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I recently revisited San Ho Won after 4 years and wow, I should have come back sooner! Like the first time we opted for a la carte and this time around, what we ordered was even tastier than the first time I tried San Ho Won. I was able to snag a reservation for 2 on a Monday night when my friend was visiting SF and this ended me being the highlight of her trip! We shared the hwe muchim (raw fluke salad), beef tartare, beef neck fillet, double-cut galbi and doenjang clam jjigae. It was a ton of food but we managed to eat all of it. So good! Loved both apps, the hwe muchim was super fresh and light and the beef tartare was great as well. Loved the seaweed rice crackers served with the tartare and the asian pear added a nice touch of sweetness. The grilled meat was the star of the show. I've never had (or seen) beef neck fillet before but this turned out to be so tender and soft. It reminded me of a more flavorful filet mignon and I loved dipping this in the housemade ssamjang. The galbi is a must as well - this is the real reason to order a la carte as the house menu doesn't include the galbi. It's thick cut but so tender and the sauce is addicting without masking the flavor of the meat. It was perfect with a side of scallion salad and we got a bowl of white rice to share. Finally the doenjang clam jjigae was a nice way to end the meal with a rich savory soup. Overall such a good meal that feels both comforting and special at the same time. I could see the care that goes into each dish and San Ho Won has to be one of the best Korean restaurants in the Bay Area, especially if you're looking for a treat yourself meal.
4.5 star experience, rounding to 5! Celebrated girlfriend's birthday. Made the reservation on Tock the day it was available. We ordered: tablas creek, patelin de tablas '23 $62 house menu $236 ($118 a head) double cut galbi $72 grilled tteok $6 jongga original kimchi $6 service charge 20% Flavors were great! Staff i think could have been a bit more attentive on the sides. Really surprised got charged $6 for kimchi when staff earlier said the veggies with meats were refillable. Street parking only, can be tough during peak hours. Galbi definitely really good. Though can be a bit rich. Probably best to order with larger group. I was able to finish, but was stuffing for sure. Definitely a cool spot to grab a nice premium meal! :D
Soo hard to get a reservation but if you can, definitely get the yuk-hwe, beef tongue and kalbi. We didn't do the pre-fixe and ordered ala-carte. The dessert here is really good too so make sure to save space. Also don't go into this thinking it's an AYCE kbbq place because the prices are not that. It's definitely pricey for Korean bbq but I think worth it as the flavors are really clean and unique. You can really tell the quality behind it.
Great experience at San Ho Won. Food, service and decor made it all so luxurious. The Galbi were massive and thick with full of fatty flavors. It felt apart easily too so really easy to eat compared to the grocery store galbi. Jebi Churi was very tender and smokey. High quality meat and would highly recommend trying this one if you never had this cut of meat. Loved the sauces that came with the ssam. Their house made ssamjang was great, and I loved that they made a cilantro sauce as a homage to the Mission District. Michelin rated 1 star restaurant and it definitely lived up to the hype in my mind. Side note. They also have a bidet in their restrooms. That's how you know they're on a different tier.
At long last, I got to eat at the famous San Ho Won, what has been called the best Korean bbq in the country! Husband and I came here on a Monday and had one of the best meals I've had in a long while. We weren't that hungry so we opted for À la carte rather than the tasting, which we'll have to try another time. We ordered the original kimchi, the yam green onion pancake, mushrooms, rice, the pork ribs and the ribeye. The stunner of the pickings was the rib eye - my god! I think this was one of the best cuts of meat I've ever had. And I've been to Niku, been to super fancy Ome wagyu places in Japan, and this was better. The ribs, mushrooms and the soft serve with black sesame were also fantastic. Best Kim chi I've ever had too. Will need to try the eye soufle next time ! The service was fantastic as well! All around a fantastic meal experience
I'm not gonna lie I thought this place was going to be overhyped. I've been to quite a few Michelin's around SF and not many have made me feel like it was worth it. That is...until I came here. Overall the vibes were elevated but also casual at the same time. We did the tasting menu and each dish that came I was so wowed by the flavors and texture. My top favorites: 1. The steamed egg, I've had plenty of steamed eggs before and I think it's the broth that they serve it with and the amazingly whipped up fluffy egg. It works so well together it was a staple but something made it REALLY stand out. 2. The beef cheeks WERE SO TENDER. The fattiness wasn't too fatty yet it still melted in your mouth I wow shocked! It was also very flavorful and I don't even know how they do it! 3. I can't even pick a 3rd because evrything else was just as amazing. This is my new recommended restaurant for anyone who comes to visit SF.
Wow what a treat! Came to San Ho Won to celebrate my return from a tri yearly silent wilderness solitude retreat. This is definitely a place you go when you want to feast. Their kimchi and banchan is a delicious way to start of the meal. The service is welcoming and helpful when navigating the menu. I opted to do the pre-fixe menu and add a couple of extra dishes. Definitely make sure to get the Galbi Mandu dumplings those were incredible! San Ho Won transports you to another realm with its dim lighting and cultural decor.
The real deal for authentic Korean flavors in SF. Charcoal BBQ over lychee wood made the grilled meats come out beautifully tender and full of flavor. Our meat for the evening was beef neck, which was cooked perfectly. Everything felt genuine and thoughtfully done. I rarely take pictures of my food, but did it this time since I was delighted by the fact that this is an actual Korean American restaurant that got a Michelin-star. Only disappointment was the dessert. Was hoping for something a little more creative and Korean to end the meal. Cool, minimalist ambiance in a great Mission location with street parking. Bonus: it's right next door to Muttville, so you can go say hi to some cute elderly rescue dogs before dinner. A heads up on reservations: they're notoriously hard to get when they open up 30 days in advance. If you miss the window for the date you want, just add yourself to the waitlist and be ready to pounce the minute a cancellation pops up.
Reservation: Was able to reserve online for a group of four about a month in advance; personally recommend getting a general reservation and ordering a la carte over the house menu, even for our first time as we got to try different items and the house double cut galbi (our table agreed as our favorite and their signature, most popular dish) is not on the house menu but would be too filling to add on to the already full tasting menu Parking: Surprisingly easy before 5pm when they open on a Thursday evening to find free street parking. Service: Incredibly attentive with replacing napkins, clean plates, clearing table trash, and keeping our barley tea pot and water pitcher full as well as good explanations on each dish Ambiance: Really nice dark, moody interior but also natural lighting from the wall with open windows Barley Tea: teapot was on the table and refilled throughout - great palate cleanser and loved that it was served hot Banchan: the sauce for the tofu dish was incredible with a good kick, cucumber and peanut sauce ones less memorable and overall not as many as expected from a Korean restaurant Hwe Muchim: Raw fluke sashimi salad was delicious, unique, and a great start to our meal as the server explained how you layer eating it with the perilla leaf first then a piece of seaweed and the fluke salad which made for a really balanced and flavorful bite that my Korean friend said was really authentic. I did wish they provided a wet towelette after this dish to clean our hands after. Kimchi and bacon pancake: never had one that was so thin it was actually more similar to a crepe than a pancake and packed great flavor with a good crisp and beautiful color, definitely worth trying Egg savory soufflé: a staple in many Korean BBQ restaurants but the additional anchovy broth in the bowl the served us each with tasted amazing with the egg Jebi Churi - the beef neck fillet was so tender and reminded me of braised beef that just falls apart on your fork; the chili sauce was my personal favorite House Double-Cut Galbi: this dish actually did live up to the hype for me personally as it's extremely difficult to get such a thick cut of galbi as tender as the beef neck was and the marinade added delicious flavor as well as smokiness from the charcoal grill; we were all able to leave just clean bones on our plate because of how well cooked the beef was Kimchi and seafood gamasot rice: this dish had so many ingredients but instead of being muddled, I got great bites of the seaweed and seafood and everything was well seasoned and balanced together as a perfect last savory dish Injeolmisu: even though it's called injeolmisu, the description said misugaru and the top half was delicious though the botton half seemed soaked in an alcohol that overpowered the light grain Black sesame ice cream sundae with huckleberry: the huckleberry was inside the center and had a crunch from being freeze dried potentially; the black sesame on the outside (not Oreo crumble) had a great toasty note to it and was our table's favorite dessert Peach bingsu: light and good texture from the almonds but not a must order for us Overall, really happy I tried this place with a bigger group so we could order more items to try that weren't on the house menu though I appreciate the menu had options for serving 1-2 vs 3-4 for dishes like the Hwe Muchim and the Kimchi and Seafood Gamasot Rice. We ordered just the right amount to be solidly full and ended up spending less per person than if we had ordered the house menu. The things on the house menu I did want to try that weren't on the a la carte menu were the shrimp and squash pancake and Gwangyang style rib-eye bulgogi but I think I still would prefer our a la carte route since we got to try the galbi. They took a polaroid photo for us as a keepsake and gave a little branded magnet as a birthday gift which was really nice too though we only had one polaroid copy for the four of us.
Brief Summary: - Reserved 2-3 weeks in advance for good days and times - Very good food portions, entered hungry left very full - Tranquil and lovely atmosphere - Such kind staff, so heart-warming and super attentive - 1.5 - 2 hour eating experience if you order the House Menu - Walks-ins are possible, but reservations are guaranteed San Ho Won is one of the restaurants that has been recommended by a couple of my colleagues and mutuals who knew I love eating food, particularly Korean dishes. I asked them about whether I should reserve or walk-in; answers split, but for the safest route was the reservation. The restaurant opens at 5pm, and as we rounded the corner, we saw that there was a line at the door. Most of them appeared to have made reservations, because when the door opened, the staff called out for those who made reservations. Those who have left the line and into a different line where we introduced our names. The interior gave a quaint and restful atmosphere with the dark wooden tables, flooring, and booths. When we visited in the mid-summer season, where the sun was still visible when the restaurant opened, the light from the sunroof brought in soft light ambience in the space. Soon after sitting, we were accompanied by 2 staff members, who helped understand what is being prepared for the House Menu, explaining us what are the other choices, swapping out the empty tea kettle into a new one as silently as ninja, and checking in on us. The two were so friendly and very attentive. Another group whom I also want to send praise to are the two who came by to clear the dishes. The whole staff helped made the food experience very wonderful I'll swerve over to the food portion of the experience. When we reserved a spot, there were 2 options, but I decided to choose the House Menu. Remember, with the House Menu, 90% of the menu is chosen by the restaurant, so you can relax and eat. Out of the different options, there are 2 main courses section, where we can choose one of the two choices. I enjoyed many of the dishes, and I also liked the banchan. These were not served at the beginning, but they were served between 2-3 dishes in between course dishes. Some were paired with the course menu, and indeed it matched really well with it. Food came in at good speeds for a fast eater, and me, generally the slowest eater in the family, still had food from the prior course. Portions are on the hefty side, so I do recommend visiting on a very empty stomach so you can enjoy all the courses. This round we chose the more known named dishes like the bulgogi and the pork belly, but next time, if the menu still offers it or the season returns I might challenge the jowl and the beef cheeks.
Seemed like quite a celebratory place with many candles for birthdays and anniversaries. Despite being a Michelin starred restaurant it felt very San Francisco unpretentious with patrons wearing sandals, shorts, hoodies and college t-shirts. The food was definitely elevated, but not so much that your bulgogi comes in foam form. Banchan: Some free banchan at the beginning of the meal and more (mostly kimchi variants) throughout. All complex and full of flavor. I especially liked the cold tofu at the beginning, so much flavor. Shrimp and Squash Pancake: What was most striking was how little pancake there was in this pancake. The shrimp and squash were dominant, with a tiny bit of binding material to bring it all together and make it crispy. Quite a departure from more generic Korean joints where it's mostly batter with a little bit of filling. Really appreciated this. Savory Egg Soufflé: Loved the pageantry of scooping the delicate egg into a bowl, pouring over the broth and drizzling on the sauce. It really created a lot of layered flavors and textures. I'm normally not a fan of anchovies, but the anchovy broth tasted amazing. Galbi Mandu (add-on): I acknowledge the Prix Fixe House Menu is a lot of food, but I needed to splurge on this add-on since it looked so cool. Sure enough, the delicate lattice between dumplings was really great. Also, the dumplings themselves were fun with thin ground beef lines wrapped in elongated dumplings. Jebi Churi: Beef neck doesn't sound that appealing at first flush. However, understanding that it's a muscle that's just a small fraction of the cow and that it's filled with collagen inside is more intriguing. Seems to be a signature dish here. Was really great with all the different leaves and sauces. I found the sesame leaf the most interesting, somewhat spicy even. The green sauce was the most delicious since I love cilantro. Marinated Grilled Beef Cheeks: Same leaves and sauces leftover from the beef neck. The beef cheeks, in contrast were heavily marinated. So marinated that they stuck to the grill a bit. They also had a less muscular texture, almost reminding me of foie gras texture. Much richer and great in the leaf wraps. Butter Mushrooms: Came between the grilled meats. With the heavy amount of melted button instead the mushroom it kinda reminded me of escargot. Especially since the mushroom tasted nice and meaty. Beef Shank Jeongol with Knife-Cut Wheat Noodle: Loved the rich delicate broth. Remind me of beef pho, but with fewer spices and more attention to the beef bone infused flavor. It starts out without noodles, so you can focus on the tender beef slices, thin enoki mushrooms and various greens. I liked that there was a flavorful dipping sauce separate from the broth. Halfway though they brought out some noodles and more broth. At that point I was getting pretty full, but I just couldn't resist more intense broth and those chewy noodles. Soft Serve Ice Cream: There were two choices and we shared both. The strawberry drizzle on yogurt ice cream was a classic refreshing summery treat. The black sesame huckleberry was notable because of the vibrant and generous huckleberry throughout, especially the cache at the bottom. Omija Spritz: The soju flavor was dominant, not watered down by strawberry despite being so red. More sophisticated that some strawberry soda style cocktail. It surprised me. Fort Point, "Ganada", Korean-Style Lager: Made specifically for San Ho Won, this was indeed the perfect pairing to all the grilled meats. Paired nicely *and* cleansed the palate between bites. Also, liked the nice touch of being served in an ice frosted glass.
Had a wonderful time at San Ho Won celebrating our anniversary. Our reservation was at 5pm when they open and we were greeted with smiles - service was wonderful the entire evening. We got seated and decided to go à la carte which we had zero regrets doing. To start off, we were served barley tea and 3 Banchan dishes (shishito peppers, cucumbers, tofu). All were presented nicely. Overall, the food is fantastic here. The charcoal bbq meats were some of the best I've had. Highly recommend getting the ssam to wrap the meat in - the sauces were so good! Here is what we ordered: - Savory egg soufflé -- so fluffy and tasty with the anchovy broth! - Baechu kimchi -- this was ok, we just wanted to try one of their specialty Banchan. The taste was quite mild, wish it was more spicy. - Beef tongue -- soft, tender, melts in your mouth. Cooked perfectly. - Prime beef rib cap -- had a solid char and great flavor, super tender too. So good! - Galbi -- this was so tender and fatty. Super thick cut and just came off the bone. - Mugunji kimchi jigae -- we were so full at this point but the flavor of this was good. Tender pork jowl. We added a bowl of rice for $3. We ended with the summer peach bingsu which was one of the best desserts I've had. Super unique and everything worked so well in it with the roasted almond milk & peach jelly and gentle white chocolate. You have to try it! Overall, the ambiance is a nice casual for a Michelin star spot. Would highly recommend trying!
Summary: San Ho Won is Korean Michelin 1-star that punches above its weight. The prix fixe menu is lovely and shows that the shop has range beyond its very excellent KBBQ. The vibes and service were standout. Overall value for the experience is unmatched even amongst its Michelin peers. Venue: Tucked in between Mission and Potrero Hill districts, San Ho Won's unassuming white exterior opens up to traditional "period Korean shop" decor. Unfinished wood in the furniture and dishware give off humble+rustic, yet clean+professional vibes simutaniously. Food: Excellent. Each dish in the set menu is rich and unique, highlighting different flavors of Korean cusine. My favorites include the beef neck and the kimchi pork stew. San Ho Won thankfully avoids the cardinal sin of high end dining--having bland main dishes. While many 1-star restaurants will have interesting starters (and alcohol to soften your expectations), the mains often sober you up and leave you wanting. San Ho Won's mains provided a satisfying impact that left me smiling. Service: While I was seated promptly, the staff were very forgiving that my partner got stuck in traffic and had to start the menu late. Every staff member was warm and thoughtful in general, and accomidating to our requests (late add on, delay next dish by 10 minutes, etc.). They also provided a cute Polaroid and fridge magnet to help celebrate our anniversary for the night. Takeaways San Ho Won beats out many of the other 1-star restaurants I've experienced in SF and in other US cities in taste, in service, and in value. I'm excited to come back and try their a la carte menu, as their tasteful set menu suggests many more hidden gems worth trying in the future.
Celebrated a Birthday and a Retirement at San Ho Wan in SF! We had a reservation for six at 5:30pm in the side room which has two large tables that easily fit eight each. We were so lucky to get one of the tables a month ago. The ambiance is dark, simple, and modern with an open kitchen in the main dining room and a Korean inspired mural of the City with ubiquitous Tiger in the side room. It's lucky they put us in the side room as we were a bit noisy. Styling is quite similar to Corey Lee's Benu. Simple, muted tones, sharp angles, darker than Benu. We were excited about the Set Menu but wanted to try more of the BBQ Meats than what's offered, thus we went ala carte with all 7 of the BBQ meats. Yes, all 7 and glad we did. All of the meats were perfectly grilled and seasoned, not overcooked, and accompanied by three sauces and two orders of Ssam for wrapping. TBH - you don't need any of the sauces and we barely used them. They are KBBQ grill masters and we're happy to not go home smelling like KBBQ! We had Beef Tongue, Ribeye, Neck, Rib Cap, Double Cut Short Rib, Pork Bulgoki and Glazed Pork Ribs. The six of us ate around ten ounces of meat each in total and all thought the Tongue and Neck were the best of the seven. The others were very good too with the Double Cut Short Rib being hefty and not your typical KBBQ Short Rib - A large chunk of tender fall-off the rib piece of meat. Of course we had other items, their restaurant-made Banchan was unique and quite good, their Spicy Baked Mussels with Pork Jowl Appetizer was a fav however we were all wondering if the jowl was chopped and mixed-in or put on top of the mussel? Another app of Sana Pajeo, mountain yam and green onion pancake was a surprise. The yam inside the fried pancake was crunchy good, no dipping sauce needed. We also had two stews, seafood fried rice, salad, two jigaes, and two desserts. This was a feast guided by our server Alyssa who was very patient with our picky group of foodies. A three-hour tour of KBBQ that was not rushed...Good job San Ho Wan! read more
Had a delightful dinner here - everything from the vibe of the restaurant, the service, to of course the food, was excellent. The restaurant is very minimalist and low-key. I love all the clean, flat surfaces. Don't miss a visit to the bathroom to use the Toto - love a high quality bathroom experience!! Egg soufflé - don't miss this. The texture is perfect and the spicy broth and sauce is so good. Beef neck - so tender, love the collagen texture. I love being able to just bite through steak. The ssam, while lovely, is not totally necessary - the meat stand on its own. Loved our crispy rice with seafood as well. For dessert, I really enjoyed the soft serve with black sesame sauce, cookies, and huckleberry. Simple ingredients but well executed - very tasty read more
I have been here many times throughout the year for birthdays, business dinners, and casual meals. The food and service have always been superb. I've tried nearly everything on both the regular and house menus, and they do a phenomenal job with the meat selection. My favorites are the double-cut galbi and the grilled beef cheeks. The banchan that comes with the house menu is also excellent, and they are always happy to keep the table filled. They also have a nice selection of Korean drinks, including soju and makgeolli. Reservations can be hard to get and always require the house menu, which is $118 per person with a min of two people in the party. It is pricey, but it makes ordering much easier and is already very filling without any add-ons necessary. However, I do get greedy and always end up ordering more from the regular menu on top of it and leave super full! If you manage to get a table as a walk-in, I would stick mostly to the charcoal barbecue section and add a soup or stew to complete the meal. The restaurant is always packed and loud, with the tables are close together in the main room. There is another room for larger parties. Because it gets so busy, the staff may occasionally forget something, but a quick reminder is all it takes and they will take care of it. I love the food here and will always recommend it when someone asks me where to get good KBBQ in SF. read more
I recently revisited San Ho Won after 4 years and wow, I should have come back sooner! Like the first time we opted for a la carte and this time around, what we ordered was even tastier than the first time I tried San Ho Won. I was able to snag a reservation for 2 on a Monday night when my friend was visiting SF and this ended me being the highlight of her trip! We shared the hwe muchim (raw fluke salad), beef tartare, beef neck fillet, double-cut galbi and doenjang clam jjigae. It was a ton of food but we managed to eat all of it. So good! Loved both apps, the hwe muchim was super fresh and light and the beef tartare was great as well. Loved the seaweed rice crackers served with the tartare and the asian pear added a nice touch of sweetness. The grilled meat was the star of the show. I've never had (or seen) beef neck fillet before but this turned out to be so tender and soft. It reminded me of a more flavorful filet mignon and I loved dipping this in the housemade ssamjang. The galbi is a must as well - this is the real reason to order a la carte as the house menu doesn't include the galbi. It's thick cut but so tender and the sauce is addicting without masking the flavor of the meat. It was perfect with a side of scallion salad and we got a bowl of white rice to share. Finally the doenjang clam jjigae was a nice way to end the meal with a rich savory soup. Overall such a good meal that feels both comforting and special at the same time. I could see the care that goes into each dish and San Ho Won has to be one of the best Korean restaurants in the Bay Area, especially if you're looking for a treat yourself meal. read more
4.5 star experience, rounding to 5! Celebrated girlfriend's birthday. Made the reservation on Tock the day it was available. We ordered: tablas creek, patelin de tablas '23 $62 house menu $236 ($118 a head) double cut galbi $72 grilled tteok $6 jongga original kimchi $6 service charge 20% Flavors were great! Staff i think could have been a bit more attentive on the sides. Really surprised got charged $6 for kimchi when staff earlier said the veggies with meats were refillable. Street parking only, can be tough during peak hours. Galbi definitely really good. Though can be a bit rich. Probably best to order with larger group. I was able to finish, but was stuffing for sure. Definitely a cool spot to grab a nice premium meal! :D read more
Soo hard to get a reservation but if you can, definitely get the yuk-hwe, beef tongue and kalbi. We didn't do the pre-fixe and ordered ala-carte. The dessert here is really good too so make sure to save space. Also don't go into this thinking it's an AYCE kbbq place because the prices are not that. It's definitely pricey for Korean bbq but I think worth it as the flavors are really clean and unique. You can really tell the quality behind it. read more
Great experience at San Ho Won. Food, service and decor made it all so luxurious. The Galbi were massive and thick with full of fatty flavors. It felt apart easily too so really easy to eat compared to the grocery store galbi. Jebi Churi was very tender and smokey. High quality meat and would highly recommend trying this one if you never had this cut of meat. Loved the sauces that came with the ssam. Their house made ssamjang was great, and I loved that they made a cilantro sauce as a homage to the Mission District. Michelin rated 1 star restaurant and it definitely lived up to the hype in my mind. Side note. They also have a bidet in their restrooms. That's how you know they're on a different tier. read more
At long last, I got to eat at the famous San Ho Won, what has been called the best Korean bbq in the country! Husband and I came here on a Monday and had one of the best meals I've had in a long while. We weren't that hungry so we opted for À la carte rather than the tasting, which we'll have to try another time. We ordered the original kimchi, the yam green onion pancake, mushrooms, rice, the pork ribs and the ribeye. The stunner of the pickings was the rib eye - my god! I think this was one of the best cuts of meat I've ever had. And I've been to Niku, been to super fancy Ome wagyu places in Japan, and this was better. The ribs, mushrooms and the soft serve with black sesame were also fantastic. Best Kim chi I've ever had too. Will need to try the eye soufle next time ! The service was fantastic as well! All around a fantastic meal experience read more
I'm not gonna lie I thought this place was going to be overhyped. I've been to quite a few Michelin's around SF and not many have made me feel like it was worth it. That is...until I came here. Overall the vibes were elevated but also casual at the same time. We did the tasting menu and each dish that came I was so wowed by the flavors and texture. My top favorites: 1. The steamed egg, I've had plenty of steamed eggs before and I think it's the broth that they serve it with and the amazingly whipped up fluffy egg. It works so well together it was a staple but something made it REALLY stand out. 2. The beef cheeks WERE SO TENDER. The fattiness wasn't too fatty yet it still melted in your mouth I wow shocked! It was also very flavorful and I don't even know how they do it! 3. I can't even pick a 3rd because evrything else was just as amazing. This is my new recommended restaurant for anyone who comes to visit SF. read more
Wow what a treat! Came to San Ho Won to celebrate my return from a tri yearly silent wilderness solitude retreat. This is definitely a place you go when you want to feast. Their kimchi and banchan is a delicious way to start of the meal. The service is welcoming and helpful when navigating the menu. I opted to do the pre-fixe menu and add a couple of extra dishes. Definitely make sure to get the Galbi Mandu dumplings those were incredible! San Ho Won transports you to another realm with its dim lighting and cultural decor. read more
The real deal for authentic Korean flavors in SF. Charcoal BBQ over lychee wood made the grilled meats come out beautifully tender and full of flavor. Our meat for the evening was beef neck, which was cooked perfectly. Everything felt genuine and thoughtfully done. I rarely take pictures of my food, but did it this time since I was delighted by the fact that this is an actual Korean American restaurant that got a Michelin-star. Only disappointment was the dessert. Was hoping for something a little more creative and Korean to end the meal. Cool, minimalist ambiance in a great Mission location with street parking. Bonus: it's right next door to Muttville, so you can go say hi to some cute elderly rescue dogs before dinner. A heads up on reservations: they're notoriously hard to get when they open up 30 days in advance. If you miss the window for the date you want, just add yourself to the waitlist and be ready to pounce the minute a cancellation pops up. read more
Reservation: Was able to reserve online for a group of four about a month in advance; personally recommend getting a general reservation and ordering a la carte over the house menu, even for our first time as we got to try different items and the house double cut galbi (our table agreed as our favorite and their signature, most popular dish) is not on the house menu but would be too filling to add on to the already full tasting menu Parking: Surprisingly easy before 5pm when they open on a Thursday evening to find free street parking. Service: Incredibly attentive with replacing napkins, clean plates, clearing table trash, and keeping our barley tea pot and water pitcher full as well as good explanations on each dish Ambiance: Really nice dark, moody interior but also natural lighting from the wall with open windows Barley Tea: teapot was on the table and refilled throughout - great palate cleanser and loved that it was served hot Banchan: the sauce for the tofu dish was incredible with a good kick, cucumber and peanut sauce ones less memorable and overall not as many as expected from a Korean restaurant Hwe Muchim: Raw fluke sashimi salad was delicious, unique, and a great start to our meal as the server explained how you layer eating it with the perilla leaf first then a piece of seaweed and the fluke salad which made for a really balanced and flavorful bite that my Korean friend said was really authentic. I did wish they provided a wet towelette after this dish to clean our hands after. Kimchi and bacon pancake: never had one that was so thin it was actually more similar to a crepe than a pancake and packed great flavor with a good crisp and beautiful color, definitely worth trying Egg savory soufflé: a staple in many Korean BBQ restaurants but the additional anchovy broth in the bowl the served us each with tasted amazing with the egg Jebi Churi - the beef neck fillet was so tender and reminded me of braised beef that just falls apart on your fork; the chili sauce was my personal favorite House Double-Cut Galbi: this dish actually did live up to the hype for me personally as it's extremely difficult to get such a thick cut of galbi as tender as the beef neck was and the marinade added delicious flavor as well as smokiness from the charcoal grill; we were all able to leave just clean bones on our plate because of how well cooked the beef was Kimchi and seafood gamasot rice: this dish had so many ingredients but instead of being muddled, I got great bites of the seaweed and seafood and everything was well seasoned and balanced together as a perfect last savory dish Injeolmisu: even though it's called injeolmisu, the description said misugaru and the top half was delicious though the botton half seemed soaked in an alcohol that overpowered the light grain Black sesame ice cream sundae with huckleberry: the huckleberry was inside the center and had a crunch from being freeze dried potentially; the black sesame on the outside (not Oreo crumble) had a great toasty note to it and was our table's favorite dessert Peach bingsu: light and good texture from the almonds but not a must order for us Overall, really happy I tried this place with a bigger group so we could order more items to try that weren't on the house menu though I appreciate the menu had options for serving 1-2 vs 3-4 for dishes like the Hwe Muchim and the Kimchi and Seafood Gamasot Rice. We ordered just the right amount to be solidly full and ended up spending less per person than if we had ordered the house menu. The things on the house menu I did want to try that weren't on the a la carte menu were the shrimp and squash pancake and Gwangyang style rib-eye bulgogi but I think I still would prefer our a la carte route since we got to try the galbi. They took a polaroid photo for us as a keepsake and gave a little branded magnet as a birthday gift which was really nice too though we only had one polaroid copy for the four of us. read more
Brief Summary: - Reserved 2-3 weeks in advance for good days and times - Very good food portions, entered hungry left very full - Tranquil and lovely atmosphere - Such kind staff, so heart-warming and super attentive - 1.5 - 2 hour eating experience if you order the House Menu - Walks-ins are possible, but reservations are guaranteed San Ho Won is one of the restaurants that has been recommended by a couple of my colleagues and mutuals who knew I love eating food, particularly Korean dishes. I asked them about whether I should reserve or walk-in; answers split, but for the safest route was the reservation. The restaurant opens at 5pm, and as we rounded the corner, we saw that there was a line at the door. Most of them appeared to have made reservations, because when the door opened, the staff called out for those who made reservations. Those who have left the line and into a different line where we introduced our names. The interior gave a quaint and restful atmosphere with the dark wooden tables, flooring, and booths. When we visited in the mid-summer season, where the sun was still visible when the restaurant opened, the light from the sunroof brought in soft light ambience in the space. Soon after sitting, we were accompanied by 2 staff members, who helped understand what is being prepared for the House Menu, explaining us what are the other choices, swapping out the empty tea kettle into a new one as silently as ninja, and checking in on us. The two were so friendly and very attentive. Another group whom I also want to send praise to are the two who came by to clear the dishes. The whole staff helped made the food experience very wonderful I'll swerve over to the food portion of the experience. When we reserved a spot, there were 2 options, but I decided to choose the House Menu. Remember, with the House Menu, 90% of the menu is chosen by the restaurant, so you can relax and eat. Out of the different options, there are 2 main courses section, where we can choose one of the two choices. I enjoyed many of the dishes, and I also liked the banchan. These were not served at the beginning, but they were served between 2-3 dishes in between course dishes. Some were paired with the course menu, and indeed it matched really well with it. Food came in at good speeds for a fast eater, and me, generally the slowest eater in the family, still had food from the prior course. Portions are on the hefty side, so I do recommend visiting on a very empty stomach so you can enjoy all the courses. This round we chose the more known named dishes like the bulgogi and the pork belly, but next time, if the menu still offers it or the season returns I might challenge the jowl and the beef cheeks. read more
Seemed like quite a celebratory place with many candles for birthdays and anniversaries. Despite being a Michelin starred restaurant it felt very San Francisco unpretentious with patrons wearing sandals, shorts, hoodies and college t-shirts. The food was definitely elevated, but not so much that your bulgogi comes in foam form. Banchan: Some free banchan at the beginning of the meal and more (mostly kimchi variants) throughout. All complex and full of flavor. I especially liked the cold tofu at the beginning, so much flavor. Shrimp and Squash Pancake: What was most striking was how little pancake there was in this pancake. The shrimp and squash were dominant, with a tiny bit of binding material to bring it all together and make it crispy. Quite a departure from more generic Korean joints where it's mostly batter with a little bit of filling. Really appreciated this. Savory Egg Soufflé: Loved the pageantry of scooping the delicate egg into a bowl, pouring over the broth and drizzling on the sauce. It really created a lot of layered flavors and textures. I'm normally not a fan of anchovies, but the anchovy broth tasted amazing. Galbi Mandu (add-on): I acknowledge the Prix Fixe House Menu is a lot of food, but I needed to splurge on this add-on since it looked so cool. Sure enough, the delicate lattice between dumplings was really great. Also, the dumplings themselves were fun with thin ground beef lines wrapped in elongated dumplings. Jebi Churi: Beef neck doesn't sound that appealing at first flush. However, understanding that it's a muscle that's just a small fraction of the cow and that it's filled with collagen inside is more intriguing. Seems to be a signature dish here. Was really great with all the different leaves and sauces. I found the sesame leaf the most interesting, somewhat spicy even. The green sauce was the most delicious since I love cilantro. Marinated Grilled Beef Cheeks: Same leaves and sauces leftover from the beef neck. The beef cheeks, in contrast were heavily marinated. So marinated that they stuck to the grill a bit. They also had a less muscular texture, almost reminding me of foie gras texture. Much richer and great in the leaf wraps. Butter Mushrooms: Came between the grilled meats. With the heavy amount of melted button instead the mushroom it kinda reminded me of escargot. Especially since the mushroom tasted nice and meaty. Beef Shank Jeongol with Knife-Cut Wheat Noodle: Loved the rich delicate broth. Remind me of beef pho, but with fewer spices and more attention to the beef bone infused flavor. It starts out without noodles, so you can focus on the tender beef slices, thin enoki mushrooms and various greens. I liked that there was a flavorful dipping sauce separate from the broth. Halfway though they brought out some noodles and more broth. At that point I was getting pretty full, but I just couldn't resist more intense broth and those chewy noodles. Soft Serve Ice Cream: There were two choices and we shared both. The strawberry drizzle on yogurt ice cream was a classic refreshing summery treat. The black sesame huckleberry was notable because of the vibrant and generous huckleberry throughout, especially the cache at the bottom. Omija Spritz: The soju flavor was dominant, not watered down by strawberry despite being so red. More sophisticated that some strawberry soda style cocktail. It surprised me. Fort Point, "Ganada", Korean-Style Lager: Made specifically for San Ho Won, this was indeed the perfect pairing to all the grilled meats. Paired nicely *and* cleansed the palate between bites. Also, liked the nice touch of being served in an ice frosted glass. read more
Had a wonderful time at San Ho Won celebrating our anniversary. Our reservation was at 5pm when they open and we were greeted with smiles - service was wonderful the entire evening. We got seated and decided to go à la carte which we had zero regrets doing. To start off, we were served barley tea and 3 Banchan dishes (shishito peppers, cucumbers, tofu). All were presented nicely. Overall, the food is fantastic here. The charcoal bbq meats were some of the best I've had. Highly recommend getting the ssam to wrap the meat in - the sauces were so good! Here is what we ordered: - Savory egg soufflé -- so fluffy and tasty with the anchovy broth! - Baechu kimchi -- this was ok, we just wanted to try one of their specialty Banchan. The taste was quite mild, wish it was more spicy. - Beef tongue -- soft, tender, melts in your mouth. Cooked perfectly. - Prime beef rib cap -- had a solid char and great flavor, super tender too. So good! - Galbi -- this was so tender and fatty. Super thick cut and just came off the bone. - Mugunji kimchi jigae -- we were so full at this point but the flavor of this was good. Tender pork jowl. We added a bowl of rice for $3. We ended with the summer peach bingsu which was one of the best desserts I've had. Super unique and everything worked so well in it with the roasted almond milk & peach jelly and gentle white chocolate. You have to try it! Overall, the ambiance is a nice casual for a Michelin star spot. Would highly recommend trying! read more
Summary: San Ho Won is Korean Michelin 1-star that punches above its weight. The prix fixe menu is lovely and shows that the shop has range beyond its very excellent KBBQ. The vibes and service were standout. Overall value for the experience is unmatched even amongst its Michelin peers. Venue: Tucked in between Mission and Potrero Hill districts, San Ho Won's unassuming white exterior opens up to traditional "period Korean shop" decor. Unfinished wood in the furniture and dishware give off humble+rustic, yet clean+professional vibes simutaniously. Food: Excellent. Each dish in the set menu is rich and unique, highlighting different flavors of Korean cusine. My favorites include the beef neck and the kimchi pork stew. San Ho Won thankfully avoids the cardinal sin of high end dining--having bland main dishes. While many 1-star restaurants will have interesting starters (and alcohol to soften your expectations), the mains often sober you up and leave you wanting. San Ho Won's mains provided a satisfying impact that left me smiling. Service: While I was seated promptly, the staff were very forgiving that my partner got stuck in traffic and had to start the menu late. Every staff member was warm and thoughtful in general, and accomidating to our requests (late add on, delay next dish by 10 minutes, etc.). They also provided a cute Polaroid and fridge magnet to help celebrate our anniversary for the night. Takeaways San Ho Won beats out many of the other 1-star restaurants I've experienced in SF and in other US cities in taste, in service, and in value. I'm excited to come back and try their a la carte menu, as their tasteful set menu suggests many more hidden gems worth trying in the future. read more
One of the best meals we've had in a long time! The galbi was absolutely mouthwatering, melts in your mouth! My husband and I didn't have a reservation so we came about 20 minutes before opening and got seats at the bar. we ordered à la carte and glad we did because the galbi isn't on the tasting menu. The kimchi was also the best we've ever had. read more
We waited months to get a reservation so we expected a lot. And boy did it live up to the expectations. All the meats Prime Beef Rib Cap, Jebi Churi - beef neck fillet, Double-Cut Galbi were some of the best Korean bbq meats. The galbi was flavored and cooked perfectly. The rib cap was juicy and the flavor was not overpowering. The beef neck fillet while it was good, it was a little too sweet for what I'm used to for kbbq. The egg soufflé came with a yummy chicken broth that complemented it perfectly. The sanma pajeon was the best pajeon I have tasted. Crispy and fried perfectly. And then the dessert injeolmisu was so good I was thinking of ordering more. I'm Korean so when the Korean food met my expectations then that means a lot. Everyone there was very nice and knowledgeable of the menu. read more
My experience at San Ho Won was amazing! The food was delicious, the presentation was beautiful, and the service was outstanding. By the end of the meal, everyone at our table was completely full and satisfied. Our server, Rachael, was incredibly friendly and welcoming. She has such a bubbly personality and made our entire table feel comfortable from the moment we arrived. As for the food, we ordered the House Menu, a set menu selected by the restaurant and served family-style. Every dish was flavorful and well-prepared, and there was more than enough food for everyone. If you're considering the House Menu, I can confidently say you'll leave full and happy. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience, and I highly recommend it. read more
We tried San Ho Wons pre-fixed tasting menu with a group of 4, got a reservation at opening at 5pm. I'll start with the good! It's a substantial amount of food, family style, I'd say no need to add on extra plates because you'll definitely be full by the end. The beef cheeks BBQ was exquisite, tender, well marinated and perfectly cooked. It came with 3 different sauces which were fun to pair with different banchan/wraps. The seafood pancake was also stand out and came with a delicious sauce pairing. Also, each house made kimchi was distinct and unique. Overall, every meat was perfectly cooked, tender, and especially tasty! Now for the not so good. Overall I felt rushed with the next dish coming out before our group had a chance to finish the dish in front of us, and at the end of the night they said no rush but we do have the next reservation waiting. We actually spent a bit over the 2 hour dining window there but I think for the size of the tasting menu more time could've been warranted. We got the hotpot and wish the noodles came out at the same time as the meats instead of separate. The ice cream dessert was good but feels a bit like an afterthought for a tasting menu. Overall I still think San Ho Won deserves the hype it has and I'd certainly recommend it! read more
visited here for the first time on 8/4/26! san ho won was quite the experience : pricey but overall worth to dine here and enjoy the great quality meats and side dishes offered via al carte or house menu. right off the bat, once it opened, it got pretty packed with reservations - i felt lucky we got in as a walk-in and seated relatively quickly at the counter, which itself was a nice spot! we got a lil corner so it was actually quite enjoyable to share the meal in between. the interior and atmosphere was actually quite casual for luxury dining -- which felt comfortable and pleasant for the evening. we ordered the baked mussels with pork jowl, galbi, jeb churri, ssam, grilled tteok, and egg souffle . every single item was seriously addictive, especially the beef -- the meat was so tender and genuinely melts in your mouth *__* -- highly recommend the jebi churri (neck fillet) and galbi , they're a must have imo.. their texture, the rendering, and the flavors makes every bite so perfect. the baked mussels were delicious, nothing too extraordinary for me but still a dish that i enjoyed trying. same with the tteok, it was yummy. i liked the chewy texture and the glaze it had but i would definitely focus on the meats more. the egg soufflé was so so fluffy!!! i enjoyed the spicy anchovy broth and sauce that accompanied it -- beautifully served and presented, it was light and warming to eat for such a windy night. we ended off with the soft serves of the melon and black sesame !! the black sesame was more milky, and had a nice base of huckleberries that made a nice crunch with the ice cream. honestly my fave from the two. the melon soft serve was more refreshing and light -- it comes with thin slices of melon skin which gave the dessert a nice slight crunch. the soft serve itself was super creamy and delicate to scoop. would def visit again!! ^__^ read more
Had a wonderful dinner at San Ho Won! We tried the House Menu and added the beef tartare with Asian pear. Everything was delicious and well portioned. My favorites were the savory egg soufflé, jebi churi (beef neck fillet) with assorted lettuces, and the beef shank jeongol with knife-cut wheat noodles. I was blown away by the noodles, they were chewy and perfect!! The soft serve was amazing as well and a fantastic way to end the meal. Since we were celebrating our anniversary, the staff took a polaroid photo of us and gave it to us with a small magnet, which was a really nice touch. Service was super friendly & attentive. The food came out immediately after we ordered, and the staff frequently checked in on us. The only minor issue was that the hostess was not very welcoming. It took her some time to acknowledge us when we walked in, and she didn't greet us when we were leaving the restaurant. The inside is spacious with tables that aren't too close to one another, and the vibes are casual. We had a great time and the food was excellent. I'd love to come back again to try other items on the menu, though I really enjoyed the prix fixe menu for a first visit. read more
I would say a very solid 4.5 stars. Service 5 stars, ambiance 4, most dishes 4-4.5 stars but the tongue and double cut ribs were 5's. Probably could use a stronger soju list and carry true Korean beers. Very nice experience overall but I just can't quite put my finger on what it missed to deliver 5 stars and a Michelin star. Will go back again soon and see what comes of it. In the meantime keep up the good work and congrats for all your results. read more
Another great time at San Ho Won! The service was top tier- everyone from the host to our waitress was so kind and welcoming. If you choose to do the set menu, definitely come hungry!! Once we got to the soup course we were so full and ended up taking some things to go. I love love loved the black sesame ice cream dessert and the beef neck. read more
Ever since an online foodie friend recommended this 1* Michelin place to me, I've been wanting to try it. I finally got the opportunity when another friend accompanied me during my birthday weekend. Making the reservation right when slots opened 1 month in advance was a little stressful, but I succeeded. When I arrived for my 5pm reservation on a Sunday, there was already a line outside, but I didn't know that was for the walk-up diners so as I waited, I overheard the host turning them all away one by one because they were completely booked that night. I now understand the popularity because this place is definitely fantastic, which was reinforced by my later realization that this restaurant was co-founded by 3-Michelin-starred Benu's Corey Lee. (Benu is amazing and a must-try, too!) We were seated in one of the intimate high-walled booths that lined both sides of the restaurant, and they had coat hooks, which I thought was unique. The service was super attentive and friendly, which I expect of a Michelin-starred restaurant from past experiences at other places. Every time any server walked by our table, they would glance to check if anything needed to be cleaned up or finished dishes taken away. Our barley tea kettle was refilled frequently as well. Our reservation was for the tasting set "house menu". We started off with a trio of banchan (side dishes), which that night was tofu with chili, german turnip and cucumber kimchi, and pepper. I have a low tolerance to spicy foods, but I was able to eat all 3 with no issues, and they were delicious. The vegetables had a fresh crisp texture to them, which I don't think typical mom-&-pop Korean restaurant banchans have. I unfortunately did personally find the kimchi cabbage banchan in the course accompanying the shrimp & squash pancake to be too spicy due to the chili oil, but my friend was only too happy to have my portion. The shrimp & squash pancake was much smaller than what we were used to for seafood pancakes in other Korean restaurants, but the quality and flavor made up for it. Whenever I go to a Korean BBQ restaurant, I always get the steamed egg, and San Ho Won has elevated that into their savory egg souffle dish. It was much more fluffy and dense than other restaurants, I think because they use more eggs and are not watered down. This was great. We were then presented with ssam (lettuce wraps, scallion salad, and 3 sauces [2 spicy which I could not tolerate and 1 green sauce with a texture of guacamole but flavor of a chimichurri]) that we would be eating with our meats. The green sauce was an excellent pairing. My eyes widened and I was blown away by just how tender and flavorful the beef neck fillet, marinated grilled beef cheeks, and house double-cut galbi were. At typical mom&pop restaurants, the galbi is more thin and usually requires some dental force to rip the meat away from the bone, so when I saw how thick San Ho Won's pieces of galbi were but how much more melt-in-your-mouth they were also, my mind was blown. None of the meat had gristle that I needed to spit out. Excellent quality and wonderfully smoky from the solid lychee wood charcoal. On the house menu, I had a choice between the beef cheeks and bulgogi, which I had agonized over but ultimately picked the beef cheeks to have a different variety in the thickness, flavor, and texture compared to the neck fillet and galbi. Our server did mention that the marinade in the beef cheeks was the same as the galbi's when I was making my decision, but I never felt "bored" with the flavor. We were served yummy garlic butter mushrooms on the side, with the neck fillet. The next choice on the house menu was between mugunji kimchi jjigae & pork jowl vs the beef shank jeongol with knife-cut wheat noodles. Keeping my spice preference levels in mind, I picked the latter and was very pleased. The ingredients in the bowl were tastefully arranged and the clear broth addicting to drink. We were instructed to eat a little of everything without the noodles before the server returned with more broth and the al-dente noodles. This was the perfect wind-down to the meal. Last but not least was the dessert. As I was celebrating my birthday, our server took a free Polaroid of us and placed that in an envelope that also had a tiny magnet of San Ho Won's tiger logo. There was also a lit candle in my soft-serve. The two options that night were black sesame and summer melon, the latter which was a seasonal flavor. While the black sesame was good, the summer melon was so, so delicious and a must-try. I only wish they would have it year-round. I would come here just for this! In conclusion, would I come here again? Based on this night, yes, 1000x yes. My friend also agrees! read more
4 days ago
20 days ago
I went here for my birthday last year so I wanted to go here again. The food was great as always, but the service was ok. I was seated at the right top booth facing the bar. Everything was good until the polaroid at the end. I forgot her name, but the polaroid on the bottom is the one from last night. I told my server she focused on the wall so the people in the photo were blurry, but she insisted that's how the photo was. I know that's not true because the photo on top was from last year and you can clearly see the people in the photo. I didn't want to cause a scene for my birthday so I left it. She also told me she would only retake the photo if people were cut off vs the focus was off. I expected better customer service if I'm asking you to retake the picture. read more
I don't believe there is another KBBQ restaurant similar to this in SF, which is probably why it's rated so highly. Compared to LA and NYC where there is a lot more competiton, this would be mid-tier at best in those respective cities. I wanted to see if it was actually good so waited in line at 4:40pm on a Friday. We didn't make the first cut (max 8 people at counter seating) but thankfully got a text to come back at 6:15pm. We waited another 15 minutes to get seated, and decided to order a la carte since I wanted to try the galbi everyone raves about. Ended up ordering the steamed eggs, white kimchi, sesame leaf kimchi, beef neck filet, beef tongue, galbi, ssam and scallion salad. Everything tasted authentic-fusion (not including the meats) which I actually don't mind if done right. For $6 the white kimchi just tasted like ginger and do not recommend ordering unless you love ginger. They give you 3 sauces to dip your meat in and the oil tasted like a basic chili oil you have at home, the green sauce tasted like green sauce you get from Mexican restaurants and thankfully the last sauce was the best (ssamjang inspired) but this was a bit too sweet. The steamed egg was actually my favorite part of the meal. For $18 this was actually unique in terms of flavor and presentation that justified the cost. They serve the steamed egg in an anchovy broth that really went well together. I can't comment too much on the beef cuts other than my galbi because I didn't try them, but my partner did enjoy the beef neck more than the tongue because they put a sweet sauce on the tongue and he doesn't like sweet flavors. The galbi was pretty fatty but I can see the appeal and why some people love it. It's not your traditional LA galbi cut, but more of the thick cut variety you get in galbijjim (short rib stew). This was good and recommend ordering if you come, but be aware some pieces are pretty fatty. I don't plan on coming back because the elevated prices don't justify the flavors and offerings in my opinion. I would rather pay a fraction of the price for a normal KBBQ restaurant with all free sides elsewhere, but I am happy I tried it! read more
Had an amazing night at San Ho Won with the hubby! The restaurant has a Michelin star, and you can tell why, but it doesn't feel over the top at all, just warm, lively, and welcoming. The food is so delicious. Chef Corey Lee really knows how to balance bold Korean flavors with little creative twists. We shared a bunch of dishes, and honestly, every bite was memorable... some were standouts, some were fun to try, but all of it felt thoughtful and well-executed. The service was fantastic too! attentive without being overbearing, friendly, and really made us feel comfortable the whole night. Getting a reservation takes a bit of planning. They release tables 29days in advance and open bookings every morning at 10AM, so if you're aiming for a specific date/time, set a reminder and be ready right when reservations drop. Definitely a place I'll be thinking about for a long time, and I can't wait to come back! read more
incredible restaurant. we weren't able to get a reservation so we showed up before they opened and were able to get a walk in spot! the inside is beautiful and modern and they have an open kitchen so you can watch as your food is being prepared. we started with their Galbi Mandu, Griddled Beef Dumplings, which were delectable! we also ordered a variety of their grilled meats, Sweet Corn with Honey Butter and Chili, and Grilled Tteok (Rice Cakes with Maple-Soy Sauce). the meat was truly cooked and flavored to perfection. i totally understand the hype and would 100% recommend this establishment to anyone and everyone. read more
Friends treated us out to dinner here and she was able to snag a list minute reservation. We opted for the tasting menu and each ingredient was super fresh, but not all of the items were as delicious as we would hope for it to be. If I were to come back, I would just do à la carte since there just a few items they were stupendous. The one thing I was impressed most by was the galbi! The marinate was umami but not too salty and the meat was delectable and tender. This is a must get if you plan on ordering à la cart. Service was quick and friendly and the server shared a few laughs with us. I definitely want to try their other à la carte menu items and hopefully the next experience will be as amazing as their galbi. read more
Feels good to be back! Came here back in February to celebrate valentines with the hubs. We got very lucky and there was a last min cancellation and were able to get seated right away! The team at San Ho Won are always so nice and accommodating! I always enjoy dining here! The food is immaculate and the service is always on point. Love how intimate the experience is here! read more
San Ho Won is hands down one of the best Korean BBQ spots I've been to. From the moment you start eating, you can tell the quality is on another level--the meats are incredibly tender and practically melt in your mouth. Every cut feels carefully selected and perfectly prepared. The price point might seem high at first glance, but it's actually pretty reasonable if you go with a larger group and split everything. We ordered à la carte, which felt like the best value since we could pick exactly what we wanted. That said, the tasting menu is a great option if you're not sure where to start. Overall, it's an amazing KBBQ experience that feels both high-end and approachable. I'd definitely come back again in the near future. read more
9 months ago
Shrinkflation is real, and it's unfortunate San Ho Wan reduced their house menu options over the years. We first dined back in 2023 and the $110 house menu included two cuts of meat (beef neck fillet and the double cut galbi) and both the kimchi jjigae and gamasot fried rice to share for the table. But last year 2025's $118 house menu still had two cuts of meat (beef neck fillet and choice of beef cheeks OR rib eye bulgogi), but only choice of kimchi jjigae and gamasot fried rice, not both. Because the double cut galbi was removed the house menu, we went a la carte instead. The double cut galbi was absolutely delicious, very tender and so flavorful. I highly recommend this dish to share; it's the main meat dish I'd order each visit. The savory egg soufflé is another one of my favorites, as it's very fluffy and umami. Be sure to get the soft serve ice cream as well! The servers are very friendly and food arrived to our table in a timely manner. When ordering a la carte, definitely ask your server for recommendations or suggestions. San Ho Wan's menu changes frequently and their online reservation system (Tock) is easy to use. Only caveat is reservations book very quickly; however they do allow walk-ins. read more
6 months ago
We originally planned to go to Bon Nene, but the wait was way too long, so we walked a couple blocks over to San Ho Won and luckily snagged seats at the bar within about 20 minutes as walk-ins. We decided to go with the house menu so we could try a bit of everything, and overall, the food really impressed us. The meats were the standout--super tender, flavorful, and consistently delicious. If you enjoy that slightly sweet soy-marinated Korean BBQ style, you'll definitely like it here. The banchan were solid, and the pajeon was crispy with a good amount of shrimp. As someone who's Korean, I did feel like the kimchi jjigae was a bit underwhelming. It leaned more sweet than spicy, which isn't very traditional, but I still enjoyed it--it felt lighter than what I'm used to at home. The ambiance was really nice--clean, with a good mix of modern design and warm wood elements. That said, sound definitely travels, and it can get pretty noisy once the place fills up. Unexpectedly, the dessert ended up being the star of the meal. The orange and vanilla swirl was so refreshing and perfectly balanced--not too sweet, just a really nice way to end everything. We also had a ton of leftovers, which is always a plus. Service was attentive and genuinely good, which can be hit or miss at trendy, popular spots like this. I'd definitely come back next time I'm in SF. read more
I've been to San Ho Won twice. Most recently, I was a last-minute substitute when someone couldn't make a reservation. Upon arriving, we realized that we had accidentally reserved the tasting menu instead of à la carte as intended. I think most people prefer à la carte here, but I do like the tasting menu since it gives you a more well-rounded meal instead of the meat meat meat I'd probably be inclined to order otherwise. I think if the original party had been eating dinner, the conversation would've leaned more towards credit card optimization, and things like that but because I was there, it was more about dating (I love gossip). Our waiter advised my friends to check out coffee meets bagel. Near the end of the meal I went to the bathroom (excellent toilet btw), and I noticed that a food TikToker I follow was sitting at the booth next to ours. From watching his TikTok a few weeks later, it seems like we really missed out on a seafood stew (à la carte). Next time! read more
San Ho Won was delicious with amazing quality meats and fresh vegetables. The service was just as you might expect, very attentive and friendly throughout the course of the dinner. My favorite foods were the Savory Egg Soufflé, Jebi Churi - Beef Neck Fillet, and House Double-Cut Galbi. The meats were perfectly cooked and all the food was timed in courses. This is a fun place to come with a large party as everything is shareable! read more
The words "Korean BBQ" and "fine dining" dont go together for me. So a bit of surprise to get a gift card for San Ho Won. Had to look over the menu a few times as its not your usual KBBQ. Parking is SF street, so hit-or-miss. For a party of 4 first timers we opted for the a la carte menu so we could try a variety. We had: Galbi Mandu Kimchi and Bacon Pancake Charcoal Bossam: Daily special Double cut Galbi Chunjang Pork Ribs Bingsu for dessert I'm more of a meat guy, so the bossam, galbi and pork ribs were all hits for me. Loved the flavors and textures. Bossam you roll up with lettuce and veggies. Galbi and ribs were so flavorful and fell right off the bone. The bingsu was an interesting cherries on top, matcha ice and red beans on the bottom. So good. Service was fantastic as one should expect froma Michelin Star restaurant. We were going to order 2 galbi but they said 1 would be enough. Also, when we checked out the bill didnt quite cover our gift card so they offered to refund our deposit to make up for it. read more
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More info about San Ho Won
2170 Bryant St
San Francisco, CA 94110
Mission
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(415) 868-4479
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https://sanhowon.com
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Ask the Community - San Ho Won
Is there a bar for drinks?
Yes..https://static1.squarespace.com/static/616e2022b9430d69570ba8bf/t/68670ab4432166553d3d2d1a/1751583412746/SAN+HO+WON+Beverage.pdf
Am I able to get the tasting menu if I reserved the general reservation?
I don't think there's a restriction. You can let the server know what you wish if it is the House Menu or the ala carte.
Can i do walk in?
Yes, they have counter seating for walk-in dining but it fills up very quickly and the line gets long.
Hours say to 10 PM but there are 10PM reservations. When does it close?
2.5 hour dining limit
Is this place gluten free?
I don't think so. I had rice, rice noodle and glass noodle options
Is there a long wait for walk ins to eat at the counter on weekends? Should a try to arrive before it opens?
4:40 and a 20 minute wait on weekends would be perfect
Can I bring my 6 year old? He's super well behaved and can sit still but do we have to pay for the tasting menu for him, if the rest of us participate?
Keep at home
Is there a parking garage nearby?
Unsure about parking garages, but the 24 Florida St. and 915 Portrero Ave. parking lots are close by!
Are there vegan options!?
Copy-pasted from the website: Due to the lengthy processes that are at the heart of Korean food –…
How long is the wait without reservation on a typical weeknight dinner time?
It could be fast!
Are there any gluten free options on the menu?
"Please note that our soy sauce contains gluten, and our dishes cannot be prepared without it." I think they are trying to nicely say No.
Do they seat more than 8 people together?
You need to contact the restaurant for parties larger than 8.
Is there a certain dress code?
I was not aware of any dress codes. When we were there we were dressed casually.
Kid friendly? Can I bring my 18months toddler with me? Do they offer high chair?
It depends on how well your child can sit at an indoor restaurant for 1-2 hour dinner. Mine wouldn't be able to!
What is the corkage fee?
According to the FAQs on tock, it's $50 per 750 ml bottle. https://www.exploretock.com/sanhowon/faq
Can you do gluten free?
Their soy sauce contains gluten and their dishes can't be made without it, so I don't think they can.
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54 reviews that are not currently recommended
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