Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » The Market – San Francisco
The Market - San Francisco
Photo from The Market
The Market at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 2 of the guests
#2250 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#251 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Average
5.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
350
Reviews
50.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Diverse food
- Fresh produce
- Fast service
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Bad service
- High prices
The restaurant The Market in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood offers you a casual and trendy atmosphere. You can enjoy a quick bite or a full meal, with healthy and organic options available.
Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this spot provides a welcoming environment where you can relax and dine-in, or grab takeout if you’re on the go.
Overview: Introducting The Market
The Market offers a diverse selection of prepared foods, with many appreciating the fresh produce and various food hall options like delicious pizza and Korean dishes. It’s often seen as a convenient spot for a quick meal or specialty groceries.
However, some experiences at The Market point to inconsistencies in food quality, with complaints about bland dishes and even raw items. Additionally, issues with customer service and perceived high prices have been noted by visitors.
Average
5.4
out of 10
350
Reviews
50.3%
Satisfaction
143
negative
31
neutral
176
positive
Overall, The Market receives an average Restaurant Score of 5.4, with Customer Satisfaction sitting at a mixed 50.3%. This indicates a somewhat divided experience among visitors.
Based on 350 customer remarks, with 176 positive and 143 negative, it’s clear there are areas where the establishment shines and others where it struggles to meet expectations. Looking closer, the Food (6.6) is generally better received, often praised for its variety and quality.
However, Ambience (5.9) is just average, and both Service (3.2) and Value (3.8) fall into the poor category. This suggests that while the culinary offerings have some appeal, the overall experience, particularly regarding staff interaction and pricing, leaves much to be desired.
What people like
- Diverse food selection
- Fresh produce available
- Efficient service speed
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Poor customer service
- High pricing concerns
With a Recommendation Score of 5.7, The Market presents a mixed proposition. If you’re seeking a convenient spot for a quick, diverse meal or fresh groceries, it might be worth a visit.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in food preparation and pricing. Ultimately, your experience here could vary.
While some find value in its offerings, others are left wanting more from the service and overall cost. It’s a place that could satisfy a specific need but might not consistently deliver a uniformly positive dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Market
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
When it comes to the food, theres a lot to explore! Many customers appreciate the quality food and variety of cuisines, from delicious Philippine cooking to tasty Korean dishes. Youll find convenient prepared food, healthy options, and even some hard-to-find items, contributing to an average score of 6.6 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 69.6% across 119 positive opinions.
However, not everything is perfect. Some have noted a dwindling selection, especially for vegan/vegetarian choices, and concerns about contaminated foods at the salad bar. Issues like moldy produce and occasionally bland or inedible items were mentioned in 37 negative opinions, suggesting inconsistency and room for improvement.
Food
171
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
37
negative
15
neutral
119
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality prepared food
- Wide cuisine variety
- Healthy options available
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Limited vegan options
- Produce freshness issues
Often praised
- foodfood was a 4 out of 5
- pizzatheir pizza are delicious
- produceThe produce is fresh and high quality
- salad barIt's a fantastic place for a healthy lunch or dinner, and it also offers specialty groceries, giving it a Whole Foods vibe. They have a variety of food hall style options, including poke, Italian, and Filipino, as well as a salad bar and hot food bar. You can also enjoy alcohol here.
- Chicken SisigThis is a great food place concept! I had the best Chicken Sisig from the Manila Bowl. I'll definitely be back to try food from the other stores.
- Food MarketWhen you don't want to eat out in San Francisco every night, this is an ideal Food Market (Luxury supermarket). Besides the wide assortment of wines and food, you can buy various freshly prepared hot meals, like a pizza slice or more, and chilled beer and ready-made salads.
- German beerGerman beer darf nicht fehlen
- KoreanThe internal restaurants are convenient and provide good quality meals. I particularly enjoyed the delicious Philippine cooking at Manila Bowl and the tasty Korean dishes at Matko. I also appreciate being able to get prepackaged items made by Matko for home when the restaurant isn't open.
- Korean placeKorean place turned out to be really good
- Paleo wafflePaleo waffle and new bagel - both were very tasty
Frequently criticized
- burgerthe burger is raw inside, in fact still icy inside
- foodgenerally bland, stodgy and uninspired
- pizzapizza to be lukewarm and half burnt
- productsThe item in question was hummus. I suggest their buyer taste the products they sell if they don’t already.
- Beyond Burgermake me a beyond burger. No Dairy free cheese
- Quality-wiseyou don't get what you pay for: generally bland, stodgy and uninspired
- bagelworst bagel i ever got in my life
- boiled egga spoonful of boiled egg in this picture came to $4.50
- buddha noodle bowla buddha noodle bowl, was sweet and inedible
- cherry tomatoesgrabbing cherry tomatoes that fell in the next tray full of fresh pineapple chunks with her gloved hands
If you're looking for a place with a wide variety of prepared foods and specialty items, this spot could be a good fit. Just be mindful of potential inconsistencies in freshness and selection, especially if you have specific dietary needs.
Service (3.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
While a small number of patrons (15 out of 71 comments) did find some positives in the service, highlighting happy staff, quick service, and a generally convenient experience, these instances appear to be the exception rather than the rule. Some appreciated the friendly vibe from certain employees and fast-moving lines. However, the overwhelming majority of feedback (52 out of 71 comments) points to significant issues.
The service score sits at a poor 3.2, with customer satisfaction also quite low at 21.1%. Many experienced horrible customer service, rude staff (with specific mentions of zero people skills), and issues like a slow kitchen counter or unwelcoming security guards.
Service
71
Reviews
21%
Satisfaction
52
negative
4
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy staff
- Quick service
- Fast moving lines
What people don't like
- Poor customer service
- Rude staff
- Security issues
Often praised
- staffThey offer the best vegan snacks, though they are a bit of a splurge. I love this place because the staff are super nice and I can always find something yummy to eat. It's a great little market for people in the area.
- Lines move quicklyThe vendor options for take away are varied and of good quality. Lines move quickly. Prices are a little high, but what do you expect in this location?
- convenienceVery convenient store for fellow downtown residents
- fast servicefast service
- happy staffVery nice happy staff
- managershe also was kind enough to provide me with another burger
- need items immediatelyif you need items immediately
- quick mealMy experience at the restaurant was life-saving thanks to the delicious food. It's a great option for a quick, cheap and nutritional meal.
- quick serviceexcellent quick service stores
- self-service restaurantself service restaurant
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceHorrible horrible horrible customer service.
- security guardOn a weekday lunch, the restaurant was pretty empty and desolate, but clean. I observed a man calmly walking his scooter to the nearest exit, only to be shouted at by a security guard for not carrying it by hand. It makes one wonder if the guard understands that scooter tires and shoes are equally dirty.
- staffMy experience was that of a liar and horrible staff. I would advise others to watch out when you buy stuff in there.
- hoursUnfortunately, the restaurant was closed. It would be helpful if they could update their hours with Google, as they are now closed on weekends.
- managermanager finally came and told me there are no exceptions
- Amazon lockersI had a package delivered to there Amazon lockers
- Google hoursleaded by Google on a Saturday
- Jamesone specific worker at the checkout counter -- James -- is extremely rude
- MidolI have Midol! It IS ibuprofen!
- bathroom accessneeding the bathroom before ordering food was not permitted
If service is a top priority for you, this might be a place to approach with caution. While some find quick and friendly interactions, the low score and satisfaction suggest you're more likely to encounter significant customer service issues. Be prepared for potential frustrations, especially if you need assistance or a smooth experience.
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
The ambience here offers a mixed bag, with a 5.9 score indicating it's pretty average, yet customer satisfaction sits at a 60.4% mixed level. Many appreciate the lovely space and calm atmosphere within a historic building setting. With 32 positive remarks out of 53, guests often find it a convenient place with ample seating for a pleasant visit.
However, 17 negative comments point to some significant drawbacks. Some feel the atmosphere is pretty quiet inside with a lot of empty stalls, leading to a lack of energy. Concerns also include poor Wi-Fi and a scarcity of outlets, alongside a frustrating not a sitting area policy for certain spots.
Ambience
53
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
17
negative
4
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lovely calm atmosphere
- Historic building setting
- Ample seating available
What people don't like
- Lackluster energy
- Poor Wi-Fi/outlets
- Strict sitting policy
Often praised
- marketMy experience at this market was mixed. It's a nice market with food places inside, which I found ideal for young professionals in the area. However, during my visit, the coffee shop had closed, reportedly due to staff not returning to offices upstairs.
- Marketit's a great Market on Market St.!!
- Wifiwith Wifi
- cafecafe in the front to grab a quick bite
- calm atmosphereThe interior has a calm atmosphere with dim lighting
- cleanlinessOn a weekday lunch, the restaurant was pretty empty and desolate, but clean. I observed a man calmly walking his scooter to the nearest exit, only to be shouted at by a security guard for not carrying it by hand.
- close to the sf public libraryit’s close to the sf public library
- convenient placewonderfully convenient place
- dim lightingThe interior has a calm atmosphere with dim lighting
- food marketGreat food market
Frequently criticized
- store hoursI got there a little bit before 7pm and was told that they are closed.
- Wi-FiThe food stalls, however, were decent. There’s a bunch of seating, but the Wi-Fi is poor and there are not many outlets. I think if places like these want to survive and attract remote workers, they should up the Wi-Fi and add outlets please 🙏.
- atmospherePretty quiet inside no atmosphere
- bathroomhad no bathroom
- coffee shopthey used to have a coffee shop but it shuttered
- couchTake the wide open couch out of the wine section
- empty stallsa lot of empty stalls
- energyThis place is a sad barometer for the state of the area. I remember when this restaurant was packed and full of energy, with the wine bar two deep. They had an amazing curated selection of consumables.
- freezer and fridge sectionfreezer and fridge section being down for over 6 months
- germsspreading the gross germs by touching the spoons and the foods with the same gloves.
If you're looking for a convenient place with a calm atmosphere in a historic building for a quick bite or meeting friends, it could be a decent option. However, be prepared for potentially empty stalls and unreliable Wi-Fi, especially if you plan to work remotely or need a lively vibe.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, leaning heavily towards the challenging side. While a few patrons, about 10 out of 55 comments, did appreciate finding a cheap meal or reasonable prices that offered great value and were affordable, the overall sentiment suggests otherwise. The value score sits at a poor 3.8, and customer satisfaction is quite low at 18.2%.
The vast majority of feedback, with 37 negative opinions, points to items being pricey, overpriced, and generally expensive. Be prepared for high prices and potential sticker shock when you check out.
Value
55
Reviews
18%
Satisfaction
37
negative
8
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- High prices
- Billing issues
Often praised
- affordableI always pass by this supermarket and had my groceries. All my necessary needs were all here and it was all affordable and within your budget!
- cheap mealMy experience at the restaurant was life-saving thanks to the delicious food. It's a great option for a quick, cheap and nutritional meal.
- great valuePizza by the slice is a great value
- moneymy money was refunded
- priceprice was not too bad
- pricesPrices are fair
- reasonable priceeat at a very reasonable price
- reasonable pricessurprisingly reasonable prices
- well pricedThe produce is organic and well priced
- within your budgetI always pass by this supermarket and had my groceries. All my necessary needs were all here and it was all affordable and within your budget!
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by unique food, but be prepared to take out a loan before you come here. Before buying produce, I'd recommend checking if the Civic Center Farmer's Market is happening across the street, as it's better for the community and will save lots of money.
- overpricedthey are a bit overpriced
- pricesBesides the wide assortment of wines and food, you can buy various freshly prepared hot meals, like a pizza slice or more, and chilled beer and ready-made salads. Keep in mind that the prices are about 100% higher than in the Netherlands. And then, at checkout, 'taxes' are added, which are not included in the price as they are with us.
- priceyThis isn't a museum. The market is pricey, and this experience has soured my opinion.
- $15To make matters worse, they put mayonnaise on my burger, even though I specifically requested it be vegan and non-dairy. It felt like they just threw it together without any effort, especially for $15.
- $7price of $7, I expected much better
- SNAP/ EBTtoo arrogant to take SNAP/ EBT
- basic groceriesbasic groceries and produce are super expensive
- billIf a customer does not recheck his bill, they are likely to be overpaying.
- billingThey charge whatever they want while billing.
If youre on a tight budget, you might find a few affordable gems, but be prepared for a generally expensive experience. This place is likely to disappoint if youre expecting consistent great value across the board.
How are the prices at The Market?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 2 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the few reviews we have, it seems prices can vary a bit, with one falling into the $11–$20 bracket and another in the $21–$30 range. This suggests a bit of a mix, rather than everyone spending the exact same. Just a heads-up, this is based on a small number of diners (only 2!), but it gives us a good initial feel.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 2 reviews. Just remember, with only a couple of data points, it’s a good indication, but not the full picture!
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a restaurant in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels pretty fair. Its a solid mid-range option that wont break the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Market
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
9
Fantastic Farmers Market Experience
My experience at the farmers market was fantastic! Each tent represented a specific vendor, offering a wide variety of items from fresh, organic produce to clothing. The produce was well-priced and directly available from the owners.
I enjoyed visiting each tent and talking to the vendors.
- organic produce10
- well priced9
- talking to vendors8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Unwelcoming Experience, No Atmosphere
Visiting from the UK, I went into the food hall intending to look at the offerings and grab a bite to eat. However, I was denied access to the bathroom before ordering food and was turned away. As a food hall, this shouldn't be allowed.
The atmosphere inside was pretty quiet with no discernible vibe, and there were many empty stalls. I decided to leave and find somewhere more welcoming to eat. I cannot comment on the food or service.
- bathroom access1
- atmosphere2
- empty stalls3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
6
Empty restaurant, odd security incident
On a weekday lunch, the restaurant was pretty empty and desolate, but clean. I observed a man calmly walking his scooter to the nearest exit, only to be shouted at by a security guard for not carrying it by hand. It makes one wonder if the guard understands that scooter tires and shoes are equally dirty.
My experience with the food was a 4 out of 5, service was rated a 2, and the atmosphere received a 3.
- food8
- atmosphere6
- cleanliness7
- service2
- security guard2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Not a Grocery Market Anymore
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing as it's no longer a market for groceries. I visited a couple of days ago and found that only the poke, Filipino food, and the empanada stand were open. This limited selection was not what I expected.
- poke5
- Filipino food5
- empanada stand5
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Historic Food Hall with Diverse Options
My experience at this food hall was interesting. It's no longer a grocery or hot food bar, but it continues to be a food hall with multiple vendors. It was a little quiet these days, but it's a cool setting in a historic building.
The hall offers a variety of establishments, including ramen, Korean, Filipino, poke, empanadas, and boba.
- food hall5
- setting7
- historic building7
What The Market offers
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Organic dishes
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at The Market?
At The Market, you can enjoy a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You’ll find diverse dining options, including healthy and organic dishes, alongside quick bites. Whether you prefer to dine-in, grab takeout, or enjoy the outdoor seating, there’s a comfortable spot for you.
What amenities and accessibility features does The Market offer visitors?
The Market provides several convenient amenities, including free Wi-Fi and clean restrooms. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. Parking options include free street parking, paid street parking, and a paid parking garage.
How does The Market generally score with customers?
The Market holds an average Restaurant Score of 5.4 and a mixed Customer Satisfaction of 50.3%. While Food (6.6) is its strongest aspect, Ambience (5.9) is average, and Service (3.2) and Value (3.8) are areas needing significant improvement.
What kind of food options can I expect at The Market?
The Market is noted for its diverse food selection, including delicious pizza, fresh produce, and various food hall styles like Korean and Filipino dishes, making it a good spot for varied tastes.
Are there any common complaints about The Market?
Customers frequently mention issues with inconsistent food quality, particularly bland or poorly prepared items. Additionally, concerns about poor customer service and high prices are often raised.