Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Hermitage – San Francisco
Hermitage - San Francisco
Photo from Hermitage
Hermitage at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 5 of the guests
#2217 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#246 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Average
5.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
46
Reviews
45.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Great ambience
- Event flexibility
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Billing issues
- Unreliable promises
The restaurant Hermitage Banquet Hall in San Francisco’s vibrant Richmond District offers a comprehensive dining experience. You can enjoy a delightful meal here, whether it’s for lunch or dinner, complete with table service.
With a full bar onsite, you’ll find a wide array of beverages, from hard liquor and cocktails to wine, beer, and coffee, ensuring a perfect pairing for any dish. This spot is ideal for those seeking a well-rounded culinary outing.
Overview: Introducting Hermitage
Hermitage often provides a warm and comfortable atmosphere, with many guests appreciating the friendly owners and attentive service. The venue is frequently highlighted for its inviting setting, making it suitable for gatherings.
However, the culinary offerings can be inconsistent, with some concerns raised about the food quality and portioning. Additionally, issues surrounding value and billing practices have been noted, suggesting areas where the experience could be more reliable.
Average
5.7
out of 10
46
Reviews
45.7%
Satisfaction
20
negative
5
neutral
21
positive
Hermitage holds an overall score of 5.7 out of 10, placing it in the average range. Customer satisfaction stands at 45.7%, indicating a mixed reception among patrons.
This assessment is based on 46 customer opinions, comprising 21 positive remarks and 20 negative ones, reflecting a somewhat divided experience. Delving into specifics, the Ambience (6.6) is a relative strong point, often described as pleasant.
Both Food (5.8) and Service (5.8) are rated as average, suggesting room for greater consistency. However, Value (1.5) is a clear area of concern, with many guests expressing dissatisfaction regarding pricing and billing.
What people like
- Excellent, friendly service
- Warm, inviting ambience
- Flexible event planning
What people don't like
- Poor value, billing issues
- Inconsistent food quality
- Unreliable owner promises
Hermitage presents a somewhat mixed proposition. While it offers a pleasant atmosphere and flexible service for events, the consistency of the food and clarity on pricing can be variable.
It might appeal more to those prioritizing a specific event setting. With a recommendation score of 5.7, Hermitage is an average choice.
If you’re considering it for a private event where the setting and adaptable service are paramount, it could work. However, for a consistently strong culinary experience or straightforward billing, you might want to explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hermitage
Food (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, its a bit of a mixed plate, but there are definite highlights. Based on 6 positive observations out of 16 total, many guests raved about the traditional Russian cuisine and fine dining options. The desserts and blintzes, in particular, earned high praise for being amazing, with general comments calling the food top-notch and delicious.
Despite these bright spots, the overall score for food sits at an 5.8 (average), and customer satisfaction is a low 37.5% (poor), suggesting these positive experiences arent universal. However, 7 negative observations highlight some significant concerns. Specific dishes like the liver pate were deemed unfresh, and potato dumplings were described as inedible.
There were also complaints about cold appetizers being insufficient and the overall cuisine being primitive. Some guests even noted issues with uneven food distribution at events, indicating that consistency and quality control are areas that definitely need some work.
Food
16
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing desserts
- Top-notch cuisine
- Traditional Russian food
What people don't like
- Unfresh liver pate
- Inedible potato dumplings
- Primitive cuisine
Often praised
- foodFood ranges from traditional Russian cuisine and a variety of fine dining entrees and hors d’oeuvres.
- blintzesThe desserts and blintzes were amazing!
- dessertsThe desserts and blintzes were amazing!
Frequently criticized
- cold appetizerscold appetizers was not for 20 it was less
- dishesDuring such a difficult time of loss, I had hoped for understanding and compassion, but unfortunately, we did not receive that. The dinner itself was fine, but not everyone got a chance to try all the dishes. One side of the table had noticeably more food than the other, but I chose to let it go to keep the peace.
- foodThe dinner itself was fine, but not everyone got a chance to try all the dishes. One side of the table had noticeably more food than the other, but I chose to let it go to keep the peace. Before the event, my mom and I provided the exact number of attendees.
- liver pateLiver pate was not fresh
- potato dumplingsinedible unfresh potato dumplings
- primitive cuisineMy experience at this restaurant was characterized by primitive cuisine and primitive service. The overall atmosphere felt eclectic and obsolete, which did not fit the spirit of San Francisco.
- wineWine was mediocre
If you're considering dining here, be aware that while some dishes, especially desserts and traditional Russian fare, can be quite good, the overall food experience is a gamble. You might find some delicious items, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies and some dishes that miss the mark entirely.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, youll find a bit of a mixed bag here, with a score of 5.8, placing it in the average range. About 50% of customers reported satisfaction, indicating experiences are quite split. Many guests raved about the very friendly staff and excellent service, often highlighting how the owners are flexible and even create custom menus.
These positive sentiments, drawn from 6 positive remarks, frequently mentioned the staff, service, and owners as truly caring. However, its not all smooth sailing, as an equal 6 negative remarks point to some significant issues. Some customers encountered primitive service and unprofessional service, with concerns about the owner not keeping promises and changing agreements.
This suggests that while some experiences are stellar, others can be quite disappointing, particularly regarding expectations set beforehand.
Service
12
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Excellent service
- Flexible owners
What people don't like
- Broken promises
- Unprofessional service
- Primitive service
Often praised
- serviceThe service was excellent
- custom menuThe owners are flexible to create custom menu to fit your parties needs.
- ownersThe atmosphere was warm and comfortable. The owners are very friendly and clearly care about their guests. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I highly recommend it.
- staffStaff was very friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceprovided service that was not discussed
- ownerBe very careful with what you are promised by the owner
- primitive serviceMy experience at this restaurant was characterized by primitive cuisine and primitive service. The overall atmosphere felt eclectic and obsolete, which did not fit the spirit of San Francisco.
- promisesShe doesn't keep her word and changes things
- unprofessional serviceThe overall atmosphere felt eclectic and obsolete, which did not fit the spirit of San Francisco. The service was also described as unprofessional.
So, whats the verdict on service? If youre looking for a place with potentially friendly owners and custom options, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be cautious about promises made, as some experiences suggest a lack of consistency and professionalism.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, guests often praise the beautiful space and tastefully lavish venue, noting its perfect for small private events. Many found the atmosphere warm and comfortable, with some enjoying the great music and a talented Russian duo. The location also gets a nod for being safe with decent parking, contributing to a pleasant overall vibe, based on 9 positive remarks.
However, the experience isnt universally glowing, with a score of 6.6 and customer satisfaction at 64.3%, indicating a mixed bag. Some found the music to be pretty bad or unbearably loud, while others felt the overall atmosphere was eclectic and obsolete, not quite fitting modern tastes. These points, from 3 negative comments, suggest there's room for improvement.
Ambience
14
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful venue
- Warm atmosphere
- Good for events
What people don't like
- Loud, bad music
- Obsolete atmosphere
Often praised
- Russian duoThe staff was very friendly and the service was good. A Russian duo performed throughout the party and they were very good. I can't really comment on the main food since I'm not Russian and also a vegetarian, and most of the foods were Russian delicacies and all meat.
- atmospherethe atmosphere was warm and comfortable
- locationLocation is in a safe neighborhood with decent parking!
- musicmusic is great
- parkingThe owners are flexible to create a custom menu to fit your party's needs. The location is in a safe neighborhood with decent parking!
- small private eventsgood for small private events
- small venuenice. It's a small venue
- spacethe space is beautiful
- venueI recommend it for any special event or even a company outing. The venue is tastefully lavish and welcoming. The food ranges from traditional Russian cuisine to a variety of fine dining entrees and hors d’oeuvres.
Frequently criticized
- musicthe music we're unbearably loud
- obsolete atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was characterized by primitive cuisine and primitive service. The overall atmosphere felt eclectic and obsolete, which did not fit the spirit of San Francisco. The service was also described as unprofessional.
If youre looking for a lavish, private event space with good parking and potentially great live music, this spot could be a hit. However, be mindful that the music and overall atmosphere might not appeal to everyone, so its worth checking out if you appreciate a more traditional, perhaps older, charm.
Value (1.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, its tough to find a silver lining here. With a score of 1.5, which falls into the poor range, and a customer satisfaction of 0%, there were unfortunately no positive comments to highlight among the 4 total remarks. This suggests guests found little to praise regarding what they received for their money.
Unfortunately, the feedback on value paints a rather poor picture. Guests frequently mentioned issues with the deposit not being deducted from the final bill, and concerns that the establishment prioritized profit over honesty'. There were specific complaints about inflated guest counts and billing discrepancies, where final totals still exceeded agreed-upon amounts even after recalculations.
Value
4
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Deposit not deducted
- Guest count inflated
- Billing discrepancies
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- billGiven the circumstances, we had no choice but to pay for two additional guests. When we received the final bill, my mom recalculated it and found that the total was much higher than what had been originally agreed upon. Only after my mom’s recalculation did the owner quickly adjust the amount, but in the end, the final total still exceeded what was originally agreed on.
- deposit$200 deposit was not reduced from the final receipt
- profit over honestytheir priority was profit over honesty
If youre considering this place, be extra vigilant when it comes to the bill. The consistent issues with deposits, guest counts, and final charges suggest a potential for unexpected costs. Its hard to recommend for those seeking clear and honest pricing.
How are the prices at Hermitage?
On average, you’ll spend around 88 per person – from 5 guests. That places the restaurant in the $81–$90 category. For a Restaurant, especially in San Francisco, this is definitely on the higher-end.
Looking at the recent reviews, prices aren’t clustered around the average; instead, they show a mix, with a significant number of diners spending well over 101 $. While this data comes from a limited number of customers, it provides a good indication of the pricing structure.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 5 most recent reviews. Keep in mind that with a limited number of reviews, this is a good indication, but not exhaustive.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the higher-end pricing, we’d say the value depends heavily on the overall dining experience and quality. If it delivers on that premium promise, the pricing could feel fair for a Restaurant in San Francisco.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hermitage
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Excellent Dinner with Friendly Owners
My experience at Hermitage was wonderful. The service was excellent, and the food was delicious. The atmosphere was warm and comfortable.
The owners are very friendly and clearly care about their guests. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I highly recommend it.
- service10
- food10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Primitive Experience, Not San Francisco Spirit
My experience at this restaurant was characterized by primitive cuisine and primitive service. The overall atmosphere felt eclectic and obsolete, which did not fit the spirit of San Francisco. The service was also described as unprofessional.
- eclectic atmosphere5
- primitive cuisine2
- primitive service2
- obsolete atmosphere3
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Post-Funeral Gathering Experience
It is with a heavy heart that I write this review about our post-funeral gathering at Hermitage Banquet Hall. During such a difficult time of loss, I had hoped for understanding and compassion, but unfortunately, we did not receive that. The dinner itself was fine, but not everyone got a chance to try all the dishes.
One side of the table had noticeably more food than the other, but I chose to let it go to keep the peace. Before the event, my mom and I provided the exact number of attendees. Later, my mom was asked to go upstairs to settle the bill, and at that point, she was told there were more guests than we had originally confirmed.
By then, many people had already left, so we couldn’t prove otherwise. Given the circumstances, we had no choice but to pay for two additional guests. When we received the final bill, my mom recalculated it and found that the total was much higher than what had been originally agreed upon.
Only after my mom’s recalculation did the owner quickly adjust the amount, but in the end, the final total still exceeded what was originally agreed on. I write this review to ensure others don’t encounter the same injustice. Initially, the owner seemed kind and understanding, but when it came down to the bill, it became clear that their priority was profit over honesty.
No one should have to feel taken advantage of during such a vulnerable time.
- dinner5
- dishes3
- food4
- bill2
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Memorable Experience for Special Events
Whether it’s a birthday, baby shower, wedding celebration, or memorial, every occasion at Hermitage has been a memorable & wonderful experience. I recommend it for any special event or even a company outing. The venue is tastefully lavish and welcoming.
The food ranges from traditional Russian cuisine to a variety of fine dining entrees and hors d’oeuvres. The owners are flexible to create a custom menu to fit your party's needs. The location is in a safe neighborhood with decent parking!
- venue9
- food8
- custom menu9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Unforgettable NYE Party with Amazing Desserts
My experience at this venue for a NYE Party with about 100 people was like being transported to Russia! The staff was very friendly and the service was good. A Russian duo performed throughout the party and they were very good.
I can't really comment on the main food since I'm not Russian and also a vegetarian, and most of the foods were Russian delicacies and all meat. However, the desserts and blintzes were amazing! There was sooooo much food, and guests were able to take home leftovers.
The wine was mediocre, but overall, it was an unforgettable experience!
- staff9
- service8
- Russian duo8
- wine4
What Hermitage offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
FAQs
Can you make reservations at Hermitage Banquet Hall?
Yes, Hermitage Banquet Hall accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are recommended. This ensures you can secure your table, especially during peak dining hours, for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Is Hermitage Banquet Hall accessible for wheelchair users?
Absolutely. Hermitage Banquet Hall is designed with accessibility in mind, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. You can dine comfortably and without concern.
What is the overall dining experience like at Hermitage?
Hermitage offers an average experience with an overall score of **5.7** and mixed customer satisfaction at **45.7%**. While the **Ambience** (6.6) is often praised, **Food** (5.8) and **Service** (5.8) are average, and **Value** (1.5) is a significant concern.
Is Hermitage suitable for private events?
Yes, Hermitage is noted for its warm atmosphere and flexible owners who can create custom menus, making it a suitable choice for small private events.
Are there any concerns regarding billing or pricing at Hermitage?
Some customers have reported issues with billing discrepancies and deposits not being fully accounted for, suggesting a need for careful review of agreements.