Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Ox & Tiger – San Francisco
Ox & Tiger - San Francisco
Photo from Ox & Tiger
Ox & Tiger at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🇵🇭 Filipino Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $91–$100
mentioned by 41 of the guests
#24 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Filipino Restaurant out of 15 in San Francisco
Excellent
9.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
295
Reviews
95.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Unique cuisine
- Personal service
Frequently criticized
- Hidden location
The restaurant Ox & Tiger is a vibrant Filipino restaurant nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood. You’ll discover a truly trendy atmosphere here, perfect for an engaging dining experience.
Whether you’re planning a special dinner or a relaxed brunch, this spot offers a unique culinary journey. They also provide convenient delivery options, ensuring you can enjoy their flavors wherever you are.
Overview: Introducting Ox & Tiger
Ox & Tiger offers a truly unique experience, where culinary storytelling takes center stage. Guests consistently praise the inventive dishes and the heartfelt passion poured into every element.
It’s a place where flavors, colors, and engaging conversations blend seamlessly for a memorable meal. While the intimate atmosphere and dedicated passionate chefs create a warm dining environment, a few specific dishes might not appeal to every palate, and finding the location can be a minor challenge.
Overall, it promises a distinctive and personal culinary journey.
Excellent
9.1
out of 10
295
Reviews
95.6%
Satisfaction
8
negative
5
neutral
282
positive
Ox & Tiger earns an impressive overall 9.1, reflecting an excellent dining experience. This high regard is echoed in the Customer Satisfaction of 95.6%, indicating nearly universal approval.
With 282 positive comments against just 8 negative out of 295 total observations, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, underscoring a consistently high-quality offering. Diving deeper, the Service (9.5) stands out as exceptional, with guests frequently commending the engaging owner-chefs.
Both the inventive Food (9.1) and the carefully crafted Ambience (9.1) also achieve excellent marks, contributing significantly to the overall appeal. While Value (7.7) is rated as good, it’s clear that the unique experience justifies the price for most patrons.
What people like
- Culinary storytelling
- Intimate dining experience
- Engaging owner-chefs
What people don't like
- Tricky to locate
For those seeking a truly personal and inventive meal, Ox & Tiger comes highly recommended, boasting a 9.5 Recommendation Score. It’s a destination for diners who appreciate a narrative woven into their dishes and enjoy connecting with the creators behind the cuisine.
If you value an intimate setting and a culinary journey over a quick bite, this establishment is certainly worth exploring. Be prepared for a unique experience that prioritizes passion and storytelling, making it a memorable choice for a special occasion.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ox & Tiger
Food (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here is truly a standout, earning an excellent score of 9.1 and delighting 95.8% of customers! Reviewers consistently praise the incredibly unique flavors and beautifully presented dishes, often highlighting the creative tasting menu. Many appreciate the innovative Filipino-Japanese fusion, noting the passion and detail poured into every course, making for a memorable culinary journey.
Out of 165 comments, only 5 mentioned minor issues. A few found some sauces, like on the duck, a bit overpowering, or noted that the pork could be chewy. While most felt portions were perfect, a couple of diners found a dish to be a small portion.
These are minor points in an otherwise overwhelmingly positive food experience.
Food
165
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
158
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique fusion flavors
- Beautifully presented dishes
- Creative tasting menu
What people don't like
- Overpowering sauce
- Chewy pork
- Small portion size
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was truly unique and exceptional. It's literally the only place in the world that can offer this unique experience and food. The portions were perfect, the flavors were amazing, and the couple running the place was great, sharing their fun stories.
- menuThe food is great, the ambiance is amazing, and the chefs are incredible. I will definitely be back since the menu changes frequently!
- dishesThey enhance the dining with little stories about the food as you eat, truly showcasing culinary storytelling at its best. The Kobe tartar was the definite highlight, and it's clear that lots of love is going into these dishes. The menu changes regularly, and the price point surely makes it accessible, ensuring we'll be coming back for more.
- tasting menuThe entire tasting menu is $95, appetizer + main course + dessert, a total of 7 dishes
- Japanese-Filipino fusion foodperfectly execute Japanese-Filipino fusion food which is both unexpected while still being homey and comforting
- dishpour their hearts into every element of every dish
- flavorsThis is a hidden gem. It was a very unique & memorable experience filled with flavors, colors, and interesting conversations. I feel very thankful to experience their love & passion with food & life.
- octopusThe octopus was braised and grilled to perfection. Better than I’ve ever had it prepared previously.
- oystersThe oysters were so unique and I love that they were served with calamansi.
- portionsthe portions are perfectly sized
Frequently criticized
- fried mochiMy favorite were the first two courses. The sauce on the duck was a bit too overpowering for me, and I couldn’t finish the fried mochi (just not a fan in general). However, the chefs clearly have a lot of passion for their craft, making it an overall great addition to SF!
- porkThe pork was chewy and had a very “pork-y” flavor
- portion sizefound it to be a small portion
- sauceVery little sauce
- sauce on the duckThe sauce on the duck was a bit too overpowering
If youre seeking an inventive and deeply personal culinary adventure, this place is a must-try. The overwhelmingly positive feedback on the food, especially its unique fusion and presentation, suggests youre in for a treat. Don't let a few minor critiques deter you from an otherwise exceptional dining experience.
Service (9.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines, boasting an excellent score of 9.5 and an impressive 98.3% customer satisfaction. Based on 59 positive comments out of 60 total, guests consistently rave about the conversation, unique experience, and the owners/staff who share stories behind each dish, making every visit feel incredibly personal. Remarkably, there were no negative comments or concerns regarding the service, indicating a consistently flawless and highly appreciated guest interaction.
This suggests that the team excels in creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for everyone who dines there.
Service
60
Reviews
98%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Personal stories shared
- Engaging owner-chefs
- Unique dining experience
What people don't like
Often praised
- chefsI had such a wonderful experience that felt so special. The food is great, the ambiance is amazing, and the chefs are incredible. I will definitely be back since the menu changes frequently!
- ownersowners are passionate about what they are creating
- serviceHitomi and EJ were eager to tell us about their recent travels, their respective upbringings, and all of the influences behind their current dishes.
- owner-chefsIf you're a fan of creative food and an authentic experience, you'll LOVE this place. The unique 8-person seating arrangement allows you to see the food being cooked and chat with the charming owner-chefs the entire time. It felt like visiting an incredible friend who happens to be a world-class chef, and getting fed their homecooked yet Michelin star-level food.
- storiesThey made bitter melon a dish for everyone, eggplant luxurious, and even seaweed ice cream something delicious. Moreover, the drink pairings cost extra, but you'll get a great buzz out of them, and the stories they share behind each meal are so heartfelt. All in all, you're walking into an excellent food experience inspired by a beautiful love story.
- Chefs Hitomi and EJCompliments to the Chefs Hitomi and EJ
- Hitomi and EJThe menu changes every 6-8 weeks with hardly any repeats. Hitomi and EJ are the best, sharing stories about the dishes and food that you almost feel like you’re getting dinner and a show. Loved the curated music.
- amazing coupleIf you hesitate, just go : -) It was an intimate dining experience with an amazing couple running the show and amazing food! Thank you!
- answer any questionThe owners/staff were super friendly, and told the stories behind each dish. They were happy to answer any question that we asked.
- attention to detailpours love and lots of attention to detail
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a dining experience where the service is as memorable as the food, this place is an absolute must-try. The dedicated owner-chefs ensure every guest feels special, making it well worth your visit.
Ambience (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.1 and an impressive 95.2% customer satisfaction, guests consistently rave about the authentic experience and intimate dining experience. Many of the 60 positive remarks highlight the fantastic atmosphere, decor, and curated playlists that create a unique and memorable setting.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A couple of comments, out of 63 total, point to the location being a bit tricky to find or just average. While this is a minor concern, its worth noting for your first visit, but it certainly doesn't overshadow the overall positive vibe.
Ambience
63
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate dining experience
- Authentic atmosphere
- Curated music
What people don't like
- Hard to find location
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere created by a specially-curated playlist
- experienceSuch a delightful and intimate experience
- dining experiencepossibly the warmest dining experience I've ever had
- intimate atmosphereintimate atmosphere allowing complete strangers to get to know each other
- intimate dining experienceIf you hesitate, just go : -) It was an intimate dining experience with an amazing couple running the show and amazing food! Thank you!
- spaceThe space is intimate with just 8 seats
- 8 space seating8 space seating allows for careful control
- Japanese-feeling settingvery Japanese-feeling setting
- Michelin star experiencefeels like a Michelin star experience
- ambianceambiance amazing
Frequently criticized
- locationThe location can be a bit hard to find
If you're seeking an incredibly intimate and authentic dining experience with a fantastic atmosphere, this place is definitely for you. Just be aware that finding it might be part of the adventure, but the unique vibe makes it well worth the effort.
Value (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 7.7, guests are consistently impressed, and customer satisfaction sits at a strong 71.4%. Many rave about the reasonable price and wonderful deal they found, often highlighting the great price point for the experience.
Based on 5 positive remarks out of 7 total, it seems like a fantastic bang for your buck. However, its not entirely without a tiny hiccup. One diner felt that they didnt get enough food for $18, suggesting that portion sizes for certain dishes might be a point of contention for some.
This single negative comment among the 7 total observations indicates it's a minor concern, but worth noting if you have a big appetite.
Value
7
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable price
- Wonderful deal
- Worth the price
What people don't like
- Not enough food
Often praised
- priceI found it to be better than any 1, 2, or 3 Michelin star restaurant I've visited. It was well worth the price.
- price pointThe price point surely makes it accessible
- reasonable priceThe restaurant offered a very Japanese-feeling setting with such a personal presentation. The creative tasting menu was great and at a very reasonable price, changing seasonally and based on inspiration. We will be back!
- wonderful dealWonderful deal for the price
Frequently criticized
- food for $18Not enough food for $18 in my opinion
If you're looking for an experience that feels high-end without breaking the bank, this place is definitely worth checking out. Most diners find the value exceptional, offering a creative menu and memorable atmosphere at a very fair cost. Just be mindful that one or two specific dishes might feel a bit light on portions for the price.
How are the prices at Ox & Tiger?
On average, you’ll spend around 96 per person – from 41 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $91–$100 category. For a Filipino Restaurant, especially in San Francisco, that’s definitely on the higher-end.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, most diners actually spend upwards of 101 $, suggesting a premium experience rather than a mix of budget and luxury options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 41 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a higher-end Filipino spot in San Francisco, we think the pricing reflects a premium experience. Its not your everyday budget meal, but likely offers something special for the price.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ox & Tiger
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Cozy Anniversary Dinner with Delicious Doria Fries
My experience at this restaurant was wonderfully cozy and warm. We visited for their anniversary event and were delighted with the food. Specifically, the doria fries were a highlight, and I'm eager to return to try more of the dinner menu.
- doria fries9
- food9
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Filipino Food Experience
I was initially shocked by the reviews this spot had, wondering how it could be so exceptional yet so under the radar. It totally lived up to the hype! If you're a fan of creative food and an authentic experience, you'll LOVE this place.
The unique 8-person seating arrangement allows you to see the food being cooked and chat with the charming owner-chefs the entire time. It felt like visiting an incredible friend who happens to be a world-class chef, and getting fed their homecooked yet Michelin star-level food. The interpretation of Filipino food was unlike any I've had – beautiful, nostalgic, and eye-opening.
This place was such a refreshing joy to dine at, especially after many recent meals that lacked soul, depth, and imagination. GO. You'll be telling all your friends like we are.
- creative food10
- authentic experience10
- owner-chefs10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
A Truly Special Dining Experience
My experience at this restaurant was truly special. The food was delicious, and the team behind it was so sweet. The service and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- food10
- team10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Culinary Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. Every bite was inventive and exquisite. It's clear the owner-chefs absolutely love what they're doing, bringing their creativity and culinary expertise to every element of the experience.
They were also very mindful about a food sensitivity I indicated ahead of time, providing legit substitutes, and generally seem to take great care in ingredient selection. I could go on, but suffice it to say, if there were a monthly membership to come back, we’d be their first to sign up!
- food10
- owner-chefs10
- food sensitivity9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
A Unique Chef's Counter Experience
My recent dinner experience was a really lovely one. I visited in July 2024 and am already looking forward to returning to try the new menu! The location can be a bit hard to find, situated in or around the Tenderloin, and it's a small chef's counter.
Everyone is seated along the counter, so I'd recommend coming with just one friend if you want to be able to talk. A big part of the experience is being able to watch the chefs, a very sweet couple, prep each dish and explain the story. We had four courses: salmon sashimi, tofu egg roll, duck, and fried mochi.
My favorite were the first two courses. The sauce on the duck was a bit too overpowering for me, and I couldn’t finish the fried mochi (just not a fan in general). However, the chefs clearly have a lot of passion for their craft, making it an overall great addition to SF!
- watch the chefs9
- salmon sashimi8
- tofu egg roll8
- location4
- sauce on the duck3
- fried mochi3
What Ox & Tiger offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dinner
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options are available at Ox & Tiger?
At Ox & Tiger, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including brunch, dinner, and dessert. Table service is provided for your convenience, making it a great spot for any meal.
Does Ox & Tiger accept reservations?
Yes, Ox & Tiger accepts reservations, and they are required for planning your visit. Dinner reservations are especially recommended to ensure you secure your table at this popular San Francisco spot.
What is the overall rating for Ox & Tiger and what aspects contribute to it?
Ox & Tiger holds an excellent overall score of 9.1. This is driven by exceptional Service (9.5), excellent Food (9.1), and a delightful Ambience (9.1), with Value (7.7) also rated as good.
What makes the dining experience at Ox & Tiger unique?
The restaurant offers a highly intimate experience with only 8 seats, allowing for direct interaction with the owner-chefs who share stories behind each dish, creating a distinctive culinary storytelling journey.
What type of cuisine does Ox & Tiger offer?
Ox & Tiger specializes in perfectly executed Japanese-Filipino fusion food, which is described as both unexpected and comforting, featuring inventive dishes like Kobe tartar and unique oyster preparations.