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Cafe Asia
Categories: Restaurants Asian Fusion Restaurants Vegetarian Asian Fusion, Vegetarian [Edit]
200 Larkin St(between Grove St & Fulton St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighbourhood: Civic Center/Tenderloin
(415) 581-3630
- Hours:
Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun 10 am - 4:30 pm
Thu 10 am - 8:30 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Butterfly offers exciting pan-Asian dishes, an award winning wine list, and a lively dining scene on the waterfront. Chef Robert Lam is committed to… read more »
43 reviews for Cafe Asia
Review Highlights
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"This was my first time at the Asian Art Museum." In 16 reviews -
"The brown rice with mushrooms is not to be missed, hearty..." In 6 reviews -
"Cafeteria style, with a menu that changes often." In 6 reviews
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43 reviews in English
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Review from Chiara A.
4/8/2012 2 photos
I have never been to Cafe Asia during my many visits to the Asian Art Museum. Finally came here with a friend who has eaten here before. Out of all the many in-museum cafes and restaurants in the area, she rates this one as the best.
We were visiting the Asian Art Museum on the next to the last day of "Maharaja," I was feeling a little dizzy when we were inside Gallery 3. My friend suggested it was time for lunch and we go get a meal at Cafe Asia. She told me about a fabulous noodle dish she had which had mighty large portions we could share.
We decided when we looked at the menu, we could each get our own individual dish. The noodle dish was no longer there. There was a dim sum special with one's own choice of tea. It was one pork bow, three shrimp haw gow, and two steamed potstickers. My friend had a small order of vegetarian curry over rice which she let me sample. Both dishes were delicious. After a satisfying lunch, we resumed our visit to "Maharaja" in Gallery 3 and visited the third floor to see the Asian Art Museum's collection of art from India, some of the art effects are downstairs as part of the "Maharaja" exhibit closing on April 8.
When I got home, I researched on yelp and the Asian Art Museum's website about Cafe Asia. The menu changes at Cafe Asia and the selections are inspired by the current exhibit being promoted i.e. "Maharaja: The Splendor of India's Courts." Much of the menu was inspired by this exhibit.
Cafe Asia is going to change its menu again really soon with the new exhibit "Phantoms of Asia." I am planning to come back to the Asian Art Museum for this exhibit and have a quick meal at Cafe Asia to see what is on the menu inspired by this exhibit. If it is just as good as the menu items inspired by "Shanghai" and "Maharaja," I will be one happy Chiara! Maybe they will bring back the noodle dish for this upcoming exhibition . . . just a thought. -
Review from Nancy S.
Overrated and over priced "Asian" food.
Service wasn't the greatest. Food was not hot and not enough taste. Left disappointed. -
Review from Irene L.
Hayes Valley, San Francisco, CA
I would give this place 2.5 stars
I was pretty much disappointed with my meal. I ordered Tamil Braised Lamb, $13.95, and apple strudel, $2.50, and also used my scoutmob deal so the total with tips, my meal came out to be $10.
Upon ordering, I didn't think my dish would me made right in front of me. When I went to the cashier, I ordered my apple strudel for dessert. Once I sat down, I was ready to dig into my braised lamb and that's where my disappointment started.....the food was not hot! I wouldn't even say it was warm either but the lamb was moist and easy to break apart so I'm glad it wasn't overcooked. When I saw all the ingredients on the menu with onions, indian spices, tomatoes, curry leaves, coconut milk, etc, it sounded so scrumptious. well guess what? The flavors didn't burst in my mouth like I had expected it to. Apple strudel was not good either yet i finished it anyways. The crust/pastry dough was not crispy and tasted bland. Apples weren't soft but it was firm. Not sweet at all but a little tart. Ugh....on top of that, I came here with a friend and her brother and we all ordered different dishes, too. Nothing screamed out " I want some more of that!" or "I wished I ordered that instead!" We all left with a disappointed lunch and an unhappy tummy. Let's just say that I won't be coming here ever again-even if there's a deal floating around. -
Review from Stacey L.
San Francisco, CA
5/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great find. I would have never known about this cafe had it not been for a Scoutmob offer. I literally work two blocks away and pass by the Asian Art Museum at least 2-3 times a week. Just check in at the main ticketing window for the museum and get a sticker which gives you free access to the cafe and the gift shop. Most lunch dishes range from$8-$12 with daily specials offered. It's served cafeteria style so check out the menu before heading down the aisle. I recommend the Asian chicken salad & guava lemonade.Plenty of seating both indoor and outdoor. I would probably eat here everyday if the prices ranged between $7-$10.
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Review from Jasmin L.
San Francisco, CA
"Me Time: 02.14.12 @ 11:30 AM
ScoutMob has rekindled my long forgotten love for Cafe Asia.
Cafe Asia is located inside the Asian Art Museum.
THE ASIAN ART MUSEUM: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
The formidable architecture of the Asian Museum is grand and breathtaking. The aestestically pleasing interior of this museum would not disappoint either. The art appreciation starts even in the lobby and changes with the exhibits. You do not even have to enter the actual museum to partake in the beauty of this place.
Even if like me you hardly have time to visit the museum, a lunch hour at Cafe Asia will enable you to take in a small portion of this delightful museum. For just a mere (but precious) lunch hour, the arts from Asia will sweep you away to faraway lands and ancient times.
CAFE ASIA:
Cafe Asia is divided into three sections:
1. A small windowless dining room that resembles a temple with statue as the focal point of the room. The high-domed ceiling is made of marble. It is a more serene place to eat your lunch than the main dining room. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
2. The main dining room is where you order your food cafeteria-style. Grab a tray, tell them what you want, it will be plated for you then you pay at the cashier. Find a table in this bright dining room with contemporary tables and chairs.
3. Patio overlooking Fulton Street with a view of the statues and the equally beautiful modern architecture of the San Francisco Main Library.
SEASONAL MENU:
The menu is seasonal, sustainable and changes often. They are Asian-influenced and always fresh. I often find the food to be "mild" in flavors. No big flavors here. The food are prepared well but nothing made me exclaim "delicious" over the years of eating here.
I ORDERED: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
SPICED ROASTED PUMPKIN $6.95
Butternut Squash, Chilies, Tumeric, Cumin, Garlic and Ginger
*Sooo soothing and such a lovely and flavorful soup full of nice spices. I wanted to close my eyes whille eating this soup. So good!
BENGALI MARKET FISH $11.50
Pan Seared Sustainable Fish Filet with Curry, Served with Basmati Rice and String Beans
*Simple, nice and fresh. The plating was pretty. Nothing remarkable but a well-prepared meal.
CHECK: With Scoutmob I only paid ~ $9. Would have been pricey lunch at ~$20 without the deal.
VERDICT:
As already stated above, Cafe Asia is a sanctuary. It is a place to grab some tea and/or good meal while bringing in some serenity to your day.
Prices are slightly higher than what you can get in the land of cheap meals in the TL. For me it is very much worth it to pay extra for eating non-MSG laden and sustainable food.
GOOD TO KNOW:
1. To eat at Cafe Asia, enter the main museum entrance. There will be a brief purse/baggage inspection. Just tell the front desk that you are only visiting the cafe. You will be given a sticker to put on your shirt. Proceed to the cafe.
2. After you finish enjoying your lunch, do not forget to visit the museum store for souvenirs, unique presents or just to window-shop before heading back to work.
3. Cafe Asia is also a peaceful place to have tea. They offer a tea menu.
4. The Scoutmob deal is available until July 2012.
5. Just ~ 5 minute walk from Civic Center BART. Follow the sign to United Nations Plaza.Listed in: Lunching in the City., Food Crack in the TL (and…
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Review from Cathy S.
2/1/2012 1 photo
Want a big bowl of hot, spicy Korean tofu stew? Go somewhere else, preferably SoCal. Want delicate, well-prepared, yuppy Asian food? Come here!
I am not afraid to admit that I love this place. It's a cute and casual cafeteria with a zen, Asian-inspired vibe. Perfect for grabbing a bite after exploring the museum or just when you're in the Civic Center neighborhood. (If you're not visiting the museum, just get a sticker at the front desk)
I had the Korean pork shoulder and tofu stew. My friend had the chicken salad. Both were really tasty. They were fresh and well-seasoned. The portions were not huge but they were fine for a medium-sized lunch. I am looking forward to trying their other offerings, like the pumpkin soup and noodles.
In the spirit of being Asian, a money-saving tip from me, free of charge:
Come on the first Sunday of the month for free admission to the museum, and use the 50% off Scoutmob coupon on your mobile phone Scoutmob app!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Damon Z.
3/16/2012
Clean space, pleasant staff, aesthetic plate presentation, with recipes constructed for the beginner's palate.
Located inside of the Asian Art Museum, the average passerby may not be aware of its existence, but it is a known establishment to those, like me, who work in the Civic Center area, and certainly for those who venture into the museum itself. I went with a group of ten, for lunch. The staff were rather accommodating, and quickly found a spot for a group of our size, and organized a set of tables and chairs in no time. Because all of us were first timers, they briefed us on the menu, and showed us where to order, where to pay, where the silver wear and napkins were, etc.... Unfortunately, the pleasant experience that I enjoyed with the staff did not extend to the cuisine.
On the menu, the kimchi, pork shoulder & tofu hot pot caught my eye. I love spicy pungent flavors, and was so looking forward to a bowl of hot goodness on this rainy day. When it was presented to me, it looked beautiful, with big chunks of pork and tofu, and julienned spring onions placed on top. When the first spoonful went into my mouth, the temperature was warm, but far from hot, and was lacking flavor. While it wasn't as bland as meat boiled in plain water, it lacked the spiciness and fermented kick that is expected with a dish that incorporates kimchi. Not a good representation of a true Korean dish. One of my friends got the chicken bahn mi sandwich. Again, the flavor was lacking, and the chicken resembled very little lemongrass flavor, despite being touted as marinated in such. The final thing that I tasted were the garlic fries, which someone at the table ordered to share with everyone. Though crispy good, I tasted no garlic.
As stated in the opening line of my review, the restaurant was well kept. The tables, floors, chairs, were all clean. The decor is zen inspired, and even the portion of the restaurant, which has no windows, is light and airy feeling. But in the end, I was disappointed that the food wasn't more authentic, especially being in a museum of art pieces, which hale from various Asian countries. -
Review from Michael E.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2012
Dim sum was crap. Some stuff ok.
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Review from Sung C.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2012 4 photos
went here with the Scoutmob deal.
what a pleasant experience! the service was good, the atmosphere was cozy and the foods were quite good. I had some doubts on the food part but I was delightfully surprised.
the pumpkin soup was nicely done. kimchi stew tasted just like the ones I have had at home. lamb was very tender and tasty.
the guava lemonade added a nice touch to the dishes.
it all came down with a price tag of $17. -
Review from Crabcakes C.
San Francisco, CA
2/11/2012
Good quality, skimpy portions, quite overpriced, clean and quiet. Convenient if it's pouring rain outside and you're visiting the museum.
Otherwise, you're on the border of the Tenderloin, near dozens of Asian restaurants, some outstanding. Be adventurous, check Yelp, and go to one of those! -
Review from Joanne O.
San Francisco, CA
4/4/2011 1 photo
While spending the day at the Asian Art Museum yesterday, we decided to have a bite at their cafe.
The menu is not extensive but the food is good. Although I do love Asian food, I wanted something a little more mainstream in nature and ordered a vegetable quiche with a salad. The quiche was the perfect texture for my taste, not soggy but "pie like" and it did have a definite cheesy taste which I also liked. They actually served up two slices which surprised me. The salad was also tasty with vinaigrette dressing.
This cafe is small though accommodates many. It is cafeteria style though a little more upscale in ambiance. There are many working behind the counter so you receive your order instantaneously.
All in all good and tasty eats. Definitely check it out when you are at the museum. -
Review from Mi M.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2011
I come here with Mumsy as she's a member of the Asian Art Museum and I tag along for the free ride. Saw the Bali exhibit but needed some pre-feeding and watering (or wine-ing).
The food here is always good and I like their rotating menu to theme with the current exhibits. Their wine selection is always decent (Chardonnay was Hess Collection) too, but overall I'd say it's a little overpriced ($37 for two main courses and a carafe of wine - it's a cafe style place).
Still, on a warm summery day, eating and drinking out on the patio before perusing an exhibition is nothing but civilized. -
Review from Raul N.
While up at the Asian Art Museum a couple of weeks ago, I was starving, so I decided to pop into their cafe to grab a quick bite to eat before a proper meal later. I'd always been intrigued by their menu, but never seemed to be there at the right time of day to grab a proper bite.
Immediately, I was salivating over the steamed buns and dumplings. But in the end, I settled on a bowl of miso soup. Wow, that soup arrived hot hot hot--and even the bowl was hot! I was in a hurry, so my tongue took a beating trying to slurp down the soup. Other than the temperature issues, the miso was pretty good. I was glad to see it had a lot of tofu in it, and the tofu was pretty tasty. (Nothing worse than bad tofu to spoil a bowl of miso, right?) They were also generous with the seaweed and green onion, making for a hearty bowl and giving it a good mix of flavors.
I picked up a red bean mochi dessert to go. The mochi outside was so gooey and sticky, but very tasty. The red bean inside was nice and flavorful.
Cafe Asia was pretty good for a museum cafe. Service was pretty fast, though not the friendliest. The prices felt a little steep, given how easy it is to find good Asian food in SF for very few pennies. But I was forgiving since it was convenient. Plus, I'm assuming (hoping?) the museum takes a cut of the sales here too, so it's going to a good cause, right? -
Review from Gautam S.
Seattle, WA
12/24/2010
I usually walk here for lunch, its located inside the Asian Art museum. Its great asian food, served cafe style with a standard menu and a few items which change daily depending on whats in the kitchen.
The food is delicious, the ingredients are fresh and at the same time its pretty easy on the wallet. The menu usually runs the gamut of thai, chinese, korean, malay and japanese cuisine. But I never get the feeling that the dishes are hodgepodge of throwing together some ingredients and slapping a label on it. The sauces taste good, the flavors are real and the presentation is pretty good for food served cafe-style.
I usually get the udon, some sweet potato fries and some hot oolong tea. Nice! Seating is pretty easy to get, I usually find a corner table and catch up on the new york times.
One of these days, I'm finally going to check out the museum. :) -
Review from Matsuo U.
San Francisco, CA
2/17/2011
Lunched (sounding upscale) here a few times, even when not attending an event or seeing an exhibit at the museum. Cafeteria style, with a menu that changes often. Convenience in Civic Center especially while visiting "The Asian". It is kinda interesting that "Little Saigon" (Tenderloin) area with many good restaurants is a "stones throw" way (ooooops thank heaven not many stones to throw .. given the crazy bums that bum around Civic Center).
Not a joint for the "Asian" food epicurean (is there such a beast?), but a nice environment, good food and a barrier from the bum's (ooops now inciting the homeless/crazy/shopping cart advocates). Serving what could be described as "Asian Fusion" food. Kinda interesting when the museum was under consideration, there was quite a debate around the definition of "Asia", and how the art collection would be organized, without any consensus they managed to open this world class museum.
It is an oasis in the SF civic center, and glad that the museum found its financial footing after the recent potential disaster of BK. (that would be bankruptcy...... not Burger King taking over)=), to which we owe thanks to the man formally known as Mayor.... Gavin Newsom. -
Review from tinna h.
10/31/2008
For museum food, it's more than acceptable! Sure, I'd rather eat in one of the cheaper restaurants outside, but sometimes I'm just one big ball of lazy. If I'm already in the museum, I won't venture out. Lunchtime seems to be the peak when all the tables inside appear full, and the line is long and bustling. Surprisingly, by the time you get through the line, there are tables ready. On a sunny day, there's outdoor seating that one should also take advantage of.
The food can be a little on the luke warm side because everything is prepared already. They just throw it together when you place the order. It saves them time, and you don't have to wait too long for your food. Everything is served in the most adorable dishes. Condiments available include Thai chili sauce and Sriracha! YUM!
Kashmir Lamb Curry [Tender Pieces of Lamb Braised with Tamarind, Indian Spices and Pureed Roasted Peppers. Served with Long Beans, Naan Bread and Basmati Rice] - tasty. They serve it in a bowl that is not conducive for eating curry. You get to the bottom, and then the rice just sits there! The naan has been sitting in the oven for awhile, so it's a little on the tough side.
Tea Smoked Salmon and Soba Noodle Salad [Salmon Smoked with Black Tea Leaves and Szechwan Peppercorns. Served over Green Tea Soba Noodles with Edamame, Pea Sprouts, Shiitake Mushrooms and Citrus Soy Vinaigrette] - I ordered this one to-go once. The soba noodle salad is great, but I would ask for the dressing on the side if you can. It ended up being too juicy for my tastes. The smoked salmon is a good portion. A yummy selection.
Country-style Miso Soup - a little on the salty side. It went well with the side of rice that I ordered with it, but it's just too much.
Cafe Asia Chicken Salad [Grilled Sliced Chicken Breast with Crispy Rice Noodles, Mixed Greens, Bean Sprouts and Ginger Vinaigrette] - I've yet to try this salad, but it's always looked really good. They are generous with the portion of chicken that comes on top of the salad. LOOKS delicious!
Expect to pay between $10-$15 if you aren't loading up on drinks, desserts, snacks, and sides. It's a pricier lunch option in the area, but considering where you are and the quality, it's 3.5 stars.
Executive Chef, Melinda Quirino, was one of the key chefs at the Hotel Nikko Restaurant. -
Review from Toni M.
3/18/2010
Seeing Rinky's review reminded me I hadn't written one yet. This was my first time at the Asian Art Museum. Alan and I had planned to visit months ago and didn't because it was a free day or something. I had heard from Nina that the café here was the best of the museum cafés, so I was set to like it.
It was a gorgeous, sunny day, shirtsleeve weather. Dorothy, Rinky and I took BART over together, chattering away like magpies, sometimes inaudibly because of the screech of the wheels of the cars underground. Aside from the noise, it was a great start to a lovely afternoon. We walked from the Civic Center station a few blocks over to the museum.
The dining room is spacious and attractive. The museum itself is substantial while being bright and inviting. I look forward to exploring it on another day. Today was for visiting and eating. I hadn't met Leah before and found her charming and interesting. The conversation, as you might imagine, was lively and far ranging. Rinky has told you what we ate, so I won't repeat that, other than to say my dish was very tasty, a goodly portion of crab w/ sliced shiitakes, bell peppers, rice (or was it yam thread?) noodles w/ a soy dressing. There was a bit of heat in the dressing but overall it blended well w/ the other ingredients so the heat wasn't pervasive. The tea selection was extensive and varied. I got a pot of Golden Monkey and was well pleased. I look forward to a return visit. -
Review from Beethoven C.
Palo Alto, CA
12/18/2010
So-so food, small portions, friendly staff.
On the plus side, the prices are reasonable: $9 for a salmon burger and fries and $10.99 for lamb chops counts as cheap given the location.
However, the dishes did not fit the location at all. While there were dishes on the menu representing Thailand, Japan and other parts of Asia, the dishes we saw being served and that we ate were antiseptic versions of their Asian inspirations. Given the beauty and authenticity of the art in this museum, this timidity on the part of the person designing the menu is most unfortunate. -
Review from Rinky N.
East Bay
3/17/2010
This was my 5th visit here. The menu changes somewhat depending on the exhibit theme. Since the theme of the current exhibit is "Shanghai" most of the items were Chinese based.
Today I got to meet my dear friend, Leah, for the first time. Happy to report she is just as fabulous in person. Completing our quartet was the ever lovely and darling Toni M and Dorothy.
I had the Chinese Chicken Salad (nicely seasoned greens with slices of taro, carrots, noodles and slivers of chicken). My other three friends had the crab noodle dish.
We shared orders of avocado/cucumber sushi, edamame and french fries with norimake on top.
Since we had a late lunch there were plenty of tables, no long waits for our food and a quieter ambiance in which to chat.
Though by no means cheap the prices are fair, the food is very decent and the atmosphere comfy.
And as mentioned in other reviews, museum admission is not required although the ticket desk will give you a big sticker with a red line through it. lol.......this made me feel like I was wearing a Scarlet letter. -
Review from Dorothy C.
El Cerrito, CA
3/18/2010
My dining companions, Toni M. and Rinky N. gave the Cafe Asia four stars, and I would too if I were only evaluating the food.
Our fourth companion, Leah, has yet to write a review...but she can be forgiven as she probably got off work only a few hours ago.
The Cafe Asia serves good food.
The predominantly Asian cuisine is served cafeteria style, with prices that I do not find overwhelmingly high. The line moves rapidly as each order is placed and served. The staff is cordial, but focused on producing each order efficiently...its a bit like a well-oiled production line.
The food is nIce, but no nicer than (say) the cafeteria at SF City College. Definitely worth a solid four stars.
However, I'm going to give it a fifth star. Part of the ambience for me involves the memories the place evokes.
So, here goes...
I worked in the building when it was the Old Main Library. (This before the extensive and beautiful restoration which produced a *New* Asian Art Museum out of an antiquated and poorly heated old building.)
I was a children's librarian, in the room next door to the library's Art, Music and Sports collection. (Dewey decimal system...you know.)
Kids *loved* to drift from the children's room into the sports collection. At their peril...for the head of the Art Department was notoriously gruff about sticky fingers, sniffly noses" and small wads of chewing gum near *her* collection.
So, as you might imagine, a significant portion of my day was spent convincing rowdy young'uns *not* to eat, drink, talk or play anywhere near the Art Department.
Which was located in the same room as...(yessireee!!!)...the Cafe Asia. So, everytime I eat at the Cafe Asia, the inner child in me has a good giggle. I mean, a really good karmic belly-laugh. Because...
We are all actually Eating, Talking, Wiping Our Sticky Fingers, and Having A Good Time on the site. Adds immeasurably to my dining enjoyment...and hence the final star. Drawn with a red crayon.
3/16/2011 Update:
Peter and I went to the Bali exhibit on Sunday. Stopped by the Asian for lunch before roaming the museum. (It was the first time he had been there since the conversion from the Old Main Library.)
I'm happy to say that the quality of the food was every bit as good as the preceding year. We watched people go up the escalator as we ate our food. (Levi's are still the pants of choice among San Franciscans just as they were during the Gold Rush.)
All in all, a fun and inexpensive day. Free entrance to the museum with our membership cards, nominal prices for the excellent food. And of course, cheap BART tixs for seniors. (HImself could not avail himself of this latter privilege as he is 39 ...has been for the past twenty-five years or so.)
No Balinese food on the menu, though. Just as well, the soup and salad were exactly what a rainy day required.
We spent under 30 bucks for a quintessentially San Francisco day. Cheap. Sans the sourdough or the cable cars, of course.
But there is always tomorrow.Listed in: San Francisco 101 (For the…
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Review from Leah E.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2009
Your boss can make your life easy or miserable. I am very thankful that I had one who was supportive and good to me all throughout my work life at my old job.
That's exactly who my lunch date was today at Cafe Asia, my ex--boss, K.A. She came to visit me during my first week at my new office where I took on a new assignment. She took me out to lunch at Cafe Asia.
Date: January 16, 2009 @ 11:40 AM
Occasion: Very rare lunchdate with my ex-boss
Social Scene: 99% older and mature crowd. I'm not sure if they were visiting tourists.
Service: Self-serve cafeteria style but helpful. A staff even helped carry an extra tray to our table.
Ambiance: There are 2 places to sit:
Dining Spot#1: Main cafeteria dining. You line up to get your food like in high school, pay at the cashier then choose a table at the main dining. It was like a cafeteria but more cultured with Asian flair/decor.
Dining Spot #2: A separate but adjacent dining area but more peaceful and serene. It was like being in a temple or a church. Very high-dome ceiling with one big statue of a Buddha right in the middle of the room. We initially got a table here but I gave it to a solo old lady who could not find one. My ex-boss and I ended up eating at the cafeteria which was packed but good for people-watching.
Salud!: Ex-boss: Somekind of fancy iced-tea
Me: Mango-orange shake
Main: Ex-boss: Salmon with rice and salad
Me: Vegetable Korma over brown rice
Sweets: We shared a coconut-mandarin pudding. (Yummy!)
Overall:
1. Cafe Asia is a nice oasis in the middle of busy Civic Center/Tenderloin area.
2. This is a good place to find a delicious, exotic and healthy lunch that won't break your lunch budget. (The main dishes are less than $10. The portions are generous.)
Skip: The place was packed before noon. I'll try to have a later lunch and see if it is less crowded.
Recommend: If you want ZEN during your lunch hour, come to Cafe Asia.
Tab: Not sure. Ex-boss was very generous enough to treat me out to lunch. Thanks, K.A. for all your support and a fun, enjoyable Friday lunch!
IMPORTANT:
1.You can dine at Cafe Asia without paying the entrance fee for the museum. Just tell the concierge that you just want to eat at Cafe Asia and you will be given a pass just for the cafe.
2. They have ready to buy deli items such as salad, pastries, tea, etc all day but you can only start ordering hot items from the kitchen at 11:30 AM. Best to be there at 11:20 AM to beat the lunch crowd. -
Review from Maria L.
7/22/2009
What a great cafeteria! It's very artfully done. The food is esthetically pleasing, not greasy, very light yet still able to be called substantial. I've been to Cafe Asia a handful of times and always order their special of the day and I've never been disappointed. Everything is always fresh and the vegetables cooked to perfection and color. The white rice is quality stuff and seems to enhance the vibrant flavors of their dishes.
One suggestion, if it's nice out - try sitting on the outdoor patio.
Funny thing is I've never even visited the Asian Art Museum before. I'll have to make a day of it sometime, bring the kids, and enjoy more good food. -
Review from AccioSoyMilk ..
Richland, MS
8/25/2007
It's certainly a brighter spot and you're less likely to have to worry about random homeless people. You enter in the main entrance, go up to the desk and the employee/customer service person will gladly give you a sticker. They seem to have a sixth sense about these things and pretty much happily give them out to anyone who is not dressed like a tourist.
All kidding aside, you stick the sticker on (yes really) and walk over to the cafe. It's fairly clear where the Cafe is, and if not, just follow the yuppies and suits. Once inside you grab a tray (if there's no line), peruse the menu (go ahead and grab one if you can't see the menu stand) and prepare to order. The menu includes curry, Pho, brown and white rice, soups of the day, vegetarian dishes and more.
It usually takes a bit of time to get there, because the line quickly builds after 12. While waiting to order or for your food, you can peruse the various snack and drink items, such as daifuku, Pocky (yay!), fruit salads, thai iced tea, Japanese beer, sodas, etc. Since I got the Pho Bo, I decided against the drink. That wasn't such a good idea since it was warm outside and the Pho was spicy, but it was okay.
It usually takes a few minutes from order to food. I found it slightly depressing to see this Cafe Asia as little more than a glorified made-to-order cafeteria, but that's just me. The Pho was okay--there wasn't much steak in it and I knew I'd get hungry again. Water is free, for which I was grateful after the spice hit me. I probably made a mistake in ordering it, because I didn't see anyone else with it--it was all salads, sandwiches with the occasional rice dish thrown in.
Buspeople walk around pretty often, collecting trays and wiping down tables. I'll come back, although I think I'll just pick up takeout instead of eating in.Listed in: City Hall Eats
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Review from Richard L.
Sunnyvale, CA
9/20/2009 1 photo
Being the only place to eat in the Asian Art Museum, I was weary at first, but I have to admit that Cafe Asia was affordable and tasty for a Museum cafe.
I had the Shoyu-Ginger Sesame Beef which had soy sauce-ginger marinated grilled flank steak served with brown rice, kimchi and sesame toasted kabocha squash. The beef was tender and overall the dish was delicious.
My entree was $11, but other dishes ranges from $6 to $12.
This cafe made my overall Museum experience, pleasurable. -
Review from miriam b.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2009
Tell the museum cashier that you just want to eat at the Cafe and they give you a chopstick sticker and you get in!
I had visitors up from San Jose and one wanted to eat noodles, the other wanted to have a salad and eat healthy. What a quandry. Japanese places only have small appetizer salads. Little Saigon is more a banh mi place during the day and I said "Try the cafe in the Asian Art Museum. Here's copy of the menu."
http://www.asianart.or...
I loved that we could all get the various things we wanted and also decided to see the beautiful Afghanistan Treasures exhibit which was exquisite.
Pricey compared to those wanting to go to the other Pho places on Larkin Street, but it works for elderly that want to select from the transPacificBasin-Asian variety.
Check it out when you are in the Civic Center area fulfilling your Jury Duty obligations. -
Review from MeMyMoeMooo O.
San Francisco, CA
5/18/2008
Boy i never been looked at so much while eating. It's like after looking at all the arts, sculptures, and whatnot in the museum... people forget you're not an artifact in some displayed. Don't sit by the window or you'll be thinking... " no kiddies.. I am Asian... but I'm not part of the museum. I'M NOT ANCIENT!" Beside this observation, there's a lot of staff eating here, in black. Nothing exotic here... just a nice cafeteria.
The lunch menu was short... made me feel like not eating at all cus there wasn't anything standing out, so i got the chicken Vietnamese sandwich. I guess it was one of those modernized sandwich that chefs like to think up to make it special... yah didn't care for it at all. The only thing viet about it was the carrot and white carrot/radish mayo mix (that leaked all over the plate and my hands) on a french roll. No herbs, cucumbers... or anything refreshingly like viet food. the taro chips was yummy tho.
My friend had the soba.. she said it was bland and she didn't care for the tofu (SHE LOVES TOFU!!!)
i did want to try the salmon tho... but not for lunch.
Maybe for a museum they should try to make authentic home style dishes or at least have it as an option. -
Review from SF Luncher z.
San Francisco, CA
3/7/2008
I ordered the Grilled Salmon with brown rice and it came with a few pickled cucumbers on the side. Everything was great and I felt light but full when I was done. When weather permits, they have outside seating on a deck outside of the restaurant's dining room. Today was absolutely beautiful so I popped out there. It is less noisy outside as well. The food was fresh and definitely worth a visit. The first Tuesday of the month is sponsored by Target and is free to the public. I noticed a sign on my exit saying they are changing that to the First Sunday of the Month. So if yo work near Civic Center, then you are out of luck...
The drink selection was nice for me... They had my bubbly IZZE pomegranate juice and bubbly water which I love...
See http://sf-lunch.com/20... for actual video of my visit to the cafe. -
Review from Chris C.
Daly City, CA
9/18/2007
Halfway through your all-day Asian Art museum tour/trek, you can stop over here and take in culinary Asia, via spices, lentils, teas and curries...in a sleek cafeteria setting. It's nothing exotic, unless you're from Utah, but there's a good representation of food from varying countries and on any given day, the lunch special will spotlight between 3 to 5 different types of cuisines. It's almost enough to get you through all the Ganesh and Shiva busts on the 3rd floor.
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Review from Esther R.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2007
Wide range of high-quality pan-Asian options in a cafeteria type setting. Yes, it costs more, but it's worth it just to be able to pick up daifuku, thai iced tea, and other goodies. On a sunny day, the outdoor patio can't be beat. See Molly B's review for more deets.
Listed in: Civic Center-Hayes…
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Review from James Y.
Oakland, CA
2/10/2006
Did you know the Asian Art Museum has a yumarama restaurant? Hot delicious Asian food cooked as you order it, beautifully served tea in rojii pots. Good picks are the Salmon Misoyaki (salmon marinated in miso-ginger-lemon served with pickled veggies), veggie korma curry over brown rice, and the lamb and lentil stew. The brown rice with mushrooms is not to be missed, hearty and delicious.
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Review from Blue B.
Los Altos, CA
12/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
Great restaurant to eat at while touring the Asian art museum. Everything is delicious!
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Review from Noelle Q.
San Francisco, CA
5/14/2008
Delicious lunchtime option for those of us who work in the loin. Healthy, quick meals served without the requisite eau de urine. The thai chicken soup is a favorite.
Listed in: Lunch in the TL
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Review from Mark J.
Daly City, CA
5/22/2008
This has to be the best cafeteria I have ever been too!! Located inside the asian art museum, Cafe asia has a variety of asian dishes from Japanese to Thai to Indian. A year ago I had a japanese pot roast with veggies and wow the pot roast was soo tender. My friend ordered a chicken curry dish and that was good also. This year I had asian fried chicken with rice. It was great =) With good asian meals not costing anymore than 10 dollars with a drink, this place is a bargain!
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Review from Jason B.
12/31/2008
I was sold on the chicken kebab - I mean seriously, how often in life does afghan bread come with your meal? And it was pretty good, but at $10, have definitely gotten better value for my money elsewhere. You get more rice than anything else - be sure to ask for another piece of the bread, they'll give it to you!
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Review from David A.
San Francisco, CA
3/30/2011
I am amazed that there are so many positive reviews of this museum cafe. I can't find any reason to recommend it. Well, yes on a sunny day like today it is very nice to sit on the balcony outside and enjoy the Civic Center parking lot view, but as for the food, no thank you. If you are visiting the museum and need a break, it might make sense to eat here. otherwise, it is far FAR to expensive for what you get. Example, the Bento Box of the Day -- well, not today that's fr sure. I believe that someone from the museum went to Japan and took a long train ride and during a stop a vendor got on the train and was selling bento box snacks for the journey. This museum representative must surely have bought them all to get a discount. She/he took them back to their hotel and asked that they all be frozen, then shipped to the US. Here the Asia Cafe staff de-froze, refroze and de-froze them again and served one to me this afternoon. Pre-cooked tempura, fine, we know it's not going to be the best, but at least put it in the M-wave for 30 seconds ...tired of thinking about it. It was awful With a soda and tax, almost $15.00 Never again.
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Review from Richie K.
San Francisco, CA
9/5/2008
Fresh Asian food, tasteful decor, and great presentation. But you still can't shake off the feeling that you're really just eating at a well-run museum cafeteria. Even so, I love eating here, and the patio is perfect during lunchtime.
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Review from Thelma Lee G.
Davis, CA
9/15/2008
Often cafes in museums are good, and more so in recent years. Cafe Asia is no exception. We had the char siu style duck (an intact leg) with brown rice, and the tea smoked salmon on green tea noodles, dressed with a creamy lime vinaigrette. Excellent, really good. I actually got up and asked about the noodles so I can try and duplicate them at home. The food is not greasy, and well presented...not just slapped at you counter style (although this is counter service). And to top it off.....excellent value. A place to go even if you aren't visiting this exquisite museum.
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Review from Jessica T.
Oakland, CA
2/13/2009
I have to go out on a limb here and disagree with all the good reviews. I wasn't very impressed with the food. I had the coconut chicken curry soup and I thought it was pretty flavorless and on the expensive side. The service today was super slow even though there were only a few people in line. My lunch buddie liked her veggie curry dish, but I don't think she was in love either. It was worth a try and I miggght go back to sit on the patio on a sunny day, but overall I wasn't wowed.
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Review from Amy T.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2009
I was about to start this review by bemoaning that it's only available if you've paid admission, but apparently you can ask at the front and they'll let you in. Which is good because this cafe is fantastic.
I write an awful lot of four star reviews, and this is another one, but for the most part, I just don't bother with anyplace that's not good. And I save my five-star ratings for the rare and exceptional so that they will still mean something.
Anyhow, the cafe is fantastic. I ate here Saturday, on one of those unexpectedly amazing blind dates off craigslist that you had very low expectations for, but then you really like each other! And the date activity kind of sucks but you're talking and talking! So then you go find something else to do, even though just sitting on the bench talking is working just fine but after all this is a date so you end up at the Asian Art museum, which you've been meaning to go to forever but somehow never got around to it and for some reason you're STARVING so you go to the cafe first and share a "rainbow" salad with grilled shrimp and lots of shredded green papaya with tiny green specks that might have been cilantro but also tastes minty. It was delicious. So are the three different kinds of chi-chi chilled sake that set us to giggling and kissing on the cafe patio until there was only about an hour left to see the Samurai exhibit (which was not that great) and everything else in the museum (which was, especially the jade and pottery near the end). We didn't get to see everything actually we were kind of distracted and I've forgotten a lot now. I guess I'll have to go back. But the salad I remember, it was good, and the cafe I can definitely recommend despite not eating much because I was spying on everybody else's plates while I was in line, before I started drinking.
You're welcome! -
Review from Molly B.
San Francisco, CA
4/4/2007
What a wonderful oasis in the dismal civic center area. I had a friend that works for the City take me here for lunch. You enter via the museum entrance, let them know you are coming in for lunch and they give you a sticker to wear. The food is beautifully prepared and delicious. All kinds of Asian foods, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Filipino, Chinese, soup, sandwiches, entrees and deserts. They also make martinis and serve champagne. The only drawback is the cafeteria style. You have to pick up a tray and wait for your order. They also have an outside terrace. Great spot on a sunny day.
