Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » New Taraval – San Francisco
New Taraval - San Francisco
Photo from New Taraval
New Taraval at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 110 of the guests
#290 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#29 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
480
Reviews
87.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent food
- Friendly service
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Cash-only
- Long waits
- Inconsistent dishes
The cafe in San Francisco’s vibrant Sunset District offers a truly inviting experience. If you’re searching for a spot with great coffee, New Taraval is a must-visit.
This cozy and casual cafe provides a perfect setting for a quick bite or a relaxing coffee break. You’ll find it’s a welcoming place whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or enjoying a leisurely brunch.
The atmosphere is designed for comfort, making it an ideal choice for locals and visitors alike.
Overview: Introducting New Taraval
New Taraval offers a generally delightful dining experience, often praised for its food quality and generous portions, particularly for breakfast items. Guests frequently highlight the friendly staff and attentive service, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
It’s a spot where many feel right at home. However, some diners have noted occasional inconsistencies with certain dishes, like dry pancakes or bland corned beef hash.
There have also been concerns regarding wait times during busy periods and the cash-only policy, which can be an inconvenience for some.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
480
Reviews
87.9%
Satisfaction
23
negative
35
neutral
422
positive
Overall, New Taraval earns a solid 8.4 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive experience for most patrons. This is further supported by a strong 87.9% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that nearly nine out of ten visitors leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial body of feedback, with 422 positive remarks outweighing 23 negative ones across 480 total comments. Digging deeper, the Food (8.7) and Service (8.8) truly stand out, both achieving excellent marks and driving much of the positive sentiment.
The Ambience (7.8) also contributes positively, creating a pleasant setting. However, Value (6.5) registers as average, suggesting that while the quality is appreciated, some guests find the pricing or payment options less ideal.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Friendly, attentive service
- Cozy diner atmosphere
What people don't like
- Cash-only payment
- Occasional long waits
- Inconsistent dish quality
With a strong 8.8 recommendation score, New Taraval generally delivers a satisfying experience, especially if you appreciate a hearty breakfast and genuinely friendly interactions. It’s a place that excels in its core offerings and hospitality, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
If you’re prepared for a potential wait and remember to bring cash, you’ll likely find New Taraval a charming spot worth visiting. It’s a reliable option for those seeking a comfortable, unpretentious diner experience with good food and warm service.
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Verdict: Our expert take on New Taraval
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.7 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 93.7%, diners consistently rave about the delicious breakfast classics, generous portions, and unique homemade hot sauces. Out of 255 comments, a whopping 239 were positive, highlighting everything from fresh squeezed juice to perfectly cooked dishes.
However, a few minor points were noted among the 4 negative comments. Some found the Irish sausages a bit burnt or mushy, the corned beef hash bland, and pancakes occasionally dry. These seem to be isolated incidents, as the overall sentiment for the food remains overwhelmingly positive.
Food
255
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
4
negative
12
neutral
239
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious breakfast classics
- Generous portions
- Homemade hot sauces
What people don't like
- Bland corned beef hash
- Dry pancakes
- Mushy sausages
Often praised
- foodOur server was awesome and even shared great recommendations for things to do in San Francisco, which truly made my day. I highly recommend eating here for unbelievably amazing food at the right price with fantastic service. It's a perfect way to start any day.
- breakfastMy experience at this quaint diner, a place steeped in the past and now under second-generation ownership, was marked by an incredible focus on quality. It truly offers one of the best breakfasts in town. The recommended dish was Hash, and the overall experience was highly positive with top scores for Service, Atmosphere, and Food.
- orange juiceOn a Wednesday morning, it was quiet with only a couple of tables occupied, and we were seated immediately. We ordered the Irish Breakfast, California Scramble, and an orange juice. Everything was reasonably priced with a generous portion.
- pancakesfrom the pancakes, to the french toast, the mexican scramble
- portionsMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food came out fresh and hot, with nice portions. The price was also good, and everything we ordered tasted gooooood!
- French toastWife got French toast and it was excellent
- hot sauce” We both loved the food. A bonus was Orlando, one of the staff, who newly makes hot sauce that I fell in love with. I bought three bottles of the hottest to take back to Phoenix.
- Irish breakfastI had the Irish breakfast and the pudding.
- coffeecoffee. Generous refills on the coffee
- food qualityamazed by the food quality
Frequently criticized
- Irish sausagesIrish sausages were burnt though
- corned beef hashthe corned beef hash was bland
- pancakesPancakes were a bit dry
- sausagesWhile everything was nice, the quality wasn’t quite as nice as previous visits. Specifically, the pancakes were a bit dry and the sausages tasted slightly mushy, which was a bit odd. Despite these minor issues, it remains a nice place to go to.
If you're looking for a satisfying meal with hearty portions and fantastic flavor, especially for breakfast, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few specific items might occasionally miss the mark, the vast majority of diners leave happy and full.
Service (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly hits the mark, boasting a fantastic score of 8.8 and an excellent 90.6% customer satisfaction. With 115 positive remarks out of 127 total, guests consistently rave about the friendly staff, warm hospitality, and speedy service. Many highlight the attentive waitstaff and owners who make everyone feel right at home, often going above and beyond.
However, its not entirely without its minor hiccups, with 9 negative comments noted. A few patrons experienced longer wait times to be seated and some concerns about transparency regarding charges. There were also isolated instances where available open seats werent offered, which could be a slight frustration during peak hours.
Service
127
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
115
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Lack of transparency
- Seating issues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at New Taraval Cafe was delightful! I had a delicious breakfast with fast service. The owners were nice and friendly.
- staffstaff is always so friendly and welcoming
- ownerMy experience at New Taraval Cafe in San Francisco was wonderful. The owner, Stanley, is an awesome human. The homemade salsas are unique and delicious, a true gift.
- ServiceService was friendly and attentive
- hospitalityand hospitality will be easy for my son and I to come back to.
- peopleLovely people, so friendly
- serverOrlando was an amazing server with a great smile
- customer serviceawesome dude with amazing customer service
- friendly staffnice small cafe with friendly staff
- Orlando or his wifeSo incredibly kind and warm!
Frequently criticized
- girl prepping fruits and toastgirl prepping fruits and the toast with her bare hands was also handling cash and credit card payments
- merchant copydid not provide any merchant copy to us
- open seats3 open seats at the bar. I was told I couldn't sit there
- staffStill refused to allow us to sit
- transparencylack of transparency regarding charges and documentation
- waittold I couldn't sit there because there was a wait
- wait timeswait times were kinda long
- wait to get seatedIt can be a wait to get seated
- waitlistThe list was hanging for all to see. I asked the people
If you value a dining experience where the staff are genuinely friendly and efficient, you'll likely be very pleased here. While there might be a wait during busy periods, the overall warm service makes it well worth trying.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner, with a score of 7.8 indicating a good experience, and a solid 81% customer satisfaction. Many guests (51 out of 63 opinions) rave about it being a welcoming place and a true neighborhood spot with a cozy diner vibe. The old-school feel really makes people feel at home.
However, it's not entirely without its quirks. A few guests (5 opinions) noted some concerns, particularly around seating limitations and that it can get noisy. There was also a mention of hygienic issues, though this was less frequent.
Ambience
63
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
5
negative
7
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming neighborhood spot
- Cozy diner vibe
- Old-school feel
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Can get noisy
- Hygiene concerns
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere is a compliment to the neighborhood
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was marked by super friendly service and a really nice place to hang out. The food was decent, though it could have been a little better considering the price.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibethe exact vibe I was craving
- Taraval CafeStunning small neighbourhood Diner
- authentic placeBeautiful authentic place
- beautiful placeBeautiful place to have a breakfast
- cleanlinessVery clean
- countercounter you can eat at
- cozy diner vibeCozy diner vibe
Frequently criticized
- noiseabout the only quibble I have
- seatingseated next to the restroom both times
- hygienicIt was not hygienic
If you're looking for a warm, old-school diner experience with a strong neighborhood feel, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially limited seating and a lively atmosphere that can get a bit loud.
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to getting your money's worth, this spot generally hits an average note with a score of 6.5. Many diners praise the good price and affordable options, often highlighting the value for money and reasonably priced dishes. Out of 35 total comments, 17 positive remarks suggest a fair deal for many.
However, customer satisfaction for value is a mixed 48.6%, indicating some areas for improvement. The most common concern is the cash only policy, which can be a hassle for some. There were also a few mentions of an unexpected service charge that could detract from the overall perceived value.
Value
35
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
5
negative
13
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for money
- Reasonable prices
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Cash only policy
- Unexpected service charge
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. The food was delicious, described as home-cooked and at the right price. The service was great, and the atmosphere was very clean.
- pricesthe portions, prices and service are very good
- $16.00generous for $16.00
- affordableThe Italian sausage was particularly delicious! It's a cash only establishment, which is good to know, and it's quite affordable. Our servers were very kind and attentive.
- cash-discountedMy experience at this lovely little cash-discounted greasy spoon breakfast spot was quite positive. They serve a respectable Full Irish Breakfast, complete with black and white pudding and back (British) bacon.
- good priceat a good price
- great pricesgreat prices
- reasonably pricedEverything was reasonably priced
- value for moneyThe staff are very friendly and welcoming to everyone. It's rightfully popular on weekends and offers very good value for money. One word of warning: it is cash-only, which is increasingly rare.
Frequently criticized
- cashremember to grab cash
- cash onlyMy experience at the restaurant was largely positive, with great food that was both delicious and filling. However, a significant point to note is that transactions were limited to only cash. Despite this, the overall experience was good.
- cash-onlyit is cash-only
- overpricedIt's a cash only establishment, offering an awesome old school diner feel. It's a true greasy spoon, not overpriced or trying to be anything it's not. The great service and delicious food made for a fantastic brunch.
- service chargeCharge SVC (service charge) when we paid by credit card
If youre seeking generally fair prices and are prepared for a cash-only transaction, this place offers decent value. Just remember to bring cash, as that policy is a frequent point of contention. Its worth trying if that doesn't bother you.
How are the prices at New Taraval?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 110 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend right in that $11–$20 range, showing prices are pretty consistent around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 110 reviews.
How does this Cafe compare to similar spots in San Francisco regarding value for money?
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Cafe. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about New Taraval
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Wonderful Diner with Great Breakfast!
My experience at this wonderful diner was fantastic! I had a great breakfast, and the amazing fruit and salad served as sides to my egg dishes were a highlight. The servers were very friendly!
❤️
- fruit and salad9
- servers10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Charming Old-School American Diner
This is an old-school American restaurant that serves good breakfast. The service is friendly, and the atmosphere is great. You can feel the empathy between the servers and the clientele, as locals frequent this place.
- good breakfast9
- empathy between servers and clientele9
- atmosphere8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Warm Service and Delicious Breakfast
My experience at this restaurant felt like being with family, thanks to the uncommonly warm service. The breakfast was as good as it gets. The owner's homemade hot sauce was so good that I took a couple of bottles home.
- family10
- warm service10
- Breakfast10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Lovely people, good food on holiday
During our holiday from the UK, we had breakfast here every day as we were staying locally. The people were lovely and so friendly, and the food was good.
- people10
- food9
- breakfast8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Breakfast with Fluffy Pancakes!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Our waitress was so nice. I ordered the eggs benedict and potatoes with cheddar cheese, and it was AMAZING!
My husband had the Taraval special, which included eggs, sausage, and pancakes. He raved that the pancakes were so nice and fluffy and absolutely delicious! We also loved that the OJ and lemonade were FRESH!
I highly recommend trying them!
- waitress10
- eggs benedict10
- potatoes with cheddar cheese10
What New Taraval offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- College students
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is parking available near New Taraval Cafe in the Sunset District?
Finding parking can sometimes be a bit challenging in the Sunset District, but you’ll often discover free street parking options. There are also paid street parking spaces available if you prefer. Plan a little extra time to secure a spot when you visit.
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at New Taraval Cafe?
You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere at New Taraval Cafe, perfect for a relaxed meal. They offer breakfast, brunch, and lunch with comfortable seating and table service. It’s also good for kids, with high chairs available, making it a family-friendly spot.
How does New Taraval rate as a restaurant?
New Taraval holds a strong overall score of **8.4**. Its **Food** (8.7) and **Service** (8.8) are particularly well-regarded, while **Ambience** (7.8) is good, and **Value** (6.5) is considered average.
What do customers appreciate most about New Taraval?
Customers frequently praise the excellent food quality, especially for breakfast, and the friendly staff who provide attentive service. Many also enjoy the cozy, authentic atmosphere.
Are there any common drawbacks to dining at New Taraval?
Some diners have noted that New Taraval is cash-only, which can be inconvenient. There are also occasional comments about long wait times and minor inconsistencies with certain dishes.