences. Many appreciated the quick paced and efficient service, noting how food arrived quickly.
There were even heartwarming instances where the chef or owner went out of their way, showing that personal touches can make a difference, as seen in the 16 positive remarks. However, the picture darkens considerably with the customer satisfaction at a poor 26.2%, reflecting the 37 negative comments out of 61 total. Many reported issues with rude and unaccommodating staff, with some even feeling pressured or demanding a tip.
Instances of mixed up orders and reluctance to provide correct change also contributed to a less-than-ideal experience, suggesting significant room for improvement in staff attentiveness and professionalism.
Service
61
Reviews
26%
Satisfaction
37
negative
8
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick service
- Friendly servers
- Chef/owner care
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Demanding tips
- Unaccommodating service
Often praised
- serviceI had it with vegetables and BBQ Pork Chow Mein. The food was excellent, earning a 5/5 rating, and the service was also top-notch with a 5/5. The atmosphere was decent, rated at 3/5.
- ServiceService don’t matter that much
- ServersServer are extremely friendly
- chefthe chef came out and gave me an extra piece.
- cleared up a tableThe place is casual and small, and everything was inexpensive. All of the tables were taken when we got there, so they cleared up a table for us right away that had prep on it. That was really nice too.
- ownerIt was almost their closing hour, but the owner still let us in. We had two rice noodle dishes that were both very flavorful.
- quick pacedservice was incredibly quick paced
- quicklyIt also came out really quickly
- turnoverQuick turnover
- waitthe wait is totally understandable
Frequently criticized
- servicedon't expect any service there, as there is none
- serverUnfortunately, our experience was marred by an issue with the bill. The server up-charged us $10 more than what our bill was. The server initially stated the bill was $30 but took $40 and then tapped furiously on the cash tray for a tip.
- staffThe service was terrible, the food was tasteless, and at the end, they even demanded a tip for this experience. There was no atmosphere, it was dirty, and the staff were preparing food directly on the tables where guests were supposed to sit. This was my worst Chinese food experience 🥲.
- tabletry to put our party or four at a table for six that already had four people
- busythey are too busy to give to serve you better
- cashiercashier furiously tapped on her cash tray demanding a tip!!
- changeMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a cash only policy and an issue with receiving the correct change. While the food is good, the staff seemed reluctant to provide the proper change. Specifically, a $6 dish was charged as $7, which felt like an unfair rounding up in their favor.
- good serviceI also tried their rice porridge, and it was pretty good too. It's important to note that it's a very small place and don't expect good service.
- managementthe management is getting out of hand
- napkinsNo napkin 4 guest!!!
If youre looking for lightning-fast service and dont mind potential hiccups, you might find the quick turnover appealing. However, be prepared for a potentially frustrating experience with staff attitude and billing, as customer satisfaction is quite low. It's a gamble, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Ambience (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
The ambience here is a real mixed bag, scoring an average 5.8 while customer satisfaction sits at a poor 35.7%. Many patrons appreciate the casual, cozy atmosphere and its authentic, local spot feel, often described as a charming mom and pop operation. Despite being a small place, some find its window to the past vibe and the presence of local customers quite endearing, based on 15 positive remarks out of 42 total.
However, the experience isn't for everyone. Numerous comments, totaling 12 negative remarks, highlight that the place can feel cramped and small, with limited seating and tables packed tightly. Concerns about cleanliness were also frequently raised, with some describing the conditions as unkempt or dirty, and noting issues like a greasy laminated menu.
Ambience
42
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
12
negative
15
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic local spot
- Casual, cozy vibe
- Mom-and-pop feel
What people don't like
- Cramped, small space
- Limited seating
- Cleanliness concerns
Often praised
- atmospherecasual, cozy atmosphere makes it feel like a local secret
- AtmosphereAtmosphere don’t matter that much
- authenticityvery authentic, local spot
- casualThe place is casual and small
- local customersMajority of customers are local.
- local spotvery authentic, local spot
- localsIt's cheaper and more flavorful with more ingredients like veggies and beef for the price point. It was also reassuring to see that all locals were eating here!
- mom and pop operationIt is a mom and pop operation
- small placeIt's small but awesome
- spaceService is quick but caring. It’s a little bit of a window to the past with a limited but perfected menu and tight space filled with adoring fans.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere felt too cramped
- cleanlinessdon't expect extra cleanliness
- placeThe place was a little too small, but it was worth going to try out their food. The food was pretty good and at a reasonable price.
- conditionsUnfortunately, the quality of food was average for the prices charged. You shouldn't expect any restaurant service level and conditions. Basically, it's for locals, not tourists.
- greasy laminated menubrowsing the greasy laminated menu
- public restroomsnot public restrooms available
- seatingLimited seating
- tablesMy experience at this authentic noodle soup eatery in Chinatown was quite memorable. The tables are packed into a tiny space, so be prepared to share a table with someone. The prices are ridiculously low and the food is ridiculously good.
If youre seeking an authentic, no-frills local eatery where the vibe is more about the experience than pristine comfort, this spot might charm you. However, if spaciousness, modern amenities, and spotless conditions are high on your list, you might find the ambience disappointing. Its definitely for those who prioritize a genuine local feel over typical restaurant expectations.
Value (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners are pleasantly surprised, often raving about the very reasonable prices and how inexpensive everything feels. Youll frequently hear praise for the great value and affordable nature of the spot, especially considering the generous portion size. With 37 positive remarks among 71 total observations, theres a strong sentiment that you get a lot for your money.
However, the value experience isnt entirely smooth sailing. About 19 comments highlight issues like a strict cash only policy, unexpected up-charges, or prices blacked out on menus. With an average score of 6.3 and customer satisfaction at a mixed 52.1%, its clear that while the potential for good value is there, billing transparency and payment options could use some attention.
Value
71
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
19
negative
15
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Generous portions
- Good value
What people don't like
- Cash only policy
- Billing issues
- Hidden prices
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their excellent wonton soup, which was served for a reasonable price of $10 per bowl. The place is small and can get crowded, so be prepared to share tables.
- pricesThe tables are packed into a tiny space, so be prepared to share a table with someone. The prices are ridiculously low and the food is ridiculously good. The beef stew rice noodle soup is the shining star here.
- cheapMy experience at this restaurant was that it's one of the newest wonton noodle places in Chinatown. They are not bad and are pretty cheap to fulfill your wonton cravings.
- inexpensiveEverything was inexpensive
- pricingMy experience at this restaurant was defined by its very affordable pricing and large portions. While the taste was average, the overall value was great, and I can't complain.
- valueGood value for the food
- Total BillTotal Bill $15.50
- affordableDelicious, filling, and affordable.
- affordable spotaffordable spot with good wonton noodle soup
- cheap mealtotally come back for a cheap meal
Frequently criticized
- cash onlyMy experience at this restaurant was primarily defined by its cash-only policy and a rather unpleasant service interaction. Upon entering around 2 PM on a Monday, I was presented with a greasy laminated menu where prices were blacked out.
- tipMy husband and I asked for warm water for our baby's formula, and we were brought half a glass of water, which of course was not enough. The service was terrible, the food was tasteless, and at the end, they even demanded a tip for this experience. There was no atmosphere, it was dirty, and the staff were preparing food directly on the tables where guests were supposed to sit.
- billUnfortunately, our experience was marred by an issue with the bill. The server up-charged us $10 more than what our bill was. The server initially stated the bill was $30 but took $40 and then tapped furiously on the cash tray for a tip.
- cheating behaviorit’s a cheating behavior for customers
- credit cardthey don’t take credit card
- dishOur $6 dish was charged as $7
- pricewhy they hide the price on the menus
- prices blacked outprices blacked out
- pricingThe soup was rather bland, and the absence of chili oil, with only Lee Kum Kee chili sauce used straight from the bottle, detracted from the expected Hong Kong-style Cantonese experience. Furthermore, there was a discrepancy in pricing, being charged $9 when the menu stated $8. Overall, I will not be returning.
- tipsasked me to pay $2 more according to her “oh you need to put down at least 10% as tips”
If youre seeking an affordable meal with generous portions and are prepared for a cash only' policy, this spot could be a good fit. Just be mindful of potential billing discrepancies, as the overall value experience can be a bit of a mixed bag.
How are the prices at Yin Du Wonton Noodle?
On average, you’ll spend around 14 per person – from 70 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
When we look at the full picture, most guests are indeed spending in that $11–$20 sweet spot. There are also quite a few enjoying options in the $1–$10 range, showing a good spread of choices, but the pricing definitely clusters around that mid-range average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 70 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers good value, especially with options available across different price points.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Yin Du Wonton Noodle
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Excellent Noodles, Cash Only
My experience at this restaurant was centered around their excellent noodle soup, which is traditionally served southern Chinese style. It's a small restaurant, so if it's busy, you might need to wait a little bit. Be aware that this establishment is cash only.
Despite the potential wait, the price for the dishes was reasonable.
- noodle soup10
- small restaurant6
- wait a little bit5
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Curry Rice, Hidden Gem!
I discovered this Chinese small restaurant tucked away on a side street in Chinatown, far from the tourist crowds. My experience was largely positive. The wonton beef noodles soup was okay, but the beef curry rice was truly excellent!
The prices were very reasonable, and they even offered free tea. I wish I lived closer to this place.
- wonton beef noodles soup5
- beef curry rice9
- prices8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Authentic Chinatown Gem: Yin Du Wonton House
My experience at Yin Du Wonton House was fantastic! This place is a true Chinatown gem in San Francisco. From the moment I stepped in, it was clear that the food was the star, offering authentic Cantonese flavors without any frills.
I particularly enjoyed the wonton noodle soup, which was perfectly balanced with plump dumplings, tender noodles, and a savory broth that was incredibly warming. I also tried the stewed beef brisket with wontons, and the beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, complemented by a rich and comforting broth. The portions were generous, and the prices were very reasonable.
The casual, cozy atmosphere made it feel like a local secret. It's a cash-only establishment and was bustling, but it's definitely worth a visit if you're craving real Hong Kong-style comfort food in SF.
- wonton noodle soup9
- stewed beef brisket10
- portions8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Chinatown Noodle Soup Gem
My experience at this authentic noodle soup eatery in Chinatown was quite memorable. The tables are packed into a tiny space, so be prepared to share a table with someone. The prices are ridiculously low and the food is ridiculously good.
The beef stew rice noodle soup is the shining star here. A note for future diners: it is cash only and there are no public restrooms available.
- share a table5
- prices10
- food10
- tables4
- public restrooms3
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.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
A Delicious Taste of Chinatown's Past
I LOVE this place! As a gweilo who married into a local family 40 years ago, I used to really enjoy trips to Chinatown with my father-in-law for a bowl of noodles and stories about growing up here. It was exciting, a little intimidating, and ultimately a big hug from Chinatown.
The food here is amazing. It’s the best beef stew wonton mein I’ve had recently. The stew is outstanding with hints of 5 spice and great flavor, carefully prepared for many hours.
The wontons are full of fluffy pork and chunks of shrimp. The noodles bounce. The atmosphere is perfect, with a clear view of what I assume is family, working over pots of steam.
Service is quick but caring. It’s a little bit of a window to the past with a limited but perfected menu and tight space filled with adoring fans.
- beef stew wonton mein10
- stew9
- wontons8
What Yin Du Wonton Noodle offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What is the overall verdict for Yin Du Wonton Noodle?
Yin Du Wonton Noodle has an overall score of 6.7, driven by its strong Food (7.8). While Value (6.3) and Ambience (5.8) are average, Service (4.3) is a weaker point.
Is Yin Du Wonton Noodle considered affordable?
Yes, many customers describe it as an affordable spot with good value, noting low prices and generous portions for their dishes.
What should I know about payment and service at Yin Du Wonton Noodle?
Be aware that the restaurant primarily operates on a cash-only basis, and some customers have reported issues with pricing discrepancies and less attentive service.