Sam Wo Restaurant in San Francisco, CA

4.2(1,320)San Francisco, CA
Solid choice

Rated 4.2 stars based on 1320 reviews.

  • Family-friendly
  • Budget-friendly
  • Quick service

Best for / Not ideal for

Best for

  • Families
  • Large groups
  • Quick meals

Not ideal for

  • Romantic dinners
  • Quiet atmosphere

At a glance

San Francisco, CA • 4.2★
Sam Wo Restaurant in San Francisco, California, is a renowned Chinese buffet destination in the heart of Chinatown. With over 1,320 reviews and a 4.2-star rating, this eatery has earned a reputation for its exceptional service and delectable dishes. Patrons rave about their visit, with many highlighting the attentive server, Bella, who went above and beyond to accommodate special requests. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Sam Wo Restaurant is the perfect spot to indulge in an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet experience. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and rich history of this iconic eatery, where every meal is a memorable one.
This family-friendly Chinese buffet welcomes diners of all ages.
Address
713 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA, Chinatown, San Francisco, California
Phone
(415) 989-8898
Today
Closed
Rating
4.2 (1,320 reviews)

What stands out

🍽️Delicious food

Multiple reviewers praise the taste and flavor

🍣Fresh sushi

Quality sushi selection

Quick service

No long waits

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: Closed

Regular Hours

7 days
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Popular Times

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

Amenities & Services

Accessibility, service options, and dining details

Accessibility

Wheelchair, parking, and more
Wheelchair Accessible

Amenities

Available facilities and features
RestroomGood For GroupsGood For KidsWaiter ServiceDogs AllowedCurbside Pickup

Atmosphere

Ambiance and setting
CasualCozyHistoricTrendyNoise: Noise level

Dining Options

Food and beverage choices
LunchDinnerSeatingTable serviceLunchDinner

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 selection

Food & Drink

Menu offerings
noneAlcoholBeerComfort foodLate-night foodQuick bite

Planning

Reservations and groups
Usually a wait

Reviews

1,320 reviews

Reviews

Customer reviews available

Loading full reviews...

Frequently Asked Questions

Common answers about this buffet

Is Sam Wo Restaurant back in business?

Yes, Sam Wo Restaurant is back in business after being closed for a period of time. Many reviewers have expressed their happiness about the restaurant's reopening.

What are some popular dishes at Sam Wo Restaurant?

Some popular dishes at Sam Wo Restaurant include BBQ pork rice noodle rolls, wonton soup, and egg fried rice. Reviewers have also mentioned that the restaurant's Guern fun or filled rice noodle rolls are particularly good.

How is the service at Sam Wo Restaurant?

The service at Sam Wo Restaurant is generally considered to be good, with many reviewers mentioning that the staff are friendly and attentive. However, some reviewers have noted that the service can be slow or inconsistent at times.

Is Sam Wo Restaurant a good value for the price?

Some reviewers have noted that the prices at Sam Wo Restaurant are reasonable, while others have mentioned that the portions are small or the food is overpriced. Overall, the value for the price is inconsistent.

Can I get takeout from Sam Wo Restaurant?

Yes, Sam Wo Restaurant offers takeout. Reviewers have mentioned that they have ordered takeout from the restaurant and have been satisfied with their experience.

Is the ambiance at Sam Wo Restaurant pleasant?

Some reviewers have noted that the ambiance at Sam Wo Restaurant is not pleasant, with mentions of sticky tabletops and annoying smells and bugs. However, others have mentioned that the restaurant has a nostalgic or historic feel.

How is the portion size at Sam Wo Restaurant?

Some reviewers have noted that the portion sizes at Sam Wo Restaurant are small, while others have mentioned that the portions are reasonable. Overall, the portion size is inconsistent.

Can I find English menus at Sam Wo Restaurant?

Yes, Sam Wo Restaurant has English menus. However, some reviewers have noted that the menu is only in English, which may be a issue for non-English speaking customers.

Show 6 more questions

Is the food at Sam Wo Restaurant consistent in terms of quality?

No, the food at Sam Wo Restaurant is not consistent in terms of quality. Some reviewers have mentioned that the food is delicious and authentic, while others have noted that the dishes are bland, overpriced, or of poor quality.

Is Sam Wo Restaurant open late at night?

Some reviewers have mentioned that Sam Wo Restaurant is open late at night, but the hours of operation may have changed. It's best to check with the restaurant for their current hours.

Is the location of Sam Wo Restaurant easy to find?

Some reviewers have mentioned that the location of Sam Wo Restaurant is hard to find, as it is located halfway up a hill.

Where is Sam Wo Restaurant located?

Sam Wo Restaurant is located at 713 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA, Chinatown, San Francisco, California.

Does Sam Wo Restaurant offer delivery or takeout?

Sam Wo Restaurant offers delivery, takeout, dine-in.

Is Sam Wo Restaurant good?

Sam Wo Restaurant is well-rated with 4.2 stars from 1320 reviews.

Nearby Places

Local services, shops, and points of interest

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

Museums & galleries

Goddess of Democracy

Artwork

~140 ft
Artwork

Artwork

~290 ft
Robert Louis Stevenson

Artwork

~300 ft
CMAC Edge on the Square

Arts Centre

800 Grant Avenue

~310 ft
San Francisco Historical Society Museum

Museum

608 Commercial Street

~450 ftTu-Sa 10:00-16:00
WWII Pacific War Memorial Hall

Museum

809 Sacramento Street

~530 ftTh-Su 10:00-16:00; Mo-We off

Banking

Provident Credit Union

Bank

701 Sacramento Street

~350 ftMo-Th 08:00-16:00; Fr 08:00-17:00; Sa-Su off
EastWest Unibank

Bank

~410 ft
Bank of America

Atm

~450 ft
Bank of America

Bank

701 Grant Avenue

~450 ftMo-Fr 10:00-16:00
Citibank

Bank

845 Grant Avenue

~460 ft
HSBC

Bank

~520 ftMo-Fr 09:00-17:00

Restaurants

Sam Wo Restaurant

Restaurant

713 Clay Street

~10 ftWe-Sa 11:00-20:00; Su-Mo 11:00-18:00
R & G Lounge

Restaurant

~120 ft
Hon's Wun-Tun House

Restaurant

648 Kearny Street

~150 ftMo-Sa 09:00-19:00; Su off
Joy Hing B.B.Q Noodle House

Restaurant

~180 ft
Golden King Vietnamese Restaurant

Restaurant

757 Clay Street

~200 ft
The Garden Restaurant

Restaurant

716 Kearny Street

~200 ft
Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant

Restaurant

11 Walter U. Lum Place

~210 ft
Hinodeya Downtown

Restaurant

680 Clay Street

~220 ftSu-Th 10:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 10:00-23:00
A-1

Restaurant

779 Clay Street

~240 ft
Today Food

Restaurant

601 Kearny Street

~280 ft
City View

Restaurant

662 Commercial Street

~310 ftMo,Tu off; We-Su 11:00-14:00, Fr-Su 17:00-19:30
750 Restaurant & Bar

Restaurant

~310 ft

Cafes & Coffee

Latte Express

Cafe

646 Kearny Street

~170 ft
Good Luck

Cafe

~200 ftMo-Sa 07:00-19:00; Su 08:00-15:00
Tea shop

Tea

764 Clay Street

~210 ft
Little Jane on Grant

Cafe

752 Grant Avenue

~320 ftTh-Su 10:00-14:00,14:30-18:00
Matcha Cafe Maiko

Cafe

754 Grant Avenue

~320 ft
iCafe SF

Cafe

~320 ft
Maggie's Cafe

Cafe

~400 ft
Red Blossom Tea Company

Tea

831 Grant Avenue

~400 ft
Jinshan Cafe

Cafe

781 Sacramento Street

~440 ft
Cool Tea Bar

Cafe

103 Waverly Place

~520 ftMo-Su 11:00-19:00
Vital Tea-Leaf

Tea

~540 ft
iCafe Chinatown

Cafe

133 Waverly Place

~540 ft

Grocery & Markets

Jackson Produce

Convenience

~220 ft
Produce Land

Greengrocer

775 Clay Street

~230 ft
Charming Sun Market Inc

Convenience

49 Walter U. Lum Place

~310 ft
Wok Shop

Convenience

718 Grant Avenue

~360 ftMo-Su 10:00-18:00
Ha Mini Mart

Supermarket

~370 ft

Bars & Pubs

EZ5 Cocktails

Bar

682 Commercial Street

~240 ft

Public facilities

Drinking water

Drinking Water

~150 ft

Postal services

United States Postal Service

Post Box

~210 ft
Sacramento Street Contract Station

Post Office

~280 ft
United States Postal Service

Post Box

~450 ft
US Mail Service

Post Box

~480 ft

Government offices

Consulado General De Guatemala

Diplomatic

659 A Merchant Street

~310 ftMo-Fr 08:00-14:30

Other healthcare

Fung Soong Reflexology / Massage

Massage

~80 ft
Asian Palace Spa

Massage

704 Kearny Street

~160 ft
Yu's Foot Reflexology Town

Massage

783 Clay Street

~260 ft
Lucky Massage

Massage

~370 ft
Therapy Academy

Massage

~420 ft

Specialists

Ey'c on 88

Optician

~440 ft

Alternative medicine

Jian Long Healing Center

Alternative

~440 ft
The Zhao Acupuncture Clinic

Alternative

~490 ft
Yu Fung Co

Herbalist

~510 ft
Superior Trading Company

Herbalist

713 Washington Street

~530 ft

Other services

Parkwest Casinos

Yes

700 Kearny Street

~150 ft
Lion Trading

Yes

771 Clay Street

~220 ft
Super Nature Power

Yes

766 Clay Street

~220 ft
Chinese For Affirmative Action

Yes

~230 ft
Concrete Collaborative

Trade

670 Clay Street

~260 ft
K.Y. Cleaners

Dry Cleaning

~280 ft
Fault Radio

Studio

670 Commercial Street

~290 ft
Peking Bazaar

Yes

Grant Avenue

~320 ft
Asian Trends

Yes

Grant Avenue

~320 ft
Asian Styles

Yes

Grant Avenue

~320 ft

Hair services

Artist Hair Design

Hairdresser

719 Clay Street

~20 ft
Zhen Mei Hair Salon

Hairdresser

749 Clay Street

~130 ft
Versailles

Hairdresser

~220 ft
Stars Hair Salon

Hairdresser

~380 ft

Beauty & spa

Kay Beauty & Skin Care

Beauty

615 Kearny Street

~230 ft
City Light Place

Beauty

~280 ft
Ming Beauty Salon

Beauty

~470 ft
Bobo Lili

Beauty

~480 ft

Professional services

King Guang Trading Company

Company

~240 ft
AcademyX Computer Training

Company

601 Montgomery Street

~550 ft

Real estate services

Revestor

Estate Agent

505 Montgomery Street

~510 ft
AmeriaSia Invesment Realty

Estate Agent

~520 ft

Gaming & arcades

EscapeSF

Escape Game

602 Kearny Street

~310 ft

Parks & amenities

Bench

Bench

~350 ft
Bench

Bench

~370 ft
Bench

Bench

~410 ft
Bench

Bench

~480 ft
Bench

Bench

~490 ft
Bench

Bench

~490 ft

Places of worship

Guan Yin Citta

Place Of Worship

753 Clay Street

~170 ft
Chinese Congregational Church

Place Of Worship

~260 ft
Buddha's Universal Church

Place Of Worship

~380 ft
Tin How Temple

Place Of Worship

~540 ft

Specialty stores

Powell Trading Company

Jewelry

~30 ft
Se Se Shi Jae Gift Shop

Gift

745 Clay Street

~110 ft
Discount Cigarettes Smoke Shop

Tobacco

626 Kearny Street

~220 ft
Sing Sang Jewelry

Jewelry

768 Clay Street

~240 ft
Long Boat Jewelry

Jewelry

754 Grant Avenue

~310 ft
Shangri La Gifts

Gift

Grant Avenue

~330 ft

Clothing & fashion

Tartas' Secret

Clothes

751 Clay Street

~140 ft
Wai Hing Chinese Crafts Imports

Clothes

Grant Avenue

~400 ft
KIM+ONO

Clothes

729 Grant Avenue

~410 ft
ONLY

Clothes

~440 ft
Chinatown Made

Clothes

626 Grant Avenue

~510 ft

Electronics & technology

Clarion Music Center

Music

816 Sacramento Street

~530 ft

Parking facilities

Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~160 ft
Portsmouth Square Plaza Garage

Parking

~180 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~210 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~290 ft
Parking facility

Parking

~290 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~400 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~440 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~520 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~530 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~530 ft

Public transportation

Taxi Stand at Hilton Financial District

Taxi

750 Kearny Street

~260 ftAt All Times

Visitor information

Chinatown Visitor Information Center

Information

~180 ft

Attractions

Bank of Canton (former Chinese Telephone Exchange)

Attraction

~410 ft

Other utilities

Penny Collector

Vending Machine

717 Grant Avenue

~410 ft
Penny Collector

Vending Machine

864 Grant Avenue

~450 ft