Manna — Restaurant in San Francisco

So, I was really in the mood for Jabchae as I had this very fond memory of it from lunch at Han Il Kwan during UCSF graduate school interviews. I saw on a website called "mannasanfrancisco" that Jabchae was only $8.99, so I thought, "Wow! What a deal!" The price was not accurate: a reminder to be careful when checking online resturant costs! (this made me very upset when I first realized; being price-sensitive and usually a home-cook, I will just make my own next time using noodles from First Korean Market)

I requested vegetarian Jabchae. Kimchi marinade on the side clearly contained pork (so I tossed the pork and ate the yummy kimchi marinade). Kimchi marinade was a bonus and I never said make kimchee veg, so that was fair I guess. Everything else was done very nicely , even added tofu no extra cost and tofu cooked lightly golden really delicious. Reusable and recyclable microwave-friendly carry-out container (environmental bonus!) and friendly service were also nice. Biggest complaint is wish there were more noodles for the price and the Jabchae had no mushrooms or spinach which are usually key ingredients...

I’ve visited Manna three times now, and each experience has been fantastic. This family-owned gem in the Sunset District never disappoints. The food is consistently excellent, with bold, authentic flavors that transport you straight to Korea. Their bulgogi is a standout – perfectly marinated and grilled to perfection, tender and full of savory sweetness. I also can’t get enough of their kimchi pancake – crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, with just the right amount of heat from the kimchi. The sides of the banchan with the chilli soy-sauce dip for the pancakes are excellent. I would love a little more kimchi though - its so good !

What really sets Manna apart, though, is the combination of quality and value. The prices are reasonable, especially given the quality of the dishes, and the portions are generous. The staff are always courteous and welcoming, making you feel right at home. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Korean food or new to the cuisine, Manna is a must-try.

Highly recommend it – I’ll...

I would agree with the description when it comes to "classic Korean" cuisine. Manna feels like a slightly American-taste-adjusted Korean food, even town to the number of banchan served. The space is small, and there is always a line for tables, but I suspect this is because Manna is one of the better Korean places in the Sunset (still below Toyose in my opinion).

They managed to cram 5 us into a table and we were very, very cozy. The couple in front of us must have been rather embarrassed because the server seated them, and then were told they had to get up because another couple with a kid were waiting. Since the table only seated two, they squeezed yet another chair in for the child. We should have taken this as a cue that service mediocre.

If you're seriously craving Korean food and you're stuck in the Sunset because your car broke down/bike got stolen/Muni and Bart went on strike, then Manna is the place. Otherwise, hope over to the Richmond to Han Il Kwan or Brothers for some really good...