Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Nopalito – San Francisco
Nopalito - San Francisco
Photo from Nopalito
Nopalito at a glance
San Francisco Panhandle
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 107 of the guests
#1860 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#98 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
625
Reviews
65.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Mexican cuisine
- Warm ambiance
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- QR ordering
- Loud setting
The restaurant Nopalito offers an authentic Mexican dining experience right in San Francisco’s vibrant Panhandle neighborhood. You’ll discover a menu rich with organic dishes, perfect for those seeking fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy lunch or a trendy setting for dinner, this casual eatery provides a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a fantastic choice if you appreciate healthy options and a diverse selection of beverages, including hard liquor, wine, and craft beer.
Overview: Introducting Nopalito
Nopalito presents a vibrant take on Mexican cuisine, with many guests praising its creative flavors and unique dishes. While the atmosphere often feels cozy and bright, some found the overall value to be a point of contention, feeling the experience didn’t quite match the cost.
The service approach, particularly the reliance on QR codes for ordering, received mixed feedback, impacting the personal touch. Despite this, the culinary offerings, from mole to fish tacos, frequently earn high marks for their quality.
Good
6.7
out of 10
625
Reviews
65.6%
Satisfaction
187
negative
28
neutral
410
positive
Nopalito earns a respectable overall score of 6.7, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 65.6%, indicating that while many leave content, there’s still room for improvement in meeting everyone’s expectations.
This assessment is drawn from 625 customer observations, with 410 positive remarks against 187 negative ones. Looking closer, the Food (7.1) and Ambience (7.1) are clear strengths, frequently highlighted for their quality and inviting feel.
Service (6.3) is fair, often noted for its attentiveness, but Value (3.7) remains a significant area where guests felt the pricing didn’t always align with the offering.
What people like
- Delicious Mexican Food
- Pleasant Atmosphere
- Attentive Service
What people don't like
- High Prices
- QR Code Ordering
- Loud & Bright Ambience
With a recommendation score of 6.8, Nopalito is worth considering if you prioritize flavorful Mexican dishes and a pleasant setting over strict budget concerns. It’s a place that delivers on taste, making it a solid choice for a culinary experience.
However, be prepared for potentially higher prices and a less traditional service model. If you’re seeking an intimate, quiet meal or a bargain, you might find it falls short, but for good food, it generally delivers.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Nopalito
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally quite pleased! With a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at 70.7%, its clear many are enjoying their meals. Out of 393 reviews, 278 rave about the authentic food, delicious food, and complex flavors, often highlighting the quality ingredients used.
However, not everyone is entirely convinced. Around 99 comments point to some disappointments, mentioning lackluster plates, a surprising no flavor in some dishes, and complaints about bland taste or small portions. ' It seems consistency might be a slight issue for a few.
Food
393
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
99
negative
16
neutral
278
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, complex flavors
- Inventive, delicious food
- High-quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Lack of flavor
- Bland taste
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodIncredible food. The range of flavors, the unique perspectives on traditional dishes, and the creative new approaches are all excellent.
- Mexican foodMy experience at Nopalito was fantastic! If you're in the mood for delicious Mexican food and attentive service, Nopalito is a great choice. Their mole is particularly excellent, bursting with flavor that's sure to satisfy your taste buds.
- portionsAll of the portions, I could only manage to eat half
- FoodFood:5
- fish tacosI would definitely go again. We enjoyed the ceviche tostada, birria, and fish tacos.
- cevichehuge fan of their ceviche
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great food, the great beer selection, and the nice cocktails. The service was nearly instant when I ordered by phone at my table, which was a pleasant surprise.
- flanthe flan was the perfect ending to the meal
- margaritasTheir margaritas were tasty too
- molemole is particularly excellent, bursting with flavor
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was not what I remember from previous visits.
- molemole(just for me, it was a bit disgusting seeing it with skin)
- ricerice, which was really flavorless except for the starch
- tasteI usually take pictures, but this meal wasn't impressive enough. Despite the hype and glowing reviews, the taste fell short. The only standout flavor was the peanut hot sauce accompanying the quesadilla.
- Mexican foodThis is a shame to have Mexican food that has no flavor!
- authenticityOur group felt it lacked authenticity.
- cabbageit had a ton of cabbage on it so you couldn’t even see the fish
- cevicheHad the ceviche which we had to request salt as it was tasteless
- chickenthe chicken tasted.. off
- drinksDrinks were also pretty meh, just watered down tasting
Overall, if you're looking for a good culinary experience with authentic and inventive Mexican dishes, this place is definitely worth a try. While a few diners found some dishes lacking in flavor or portion size, the majority celebrate the delicious and complex offerings. Expect mostly good food, but be aware of potential inconsistencies.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, it seems like a bit of a mixed bag here, with a score of 6.3 (which is pretty average) and customer satisfaction sitting at 60%, indicating a mixed experience for many. Based on 120 opinions, with 72 positive remarks, guests often praise the friendly service, efficient and fast staff, and the overall attentive nature of the team, making for a pleasant dining experience. However, with 43 negative comments, there are some clear areas for improvement.
Many found the reliance on QR code ordering frustrating, leading to a perceived lack of human touch. Some also reported issues with a rude host or manager, and a general absence of basic service like providing water or napkins without asking.
Service
120
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
43
negative
5
neutral
72
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Efficient ordering
What people don't like
- QR code ordering
- Lack of human touch
- Rude host
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Nopalito was fantastic! If you're in the mood for delicious Mexican food and attentive service, Nopalito is a great choice. Their mole is particularly excellent, bursting with flavor that's sure to satisfy your taste buds.
- ServiceIncredible Service.
- staffIt's a labor of love from Veracruz native Gonzalo Guzman, who draws on traditional flavors passed down from his mother, enhanced by California's bounty. At 306 Broderick, guests are greeted warmly by staff and offered a menu featuring items like slow-cooked pork and handmade tortillas. The atmosphere is upscale yet casual, a true "Bib Gourmand" that punches above its weight class.
- bartenderthe bartender welcoming and open to chatting
- managerThe manager came eventually
- wait timeWait time:No wait
- Friendly serviceFriendly service
- QR codeYou order via a QR code, which made splitting the bill easier
- ServerServer was nice.
- charger for my phonelet me borrow a charger for my phone
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe prices were overpriced, and the host was rude. The service was practically non-existent as they rely on QR codes for ordering and payment, which I found to be a poor approach. I believe there are better places to dine.
- staffI called to place an order and it turns out there's no one who speaks Spanish. So, they like selling our gastronomy but don't hire staff who speak Spanish. Service: 3
- waterThey did not even bring us water
- QR code orderingthey make you use a QR code
- QR codeswhy are we still ordering from QR codes?
- Spanish speakersI called to place an order and it turns out there's no one who speaks Spanish. So, they like selling our gastronomy but don't hire staff who speak Spanish.
- acknowledgmentno acknowledgment when my party arrived
- annoying appinstead of the annoying app
- approachthe approach to our party made us fell not welcome
- billtook forever to get the bill
If you're comfortable with QR code ordering and value speed, you might find the service perfectly adequate and friendly. However, if you prefer traditional, attentive table service and a more personal touch, you might find it a bit lacking.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.1, which is good, and customer satisfaction is also strong at 73.6%. With 53 positive remarks out of 72 total, guests frequently praise the lovely atmosphere, great vibe, and abundant seating. Many appreciate the free parking and the overall family-friendly feel, making it a pleasant spot to gather.
However, its not without its quirks, as 16 negative comments point out. Some find the single restroom inconvenient, often requiring a walk outside. The space can get crowded and loud, which might be distracting, and a few guests felt the lighting' was too bright, impacting the overall comfort.
Ambience
72
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lovely atmosphere
- Abundant seating
- Free parking
What people don't like
- Single restroom
- Can be loud
- Too bright lighting
Often praised
- atmosphereThis restaurant offers a cozy, warm, and bright atmosphere, a welcome contrast to San Francisco's fog. I had to seek out the original location after their to-go window by Dolores Park closed, specifically for their chips, or totopos, which I believe are the best tortilla chips in SF.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- parkingFree parking lot
- seatinglots of seating
- vibeIf you’re Hispanic, give it a try! You’ll feel the vibe!
- abundant seatingabundant seating in door and out
- ambianceambiance are great though
- casual restaurantIs a casual restaurant
- cleanClean, efficient
- family and friendsGreat restaurant to go with family and friends
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereHonestly, the food didn't have any flavor, and I don't understand why the ratings are so high 😐. While it's a nice place to go, it doesn't seem like the Hispanic community is welcome due to the looks we received. For the amount I spent with my family, I couldn't have gotten some better food elsewhere.
- bathroomonly one bathroom and you have to go outside and around the restaurant to get to it
- busy and loudthe place was busy and loud wich is expected but distracting
- charmplace is missing charm
- crowdeddef gets crowded here
- lightingWay too bright
- loudIt’s so loud in there that you can’t hear the waiter
- parkingParking:Hard to find parking
- parking spaceParking space:Difficult to find parking
- placeLiteral garbage place
If you're looking for a lively spot with good vibes and plenty of seating, this place is a solid choice. Just be prepared for potential noise and a bit of a trek to the restroom, especially during busy times.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
While the overall sentiment around value isnt great, with a score of 3.7 indicating a poor experience and customer satisfaction at a mere 17.5%, a few diners did appreciate the prices and price point, finding them fair for the quality. Some even felt certain dishes were worth paying more for, suggesting that for specific items, the cost was justified. However, the vast majority of feedback, with 29 out of 40 comments, points to significant concerns.
Many found the prices to be expensive and overpriced, especially when considering portion sizes. Charges for chips and salsa or costly canned beers often contributed to a feeling of poor value and that the experience simply wasnt worth it for the money spent.
Value
40
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
29
negative
4
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good quality for price
- Fairly priced items
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Small portions
- Extra charges add up
Often praised
- pricesgood prices for the quality
- priceIt’s worth paying more than $10 for a burrito here
- billthe bill came out to about $100 for 2 people.
- price pointespecially at this price point
Frequently criticized
- priceThe ceviche was also a highlight. However, the overall experience was marred by the fact that the restaurant felt overpriced and the food lacked authenticity. Specifically, the Café de olla was not authentic and was very diluted, with milk added in advance.
- pricesOur only complaint is prices
- canned beersall they have are cans; all priced at $9
- chipsI had to pay for the extra chips
- expensiveFor one quesadilla, an order of guacamole and chips, and a Horchata, the bill came to $41. This was just so incredibly expensive and, in my opinion, not worth it.
- expensive dinnerAdditionally, the reliance on QR codes for ordering in 2023 felt outdated and contributed to a lack of charm. The atmosphere was also an issue; it was way too bright for what was intended to be a relatively expensive dinner.
- foodfood seems slightly overpriced
- incredibly over pricedThe food is incredibly over priced
- moneydon’t waste your money here
- platesplates were expensive for the amount of food served
If you're looking for good value, this might not be your spot. Most diners felt the prices were too high for what you get, especially regarding portion sizes and extra charges. You might find better bang for your buck elsewhere.
How are the prices at Nopalito?
You’re looking at roughly 39 per person – reported by 107 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 39, it’s interesting to see that a good number of diners actually spend a bit more, with the largest group falling into the $41–$50 range. This suggests a mix of experiences, from solid mid-range meals to slightly more premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 107 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, the pricing feels fair for a mid-range experience. We think it offers good value for those looking for quality without breaking the bank, especially with the variety of price points available.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Nopalito
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Innovative and Delicious Dining Experience
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. My family, visiting from out of town, chose this place based on its website and menu, and it exceeded all expectations. The food was even better than I remembered, particularly the two calabasas dishes, the enchiladas mole, and the beautifully presented little gem salad.
The restaurant offers a large vegetarian selection with at least seven dishes available, and even the chicken mole could be made vegetarian. The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, and there was plenty of parking in the free lot. We experienced no wait time, and the noise level was moderate.
It's a highly recommended spot, especially for vegetarians.
- calabasas dishes9
- enchiladas mole9
- little gem salad9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Mezcal and Delicious Quesadillas
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. I enjoyed the slightly upscale Mexican food, and they have a great mezcal selection. The totopos were a definite hit, and the chicharon quesadilla was absolutely Delicious.
The atmosphere and service were both top-notch, receiving a perfect score of 5.
- Mexican food8
- mezcal selection9
- totopos9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Nopalito: Impeccable Food and Vibe
My experience at Nopalito was perfect. The food was thoughtful and impeccable, the service was upbeat, and the vibe was great. Considering the quality, the prices were good.
My go-to dishes are the Market Salad and Enchiladas Mole, but honestly, everything is special. May it live on forever.
- food10
- service9
- vibe9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
An Unforgettable Culinary Gem!
This was hands down one of my favourite restaurant experiences ever. The service was spot on, with everyone sporting a contagious smile that truly enhanced the entire experience. The food was absolutely amazing, especially the homemade tortillas and quesadillas, which were a delightful surprise, particularly at this price point.
I can't wait to return in a few years and hopefully enjoy this place once again. Thank you, merci, from France!
- service10
- food10
- homemade tortillas9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Overpriced, Inauthentic Food & Rude Staff
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly disappointing. I suspect the food is frozen and simply heated up, which is unacceptable given the incredibly over priced nature of the dishes. The portions were minuscule, not even enough for a child.
The servers were overly bubbly initially, but I overheard them talking negatively about customers once they thought no one was listening. I strongly advise against coming here; instead, support an actual Mexican restaurant with authentic food.
- food1
- servers1
- incredibly over priced1
What Nopalito offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- 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
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Nopalito?
At Nopalito, you can enjoy a casual and cozy dining experience with a trendy vibe. They offer various dining options including brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfortable seating and table service. You can also opt for outdoor seating to soak in the Panhandle atmosphere.
Does Nopalito offer accessible options and a diverse menu?
Yes, Nopalito is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. Their menu is diverse, including healthy options, organic dishes, and vegetarian choices. You’ll also find small plates, late-night food, and a full bar with cocktails, wine, and beer.
How does Nopalito generally rate?
Nopalito holds an overall score of 6.7, with Customer Satisfaction at 65.6%. Its Food (7.1) and Ambience (7.1) are well-regarded, while Service (6.3) is fair, and Value (3.7) is a notable concern.
What kind of food can I expect at Nopalito?
Nopalito offers Mexican cuisine with a range of flavors and unique perspectives on traditional dishes. Many enjoy their mole, fish tacos, ceviche, and flan, though some found the taste inconsistent.
Is Nopalito considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed, with many finding the prices high for the portions or overall experience. While some feel the quality justifies the cost, others consider it expensive.