oChef » El Porteño – San Francisco

El Porteño - San Francisco

Peruvian Restaurant El Porteño in San Francisco
Photo from El Porteño
How do the guests rate it?
El Porteño at a glance
San Francisco Outer Mission
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 48 of the guests
#2330 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#12 Peruvian Restaurant out of 12 in San Francisco
Average
4.8 out of 10
5.8
Food
3.5
Service
5
Ambience
2.8
Value
320

Reviews

38.1%

Satisfaction

Often praised
Frequently criticized

The restaurant El Porteño invites you to discover a delightful Peruvian experience right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Outer Mission neighborhood. As El Porteño I Restaurant Chifa Peruano, this cozy establishment offers a unique blend of traditional Chifa and Peruvian flavors, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you’re seeking healthy options or a quick bite, you’ll find a diverse menu designed to satisfy your cravings. It’s a perfect spot for a casual meal with friends or family.

Overview: Introducting El Porteño

Average
4.8 out of 10
320

Reviews

38.1%

Satisfaction

178

negative

20

neutral

122

positive

What people like
What people don't like

Similar Restaurants in San Francisco

Verdict: Our expert take on El Porteño

Food (5.8 out of 10)

mentioned by 92% of the guests

Diving into the food, many guests rave about the authentic Peruvian food, highlighting delicious ceviche, flavorful pollo a la brasa, and perfectly cooked Lomo Saltado. With 92 positive remarks among 181 total, it's clear there are some real gems on the menu that leave diners feeling full and happy. Yet, the food experience can be a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in an average score of 5.8 and a 50.8% customer satisfaction.

Some concerns frequently pop up, such as small portion sizes, dishes being too oily, or a general inconsistency in food quality, with some finding items too salty.

5.8 Food

181

Reviews

50%

Satisfaction

75

negative

14

neutral

92

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Authentic Peruvian food
  • Delicious Lomo Saltado
  • Great ceviche
What people don't like
  • Small portion sizes
  • Inconsistent food quality
  • Disappointing fried items

Often praised

  • food
  • Peruvian food
  • Lomo Saltado
  • ceviche
  • lomo saltado
  • Food
  • calamari
  • pollo a la brasa
  • Anticuchos
  • Bistec a lo Pobre

Frequently criticized

  • food
  • lomo saltado
  • ceviche
  • food quality
  • meat
  • portion size
  • quality
  • Food
  • Mondongo
  • aji de gallina

If you're craving classic Peruvian dishes like Lomo Saltado or ceviche, this spot might hit the mark. Just be aware that while some dishes shine, others might disappoint with inconsistent quality or smaller portions, making it a bit of a gamble.

Service (3.5 out of 10)

mentioned by 64% of the guests

Despite an overall challenging picture for service, some diners (19 out of 81 comments) did find bright spots. They highlighted waiter attention, a friendly and respectful demeanor from staff, and even prompt service for their orders. It seems that while rare, positive interactions do occur.

However, the majority of experiences, reflected in 59 negative comments, paint a starkly different picture. With a poor score of 3.5 and customer satisfaction at a low 23.5%, many reported poor service, rude ladies, and inattentive staff. Frustratingly long waiting times and a general lack of effort were also common complaints.

3.5 Service

81

Reviews

23%

Satisfaction

59

negative

3

neutral

19

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Attentive staff
  • Friendly demeanor
  • Prompt service
What people don't like
  • Rude, inattentive staff
  • Long waiting times
  • Missing essentials

Often praised

  • service
  • Service
  • attention
  • cooks
  • dine-in
  • friendly and respectful demeanor
  • old owners
  • order
  • second location
  • staff

Frequently criticized

  • service
  • attention
  • customer service
  • waitresses
  • Ms. Sandra G
  • Service
  • apologized
  • bringing food
  • card machine
  • clearing plates

If you're considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially frustrating service experience, as the feedback is overwhelmingly negative. While some positive interactions are mentioned, the high likelihood of encountering rude or inattentive staff and long waits might make you think twice.

Ambience (5 out of 10)

mentioned by 26% of the guests

When it comes to the atmosphere, some guests really appreciate the unique vibe and cozy feel, with 8 positive opinions out of 21 total. Many found the family atmosphere quite charming, contributing to an overall average score of 5. However, the ambience is a bit of a mixed bag, with 12 negative opinions highlighting issues like a generally poor atmosphere, loud music (sometimes inappropriate or non-Peruvian), and concerns about ventilation and the surrounding area or parking.

This leads to a rather low customer satisfaction of just 38.1%, suggesting there's significant room for improvement despite the average score.

5 Ambience

21

Reviews

38%

Satisfaction

12

negative

1

neutral

8

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Offers unique vibe
  • Provides cozy atmosphere
  • Has family feel
What people don't like
  • Loud, inappropriate music
  • Poor ventilation
  • Challenging area/parking

Often praised

  • atmosphere
  • Atmosphere
  • family atmosphere
  • unique
  • vibe

Frequently criticized

  • atmosphere
  • Atmosphere
  • Peruvian music
  • area
  • loud
  • music
  • parking
  • sexual music
  • ventilation

If youre looking for a truly unique vibe and dont mind potential issues with noise, music choices, or the surrounding area, you might find some charm here. However, be prepared for an overall atmosphere that many found disappointing, especially if you're seeking a quiet or family-friendly experience.

Value (2.8 out of 10)

mentioned by 45% of the guests

Despite a good overall customer satisfaction of 8.1, the value aspect itself scores a poor 2.8. A small handful of guests (just 3 out of 37 comments) did find some dishes offered a good amount for the price and felt it was worth it, suggesting that for some, the price was justified. However, the vast majority of comments, 32 to be exact, paint a picture of significant concern regarding price and value.

Many felt items were overpriced, citing issues like automatic gratuity, unexpected sauce charge, and being overcharged on the bill or check. The sentiment is that the prices are simply too high for what's offered.

2.8 Value

37

Reviews

8%

Satisfaction

32

negative

2

neutral

3

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Worth the price
What people don't like
  • Overpriced dishes
  • Mandatory tips
  • Hidden charges

Often praised

  • amount for the price
  • price
  • worth it

Frequently criticized

  • price
  • prices
  • bill
  • $27
  • automatic gratuity
  • bags for leftovers
  • check
  • integrity
  • mandatory tips
  • overcharged

If youre looking for great value, this spot might disappoint, as many find the prices to be quite steep with unexpected charges. However, if youre prepared to pay a premium and prioritize other aspects (given the good overall satisfaction), you might still enjoy your meal, just be mindful of the bill.

How are the prices at El Porteño?

You’re looking at roughly 42 per person – reported by 48 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Peruvian Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.

While the average spend is 42, our data shows a wide spread in what people typically spend. Many guests find great options in the $21–$30 range, but there are also plenty who opt for more premium experiences, pulling the average up.

Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 48 reviews.

See how this restaurant’s value compares to similar places in San Francisco.

Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Peruvian spot in San Francisco. It seems to offer a range of experiences, from more casual to a bit more upscale, which is nicely reflected in the varied spending.

Customer Reviews: what people think about El Porteño

Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
marlene J.
Review date: 10/26/2025
2
Terrible Experience with Bad Food and Service
On the 26th, I went to El Porteño for lunch with some church brothers and had a bad experience. When we mentioned we wanted separate checks, they brought incomplete cutlery. They brought the food but forgot the chicha morada. I had to get up to ask for it near the end of our meal. When they finally brought the chicha, it was spoiled. I returned it to the kitchen, and the lady laughed and said they'd bring another. Instead, they brought passion fruit juice. She never returned. The service was awful; they didn't ask if we were finished before clearing plates. My guests said they wouldn't return, which made me feel bad for bringing them. To top it off, when I took a chalchipapa home for my daughter, she said the fries had ketchup on them, which I hadn't added. Some fries were also stained with black dust, so my daughter stopped eating them, saying they mixed fries from other people because they didn't look fresh and some were hard. I am very disappointed with this restaurant. The lady and the girl attending only seem to care about money, and you need to be careful with what they charge you – open your eyes. They didn't apologize. They told my son, 'Since you drank the spoiled chicha, we won't give you another glass of passion fruit. ' I thought this only happened in Peru, but it happens here too.
  • passion fruit juice5
  • separate checks2
  • incomplete cutlery2
  • chicha morada1
Price per Person
  • $101+
Visit Type
  • Family Dinner
Group Type
  • Family
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Noise Level
  • Quiet
marlen V.
Review date: 10/19/2025
2
Overpriced and Undersatisfying Peruvian Food
Perhaps times change, but the prices at this place are excessive. The food isn't as good as at other Peruvian restaurants, and I wouldn't recommend it, especially for a family outing. Paying $25 for a mediocre rice dish and a lomo saltado that doesn't deliver on flavor – everything was too salty 🥴. The restaurant La Fresca is a million times better. The waitress who served us was not good 👎, but the service itself wasn't bad.
  • prices2
  • food2
  • rice dish1
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wendy A.
Review date: 10/11/2025
2
Poor service from staff
My experience at the restaurant was very negative due to the service provided by the staff. The girls attending were not friendly at all. They should be a little more kind.
  • service2
  • girls attending2
  • kind3
Price per Person
  • $31–$40
Visit Type
  • Solo Dining
Group Size
  • Solo
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Noise Level
  • Loud
Sara J. H. R.
Review date: 09/05/2025
1
Terrible Experience, Food Poisoning
The first time I ate here was on the recommendation of some cousins, and everything was delicious and fresh, as if just prepared. Today, 9/5/25 at 12 pm, I went alone to enjoy the delicious ceviche with its chaufa. The ceviche smelled vinegary, and I ate it out of obligation and craving. Upon arriving home, I started vomiting 🤢🤮🤮 and had stomach pain. I will never return to this place again. It's no wonder the place is always empty. This is my lived experience from today, September 5th.
  • chaufa7
  • food8
  • Service4
  • ceviche1
  • stomach pain1
  • vomiting1
Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Group Type
  • Family
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Paola C.
Review date: 09/01/2025
3
Terrible Service Ruined a Good Meal
I used to love this place; I always considered it one of the best options for its food and the family atmosphere that the staff conveyed. However, on my last visit, I had the worst experience. Ms. Sandra G attended our table very unpleasantly, all because we decided to split into two tables and not accept the family table they offered us. From that moment on, the experience was a complete disaster, uncomfortable from start to finish. We reached the point of deciding to leave and pay before finishing lunch to avoid continuing in that situation. The most serious issue was at the time of the bill: initially, she charged us around $125 for three dishes that did not exceed $30 each. Only after insisting that she give us the bill did the amount change to $102. Very bad service. Definitely, the added value of any business is the attention, and in this case, it left a lot to be desired. I feel sorry for the owners!
  • food8
  • family atmosphere8
  • Ms. Sandra G1
  • uncomfortable experience1
  • bill2

What El Porteño offers

Planning

  • Accepts reservations

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Crowd

  • Tourists
  • Groups

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards

Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs

Popular for

  • Dinner
  • Lunch
  • Solo dining

Amenities

  • Gender-neutral restroom
  • Restroom

Offerings

  • Healthy options
  • Quick bite
  • Wine
  • Coffee
  • Beer
  • Small plates
  • Alcohol

Dining options

  • Brunch
  • Table service
  • Dessert
  • Dinner
  • Seating
  • Lunch

Service Options

  • Dine-in
  • Takeout
  • Delivery

Atmosphere

  • Cozy
  • Casual
  • Trendy

FAQs

What dining and service options are available at El Porteño?
At El Porteño, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfortable seating and table service. For your convenience, they also offer takeout and delivery services, making it easy to savor their Peruvian cuisine wherever you are.
Absolutely! El Porteño is known for its casual and cozy atmosphere, making it good for kids. High chairs are available for your little ones. The restaurant is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy their meal comfortably. You’ll find gender-neutral restrooms for added convenience.
Loading map…
Location
5173 Mission St, 94112 San Francisco
Opening hours