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Bodega SF
Master Critic Review
Bodega SF
8.9
Matthew Ho's modern interpretation of his family's Bodega Bistro legacy brings elevated Northern Vietnamese cuisine back to the Tenderloin. The tasting menu and creative cocktails complement traditional dishes like bun cha and authentic Hanoi-style pho.
Must-Try Dishes:
Northern Style Pho, Bun Cha (Pork & Noodles), Bo Tai Chanh (Beef Carpaccio)
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Modern Vietnamese fine dining with a family legacy since 2003
Who should go: Date nights and Vietnamese food enthusiasts
When to visit: Dinner for full experience with cocktails
What to order: Ask Billy tasting menu, garlic noodles, Northern pho
Insider tip: Bar seating available for walk-ins
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking very limited, use Sutter-Stockton garage 2 blocks away ($15-20 evening)
Dress code: Smart casual recommended - nice jeans fine but lean dressy for dinner
Noise level: Moderate buzz - lively but conversation-friendly
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seats 30-45 min
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min peak times
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several options including vegetarian pho and vegetable dishes
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 modified dishes, call ahead for options
Gluten-free options: Yes - rice noodles available, inform server about restrictions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - intimate lighting, shareable dishes, impressive cocktails, and conversation-friendly acoustics make it ideal for dates
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available for walk-ins, but tables require reservations especially Thursday-Saturday. Try OpenTable 30 days out
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 10+ who appreciate elevated cuisine. No kids menu, but they'll accommodate simpler preparations with advance notice
Best For
Better for: Special occasions, impressive business dinners, and when you want pho elevated to art with craft cocktails - not your everyday pho spot
Skip if: You want quick, cheap, traditional pho under $15 - try Pho Tan Hoa or Mong Thu instead for authentic casual dining