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oChef » Yuet Lee – San Francisco
Yuet Lee - San Francisco
Photo from Yuet Lee
Yuet Lee at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 85 of the guests
#1043 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#13 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
453
Reviews
74.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Warm service
Frequently criticized
- Hygiene issues
- Tipping policy
The seafood restaurant Yuet Lee, nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood, invites you to a truly authentic dining experience. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying fresh catches.
Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a late-night meal, this spot offers a welcoming setting where you can savor delicious dishes. It’s a great choice for dinner or lunch, providing table service for your convenience.
Overview: Introducting Yuet Lee
Yuet Lee offers a taste of tradition, with many appreciating its “authentic food” and generous portions. While the culinary experience often hits the mark, supported by “friendly staff” and attentive service, some aspects of the dining environment might give pause.
Diners have noted that the establishment can feel “a bit dirty” at times, with concerns about cleanliness in the kitchen area. Despite these observations, the focus remains largely on the hearty dishes and the overall welcoming demeanor of the team.
Good
7.6
out of 10
453
Reviews
74.6%
Satisfaction
79
negative
36
neutral
338
positive
Yuet Lee achieves a solid 7.6 overall, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 74.6%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 453 customer opinions, comprising 338 positive remarks against 79 negative ones, suggesting a clear lean towards favorable experiences. The Food (7.9) is a clear strength, often praised for its authenticity and generous servings.
Service (7.8) also performs well, with staff frequently described as friendly and attentive. While Ambience (6.3) and Value (6) are more moderate, they contribute to a balanced picture, suggesting a place where the culinary and human elements shine brightest.
What people like
- Authentic Chinese food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Cleanliness concerns
- Inconsistent food quality
- Automatic tipping
If you prioritize genuine flavors and a welcoming interaction over pristine surroundings, Yuet Lee is certainly worth considering. Its Recommendation Score of 7.7 suggests a place that delivers on its core promise of satisfying Chinese cuisine, despite some noted imperfections.
However, those sensitive to cleanliness issues or who prefer transparent billing might find aspects less appealing. It’s a spot for diners who appreciate a no-frills approach where the food and the people behind it take center stage.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Yuet Lee
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.9 score and a 79.3% customer satisfaction, both indicating a good culinary experience. With 226 positive remarks out of 285 total, many rave about gigantic portions, delicious Chinese dishes, and authentic flavors, often highlighting the fresh ingredients and impressive wok hey. However, 38 negative remarks suggest some areas for improvement.
A few diners found dishes bland or lacking in flavor, while others noted chewy textures or an unwelcome greasy quality in some items, occasionally leading to tasteless experiences.
Food
285
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
38
negative
21
neutral
226
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Authentic flavors
- Delicious dishes
What people don't like
- Lacking flavor
- Chewy textures
- Greasy food
Often praised
- foodI was planning to eat in Chinatown, SF, and our local guide from the bike tour recommended this place, and he did well. It's a hole-in-the-wall restaurant with fantastic good authentic food. We enjoyed the wonton soup with BBQ pork, beef stew from the clay pot, and pork ribs sweet sour.
- FoodFood:5
- Mongolian BeefI had the Mongolian Beef, the serving size was huge
- authentic Chinese foodI stumbled across this tiny restaurant in Chinatown. I was looking for authentic Chinese food anyway, but I was starving and headed into the first shop I saw. I didn't realize that it is pretty famous until I ordered.
- dishesThe establishment itself leaves something to be desired, but honestly, the food surprised us quite a bit. We ordered two dishes for two people, and they were generous and very tasty.
- noodlesWon’t go wrong with noodles
- portionswas portioned well. You are certainly not leaving hungry
- veggiesI forgot to post a picture of the clay pot hom ha with tofu, which was super good. We all wanted veggies, and that was super tasty. The staff were super friendly and made sure we were taken care of.
- Chinese broccoliChinese broccoli was decent.
- Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed great, old school Chinese food that was perfect for the whole family. The staff was friendly and responsive to all our requests.
Frequently criticized
- foodI went to this place because I had seen videos and recommendations beforehand. However, I don't think the food is that tasty, nor is the place (a bit dirty), and the kitchen didn't look very clean. We ordered a broth with wontons that had vegetables and some small creatures floating in it 😥.
- noodlesThe squid was unfortunately chewy, and the broth was rather flavourless. A significant portion of the meal consisted of under-seasoned noodles. To add to the disappointment, I later realized that tips were automatically added to our bill before we were asked for additional tips with the receipt.
- squidThe squid was chewy like some gummy bears and oily.
- Beef tenderloinBeef tenderloin and fried Sam see horfun was bland
- Chinese foodhow can you call this Chinese food when it is greasy, flavourless, and chewy?
- Chow mein with veggiesChow mein with veggies was the worst I’ve ever had
- Peking DuckWe went for dinner because a bus driver recommended the Peking Duck. However, upon arrival, we found out they didn't have it. The establishment itself leaves something to be desired, but honestly, the food surprised us quite a bit.
- baby shrimpexcept for the baby shrimp in the rice
- beersAll three (highlighted options) we chose were really disappointing.
- brothbroth was pretty flavourless
If youre looking for generous portions of authentic and flavorful Chinese food, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few dishes might occasionally miss the mark on taste or texture. Overall, its a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a solid score of 7.8 and a customer satisfaction of 75.9%, its clear guests are generally happy. Many rave about the friendly staff, their efficiency, and how quick the service is, making you feel right at home.
Out of 79 comments, a whopping 60 were positive, highlighting the attentive owner and great customer service. However, its not without its minor hiccups. A few experiences, accounting for 13 opinions, mentioned difficult communication and occasional long waiting times.
Some also noted issues with orders getting mixed up or confusion around tipping. While these are worth noting, they don't overshadow the overall positive experience.
Service
79
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
13
negative
6
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Efficient service
- Quick delivery
What people don't like
- Difficult communication
- Long waiting times
- Orders mixed up
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was largely positive, characterized by easy and fast service. We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including salt and pepper prawns, wanton noodle soup, and spicy beef with satay sauce.
- ServiceService:5
- staffstaff were super friendly and made sure we were taken care of
- ownerthe owner was attentive and nice
- ownersThe owners smile and laugh
- Cantonese speaking ladiestiny Cantonese speaking ladies who are so efficient and fast
- Mr. JayMr. Jay is still the coolest—kind, friendly
- beautiful peoplerun by beautiful people
- changing of the guardstill great even after the 2020 ‘changing of the guard at the helm of the wok’
- chefThe dishes are good and served in generous portions. The service is attentive, and the chef works hard to get the maximum number of dishes out within a tight timeframe. We all enjoyed our culinary experience here, even though the restaurant itself is a bit dated.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food was good, earning a solid 4/5. However, the service was slow, as they took a long time with our order, which is reflected in the 3/5 rating for service. On the other hand, the seating area was great, contributing to a 5/5 atmosphere.
- closing timeclosing time was wrong
- communicationThe communication was extremely difficult
- opening informationhave no information when it will open
- orders mixed uporders get mixed up
- preparationThe food was made fresh to order, and the ingredients were very fresh. It's important to note that the preparation can take quite a while, but it is absolutely worth it. The atmosphere was quiet and easy to talk in, and the service was excellent.
- restaurant closurerestaurant is closed when we wanted to dine in
- serverWe asked for suggestions off the menu from our server and were guided to the "famous dishes"
- tippingreally big on tipping and are not shy to call you out
- tipste exigen y te gritan por los tips
Overall, if youre looking for a place with genuinely warm and efficient service, this restaurant is a strong contender. While there might be a rare communication snag or a wait during peak times, the friendly staff and quick delivery make it well worth a visit. Youll likely leave feeling well taken care of.
Ambience (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to atmosphere, this spot has a certain charm that many customers appreciate. With a score of 6.3 and a customer satisfaction of 60.6%, its a bit of a mixed bag, but 40 positive remarks out of 66 total highlight its appeal. Many love the authentic Chinese restaurant feel, calling it a hole-in-the-wall gem and appreciating the family business vibe and window watching opportunities.
However, not everyone is charmed. With 21 negative comments, some found the unwelcoming entrance and place cleanliness to be major issues, with mentions of cockroaches and even a cigarettes smell in the kitchen. It seems the OG atmosphere isnt for everyone, as some found it simply old and dirty.
Ambience
66
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
21
negative
5
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic vibe
- Hole-in-wall charm
- Family-run feel
What people don't like
- Pest issues
- Poor cleanliness
- Unwelcoming entrance
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere is fantastic
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- open lateopen late till 1am
- Chinatown experiencefelt like the real chinatown experience
- Senior Asian ManMy experience at this restaurant was priceless. You know it's authentic when there's a Senior Asian Man that watches everybody while they eat. OMG, that experience is priceless.
- Wheelchair accessibilityyes, wheelchair accessable.
- ambianceAmbiance was good
- authentic Chinese restaurantIt is an authentic Chinese restaurant
- cleanlinessThe establishment was notably clean
- environmentgreat environment
Frequently criticized
- kitchenI went to this place because I had seen videos and recommendations beforehand. However, I don't think the food is that tasty, nor is the place (a bit dirty), and the kitchen didn't look very clean. We ordered a broth with wontons that had vegetables and some small creatures floating in it 😥.
- atmosphereNur dem Raum selbst fehlte eine gemütliche Atmosphäre.
- cleanlinesscleanliness is not a top priority
- placeI went to this place because I had seen videos and recommendations beforehand. However, I don't think the food is that tasty, nor is the place (a bit dirty), and the kitchen didn't look very clean. We ordered a broth with wontons that had vegetables and some small creatures floating in it 😥.
- AtmosphereNot fancy
- OG atmospherecan’t tell that this place has some special OG atmosphere.
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- cigarettes smellsomeone smokes in the kitchen while they cook. You can smell cigarettes.
- cockroachesThe restaurant's entrance was unwelcoming. You might find yourself queuing with 3 cockroaches waiting for the door to open to enter the restaurant. The place is not clean at all; in fact, the last cleaning seems to have been 5 months ago.
- entranceThe restaurant's entrance was unwelcoming. You might find yourself queuing with 3 cockroaches waiting for the door to open to enter the restaurant.
If you're seeking an authentic, no-frills Chinatown experience and can overlook some cleanliness concerns, this place might be a unique find. However, if a pristine environment is a must-have, you might want to look elsewhere.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction sits at 52.2%, which is also a mixed result, suggesting some folks are happy while others arent quite convinced. Out of 23 opinions, 12 leaned positive, highlighting things like price, cheap, value, and fair prices, often praising the price-quality ratio and finding it affordable.
Many have enjoyed good food at a good price, feeling its well worth it and filling. However, 7 opinions expressed some reservations. While some mentioned value and price negatively, the main concerns revolved around the bill and tips added to bill.
Some guests felt a bit cheated or found it quite pricey, leading to feelings that it was not worth eating and spending there. So, while some find it a steal, others feel it could be a bit much for what you get.
Value
23
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
7
negative
4
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good food, good price
- Filling and affordable
- Fair prices
What people don't like
- Tips added to bill
- Can be pricey
- Felt cheated
Often praised
- pricesI frequent it often, so if you're visiting San Francisco and want to eat good Chinese food, this is the best option. It offers very good prices, good food, and good customer service.
- priceMy first visit to this restaurant was back in 1999, and 25 years later, it's still here! My experience has been consistently positive, with good food and good price. The food quality is excellent, earning a perfect score, and the atmosphere is also highly rated.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- affordablefilling and affordable
- cheapit's cheap
- fair pricesfair prices
- price-quality ratioCalidad precio bien
- valueWell worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was that it was not too bad, but it was a little pricey. On the positive side, they are open late till 1 am, which is good for me.
- billleft feeling a bit cheated
- tips added to billtips onto our bill before asking for more tips
- valueit is not worth eating and spending there
If youre looking for a potentially affordable meal with good food, this place might hit the spot for you. Just be mindful of the final bill, as some guests have felt the pricing or added tips could be a bit much. Its a bit of a gamble, but could pay off for a budget-friendly bite.
How are the prices at Yuet Lee?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 85 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners cluster around the 11 – 30 $ range, showing a pretty consistent pricing experience rather than a mix of super cheap and premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 85 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Seafood Restaurant, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Yuet Lee
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Inedible Food, Terrible Experience
I don’t understand the positive reviews. My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. The food was essentially inedible.
I was served tough pork and a disgusting sauce. The oysters were also chewy. It was a complete disappointment.
- food1
- pork1
- sauce1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Late Night Bites and Good Vibes
My experience at this restaurant was positive, especially since it was open late on a weekday. The chow fun was decent, and the stir-fried pea shoots were good. The ambiance was good, with a comfortable atmosphere where older patrons were enjoying watching sports on TV.
- chow fun6
- stir fried pea shoots7
- ambiance8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Worth the Wait for Fresh Food
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was made fresh to order, and the ingredients were very fresh. It's important to note that the preparation can take quite a while, but it is absolutely worth it.
The atmosphere was quiet and easy to talk in, and the service was excellent.
- food10
- atmosphere5
- service5
- preparation4
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Cheap but Unpleasant Experience
The price-quality ratio was good. It's one of the cheapest places in the area, but then they demand and yell at you for tips. The food isn't amazing, and the noodles were over-boiled from before.
The kitchen was very dirty. Avoid this place.
- price-quality ratio7
- food3
- noodles2
- kitchen1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Delicious Chinese Food Since the 90s
I’ve been coming here since the 90s, and now that it’s chef-owned, the food is as good as ever. Mr. Jay is still the coolest—kind, friendly, and serving up some of the most delicious Chinese dishes around. I especially love the stir-fried pea sprouts and the boiled chicken with ginger and green onion, while my kid can’t get enough of the clams with black bean sauce.
- food10
- delicious Chinese dishes10
- stir-fried pea sprouts9
What Yuet Lee offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Late-night food
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options are available at Yuet Lee Seafood Restaurant, and is it suitable for families?
At Yuet Lee Seafood Restaurant, you have several convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. You can enjoy a casual meal with table service for both lunch and dinner. Plus, it’s considered good for kids, making it a family-friendly spot for your next outing in North Beach.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Yuet Lee Seafood Restaurant?
You can expect a casual atmosphere at Yuet Lee Seafood Restaurant, perfect for a relaxed meal. The offerings include alcohol, beer, and late-night food, alongside small plates for a quick bite. It’s an ideal place to unwind and enjoy a variety of seafood dishes in San Francisco.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Yuet Lee?
Yuet Lee holds an overall score of **7.6** with a good customer satisfaction of **74.6%**. Its **Food** (7.9) and **Service** (7.8) are highly regarded, while **Ambience** (6.3) and **Value** (6) are seen as more average.
Is the food at Yuet Lee generally well-received?
Yes, many customers praise the “**authentic food**” and generous portions, with specific mentions of tasty wonton soup, beef stew, and various noodles. However, some opinions note occasional issues with blandness or chewy textures.
What are common concerns about the dining experience at Yuet Lee?
Some patrons have expressed concerns regarding the restaurant’s cleanliness, describing the place as “**a bit dirty**” or noting issues in the kitchen. There are also mentions of automatic tips being added to bills, which some found unfavorable.