Eight Immortals meet Marco Polo at SF’s Taraval St.

Eight Immortals meet Marco Polo at SF’s Taraval St.

Eight Immortals Restaurant is a Chinese food restaurant at 1433 Taraval St., San Francisco. My sister-in-law introduced us to the restaurant about three years ago, near the end of December. It was very crowded and the building’s two stories are still not enough to seat their hungry customers. As a result, we had to wait for 30-45 minutes to get a table. I remembered that we bravely waited outside in San Francisco’s cold weather just to eat there.

Our sacrifices were paid off; our first visit in the restaurant was very rewarding. The food was very delicious and quite cheap (unless you order a Peking Duck or Abalone or simply too much food for your party!!!). The restaurant was somewhat clean and its employees were nice enough (not as nice as Singapore Airlines’ flight attendants of course!). At least they were responsive when you ask for ice water, chili sauce or fork.

When we visited my sister-in-law a couple of weeks ago, I asked her to bring us back to the restaurant. We arrived around 6 PM and found the restaurant quite empty. It was a good sign. At least we could enjoy the meal peacefully without people (customers and employees) walking around and bumping our chairs (our elbows and sometimes our heads !!). After sitting inside for 15 minutes, suddenly we noticed that the previously empty tables around us were occupied. So, come early to get tables if you still love your legs, head, and elbows.

This time, we decided to order something new that we have not tried before. We decided to order Braised Squabs, Deep Fried Flounder, Beef Hotplate and Yang Chow Fried Rice.

The squabs were unbelievably delicious. Its braising technique made the meat juicy and tender. I almost forgot to other food that we ordered since my taste buds were occupied by the squab.

The flounder was crispy since it was coated by flour and deep fried. Although there was sauce covering the fish, the crunchiness was still there.

The Yang Chow fried rice was perfect, too. It was not too greasy like in some other restaurants and the portion size was enough for three people.

The Beef on Sizzling Platter was good. The beef was tender and was thinly cut. It is served with sliced onion and gravy, which enhances the flavor. It is really a menu item to be considered.

Where else can you get all of the above, including steam rice and ice water for less than $35?

We were satisfied with all food from Eight Immortal Restaurant. However, our taste buds are so spoiled. Instead of going home, we decided to get our dessert first. Just around of corner from Eight Immortals, there is an Italian ice cream store, called Marco Polo Italian Ice Cream that sells creamy gelato ice cream with more than 15 flavors. The flavors vary from standard flavors, such as strawberry, vanilla or chocolate, to exotic flavors such as green tea, jackfruit, taro, red bean to durian.

All flavors are made from fresh ingredients. I can say fresh because the ice cream is made in the store and when you eat your ice cream, you can taste pieces of fresh fruits in it. Since I live far away from SF, I always buy at least two pints of ice cream with different flavors. If you prefer not buying the ice cream in pints, you can enjoy it in a cone or a cup for less than $ 3. You can mix the flavors if you like. A few tables and chairs were provided inside the restaurant. Marco Polo will not take payments by credit or debit card. Make sure you bring enough cash.

Further information:

Eight Immortals Restaurant

1433 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA 94116

Between 24th & 25th Ave

Phone: 415-731-5515

Marco Polo Italian Ice Cream

1447 Taraval St. San Francisco, CA 94116.
Between 24th & 25th Ave

Tel. +1 415.731.2833