Seemor
LilyB+Worth Trying
225 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
· Vietnamese restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (442 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Highly creative Vietnamese-inspired dining with standout dishes and cocktails, premium pricing, and an automatic service charge; excellent food for adventurous diners, but value and service consistency divide opinions.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Lily delivers creative Vietnamese fusion with exceptional standout dishes like bone marrow carpaccio and black coconut crepes, supported by strong neighborhood destination appeal and a distinctive cocktail program. However, quality variation in portioning and temperature alongside cramped dining quarters and occasional service delays prevent grade A territory. The automatic service charge and fusion-forward menu also temper value perception for some diners.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with dim lighting and polished plating, where servers and sometimes the chef drop by to check in. One diner captured it well: "We debated the menu for ages because everything sounded inventive." However, be aware of moderate authenticity concerns suggesting mostly reliable feedback with typical online noise. The culinary approach leans creative Vietnamese fusion, weaving bone marrow into carpaccio, turmeric black coconut crepes, and dill-scented catfish with fermented sauces. It suits diners who enjoy adventurous flavors and a chef-driven experience more than purists seeking strict tradition. Portions are often shareable, though a few mains run small for the price. For families, the space is lively but tight and the menu skews bold. Kids might gravitate to garlic noodles, crispy calamari, or fried prawns, but there is no clear kids menu and spice or funk can surprise picky eaters. Expect premium pricing and an automatic service charge.
At a Glance
- Distinctive fusion dishes like bone marrow carpaccio and black coconut crepe
- Strong mocktail and cocktail program with creative flavors
- Automatic ~20% service charge affects perceived value
- Tight, crowded dining room and occasional slow pacing
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- chef_counter_interaction
- inventive_mocktails
- bone_marrow_carpaccio
- black_coconut_banh_xeo
What People Love
- Inventive takes on Vietnamese staples
- Beautiful plating and vibrant herbs
- Balanced, creative mocktails
- Chef interactions and warm hospitality on good nights
- Shareable starters with big flavors
Points of Concern
- Pricing is high for Clement Street and the 20% service charge can surprise some diners
- Service consistency varies: long course gaps and occasional missteps reported
- Tight space makes movement difficult during peak hours
- Creative/fusion menu can challenge conservative palates or those seeking traditional recipes
- Review patterns show signs of typical online polarization around fees and value, but not manipulation
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$78-100 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair beef carpaccio with a citrusy mocktail to cut richness
- Balance heavier entrees with shaking beef salad or a bright fruit-forward starter
- Ask about heat levels; sauces include fermented elements and chilies
Perfect For
- Date night with adventurous dining
- Foodie counter experience watching the kitchen
- Celebration dinner with cocktails and shareable plates
- Repeat locals exploring seasonal twists
Location Insights
Area: Inner Richmond corridor with diverse eateries, casual vibe, popular with locals and food-focused visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit Clement Street with steady foot traffic; standard urban precautions at night.
Nearby: Dense restaurant row near Asian grocers, bakeries, and bars; close to Golden Gate Park and Presidio.
Clement Street CorridorThe Clement Street Corridor is a vibrant dining and shopping area with a mix of casual eateries, Asian cuisine, and local businesses. It has a neighborhood feel with a strong community presence, attracting locals who appreciate authentic, affordable dining options in a safe and accessible environment.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–21:00
Tuesday
Wednesday17:00–21:00
Thursday17:00–21:00
Friday11:00–21:00
Saturday11:00–21:00
Sunday11:00–20:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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