Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » 54 Mint – San Francisco
54 Mint - San Francisco
Photo from 54 Mint
54 Mint at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 113 of the guests
#1224 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#87 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
750
Reviews
72.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious pasta
- Attentive staff
- Pleasant atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Inconsistent service
- Unsafe area
The Italian restaurant 54 Mint Cucina Romana in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District invites you to a delightful culinary journey. You’ll discover a cozy and romantic atmosphere perfect for any occasion, where you can indulge in their great dessert offerings.
This upscale spot, known for its authentic Roman cuisine, promises an experience that will leave you wanting more.
Overview: Introducting 54 Mint
54 Mint offers a dining experience where the culinary creations often shine, with many guests highlighting the delicious pasta dishes and exceptional tiramisu. The attentive staff also frequently receives praise for their friendly and helpful demeanor, contributing to a generally pleasant visit.
However, some experiences at 54 Mint have been marred by inconsistent service, including instances of pushy attitudes and extended waiting times. A recurring concern also revolves around the overall value, with some patrons feeling the pricing doesn’t always align with the experience.
Good
7.4
out of 10
750
Reviews
72.9%
Satisfaction
172
negative
31
neutral
547
positive
Overall, 54 Mint garners a respectable 7.4 score, indicating a good dining experience for many. This aligns well with a solid 72.9% customer satisfaction rate, suggesting that most visitors leave content.
These insights are drawn from a substantial pool of 750 customer remarks, with 547 positive observations outweighing 172 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Food stands out with a strong (7.8) score, closely followed by Service (7.6) and Ambience (7.4), all performing well.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value, which registers a lower (3.1) score, indicating that guests often find the cost-to-experience ratio less favorable.
What people like
- Delicious pasta dishes
- Attentive staff
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Poor overall value
- Inconsistent service
- Unsafe surrounding area
If you prioritize well-prepared Italian fare and a pleasant setting, 54 Mint is certainly worth considering, especially for its highly-regarded pasta and desserts. The Recommendation Score of 7.6 reflects a generally positive sentiment, suggesting many find it a worthwhile destination for a meal out.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and the perception of value, which some guests have found challenging. It’s a place that can deliver a good experience, but it might not be for those highly sensitive to pricing or expecting flawless service every time.
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Verdict: Our expert take on 54 Mint
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place generally hits the mark, boasting a solid score of 7.8 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 78%. Guests frequently rave about the delicious homemade noodles, authentic Italian food, and fresh pasta. Many of the 341 positive remarks highlight the quality and taste, making it a strong contender for your next meal.
However, not every dish is a perfect ten. Out of 77 negative comments, some diners noted a limited fixed menu, issues with food being overcooked, or minimal portions. There were also mentions of inconsistent seasoning, with some dishes being too salty, suggesting a bit of variability in execution.
Food
437
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
77
negative
19
neutral
341
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian cuisine
- Fresh pasta dishes
- Delicious homemade noodles
What people don't like
- Inconsistent seasoning
- Limited menu options
- Small portion sizes
Often praised
- foodThe pasta dishes were a highlight, particularly the one bursting with cheese flavor. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere and service were also highly rated at 4. It's a quiet place, making it easy to have conversations during dinner.
- FoodFood:5
- pastaHe was very pushy, wanting us to order expensive cocktails and multiple courses. When we ordered what we wanted (we felt like a nice plate of pasta), he kept pushing and his attitude towards us changed. He seemed to brush us off and look at us disapprovingly, making the experience overall very uncomfortable.
- carbonaraThe carbonara was extremely creamy and coated the pasta perfectly.
- tiramisuThe tiramisu was honestly the best I have ever had
- steakwe tried the steak which is a special, it tastes great!
- octopusI had dinner with a girlfriend and we received excellent service from the host, staff, and specifically John. The food was incredible; we enjoyed the carbonara, gnocchi, octopus, and red wine. The flavors were fabulous and it was exactly what we were looking for.
- wineHighlights are certainly the wine
- Italian foodGood Italian food in an upscale environment.
- TiramisuTiramisu can never go wrong at an Italian restaurant.
Frequently criticized
- pastaMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was a letdown, with hard to chew bread and undercooked pasta. The wine was expensive and acidic.
- foodfound the food here uninspiring and frankly in some way amateurish
- CarbonaraThe Gnocchi with Beef Ragu was disappointing; the gnocchi were dense and heavy, and the beef ragu was watery and bland. The Carbonara had a chalky aftertaste, and the Patate fingerling potatoes lacked seasoning. The Polpo was just okay.
- cocktailsThe problem was the server. He was very pushy, wanting us to order expensive cocktails and multiple courses. When we ordered what we wanted (we felt like a nice plate of pasta), he kept pushing and his attitude towards us changed.
- flourless chocolate cakeThe chocolate cake was truly disappointing. It was tasteless
- portionsreally tiny portions
- qualityinsane prices for the quality you’re getting
- GnocchiGnnochi was dense and heavy
- Rigatoni a la Carbonarahad a very strong and not pleasing flavor
- Roman foodfound the Roman food to be mediocre
If you're seeking authentic Italian flavors and fresh pasta, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might have inconsistent seasoning or smaller portions, so choose wisely.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
The service here generally shines, earning a 7.6 score and a 73.6% customer satisfaction rate, which is quite good! Many guests, accounting for 106 positive comments out of 144 pieces of feedback, rave about the attentive staff, friendly waiters, and often impeccable service, with some even highlighting a super hostess and great recommendations. However, not every experience is perfect.
About 34 pieces of feedback point to occasional slow service, long waiting periods, or even pushy servers. Some also noted issues with reservations or unasked wine appearing on the bill, suggesting there's a little room for improvement in consistency.
Service
144
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
34
negative
4
neutral
106
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Impeccable, great service
- Knowledgeable recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow service, long waits
- Pushy, rude servers
- Reservation problems
Often praised
- serviceThe pasta dishes were a highlight, particularly the one bursting with cheese flavor. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere and service were also highly rated at 4. It's a quiet place, making it easy to have conversations during dinner.
- staffstaff were incredibly gentilissimo and amichevole
- ServiceService- 5/5
- bartenderMy experience at the restaurant was 10/10! The food, waiters, bussers, and bartender were all fantastic. The only hiccup was with the navigation, as my Waymo took me through the Tenderloin to get there.
- serverOur server was quick, and very attentive throughout our meal.
- waiterOur waiter, John, was attentive, funny, and spot-on
- ownerowner has a restaurant in Williamsburg Brooklyn
- wait staffI feel bad writing this because the wait staff are so nice, but waiting 40 plus minutes for lamb chops on the first trip then having to send back two over done steaks the second trip is just too much for the price. Do not recommend.
- Italian employeesMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful. The staff were incredibly gentilissimo and amichevole, especially the Italian employees. The food was ottimi, with the pasta cacio&pepe being a standout.
- Italian serverthe Italian server who was very understanding
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was the worse service ever. After waiting 15 minutes in line, they allowed another party to sit at the bar before us, even though we had requested the bar.
- waiting timewaited over 90 minutes for order
- attitudeHe was very pushy, wanting us to order expensive cocktails and multiple courses. When we ordered what we wanted (we felt like a nice plate of pasta), he kept pushing and his attitude towards us changed. He seemed to brush us off and look at us disapprovingly, making the experience overall very uncomfortable.
- changeWe said we wanted change and he gave us another disapproving look. It took him 15 minutes to get us change as he decided to spend time chatting with other tables. It was the first time in my life I didn't leave any tips.
- charged me for something they claimed was freecharged me for something they told me was free
- employeesThese employees are very rude
- food ready timefood is ready in five minutes and it’s still another 20 minutes
- gaslight and lietried to gaslight and lie to me about it
- glass of winethe glass of wine arrived at half the first course
- managershe told me the manager said “too bad”
Overall, the service here is a strong point, making it a great choice if you value attentive and friendly staff. While a few guests have encountered minor hiccups like slow moments or pushy servers, the vast majority have a positive experience, so it's definitely worth a visit.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.4, which is quite good, and customer satisfaction sits at a solid 76%. Many guests rave about the charming atmosphere, with 95 positive remarks out of 125 total. Youll often find it described as a romantic, cozy place with delightful Italian vibes and an upscale environment, perfect for a special evening.
However, its not without its quirks, as 27 comments point out. Some have noted issues like a sketchy neighborhood or the unfortunate smell of urine outside. The basement area can sometimes be loud or echoey, and a few found the atmosphere a bit pretentious, which might detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
125
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
27
negative
3
neutral
95
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Romantic, cozy atmosphere
- Upscale Italian vibes
- Good for groups
What people don't like
- Sketchy neighborhood
- Loud basement seating
- Unpleasant outdoor smells
Often praised
- atmosphereThe pasta dishes were a highlight, particularly the one bursting with cheese flavor. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere and service were also highly rated at 4. It's a quiet place, making it easy to have conversations during dinner.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceWe visited this restaurant on our first night in San Francisco because it had good reviews. The menu was attractive and the ambience. We were welcomed nicely and sat at a nice table.
- ambianceThe wine was expensive and acidic. While the service was average, the ambiance and location were the only redeeming qualities, but they came at a steep price. You're essentially paying for the atmosphere rather than the quality of the meal.
- interiorThe interior is open with super high ceilings and nice contemporary decor.
- placeIt’s also a visually beautiful place to sit and relax
- dining experienceThe only hiccup was with the navigation, as my Waymo took me through the Tenderloin to get there. Despite that, it was an amazing dining experience, and I will definitely be back!
- lightingvery dim lighting downstairs, but I loved it
- locationThe wine was expensive and acidic. While the service was average, the ambiance and location were the only redeeming qualities, but they came at a steep price. You're essentially paying for the atmosphere rather than the quality of the meal.
- noise levelThe food received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere and service were also highly rated at 4. It's a quiet place, making it easy to have conversations during dinner. The price per person is between $30–50.
Frequently criticized
- areaThe area does not feel very safe
- basementwe were sat in the basement
- area around the restaurantthe area around the restaurant. A very dangerous place and not somewhere to walk around at night
- area of SFThe basement is a good spot for group gatherings. It’s in a pretty hectic area of SF, so personally, I don’t plan on returning.
- atmosphereAtmosphere was a bit pretentious
- barmangez direct au bar...c est spartiate
- basement seatingavoid the basement seating at all cost
- children's tablesat in the basement at a children's table that was too low
- dance musicDistracting dance music
- echoeymore echoey than I like
If you're looking for a romantic, cozy spot with an upscale Italian feel, this place is definitely worth a visit, especially for a special occasion. Just be mindful of the surrounding area and consider avoiding the basement if you prefer a quieter setting.
Value (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few diners found some silver linings. There were 5 positive remarks out of 44 total, with some appreciating the decent prices and finding certain items, like the prix fixe menu, to be a relatively great value. A few even noted that the price was surprisingly not crazy expensive for what they received.
However, the overall sentiment paints a starkly different picture. With a low score of 3.1 and customer satisfaction at a mere 11.4%, its clear that value is a major concern. A significant 34 negative comments highlight issues like "overpriced" food, exorbitant "wine prices, " and unexpected "service charge" and "reservation fees, " making many feel its not a place for the faint of wallet.
Value
44
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
34
negative
5
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Decent prices
- Prix fixe menu
What people don't like
- Food overpriced
- Hidden charges
- High wine prices
Often praised
- priceIt was priced appropriately
- decent pricesdecent prices
- prix fixe menuprix fixe menu that is a relatively great value
Frequently criticized
- priceI feel bad writing this because the wait staff are so nice, but waiting 40 plus minutes for lamb chops on the first trip then having to send back two over done steaks the second trip is just too much for the price. Do not recommend.
- billWhen we got our bill, I was surprised to see that they charged $4 per each bottle, for tap water! All in all, our bill for 4 people was over $500 for small plates of pasta. We won't be going back here.
- overpricedExtremely overpriced for what the food tastes like
- pricesPrices for a pasta dish between $22 and $28
- service charge20% Servicegebühr als Selbstverständlichkeit draufgehauen
- Price per personI was looking forward to trying this place out for my birthday with the high ratings, but it just wasn't it and a waste of $100 SMH. The smell of urine while eating couldn't be more of a turn off.
- Value for moneyValue for money - 1/5
- bread chargeserved bread without knowing there was a charge
- bread not freealso bread is not free
- cake feeIf you bring a cake, cake fee 7$ person. What????!!!!
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a hefty bill, as value is a significant concern for many. With a score of 3.1 and customer satisfaction at just 11.4%, its clear that most diners feel the prices dont match the experience. This might be a place to skip if youre looking for good bang for your buck.
How are the prices at 54 Mint?
On average, you’ll spend around 63 per person – from 113 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For an Italian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the full picture, while the average is in this higher range, the price distribution shows a good mix. Many guests actually spend less, with the most common spend falling into the $31–$40 bracket, suggesting a nice blend of more casual and more premium options.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 113 most recent reviews.
Here’s how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
For an Italian Restaurant, the pricing sits comfortably in the higher-mid range. Wed say its fair if the quality of the food and the overall dining experience truly deliver. It’s not a budget option, but it seems to offer a range of choices to suit different occasions.
Customer Reviews: what people think about 54 Mint
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Italian with Stellar Service!
I had a truly wonderful experience at this Italian restaurant. Our waiter, John, was incredibly attentive and funny, and his recommendations were spot-on. The pasta was incredibly fresh and full of flavor, showcasing the quality of the ingredients.
We also thoroughly enjoyed the desserts, which provided a perfect finish to the meal. The clarified margarita was exceptional. I highly recommend this place for anyone seeking authentic Italian food with great service!
- waiter10
- recommendations10
- pasta10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Dinner Experience
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic all around. The chicken dinner was superb, exceeding recent experiences. Even the lager beer was excellent.
- chicken dinner9
- lager beer9
- Food5
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Wonderful Italian Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The Italian food was exceptional, complemented by the great service from the Italian waiters. I particularly enjoyed the unique and delicious pork with fennel.
The homemade focaccia and breadsticks were dreamy, and the Tiramisu was world-class. The wine list was also impressive. Overall, it's a very cozy and great place.
- Italian food10
- Italian waiters9
- pork with fennel9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Solid Italian with a Cozy Vibe
My experience at 54 Mint Cucina Romana was that of enjoying solid Italian food. The pasta was fresh, and the sauces were tasty. The pizzas were also perfectly baked.
The atmosphere of the place is cozy and welcoming, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal with friends or family.
- pasta9
- sauces8
- pizzas9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic Italian with Delicious Pasta
I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant, which offers authentic Italian cuisine in a romantic atmosphere. The pasta dishes were a highlight, particularly the one bursting with cheese flavor. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere and service were also highly rated at 4.
It's a quiet place, making it easy to have conversations during dinner. The price per person is between $30–50.
- authentic Italian cuisine9
- pasta dishes10
- cheese flavor10
What 54 Mint offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at 54 Mint Cucina Romana?
Yes, 54 Mint Cucina Romana accepts reservations, and they are recommended for dinner, lunch, and brunch. Planning ahead ensures you secure your table at this popular San Francisco Italian restaurant.
What parking and accessibility options are available at 54 Mint Cucina Romana?
54 Mint Cucina Romana offers convenient paid parking options including a lot, garage, and street parking, often with plenty of spaces. The restaurant also features wheelchair accessible entrances and seating for your comfort.
How does 54 Mint generally rate with customers?
54 Mint holds a 7.4 overall score, with Food scoring 7.8, Service 7.6, and Ambience 7.4. However, Value is a notable concern at 3.1.
What are the standout dishes at 54 Mint?
Many guests praise the pasta dishes, particularly the creamy carbonara, and the tiramisu is often described as exceptional.
Are there any common complaints about 54 Mint?
Some patrons have noted issues with service consistency, including pushy staff and long waits, and many feel the restaurant offers poor value for its pricing. The surrounding area has also been a concern for some.