Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » a Mano – San Francisco
a Mano - San Francisco
Photo from a Mano
a Mano at a glance
San Francisco Hayes Valley
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 121 of the guests
#1611 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#198 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
702
Reviews
68.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food variety
- Vibrant ambiance
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Hidden fees
- Service attitude
- Parking issues
The restaurant a Mano, a vibrant spot in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood, offers you a delightful dining experience. As a restaurant, it stands out with its great wine list, perfect for pairing with your meal.
You’ll find yourself in a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, whether you’re stopping by for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night bite. This popular destination ensures a memorable visit with its diverse offerings and inviting ambiance.
Overview: Introducting a Mano
A Mano offers a lively dining experience, often celebrated for its delicious food, particularly the handmade pasta and well-received appetizers. The restaurant cultivates a vibrant atmosphere, making it a pleasant spot for a meal.
While many appreciate the generally friendly service, some guests have found the overall experience to be occasionally pricy, with certain aspects of service feeling less welcoming.
Good
7
out of 10
702
Reviews
68.8%
Satisfaction
185
negative
34
neutral
483
positive
A Mano achieves a respectable 7 out of 10 for its overall performance, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 68.8%. This assessment is drawn from over 700 customer observations, including 483 positive and 185 negative remarks.
The Food (7.3) is a clear highlight, consistently receiving high marks for its quality and variety, making up the largest share of discussions. The restaurant’s Ambience (7.3) also garners positive feedback, contributing significantly to the dining experience.
Service (6), while often described as friendly, sits at an average level. However, Value (4.5) is where opinions diverge, with some finding the pricing a concern, despite positive comments about affordable lunch options.
What people like
- Excellent food variety
- Vibrant outdoor ambiance
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- High hidden fees
- Unwelcoming service attitude
- Tricky parking
With a 7.1 recommendation score, a Mano presents a compelling option for those seeking quality Italian fare in a lively setting. If you prioritize a good meal and a pleasant atmosphere, it’s certainly worth considering for your next outing.
However, be mindful of the potential for higher costs and consider transportation alternatives due to parking challenges. If these aspects are less critical for you, a Mano generally delivers a satisfying experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on a Mano
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.3 score and a 72.4% customer satisfaction rate, indicating a good experience for many. Out of 409 comments, 296 rave about the delicious handmade pasta, flavorful pizzas, and crispy arancini, often praising the overall quality and yummy bites. However, not everyone is completely won over.
There are 88 negative remarks, with some finding certain dishes like pasta bland or undercooked, and others noting small portions or a lack of authentic flavors. Some also reported issues with quality or dishes being overpriced, suggesting inconsistencies.
Food
409
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
88
negative
25
neutral
296
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Handmade pasta shines
- Pizza is flavorful
- Arancini are crispy
What people don't like
- Pasta can be bland
- Portions sometimes small
- Quality can vary
Often praised
- foodThe restaurant boasts a beautiful open kitchen, which adds to the vibrant atmosphere. I enjoyed first-rate food and found the service to be eager but not intrusive. It's a true gem in a neighborhood that's rapidly becoming a destination in its own right, not just an adjunct to the symphony and opera.
- pastaMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially concerning the food. I enjoyed their great thin pizza and well made pasta. It was a tremendous experience on a hot weekend afternoon, particularly when seated outside.
- pizzaI've tried four different pastas on the menu, and they have always been underwhelming. The pizza has been tasty, but to be an Italian restaurant and to not do pasta well is criminal.
- FoodFood:5
- cocktailsA Mano really hit a home run with their cocktails
- cauliflowerOur server was incredibly sweet and provided the best recommendations, truly making our experience incredible. We enjoyed a variety of excellent dishes, including the steak, cauliflower, burrata, foccacia, and lamb ravioli. The cocktails and a carafe of red wine were also fantastic.
- focacciaOnly had the pasta and focaccia so far and it is excellent!
- appetizersIt's in a great neighborhood and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. We had a corporate team dinner, and everything was delicious, from the wine to the appetizers. The ricotta meatballs were a hit!
- burrataOur server was incredibly sweet and provided the best recommendations, truly making our experience incredible. We enjoyed a variety of excellent dishes, including the steak, cauliflower, burrata, foccacia, and lamb ravioli. The cocktails and a carafe of red wine were also fantastic.
- handmade pastaTheir handmade pasta was excellent
Frequently criticized
- pastaThe pasta and pizza was borderline inedible, neither the tagliatelle nor the margherita pizza had any flavor.
- foodIt is always such a lively and fun place to grab a bite. But the reason it is not a regular restaurant in my rotation is because of the food. I've tried four different pastas on the menu, and they have always been underwhelming.
- saladUnfortunately, no dish stood out as particularly good. The salad was a significant disappointment, being overburdened with cheeses and sauce in a way that felt inauthentic. The seafood pasta, while cooked perfectly al dente, was quite flavorless.
- pastasBoth pastas were so bland
- pizzaThe pasta and pizza was borderline inedible, neither the tagliatelle nor the margherita pizza had any flavor.
- focacciaThe focaccia made me want to cry and not in a good way. Extremely dry.
- portionsthe portions are small for everything
- Alle Vongole pastaalle vongole pasta both were not good
- BourbonThey brought bourbon with ice even though we asked for neat
- Cheese on pizzaCheese on a pizza was bad
If you're looking for good Italian, especially handmade pasta and pizza, this place is generally a safe bet. While some dishes might be inconsistent or lack flavor, the overall sentiment is positive, making it worth a try for a satisfying meal.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had pleasant experiences, with 80 positive remarks celebrating friendly and attentive waitstaff, accommodating staff, and even super service from bartenders. Many appreciated the easy seating process and quick QR code payment. The overall score for service is an average 6, indicating a solid, if not outstanding, foundation.
However, its not always smooth sailing, as 61 negative comments point to some bumps. Issues like slow service, rude waiter attitudes, and problems with seating or bill splitting occasionally pop up. With customer satisfaction at a mixed 55.6%, it suggests theres room for improvement in consistency and managing expectations.
Service
144
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
61
negative
3
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Accommodating service
- Quick seating
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Slow service
- Seating issues
Often praised
- serviceI had a delicious lunch at this restaurant, featuring handmade pasta. The service was efficient and friendly. The restaurant is located on an interesting street, perfect for strolling, and is conveniently handy for the Opera House.
- ServiceYou can tell the ingredients are of high quality. The service and atmosphere were also excellent.
- staffThe staff is friendly and helpful
- serverbrought him a bowl of water, which was a very nice additional level of service
- serversservers are always super friendly
- waitstaffthe waitstaff are incredibly friendly and attentive
- Kiaraespecially Kiara taking care of us!
- PeoplePeople are very friendly.
- QR code paymentpay with QR code for a quick exit
- SeatingWe were seated right away.
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice slowed down a bit- we were served our first dish 5 minutes after placing the order
- waiterone waiter, all of them have been not particularly welcoming or friendly or helpful
- attitudefound this attitude to be disrespectful and unacceptable
- staffWhen you ask them questions they respond like they work at the city's hottest restaurant
- Waiting timeWaiting 40 min for a table
- billgiven the bill after 50 minutes of having sat down
- bill splittingasked them to split the bill and they said they couldn’t do it
- camera footageI didn’t see you fell down in cameras. We don’t have any camera in restaurant.
- chair usagewouldn’t let us use a chair from a nearby table
- cocktails arrivecocktails arrive halfway through appetizers
If youre looking for generally friendly and attentive service, youll likely find it here. However, be prepared for the possibility of occasional slower moments or attitude issues, as experiences can be a bit mixed.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
The ambiance here generally hits the mark, earning a 7.3 score and a 77.5% customer satisfaction rate, indicating a good experience for most. Guests frequently praise the vibrant atmosphere and great vibe, especially highlighting the fantastic outdoor dining options and prime location. With 100 positive remarks out of 129 total, its clear many enjoy the lively and inviting setting.
However, a few areas could use attention. Some diners found parking to be a challenge, and there were occasional concerns about the lighting, with some finding it too bright. A handful of comments also mentioned the space feeling a bit crowded or issues with cleanliness, like sticky tables.
These 24 negative observations suggest theres room for improvement in these specific aspects.
Ambience
129
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
24
negative
5
neutral
100
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great outdoor dining
- Lively atmosphere
- Prime location
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Crowded seating
- Cleanliness issues
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was marked by delicious and well-crafted food, friendly service, and a vibrant atmosphere. The recommended dish, Cauliflower Lemon Chili Bagna Cauda, was a standout.
- AtmosphereYou can tell the ingredients are of high quality. The service and atmosphere were also excellent.
- ambianceCocktails, wine, and ambiance are all great.
- locationthis place gets by just on vibes and location alone
- ambienceGood ambience and service
- neighborhoodThis restaurant is located in a fantastic neighborhood, perfect for a full night out. The vibe is casual yet bustling and energetic.
- meal outsideThe burrata and pizza were amazing! It's the perfect spot to enjoy a meal outside on a nice day.
- noise levelThe noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
- outdoor dininghas great outdoor dining
- outdoor seatingThe outdoor seating is a dream
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe flavors lacked authenticity, the pasta was overcooked, and the salad was terrible – it's very difficult to make a salad terrible, but somehow it happened. The atmosphere of the place was high-turnover and reminded me of Olive Garden meets Cheesecake Factory (two places I went to once in my life and will never return to again).
- experienceIt was a really really unwelcoming experience
- lightingthe lighting is ridiculous bright LEDs like a cafeteria
- tablestables are right next to each others.
- ParkingThe vibe is casual yet bustling and energetic. Parking can be tricky, so ride-sharing or public transport is recommended, or be prepared to walk a few blocks. The chicory salad was a stand-out, especially with the tuna crudo.
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- ambienceAmbience though was casual
- barit can be drafty at the bar (or too warm)
- crowdedJust a bit crowded
- dirtbottle used to serve tap water had some dirt in it
If youre looking for a lively spot with great outdoor seating and a good vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and perhaps a bustling, sometimes crowded, atmosphere. Overall, its a solid choice for a fun outing, especially if you prioritize a vibrant setting.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag. With a score of 4.5, it lands squarely in the average range, yet customer satisfaction is quite low at just 35%. Out of 20 total opinions, 7 were positive, highlighting that some guests found the prices reasonable and even affordable, especially for a simple lunch that wont break the bank.
However, the majority of the 12 negative comments point to significant concerns. Many felt the experience was overpriced and a complete waste of money, often citing unexpected charges like a surprise fee or SF Health Mandate fee' that made the final bill feel much higher than anticipated, pushing it onto the expensive side.
Value
20
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable options exist
- Reasonable prices noted
- Simple lunch value
What people don't like
- Surprise fees added
- Overpriced experience
- Felt like waste
Often praised
- pricesprices that will not break the bank
- affordableit's pretty affordable as well
- priceGreat pasta that doesn't break the bank.
- simple lunch2 person simple lunch under $50
Frequently criticized
- priceit still felt very pricy even for SF standards
- Overall experienceit was not worth it at all
- SF Health Mandate feeunfairly charges a fee (not a tax) called "SF Health Mandate"
- expensive sideOn the more expensive side
- overpricedThe food was overpriced and the quality was far below expectations.
- overratedI think it’s overrated
- price pointat this price point not great
- pricesmakes it seem that the prices are lower than they are
- surprise feea surprise fee to kill the vibe
- waste of moneyIt felt like a complete waste of money!
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your best bet, as many found it overpriced with hidden fees. While some dishes are considered affordable, be prepared for potential surprises on your bill that could make it feel like a waste of money.
How are the prices at a Mano?
You’re looking at roughly 44 per person – reported by 121 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the full picture, most guests spend between 21 – 50 $, showing a good range of mid-tier options, with some diners also enjoying a slightly more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 121 reviews.
A comparison of value for money at this restaurant versus similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance for diners looking for quality without breaking the bank, with options for those who want to spend a little more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about a Mano
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Service Ruins O Manos Visit
I had a pleasant experience at O Manos a few years ago, remembering both the food and service as spot on. On a recent trip to San Francisco with my girlfriend, I decided to revisit O Manos based on these fond memories. We were greeted and seated promptly, and initially, everything seemed normal.
However, our server's demeanor was unexpectedly gruff. Without a greeting, he clumsily poured water, missing both glasses and spilling it on the table. He then left to work on a touchscreen, leaving us with the mess and a completely shifted vibe.
I believe that if staff cannot perform basic tasks like greeting customers and pouring water with a pleasant demeanor, they shouldn't be in the service industry. The competitive San Francisco restaurant scene demands better. We paid good money for a meal and deserved respect.
Due to the unpleasant interaction and the anticipation of a poor dining experience, we decided to leave. This was disappointing, especially after driving and parking. While I recall the food being very good, the entitled, smug attitude found in some Bay Area establishments ruined the experience.
A restaurant's reputation can be ruined in an instant; you must consistently deliver. It's shocking that some people would endure such behavior. Ultimately, what's the point of paying for a meal if you're treated badly?
I'd rather cook at home and avoid leaving with a bad taste in my mouth.
- food8
- service2
- server's demeanor1
- pouring water2
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Italian with Great Service
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. For appetizers, we enjoyed the cauliflower and the Tuscan kale salad. My main course of cannelloni was delicious.
I also tried my friends' mains, the rigatoni and tagliatelle alla bolognese, which were also tasty. We all had different glasses of red wine – Montepulciano, Nero d'Avola Tenute, and Super Tuscan – and all were reported to be tasty. The service at Mano was attentive, and the atmosphere of the restaurant was bright and cheery.
The noise level was acceptable for conversation.
- cauliflower8
- Tuscan kale salad8
- cannelloni8
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Food and Service Near SF Jazz
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. The food was outstanding, and the service was top-notch. It's a great place for dinner, especially with its convenient 4-minute walk to SF Jazz.
The atmosphere was also highly rated.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Steak Overdressed, Bright Lighting
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While it's a nice place, the steak was unfortunately overdressed with a lemon-heavy chimichurri, which dominated the flavor. Additionally, the lighting was excessively bright, resembling a cafeteria, which detracted from the dining experience, especially at this price point.
- steak3
- chimichurri2
- lighting3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Pizza and Service
Everything was great. We ordered pizza, and it was very good, with a thin crust cooked to perfection. You can tell the ingredients are of high quality.
The service and atmosphere were also excellent.
- pizza9
- pizza crust9
- ingredients9
What a Mano offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at a Mano in Hayes Valley?
Yes, a Mano accepts reservations, and it’s highly recommended for both dinner and brunch, especially given its popularity in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley. You can plan ahead to secure your table.
What amenities and accessibility features does a Mano offer guests?
a Mano provides a comfortable experience with a bar onsite, free Wi-Fi, and gender-neutral restrooms. It is also fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a welcoming environment for all.
How does a Mano rate overall?
a Mano holds a 7 out of 10, with 68.8% customer satisfaction. Its Food (7.3) and Ambience (7.3) are strong, while Service (6) is average, and Value (4.5) is a point of concern for some.
What are the standout features of a Mano?
Guests frequently praise a Mano for its handmade pasta, diverse appetizers, and well-crafted cocktails. The restaurant also offers a vibrant atmosphere, especially with its outdoor seating options.
Are there any common issues at a Mano?
Some patrons have noted concerns regarding the overall value, citing unexpected fees and high prices. Additionally, parking can be tricky, and a few experiences mentioned an unwelcoming service attitude.