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ZipPicks Awards
Best Hidden Gems Vietnamese in San Francisco
Master Critic Review
Claws of Mantis (Pop-Up at 1625 Post St)
7.8
Vietnamese pop-up dinners with rotating menus highlighting technique-driven dishes and premium fish sauce. Expect a short, seasonal lineup that rewards adventurous ordering in an intimate setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Stuffed Chicken Wings (glass noodles, pork), Cod Congee with ginger, Grilled Trumpet Mushrooms, coconut caramel
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Limited-run pop-up format showcasing inventive Vietnamese plates and flavors.
Who should go: Adventurous diners chasing rotating menus
When to visit: Early seatings for best dish availability
What to order: Stuffed wings, cod congee, grilled trumpet mushrooms
Insider tip: Follow their Instagram for dates and ticket drops.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Japantown is limited but garage parking is available at Japan Center Garage (enter on Post St). Rates run about $5–$6 for two hours.
Dress code: Smart casual—most diners come dressed up for date night or events; stylish but comfortable is the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation-friendly, especially during early seatings.
Weekend wait: Reservations are required; walk-ins rarely available during pop-up nights.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinners only during scheduled pop-up events.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—typically one or two composed vegetarian dishes depending on the current menu.
Vegan options: Rare—occasional vegan-friendly items but not guaranteed each run.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes are naturally gluten-free; no dedicated prep area, so cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its intimate setup, small seating count, and adventurous tasting menu make for an engaging, conversation-worthy evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No—pop-up dinners require advance ticket purchase online. Walk-ins aren’t accepted.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for kids—menu portions and pacing cater to adults; no children’s options or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Curious diners who enjoy small-batch, experimental Vietnamese flavors and chef-driven storytelling.
Skip if: You prefer consistent menus, casual portions, or guaranteed availability—try a permanent spot like My Father’s Kitchen instead.
Hours
Monday5pm - 10pm
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 12am
Saturday3pm - 12am
Sunday3pm - 8pm