Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Cantina Los Mayas – San Francisco
Cantina Los Mayas - San Francisco
Photo from Cantina Los Mayas
Cantina Los Mayas at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 99 of the guests
#158 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#7 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
679
Reviews
89.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- Price concerns
- Noise levels
The restaurant Cantina Los Mayas invites you to experience authentic Mexican flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Richmond District. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a delightful lunch, a memorable dinner, or a relaxed brunch, this spot offers a welcoming setting. You can enjoy a wide selection of small plates, expertly crafted cocktails, and a full bar featuring hard liquor, wine, and beer.
Overview: Introducting Cantina Los Mayas
Cantina Los Mayas offers a truly delightful dining experience, often praised for its authentic food and exceptional service. Guests frequently highlight the pleasant ambiance and the staff’s genuine hospitality, making for a memorable visit.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall value, citing higher prices and additional fees. While the atmosphere is generally well-received, occasional issues with noise or lighting have been mentioned, alongside a few inconsistent dishes.
Excellent
8.7
out of 10
679
Reviews
89.7%
Satisfaction
48
negative
22
neutral
609
positive
Cantina Los Mayas generally earns high marks, with an overall score of 8.7 and a strong customer satisfaction rate of 89.7%. This positive reception is built on a foundation of excellent Food (8.9), which is frequently celebrated for its authentic flavors.
The Service (8.8) also stands out, with many guests commending the attentive and knowledgeable staff. These insights come from a substantial 679 customer observations, with 609 positive remarks.
The restaurant’s Ambience (8.1) contributes positively to the dining experience, though some comments point to occasional noise or lighting issues. Where there’s more room for consideration is in Value (5.6).
While many find the experience worth the cost, a notable number of the 48 negative comments mention concerns about pricing and additional fees, suggesting this aspect could be a mixed bag for some.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Attentive, knowledgeable service
- Pleasant, authentic ambiance
What people don't like
- High prices, extra fees
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Occasional noise issues
Cantina Los Mayas comes highly recommended with a strong 9 score, making it a compelling choice for those seeking an authentic Mexican dining experience. If you prioritize excellent food and attentive service in a vibrant setting, this spot is certainly worth considering.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it on the higher side, and be prepared for a potentially lively atmosphere. Despite minor inconsistencies, the overall positive experience suggests it’s a place to enjoy, especially if you appreciate a good Mexican wine selection.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cantina Los Mayas
Food (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to food, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.9 and an impressive 93.6% customer satisfaction, it's clear diners are delighted. Out of 455 comments, 426 rave about the authentic cuisine, creative dishes, and delicious salsas.
The excellent Mexican wine selection also receives high praise, making every meal a culinary adventure. However, a few minor points surfaced among the 17 negative remarks. Some found the portion size a bit small, and there were occasional comments about overcooked lamb or duck.
A couple of mentions also noted the mole being too smoky or other dishes being lackluster, but these were rare exceptions.
Food
455
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
17
negative
12
neutral
426
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican cuisine
- Inventive, creative dishes
- Excellent Mexican wines
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Overcooked meat
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was truly authentic, thoughtful, DELICIOUS food! The service, particularly with Jessica, was excellent!
- wineMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding. The food, wine, and cocktails were all superb. I received the best service I have ever experienced in a restaurant, with extremely generous servers.
- Mexican winesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! They offer a great selection of Mexican wines that are perfectly paired with their Yucatecan cuisine. If you can't make it down to the Valle de Guadalupe, this is a great spot to get your fix of great food and drinks in SF.
- FoodFood:5
- cevicheI found it to be a great spot for a date night. The wine was delicious, and I thoroughly enjoyed their salsas and ceviche. The only aspect that could be improved is the lighting; it felt too bright, and a more moody setting would significantly elevate the atmosphere.
- winesThe staff was warm, courteous, and knowledgeable. The food was delicious, and we tried different wines while learning about them. Juventino took the time to share insights about different wines and the Mexican wine industry, which was a big deal for us since we work in the industry.
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was friggin amazing! They have a true passion for serving up delicious Mexican food. The incredible staff, top to bottom, made the experience even better.
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food was excellent, complemented by great service and excellent cocktails. I was particularly impressed by the really interesting/diverse selection of Mexican wines.
- dishesAll dishes were original and with excellent flavor.
- menuEverything we had was delicious, and the service was great. The chef personally came over to explain the menu and make recommendations, making us feel like we were guests in his home. We will definitely be back often.
Frequently criticized
- lamb chopslamb chops left us wanting more since we only got 3
- churros and ice creamLeast favorite dish was the churros and ice cream
- coconut ice cream texturecoconut ice cream texture could have been smoother
- duckEating the duck was like chewing on rubber.
- fishMy experience at the restaurant was a mix of highlights and minor disappointments. The ceviche had a nice flavor, but the fish was a bit too firm and the portion size was very small. On the other hand, the carnitas soft taco was absolutely amazing, so much so that I would return just for that.
- lambThe lamb was overcooked
- lamb shanklamb shank came out a tad too dry missing the tortillas
- mealsall the meals came luke warm
- meatThe meat and the octopus very poorly cooked
- moleMole was too Smokey
If you're looking for an excellent culinary experience with authentic and inventive Mexican flavors, this spot is definitely worth trying. Be prepared for delicious food and a fantastic wine selection, though you might find some portions on the smaller side.
Service (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot really shines! With a strong score of 8.8 and customer satisfaction at a solid 88.1%, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Based on 119 positive comments out of 135 total, you can expect friendly service from attentive servers and knowledgeable staff, often including an amazing host or even the chef/owner themselves.
However, its not entirely without its minor hiccups, as 13 negative comments suggest. A few guests mentioned feeling the staff was scattered, leading to slow service or a perceived lack of hospitality and attention from waiters. While these instances are few, they're worth noting.
Service
135
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
119
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Attentive service
- Amazing host
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Scattered staff
Often praised
- serviceAll the distinct flavor profiles and textures worked so well together, from the soft scallops to the crispy chicharron. The restaurant has a classy ambiance, service was quick, and all the staff were extremely friendly. We cannot wait to come back, especially since we live in the neighborhood 😊 Thank you Cantina Los Mayas!
- staffAll the distinct flavor profiles and textures worked so well together, from the soft scallops to the crispy chicharron. The restaurant has a classy ambiance, service was quick, and all the staff were extremely friendly. We cannot wait to come back, especially since we live in the neighborhood 😊 Thank you Cantina Los Mayas!
- ServiceService:5
- ownersJuve, one of the owners, is so cool, incredibly hard working and super knowledgeable
- serverI highly recommend getting a few small plates to try as well. Our server was so lovely and provided a ton of information on both the food and wines. I appreciated being able to sample a few wines before deciding, and they were excellent.
- serversThe servers and bartender were really friendly
- JuventinoThe food was delicious, and we tried different wines while learning about them. Juventino took the time to share insights about different wines and the Mexican wine industry, which was a big deal for us since we work in the industry. I’m extremely happy to see people who still genuinely care about service, what I like to call real hospitality.
- bartenderThe bartender was very friendly
- chefThe chef came over to explain the menu and make recommendations
- customer serviceThe customer service was also amazing
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was not on top of their game
- staffThe staff wasn’t very inclined to interact and give recommendations
- appetizertook us an hour to get our appetizer
- attention to detailWe also had two cocktails; one was perfect, but the other was too sweet. Overall, the restaurant has a great atmosphere but needs more attention to detail and slightly larger portions.
- hospitality and warmththere was a lack of hospitality and warmth
- menuI asked for a menu after like 10’mins
- order faultsfaults in the orders were just that the many many groups inside got the best of them
- party of 6we asked to split our party of 6 into 2 groups
- reservation onlineResy didn't notify us the service fee when making reservation online
- reservationsreservations are HIGHLY recommended
Overall, the service here is a major highlight, making your dining experience truly special. If you value a welcoming, knowledgeable, and attentive team, this place is definitely worth a visit, despite a few rare reports of scattered attention.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
The ambience here truly stands out, achieving a good score of 8.1 and leaving a solid 79.2% of customers satisfied. With 57 positive remarks out of 72 total, many guests rave about the environment, atmosphere, and vibe, often describing it as a hidden gem with a beautiful design and a warm, welcoming feel that makes for a great dining experience. However, not every experience was perfect, with 11 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement.
Concerns were raised about the lighting, which some found too poor or too bright, and the decor being a bit generic. A few patrons also noted an incredibly loud noise level, particularly when seated near the kitchen, which detracted from their overall enjoyment.
Ambience
72
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
11
negative
4
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, welcoming vibe
- Beautiful atmosphere
- Hidden gem feel
What people don't like
- Poor lighting
- Loud noise level
- Generic decor
Often praised
- atmosphereThis small storefront on an unassuming neighborhood business street is a hidden gem in the Richmond District of San Francisco. The excellent Mexican food, combined with great service and a pleasant atmosphere, transforms this neighborhood restaurant into a destination for great dining. Enjoy!
- AtmosphereThe atmosphere was also a highlight
- ambianceGreat ambiance with traditional music
- vibeThe wine, the food and the vibe is truly 10 out of 10!
- environmentThe service and environment, however, made the meal.
- Mexican wine barMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's described as the first Mexican wine bar in the US, and it truly transports you to new wine regions with distinctive flavors. The sit-down food was incredible, complemented by excellent service.
- San Francisco treasureThis is a San Francisco treasure!
- VibeVibe was soooo good!
- ambienceAmbience is nice and ideal for a nice sit down dinner
- beautiful designvery nice restaurant with a beautiful design
Frequently criticized
- lightingthe lighting, feels too bright
- atmosphereit got incredibly loud
- decor and ambianceThe decor and ambiance of the restaurant is very generic
- front roomKinda chilly in the front room
- menuWe couldn't see the menu clearly
- parkingit’s a bit tricky to find parking
- plates bangingthere were a lot of plates banging
- seatHowever, the atmosphere was quite disappointing, rated at a 3/5. It became incredibly loud, and our table's proximity to the kitchen, with constant plate banging, made for a not a good seat. Despite the excellent food, the noise and seating detracted from the overall dining experience.
- tableour table was next to the kitchen
- table lightsboth went out within 10-20 min
If youre seeking a restaurant with a generally warm, inviting vibe and a beautiful atmosphere, this place is often a fantastic choice. Just be aware that some experiences mention issues with lighting or noise level, so consider asking for a quieter spot if thats important to you.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
On the positive side, many customers felt the experience was well worth the money, often praising reasonable prices and noting that you truly get what you pay for. While the overall score for value sits at an average 5.6, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 41.2%, 7 positive opinions out of 17 total highlight an appreciation for the pricing, with some even calling them great prices and very fair prices. However, the picture isnt entirely rosy.
A significant number of guests found the experience very expensive, especially when considering extras and unexpected costs like a service fee or surcharge. With 7 negative opinions also contributing to the 17 total, its clear that some felt there wasnt enough value for the price' and that the overall cost was too high for what was received.
Value
17
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the cost
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Unexpected surcharges
- Value questioned
Often praised
- pricesvery fair prices
- priceEveryone was so kind and generous and welcoming and gave us great recommendations. It’s a bit pricey, but you do get what you pay for and it is worth it!
- moneyThe food was exceptional, with a style that felt like a worthy successor to Cala, though with a more Yucatan than seafood theme. While it's wise to check the prices on the menu, the experience was well worth the money. I particularly enjoyed the really bright and fruity ceviche, the amazing sauces, and the caballero dessert deal.
- reasonable pricesat reasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- extrasextras will cost you.
- mandatory service fee20% of mandatory service fee for party of 6
- priceThe meal felt like a good, clean feeling Mexican experience. However, it was pretty expensive for what you're getting. I can't say my mind was really blown by the depth of flavor and execution.
- service feethere was 5% of service fee
- surchargeIt was almost 30% of surcharge!!
- value for the priceJust wish there was some more value for the price
- very expensiveVery expensive.
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for a mixed bag on value. While many find the quality justifies the cost, others are put off by the overall price and additional fees. Its a place where the experience can be worth it, but you might want to check the menu prices carefully beforehand.
How are the prices at Cantina Los Mayas?
On average, you’ll spend around 57 per person – from 99 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, that’s definitely on the higher end.
Looking at what guests typically spend, prices are quite spread out. While some diners spend less, a significant number also opt for more premium experiences, with many spending well above the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 99 reviews.
A comparison of value for money against similar restaurants in San Francisco.
Considering the average spend, we think the pricing for a Mexican restaurant is on the higher side. However, if the quality of ingredients and dining experience matches, it could offer good value. We recommend focusing on highlighting what makes your higher price point worthwhile.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cantina Los Mayas
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Underrated Brunch Gem!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's truly the most underrated brunch spot. The food and drinks were great.
It's convenient that it's also on Resy, which is a plus for those with Amex cards. While reservations aren't needed, they are easy to make if desired. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a perfect 5.
It was very quiet, making for a peaceful dining experience.
- brunch spot9
- food9
- drinks9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Incredible Food and Amazing Service!
My experience at this restaurant was truly great. The food was exceptionally good and offered a unique variety. I had never tried the salsa other than the green one before, but it was incredible.
The steak with eggs was superb, the ensalada was tasty, and so were the enchiladas. The server did an amazing job; you can tell they genuinely care. I will definitely be back.
- food10
- salsa10
- steak with eggs10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Impeccable Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was impeccable. The server was funny, kind, and efficient, and they even checked in with us on food allergies. The food and atmosphere were top notch.
I especially enjoyed the ice cream, duck, tostones, and scalloped chayote. I will definitely be coming back next time I'm in the area!
- server10
- food10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
5
Poor lighting and hidden fees marred decent food
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. We had to wait a while to be seated, and even though we were the first group of the day, our request to split our party of 6 into two tables was denied. We were told we had to sit together.
The food itself was decent, but the lighting in the restaurant was REALLY poor. We were provided with two rechargeable table lights, but both died within 10-20 minutes, making it difficult to read the menu. We resorted to using our phone lights.
To add to the issues, when the bill arrived, we were surprised by a 5% service fee, a 20% mandatory service fee for a party of 6, and tax, totaling almost a 30% surcharge. Resy did not notify us of these service fees when we made the reservation online, and due to the poor lighting, I'm unsure if the menu mentioned them in fine print. Be aware of these extra charges.
- food7
- lighting2
- table lights3
- menu3
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Hidden Gem in Richmond District
This small storefront on an unassuming neighborhood business street is a hidden gem in the Richmond District of San Francisco. The excellent Mexican food, combined with great service and a pleasant atmosphere, transforms this neighborhood restaurant into a destination for great dining. Enjoy!
- Mexican food10
- service10
- atmosphere8
What Cantina Los Mayas offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- 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
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Cantina Los Mayas?
At Cantina Los Mayas, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying Mexican cuisine. You can choose from various dining options including brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfortable seating and table service available. Reservations are accepted, and dinner reservations are recommended to secure your spot.
What service options and accessibility features does Cantina Los Mayas offer?
Cantina Los Mayas provides convenient onsite services, takeout, and delivery options for your dining needs. The restaurant is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating. You’ll also find amenities like a gender-neutral restroom and an onsite bar for your comfort and enjoyment.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Cantina Los Mayas?
Cantina Los Mayas holds a strong overall score of **8.7**, with customers particularly praising the **Food** (8.9), **Service** (8.8), and **Ambience** (8.1). The **Value** (5.6) is seen as more average.
What do customers enjoy most about Cantina Los Mayas?
Guests frequently highlight the authentic and delicious food, the extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff, and the pleasant, classy atmosphere, often noting it as a unique Mexican wine bar experience.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Some diners have noted that prices can be high, with additional service fees. Occasional issues with noise levels, bright lighting, and minor inconsistencies in dish quality or service speed have also been mentioned.