Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Cocina Mamá Cholita – San Francisco
Cocina Mamá Cholita - San Francisco
3471 Mission St, 90110 San Francisco
9.3
von 10
von 10
Photo from Cocina Mamá Cholita
Cocina Mamá Cholita at a glance
San Francisco Bernal Heights
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
€€€€€
Price per Person 21 – 30 €
mentioned by 123 of the guests
#4 von 500 Lokalen in San Francisco
#1 Mexican Restaurant von 28 in San Francisco
Excellent
9.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
689
Reviews
97.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Authentic food
- Clean atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Noisy ambiance
- Parking issues
- Early closing
The restaurant Cocina Mamá Cholita invites you to experience authentic Mexican flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Bernal Heights neighborhood. This cozy Mexican restaurant is your go-to spot for a quick bite, offering delicious small plates and freshly brewed coffee.
Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even breakfast, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
Overview: Introducting Cocina Mamá Cholita
Cocina Mamá Cholita offers a dining experience where friendly and attentive service stands out, often described as family-run and welcoming. Guests frequently praise the delicious and authentic flavors of the food, noting the care put into each dish.
The atmosphere is generally seen as clean and inviting. While many appreciate the overall experience, some have found the dining space a little noisy or lacking in charm.
A few comments also mentioned food being bland or a letdown in local options, though these are less common. Parking can also be a challenge.
Excellent
9.3 von 10
689
Reviews
97.5%
Satisfaction
6
negative
11
neutral
672
positive
Cocina Mamá Cholita achieves an impressive overall score of 9.3, reflecting a consistently excellent dining experience. This high rating is strongly supported by an outstanding 97.5% customer satisfaction, indicating that nearly all patrons leave pleased.
These figures are drawn from a substantial number of customer observations, with 672 positive remarks against only 6 negative ones, painting a very clear picture of guest approval. Diving deeper, the Service (9.5) is particularly strong, often highlighted for its welcoming and attentive nature.
The Food (9.3) also receives excellent marks, praised for its authentic and flavorful offerings. While not quite as high, both the Ambience (8.7) and Value (8.6) are rated as good, suggesting a comfortable setting and fair pricing for the quality provided.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Delicious, authentic food
- Clean, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Noisy atmosphere
- Parking difficulty
- Early closing time
Cocina Mamá Cholita clearly stands out for its heartfelt approach to dining. With a strong recommendation score of 9.5, it’s a place that consistently delivers on its promise of quality and warmth.
If you appreciate genuinely friendly service and flavorful, authentic dishes, this spot is certainly worth your consideration. While a few minor points like potential noise or parking might arise, they don’t overshadow the overwhelmingly positive experience.
For those seeking a welcoming environment and well-prepared Mexican cuisine, Cocina Mamá Cholita is a solid choice that will likely leave a lasting positive impression.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cocina Mamá Cholita
Food (9.3 von 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot is truly shining! With an excellent score of 9.3 and an excellent customer satisfaction rating of 97.5%, diners are consistently thrilled. Out of 477 total opinions, a whopping 465 rave about delicious mole, authentic birria tacos, flavorful salsas, and exquisite flan, highlighting a menu packed with culinary delights.
While the praise is overwhelming, there were only 2 instances where the food was described as bland. This minimal feedback suggests that any less-than-stellar experiences are rare exceptions, not the rule, and the kitchen consistently delivers on flavor and quality.
Food
477
Reviews
97%
Satisfcation
2
negative
10
neutral
465
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican flavors
- Delicious mole and birria
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Food can be bland
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. The place is personable and unique, offering a delicious dining experience. I will definitely be returning, as they truly deserve every star they have earned.
- moleMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious mole and was impressed by the really good vegan options. The tables were very clean, and the service was fast.
- Mexican foodHe went above and beyond by offering us samples of some of the sauces and consistently checked in to ensure we had everything we needed. This has quickly become our new go-to spot for Mexican food.
- FoodHowever, this is our new favorite Mexican restaurant. It is SO freaking good! The mole, the tacos, and the enchiladas were all delicious.
- enchiladasMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed a delicious selection of birrias, enchiladas, sopes, and more. The staff were all incredibly friendly and welcoming.
- birriathe birria was rich and seasoned perfectly, probably the best I've had in SF
- mole enchiladasI’m so excited to have these guys in the neighborhood! I’ve ordered three times already, enjoying the birria burritos & mole enchiladas. The friendliness is always present, and the food is delicious.
- green enchiladasI can see this becoming a neighborhood favorite for years to come. I highly recommend trying the Birria Sopes, the green enchiladas, and the super nachos.
- horchataThe horchata is a must. You could taste the delicious toasted morro seeds and the sweetness is perfect not overly sweeten.
- sopesThe mole here is absolutely incredible; I had the mole enchiladas with chicken, and it blew my mind. The sopes and burrito were also really tasty. We were even given a complimentary horchata flan as they were testing a new recipe, and it was delicious and thick.
Frequently criticized
- blandeverything else was so bland
- local optionslet down with the local options
If youre looking for truly authentic and flavorful Mexican cuisine, this place is a must-try. With overwhelmingly positive feedback and a high satisfaction rate, youre very likely to have an amazing meal here. Don't hesitate to check it out!
Service (9.5 von 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
Get ready to be impressed by the service here! With an outstanding score of 9.5 and a phenomenal customer satisfaction rate of 99.3%, its clear that guests are consistently delighted. Based on 142 positive remarks, diners rave about the "friendly service, " "attentive staff, " and "welcoming owners, " often highlighting the "personal service" and the speed with which food arrives.
It truly feels like a family-run business that genuinely cares. While the service shines brightly, a tiny note of caution comes from one customer who mentioned the restaurants early closing time. With only 1 negative comment out of 143, it's clear this is a minor logistical point rather than a reflection on the otherwise stellar staff or their performance.
Service
143
Reviews
99%
Satisfcation
1
negative
0
neutral
142
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Welcoming owners
- Personalized service
What people don't like
Often praised
- serviceMy first visit to this restaurant was a fantastic experience! Jose provided super friendly, welcoming, and attentive service, which really contributed to the feeling of a new establishment dedicated to creating a positive customer experience. I ordered the veggie breakfast burrito, and it was excellent.
- staffI’m so happy we came here! This was all of our first time, my dad is a very picky eater and he loved his shrimp plate so much he even told the staff that. The service was very impressive and attentive and the food was great.
- ServiceEverything was fresh, authentic, and packed with flavor. You can tell they care about what they’re making. It's one of those hidden gems where every bite makes you wish you’d ordered more.
- ownersvery friendly owners that made us feel at home
- JoseJose was super friendly, welcoming, and attentive
- chefMet the chef as well, super friendly
- familyJose and his family put their heart in what they do
- ownerThe owner who is the Mamacitaaa running the place is also a gem
- employeesthe employees were very authentic and inviting
- family runFamily run, everyone was so welcoming and wonderful
Frequently criticized
- close at 7pmBeware they close at 7pm
If youre looking for a dining experience where youll feel genuinely cared for, this is definitely the place to go. The service is consistently excellent, making it a standout choice. Just be mindful of their closing time if you plan for a later meal!
Ambience (8.7 von 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With an excellent 95% customer satisfaction and a good 8.7 score, its clear most folks love the vibe. Out of 60 remarks, 57 were glowing, praising the "clean" and "family friendly" "atmosphere" and "vibe.
" Many felt right at home, appreciating the inviting decoration, spaciousness, and even the spotless bathrooms. However, a few of the 3 negative remarks noted that the "place itself is a little noise" and "its not very charming. " While these are minor points compared to the overwhelming positives, its something to keep in mind if youre seeking absolute quiet or a more unique aesthetic.
Ambience
60
Reviews
95%
Satisfcation
3
negative
0
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Immaculately clean
- Warm, inviting atmosphere
- Family-friendly vibe
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Lacks some charm
Often praised
- atmosphereIt’s a quiet, very clean, and super homey relaxed atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere 5/5
- placeWhat can I recommend? The place is very pleasant, the service is very, very cordial and attentive, and the food has a unique flavor. Simply 5 stars!
- cleanlinessThe presentation of their dishes deserves special mention; it's truly wonderful. Everything is super clean, impeccable, even the bathroom, which is surprising and speaks volumes about the quality attention you will receive. 👌🏽👍🏽 Their Quesabirrias are my favorite, although I've already tried their Enchiladas Rellenas and Enchiladas Divorciadas, and everything is spectacular.
- restaurantThey gave all of us plates of samples of the food too. Very lovely restaurant I definitely recommend.
- cleanSuper clean as well
- Noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- addition to BernalWonderful addition to Bernal
- ambianceMy boyfriend and I visited Cocina Mamá Cholita’s on a whim, seeing the little grand opening sign from across the street. As we entered, the ambiance was immaculately clean, warm, and inviting! We were offered complimentary nachos and salsa on the house upon entering, and wow, everything was so freshly made.
- background musicPlus the background music was good for a lunch-time kinda day.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherePlace itself is a little noise
- charmit's not very charming
- parkingIt was very hard to find parking near by though.
If youre looking for a spot with a wonderfully clean, welcoming, and family-friendly atmosphere, youll likely be thrilled. While it might not be the quietest or most charming place for everyone, its overall inviting feel makes it a solid choice for a comfortable meal.
Value (8.6 von 10)
mentioned by 6% of the guests
When it comes to getting bang for your buck, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction at an impressive 88.9%, its clear guests feel theyre getting great value. People consistently praise the prices and Affordable options, often calling it one of the best value dining experiences around, based on 8 positive remarks out of 9 total.
What's even better is that there are absolutely no negative comments about the value here. It seems everyone agrees that the pricing is fair and the quality for the cost is spot on, leaving no room for complaints in this department.
Value
9
Reviews
88%
Satisfcation
0
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great quality
- Affordable dining
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the place itself was a little noisy and not very charming, the food was of great quality for the price. As a taqueria, you simply can't fault it.
- priceslos precios muy buenos por la cantidad de comida
- AffordableAffordable? 10/10
- value dining experiencesI had what I believe to be the best mole I have ever tasted. The service was stellar, and the prices were pretty reasonable, making it one of the best value dining experiences in San Francisco in my opinion.
Frequently criticized
Aktuell liegen keine Kritikpunkte vor.
If you're looking for a place where your wallet will be as happy as your taste buds, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. You can expect reasonable prices and great quality, making it a smart choice for an enjoyable meal without breaking the bank.
Wie sind die Preise pro Gast bei Cocina Mamá Cholita?
On average, you’ll spend around 21 per person – from 123 guests. That places this Mexican Restaurant in the 21 – 30 € category. For San Francisco, thats comfortably mid-range, perhaps a touch above.
Looking at what people actually spend, its interesting: while the average is 21, a significant portion of diners find themselves in the 11 – 20 € range, making it quite a flexible spot for different budgets. There are also a few who splurge a bit more, but most spending is concentrated in the mid-to-lower end of its stated range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 123 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers good value, especially considering many guests find options below the average, making it a versatile choice for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cocina Mamá Cholita
Price per Person
- 21 - 30 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Service and Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was super friendly, and they went above and beyond by offering us a sampler plate when we first arrived, which was incredibly helpful in deciding what to order and gave us a great idea of the flavors. They even provided a sample of their horchata, explaining that sugar levels can vary, but it was perfect for us. The birria was super good, and we appreciated the constant refills of chips and salsa. The mole plate featured tender chicken and a yummy sauce. Overall, the service was amazing, and I would definitely come back again!
- service10
- sampler plate9
- flavors9
Price per Person
- 41 - 50 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Underrated Gem with Authentic Flavors
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic and it's seriously underrated. The food was both authentic and fresh. The staff was incredibly kind and attentive. Upon arrival, we were offered samples of menu items, which was very helpful in making our order decisions. We enjoyed the chicken mole and the chile relleno; both were excellent and flavorful dishes. I'm eager to return and explore more of their menu!
- food10
- staff10
- samples9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Mexican Food Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was incredible. I had some of the best Mexican food I've ever tasted in my 22 years of living. It's truly amazing, and I feel like people are sleeping on this place! The food was exceptional, and the overall experience was fantastic. I highly recommend it.
- Mexican food10
- food10
Price per Person
- 21 - 30 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
New Go-To Spot for Mexican Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The Birria Burrito Bowl was packed with so much meat. Our server, Jose, was absolutely fantastic. He went above and beyond by offering us samples of some of the sauces and consistently checked in to ensure we had everything we needed. This has quickly become our new go-to spot for Mexican food.
- Birria Burrito Bowl9
- Jose the server10
- Mexican food9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Mexican Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. It's one of the best Mexican restaurants I've ever tried. The service was outstanding – kind, helpful, friendly, and fast. The food was excellent, with the enchiladas and sopes being the absolute best part! I also highly recommend trying the birria or mole. The restaurant itself was very clean.
- Mexican restaurants10
- service10
- food10
Das erwartet dich bei Cocina Mamá Cholita
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Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Coffee
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Cocina Mamá Cholita?
At Cocina Mamá Cholita, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with convenient counter service. If you’re planning an event, catering services are also available. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!
Is Cocina Mamá Cholita accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Cocina Mamá Cholita features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring comfort for all guests. When it comes to parking in Bernal Heights, you’ll typically find free and paid street parking options, though finding a space can sometimes be somewhat difficult.
How does Cocina Mamá Cholita rate overall, and what are its strongest aspects?
Cocina Mamá Cholita holds an excellent overall score of 9.3. Its Service (9.5) and Food (9.3) are particularly strong, both rated as excellent. The Ambience (8.7) and Value (8.6) also receive good marks, contributing to a highly positive customer experience.
What makes the service at Cocina Mamá Cholita stand out?
Customers frequently describe the service as exceptionally friendly, welcoming, and attentive. Many highlight the family-run nature of the restaurant, with owners and staff making guests feel at home.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks when dining at Cocina Mamá Cholita?
Some patrons have noted that the atmosphere can be a bit noisy at times, and finding nearby parking can be challenging. There are also occasional comments about the restaurant closing relatively early, around 7 PM.
Opening hours
Monday
Closed
Tuesday – Friday
5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM