Orchids Cafe in San Francisco: photos, reviews, menu

About

Orchids Cafe in San Francisco's Ingleside offers a charming escape with its genuine, welcoming atmosphere. With a reputation for comforting dishes that reflect a nostalgic Hong Kong café vibe, this casual eatery serves up delightful Chinese and Thai cuisines perfect for a solo dining experience. Known for its quick service and reasonable prices, patrons can enjoy classics like salted egg yolk calamari and shredded Hainan chicken-or sample small plates with a side of the beloved fried rice. Whether you opt for delivery, takeaway, or dine-in, the attentive care from the owner ensures a pleasant visit every time. Don't miss out on their rich milk tea to complement your meal.

Price

$$$$

Meals

Lunch, Dinner

Cuisines

Chinese, Thai

Services

Delivery, Takeaway, Dine-in

Offering

Small plates, Serving coffee

Payment

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

4.4

based on 75 reviews

Google

4.4/5 75 reviews

YJ C

Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

We had our Christmas lunch last year at this charming neighborhood Chinese restaurant and left feeling both full and happy. The owner greeted us warmly, and his attentive care throughout the meal made it feel like we were dining at a friend's place rather than just a restaurant. It's rare to find service this genuine and welcoming these days, and it set the tone for a wonderful dining experience. The food was the real star, offering that comforting, nostalgic HK café vibe. We started with the salted egg yolk calamari--a dish that completely won us over. The calamari was cut into thick, satisfying pieces, coated with rich salted duck egg yolk, and packed with umami. Every bite had the perfect balance of flavor and texture, making it a standout. The shredded Hainan chicken was another highlight. Tossed with cilantro and sesame, the chicken was moist and flavorful, with just the right touch of freshness and nuttiness. The fish with bok choy was simple yet perfectly executed, featuring tender fish complemented by the crisp, vibrant bite of baby bok choy. We also enjoyed the stir-fry seafood chow fun, which had a generous helping of seafood and that delightful "wok hey" flavor in the rice noodles. One small detail we really appreciated was the option to order a side of fried rice without committing to a full plate--an excellent touch for those who want variety without going overboard. To top it all off, the milk tea was a treat. It had the kind of creamy richness and smooth flavor that reminded us of classic HK tea shops. Paired with the reasonable prices and the owner's genuine hospitality, this meal felt like a real gift. We're so glad to have this restaurant in the neighborhood and can't wait to come back regularly to enjoy more meals and support such a wonderful local business.

Alisa B.

Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Their Hand Shredded Chicken with Hainanese Rice is probably the most popular menu item! I can see why! Tender chilled chicken with very tasty rice, steamed cabbage, and ginger sauce. My only gripe was the saltiness... Shanghai Soup Dumplings were decent! Lots of soup. The pork filling was just average. The Pork Dumplings With Yellow Chives were better in my opinion! Juicy seasoned pork and the wrapper was a good texture. Definitely come here for a hearty meal and big portions! A hidden gem in the area. The owner was really kind and gave us complimentary Hong Kong Lemon Tea too!

Daniel Chu

Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Excellent

What is the address of Orchids Cafe?
Orchids Cafe is located at 1031 Ocean Ave, 94112, San Francisco, Ingleside, USA.
How to get here by public transport?
The nearest public transport options provide quick and easy access:
- Bus stop City College Bookstore (138 m walk)
- Transit station Ocean Ave & Lee St (41 m walk)
- Bus station Ocean Ave & Geneva Ave (101 m walk)
- Bus station City College Terminal (111 m walk)
How is Orchids Cafe rated by visitors?
Orchids Cafe has an average rating of 4.4 based on 75 reviews across platforms such as Google.
What type of cuisine does Orchids Cafe specialize in?
The menu includes chinese, thai dishes.

Orchids Cafe in San Francisco