Betelnut

Szechuan Green beans
Apr 29th, 2017

Dec 12th, 2015

I LOVE this place. They serve Asian fusion, family-style dishes. I definitely recommend the string beans and the ribs. MY GOD, the ribs. You'll be licking your fingers and begging for more! They are so good and I'm not even really into ribs. It's great to go in a pair or even a bigger group. I'd warn against the emerald noodles though - those are SO spicy and I can handle spicy. Godspeed if you order those! Also recommend the Beijing Mule for a drink :)
Sep 10th, 2015

The ambiance and decor and service of this place is pretty nice, but that is where I would have to end it. The food is just not up to par or satisfying at all. Having eaten at many Asian restaurants with real authentic Asian food, this place does not compare at ALL. We came here because this place was listed on the list by 7x7 of 100 things to eat in SF before you die. The Lettuce Cups were amongst the list here at Betelnut. And of course, we ordered it, along with "Little Dragon" dumplings (which is supposed to be called Shanghai Dumplings), and also spicy noodles with the fish. The Lettuce Cups, in all its hype, was not really that great at all. It had just a subtle flavor, nothing popping or exciting at all. It tasted healthy though, that's about all I can say for it, definitely do not think that it belongs in that list of 100 things to eat in sf before you die....because I would've died unsatisfied. The "Little Dragon" dumplings, from the start, how they literally translating it from Chinese to English, I had a sense was not going to be that great, but we gave it a try anyways. It came with 8 dumplings, at a price above $10, which is kind of ridiculous, coming from someone who grew up eating dimsum at Chinatown in SF. The dumplings were not that great, it is suppose to be more of a softer texture and juicier. Not good. The noodles we ordered was actually not that bad, but we mistakenly ordered it wayyyy too spicy, and had to chug about 2 glasses worth of water just to be able to finish the noodles. Overall, the ambiance and service was nice, but for food quality, this is definitely not that great of an Asian restaurant...don't know how much I trust that list by 7x7 anymore neither.
Apr 15th, 2018

+ innovative Asian Fusion cuisine, + great meat dishes, - staff is showing too much attitude This restaurant was recently listed on the Michelin bib list, the reason I actually gave it a try. It is located in Cow Hollow along a shopping street away the common tourist trails. Entering the restaurant the staff already showed some attitude I completely dislike. Just because I wasn’t wearing Jimmy’s and a Prada bag but looked very casual with no eye popping labels on me the hostesses seemed to have an issue. The manager should train their staff better because it is not all about expensive clothing….and if it is they should adapt their expectations first! When you like to watch people make sure you get seated in the bar section or next to the open kitchen. If you like to have a conversation with your mates insist on a booth or table in the back. As mentioned by others online the food is very good and comes in bowls you can share with others. In particular the meat impressed me since it was very soft and almost melted on the tongue. We also tried the fish but for my taste it was too hot and killed all other ingredients we were supposed to taste. In total I would recommend to come here if you look for a nice local scene in SF but I am sure there are other Asian restaurants that deliver the same quality for less money. Definitely try the meat dishes but think twice about the spiciness before you order. + nice atmosphere, + great to watch people, + delicious meat dishes, such as + awesome ice tea - pricey - staff is showing too much attitude Average entrée: $15-20.
Jul 25th, 2015