Mama Ji's in San Francisco, CA

4.4(929)San Francisco, CA
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Solid choice

Rated 4.4 stars based on 929 reviews.

  • Family-friendly
  • Budget-friendly
  • Quick service

Best for / Not ideal for

Best for

  • Budget dining
  • Quick meals
  • Casual dining
  • Families
  • Large groups

Not ideal for

  • Fine dining seekers

At a glance

San Francisco, CA • 4.4★
Experience the best of Chinese buffet cuisine at Mama Ji's in San Francisco, California. This renowned Chinese Restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat buffet that's perfect for families and foodies alike. Upon entering, you'll receive a warm welcome, setting the tone for a delightful dining experience. With many vegan and vegetarian options, there's something for everyone to enjoy. We particularly recommend their specials, like the braised tofu stir fry with a medley of fresh vegetables or the Wo Wo Tou with tofu, both of which are incredibly delicious. Don't forget to try their cornbread steamed buns filled with a delicious mixture of diced tofu and vegetables. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Mama Ji's is a great choice for a satisfying meal.
This family-friendly Chinese buffet welcomes diners of all ages.
Address
4416 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA, Eureka Valley, San Francisco, California
Phone
(415) 626-4416
Today
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM
Rating
4.4 (929 reviews)

What stands out

🍽️Delicious food

Multiple reviewers praise the taste and flavor

📋Huge selection

Lots of options to choose from

👥Friendly service

Attentive and helpful staff

✨Fresh, quality food

Multiple reviewers mention the freshness

View reviews →

Before you go

🅿️Parking available

Convenient parking for customers

♿Wheelchair accessible

Accessible entrance and facilities

🍺Alcohol served

Beer, wine, and cocktails available

Photos

10 photos

Hours & Location

Status: Hours available

Regular Hours

7 days
Monday
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM
Tuesday
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM
Wednesday
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM
Thursday
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM
Friday
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM
Saturday
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM
Sunday
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM

Popular Times

See when it's busiest
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat

Amenities & Services

Accessibility, service options, and dining details

Accessibility

Wheelchair, parking, and more
Wheelchair accessible entranceWheelchair accessible restroomWheelchair accessible seating

Amenities

Available facilities and features
RestroomGood For KidsOutdoor SeatingCurbside PickupDogs Allowed

Atmosphere

Ambiance and setting
CasualCozyTrendyNoise: Noise level

Dining Options

Food and beverage choices
BrunchLunchDinnerCateringDessertSeating

Service Options

Dine-in, takeout, delivery
TakeoutDine-inDeliveryReservations

Takeout service is available. Delivery service is offered.

Parking

Parking availability
Bike ParkingBusiness Parking parking

Parking is available for customers.

Payment Methods

Accepted payment types
Business Accepts Credit Cards

Highlights

Special features
Fast serviceGreat tea selectionServes local specialty

Food & Drink

Menu offerings
noneAlcoholBeerCoffeeComfort foodQuick bite

Reviews

929 reviews

Reviews

Customer reviews available

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common answers about this buffet

What types of cuisine does Mama Ji's offer?

Mama Ji's offers Chinese cuisine, including Sichuan style and Northern style Chinese cooking, with a variety of dishes to choose from.

Are there vegetarian and vegan options available at Mama Ji's?

Yes, Mama Ji's has many vegan and vegetarian options to choose from, including dishes like braised tofu stir fry and steamed buns with tofu.

How would you describe the service at Mama Ji's?

The service at Mama Ji's is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, with staff who are happy to help with menu choices and provide excellent customer service.

What are some popular dishes at Mama Ji's?

Some popular dishes at Mama Ji's include the garlic spareribs, wowotou (steamed corn buns with pork and veggies), and the triple c tofu, as well as the szechuan beef and the hot and numbing fish.

Is Mama Ji's a good option for casual dining?

Yes, Mama Ji's is a great choice for casual chinese delicious food, with a cozy and simple atmosphere that is perfect for a quick and easy meal.

Can you get dim sum at Mama Ji's?

Yes, Mama Ji's offers dim sum items, including dumplings, rice rolls, and steamed buns, although they may not have a traditional dim sum cart.

Is Mama Ji's a good option for groups?

Yes, Mama Ji's is a great option for groups, with a cozy atmosphere and friendly service that can accommodate larger parties.

Does Mama Ji's have outdoor seating?

Yes, Mama Ji's has outdoor seating available, with a few sidewalk seats that are perfect for a casual meal.

Show 2 more questions

Is Mama Ji's a good option for spicy food lovers?

Yes, Mama Ji's is a great option for spicy food lovers, with many dishes carrying a lot of heat from chillies and spices.

Can you get gluten-free options at Mama Ji's?

Yes, Mama Ji's has gluten-free options available, with staff who are happy to help with menu choices and provide gluten-free alternatives.

Nearby Places

Local services, shops, and points of interest

132 places nearby (arts & culture, finance, food, government, healthcare)

Museums & galleries

GLBT History Museum

Museum

4127 18th Street

~900 ft11:00-18:00; Su 12:00-17:00; Tu closed
+1-415-621-1107Website
Artwork

Artwork

~1010 ft
ColorFall of Hope

Artwork

~0.2 mi
Queer Arts Featured

Gallery

575 Castro Street

~0.2 miTh-Su 12:00-19:00
Website
The Seed

Artwork

~0.2 mi
Windswept

Artwork

~0.3 mi

Banking

Rainbow market

Atm

~110 ft
Eureka Market

Atm

4151 17th Street

~520 ft
Bank of America

Atm

~0.2 mi
Wells Fargo

Bank

557 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-621-0122Website

Insurance

State Farm

Insurance

556 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-575-3775Website

Grocery & Markets

Rainbow Market

Convenience

~110 ft
Mollie Stone's

Supermarket

4201 18th Street

~620 ftMo-Su 07:00-21:00
+1-415-255-8959Website
KD's Grog and Groceries

Convenience

2416 Market Street

~0.2 mi
Buffalo Whole Food

Greengrocer

598 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-626-7038Website
Chevron Extra Mile

Convenience

2399 Market Street

~0.3 mi
+1-415-621-2570

Bakeries & Desserts

Five Star Truffles

Chocolate

~500 ft
Leadbetter's

Bakery

556 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
Aegean Delights

Confectionery

545 Castro Street

~0.2 mi

Restaurants

Takara Sushi

Restaurant

~540 ft
Pasta Panino

Restaurant

4150 17th Street

~790 ftMo-Th 12:00-21:00, Fr-Sa 11:30-21:30, Su 11:30-21:00
+1-415-829-3806Website
Thai Chef

Restaurant

18th Street

~850 ftMo,We 12:00-15:00,17:00-21:00; Tu off; Th 17:00-21:00; Fr-Su 12:00-21:00
+1-415-551-2433Website
One Bite

Restaurant

506 Castro Street

~1020 ft
Oz Pizza

Restaurant

508 Castro Street

~1020 ftSu-We 11:00-24:00, Th-Sa 11:00-02:00
+1-415-861-2525Website
Wasabi Bistro

Restaurant

524 Castro Street

~1040 ft
Fratelli Pizza

Restaurant

460 Castro Street

~1040 ft
Dumpling Kitchen

Restaurant

544 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1 415-874-9882
Thailand Restaurant

Restaurant

438A Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-863-6868Website
Fable

Restaurant

Castro Street

~0.2 mi
Marcello's Pizza

Restaurant

420 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-863-3900Website
Heroic Italian

Restaurant

572 Castro Street

~0.2 mi

Bars & Pubs

The Edge

Bar

4149 18th Street

~780 ft
+1-415-863-4027Website
Toad Hall

Bar

4146 18th Street

~820 ft
+1-415-621-2811Website
Bottle Bacchanal

Alcohol

4126 18th Street

~870 ft
Blush! Wine Bar

Bar

476 Castro Street

~1020 ft
+1-415-558-0893Website
QBar

Bar

456 Castro Street

~1040 ft
+1-415-864-2877Website
Swirl

Alcohol

572 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-864-2262Website
Castro Village Wine Co.

Wine

~0.2 mi
Copper

Bar

4092 18th Street

~0.2 mi
The Mix

Bar

18th Street

~0.2 mi
Twin Peaks Tavern

Bar

401 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1 415-864-9470Website

Postal services

18th Street Station

Post Office

4304 18th Street

~380 ftMo-Fr 09:00-17:00; Sa 09:00-15:00; Su,PH off
+1 415-431-3826Website
United States Postal Service

Post Box

~400 ft
Mailbox

Post Box

~1000 ft
PO Plus

Post Box

584 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-864-5888Website
United States Postal Service

Post Box

~0.3 mi
United States Postal Service

Post Box

~0.3 mi

Waste management

Waste bin

Waste Basket

~730 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~0.2 mi
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~0.3 mi
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~0.3 mi

Public facilities

Public restroom

Toilets

Market Street

~0.3 mi
Drinking water

Drinking Water

~0.3 mi

Pharmacy & medical supplies

Walgreens

Pharmacy

4129 18th Street

~870 ft
+1-415-551-7837Website
Walgreens

Pharmacy

498 Castro Street

~990 ft24/7
Walgreens

Chemist

498 Castro Street

~1020 ft24/7
+1-415-861-3136Website
CarePlus / CVS

Pharmacy

445 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-864-7030Website

Hospitals & clinics

Magnet

Clinic

4122 18th Street

~890 ft
+1-415-581-1600Website
Strut

Clinic

470 Castro Street

~1030 ftTu-Sa 10:00-20:00
+1 415-581-1600Website
One Medical

Clinic

2355 Market Street

~0.3 mi

Specialists

For Your Eyes Only Optometry

Optician

552 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-626-0858Website
Eye Gotcha

Optometrist

586 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
Sage Dental Care

Dentist

595 Castro Street

~0.2 mi

Other healthcare

Wela Thai Massage

Massage

2343 Market Street

~0.3 mi10:00-21:00

Other services

Hansen's Laundry & Dry Cleaning

Laundry

4258 18th Street

~470 ft
Does Your Mother Know

Erotic

4141 18th Street

~810 ft
+1-415-864-3160
Not Just Flowers

Florist

~970 ftMo,Su off; Tu-Sa 09:00-17:00
Phantom

Erotic

518 Castro Street

~1030 ft
+1-415-864-7529
Rock Hard

Erotic

518 Castro Street

~1030 ft
+1-415-437-2430
Yes

Yes

Castro Street

~0.2 mi
Yes

Yes

Castro Street

~0.2 mi
Vacant

Vacant

Castro Street

~0.2 mi
Castro Village Cleaners

Dry Cleaning

4107 19th Street

~0.2 miMo-We,Fr-Sa 08:00-18:00; Th off; Su 11:00-17:00
Bay Cleaners 2

Dry Cleaning

2334 Market Street

~0.3 mi

Hair services

Q Cuts

Hairdresser

~520 ft
Spunk

Hairdresser

4147 19th Street

~1020 ft
Louie's Barber Shop

Hairdresser

422 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-552-8472Website
Spencer Salon

Hairdresser

491 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-865-0559Website
Bryan Roberts Salon

Hairdresser

561 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-626-7700Website
Lisa Hair Design

Hairdresser

421 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-626-6268

Beauty & spa

Castro Nail Salon

Beauty

431 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-252-1657Website
Hand Job Nails & Spa

Beauty

565 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-863-2243Website
Castro Day Spa

Beauty

4105 19th Street

~0.2 mi
Hand Job

Beauty

~0.3 mi
Smooth Operator SF

Beauty

2352 Market Street

~0.3 miMo-Th 11:00-20:30; Fr 11:00-16:30
+1-833-675-7455Website

Body art

Castro Tattoo

Tattoo

~0.2 mi

Professional services

Shred Nations

Company

584 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1 415-349-5221Website

Real estate services

Herth Real Estate

Estate Agent

555 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-861-5200Website
Brick & Mortar

Estate Agent

587 Castro Street

~0.2 mi

Technology & IT services

Indian Web Development

It

~0.4 mi

Parks & amenities

Bench

Bench

~1020 ft
Bench

Bench

~0.2 mi
Bench

Bench

~0.2 mi
Bench

Bench

~0.2 mi
Bench

Bench

~0.2 mi
Bench

Bench

~0.2 mi

Outdoor activities

Viewpoint

Viewpoint

~0.2 mi
Viewpoint

Viewpoint

~0.3 mi

Specialty stores

Deki Jewels

Jewelry

~680 ft
Himalayan Handicrafts

Gift

530 Castro Street

~1040 ft
+1-415-863-8296
Whatever

Books

548 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-861-9428Website
Brand X Antiques

Antiques

570 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-626-8908
Fabulosa Books

Books

489 Castro Street

~0.2 miMo-Su 10:00-20:00 "or 9ish"
+1 415 658 7015Website
Welcome Castro

Gift

525 Castro Street

~0.2 mi

Clothing & fashion

Worn Out West

Clothes

582 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1 415-431-6020Website
Citizen Clothing

Clothes

489 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1-415-575-3560
Freeborn

Clothes

463 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1 415-294-1901
Rolo

Clothes

2351 Market Street

~0.3 mi
Klein Epstein Parker

Clothes

2331 Market Street

~0.3 mi
Queer Joy

Clothes

~0.4 mi

Gyms & fitness centers

SoulCycle

Fitness Centre

400 Castro Street

~0.2 mi
+1 415 431 7685Website
CORE MVMT

Fitness Centre

2349 Market Street

~0.3 mi
MX3 Fitness

Fitness Centre

~0.3 mi

Sports facilities

Fitness SF

Sports Centre

2301 Market Street

~0.4 miMo-Fr 05:00-22:00; Sa-Su 07:00-20:00
+1 415-348-6377
Maximum Muscle

Sports

3600 suite 5 16th Street

~0.4 mi

Parking facilities

Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~610 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~720 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~0.2 mi
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~0.3 mi
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~0.4 mi
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~0.4 mi
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~0.4 mi

Vehicle rentals

Bay Wheels

Bicycle Rental

~780 ft

Public transportation

Taxi Stand at Castro and 18th Street

Taxi

498 Castro Street

~1030 ft10am-3pm Mo-Fri, 24hours Sat-Sun

Vehicle services

Castro Car Wash

Car Wash

~0.2 mi

Visitor information

Eureka Valley

Information

~930 ft
Information board

Information

~0.3 mi
Visitor information

Information

~0.3 mi
Information board

Information

~0.3 mi

Attractions

Gilbert Baker Memorial Rainbow Flag

Attraction

~0.2 mi
Pride Barbie Doll Display in private windows

Attraction

~0.2 mi

Travel agencies

Yankee Clipper Travel

Travel Agency

~0.2 mi