Seemor
Burma SuperstarB+Worth Trying
309 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118
· Burmese restaurant, Asian restaurant, Southeast Asian restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (3885 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Beloved Burmese staple with standout tea leaf salad and curries, lively vibe, long waits, and moderate portions; great for flavorful sharing meals if you can handle the queue and surcharges.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Burma Superstar delivers exceptional food quality anchored by iconic dishes like tea leaf salad and richly spiced curries, with knowledgeable servers who guide orders thoughtfully. However, inconsistent execution—ranging from bland to perfectly seasoned across visits—and operational friction (significant seating waits, portion variability) prevent the grade A territory this neighborhood institution otherwise approaches. A beloved SF staple that delivers more often than not, but reliability gaps keep it from elite standing.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, the kind of neighborhood spot where the line out front is part of the ritual. Servers are genuinely helpful, from mixing the tea leaf salad tableside to steering first-timers toward crowd favorites. One diner summed it up: "Flavors were bold and fresh, absolutely worth the wait." The cooking leans classic Burmese comfort with a fresh, produce-forward touch: salads that crackle with texture, coconut-rich noodles, and slow-cooked curries. The culinary approach leans traditional and ingredient-driven: no theatrics, just distinctive Burmese flavors with occasional crossover dishes. Families fare well thanks to friendly noodles and rice, mild curries, and quick service once seated. There is no explicit kids menu, but items like fried rice, Shan noodles, and coconut noodles suit less adventurous eaters; arrive early if dining with children.
At a Glance
- Iconic tea leaf salad and richly spiced curries
- Strong vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free coverage
- Long waits and wait-time estimates can slip
- Portions can feel small and rice costs extra
- 5.5% surcharge reported on checks
What Sets It Apart
- tableside_tea_leaf_salad
- broad_veg_vegan_options
- longstanding_burmese_institution
What People Love
- That crunchy, tangy tea leaf salad mixed tableside
- Deep, comforting lamb and eggplant curries
- Friendly staff who guide ordering and portions
- Outdoor seating with heaters on cool nights
- Fresh herbal teas and refreshing drinks
Points of Concern
- Expect waits of 20-60 minutes during peak hours; quotes of 20 minutes sometimes stretch longer
- Mains do not include rice; adding rice and surcharge lift final bill
- Portion sizes spark debate: sharing works, but some find salads and mains small
- Delivery/takeout quality less consistent than dine-in
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$38-52 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair one curry ($17-20) with steamed or coconut rice ($3) to share
- Add one starter (Tea Leaf Salad $12 or Samusa Soup $9) for balance
- Finish with Tapioca Pudding ($7) if you prefer lighter desserts
Perfect For
- Sharing a flavorful spread with friends
- Introducing visitors to Burmese cuisine
- Casual date night with lively energy
- Vegetarian or gluten-free friendly meals
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Inner Richmond corridor with diverse eateries, casual vibe, strong local foot traffic and weekend crowds.
Safety: Generally safe and well-traveled; busy evenings; standard city awareness advised.
Nearby: Near Golden Gate Park and Clement St dining row; mix of shops, cafes, and residential blocks.
Clement Street CorridorThe Clement Street Corridor is a vibrant commercial strip known for its eclectic mix of Asian eateries, casual dining spots, and local shops. It has a neighborhood feel with a strong emphasis on affordable, authentic cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
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
Friday11:30–15:30, 17:00–21:30
Saturday11:30–15:00, 17:00–21:30
Sunday11:30–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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