Sam Wo Restaurant
San Francisco
Reviews
Sam Wo is one of the oldest restaurants in San Francisco. Their menu has the right amount of selection and from what I’ve tasted…like their restaurant it has classic food tasting. Simple service but very attentive. Bathroom is clean with reminders how old the restaurant has been running via news clippings on the wall. It’s in SF Chinatown so you already know parking is a challenge. And yes…for traditional and classic tastes Sam Wo is a place worth coming back. 👍🏼
Sam Wo was exactly what we wanted when we were looking for a restaurant in Chinatown! The food was amazing!!! We enjoyed beef fried rice and sweet and sour chicken. I was not particularly impressed with the spring rolls but they were still tasty! The service was very fast, we only waited a few minutes after ordering for our food to begin to arrive. The overall atmosphere is a little cramped and the chair are stools, but it did not dull our overall experience! I only comment on the atmosphere in case (you) are wondering if it is casual or fancy… definitely casual!
It was one of the best Chinese food experiences I’ve had. Every option on their menu featuring pork is simply the best. We tried their BBQ pork rolls, pork and shrimp dumplings, and fried noodles with combo meats. The taste was perfect, the portions were huge, and the prices were reasonable. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there. If you’re visiting SF, you definitely should check it out.
If you want a taste of "Old San Francisco," Sam Wo is a must-visit. Dating back to roughly 1907, it stands as one of the oldest establishments in Chinatown. The restaurant is split into two levels and is quite compact. Watch Your Head: The second floor has notably low ceilings. If you’re tall or struggle with tight spaces (claustrophobia), it’s something to keep in mind, though it adds to the quirky, historic charm. While the menu is smaller and more focused than your average Chinese restaurant, it hits all the nostalgic notes: The Legend: They are world-famous for their BBQ Pork Rice Rolls—a mandatory order. Instead of thin rice noodle rolls, this one is thick. You’ll find traditional staples like wonton soup, savory porridge (congee), and various noodle and vegetable dishes. It’s simple, no-frills, and steeped in history. Go for the rice rolls, stay for the century-old atmosphere. Overall the foid is just ok. It is the history that make it attractive for local and tourist. At last, don't expect a nice service.
We finally tried Sam Wo the other day! We ordered the sesame chicken rice plate, chicken chow fun, shrimp dumplings and crispy spring roll (forgot to take a picture because we were busy eating 😁). The food was delicious, everything came out fast (entrees before the appetizers, but no complaints!) The atmosphere is cozy, and the food was delicious, and service was great. We had a wonderful experience and will be going back!
