Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Simmer & Steamer

    4.2 (64 reviews)
    Closed 10:30 am - 8:00 pm

    Order Simmer & Steamer Takeout or Delivery

    Simmer & Steamer Photos

    Business Info

    SIMMER & STEAMER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Dogs allowed
    Happy hour specials

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Simmer & Steamer

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Galbi Beef Rice Bowl
    Nataly N.

    Decent option for lunch! The Galbi beef was a little too salty for me, but it was a great portion and value for the price. Also, service was very friendly. Like some other reviewers point out, it smells a bit odd in the restaurant. I ended up taking my bowl to-go to have it in Salesforce Park. I also tried the Korean rice punch (Sikhye, fermented with malt). Probably not my cup of tea, but it was interesting and new for me.

    Kimchi Fried Rice Bowl with silken tofu, avocado, kimchi, and galbi beef add-on
    Amy L.

    Ordered on Doordash. Food arrived quickly and was warm. Overall, the food was delicious and filling. I will consider ordering from here again but may not do the add-ons. I ordered a Large Kimchi Fried Rice Bowl, added on Galbi Beef, kimchi, Avocado, and Silken Tofu. The bowl had a good flavor, and the sausage was basically a Costco hot dog, which is the only type of hot dog sausage I like. The bowl pictured here came out to be nearly $26. Some things to note: I may have misunderstood this, but when I did the tofu add-on, I was expecting the silken tofu side dish stated on the menu- the one that comes with the shiso leaf. However, the tofu was added directly to the bowl, and I felt it was a rather small piece for over $3. Nevertheless, it was a delicious soft silken tofu. I wish there were more Galbi since its add-on was nearly $5. I wanted the kimchi fried rice, but the Galbi bowl did not have the option to change the rice to kimchi fried rice, so I had to get the Kimchi rice bowl and add Galbi to it. I feel that for a Korean restaurant, kimchi should be a default side dish without incurring additional costs. The default bowls presently lack a vegetable component. It would be good to have some Kimchi included in the bowls as a default or have a side veggie banchan to complete the meal and elevate the lunch bowl's value and experience. Also, if they plan on expanding the menu, I look forward to their future offerings.

    Kimchi Fried Rice (Mega)
    Adam B.

    A fast casual Korean rice bowl place in the FiDi. So casual that you order from a kiosk and never really even talk to anymore. Limited menu, but everything I tried was yummy. Galbi Beef Bowl (Mega): Not the kind of thin galbi you'd grill up quick at KBBQ. More the slow cooked variety that's stringy and tender. Nice marinade. So much personality, it's fine against simple rice and an egg. The mega was definitely worth the upgrade, since I had leftovers for later. Kimchi Fried Rice (Mega): A huge meaty sausage! Tasty great against the kimchi fried rice. I especially appreciated the fried onions on top. It's amazing how such a simple dish could be so delicious. Pork Belly Curry Rice Bowl (Mega): Really enjoyed this one. Kinda like Japanese curry, but with a stronger spice aromas and a nice chili kick. Really enjoyed the soft slow cooked pork belly, adding a great layer of richness. Silken Tofu with Kimchi Rice Bowl: Got the regular size this time. It was pretty basic with two blocks of tofu, some kimchi and a bunch of shredded seaweed over rice. A simple lunch, not too filling. Definitely preferred the meatier bowl.

    Diego B.

    Oh boy... This was sad. I usually don't rate things bellow 2 stars, but this was total trash. The place being completely empty at lunch time should have tipped me off to the quality. But hey, gotta make my own judgments here, so let's dig in! Got their most expensive dish, the Super Bowl, which includes most things in their menu. I thought of adding an avocado to give it some color, but that would put the meal well over $30, which is enough to get you two meals in most places downtown. Regardless, the pork belly was mostly... Belly. Just fat. There was barely any Gan-jang beef, and fortunately the chicken was fine (although with this much spice, you won't taste anything anyway). Even though I got the LARGE portion, it straight up felt like a light portion. And remember, we're talking about their most expensive dish here! It's just too disappointing. Too expensive. At this price point, you can eat delicious food at some very nice restaurants in the area! Just avoid this place.

    Sausage Curry Rice Bowl
    Rudy H.

    I must give this place five star and they well deserve it. I went today in the evening at around 6 PM and was the only one in the entire restaurant. Menu was simple and easy but very well curated in terms of the variety and ingredients. Ordering was easy and done by self ordering on the touch screen iPad and they will bring your order to your table and it was fast. The self ordering touch screen will not asking you for tip however and that is so refreshing to see! (feel free to give tip voluntarily if you wish without the screen pressuring you) and that alone is worth the standing ovation. Food was generously portioned, delicious and very affordable. I've had the Sausage Curry Rice Bowl regular size $9.99 + tax = 10.85 I absolutely recommend Simmer & Steamer!

    Mike C.

    Never underestimate the power of suggestion from local media. I believe the article headline was along the lines of "Fidi lunch for $9.99" that caught my eyes. Naturally, I had to read the article and Yelp the business to learn more. Fair enough. The business is apparently a Korean chain one with multiple locations. I looked at the menu and made time on a Wednesday a little after noon to walk here. When I entered, there were two guys standing behind another person who was keying the IPad in playing an order. There were a couple of people at the pick-up counter further in and two occupied tables near the entrance. The prep for the food is quite fast as the two guys ahead of me were leaving the expediting area as I walked there. Wanting to distance myself from too many people, I sat at a high-top chair along the counter across from the kitchen. Just after I filled my cup at the water station, the expediter came around the counter and placed my order at my chair. I tried the sausage curry, add kimchi (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=GBp9dRjs-N4tyPDHKQSFIw); my 1st move was to find the soft-boiled egg and create some egg porn (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=LgF0dyyFV0ZmS9-t0_P88g). I was concerned about how to eat my hot dog (after all, that's what it is) but was pleasantly surprised to see that the kitchen scored it multiple times making this easy to break off and mix with the other ingredients. The curry sauce follows the profile of Japanese curry with a heartier flavor and darker color. In alternating bites with the tangy kimchi, I ate away at my bowl. As I ate, a steady flow of customers ordered, mostly taking their food to go. As I left, I thanked the thoughtful expediter for bringing me my food and bought him a cup of coffee (or maybe not with coffee prices these days) with a couple bills. I enjoyed my food though it is a bit of a trek from Chinatown. I hope to try other menu items and hope that they add new items like sides and snacks to their menu.

    Angela Y.

    Came here for a lunch gathering. There were 10 of us but the food came super fast. We ordered from a kiosk but the staff made sure we were able to order smoothly, and also gave recommendations to each of us. We were even treated with these traditional Korean desserts that's made from honey and sweet rice flour (I think it's called Yakgwa? But not sure if I got the name right). It's kind of like a fast-casual place where a lot of people order for take-out, but the dine-in environment was very nice and relaxing too.

    Kendra H.

    Tried to go to turtle tower but they were super busy, so we ended up here. I'm still not really sure what we ate LOL - very fusion. I saw online that they were known for "cheap" Korean food but each bowl ended up being $20 each with the add ons (the add ons are definitely needed for a full, satiating meal. It was fine, flavor wise but everything is premade at the end of the day and not worth it IMO. The rice was soggy and the meat was dry.

    Kimchi fried rice
    Serena L.

    Once I walked by the store front, I was immediately intrigued and wanted to try it out. The menu is quite small, so making a decision on what to get isn't too hard. You pay at the kiosk then wait a short amount of time before getting your food. It looked like everything was already prepared in large bulk and then placed in large containers to scoop out of. Kimchi fried rice - 3.9/5, a decent amount of fried rice topped with a sausage, egg, seaweed, and fried onions. The kimchi fried rice was okay, as it was literally only kimchi and rice. I expected more from it, like maybe some onions or protein. Eating it the next day did make it taste better though haha. The sausage tasted like a costco hot dog, which I personally love. You can choose how you want your egg and whether to add or remove toppings. Pork belly curry - 4.5/5, decent amount of pork chunks with curry over rice with fried onions and an egg. The curry was perfectly flavorful-- not too salty but enough salt. The amount of rice was good for one and a half meals for me. I actually really liked this bowl, but the only downside is that there aren't many options that come with it.

    Menu
    Tiffany T.

    Friend and I came after seeing it on yelp as we were looking for food around FiDi around 7 pm. Menu was really straight forward, which I actually appreciate because it makes it easy to decide what to get. Ordering at the kiosk was super easy, the staff also was friendly and said we can ask questions if we had any. After ordering, the food was ready in about 5 minutes ! We got the kimchi fried rice with a soft boiled egg. The soft boiled egg was literally perfect, and the kimchi fried rice had the perfect level of spice and seasoning. Not to mention for $10, it was totally worth it. The serving options were either dine in or take out, and it seemed like the dine in version was probably the same as the take out container, just without the lid. Vibe wise, the restaurant was pretty desolate and felt a bit sterile. With that said, it honestly might have been the fact that we came at 7pm haha. With that said, there were still seating options available. They also provide hair ties throughout the restaurant, which such a cute touch. i think this would be amazing grab and go option, especially during lunch on a workday. Not sure if I would get out of my way for this, but if I'm in the area, I would definitely come again and try their other food!

    Pollack avocado rice
    Natalie L.

    Found this near the office and was interested because there aren't a ton of rice bowl options in the area. Service was really friendly and welcoming once I walked in! I ordered a pollock roe bowl, which basically comes with pollock roe in a sauce. I added seaweed because I felt like it'd complement it well since it's seafood (and I was right lol). The soft egg was cooked perfectly and coated the rice really well! I just wish I had a few more peppers, but there was an option to make it spicier that I didn't choose. All in all, this felt like a steal for $9.99 (with the seaweed add-on). I also noticed that they offer hair bands to customers for free around the restaurant, which is awfully nice of them. I'll definitely make this a go-to spot for lunch near the office. Excited to try more here!

    Inside
    Lamarr E.

    I visited right before the Chinese new year parade in the city. The prices are great, some of the best deals I've seen in the Bay Area . The owner was super nice and was very welcoming. The food was really good. It wasn't super busy on the weekend, so hoping they get more foot traffic in the future.

    Kimchi Fried Rice, Pork Belly Curry Rice Bowl, Galbi Beef Rice Bowl
    Sarah C.

    super affordable korean rice bowls at only $10+ a bowl and satisfying portions! there isn't a lot of seating space and to be honest it smelled kind of strange in there... but we did take out, ordering on the digital system was seamless, and we got our orders in no time. we tried the kimchi fried rice (our favorite), galbi beef rice, and pork belly curry rice. the "galbi" beef wasn't galbi it was more like braised short ribs... the curry was kinda lacking flavor, same with the kimchi fried rice. the soft boiled eggs were our favorite parts. but overall, a decent, quick, and wallet-friendly spot in FiDi!

    Inside

    See all

    5 months ago

    I like the food, the service is good, the place is clean,the food is fast. The hours are convenient

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 6
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy L.
    208
    176
    1078

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jenny X.
    1215
    1245
    3798

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 5
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Clar S.
    3
    51
    13

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Donna H.
    53
    150
    18

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Devi Y.
    0
    35
    37

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Natasha P.

    Natasha P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Richard A.
    164
    14
    15

    9 months ago

    Great food and friendly service! Food was tasty and the dining area was very clean. Food was served in a nice timely manner.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Natasha P.

    Natasha P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Came here on a short food break with a colleague. It was fast, affordable, delicious and filling.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jess N.
    59
    18
    0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rosa D.
    2
    33
    32

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Yeonsuk K.

    Yeonsuk K.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Simmer & Steamer

    You might also consider

    SSAL

    SSAL

    4.5
    (288 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$$$

    Refined tasting experience with beautifully curated courses…read more Had a tasting menu at Ssal in San Francisco and experienced a wide range of thoughtfully prepared dishes, including sea scallop, barbecued live eel, bluefin tuna with Kaluga sturgeon caviar (+$30), aged amberjack, octopus chilled broth, cold water halibut, littleneck clam, grilled beef short rib with truffle, and a series of desserts and teas like magnolia berry, green tea cream roll, roasted burdock tea, Korean cracker, injeolmi cream puff, and maple candied pecan. Every course felt intentional and well-balanced, showcasing a mix of delicate seafood, rich proteins, and creative textures. The seafood dishes stood out for their freshness and clean execution--the scallop and halibut in particular were light yet full of natural flavor, while the bluefin tuna with Kaluga sturgeon caviar added a luxurious touch. The grilled beef short rib with truffle was deeply savory and rich, offering a satisfying contrast to the lighter courses. The pacing of the meal was smooth, and each dish arrived thoughtfully presented, making the entire experience feel like a well-orchestrated progression rather than just individual plates. Service was attentive, knowledgeable, and professional, with staff explaining each course and maintaining a calm, refined dining flow. The vibe is elegant and modern, with a quiet, focused atmosphere that allows the food to take center stage. It feels like a true fine dining experience designed for appreciation and exploration. Overall, a memorable and elevated tasting menu experience in San Francisco. Each course brought something different, and the balance of flavors, textures, and presentation made it a standout dining experience worth returning to.

    Ssal is a one-Michelin-star Korean tasting menu restaurant on Polk Street, and it should have two…read more We came here to celebrate our birthday and anniversary, and it could not have been a more perfect choice. Fourteen courses, each rooted in traditional Korean cuisine but presented in a way that feels fresh and surprising. You don't get a menu until the end of the meal, so every course is a surprise, which honestly made it even more fun. The space has that perfect minimalist Korean aesthetic: calm, intentional, and beautiful without trying too hard. Service was warm and personal while still being polished, the kind where you feel genuinely looked after without it ever feeling stiff. The courses: - Island Creek Oyster, Choujang: Arrives on a covered bowl of smoked charred grass, and that smoky aroma hits you before you even take a bite. The choujang was not too spicy and paired perfectly with the oyster. A brilliant way to open. - Bluefin Tuna, Kaluga Caviar, Handmade Sesame Oil: The star here was actually the seaweed. The crunch and full seaweed flavor was outstanding and tied everything together. - Australian Wagyu, Emerald Kiwi, Pine Nut: Sweet and savory. The tart base had a satisfying bite and the kiwi brightness against the wagyu richness worked really well. - Roasted Sweet Potato, Périgord Truffle: The truffle is shaved over the potato. It could have come inside the crochette, but then you'd lose the visual. Delicious either way. - Live American Eel, Koshihikari, Gamtae: The gamtae seaweed tastes almost like a tea, delicate and slightly floral. It balanced beautifully with the eel and was one of the most unique bites of the night. - Hokkaido Sweet Prawn, Brokaw Avocado, Kaluga Caviar + Ssal x Arsicault Bakery Croissant: Meant to be eaten like avocado toast, and it works beautifully. The only thing I'd add is a pinch of finishing salt on the avocado. The croissant is the famous Arsicault one with 320 layers, incredibly fluffy but not the least bit oily. - Dungeness Crab, Bafun Sea Urchin, Gold Queen Rice: The standout of the night. Comforting and elegant all at once. It reminded me of that moment when you're eating crab, you save the top shell with all the roe and juices, add rice, and mix it together. That's exactly this, but elevated. So good. - Korean Abalone, Bloomsdale Spinach, Malted Fingerling: I've always found abalone too tough, but not here. Tender, flavorful. - Cuttlefish, Chrysanthemum, Dubu, Deonjang Beurre Blanc: The cuttlefish had that perfect fresh chew, almost a crunch, that you want from really good cuttlefish. - Sablefish, Zuckerman Green Asparagus, Fermented Chili Jorim: Could not believe this was fish. It cuts through like butter. - Wolfe Ranch Quail, Bokbunja, Red Ginseng: A whole quail split between each couple at the table. Rich, tender, and very savory. - KBBQ Galbi, Tteokgalbi, Morel, Black Garlic: An optional add-on course and absolutely worth it. The galbi is not A5, but it looks and tastes like it is. The marbling comes through on every single bite. - Asian Pear, Omija, Cinnamon: Omija is also called the five flavor berry, and it really does deliver all five. The combination of the jelly, fresh pear, and sorbet made for a really interesting mix of textures. - Albion Strawberry, Yogurt, Mint / Mignardises & Fruit: The fruit plate of strawberry, mulberry, and cherries. This also comes with a burdock tea, which I am now obsessed with and have already ordered on Amazon. The menu is signed by the kitchen team and given to you at the end as a keepsake. Thank you Ssal for a great and memorable night!

    Photos
    SSAL
    Eel, koshihikari, gamtae
    Eel, koshihikari, gamtae
    Smoked Oyster

    See all

    Smoked Oyster
    Mashita Galbi Jjim

    Mashita Galbi Jjim

    4.6
    (161 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    We came to Mashita Galbi Jim on a Sunday and were the first in line. We were anticipating long wait…read moretimes after having tried to eat here a few times before. If you're not able to squeeze into the first wave, the wait is upwards of 2 hours! FOOD: We ordered one galbi jim with extra noodles and rice cakes and a separate garlic noodles for a party of 5. While we initially thought we could finish two galbi jims, our server cautioned us against it, referencing the healthy portion size. We were glad we took her advice because everyone was stuffed by the end of our meal. Their galbi jim was flavorful, with extremely tender beef and chewy rice cakes. We ordered the lowest level of spiciness and while there was still a kick, it was extremely manageable. SERVICE: We were the first to be seated and our galbi jim took almost 20 minutes to come out while others waited even longer. However, they comped our garlic noodles and apologized for turning waits. Overall, I'd definitely return if I'm able to get into the first wave of seating.

    Came here on a Friday night at 7:30. Had to wait about 30-40 min for 2 seats. The restaurant is…read moresmall so unless you have a 4-6 person party, expect to be seated side by side other parties. Typically what I saw was they do waves of seating and ordering so if you aren't there right at open/when they fill up, plan to write your name down and grab a drink nearby. Once we got seated, they were pretty prompt to give us utensils, napkins, cups, and water. The two of us shared the Braise Beef Galbi Stew. It's more than enough for 2 people to go home in food comas (with some food remaining) and for 3 to be sufficiently full. If you have big eaters, order an app alongside if you have 3 people. The Galbi stew was exceptional. I liked that they had various levels of spiciness. We went with spicy and it had a nice kick that elevated the dish for me. The beef was very tender and flavorful and the veggies and rice cakes soaked up all the juices. And the cheese was so stretchy! I'd actually rank this place slightly above Daeho given the shorter wait, the quality, and the price. I'll be back for sure.

    Photos
    Mashita Galbi Jjim
    Complimentary Banchan (clockwise): Salad w/ sesame dressing, kimchi, japchae, fish cakes
    Complimentary Banchan (clockwise): Salad w/ sesame dressing, kimchi, japchae, fish cakes
    Soy KFC, sauce on the side ($22.75)

    See all

    Soy KFC, sauce on the side ($22.75)
    Bar Iris

    Bar Iris

    4.3
    (207 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Walked in on a Saturday afternoon around 3:30. The place was empty as it had just opened up. The…read morevibes are great, cute interior, mood lighting and comfy seats. We just got drinks but I definitely want to try the food next time. I believe they start serving after 5. I ordered the divine wind, okinawa and appley named. If you like drinks that are on the sweeter side, I would recommend the okinawa and appley. I enjoyed all three drinks in their own way. The divine wind had a mango jelly on top that you are supposed to eat before sipping. Fun experience, great service. They also welcomed my dog and gave her snacks.

    My enthusiasm for Bar Iris has fizzled out in the last year since I first visited. I think it's…read morestill a solid spot to get cocktails, especially for a date night or relaxed hangout with close friends, but with the bar's evolving menu, what I once considered favorites, are no longer featured, so it becomes a guessing game trying to figure out which new drink(s) I'll like, and it's a costly game at $21+ per drink (not including tax and tip). I really think the selling points of the bar are its spaciousness and calm atmosphere. Unlike most bars with music blasted so loud, I lose my voice trying to talk to my friends, Bar Iris keeps the music at an ambient level for some background noise, but it doesn't interfere with conversations. The service is also quite good. The staff allowed my group of 6 to pay individually for our drinks, which was awesome. The most cards I've typically seen allowed per group is 2, so Bar Iris is doing it right with the payments process.

    Photos
    Nice table facing Polk St. It's pleasant not to see others sometimes.
    Nice table facing Polk St. It's pleasant not to see others sometimes.
    Wagyu Tartare
    Wagyu Tartare
    Kaisen don

    See all

    Kaisen don
    Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge

    Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge

    4.3
    (248 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$$$

    One of my new favorite restaurants!…read more Elevated Chinese in a gorgeous setting with innovative dishes. It was a wonderful choice for my father's birthday dinner on a Saturday night, everyone had so much fun sharing all the yummy, beautiful dishes family style. My fave were the pumpkin puffs filled with duck, and everyone was obsessed with the black bean eggplant & silky tofu. The fried har gow is unique, and the pan fried bbq pork buns are sooo soft & addictive (still thinking about them). I was worried about the picky kids finding something to eat, but they sucked up all the dumplings quickly, were excited about the beautiful & unique dishes, and ate more than usual much to their parents' delight! Only thing I would love to see is the desserts leveling up to the savory food with more Chinese-inspired creative recipes (mango cake was a bit dry). Opened in 2022 - this place is Michelin level, and worth the time to review & spread the word. It's a bit pricey, but absolutely worth it for organic, sustainable food, and a truly lovely experience for the family. They also have a private room. I can't wait to go back to enjoy the patio on a warm day!

    I've never expected to come to a Chinese restaurant in the Marina, but there's a first time for…read moreeverything. This place was very nice as the interior and exterior was exquisitely designed. Their patio is one of the best places in the city for a date night! Pork and Truffle XLB (5/5): Just wow! This XLB was packed with juicy flavor and the truffle definitely stole the show. Shrimp Pork Wonton (5/5): I really liked the peanut butter in this dish as it was unique compared to other wontons. It was earthy but also packed with umami flavor Mushroom spring roll (5/5): Definitely one of best eggroll I've ever had. The skin was flaky and not too crunchy. The mushroom created this unique flavor I've never had in an eggroll. Ahi Tuna tostada (5/5): This was my favorite because I love raw fish, but nontheless this was amazing. The fish was fresh and the avocado packed it with flavor. Szechuan chicken (5/5); This was great bite to share with the table. A lil kick with a big punch of flavor. Lettuce cup chicken (5/5): Nice balance of crunch and savory. I loved how the chicken wa spackled with flavor and lettuce was refreshing. Chilean Sea bass (5/5); Glazed with miso so it was perfectly sweet. I liked the texture of the fish as it had a nice chewiness. Stir fired beef (5/5): Very tender and packed with flavor. The smokiness reminds me of a steakhouse Sweet & tangy chicken (5/5): This comes with a half pineapple. It has a sweet glazed tangy flavor and the chicken had delicate texture. Roasted egg plant (5/5): I don't even like eggplant and I loved this dish. The eggplant was perfectly cooked as it wasn't too mushy and tofu was silky soft. I loved how it absorbs the rich sauce. Sautéed green beans (5/5); Perfectly delicate and simple. Can't go wrong with this. Mouthai Char Siu (5/5);This comes with Fiji apples to cleanse your palette. The pork jowl was flavorful and fatty. Just the way I like it. Fried rice (5/5): Very solid and comforting. Garlic Shrimp noodles (5/5); similar to Alfredo and I really liked how light it was. Overall I really enjoyed my experience and the food here. It's also affordable compared to other restaurants in the area.

    Photos
    Beautiful / sleek decor
    Beautiful / sleek decor
    Duck salad
    Duck salad
    Blue whale drink

    See all

    Blue whale drink
    Dumpling Union

    Dumpling Union

    4.4
    (349 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$
    Vegetarian friendly
    Speaks Mandarin

    This place was excellent, my team came here with a large group of 15 for an offsite lunch and we…read morehad a fantastic time. Many vegetarian/vegan options on the menu. Standout was definitely the green beans, pretty much everyone enjoyed. They were extremely well done, super crispy on the outside while tender and flavorful inside. I also thought the mapo tofu dumplings were extremely unique and delicious, they had a very strong mapo tofu flavor which I have never seen in dumplings before, although some of my teammates were not big fans. I also enjoyed the spring rolls, vegetarian dumplings, and vegetarian potstickers, although none of them really stood out. The staff were fantastic the whole time and did a great job handling our large group.

    If you're looking for next level Chinese food then look no further! You literally can taste the…read morequality in the ingredients used here. And isn't that everything? Dan Dan noodles. Undeniably first rate although a tad too spicy for my hubs. Maaaaybe for me too, though I don't like to admit it since I like to think that I possess a high threshold for spice. Like I'm some kind of spice ninja or something. But, in actuality, I'm just not. Hot & spicy dumplings. I hate mushy dumplings & these were nothing of the sort. Full of flavor, but not too spicy. Beef noodle soup. Hubs LOVED this so much that now he orders it every time. Fried rice. I order fried rice every time I order any Chinese food, just fact. This fried rice is stellar! So fresh, perfectly cooked, & not greasy. Win. Barbecued pork buns. Dynamite! Scallion pancake. Not too thick, not too thin. Not overcooked, not undercooked. Not too greasy. They got it right. Crab & cream cheese "rolls." For whatever reason, I feel compelled to order crab rangoon whenever I order Chinese, & this is their equivalent. They're more like "packets," thin & flat. The ratio of vessel to filling is just disproportionate. Where's the crab? Perhaps more importantly, where's the crab flavor? Lots of potential here but they fall flat. This appetizer is the only thing we've tried here that we haven't loved. Dumpling Union is now our favorite for Chinese delivery. Thank you DU for bringing us such a fresh & quality option for Chinese food. 4 & 1/2 stars.

    Photos
    Vegetable Dumplings
    Vegetable Dumplings
    Xiao Long Bao
    Xiao Long Bao
    Sichuan Dan Dan Noodle

    See all

    Sichuan Dan Dan Noodle
    Crustacean

    Crustacean

    4.0
    (143 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    Made reservations on a Sunday at 6:30pm for 4, arrived around 6:10 table wasn't quite ready so…read moregrabbed drinks and waited for the rest of our group to arrive. Was seated promptly at 6:30pm. Drinks: It's Not Soup - a nice gin based cocktail that's clarified giving it a silky texture, not too boozey, slightly floral with a hint of acidity Pandan Dream - rum forward with bit of acidity from the yuzu, boozey and wish the pandan flavor was stronger, good aroma but felt a bit imbalanced Food: Shrimp Toast - asked for this one to come with 4 pieces so we each got one, crispy baguette topped with a tasty shrimp paste, a solid starter Fried calamari - good, lightly batter, calamari was tender and had a great slightly bouncy texture, the aioli to dip was a nice touch Garlic noodles - excellent, well seasoned savory with lots of sweet garlic flavor, noodles were tender with a subtle chew Garlic crab - good, ordered this deshelled which made for easy eating, crab was sweet and tender with a subtle garlic flavor and lots of butter Stir fried green beans - solid, a nice crisp tender snap, well seasoned with a sweet savory soy and garlic heavy sauce Shaking Beef - okay, beef was stir fried with a medium to medium well cook on the steak cubes, peppery, sweet soy, bell peppers and red onion rounded out the dish, potatoes added heartiness but glad we ordered some steamed rice to pair with this to soak up the sauce Creme brulee - solid, creamy vanilla custard with a great crunchy bruleed caramelized crust. Service was great, Zack our server was warm, friendly, and professional. We had water throughout our meal refilled, fresh plates provided between courses. Pacing of the meal was excellent. Brought a bottle of wine to pair with dinner which staff decanted for us to enjoy. Came to celebrate a birthday and staff brought out ice cream to celebrate which was a great added touch. Overall really enjoyed Crustacean's, the garlic noodles and crab are definitely the stars of the menu. Service was excellent, worth a visit for a special occasion.

    I really had high hopes for Crustacean; however, the service tonight left much to be desired…read more We were able to get seated earlier than our reservation, but I feel like that's where the "wow" factor ended. Our waiter seemed overworked and irritated, and it was difficult to get attentive service throughout the evening. While I understand busy nights happen, the overall experience felt rushed and disconnected. That said, the ambiance was absolutely beautiful. The restaurant has a dark, sultry, upscale feel that makes it perfect for a date night or special occasion. The atmosphere felt luxurious and intimate, which made the service shortcomings even more noticeable. The food was good, but the service didn't quite match the high-end experience I was expecting. I'm hoping this was just an off night.

    Photos
    Crustacean, the new bar is very attractive.
    Crustacean, the new bar is very attractive.
    SHAKEN BEEF
    SHAKEN BEEF
    TUNA CIGAR WITH TOBIKO CAVIAR

    See all

    TUNA CIGAR WITH TOBIKO CAVIAR

    Simmer & Steamer - korean - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...