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SUNGHO
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
SUNGHO
8.4
Cozy Tenderloin Korean dining bar focusing on soulful, home-style dishes rarely seen elsewhere—think kalguksu in rich galbitang broth and comforting pork cutlet. Service is warm and efficient, and prices stay reasonable for central SF.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kalguksu (hand-cut noodles in galbitang), Breaded Pork Cutlet, Spicy Jokbal Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Home-style Korean dishes executed with unusual care and depth.
Who should go: Night owls craving soulful Korean classics
When to visit: After 8pm for relaxed pacing and easy seating
What to order: Kalguksu; pork cutlet; jokbal fried rice
Insider tip: Ask for extra broth with the kalguksu—it’s the move.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Tenderloin after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Golden Gate Ave and Larkin St are the safest bet.
Dress code: Casual attire is fine—most guests come in jeans or relaxed evening wear.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is comfortable, though background chatter is steady.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes on peak nights; walk-ins usually seated with short waits after 9pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait—service is quick and tables open.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several banchan, noodles, and tofu options can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—2–3 dishes can be made vegan if you confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Partial—rice-based plates are safe, but fried cutlets and noodles may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date enjoys cozy, low-key spots with soulful food. It’s more comfort-driven than romantic fine dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most diners walk in. Even on weekends, seats open quickly after 8:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—it’s a small bar-style setup better suited for adults and older teens than families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Cozy late-night comfort dishes like kalguksu and pork cutlet, served with warmth at approachable prices.
Skip if: You want polished fine dining, a large group setting, or a kid-centric environment.
SUNGHO
8.6
Modern Korean comfort cooking in a calm Tenderloin dining room, with a menu anchored by long-simmered bone broths, hand-cut noodles, and neatly assembled bossam. Reservations make sense at peak hours; walk-ins can often snag bar seats for solo meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bossam (pork belly wrap), 24-hour bone broth gukbap, Hand-cut beef noodle soup
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Slow-simmered broths and meticulous plating elevate classic Korean comfort dishes.
Who should go: Broth lovers and modern Korean fans
When to visit: Early evening or late dinner to avoid peak waits
What to order: Bossam, gukbap, hand-cut beef noodles
Insider tip: Ask about heat levels—kitchen can tune spice without losing balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm; nearby paid garages on O’Farrell and Geary are the safest bet.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many diners lean toward dressy-casual for evening visits.
Noise level: Moderate; you can carry a conversation without raising your voice, though weekend dinners run livelier.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; book ahead for groups.
Weekday lunch: No significant wait—walk-ins usually seated promptly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—dishes like vegetable bibimbap, tofu stews, and banchan provide solid choices.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be adjusted, but most broths and sauces contain animal products.
Gluten-free options: Yes—rice-based dishes and some soups are safe; soy sauce presence requires confirming with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the calm dining room and modern presentation make it date-friendly without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially at the bar or later in the evening, but peak dinner slots on weekends almost always require reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older children who enjoy soups and noodles; no high chairs or kids’ menu are offered.
Best For
Better for: Better for slow-simmered bone broths and carefully plated classics compared to faster, grill-focused Korean spots nearby.
Skip if: Skip if you want loud barbecue vibes or a fully vegan spread—this is more about refined broths and traditional proteins.