Sam Wo Restaurant in San Francisco

This is a no frills Chinese restaurant. It was great for my friend and I because we just wanted good food. Sam Wo delivered that. It’s very small on the inside so you may not get a seat. We got lucky.The service was very basic, yet quick - they provided our needs, but not overly friendly or accommodating, which is fine considering the atmosphere.We ordered mixed vegetables with noodles, sweet and sour chicken, fried tofu and garlic broccoli. Everything was good; however I was a little disappointed with the ratio of pineapple and peppers in my chicken dish.Overall - no real complaints, but a word to the wise is to not have super high expectations and you’ll be fine. 🙂

Every dish we ordered tasted soooo good;Stew beef with rice, duck over chow mein, sweet pork noodle roll.The service was quick and nice! Budget friendly as well

I really wanted to try this place since it was one of the oldest Chinese restaurant in U.S. this place is a hole in a wall China town that served typical authentic Chinese food.- the restaurant is small, warm atmosphere. They have few tables downstairs and upstair. They were not too busy on Sunday night. We got seated very quick.- like other restaurants in China town in SF, it wasnt too pricy. Price is reasonable. We ordered 4 dishes that I think can feed 3 people for 2 meals and it only costs $55- we had combination wonton soup which was too salty for my taste. Chow mein and Mongolian beef were ok. The ma po tofu was good, Its always my favorite. Food is a bit too oily and salty, maybe its just how Chinese food in U.S suppose to be or Chinese food in general. According to my Chinese American friend, it seems authentic to him. It was great experience, maybe I need to try Chinese food in China to compare how authentic Chinese food in U.S.

So glad this place reopened and kept it’s aesthetic and preserved the history with improved service, menu and drinks option. Adult beverages (Lagunitas IPA, Modelo, Heineken, Sapporo, Tsing Tao, Wine and Sake). Must try the Sam Wo home made Hot mustard (so hot you have to blow your nose), Beef Stew Wonton and Duck noodle, Parking validate $5 discount if park at Portsmouth Square Garage. So comfy sitting at the wooden stool!

Great for tasty quick Chinese food. BBQ pork rice rolls were delicious, as well as the dry noodles with duck.

Was in the area celebrating the Autumn Moon Festival and got hungry. I was craving won ton mein noodle soup, so we came here for dinner. My girlfriend had a vegetarian plate with tofu and mixed vegetables. This is traditional no-nonsense Chinese food! Sam Woos always hit the spot, especially when I was in my 20s. I have great memories coming here with a group of friends late at night and eating upstairs! Although they slightly renovated, the vibe and long staircase have not changed. Such a nostalgic place which has been operating for over 100 years. I also recently read that the owner was going to close the business if they couldnt find a buyer in 2024, as he wants to retire after dedicating so much of his life to the restaurant. He took it over from his grandfather and deserves to enjoy life now!!

Ive been eating here for years! Never disappoints! Family owned place with excellent food for the price point. The bathrooms need an upgrade, but tolerable for the neighborhood.

Duck fried rice had a bit too much off fatty skin kinda hit and miss with good pieces of meat.Roast pork wonton soup had clear broth and was simple, not overly robust with many flavors. Hot, comforting quality but lacked excitement.

So no trip to SF is complete without a trip to Sam Wo. This hole in the wall Chinese spot in Chinatown has been here forever and I know why. I’ve been here over a dozen times and this place never disappoints. You can eat in the restaurant, but I always get my order to go. It’s by far the best Chinese food I’ve ever had in the States. I always get the bbq pork fried rice, the bbq pork roll (this roll is amazing and the hot spicy mustard is a must.) and this time I got the three shredded meats with stir fried noodles. Yes, it was all for me!

Great small place for amazing Chinese cuisine. Service is nice and very quick. Vegetarian Ma Po Tofu, Chow Mein with three types of meat and rice rolls were amazing! Would definitely recommend for a quick and delicious meal. Portions are big, so you can easily share.