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PerillaB+Worth Trying

836 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122 · Vietnamese restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (684 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout

Neighborhood Vietnamese standby for generous garlic noodles, friendly service, and budget pricing; minor consistency and cleanliness complaints exist but most diners leave happy and full.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Perilla earns its grade through warm, attentive service and exceptional value—diners consistently praise generous portions at budget prices rare for San Francisco. However, inconsistent food execution with occasional bland pho or dry meats prevents higher standing, and the functional but plain dining room lacks the appeal to elevate it beyond a solid neighborhood favorite. It's a reliable, friendly spot worth visiting when in the Inner Sunset, especially for garlic noodles and families seeking straightforward Vietnamese comfort.

Restaurant Summary

Perilla feels like a warm neighborhood hub a block from the park, where staff greet you with smiles and steaming plates hit the table fast. Diners rave about the generous portions and value, with one saying, "We left with happy bellies and a takeout box." The room is simple and family friendly, and there is steady takeout traffic that adds to the buzz. The cooking leans classic Vietnamese comfort with an Inner Sunset twist: garlic noodles piled high, fresh herb-packed vermicelli, and straightforward pho. The culinary approach is traditional and portion-driven: familiar flavors over flash, with five spice chicken and imperial rolls drawing the most cheers. A few guests report the occasional bland pho or dry meat, but most praise the value and quick, kind service. Families do well here. Kids tend to love garlic noodles with chicken, plain noodle soup, and rice plates. The menu has a dedicated vegetarian section (veggie pho, salads, seasoned veggies), though some found veggie dishes mild. No kids menu is listed, but the straightforward dishes and large portions make sharing easy.

At a Glance

What Sets It Apart

What People Love

Points of Concern

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$20-$28 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Perfect For

Location Insights

Area: Lively Inner Sunset corridor near Golden Gate Park; casual, local-heavy foot traffic with steady takeaway demand.

Safety: Generally safe, busy daytime/evenings; typical urban cleanliness variability.

Nearby: Steps from Golden Gate Park; surrounded by cafes, Asian eateries, small shops; strong neighborhood patronage.

Inner SunsetThe Inner Sunset neighborhood features a casual dining scene with a mix of Asian eateries, casual American restaurants, and trendy cafes. It is a family-friendly area with a community-oriented vibe, popular among locals who appreciate a quieter alternative to downtown dining while still having access to diverse food options.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–21:00 Tuesday Wednesday11:00–21:00 Thursday11:00–21:00 Friday11:00–21:00 Saturday11:00–21:00 Sunday11:00–21:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout

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