Mashita Galbi Jjim in San Francisco: photos, reviews

About

Mashita Galbi Jjim in San Francisco's Polk Gulch is a cozy spot perfect for Asian fusion and Korean cuisine lovers. Known for its tender and flavorful Galbijjim, this casual eatery offers a delightful dining experience for both lunch and dinner. With its budget-friendly prices and an impressive 4.8 average rating on Google, diners consistently praise its great banchan, generous portion sizes, and friendly service. Ideal for solo dining, Mashita Galbi Jjim also serves a variety of small plates and offers options such as delivery and takeaway. Whether you're enjoying a laid-back dine-in meal or grabbing something to-go, you'll find their offerings, including cheese, wings, and kimchi, to be a satisfying choice. Plus, with alcohol and beer available, it's a fantastic spot to unwind with a comforting meal.

Price

$$$$ 30 - 50 $

Meals

Lunch, Dinner

Cuisines

Asian

Services

Delivery, Takeaway, Drive-thru, Dine-in

Offering

Serving alcohol, Small plates, Serving beer

Payment

Payment by credit card, Payment by debit card, NFC payment

4.8

based on 90 reviews

Google

4.8/5 90 reviews

Andy Liang

This place is never open at 5

Leo

Food: 4
Atmosphere: 4

I visited Mashita Galbi Jjim on a Sunday evening around 6 PM with a party of four, and to my surprise, there was no wait—we were seated right away. With only two staff members working the floor, the restaurant still managed a steady rhythm of service. The space itself is inviting, with a high ceiling that makes it feel airy, a clean bathroom (always a plus), and a generally cozy environment that sets the stage for a comfortable meal. For food, we ordered two dishes: the pork tonkatsu and their signature galbi jjim. The tonkatsu arrived quickly, golden and crispy, delivering the kind of satisfying crunch and savory bite you’d expect from a well-executed cutlet. The galbi jjim, however, was a different story. It took about 30 minutes to reach our table, which seems to be the norm based on observing other tables. While the wait did build anticipation, it also disrupted the pacing of the meal. When it did arrive, the flavors were solid—rich, hearty, and braised with care—but not quite at the level of depth or complexity I’ve had elsewhere. Personally, I still prefer Daeho’s version, which leans more memorable in both flavor and overall experience. Service was professional and efficient given the limited staff, though not particularly warm or engaging. It felt more functional than personal, but everything we needed was taken care of without issue. In terms of ambiance, Mashita balances casual comfort with a slightly polished feel, making it a nice spot for a relaxed meal with friends or family. Value-wise, the restaurant is fairly priced for the quality and portion sizes. While the food is solid and the dining experience smooth overall, I didn’t find it compelling enough to make this my go-to spot for galbi jjim. Final verdict: 4/5. A reliable option with cozy ambiance and decent execution, but not quite distinctive enough to stand out in a city with strong competition.

Peter Lu

Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Better than Daeho, LFG

What is the address of Mashita Galbi Jjim?
Mashita Galbi Jjim is located at 2123 Polk St, 94109, San Francisco, Polk Gulch, USA.
How to get here by public transport?
The nearest public transport options provide quick and easy access:
- Bus stop Pacific Ave & Van Ness Ave (214 m walk)
- Bus stop Van Ness & Union (Drop Off) (312 m walk)
- Bus stop Union St & Polk St (280 m walk)
- Bus stop Union St & Van Ness Ave (302 m walk)
How is Mashita Galbi Jjim rated by visitors?
Mashita Galbi Jjim has an average rating of 4.8 based on 90 reviews across platforms such as Google.
What is the average price for a meal at Mashita Galbi Jjim?
The average price for a meal is 30 - 50 $ (it is cheap - $).

Mashita Galbi Jjim in San Francisco