Noriega Star Restaurant 嘉和興 — Restaurant in San Francisco

Just to be fair. This review is about the host who doesn't know how to place people seated during rush hours. It happened today, 12.14.2024. I came here around 1138am and put my name down to wait for a table. Only 2 parties of 2 and 3 people were waiting ahead of me. In the place, it has small tables for two people, but those tables can be combined for 4 individuals. It also has two big tables and booth tables. Booth tables are perfect for 4. After the two parties were seated, of course, I knew I had to wait for the booth table. There's one small table available but it's by the door. The host placed two individuals there. As these individuals were sitting, one small table and one booth table opened up. The booth was supposed to be my table. However, those individuals seated by the door sneaked into the booth, and the host allowed them to, even though a small table was available. First of all, these individuals were selfish without being considerate. The second of all the host allowed them to and didn't tell them to go to a small table. I had to continue to wait. I usually have a level of patience, I waited for 15 mins to see if the host would make up for her mistake. Nothing changed. She kept on letting parties of two seating the small tables. Unfortunately, my patience ran out, and I wanted to say something. I don't like to make a scene, so I nicely explained the problem to the host. She didn't even apologize or acknowledge that she did it wrong. I decided to leave, which was a good choice. There's some way to make it up. She could have held a small table and waited for other small table to be available, then combine them.

I don't even have experience in hosting, I know this incident was unfair. This host needs to have some common sense and acknowledge the mistakes she makes and apologize. If she doesn't have that, she could hardly survive in this world.

I will not...

I remembered the first time I was around it was closed. Finally the day has come and I got to give this place a visit. Upon arrival, the lines were out the door, but they did have a waiting list which is a plus and I do not mind the wait at all since I am a very patient person. After 10 minutes my name was called and since it was a full house me and my friend were sharing a table with another party. I did not really mind since I was very hungry and my mind was to just start ordering. Their menu consists of dim sum, noodle soup, steamed rice bowls, wok fry items, baked goods, etc. I ordered a variety of delicious items and was ready to feast. Everything thing was made to order which is a thumbs up, and all of their dishes are authentic and has a history behind it. I wished we had our own table since we ordered a lot and it could barely fit on the table we were given. I highly recommend this place for all dim sum enthusiasts, want to try something new, or want to visit a place were the prices are very reasonable. I definitely will be back to try out the other delicious items they...

Their chung fun is the best I've had. We got the pork one with mushrooms and sprouts. The texture is silky and chewy. Will come back just for that. The HK milk tea was smooth and you can ask for less sweet. The wontons and shrimp dumplings were decent. Be warned about their lemon ice tea though. The waiter insisted they use homegrown lemons that are more "fragrant" but the fragrance gives a really off-putting aftertaste. We order lemon cha all the time at different places and this is not it. Will come back to try their other dishes and hopefully early enough for their...