lily

Really amazing food and great staff. One of the chefs spoke to us a few times explaining how he came up with the dishes and what they meant to him. The portions are generous and you won’t leave hungry. They also are experts at frying things! We loved all of it.

Happy first time customers! Comfortable upscale ambiance, although can be loud at times depending on customers. Food was absolutely delicious and dishes were creative. I would have never ordered the Jackfruit "Pizza" but tried it because of other reviews, so I must mention it as a must try for this audience. It was the highlight of my meal! The ingredients were high quality and fresh. It was one of the most creative dishes I've experienced. The bone marrow/ox tail pho was also very good and worth a try, although pricey for the average pho. This is not your average pho. Remember to empty the bone marrow in the soup before serving to enhance the flavor and texture! The side of raw beef was super tender and the texture was superb. The flavor of the beef didn't stand out - it was texture over flavor. The ox tail meat was flavorful and the tenderness was 8/10. Parking in this area can be challenging (like most places in San Francisco). I had a 5:30pm dinner reservation which is considered early, so parking was easier. I found parking right across the street at a meter. Speaking of reservations, you make make online reservations which is quick and convenient. All restaurants should have this as an option! Come for a visit and you won't be disappointed.

+5

iKim here on a Saturday lunchtime, there was no line and we got seated right away. The ambience is pretty nice they have fresh flower on the table. Waiters are very friendly. We order the number one for and also a fried fish noodle bowl. The fried fish noodle was fantastic. We asked for the spicy sauce which is really spicy. Highly recommend!

Great upscale Vietnamese restaurant with a twist. All the dishes were delicious and looked beautiful.

+6

Absolutely loved it!!! Everything was amazing!! I don’t have a lot of experience with Vietnamese cuisine so I wasn’t sure the what to expect. We ordered several dishes and shared them, at first the fish looked intimidating but once you starts “scratching it” oh wow, what an amazing wonderful experience!! We also loved the fact that the owner approached us several times to ask if we where ok. This restaurant made it to my top restaurants in San Francisco for sure!! And don’t forget to ask for the banana 🍌 dessert 😳😳😳 trust me, ITS A MUST!!!

+4

The atmosphere is comfortable and formal without being pretentious. The seats at the chefs counter are fun and you get to see the cooking and talk to the servers and the chef. We ordered the 36 pre fixe menu and we got two appetizers (mango salad and duck egg rolls) and for the entrees we got the buncha with fish and with pork and both were amazing!! On top of that we got two desserts, one with shaved ice and the cafe su da creme brûlée, everything was just amazing and I can’t wait to come back and try more! Chef Robert and team have done a great job with everything here!!

+6

Ridiculously delicious food, drinks, and amazing service. How did I not know about this place before?? We took a full 20 minutes deciding on what to order because we wanted so many items. The drinks alone were so good, both alcoholic and non alcoholic. The portions are a good size and we over ordered but ate it all and rolled out of there happily.

Got the Garlic Noodles with beef and the Beeff Carpaccio and it was so delicious! My friend and I sat at the bar and we loved the vibes. The waiters were very friendly and constantly checked in on us. The food was incredible. The beef in the Garlic Noodles were also perfectly cooked. It was the best beef I’ve had in a while.

The shrimp and sweet potato starter was incredible!! Will definitely be back

Went for restaurant week and everything was delicious. I appreciate how every dish came out of the kitchen with no lag time. Especially with the chicken pho soup with the fried donut, which can get saugy. The donut was still crunchy when we received it! Everything was delicious and cooked well! Loved the visual presentation and the floral/herb with the dishes!

+2

5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐. We ordered Green Papaya Octopus Salad, Hanoi BBQ Heritage pork, 2th place beef noodle soup with Mmmmmmngo cocktail . My favorite was the octopus Salad and the beef soup.I love the cocktail too. Everything was excellent, we didn't have a reservation but glad we had space on the window side. Table setting was simple but very well thought and romantic from the warm glow of oil lamp and the love smell of the fresh lily flower. They also have excellent and friendly service. Highly recommend.

+4

Whenever I come here, I tell myself beforehand“you need to take photos” but the food is so good I always eat it before I remember to take any photos. Loved this place since my first time stumbling across it on accident Only major slight is that the non-alcoholic and dessert menus are hit or miss, but there are still great options on them so it’s not a huge deal (just skip the warm banana pudding) and everything else is consistently great

I had one of the better dining experiences I've had in SF in a long time at Lily, and it wasn't because everything was flawless – it was because of how they handled the few bumps in the road. There is a sense that this place is a beloved neighborhood spot; we saw plenty of regulars being greeted like friends. It’s always a good sign when the owner (who I presume was the gentleman we interacted with most) clearly enjoys his job and genuinely loves interacting with his guests. We happened to be dining during the Clement Street Farmers Market, and we even witnessed him step out to buy fresh fruit directly from the vendors. Pretty cool! Now, for the "bumps." We did receive the wrong order twice. But here's where they truly shined: The staff was incredibly nice and apologetic about the mix-up. Without us asking, they comped one of the incorrect dishes and, to our delight, gifted us a delicious dessert at the end of our meal. They showed genuine care for our experience. Lily isn't just serving great food but delivering an experience built on warmth and outstanding hospitality. I can't recommend it enough!

I feel honored to have sat at the counter to watch the chef in a true flow state. Every single thing on the menu had a unique approach and was done artfully and masterfully. You can’t go wrong ordering. Cocktails were creative and well done. Dessert (hot chocolate torte) absolutely blew my mind. This place has a Michelin Star in its future.

Gorgeous food, fresh, delicate, and soft atmosphere. The chef is so sweet he greets you and checks in on you during dinner. We enjoyed everything we tried, especially the fried dishes which are so light and crispy. Fried fish and the shaved ice were my faves from the night. Not an every day spot but perfect for when a nice dinner is in order. Coming back again for sure.

Everything was amazing. You could close your eyes and point to anything on the menu and it would be good. The restaurant was beautifully put together and had a fun and lively atmosphere. Super clean too. The service was prompt and attentive. Really excellent overall. We got the shaking beef salad, egg rolls, pork belly rice paper rolls, garlic shrimp noodles, and mussels shared family style. We finished it off with banana bread pudding and rainbow shave ice. 10/10 every dish was amazing.

So understand, I have fallen into the very fortunate position of being a guest of a woman who has a list of the 100 best restaurants in San Francisco. After some impromptu searching. The venue of the evening we landed on was lilies, and I am grateful, first of all, I am gluten-free, their Vietnamese menu is almost a custom fit. deep fried catfish with a GF batter! (or wheat free.)delicious! I Don't run into that, ever. I don't think there's enough room for me to praise everything that I put in my mouth, it was all so fresh and delicious. covered in fresh aromatic herbs. I've never had a pho soup so delicious;From the precious rice noodles to the luscious broth to the exquisite, thin sliced wagyu beef. if I could, I would take a stack of those shrimp crackers. I am thinking about the cooks and the chefs that put this menu together and keep putting out this fine, Excellent food day after day after day. I feel gr8full

The menu at Lily restaurant is a true culinary masterpiece. Each dish I tried was expertly crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients that burst with flavor. The attention to detail in every plate was evident, and I appreciated the chef's creativity in creating unique and delicious flavor combinations. The wine list was extensive, offering a wide selection to pair with the meal. The waitstaff was knowledgeable and passionate about the cuisine, making excellent recommendations and ensuring that every need was met. The service was prompt yet attentive, allowing me to fully enjoy my dining experience without feeling rushed. If you're looking for a truly exceptional dining experience in San Francisco, Lilly restaurant is an absolute must-visit.

The food is delicious, and some dishes have a French touch that works well. The duck spring roll is a must. The drinks are not your regular drinks; they are super interesting and worth trying. The service is attentive. I highly recommend making reservations.

Came for the excellent early girl dinner menu, was really wowed by the non-alc drink selection (salted plum and lime is tasty!) and great value for money of this menu. Highlights were the spicy vibrance of the mango rice paper salad and the really interesting black coconut banh xeo. It's a little unlike your usual banh xeos, more starchy and earthy with the mushrooms and taro, but greatly balanced by the herbs and sauce. The warm banana bread pudding was also exceptional -- crispy bread pudding sides contrasting with a salty miso caramel and cold ice cream. Don't miss this! Heritage pork dish was also tasty with sweet-savoury meatballs and smokey bacon. Would absolutely come back and sit at the counter again!

Incredible and unique Vietnamese food. Super interesting, delicious options. Owner / chef is inventive and creative. Fav Vietnamese in SF

Thoroughly enjoyed my meal. Came for restaurant week and tried a variety of dishes. Beef carpaccio my fave and I also loved my shaking beef salad, so tasty and lots of crunch! Every dish was delicious, unique and generous portions, so we all left very satisfied. Staff is super friendly, attentive and got a chance to chat with Chef Robert who was so nice! Cocktails were well balanced, and they had a long list of mocktails too which I love. Thanks for a great experience, Lily!!

What a delightful restaurant - one of our favorites in the city! The food and beverages are so fresh, so high quality, with wonderful attention to the little details. The service is outstanding, and the atmosphere is upscale yet relaxed and inviting at the same time. I always love coming here! Try the lunch special!

Lily is a gem on Clement Street. The pho and oxtail are incredible, and it's easy to see why. The flavors are rich and vibrant—with fresh ingredients that honors timeless Vietnamese recipes cooked to perfection.

What a beautiful place for a good meal. Delicious food in generous portions (good for ordering several things and sharing), a solid cocktail menu with tasty cultural twists on traditional ingredients, friendly and outgoing staff, and a dimly lit, lively but peaceful, really beautiful atmosphere. Perfect spot for date night, but also for a group night out.

Came here for lunch. There were only a couple tables to choose from for walk ins. We had the lunch special that was $32 for a drink, appetizer, and entree. I thought this was very reasonable especially for the large portions. The drinks were nonalcoholic, pretty, and very creative. Mango salad was refreshing. The pork bowl was probably the best of the entrees we had. The French dip was good but hard to eat.

I’ve dined here a few times and love taking my friends and family here. Today we had the Brunch Prefix Menu $36pp (there’s also a $26pp option). It covers a drink, appetizer, and large entree. Service here is always excellent and needless to say, the menu will have you coming back. Looking forward to trying more items and cocktails.

My friend and I had such a wonderful experience here! We found it on happenstance and I am so glad we got to check it out. Every single dish was truly amazing, fresh, and perfectly seasoned. The interior is gorgeous. We came during the busy weekend dinner time, but the service was top notch. Our server Robert was amazing, and we loved meeting one of the owners! My friend, who is Viet, said that the dishes are authentic but with an elevated, modern twist. Great food, great vibes. I will definitely be coming back.

Ingrid Carolina Ramón Parra

Gorgeous food, fresh, delicate, and soft atmosphere. The chef is so sweet he greets you and checks in on you during dinner. We enjoyed everything we tried, especially the fried dishes which are so light and crispy. Fried fish and the shaved ice were my faves from the night. Not an every day spot but perfect for when a nice dinner is in order. Coming back again for sure.

Hannah Arcilla

Everything was amazing. You could close your eyes and point to anything on the menu and it would be good. The restaurant was beautifully put together and had a fun and lively atmosphere. Super clean too. The service was prompt and attentive. Really excellent overall. We got the shaking beef salad, egg rolls, pork belly rice paper rolls, garlic shrimp noodles, and mussels shared family style. We finished it off with banana bread pudding and rainbow shave ice. 10/10 every dish was amazing.

Ersyla Nellajoy

So understand, I have fallen into the very fortunate position of being a guest of a woman who has a list of the 100 best restaurants in San Francisco. After some impromptu searching. The venue of the evening we landed on was lilies, and I am grateful, first of all, I am gluten-free, their Vietnamese menu is almost a custom fit. deep fried catfish with a GF batter! (or wheat free.)delicious! I Don't run into that, ever. I don't think there's enough room for me to praise everything that I put in my mouth, it was all so fresh and delicious. covered in fresh aromatic herbs. I've never had a pho soup so delicious;From the precious rice noodles to the luscious broth to the exquisite, thin sliced wagyu beef. if I could, I would take a stack of those shrimp crackers. I am thinking about the cooks and the chefs that put this menu together and keep putting out this fine, Excellent food day after day after day. I feel gr8full

Isabel McGraw

The food is delicious, and some dishes have a French touch that works well. The duck spring roll is a must. The drinks are not your regular drinks; they are super interesting and worth trying. The service is attentive. I highly recommend making reservations.

Holly Zhou

Came for the excellent early girl dinner menu, was really wowed by the non-alc drink selection (salted plum and lime is tasty!) and great value for money of this menu. Highlights were the spicy vibrance of the mango rice paper salad and the really interesting black coconut banh xeo. It's a little unlike your usual banh xeos, more starchy and earthy with the mushrooms and taro, but greatly balanced by the herbs and sauce. The warm banana bread pudding was also exceptional -- crispy bread pudding sides contrasting with a salty miso caramel and cold ice cream. Don't miss this! Heritage pork dish was also tasty with sweet-savoury meatballs and smokey bacon. Would absolutely come back and sit at the counter again!

Lauren Ramsey

Incredible and unique Vietnamese food. Super interesting, delicious options. Owner / chef is inventive and creative. Fav Vietnamese in SF

Tung Ho

The menu at Lily restaurant is a true culinary masterpiece. Each dish I tried was expertly crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients that burst with flavor. The attention to detail in every plate was evident, and I appreciated the chef's creativity in creating unique and delicious flavor combinations. The wine list was extensive, offering a wide selection to pair with the meal. The waitstaff was knowledgeable and passionate about the cuisine, making excellent recommendations and ensuring that every need was met. The service was prompt yet attentive, allowing me to fully enjoy my dining experience without feeling rushed. If you're looking for a truly exceptional dining experience in San Francisco, Lilly restaurant is an absolute must-visit.

Jessy Cherry

What a delightful restaurant - one of our favorites in the city! The food and beverages are so fresh, so high quality, with wonderful attention to the little details. The service is outstanding, and the atmosphere is upscale yet relaxed and inviting at the same time. I always love coming here! Try the lunch special!

Jahan Hajiani

Lily is a gem on Clement Street. The pho and oxtail are incredible, and it's easy to see why. The flavors are rich and vibrant—with fresh ingredients that honors timeless Vietnamese recipes cooked to perfection.

Catherine P

Thoroughly enjoyed my meal. Came for restaurant week and tried a variety of dishes. Beef carpaccio my fave and I also loved my shaking beef salad, so tasty and lots of crunch! Every dish was delicious, unique and generous portions, so we all left very satisfied. Staff is super friendly, attentive and got a chance to chat with Chef Robert who was so nice! Cocktails were well balanced, and they had a long list of mocktails too which I love. Thanks for a great experience, Lily!!

Pasha Gleyzer

Great upscale Vietnamese restaurant with a twist. All the dishes were delicious and looked beautiful.

A.C. Antonelli

What a beautiful place for a good meal. Delicious food in generous portions (good for ordering several things and sharing), a solid cocktail menu with tasty cultural twists on traditional ingredients, friendly and outgoing staff, and a dimly lit, lively but peaceful, really beautiful atmosphere. Perfect spot for date night, but also for a group night out.

E Lee

Came here for lunch. There were only a couple tables to choose from for walk ins. We had the lunch special that was $32 for a drink, appetizer, and entree. I thought this was very reasonable especially for the large portions. The drinks were nonalcoholic, pretty, and very creative. Mango salad was refreshing. The pork bowl was probably the best of the entrees we had. The French dip was good but hard to eat.

Jennie Dinh

I’ve dined here a few times and love taking my friends and family here. Today we had the Brunch Prefix Menu $36pp (there’s also a $26pp option). It covers a drink, appetizer, and large entree. Service here is always excellent and needless to say, the menu will have you coming back. Looking forward to trying more items and cocktails.

Daniel May

Whenever I come here, I tell myself beforehand“you need to take photos” but the food is so good I always eat it before I remember to take any photos. Loved this place since my first time stumbling across it on accident Only major slight is that the non-alcoholic and dessert menus are hit or miss, but there are still great options on them so it’s not a huge deal (just skip the warm banana pudding) and everything else is consistently great

Just opened today! Got the Forbidden rice which was soupier than anticipated but quite flavorful and came with a few slices of fried bread/Chinese donut for dunking. The menu is gourmet and elevated Vietnamese comfort food, including bowls, bahn mi sandwiches, and a few rice dishes but all with a twist on the ingredients. It is hard to take a good photo of takeout but it tasted much better than it looks 🤪Give them a try!

I'll tell you straight up... if you're looking for something straight from the motherland and authentic as can be, this isn't it... Lily takes it to the next level and brings Vietnamese cuisine to higher levels than grandma's recipe. The chef introduces new flavor combinations that work with the true definition of Vietnamese food, but you have to be open to it... Bone Marrow Pho is pricey, but it is good. Black Truffle Banh Xeo, pushing boundaries but it's good. Garlic Noodles, not traditional but it's damn good. Come here with an open mind of new flavor combinations and taste buds, and you'll enjoy it. BTW, the drinks are really good; not too strong that makes you wince. @phidingthefam

Lily SF offers an upscale Vietnamese dining experience that truly delights.The food is delicious, showcasing vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients.The attentive service enhances the meal, making for a memorable outing.Cocktails will cater to folks who love all things tropical and sweet. ❤️pho

+3

Good food, nice atmosphere and service was.... Well, if I could just get a smile or two from the server or a friendly grin from the Latino chef cooking Vietnamese cuisine, then the meal would be a so much more of an experience. I tried so hard to get a nice reaction from the chef as we dined at the Chefs counter. I gave him a thumbs up when we tasted the fried fish he made and received a glare back from him. I smiled again as he served us the Carpaccio he whipped up and again.... Nothing. He even turned to his assistant and mumbled something as he looked at us then laughed. People choose to sit at the Chefs Counter because they enjoy watching all the action. So SMILE at your guests. We're paying your wages! Anyway, food was salty but tasty, my gfs drink was an iced green tea cocktail with gin. But I'm pretty sure they forgot the gin. Very watery and very weak. Bread pudding dessert was really good though. Jack fruit pizza wasn't too bad either. I don't recommend the Carpaccio wth bone marrow. The deep fried fish was crispy and delicious. You have to ask for lettuce, rice paper and sauce to go with the fish. That is a MUST!

+2

Let me begin by saying Lily is excellent and I look forward to many future meals there. That said, if you charge a 20% service fee on already high prices I’m going to judge you differently. Food: - The carpaccio and garlic noodles are near perfect examples. Duck egg rolls are delightful. - Bun cha is good not great. - Pork chop was unevenly cooked. Delicious on the ends but dry in the middle. The composition of the plate didn’t make a lot of sense. Rice in broth, if good, could’ve just been rice. Meatloaf was confusing and there was no veg. Service: - overall slow, timing in between dishes felt longer than it needed to be. - I was a little put off that each glass of wine was poured on a food scale. That felt like overkill (and I wasn’t even drinking). Just hire someone that can pour a glass of wine. - For all the precision that went into the wine pouring, when the appetizer plates were cleared the dirty silverware was left on the table. If you’re going to bother changing the plates, take the silverware too. Like I said, I had a great time and the food is delicious. It’s easily one of the better spots on Clement for an upscale atmosphere, but the price to quality ratio feels a bit off.

It’s way too cramped, just too tight and uncomfortable a dining room. It’s impossible to walk to the bar or the restroom without having to walk back to let the waitstaff or other customers through. Food was very good; the garlic noodles were an elevated masterpiece. Similarly they did an excellent job with their fish entrees (fried catfish was superb) and desserts (crème brûlée and banana bread pudding). They also do a great job with cocktails; their coconut creations were delicious. Parking is almost impossible during dinner time so plan ahead.

The place is a little more run-down and smaller than expected but the food was great! We got the jackfruit pizza, broken rice plate, and heritage pork bowl. Everything was super picturesque and tasted amazing. The owner was also super friendly and came by to chat with us a few times. They do charge a fixed 20% service fee which I'm not super fond of restaurants doing unless it's super high end or for large parties.

Jack Brown

Let me begin by saying Lily is excellent and I look forward to many future meals there. That said, if you charge a 20% service fee on already high prices I’m going to judge you differently. Food: - The carpaccio and garlic noodles are near perfect examples. Duck egg rolls are delightful. - Bun cha is good not great. - Pork chop was unevenly cooked. Delicious on the ends but dry in the middle. The composition of the plate didn’t make a lot of sense. Rice in broth, if good, could’ve just been rice. Meatloaf was confusing and there was no veg. Service: - overall slow, timing in between dishes felt longer than it needed to be. - I was a little put off that each glass of wine was poured on a food scale. That felt like overkill (and I wasn’t even drinking). Just hire someone that can pour a glass of wine. - For all the precision that went into the wine pouring, when the appetizer plates were cleared the dirty silverware was left on the table. If you’re going to bother changing the plates, take the silverware too. Like I said, I had a great time and the food is delicious. It’s easily one of the better spots on Clement for an upscale atmosphere, but the price to quality ratio feels a bit off.

Jonathon Paul

It’s way too cramped, just too tight and uncomfortable a dining room. It’s impossible to walk to the bar or the restroom without having to walk back to let the waitstaff or other customers through. Food was very good; the garlic noodles were an elevated masterpiece. Similarly they did an excellent job with their fish entrees (fried catfish was superb) and desserts (crème brûlée and banana bread pudding). They also do a great job with cocktails; their coconut creations were delicious. Parking is almost impossible during dinner time so plan ahead.

AJ F

Lily SF offers an upscale Vietnamese dining experience that truly delights.The food is delicious, showcasing vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients.The attentive service enhances the meal, making for a memorable outing.Cocktails will cater to folks who love all things tropical and sweet. ❤️pho

Old fashioned Cocktail was way too sweet. Pizza was good but served uncut on a plate with a lip making it impossible to cut. Garlic noodles had good flavor but too dry. Shaking beef is great This is over priced for the quality and execution on offer but the service is efficient and friendly.

+1

I'd like to go back to try more, the menu seemed really interesting. For the grilled meat platter, I was underwhelmed by the flavor of the chicken and pork, just didn't taste like it had been marinated (or salted?) enough. I was also a little shocked that when I asked if I could have anything spicy to put on it, I was given a little jar of chili oil without being told that it would be a $6 charge to buy the whole bottle. That should definitely be given with a heads up, never been charged for asking for a condiment to put on meat before.

Andy Akins

I'd like to go back to try more, the menu seemed really interesting. For the grilled meat platter, I was underwhelmed by the flavor of the chicken and pork, just didn't taste like it had been marinated (or salted?) enough. I was also a little shocked that when I asked if I could have anything spicy to put on it, I was given a little jar of chili oil without being told that it would be a $6 charge to buy the whole bottle. That should definitely be given with a heads up, never been charged for asking for a condiment to put on meat before.

Started with a strawberry sinh to drink that was so bright and sweet - though filling. Any of their dishes with fried food is a must try. The batter and fry was so light and airy - we tried the calamari and had the cha ca la vong fish noodle bowl and vegetarian chow fun. Service was also quick. Update: visited now 3x and food is always good, but service has consistently been at a low quality. Not always the friendliest.

+4

Food was amazing. Waiter was mean throughout and added a “mandatory” 40% tip because we were a group of seven. Highest mandatory tip I’ve ever seen. We contested and got it down to 20%.

I visited on Sunday evening and had a takeaway milk tea. Since outside drinks were not allowed inside, I specifically asked the staff if I could leave it at the front desk before being seated. He said yes, so I left it there and told him I would come back for it. The drink was barely touched. When I returned, the drink was gone. I asked the same staff member, and he said he thought it was trash and threw it away — despite the fact that I had clearly told him it was mine. What made the experience worse was the response afterward. The apology felt dismissive, and there was no real attempt to take responsibility or resolve the issue. I also want to note that a 20% tip had already been charged before this happened. Had I known my drink would be thrown away after I explicitly asked to leave it there, I would not have tipped at all. Overall, this was a disappointing experience. I hope the staff can be more attentive and respectful with customers’ belongings in the future.

Nicole

I visited on Sunday evening and had a takeaway milk tea. Since outside drinks were not allowed inside, I specifically asked the staff if I could leave it at the front desk before being seated. He said yes, so I left it there and told him I would come back for it. The drink was barely touched. When I returned, the drink was gone. I asked the same staff member, and he said he thought it was trash and threw it away — despite the fact that I had clearly told him it was mine. What made the experience worse was the response afterward. The apology felt dismissive, and there was no real attempt to take responsibility or resolve the issue. I also want to note that a 20% tip had already been charged before this happened. Had I known my drink would be thrown away after I explicitly asked to leave it there, I would not have tipped at all. Overall, this was a disappointing experience. I hope the staff can be more attentive and respectful with customers’ belongings in the future.