Service was not good. They served all the hot plates within a minute, and food turned cold before we can enjoy them. I feel very rushed while eating. Value of food was not justified.
Ishika
It's good to burn your money once in a while by dining here, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the major hub of Japantown. It masquerades as a "fine-dining" Korean establishment, but seriously, it is just wood aesthetics and dim lighting with mediocre food that relies on the idea that "if we serve less, people will think it's posh and unique." The food was simply alright, but completely not worth the price in every single aspect possible. I would only go here if someone else (was paying) and was okay with wasting their money on a sit-down experience. Meaning, if we wanted to have a conversation in low lighting with cocktails that are haphazardly put together and taste just alright if you look the other way. I ordered the Truffle Japchae, the Potato Pancake, and the viral Uni Scallop Toast off the Tapas menu, which were just moderate at best and bland in every sensory aspect except for the visual ones. The only dish that was somewhat redeeming was the Truffle Japchae, which was carefully elevated by the sheer volume of mushrooms added. From the large tapas menu, I ordered the Pork Jowl Bossam, Galbi Steak, and the Black Cod. Each dish was adequate at best, but I've had better at MANY establishments in SF alone. They were flavorful but clashed strongly in the profile they were going for, and the textures were not what you would expect from somewhere you would assume as decent dining training. I would 1000% think twice about coming here but if you prefer places where you can pretend to act "rich" for a day and take photos in the most abysmal lighting possible and never need to lower your exposure, then come here to waste your calories. Otherwise, don't trust reviews that only showcase the "photographability" of a dish while disregarding how things actually taste.
Jordan
They kept bringing out the food very quickly but everything else was good, especially the uni scallop toast.
JY275
2nd time visitor. Food is exceptionally creative - both authentic and refined - hard to achieve! Also, thoughtfully presented. Kind and attentive service. A bit loud and hard to hold a conversation in the room - but not too bad. Desserts were less impressive but still good.
May
The ambiance had a sense of serenity and calmness. The flavor of the dishes were delicious and the presentation was top-notched.
Julie
Had the softest, most delicious cod here! Drinks were also super good (they have a wide range of soju).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Allen
Food (5/5) Each plate was amazing. I especially liked the potato pancakes, uni toast, rice cakes with beef, and the Galbi steak. The meat was tender and juicy and well-seasoned.
The rice crispy/syrup ice cream and matcha lava cake were great as well.
Service (4.2/5) The wait time between plates were somewhat variable. First dish (quail eggs) came quickly, but there was some wait between other dishes. They also could’ve come quicker after giving us the bill. Also, since some dishes were a bit messy (eg, the potato pancakes with all its crispy toppings) it would’ve been nice if they could help wipe the tables between some dishes.
Atmosphere (4.5) Pretty nice and elegant environment, overall. Spacious bathrooms. The section we were in were a bit echoey and loud, however (but it was better after the large parties had left).
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Christopher
Absolutely delicious dishes to share. The chicken wings are insanely good, the wine was wonderful. Every item on the menu we tried was unique and worthwhile.
Corinne
We love the food at Bansang. We went for the second time last night before catching a show at The Fillmore and it did not disappoint! All of the flavors are so delicious and well balanced. We had the Kimchi Salad that was mixed nicely with winter chicories... truffle and mushroom Japchae- some mushrooms were fried some sauteed over a wide glass noodle- yum! The Korean Steak Tartare with a quail egg- nicely seasoned and a crispy seaweed cup... the pork jowl boss am with lettuce leaves, juicy and sweet with a tiny hint of spice. And the kimchi rice, because yum!!! This is our new go to before any shows at the Fillmore. The ambiance and service is also very nice.
David
Pretty awful service. We made a reservation but were told that the table before us was taking too long, so we had to sit at the bar. Then we watched two people get seated at a table around 2 minutes later, even when we had come in first? They also forgot one of our orders so we had to wait extra for it. The food was great but expensive, expected much better service given the price point.
The food was pretty and special although they are pricy with small portions. But the service could have greatly improved! We had heavy backpacks and assigned us a small table while there were 4-5 big tables empty. We needed to squeeze in cramped seats. When asking about whether we could change to bigger tables, we were told the tables were all booked up. And guess what, there were at least 3 big tables when we left.
What was worse was there were two people got assigned the big tables when they had many small tables available. I felt discriminated.
The bonus point was, there were another couple. Among so many (7!) small tables they had to assign that couple next to us so that we could hear each other’s conversations :)
Although the food was good, pricy but good, I would expect a much higher level of service if your menu price and interior design like this.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Uni Scallop Toast
Sandra
Enjoy the food and the services. Love the non-alcoholic drink and the cocktails is amazing.
Susie Su
Cold noodles were interesting but we felt all the main dishes were lacking.
It was also pricy!
Would also definitely skip the fried chicken
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Jeroud
Good experience. Food was well prepared and delicious. We have been to quite a few Michelin star restaurants and one thing that was missing from this experience was that level service. Explaining the dish as it was presented, etc. great food though!
Vu Sara
This place exceeded my expectations. The uni scallop, chicken wings and galbi are highly recommended. We will definitely be back. Portions are a bit small so come in big group and enjoy!
Service was not good. They served all the hot plates within a minute, and food turned cold before we can enjoy them. I feel very rushed while eating. Value of food was not justified.
It's good to burn your money once in a while by dining here, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the major hub of Japantown. It masquerades as a "fine-dining" Korean establishment, but seriously, it is just wood aesthetics and dim lighting with mediocre food that relies on the idea that "if we serve less, people will think it's posh and unique." The food was simply alright, but completely not worth the price in every single aspect possible. I would only go here if someone else (was paying) and was okay with wasting their money on a sit-down experience. Meaning, if we wanted to have a conversation in low lighting with cocktails that are haphazardly put together and taste just alright if you look the other way. I ordered the Truffle Japchae, the Potato Pancake, and the viral Uni Scallop Toast off the Tapas menu, which were just moderate at best and bland in every sensory aspect except for the visual ones. The only dish that was somewhat redeeming was the Truffle Japchae, which was carefully elevated by the sheer volume of mushrooms added. From the large tapas menu, I ordered the Pork Jowl Bossam, Galbi Steak, and the Black Cod. Each dish was adequate at best, but I've had better at MANY establishments in SF alone. They were flavorful but clashed strongly in the profile they were going for, and the textures were not what you would expect from somewhere you would assume as decent dining training. I would 1000% think twice about coming here but if you prefer places where you can pretend to act "rich" for a day and take photos in the most abysmal lighting possible and never need to lower your exposure, then come here to waste your calories. Otherwise, don't trust reviews that only showcase the "photographability" of a dish while disregarding how things actually taste.
They kept bringing out the food very quickly but everything else was good, especially the uni scallop toast.
2nd time visitor. Food is exceptionally creative - both authentic and refined - hard to achieve! Also, thoughtfully presented. Kind and attentive service. A bit loud and hard to hold a conversation in the room - but not too bad. Desserts were less impressive but still good.
The ambiance had a sense of serenity and calmness. The flavor of the dishes were delicious and the presentation was top-notched.
Had the softest, most delicious cod here! Drinks were also super good (they have a wide range of soju).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food (5/5)
Each plate was amazing. I especially liked the potato pancakes, uni toast, rice cakes with beef, and the Galbi steak. The meat was tender and juicy and well-seasoned.
The rice crispy/syrup ice cream and matcha lava cake were great as well.
Service (4.2/5)
The wait time between plates were somewhat variable. First dish (quail eggs) came quickly, but there was some wait between other dishes. They also could’ve come quicker after giving us the bill. Also, since some dishes were a bit messy (eg, the potato pancakes with all its crispy toppings) it would’ve been nice if they could help wipe the tables between some dishes.
Atmosphere (4.5)
Pretty nice and elegant environment, overall. Spacious bathrooms. The section we were in were a bit echoey and loud, however (but it was better after the large parties had left).
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Absolutely delicious dishes to share. The chicken wings are insanely good, the wine was wonderful. Every item on the menu we tried was unique and worthwhile.
We love the food at Bansang. We went for the second time last night before catching a show at The Fillmore and it did not disappoint! All of the flavors are so delicious and well balanced. We had the Kimchi Salad that was mixed nicely with winter chicories... truffle and mushroom Japchae- some mushrooms were fried some sauteed over a wide glass noodle- yum! The Korean Steak Tartare with a quail egg- nicely seasoned and a crispy seaweed cup... the pork jowl boss am with lettuce leaves, juicy and sweet with a tiny hint of spice. And the kimchi rice, because yum!!! This is our new go to before any shows at the Fillmore. The ambiance and service is also very nice.
Pretty awful service. We made a reservation but were told that the table before us was taking too long, so we had to sit at the bar. Then we watched two people get seated at a table around 2 minutes later, even when we had come in first? They also forgot one of our orders so we had to wait extra for it. The food was great but expensive, expected much better service given the price point.
Restaurantji Recommends
The food was pretty and special although they are pricy with small portions.
But the service could have greatly improved! We had heavy backpacks and assigned us a small table while there were 4-5 big tables empty. We needed to squeeze in cramped seats. When asking about whether we could change to bigger tables, we were told the tables were all booked up. And guess what, there were at least 3 big tables when we left.
What was worse was there were two people got assigned the big tables when they had many small tables available. I felt discriminated.
The bonus point was, there were another couple. Among so many (7!) small tables they had to assign that couple next to us so that we could hear each other’s conversations :)
Although the food was good, pricy but good, I would expect a much higher level of service if your menu price and interior design like this.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Uni Scallop Toast
Enjoy the food and the services. Love the non-alcoholic drink and the cocktails is amazing.
Cold noodles were interesting but we felt all the main dishes were lacking.
It was also pricy!
Would also definitely skip the fried chicken
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Good experience. Food was well prepared and delicious. We have been to quite a few Michelin star restaurants and one thing that was missing from this experience was that level service. Explaining the dish as it was presented, etc. great food though!
This place exceeded my expectations. The uni scallop, chicken wings and galbi are highly recommended. We will definitely be back. Portions are a bit small so come in big group and enjoy!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
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