Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Moya – San Francisco
Moya - San Francisco
Photo from Moya
Moya at a glance
San Francisco West SoMa
- 🥘 Ethiopian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 53 of the guests
#188 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Ethiopian Restaurant out of 4 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
326
Reviews
89.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Generous portions
- Quick service
Frequently criticized
- Rude staff
- Rough neighborhood
- Bathroom issues
The restaurant Moya, an authentic Ethiopian Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant West SoMa neighborhood, invites you to a truly unique dining experience. You’ll find yourself in a cozy and casual setting, perfect for enjoying a delicious meal.
Whether you’re looking for healthy options, vegan choices, or just a quick bite, Moya offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can savor traditional flavors.
Overview: Introducting Moya
Moya generally delivers a pleasant dining experience, with many guests commending its delicious Ethiopian food, often noting generous portions and vibrant spice flavors. The friendly staff also frequently receives praise for their attentive service.
Yet, some visitors have encountered inconsistencies, such as bland chicken or occasional rude attitude from staff. While often seen as affordable, a few opinions suggest the value might be a bit pricey for what’s offered.
Excellent
8.6
out of 10
326
Reviews
89.9%
Satisfaction
21
negative
12
neutral
293
positive
Moya presents a strong overall impression, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 8.6, signaling a good experience. This positive sentiment is echoed by a Customer Satisfaction of 89.9%, also landing firmly in the good category.
These insights are drawn from 326 customer opinions, with 293 positive comments significantly outnumbering the 21 negative ones. Looking at specifics, Food shines brightest with an impressive (8.8), consistently praised for its quality and authentic flavors.
Service (8.4) also performs well, highlighting the attentive and quick assistance many guests received. The Ambience (8.2) adds to the appeal, often described as cozy, while Value (7.1) is considered good, though it’s the area with the most room for improvement.
What people like
- Delicious Ethiopian food
- Generous portion sizes
- Friendly, quick service
What people don't like
- Rude staff encounters
- Rough neighborhood location
- Bathroom accessibility issues
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.8, Moya is certainly worth a visit for those seeking authentic Ethiopian flavors. If you value delicious food, generous portions, and quick service, you’ll likely find a satisfying experience here.
However, be prepared for potential service inconsistencies and consider the neighborhood. While its culinary strengths are clear, those sensitive to occasional rude attitude or location might find it less appealing.
It’s a solid choice for its core offerings.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Moya
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are absolutely raving! With an excellent score of 8.8 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 93.1%, it's clear the culinary experience is a hit. Out of 217 pieces of feedback, a whopping 202 highlight the delicious, authentic Ethiopian food, often praising the generous portions, diverse vegan options, and rich flavors that truly stand out.
However, a small handful of 9 opinions did note some areas for improvement. A few found the tibs portion size to be small, or the injera to be cold and watery. There were also rare comments about the food being tasteless or the chicken being a bit bland, suggesting occasional inconsistencies.
Food
217
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
9
negative
6
neutral
202
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Ethiopian cuisine
- Generous portions
- Great vegan options
What people don't like
- Small tibs portion
- Cold injera
- Bland chicken
Often praised
- foodTata tells me the food from the Moya Restaurant a block away is worthy of a visit so I sent a runner to bring back whatever the special of the day is. I don't know what the the food was but it was amazingly delicious with simple local ingredients, and wonderful spice flavors of lands far off. Would I recommend Moya.
- injeraWe ordered the veggie sampler and the doro and soga tibs. Everything was absolutely amazing, and we were pleased with the plenty of injera provided. The service was fast and it was easy to order.
- Ethiopian foodIndividuals with trypophobia must beware: the spongy injera served as the perfect vessel to scoop up all the delicious flavours of the vegan platter and the doro tibs. Never had Ethiopian food but this was a great foray into it taste-wise.
- FoodThe Food was excellent
- vegetarian samplerThe vegetarian sampler is incredible.
- InjeraTheir Injera is also better than most other establishments
- beefThe staff was incredibly friendly, and the Ethiopian food was delicious and filling. We ordered the veggie sampler and added one order of beef, which was the perfect amount for three people. The service was also fast, allowing us plenty of time to get to our show at the Orpheum.
- chicken tibsChicken tibs have huge portions
- portion sizethe portion size was so generous
- portionsportions are very generous
Frequently criticized
- injeraMy girlfriend ordered two veggie combos for herself and her friend. Unfortunately, the restaurant skimped on the injera, and it was served cold and watery.
- foodThe food is tasteless, overcooked
- chickenthe chicken was a bit bland
- medium spiceit was incredibly mild.
- teaDon’t order the tea since it isn’t anything special.
- tibs portiontibs size was changed. Portion is small
If you're looking for an authentic and flavorful Ethiopian meal with plenty of generous vegan and vegetarian options, this place is definitely worth a try. While there are very rare mentions of minor inconsistencies, the overwhelming majority of diners have had a truly delicious experience.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 83.3%, it's clear most diners are delighted. Out of 60 comments, a remarkable 50 praise the friendly staff, quick service, and amazing customer service, often highlighting the wonderful owner and the kind lady behind the counter.
However, a few experiences, specifically 7 comments, did point to some areas for improvement. These mentioned occasional waiting times or a lack of immediate assistance. One particular instance noted a rude staff attitude and poor customer treatment, but these seem to be isolated incidents rather than a widespread issue.
Service
60
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Excellent customer service
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long waits
- No assistance
Often praised
- serviceWe came here after another spot nearby was closed unexpectedly and are so glad we did. Arriving right as they opened for dinner, the service was quick and easy, with food arriving in less than ten minutes. The vegan sampler platter was enormous and contrary to the photo, offering a feast of flavorful and absolutely delicious items from greens to lentils, enough to feed 2+ people.
- ServiceService is incredibly quick
- staffThe staff were attentive and friendly
- customer serviceMy office and I consider Moya our favorite restaurant. Fana and her daughter Remy consistently provide excellent food and excellent customer service. They always deliver stellar results, ensuring warm food arrives on time.
- ownerThe owner brought us some chickpea sauce to try
- Head ChefAt first, I was concerned because I thought there was a piece of feta cheese in it. I made sure it was all vegan, and the Head Chef said it was only tofu, or soybeans technically speaking. So, yep, it was 100% vegan, and that matters for some people.
- foodI ordered the vegan sampler and it was so delicious. The food arrived quickly, and I would definitely go back if I'm in San Francisco again.
- friendly staffVery friendly, welcoming staff
- lady behind counterthe lady behind the counter is so sweet
- mother and daughterMy experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. It's a local business run by the nicest mother and daughter. The food was very authentic and delicious.
Frequently criticized
- assistanceMy experience at this restaurant was the worst! I walked in and waited for 5 minutes to be seated or to order food, but no one was available to assist. I then went to use the bathroom, and as soon as I headed over, a lady abruptly appeared and rudely told me, “BATHROOM NOT WORKING BYE.
- attitudeHer hair was a mess; she should wear a hairnet. Gross attitude!
- customer treatmentthat’s how you trea customers??!!
- hourschange would be their hours
- staff attituderudely, says “ BATHROOM NOT WORKING BYE”
- stay at the All StarWould I recommend a stay at the All Star...No!
- waiting timewaited to either be seated or to order food for a food 5 minutes
Overall, if youre seeking a dining experience with genuinely good service, youre likely in for a treat here. While there are a few isolated reports of minor hiccups, the overwhelming sentiment points to a welcoming and efficient experience. Go ahead and give it a try!
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot really shines with a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 85.4%. Many of the 35 positive remarks out of 41 total rave about the Atmosphere and cozy vibes, describing the interior as clean and inviting. Guests appreciate the quiet noise level, making it easy to talk and enjoy the homey place.
However, its not entirely without its quirks, as a few of the 3 negative comments point out some concerns. One opinion mentioned the restaurant being in a bad, rough neighborhood, which is a significant external factor. There were also isolated issues regarding the bathroom being out of order and a comment about a staff members hairnet situation.
Ambience
41
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
3
negative
3
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
- Clean, comfortable space
- Quiet, easy conversation
What people don't like
- Rough neighborhood location
- Non-functional bathroom
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was lovely and welcoming
- AtmosphereThe Atmosphere was also very pleasant
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- spacethe space itself, when it's open, is minimal, clean, and comfortable
- placethe place is a cozy little oasis
- cozy vibesreally cozy vibes
- homey placeVery homey place with nice decorations
- interiorIt's a really great interior that's clean
- kitchenI've never encountered Ethiopian food as tasteless and overcooked as what was served here. The food was well below average, though the kitchen itself is cute and the service is friendly. Similar to most Ethiopian restaurants, the portion sizes are gigantic, enough to feed a small village, but that village might not want to eat the food.
- local businessA local business
Frequently criticized
- bad, rough neighborhoodin a very bad, rough neighborhood
- bathroomI walked in and waited for 5 minutes to be seated or to order food, but no one was available to assist. I then went to use the bathroom, and as soon as I headed over, a lady abruptly appeared and rudely told me, “BATHROOM NOT WORKING BYE. ” This is how you treat customers?
- hairnetHer hair was a mess, like wear hairnet geez!!
Overall, if you're looking for a place with a genuinely pleasant and comfortable atmosphere, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. While there are minor external concerns, the interior vibe is overwhelmingly positive, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal.
Value (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.1 and a customer satisfaction of 75%, many folks found the experience to be quite affordable. Based on 6 positive remarks out of 8 total, diners often praised the affordable prices and really good value, even noting some cheapish item options that make it accessible.
However, its not universally praised as a steal. A couple of voices, representing 2 negative comments, did mention the price as a potential drawback. Some felt it was a tad pricey or simply not worth $$', suggesting that while many find it affordable, a few might find the cost-to-experience ratio a bit off.
Value
8
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good overall value
- Affordable pricing
- Quality for price
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Value not worth
Often praised
- priceHaben zu zweit mit Getränken knapp 50$ bezahlt
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- affordableIf I'm ever in SF again, this is the first place I'll go. It's a women-owned establishment that is affordable and offers quality food.
- cheapish itemThey've got a cheapish item on the menu
- valuereally good value (almost cheap)
Frequently criticized
- PriceNot worth $$
- priceif a tad pricey
If youre looking for a place that generally offers good bang for your buck, this restaurant is definitely worth considering. Most customers find it affordable with quality food, though a few might find it a bit on the pricier side. Its a solid choice if value is high on your list.
How are the prices at Moya?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 53 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For an Ethiopian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves in that $11–$20 sweet spot, though a good chunk also explore options in the $21–$30 range, showing a nice variety in spending.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 53 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an Ethiopian restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a solid mid-range experience, and the spread of prices means there’s likely something to fit different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Moya
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Amazing Veggie Sampler and Tibs!
My experience at this restaurant was so yummy! We ordered the veggie sampler and the doro and soga tibs. Everything was absolutely amazing, and we were pleased with the plenty of injera provided.
The service was fast and it was easy to order.
- veggie sampler9
- doro and soga tibs9
- injera8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Portion Size Change
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to a significant change in portion size. The tibs portion is now small, and the injera is tiny. I used to have leftovers from my meals, but now I don't feel full.
This change has left me feeling disappointed.
- tibs portion2
- injera2
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Never Disappointed at Moya!
My experience at Moya has been consistently excellent. I have never been disappointed after choosing this restaurant. The only aspect I would change is their operating hours, as I wish I could enjoy their delicious food more often.
- food10
- hours4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Value Hole-in-the-Wall
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was amazing, and the value was almost cheap, offering really good value for money. The atmosphere was simple and quiet, making it easy to talk.
I highly recommend this place, which feels like a family-owned small business. The service was excellent, with no wait time.
- food10
- value10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Food and Excellent Service!
I had the best experience at this place! The food was amazing and the service excellent.
- food10
- service10
What Moya offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dietary options can you expect at Moya?
At Moya, you’ll find a variety of offerings to suit your preferences. They provide healthy options, along with dedicated vegan and vegetarian choices. You can also enjoy coffee, beer, and wine with your meal, making it a versatile spot for your dining needs.
What service options and accessibility features does Moya offer?
Moya provides convenient dine-in, takeout, and delivery services for you. The restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring comfort for all guests. While parking can be difficult, paid street parking is available nearby for your convenience.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Moya?
Moya holds a good Restaurant Score of 8.6 and a Customer Satisfaction of 89.9%. Its Food (8.8) and Service (8.4) are highly rated, complemented by good Ambience (8.2) and Value (7.1).
What do customers appreciate most about Moya's food?
Customers frequently praise the delicious Ethiopian food, highlighting generous portions of dishes like the vegetarian sampler and chicken tibs. The injera is also often noted for its quality.
Are there any common issues or concerns reported by Moya's patrons?
Some patrons have experienced rude attitude from staff or difficulties getting assistance. Concerns have also been raised regarding the restaurant’s location in a rough neighborhood and occasional bathroom accessibility issues.