Skip to main content
30 Photos

Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant
$ · Pho, Vietnamese

11 Walter U Lum Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108 (415) 398-1215
Open Now
Website
Are you the owner? Claim this business

ZipPicks Awards

Best Cheap Eats Vietnamese in Chinatown Best Pho in Chinatown Best Hidden Gems Vietnamese in Chinatown

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant 8.1
Chinatown
Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Comfort Food Classics Solo Dining Sanctuaries
No-frills Chinatown staple serving pho, bun bo hue, and rice plates at wallet-friendly prices. Locals lean on hearty bowls, fast service, and a central spot just off Portsmouth Square.
Must-Try Dishes: Bun Bo Hue, Pho Tai, Imperial Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.8 Service: 7.7 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 6.8 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Chinatown’s longtime go-to for affordable, comforting Vietnamese noodle soups.
Who should go: Pho seekers near Portsmouth Square
When to visit: Weekday lunch hours for shortest line
What to order: Bun bo hue, pho tai, imperial rolls
Insider tip: Cash moves quicker; grab a park bench at Portsmouth Square.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Washington and Clay is limited; Portsmouth Square Garage ($5/hr) is the most reliable nearby option.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are in everyday wear or light layers for the fog.
Noise level: Moderate; the small dining room hums with chatter but conversation remains easy.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak dinner rush, especially around 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; fills quickly after 12:15pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho and tofu rice plates are available upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—some noodle soups can be modified, but broths are typically meat-based.
Gluten-free options: Yes—rice noodles and rice plates are naturally gluten-free, though soy sauce contains gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance—it’s more of a comfort-food pit stop than a vibe-driven experience, but great for casual conversation over pho.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations accepted or needed; tables turn fast thanks to quick service.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple dishes, quick turnaround, and casual setting work well for families with older kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable pho and bun bo hue in the Chinatown corridor; ideal for solo diners or small groups on a budget.
Skip if: You’re seeking ambiance, cocktails, or elevated plating—opt for spots like Mau or PPQ for a sit-down Vietnamese dinner.

Hours

Monday10am - 5:30pm
Tuesday10am - 5:30pm
Wednesday10am - 5:30pm
Thursday10am - 5:30pm
Friday10am - 5:30pm
Saturday10am - 5:30pm
Sunday10am - 5:30pm