Seemor
Bay of BurmaA-Worth Trying
1174 Folsom St Unit B, San Francisco, CA 94103
· Burmese restaurant, Caterer
· 4.8/5 Google (194 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Small SoMa Burmese spot delivering richly flavored curries, standout salads, and warm, owner-led hospitality at fair prices; tight seating and occasional service hiccups noted.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Bay of Burma earns its A- grade through exceptional food quality—richly spiced curries and signature dishes like tea leaf salad consistently impress—paired with attentive, owner-led service that guides diners through Burmese cuisine with genuine warmth. The tight dining room prevents higher distinction, but strong consistency and deep customer loyalty confirm this SoMa gem delivers reliable, soulful dining that exceeds typical neighborhood restaurant standards.
Restaurant Summary
A compact SoMa hideaway where the room feels warm and bustling and the owner often works the floor with easy charm. Diners rave about richly spiced curries and crunchy, tangy salads, noting, "The beef curry melted in my mouth and the coconut rice tied it all together." Seating is tight, but the vibe stays friendly and welcoming. The kitchen leans classic Burmese with a light California touch—think tea leaf salad, layered palata with coconut dip, and slow-cooked curries. Noodle bowls come topped with chickpea powder and crisp bits for texture. It suits anyone who craves deep, comforting flavors over theatrics; the menu is focused, execution-minded, and consistent. Families do fine here: staff is kind to kids, and there are familiar choices like noodles, rice, palata, and mango lassi. While there is no kids menu, options like Shwe Taung noodles, coconut rice, and palata make it easy for picky eaters.
At a Glance
- Tender slow-cooked beef and soulful chicken curry impress consistently
- Tea leaf salad and palata with coconut dip are must-haves
- Friendly, owner-led service with helpful menu guidance
- Very small dining room; seating can be cramped
- Occasional service lapses with reservations and pacing
What Sets It Apart
- owner_led_hospitality
- authentic_burmese_salads
- signature_beef_curry
- buttery_palata_bread
What People Love
- Melt-in-the-mouth beef curry
- Crunchy, tangy tea leaf salad
- Buttery palata with luscious dip
- Genuine hospitality from the owner
- Reasonable prices for SoMa
Points of Concern
- Very limited seating; expect tight quarters and possible wait at peak times
- A few reports of rushed service or reservation mix-ups
- Delivery experiences can vary with temperature and portion perception
- Review patterns show some short, generic praise; however, detailed photo-rich reviews dominate
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleHybrid
Average Cost$34-$48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a salad (tea leaf or ginger) with a curry and coconut rice for balance
- Palata and Dip is ideal to share as a starter
- Choose tofu or prawn versions of Shwe Taung noodles for variety
Perfect For
- Pre-theater bite near Civic Center
- Comforting curry night with a friend
- Exploring Burmese flavors for the first time
- Takeout when you want rich, balanced spice
Location Insights
Area: Urban SoMa corridor with mixed offices, nightspots, and light industrial; appeals to locals and nearby workers.
Safety: Generally safe with active foot traffic; construction and typical SoMa street conditions occasionally mentioned.
Nearby: Near Union Square and Civic Center theaters; convenient for pre-show meals and takeout.
South of Market (SoMa)SoMa is characterized by a mix of converted warehouses, new residential buildings, and trendy restaurants and bars. The dining scene is diverse, ranging from casual eateries to upscale dining, attracting a crowd interested in innovative cuisine and nightlife. The area is lively, accessible, and popular for after-work socializing and weekend outings.
Mid-MarketMid-Market is a sub-area within SoMa known for its concentration of tech company headquarters, renovated historic buildings, and a growing number of bars and restaurants. It has a bustling, urban vibe with a focus on contemporary dining and entertainment options.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:00
Tuesday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:00
Wednesday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:00
Thursday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:00
Friday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:00
Saturday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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