Mau Reviews

Fake Vietnamese food in a fancy pants room, below standards waitstaff that sport expensive haircuts. Water bottle served without glasses, pho served without soup spoon and no side dish of add-in vegetables, service non- existent to the point of disbelief. The food? Hard, dry chicken that was cooked who knows when. Really? Really. Watery pho, it didn't even smell like anything. Wow. Pathetic. Go someplace else. Oh, and vastly overpriced. Naturally.

I have been searching for Bun Cha Hanoi style since I first experienced it on a trip to Vietnam a couple years ago. There are a few shops that do it but I chose Mau partly because of the reviews but largely so I didn't have to drive to San Jose for lunch. The restaurant is busy on arrival and I am quickly greeted and taken to a table. Staff here is very attentive and willing to help you through the menu. One of their recommendations was what I must assume is their signature item; if for no other reason because it sits at the very top of the menu. My selection was a "33" beer from Vietnam, Hue Rolls and Bun Cha Hanoi. I frequently dine alone so I have the misfortune of not being able to order multiple dishes to share. First to arrive after enjoying my beer were the Hue Rolls which even though offered as a starter could easily satisfy as a meal by themselves. Two large rice noodle sheets rolled and filled with char-broiled pork seasoned liberally with lemongrass, carrot, cilantro, mint, shiso leaves and other magic. Served with a sweet vinegar dipping sauce, it was perfect, almost. I like a bit of "heat" on my food and will often add whatever chili garlic paste is available to the dipping sauce for the extra level of flavor. I asked the server for some chili garlic thinking I would receive the requisite Sri Racha or equivalent. What they brought me was something altogether out of the park. It was a jar of what was obviously a house-made condiment of crushed lemongrass, chili, garlic and other secrets that, combined with the sweet vinegar sauce, created something otherworldly. Those flavors right there took me back in time to that little noodle shop in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, the air pungent with smoke from the coal fired grills that line the street. Heaven. Soon the Bun Cha Hanoi arrived. My expectations were high. The dish is very well presented and the ingredients are all present; grilled pork sausage patties and grilled pork belly, rice vermicelli, light broth and an assortment of vegetable and herb to garnish. What I discovered, however, was that after my Hue Roll experience I was ruined, spoiled beyond redemption. I found myself looking for deficiencies. Alas, all I could offer was a recommendation that the sausage be slightly thinner to increase the ratio of char to volume of meat and that the pork belly be cut thicker so as to emphasize the wonderful dualism that cut of meat defines; unctuous fat and tender meat flame grilled to a crispy charred exterior and succulent interior. All that being said, I encourage you to try Mau for youself. And, for a brief moment be transported to another world of flavor. Make sure to take along some companions so you can share more of the dishes.

I had a 'young coconut', which was very refreshing and sweet, with lots of the white soft 'fruit' inside. I also ordered the tofu pho, which had different kinds of vegetables. Thought the amount of noodles was a bit much. The taste of the soup was good and ful of flavour though. Atmosphere inside is also nice, I like their lamps!

Went to Mau as an alternative to the crowds at the other nearby places. Of course, by the time we left Mau, they too had a line to get in, and for good reason. The food was very fresh. Crunchy vegetables, warming broths and friendly service make this a place to check out in the Mission district.

With fresh, quality ingredients, Mau brings Vietnamese food to the next level. Upon entering diners will find an "urban-rustic" dining room with dim lighting, some high bar height tables, a few cozy tables for two, and banquette bench seating for larger groups. Minimal decorations mean the focus is on the food. With a moist and tender pork filling, the hue spring rolls were cooked to perfection. The pho bun bo hue had a generous portion of fresh and tasty meat, a very rich and savory broth, and delicious noodles. It's not for the faint of taste, however: be warned, it's pretty spicy. With a sweet caramelized coating, the clay pot fish was a nice warm comfort food on a cold San Francisco day. The service was great: the wait staff is friendly and attentive. Orders were taken quickly, food arrived swiftly, glasses were refilled promptly, and used dishes were removed immediately. Mau brings Tenderloin-quality Vietnamese food smack into the middle of The Mission.

This is the first time I've had Vietnamese food, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I was really impressed. I had the tofu pho (vegetarian) and it was extremely fresh and light with great flavor. The noodles were on the bottom of the bowl, but after soaking, they came apart easily. Lots of different vegetables and not spicy (as I requested). The server was very helpful with the menu choices and was not rushing us to finish, although the food was served quickly. The restaurant is not cozy, very minimal and modern. Extremely popular with an eclectic crowd.

After standing in a line that wasn’t moving at Tartine (around the corner) and watching burnt toasted sandwiches delivered to tables, we came across Mau. We really enjoyed our lunch here. The venue was clean (with nice bathrooms), the service pleasant and efficient and our food was fresh and tasty. It wasn’t at all expensive either.

Great food in an updated restaurant with more seating than most in the area. They serve great phò with good service. I especially like to go here when the weather is gloomy.

Good atmosphere, the service was friendly. The food was good and it was very expensive. It's a good option is you are around.

I am a San Francisco local and go to Mau regularly. I go for the veggie pho or the tofu noodles. Great vegetarian options available. Good wine and beer options available too. My girlfriend has had her order here mixed up twice so make sure you point to the menu option and have them repeat it back to you.

Just looking at the food being delivered to other tables convinced me this was going to be a good meal! The broth dishes looked and smelt amazing as the folks at the next table had theirs delivered. Spring rolls we had were amazing. The chicken dishes were nicely spiced and v tasty. The clay pot dish was very filling and I like the way rice comes included in the price - unlike other places where you have to pay extra. Hope to come back soon for more treats!

The spring rolls and noodle dishes were all outstanding. The lemongrass grilled pork on top of my vermicelli dish still makes my mouth water. Would love to find a place like this in my home city!!

I'll start with the negative: the music was very loud, so conversations are difficult. This is a very hip place with many choices for (almost) any diet....loved the impossible vegetarian burger and the brussel sprouts and their espresso martini. The place was packed and I would recommend making reservations. Great for people watching, too.

I have only eaten here once and not certain I would go back. The Phò was decent but small. It was also expensive for what you get with all of the good Vietnamese restaurants in San Francisco.

We had a good meal at Mau. The food was fresh and tasty, but we felt it was too fatty for our taste. We prefer our vietnamese food to be lighter, as it is found in vietnam.

Visited this restaurant last week. As a party of 6 we waited around 15 minutes for a table ant the wait was completely worth it! Our party was a mixture of vegans and meat eaters and everyone was satisfied. The food was super tasty and the service was fab. Would highly recommend this place.

Mau is a wonderful Asian noodle and side dish place in the young and energetic Mission district. The ambience is noisy and informal; the food innovative and filling. Surprisingly, there is also a very complete beer/wine and drink menu- I suppose that's what pays the bills. I'd certainly go back.

Great Korean food. Incredible flavour. Good service in a cool hipster area. The best Asian food you can have in San Francisco.

We went here for lunch serveral times during our visit. Great phô soups and a really good authenic kitchen! Good prices and nice staff.

Yesterday, we did a really tough cold run up mount Tam it was really cold and rainy and coming down in the bike it was freezing. We came home and had a hot shower and then went to Mau for a late lunch. We had the fried pork rolls for starters some hot tea, then some really nice hearty pho beef for Shaun and Ash, tahu for Nat and I had the spicy meatballs with a baguette All were really good

Pho with beef with chicken and vegetarian. I chose the vegetarian and was I glad, it arrived steaming hot with lots fo vegetables and tofu. The broth was rich with mushroom flavor and perfectly salted. I came back three more times.

Great food with reasonable price. Most of the dishes are the typical Vietnam flare, but some of the appetizers are unusually good... Gotta try the Hue Rolls....

Looking for somewhere to grab a bite after visiting dolores park and we came across this place. Food was delicious and waiter really helpful to first timers. Try the pho, it was awesome

If you want authentic Vietnamese food, this is where to go. Small in space and BIG with flavor. Cozy with an extended menu. This was our first time there, but our friends told us this is the only place in San Fran to go for this type of food.

As soon as I walked into the restaurant, nothing there indicates this is a Vietnamese restaurant, including customers... not a single Vietnamese face that I can find : ) We ordered an imperial spring roll for appetizer, a bun bo hue, grilled prawn and grilled beef dried noodles. All the dishes are Americanized and the spring rolls were chewy instead of crispy. Overall, not too bad but they don't really remind much of the dishes that I had when visiting Vietnam or other Vietnamese restaurants in San Jose. Our waiter is excellent and very attentive, checked on us a few times to make sure everything is okay. Parking is a nightmare in this part of town. It took me at least half an hour each time coming to eat in this area.

I was very impressed by Mau's quality and price. Pho can be very good or very bad in my experience, with little room left in the middle. Thankfully, the six of us who went to dinner there were all impressed. Among our ranks were two vegetarians who were both mightily impressed with their meals. The appetizers were generously sized and the bowls of Pho were borderline enormous. Service was attentive without being obtrusive. All in all, well worth a visit when you're in the Mission!

The restaurant is in the Mission district which is now a very trendy area with lots of quality shops, bars & restaurants. The restaurant itself offers traditional Vietnamese dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients in really flavoursome sauces, the portions are very big so you could easily share 1 main between 2. I had the Pho Bo and it was tremendous. We were there on a cold damp Monday evening in April and it was full of locals. It is great value for money with wonderful tasty food. Highly recommended!!

I had my first pho ever at Mau, and it was delicious! My chef friend who was with me loved hers, too. It was incredibly busy, but for good reason. My only complaint would be the cost of soda, which was a single can and not refillable. That might be standard for SF or similar restaurants, I am not sure. In any case, the food was delicious!!

Strolling around Valencia and Mission, looking at the fantastic wall paintings we saw a queue in front of a restaurant. The menu looked attactive and the prices reasonable. This place is a very very nice Vietnameese kitchen. The Pho and other rice noodles dishes we fill of flavor sand herby. Ambiance is lively and cool and service efficient and friendly. A taste of real Vietman! I have been in Vietnam so I can compare. This was real !

I'm an SF local and have eaten at Mau many times in the past few years but have not yet taken the time to review it. I have consistently gotten fresh and delicious food here and wanted to review today after my last excellent dining experience to make sure that this place goes strong for years to come. I traveled to Vietnam about 15 years ago and absolutely loved the food there. I have not been able to find some of the authentic dishes they serve at Mau in other Vietnamese restaurants in the city, not to this quality and flavor profile at least. I have not had a bad dish here but I have my list of favorites (below) that i love so much, I have a hard time ordering some of the newer stuff on the menu. I always like to come with at least 3 other people so that we can order more than one starter and a main dish and share. It also allows me to try things I haven't tried before. I would consider the portions here to be quite large so much so that I always bring home leftovers. I think even those with a bigger appetite will leave stuffed and satisfied and the prices for what you get are very reasonable. The staff to be friendly and attentive, even when the restaurant is at capacity. I have sat at the bar a few times when I dined with just one friend or popped in alone at lunch for a quick bowl of Pho and have also gotten great service. The decor and ambiance are great too, this is a dine in restaurant not a take out spot (though of course you can take out too if you live in the neighborhood). I can't think of a negative thing to say about Mau. If you have traveled to Vietnam and long for those fresh flavors or just love Vietnamese food, eat here. You won't be disappointed!

Located on a bustling street (we found street parking a block north), Mau immediately welcomes you with a warm decor and gracious wait-staff; Nhu (?) was especially nice. The place is spacious, with high ceilings, stylish light fixtures and a movie projector showing a film noir flick on a back wall. The clientele is mixed, with young professionals, hipster-artist types, locals, Vietnamese and tourists. I was there with three native-born Vietnamese who pronounced the menu offerings authentic. Traditional with a hint of fusion, one said. The beer-wine menu is comprehensive (including Saigon & Tiger beers), and the bar created an unusual mojito with a tasty little kick to it (maybe habanero?) The cha gio rolls were larger than any I've see, and were packed with jicama, mushrooms and other yummies. The chilled mango salad was refreshing on a hot day. I won't pretend to known what my Vietnamese table-mates ordered (pho and some complex-looking dishes). But they agreed everything reminded them of home (and one's face was flush from the spiciness). The desserts were sweet little works of art. But most memorable for me was the Tamarind Prawn on steamed rice. Best dish of my entire San Francisco trip. The in-shell prawns were huge, and the tamarind had the perfect mix of sweet and zing. Next time I'm in SF, I will run - not walk - to Mau for their Tamarind Prawn.

On a recent visit my son suggested Mau as it is a place that he regularly frequents. The atmosphere was pleasant and conducive to discussion, and the waiter was both helpful and patient with my obvious ignorance of Vietnamese dishes.

Lamenting the loss of Tu Lan... continuing the arduous search for a substitute for #17; bun thit nuong w/ imperial rolls. (Tu Lan reopened since I wrote this! YAYYY!!!) If I'm in the area again and fiending for my Vietnamese fix, this place'll satisfy... unfortunately, as the neighborhood goes... it's kinda pricey. Imperial rolls have the great crunch and chewy caramelized texture, but not enough filling and light on the seasoning compared to funkier, more authentic versions. Dipping sauce for the bun tasted watered down. The little monkey dish given to me when I asked for sri-racha was disappointing; as was the surprised comment by the waiter when I quickly dumped all the contents on my noodle bowl and asked for some more... gringos. The place is nice and clean. The ingredients are good and fresh. The price fits the 'hood. Maybe best for recent transplants who still have the chain attached to their wallet in the back pocket of their faux-retro trousers.

My wife and I were strolling along Valencia, and decided that Vietnamese was the right choice for the day's lunch. We didn't regret it - she had a very tasty & messy pork meatball Banh Mih sandwich au jus, and I had a spicy bowl of noodle soup with assorted meats. Tasty food, comfy place, out of the hustle & bustle, with good service. We'll definitely come back, next time we need a Borderlands Books or Cut Loose fix!

Nice venue in the mission district, looks pretty fancy but the menu shows usual/traditional vietnamese plates. I tried spring rolls (fair) and a BUN THIT NUONG, vietnamese spaghetti with vegetables, pork and bean sprouts (too dry). Prices are competitive, servers nice. A good alternative to the mess of mexican taquerias all around there.

I would rate the food here a lttle better than average, but I must admit, I was expecting better. The place was very busy during the evening, so it is defintiely a popular choice for people, and it attracts the crowds, but I'm not convinced many would return expecting something outstanding. It's quick service and attentive staff are what you would go back for and the food, all be it not outstanding, is pleasent enough, but I have eaten much better. Coming from Australia you get very spoilt with this type of cuisine and visiting Vietnam and eating in some of the most authentic places makes it hard for a place like Mau to compete. But if it's atmosphere you are looking for, it has a good vibe about the place, but don't go here if you are wanting a nice romantic evening, you wont get it. A great place to catch up with a group of friends and maybe share a mixture of dishes.

Mau is my new favorite Vietnamese restaurant in SF. Flavorful food, a great selection of drinks and really fun vibe and good service. Their papaya salad was so fresh and flavorful that it rivaled the same dish made at home by my Vietnamese friends. Now that's pretty hard to do! My dining companion had the five-spice chicken, which he was raved about, and my lemongrass tofu bun was spot on. In short, a great addition to the neighborhood.

We came here twice during our stay in San Francisco - relatively affordable, super delicious food, and fast service. You must try the claypots; I tried both the prawn and the fish and they were mouth watering. It is quite a busy place, so avoid peak times in order to avoid waiting. We came on a Friday night and had to wait about 20-30 minutes, which flew by while having a glass of wine and a starter at the bar.

We eat a lot of Pho and generally enjoy most of vietnamese cuisine both at home and when traveling, many times you will be disappointed by the pho if you try someplace new however Mau did not disappoint. The soup and broth was up there with some of the best I've had as was their fried pork spring rolls as well as the cold shrimp rolls with peanut sauce. Service was cheery and prompt and price was reasonable. No liquor here only wine and beer.

I have eaten here many times....it is tradition to do so when my daughter visits. She swears it is the best pho broth she has eaten (and she has had it in many Vietnamese eateries in SF and elsewhere). I am very fond of the claypot catfish...and we all love the Hue rolls. Everything is delicious. Service is good. Prices are fair.

We were there on our first day and it was the perfect approach to a city with many influences and people like this one. The place was beautiful and they gave us a table really quickly, although it was full. The staff was nice and know about the food they served, we ordered fresh spring rolls (this is my favorite of all times, so I'd tried a lot of different kinds) and it was really good, the only thing that I would change is that they use mint in the roll and not the sweet basil as the original, but it was a good flavor. Also we ordered noodles, not the classic pho, this ones didn't have soup, and it was delicious. I would came back for the pho. Overall it was a good experience and not that pricey for SFO standards.

Excellent meal especially the soups. Highly recommended for weekends. The personnel is friendly and kind, the meal is very good, they are almost always booked so its better to go there earlier or try to have a reservation.

For a slightly upscale Vietnamese meal, this place is reasonably priced and delicious. The summer (or Imperial?) rolls for a starter are great with the thicker rice pancake wrapping than the thinner, traditional version. Green Papaya salad good too. Dinner prices were reasonable (for the area), don't know about lunch prices.

Good Vietnamese food, with lots of variety and dishes I'd not seen before, in the heart of the Mission.

This was a random stop because they had a sign outside regarding soju shots for $2. Although soju is not my thing (my husband loves it) the food was fantastic. The shrimp spring rolls are great and come with the BEST peanut sauce I have ever had. So good I could just devour it with nothing else. I had the mussels in coconut broth that was soaked up in the baguette offered on the side. Amazing. My husband ordered the pho and said it was some of the best that he has had. Atmosphere is calming with great music played in the background. It was busy and staff was helpful with the menu.

The food at Mau is delicious. The wine list is varied and the pricing spot on. It's spacious and a great place to relax and enjoy a meal.

With a group of friends we chanced upon Mau. A busy restaurant serving the best vietnamese food I have tasted on our visit to SF. We were welcomed warmly and there was 15 minute wait for a table so we chose drinks from the bar which had very good local craft beers on tap and some excellent wines by the glass. After being shown to our table we were provided with some excellent service and a wide choir of delicious sounding food at very reasonable prices. We all loved the food and want to go back.

Mau is a wonderful stop for Lunch or Dinner if you are in the Valencia St. Area. The service was extremely attentive and the food was delicious. Vietnamese with wonderful twists. I had the Beef Pho, I added beef tendons which were extremely tender and delicious. My only complaint was that the noodles were clumped on the bottom and it took about 5 minutes for the hot broth to soften them up enough to eat. It just told me the noodles were cooked earlier and left to harden. Food was plentiful and overall quite delicious after the clumpy noodles separated.

There were 12 of us for dinner after an all day meeting—first time at this restaurant for all of us. We all liked it! Unique menu with top notch vegetarian choices and nice meat dishes also. I liked the subtle Southern style(spicy collards). Only negative was it was a bit loud. I, for one, will be back.

Cool little spot in busy location in the Mission. Attentive service and eclectic menu. I had a salad with seafood, quail appetizer, and bahn mi with pork. The bahn mi was amazing. Salad delicious. Quail tasty. Can't go wrong at this great neighborhood joint!

Went with three friends--all locals--to this "Vietnamese" restaurant in the Mission. Was waste of money and time. The food was OK but overpriced: I ate Pho with chicken and veg and paid $24 including tip. At one point the head greeter, who was going around attending to this and that with customers, took the half filled bottle of water off our table without asking and poured it into guys' cups next to us. Was incredulous so asked for more water; she never came back. Place was sooo noisy we could hardly hear ourselves think, never mind one another speaking.

Vietnamese cuisine is definitely easy to find in California. But many are lacking in ambience and comfort. It's hole in the wall (plastic china) or upscale. Mau is right in the middle where the food is really good and authentic, but it's served in a contemporary setting with real china. I highly recommend exploring the side dishes at Mau.

Really good if you fancy some good oriental food. One word of warning ! When you order the spring roll don't expect it to be like a good old fried spring roll as its raw and very chewy!! Nice if that's what you want but I'm a lazy Brit who expects spring rolls to usually like the takeout versions! Totally my mistake!