Sai's Vietnamese - San Francisco

This review is about Sai's location at Columbus and Jackson. The new space is certainly an improvement compared to its previous location, which had been in operation for over 30 years at Sansome and...

It was a chilly, rainy day in San Francisco, with a refreshing breeze in the air. For some reason, this atmosphere took me back to the '90s—perhaps it’s the feeling of bustling crowds that reminds me of that time.

The best spot for Vietnamese cuisine in downtown. They used to be just a block away, right beneath the Transamerica building, for many years, but they had to...

This cozy little Vietnamese spot is nestled among the tall buildings in downtown. We sat outside, but there are only three tables available. I ordered the spicy beef noodle soup (not pho), which reminded me of Taiwanese beef noodle soup. The meat, carrots, potatoes, and noodles were all tasty! However, the soup was a bit too oily, which overshadowed the other flavors. We also tried the beef spring rolls, but at $8.75 for three, they were not worth the price. My friend ordered the seafood soup with a tomato base, and it was much better than mine! Overall, it was a good experience, and I would definitely return to try their pho.

Without a doubt, this is one of the BEST Vietnamese restaurants I've ever visited, and it's quickly become one of my favorite spots in San Francisco. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and most importantly, the food is top-quality. The curry was rich in flavor without being overpowering or overly salty, and the grilled shrimp had a delightful hint of smokiness that paired perfectly with the sauce and noodles. At first, we thought the bowl of curry was too much for the two of us, but we ended up finishing it all! The restaurant itself is quite spacious, offering plenty of seating options. It's definitely a must-visit, whether you're a Vietnamese cuisine enthusiast or trying it for the first time — you won't be disappointed!