Ratings and reviews
Tú Lan Photos
Hours
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Tú Lan Reviews
This is hands down one of my favorite Vietnamese spots in San Francisco! The family that owns and runs the place is super kind and hospitable. This a great example of a little hole and the wall vibes with really great and authentic Vietnamese food at such approachable prices. I find myself coming in Any time I'm in the neighborhood.
All orders came out very flavorful!! Cooked to perfection. Got the top three choices and did not disappoint. Workers were kind, greeted us kindly with a smile. They were attentive and helpful. Although location may be eh, this local spot is worth the experience. Place is small and has many seating and has an upstairs.
Hidden gem? hole in a wall? Instant classic? I would say all the above and then some. Tu lan is a bistro that cranks out some of the best Vietnamese/Chinese classic dishes in SF. Picture this: it's lunch hour and everyone and their moms are in line (including me). Delivery drivers, cops, construction workers, finance bros. I could go on & on with the eclectic patrons that visit this place and they all have one thing in common. It's to get a plate or two of bun thit nuong (grilled pork), wonton soup or their famous no.17 the grilled pork, imperial roll (absolutely delicious, crunchy & peppery) over rice noodles. I doused mine with nuoc mam (fish sauce) and completely destroyed it. Will be back for all of eternity.
I have been going here since I was a kid and it has not changed one bit - and that is just perfect. One of the best places to eat at in SF but just by careful when getting to this rough area. It could be a little sketchy even for a formal local like me. Positives: - authentic CHEAP food - amazing service - extremely quick service - one of the best food I've ever eaten. Definitely unbeatable. Negatives: - extremely sketchy area (watch your surrounding including your steps.
Tu Lan is a San Francisco institution. I have been coming here for many years and it still hits the spot. One of my favorites is the grilled pork with egg rolls and rice. A lot of the items on the menu is under $15 which is very rare for San Francisco restaurants nowadays. The Thai tea is really good, yet small. I would need two of these LOL. The staff is extremely nice and friendly. The best parking would be the 5th and Mission parking garage and walk fast to the restaurant because the area is very questionable, especially at night. But you'll definitely enjoy your meal and it's such a cozy spot with plenty of seating downstairs and upstairs as well. One of my friend's favorite items is the curry fried rice and it's really good! So next time you're looking for a delicious yet inexpensive meal near downtown or Soma, I would highly recommend Tu Lan!
Stopped by for a quick snack, but ended up making a meal out of it. Both the Summer Rolls and the Imperial Rolls (fried spring rolls) were delicious. It's a bit stuffy in here and I was a bit confused on how to dine in the first time around (pick an open table and someone will come over). However, it's a very solid option for food (especially Vietnamese spring/summer rolls) if you're hungry and happen to find yourself in this part of the city.
With a reservation, my party of two was seated immediately. The menu is simple, and I ended up choosing #17 which came with grilled pork over vermicelli and pork imperial rolls. The pork was deliciously seasoned and tender and went well with the noodles and sweet sauce. The imperial rolls were HOT and crispy. Service was quick and no frills. They kindly allowed my friend and I to finish our meal 15 minutes after closing. Overall: - Simple, delicious food - Kind waitstaff and prompt service - Large portions!
Came here before hitting up a show at the golden gate theatre. It's a tad confusing since they're so busy, but you have to make your entrance known. Very small and tight. Great tasting flavorful food at good prices and portion.
Tú Lan
Tucked away on 8 6th St San Francisco, Tú Lan isn’t trying to impress you with decor or dazzle you with hype. What it offers instead is what keeps locals and tourists coming back: steaming bowls of pho, crispy imperial rolls, and generous plates of vermicelli noodles, all exploding with flavor and priced right. If you're hungry and want something real, hot, and satisfying — this is the spot.
Vietnamese food in San Francisco that hits the spot
You don't need to fly to Saigon to get your fix of bold Vietnamese street flavors. At Tú Lan, you’ll find bánh xèo sizzling on the skillet, lemongrass chicken grilled to smoky perfection, and pork chops that melt in your mouth. It’s not just a place to eat — it’s a flavor punch to your senses. We’re talking about real, unpretentious food that feeds both your hunger and your soul. Just a few blocks from Union Square, it’s a quick stop that never feels rushed. You’ll probably see regulars at the counter, backpackers flipping through a Lonely Planet guide, and office workers sneaking in for their lunch ritual — all brought together by the same craving for something authentically delicious.
Menu favorites and why they keep showing up in local food guides
The menu is a tight list of greatest hits. Think of dishes like beef pho with that deep, rich broth that’s simmered for hours — no shortcuts. Or shrimp spring rolls served cold and crisp with peanut sauce that you’ll want to drink. Then there's the vermicelli noodle bowl with grilled pork that brings in texture, heat, freshness, and umami all in one bite. While everything’s fast, it’s never sloppy. There’s intention behind every dish, and that’s probably why it’s earned praise in guidebooks and from folks who’ve been eating here for decades. Anthony Bourdain once dropped in, and you can still feel his presence in the buzz around the name.
What to expect when you dine in or take out
Don’t expect white tablecloths. Expect flavor. Expect the food to come out hot, quick, and full of herbs, spices, and depth. There’s often a line, especially around lunch, but it moves fast. Whether you’re eating solo with your headphones in or picking up a bag for the office crew, Tú Lan keeps it simple and efficient. If you sit in, the space is tight but full of character — a San Francisco kind of charm where every tile and seat feels part of the city’s ever-changing story. If you're ordering out, know that their packaging keeps everything warm and well-organized — the noodles don’t get soggy, and the herbs stay fresh.
Why Tú Lan still matters after all these years
San Francisco is packed with trendy pop-ups and Instagrammable cafes, but places like Tú Lan are rare. They don’t chase trends. They just cook. That’s the magic. You walk in and find the same flavors that someone might have tasted here ten or fifteen years ago — consistent, comforting, and real. It’s become part of the fabric of SoMa’s food scene, offering a slice of Vietnamese culinary heritage in a fast-paced American city. And in a place like San Francisco, where rent hikes and gentrification constantly reshape the restaurant landscape, it says a lot when a humble diner holds its ground.
best imperial rolls in town!!! and i think still a bargain. one order is a full meal. sometimes i get the one with the pork kabob. but the rolls are still my favorite. and fyi, the city has made great strides in cleaning up the block on 6th where they are. clean sidewalks, no open drugs. what a nice change. what great rolls.