Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Pistachio Kitchen – San Francisco
Pistachio Kitchen - San Francisco
Photo from Pistachio Kitchen
Pistachio Kitchen at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 87 of the guests
#315 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#50 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
416
Reviews
87.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Delicious food
- Pleasant atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Parking issues
- Chaotic service
- Pricey drinks
The restaurant Pistachio Kitchen Restaurant & Espresso Bar, nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Japantown, offers a delightful culinary experience. As a welcoming restaurant, you’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any time of day.
Known for its great coffee, Pistachio Kitchen is an ideal spot to kickstart your morning or enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this trendy establishment caters to your needs with a diverse menu.
Overview: Introducting Pistachio Kitchen
Pistachio Kitchen offers a generally positive dining experience, often highlighted by its friendly and welcoming staff who ensure quick service. The establishment cultivates a pleasant vibe with its music and comfortable setting, making it a nice spot to relax.
However, some visitors have encountered challenges, including occasional chaotic service during busy periods and difficulties with parking. While many find the food well-priced with generous portions, a few experiences suggest certain dishes can be disappointing.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
416
Reviews
87.3%
Satisfaction
37
negative
16
neutral
363
positive
Pistachio Kitchen earns a solid 8.4 overall, reflecting a generally positive customer experience. This is further supported by a strong 87.3% customer satisfaction rate.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 416 customer observations, with 363 positive remarks outweighing 37 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Service shines with an excellent (9), often described as attentive and efficient.
The Food also performs well with a good (8.4), and the inviting Ambience scores a respectable (8.2). However, Value presents a more mixed picture, landing at an average (5.8), indicating some items might feel less economical to certain patrons.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Delicious food options
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Parking challenges
- Chaotic service
- Overpriced beverages
Pistachio Kitchen presents a compelling option for those seeking a welcoming spot with good food and a pleasant atmosphere. With a strong 8.7 recommendation score, it’s clear many find it a worthwhile visit, especially for its attentive staff and appealing menu items.
While you can expect a generally positive experience, be mindful of potential parking difficulties and occasional service hiccups during peak times. If you prioritize a friendly environment and flavorful dishes, it’s certainly worth considering, though some beverage prices might give you pause.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pistachio Kitchen
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really shines, boasting a good score of 8.4 and an impressive good customer satisfaction of 87.9%. With 226 positive remarks out of 257 total, guests consistently rave about delicious items like their amazing baklava, phenomenal French toast, and tasty pistachio lattes. Many also love the hearty breakfast burritos and generous portions.
However, it's not all perfect, with 19 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. A few diners found the Shakshuka disappointing, and there were mentions of a hard pistachio roll or soggy chilaquiles. Some also noted a decline in the overall quality of food, suggesting some inconsistency.
Food
257
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
19
negative
12
neutral
226
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious French toast
- Amazing baklava
- Great pistachio lattes
What people don't like
- Disappointing Shakshuka
- Soggy chilaquiles
- Inconsistent food quality
Often praised
- foodMy family and I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant. We liked it very much, and especially enjoyed the desserts, which were fresh and delicious.
- baklavaI particularly enjoyed the croissant breakfast sandwich, which was great. To top it off, they even provided a complimentary piece of baklava. I highly recommend this place!
- pistachio latteThe food and drinks were delicious. I enjoyed the steeped tea, and my husband had the pistachio latte. We are eager to return and explore the extensive menu.
- coffeeThe staff is wonderful, and the calming Jazz music playing on the speakers created a lovely atmosphere. I'm excited to return for brunch to try the shakshuka and their coffee.
- breakfast burritoI ordered the breakfast burrito, was really good
- portionsThe atmosphere was beautiful, clean, and aesthetically pleasing; even the bathroom was fancy. I also appreciated the great selection of coffee drinks at a good price, and the food was also well-priced with generous portions. The location is bright and sunny, right on the corner of Austin and Franklin.
- Baklavathe Balaclava to try and it aswell was likely the best example
- FoodFood is served temperature hot
- French toastFood was very good (French toast, pancakes, bacon, house potatoes)
- breakfastGreat place for a breakfast
Frequently criticized
- foodfood you can make at home
- ShakshukaThe Shakshuka was disappointing. ... it was served with a hot dog
- Turkish coffeeHusband didn’t really like his Turkish coffee, it was plain black
- beef and pork sausagemenu listing “beef and pork sausage,” it was served with a hot dog
- chilaquilesMy chilaquiles was a soggy mass
- choices availablemuch less choices available
- cilantroThe only thing I didn't like was it had cilantro in it
- croissantLast week, they were out of croissants. While their croissants look good, they are not soft and fluffy but chewy – not what a croissant should be. The mocha was good, but it's getting less so.
- diarrhoeagave my husband diarrhoea within half an hour
- flavourless toppingsThe food was grim, and it caused my husband to experience diarrhoea within half an hour of eating. My chilaquiles were a soggy mass of tortilla chips with flavourless toppings. I cannot understand the positive reviews, unless the kitchen was having an exceptionally bad day when we visited.
If youre looking for a place with generally delicious food, especially their French toast and baklava, this spot is definitely worth a try. While a few dishes might miss the mark, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely have a great meal.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines with an excellent score of 9 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 91.6%. Out of 83 comments, a whopping 76 rave about the experience! Guests consistently highlight the incredibly friendly and attentive staff, often mentioning the owner, Amed, by name for his welcoming gestures.
You can expect fast service and a genuinely warm reception here. However, a small handful of 6 comments did point out some areas for improvement. A few experiences mentioned a decline in customer service, poor communication regarding seating, or even chaotic service.
There were also isolated instances of a longer wait for coffee. While these are few, they suggest occasional inconsistencies in an otherwise stellar service record.
Service
83
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
76
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast, efficient service
- Owner is welcoming
What people don't like
- Poor communication
- Occasional chaotic service
- Long coffee waits
Often praised
- serviceWe shared a vegetarian burrito that was generously sized, so delicious we finished every bite, and we're already looking forward to returning. The service was fast and friendly, and the Bossa Nova music created a good atmosphere.
- staffThe mimosas hit the spot too! The staff and owners are so friendly and welcoming to ALL, which is all the more reason to keep coming back. The food is great, the place is clean, new, and trendy, and the staff is friendly.
- ServiceService:5
- foodthe food comes out quick
- ownerThe food was great, the service was great, and the place itself was great. I would totally recommend it, especially since you will be served directly by the owner! The only suggestion I have is to offer more pistachio dishes, as they currently have around 3 or 4.
- peoplefriendly people
- dogthey even offered to bring our dog inside
- friendlyThe mimosas hit the spot too! The staff and owners are so friendly and welcoming to ALL, which is all the more reason to keep coming back. The food is great, the place is clean, new, and trendy, and the staff is friendly.
- generous and kind staffgenerous and kind staff
- gentleman behind counterThe gentleman behind the counter was friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by chaotic service and operations. The food was comparable to what you can make at home.
- communicationFail to communicate on seating and menu
- customer servicesignificant decline in costumer service
- hoursHowever, the food isn't that great and is also overpriced. Additionally, the hours are inflexible. Overall, I'd rate it a 6/10.
- wait for coffeewait for 20 min for your coffee
If you value a warm welcome and efficient service, this place is absolutely worth a visit. The staffs friendliness and attentiveness are consistently praised, making for a truly pleasant dining experience. Dont let the very few minor hiccups deter you from enjoying their excellent hospitality.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good 8.2 score and leaving a strong 85.9% of customers satisfied. Based on 55 positive comments out of 64 total, guests frequently praise the great vibes, love the decor, and clean and bright environment. Many also appreciate the nice music playing, creating a wonderful, cozy atmosphere perfect for relaxing or working.
However, its not entirely without its quirks, with 7 negative remarks noted. Some found the kinda bad location and hard to find parking a bit frustrating. Others mentioned that finding a table might not be available during busy times, and a few felt it was pretty dark in there, ' impacting the overall feel.
Ambience
64
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great ambiance
- Immaculate cleanliness
- Pleasant music
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Limited seating
- Dim lighting
Often praised
- atmosphereThe staff were very kind and attentive to our needs. The atmosphere is nice, though it's an order-at-the-counter, then sit down type of place. This means that during busy times, finding a table might be a challenge.
- ambianceThe restaurant has nice ambiance
- vibeLove the vibe and music in the place!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- environmentcute environment
- musicLove the vibe and music in the place!
- placespacious place with comfortable seating
- Bossa Nova musicthe Bossa Nova music was goood
- Jazz playingthey have calming Jazz playing on the speakers.
- additionWhat a welcome addition to the neighborhood
Frequently criticized
- Street parkingStreet parking is nil during certain hours
- bad locationkinda bad location
- hard to find parkinghard to find parking
- hoursThey also have somewhat limited hours
- lightingpretty dark in there
- smelloverwhelming and suffocating small flooded my table
- table availabilitymight not be a table available
If you're looking for a spot with fantastic vibes, great decor, and a super clean space, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and consider visiting during off-peak hours to secure a good seat.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems theres a decent upside here! Many folks appreciate the affordable prices and find the coffee very reasonably priced. With 6 positive remarks out of 12 total, its clear that the food price is often seen as good, even described as budget-friendly with generous portions.
However, the overall score sits at an average 5.8, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 50%, indicating some areas for improvement. Some diners felt the beverage prices were rather high, with 5 negative comments suggesting the overall value might be overpriced or simply too elevated for what you get.
Value
12
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable food prices
- Reasonably priced coffee
- Budget-friendly options
What people don't like
- High beverage prices
- Perceived as overpriced
- Poor value perception
Often praised
- priceThe atmosphere was beautiful, clean, and aesthetically pleasing; even the bathroom was fancy. I also appreciated the great selection of coffee drinks at a good price, and the food was also well-priced with generous portions. The location is bright and sunny, right on the corner of Austin and Franklin.
- budget-friendlypretty dang budget-friendly
- food pricefood is a good price as well
- pricesaffordable prices
- reasonably priced coffeevery reasonably priced coffee
Frequently criticized
- pricecheap for the $18.75 price
- beverage pricesI thought the beverage prices are rather high
- food priceis overpriced
- valuetoo pricy for the value
If you're watching your wallet, the food and coffee here often hit the mark for affordability. Just be mindful that some find the beverage prices a bit steep, which might impact the overall value perception for some.
How are the prices at Pistachio Kitchen?
Youre looking at roughly 26 $ per person here, based on what 87 diners reported. That comfortably places it in the $21–$30 price range. For a Restaurant type, thats definitely mid-range – not a budget spot, but not breaking the bank either!
Looking at what most people spend, the majority of guests are right in this sweet spot, though a few do opt for slightly cheaper or more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 87 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good mid-range option without being overly expensive.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pistachio Kitchen
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Phenomenal French Toast Redeems Meal
I really wanted to complain about the roasted veggies bowl because it tasted gross. Until! Until I tried this phenomenal pistachio banana French toast… this is the best French toast I’ve ever tried, please try it yourself.
It was that delicious that I forgot about my veggie bowl. I forgave them everything. A person who made this French toast must be a genius.
I will come back only for this toast and bring other people to try it. So good!
- pistachio banana French toast10
- best French toast10
- roasted veggies bowl2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
EGG-cellent Brunch Spot!
My husband and I had an EGG-cellent brunch experience at this perfect spot! He enjoyed a delicious mimosa made with fresh OJ. I savored an almond milk latte that tasted great, with fab milk and a nice mug.
We shared a vegetarian burrito that was generously sized, so delicious we finished every bite, and we're already looking forward to returning. The service was fast and friendly, and the Bossa Nova music created a good atmosphere.
- mimosa9
- almond milk latte8
- milk9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Absolutely TO DIE FOR Brunch!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful! Everything we ate was TO DIE FOR! The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive.
I highly recommend adding this place to your must-stop list for brunch!
- food10
- staff9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Terrible Food, Decent Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was largely negative due to the food quality. The food was grim, and it caused my husband to experience diarrhoea within half an hour of eating. My chilaquiles were a soggy mass of tortilla chips with flavourless toppings.
I cannot understand the positive reviews, unless the kitchen was having an exceptionally bad day when we visited. On a positive note, the atmosphere was quite pleasant.
- atmosphere4
- food1
- diarrhoea1
- chilaquiles1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious French Toast & Great Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the amazing bananas foster French toast, which was truly delicious. The staff were friendly, contributing to a wonderful dining experience.
The atmosphere was beautiful, clean, and aesthetically pleasing; even the bathroom was fancy. I also appreciated the great selection of coffee drinks at a good price, and the food was also well-priced with generous portions. The location is bright and sunny, right on the corner of Austin and Franklin.
I'd give it a 10/10!
- bananas foster French toast10
- staff9
- atmosphere10
What Pistachio Kitchen offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of healthy and dietary-friendly options can you find at Pistachio Kitchen?
At Pistachio Kitchen, you’ll discover a wide array of healthy options, including delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes. If you’re looking for organic choices or just a quick bite that aligns with your dietary preferences, this restaurant has you covered with fresh and thoughtfully prepared meals.
What is the atmosphere like at Pistachio Kitchen, and what service options are available?
Pistachio Kitchen offers a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed dining experience. You can enjoy various service options including dine-in, outdoor seating, delivery, no-contact delivery, takeout, and curbside pickup. The restaurant also provides wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms for your convenience.
How does Pistachio Kitchen generally perform?
Pistachio Kitchen maintains a strong overall score of 8.4, with particularly high marks for its Service (9) and Food (8.4). The Ambience also rates well (8.2), though Value is more moderate (5.8).
What makes the service at Pistachio Kitchen stand out?
Customers frequently praise the friendly and welcoming staff, often noting the quick service and personal touch, with some even mentioning being served directly by the owner.
Are there any common concerns when visiting Pistachio Kitchen?
Some patrons have noted challenges with finding street parking and occasional inconsistencies in food preparation, such as disappointing specific dishes or issues with ingredient choices.