Highlights
- Great dessert
oChef » Hilda’s – San Francisco
Hilda's - San Francisco
Photo from Hilda’s
Hilda's at a glance
San Francisco Excelsior
- 🇵🇠Filipino Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 8 of the guests
#2183 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#14 Filipino Restaurant out of 15 in San Francisco
Average
5.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
144
Reviews
46.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Hopia
- Filipino Desserts
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Hours
- Challenging Parking
The restaurant Hilda’s is a delightful Filipino Restaurant located in San Francisco’s vibrant Excelsior neighborhood. You’ll discover a welcoming spot known for its great dessert, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
This casual eatery offers a quick bite, making it an ideal stop when you’re exploring the city.
Overview: Introducting Hilda's
Hilda’s appears to be a place with a clear culinary focus, particularly excelling in its offerings. Many patrons praise the quality of their hopia and other Filipino desserts, often considering it a go-to for such treats.
However, some practical aspects, like finding the place or dealing with parking, can present a challenge. While the food often receives high marks, the overall experience can be inconsistent.
There are mentions of pleasant customer service from some staff, yet others report significant issues, especially concerning phone orders and inconsistent store hours. This suggests a mixed bag for visitors.
Average
5.9
out of 10
144
Reviews
46.5%
Satisfaction
70
negative
7
neutral
67
positive
Hilda’s holds an overall restaurant score of 5.9, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at 46.5%, indicating a mixed reception. This assessment comes from 144 customer remarks, with 67 positive observations and 70 negative ones, suggesting a fairly balanced set of experiences.
Delving deeper, the Food (8.4) stands out as a clear strength, consistently earning high praise. However, the Service (3.1) and Ambience (3.3) aspects appear to be significant areas for improvement, both falling into the poor range.
Value (4.8) also sits in the average tier, suggesting room for enhancement across several key areas.
What people like
- Exceptional Hopia quality
- Delicious Filipino desserts
- Clean premises
What people don't like
- Inconsistent store hours
- Challenging parking
- Poor phone service
Hilda’s presents a compelling case for its specialty items, particularly if you’re seeking high-quality Filipino desserts. However, be prepared for potential frustrations regarding operational consistency and accessibility.
It’s a place that rewards patience for its culinary strengths. With a recommendation score of 6.6, Hilda’s is worth considering for its standout food, but it’s not without its quirks.
If you prioritize excellent baked goods and can overlook some service and logistical challenges, it could be a worthwhile visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hilda's
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really shines! With a strong 8.4 score and an impressive 83.3% customer satisfaction, it's clear many are delighted. Out of 72 comments, 60 rave about the delicious hopia, authentic Filipino desserts, and overall freshness, especially the rice cakes and puto.
However, there are a few bumps in the road, with 10 comments noting some issues. Guests occasionally face product shortages, like missing hopia or no coconut for kutsinta. There were also concerns about general food availability and, in one instance, mold.
Food
72
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional Hopia
- Authentic Filipino Desserts
- Consistent Freshness
What people don't like
- Frequent Product Shortages
- Missing Coconut Topping
- Mold Concerns
Often praised
- hopiaWe decided to grab a plate on New Years Eve and got the combination 25/25 White Puto and Kutsinta for around $20. Our rating for the items was: Hopia > Puto > Kutsinta.
- Filipino dessertsother Filipino desserts. This our go to place when we need desserts
- HopiaHopia is the best and what their known for
- hopiasthose are best hopias i've tried and are so good
- pastrygood pastry
- BEST hopiaBEST hopia I ever had
- Chocolate Meat "Dinuguan"They offer the best "hopia" (Philippines Bean cake) in the Bay Area. I also highly recommend their Chocolate Meat "Dinuguan" and other Filipino desserts. This is our go-to place when we need desserts for a big party.
- Filipino bakeryone of a very good Filipino bakery
- Filipino dishesmy parents and I are pretty picky in terms of Filipino dishes.
- Kariokathey make Karioka
Frequently criticized
- hopiamy hopia was missing at pick up
- BikoThe Biko I had ordered had mold
- Puto availabilityno Puto !!
- coconutthey’re out of coconut
- coconut for kutchintathere's no coconut for the kutchinta
- food availabilityno food is available to what you like
- moldhad mold the following day
- product shortageconstant product shortage
- putosthey either ran out of putos or they are not ready yet
If you're craving top-notch Filipino desserts, especially their famous hopia, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential product shortages or availability issues, which might require a bit of flexibility in your order.
Service (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
While the overall service experience might be a bit of a bumpy ride, there are some shining stars! Customers occasionally rave about the incredible baker and polite cashier, with a few even highlighting pleasant and professional customer service from the staff. It's clear that when things go right, the team can make a positive impression, even if these instances are less frequent.
However, the service aspect generally struggles, reflected in a poor score of 3.1 and a poor customer satisfaction of just 12.5%. With 42 negative comments compared to only 6 positive, many patrons face issues like items always running out, inconsistent business hours and inaccurate online information. Frustrations also mount with challenging ordering by phone, rude staff, and a perceived lack of customer service skills.
Service
48
Reviews
12%
Satisfaction
42
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Incredible baker
- Pleasant customer service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent store hours
- Rude phone service
- Items often unavailable
Often praised
- bakerI like it a lot! Your baker is incredible! Wow, I suggest you need to open in L.
- cashierIt took a while, but it was finally my turn. The order was ready, and the cashier was polite. The prices were raised, and there's no coconut for the kutchinta.
- customer serviceParking is a challenge, but the quality of their food is worth it, as is the pleasant and professional customer service.
- experienceIt was awesome.
- previous tripscall one day before for pick up the next day
- staffstaff are so sweet
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceMy experience ordering Hopia from this place was extremely disappointing due to terrible customer service. I called to order Hopia, and the person on the phone told me to call back on Wednesday.
- phoneWhen I called back on Wednesday, I was told they were not taking orders. I attempted to call again, but the person simply picked up the phone and put it down on the counter. This is bad customer service!
- orderDid not even asked if I was finished with my order
- serviceservice when trying to place an order over the phone was consistently poor
- staffstaff is not very welcoming
- store hoursI found their hopia to be the best in town, a truly outstanding treat. However, the experience was significantly marred by their widely inconsistent store hours. It's incredibly difficult to know when they are actually open during the week, and the hours listed on Google Maps are inaccurate, adding to the inconvenience.
- Customer Services skillsLack of Customer Services skills
- Google Maps listed hoursGoogle Maps listed hours/days are inaccurate
- Ordering by phonechallenging ordering by phone specially with big orders
- actual store hourssign with actual store hours
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for potential service hiccups. While some staff members are praised, the overall experience suggests significant challenges with availability, communication, and consistency. It might be worth a try if youre patient and understand the potential for frustration.
Ambience (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to the atmosphere, there's one clear win: customers consistently praise the cleanliness. One person specifically noted, The place is very clean, which is definitely a plus for anyone looking for a spotless spot to dine. However, the overall ambience experience struggles quite a bit, reflected in a low score of just 3.3 (which is considered poor) and customer satisfaction at a very low 6.3% (also in the poor range).
Based on 16 comments, with 14 negative remarks, the main issues revolve around the severe lack of parking, making the location hard to access, and confusing signage. Many found themselves circling for ages or even missing the place entirely.
Ambience
16
Reviews
6%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Very clean
What people don't like
- Lack of parking
- Hard to find
Often praised
- cleanlinessThe place is very clean.
Frequently criticized
- parkingHowever, the experience was marred by practical challenges. Parking is a challenge, and the location is easy to miss due to no prominent signage.
- ParkingParking is a challenge, but the quality of their food is worth it, as is the pleasant and professional customer service.
- lack of parkingOnly down side is the lack of parking
- locationEasy to miss the location
- signageHowever, the experience was marred by practical challenges. Parking is a challenge, and the location is easy to miss due to no prominent signage.
- storewent to the store they are closed
If you prioritize a sparkling clean environment and are prepared for a significant challenge finding parking and the actual location, you might still enjoy your visit. But honestly, the practical hurdles of getting there are substantial and could easily overshadow the positive aspects, so be ready for an adventure before you even step inside.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, there isnt much positive buzz to report from customers. While the overall score for this aspect sits at an average 4.8, its clear there's not much positive feedback to balance things out. In fact, customer satisfaction for value is a stark poor 0%, indicating a significant disconnect between the perceived score and actual customer happiness.
Looking at the feedback, customers have voiced concerns about value, with 4 out of 8 total comments highlighting issues. Specifically, price and prices are frequently mentioned, with folks noting that the price went up again and prices were raised . The cash only policy also seems to be a point of frustration, alongside frequent rising product rates .
Value
8
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
4
negative
4
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Rising prices
- Cash only policy
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- cash onlyCash only!
- pricethe price—$1.45—went up again
- pricesThe prices were raised
- rising product ratesfrequent rising product rates
If you're looking for great value, this might not be your spot. Many customers are unhappy with the rising costs and the cash only policy. Be prepared for prices that might feel a bit steep for what you get.
How are the prices at Hilda's?
You’re looking at roughly 48 per person – reported by 8 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Filipino Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the price distribution, we see a mix of experiences, from more budget-friendly options to some higher-end choices, rather than prices clustering tightly around the average. Keep in mind, this is based on a limited number of reviews (8), but it gives us a good indication.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 8 most recent reviews. While the data is limited, it gives a good indication of the spending patterns.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Filipino restaurant, especially considering the diverse range of price points available. It offers good value for a mid-range experience in San Francisco.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hilda's
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
3
Good Pastries, Poor Service & Availability
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the pastry was good, the service was very slow, and there was a lack of food availability for what I wanted. I would suggest going to "Valerio Bakery" at Seafood City in South San Francisco or the 85 degree bakery shop at Serramonte Mall instead.
👎👎
- pastry8
- service2
- food availability3
Visit Type
- Delivery
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Frustrating but worth it for desserts
My family loves this place and wanted me to bring desserts. I have never personally ordered from here, but I read previous reviews and already knew it would be hard to get through, but I tried anyway. I called 3 times when they first opened, but got a message with their business hours.
After a few minutes, I tried again, and the line was busy. Finally, after my 6th or 7th attempt, I got through but was immediately put on hold. I was on hold for 5 minutes, and then I was able to place my order.
On the day of pick up, there was no parking. So definitely go with someone so that you're not circling the area. When I went inside, there was a line and no one at the register.
It took a while, but it was finally my turn. The order was ready, and the cashier was polite. The prices were raised, and there's no coconut for the kutchinta.
- cashier8
- getting through2
- parking2
- prices3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Filipino Desserts, Bring Cash!
I've been a loyal customer of this great small place for Filipino desserts for a very long time. It's important to note that they do not take cards, so make sure to bring cash. Additionally, finding parking can be a challenge as you'll have to circle around in the neighborhood.
The food is excellent, with White Puto and Kutsinta being highly recommended.
- Filipino desserts9
- cash6
- White Puto and Kutsinta10
- parking3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
2
Disappointing Closure and Parking Issues
I don't live in the city, but I was visiting someone around the Mission area and was hoping to buy some hopia and other desserts today. Unfortunately, the store was closed even though online information stated they were open. This was disappointing as it seems they are always closed whenever I stop by.
Additionally, it's difficult to find parking.
- store closure2
- online information2
- parking3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
7
Best Hopia, Inconsistent Hours
My experience at Hilda's was a mix of delight and frustration. I found their hopia to be the best in town, a truly outstanding treat. However, the experience was significantly marred by their widely inconsistent store hours.
It's incredibly difficult to know when they are actually open during the week, and the hours listed on Google Maps are inaccurate, adding to the inconvenience.
- hopia10
- store hours2
- Google Maps listed hours2
What Hilda's offers
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- Good for kids
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dessert
Service Options
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What type of cuisine can you find at Hilda's Mart & Bake Shop?
At Hilda’s Mart & Bake Shop, you can enjoy delicious Filipino cuisine, perfect for a quick bite or a satisfying meal. It’s a casual spot where you can grab something tasty.
What are the dining options and atmosphere like at Hilda's Mart & Bake Shop?
Hilda’s Mart & Bake Shop offers a casual atmosphere, making it a great spot for dessert. You can easily get takeout if you’re on the go, and it’s also good for kids.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Hilda's?
Hilda’s has an overall score of **5.9** and a customer satisfaction of **46.5%**. While **Food** (8.4) is a clear strength, **Service** (3.1), **Ambience** (3.3), and **Value** (4.8) are areas that could benefit from attention.
What are the standout items or features at Hilda's?
Hilda’s is particularly celebrated for its **hopia** and other Filipino desserts, which receive consistent praise for their quality. The establishment is also noted for its cleanliness.
What challenges might I encounter when visiting Hilda's?
Visitors often report issues with **inconsistent store hours**, finding **parking**, and difficulties with **phone service** when attempting to order. Product availability, such as specific puto or coconut, can also be a concern.