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oChef » EL DORADO – San Francisco
EL DORADO - San Francisco
Photo from EL DORADO
EL DORADO at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🌶️ Latin American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 68 of the guests
#724 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Latin American Restaurant out of 4 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
423
Reviews
77.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Great ambiance
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Slow service
- Loud music
The restaurant, a vibrant Latin American Restaurant in San Francisco’s Transbay neighborhood, offers a truly immersive experience. You’ll find yourself drawn in by the lively atmosphere, especially with the captivating live music that sets the perfect backdrop for your evening.
EL DORADO invites you to discover a fusion of flavors and a memorable dining journey.
Overview: Introducting EL DORADO
EL DORADO offers a vibrant ambiance that many find appealing, often highlighted by its unique decor and lively music. Guests frequently praise the authentic Peruvian cuisine, noting many dishes are quite flavorful and well-prepared.
However, some experiences suggest the service can be inconsistent, with occasional delayed service impacting the dining flow. While the food generally impresses, a few find the overall value proposition less compelling, especially concerning drink quality or pricing.
Good
7.9
out of 10
423
Reviews
77.8%
Satisfaction
80
negative
14
neutral
329
positive
Overall, EL DORADO earns a solid 7.9 for its dining experience, with Customer Satisfaction at a respectable 77.8%. This indicates a generally positive reception from guests, based on over 400 customer remarks.
The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring a strong (8.1), frequently praised for its authentic flavors and quality. The restaurant’s Ambience also contributes significantly to its appeal, achieving an impressive (8.5), creating a memorable setting for many.
While Service is generally good at (7.5), it occasionally receives mixed feedback. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value, which scores an average (4.7), suggesting some guests find the pricing or portions less aligned with their expectations.
What people like
- Authentic Peruvian dishes
- Vibrant, engaging ambiance
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value
- Occasional service delays
- Disruptive loud music
EL DORADO presents a compelling option for those seeking flavorful Peruvian cuisine within a lively setting. With a Recommendation Score of 8.2, it’s generally a place worth considering, especially if you appreciate a vibrant atmosphere and well-prepared dishes.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and the overall value proposition, particularly outside of happy hour. If you prioritize a dynamic dining experience and authentic flavors, EL DORADO could be a good fit, but manage expectations regarding pricing and occasional delays.
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Verdict: Our expert take on EL DORADO
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place really shines with a 8.1 score, indicating a good to excellent culinary experience. With a strong 79.1% customer satisfaction across 186 positive remarks, diners frequently praise the traditional high Peruvian cuisine, fresh seafood, and vibrant flavors. The Lomo Saltado often gets special shout-outs for its deliciousness.
However, not every dish hits the mark, as 37 negative comments point out. Some found flavors lost in certain dishes, while others noted small portions or even dry fish. A few mentioned dishes being oversalted, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
235
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
37
negative
12
neutral
186
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Peruvian cuisine
- Vibrant flavors shine
- Fresh seafood praised
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Small portions noted
- Flavors sometimes lost
Often praised
- foodI definitely recommend the Lomo Saltado and the beef or chicken empanadas. It's not cheap, but the food is very nice and very tasty!
- FoodFood was excellent
- cevicheFortunately, I discovered Bocado! This newly opened restaurant is ready to impress with its amazing ceviche. The ceviche sampler was fantastic, and the drinks were spot on.
- Lomo SaltadoThey were all very tasty. I definitely recommend the Lomo Saltado and the beef or chicken empanadas. It's not cheap, but the food is very nice and very tasty!
- drinksKarla was AMAZING! My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, with really good food and great drinks. I had such a great time!
- empanadasout of all the empanadas I’ve ever tried, they have by far the best!
- lomo saltadoThe lomo saltado here is the equal of the very best
- Peruvian cuisineBeyond the outstanding food, I must commend the owner, Alex. His warm hospitality and genuine passion for Peruvian cuisine were evident. He personally recommended dishes and shared interesting stories, adding an extra layer of authenticity.
- Tallarin SaltadoThe Tallarin Saltado was extraordinary
- ceviche samplerThe ceviche sampler is fantastic!
Frequently criticized
- alcoholic drinksalcoholic drinks are for some reason very diluted
- foodThe food was just not worth the price and not that good.
- lomo saltadoI didn't like the lomo saltado
- Aji de GallinaAji de Gallina could be better, sauce tasted too much like eggs
- Caesar saladall were underwhelming
- French friesmade them soggy
- Lomo Saltadodish was also very oversalted
- Ocopa sauceOcopa sauce was little acid and lacking of deep distinctive flavour
- beefAs for the food, it was far from fresh or flavorful. What was served barely resembled a proper meal: just a bowl of overly salty broth with some vegetables and two small, uninspired pieces of beef. Definitely not worth the visit.
- beef quesadillabeef quesadilla would be better if it were served hot instead of lukewarm
If youre craving authentic Peruvian flavors and dont mind a slight chance of inconsistency, the food here is definitely worth a try. Expect vibrant dishes and excellent seafood, but be aware that some items might not always live up to expectations in terms of flavor or portion size.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at 72.8%, guests frequently rave about the attentive service and friendly staff. Many appreciate the welcoming owners like Manny and the excellent bartenders such as Alex, making for a truly hospitable experience, based on 75 positive sentiments.
However, its not always smooth sailing. About 26 negative sentiments point to some bumps, including concerns about slow service and long wait times. Some experiences mention disorganized servers and unfortunate misunderstandings, suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency and customer service.
Service
103
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
26
negative
2
neutral
75
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Welcoming owner
- Impeccable hospitality
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Disorganized service
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, featuring yummy Peruvian food and nice service. I tried the ceviche, which I found a little too spicy for my personal taste, but it was still very tasty.
- ServiceService:5
- staffThe beef stew was an undeniable standout, full of richness and flavor. The ambiance was captivating, with a staff that truly exemplifies hospitality. Manny, the maestro behind it all, ensures every guest departs with a cherished Peruvian experience.
- ownerowner goes the extra mile… Manny was wonderful
- serverKarla was a super friendly and attentive server
- attentionthe food and the attention is of first
- chefThe Ultimate Margarita was also smooth. We had the opportunity to meet the chef, who was genuine and friendly, and his experience at top restaurants in the area was evident in the food.
- hospitalityHis warm hospitality and genuine passion for Peruvian cuisine
- peopleThe people were very attentive, refreshingly nice
- Carlacarla was great
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was extremely poor—disorganized and inattentive.
- customer serviceNot exactly good customer service!
- delayed serviceJust delayed service
- drink arrivalanother 10 for your drink to arrive
- error removalwait 15 more minutes for the check. Which now includes the dish she ordered...and the one she didn't. We had to go back and forth for 15 more minutes to get the error removed.
- kitchen staffingsolve this kitchen staffing issue
- meal arrivalmeal will get to you, knowing she may turn to cannibalism if you wait longer then an hour
- misunderstandingI clarified that when I requested the "check for the table, " I meant the comprehensive bill, including separate bills. Jose failed to apologize or acknowledge the misunderstanding, making us feel like criminals. This experience was unacceptable, especially considering we had been recommended to this establishment.
- overcharged my cardhe overcharged my card
- poor servicethe poor service and mistreatment by our server
Overall, if you're looking for a place with genuinely friendly staff and attentive owners, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that on busier days, you might encounter some longer waits or less organized service, so patience could be key.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a highlight! With a good score of 8.5 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 90.9%, its clear most people love the atmosphere. Out of 66 comments, 60 rave about the cozy place, vibrant atmosphere, amazing wall size TVs, and music, making it feel like youre in the Amazon or a lively, Instagram-worthy spot.
However, a few of the 6 comments did point out some snags. Some found the loud music or projector of football distracting, and a few werent thrilled about being seated by the bathroom hallway or the shared bathroom' needing an upgrade. These are minor points but worth noting for a perfect experience.
Ambience
66
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Vibrant, cozy atmosphere
- Stunning decor
- Great music
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Poor seating options
- Bathroom issues
Often praised
- atmosphereWe ordered several items, and they were extremely tasty. The atmosphere is a whole vibe as well!
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I discovered a beautiful ambiance and enjoyed attentive service. The Peruvian cuisine was absolutely delicious.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- musicThe music, the food, and the service are fantastic.
- vibeExcellent music and vibe in general
- decorWe found the decor original and charming.
- lightingenjoyed including the lighting
- LED screen TVhuge led screen tv
- artenjoyed including the art
- bar spaceAlthough I didn't indulge in the drink menu, it looked fantastic. The atmosphere was intimate in the seating area and vibrant in the bar space. It's a lovely establishment where I will frequently dine.
Frequently criticized
- Reggaetton type musicplayed Regaetton type music which was so loud and obnoxious
- atmosphereNot a nice atmosphere for dinner
- hallwayshared bathroom and hallway is in serious need of upgrade
- projector of footballvery large projector of football behind the bar can illuminate almost half the restaurant and impact the ambiance
- shared bathroomshared bathroom and hallway is in serious need of upgrade
- table by the bathroom hallwaywe were put at a table by the bathroom hallway when there were many other tables available.
If you're looking for a vibrant, cozy spot with great decor and music, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that some seating areas or the music volume might not be for everyone, so pick your spot wisely!
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.7 and customer satisfaction at 42.1%. Many guests rave about the happy hour being a fantastic deal, finding the pricing to be quite reasonable and the overall experience worth the cost. Out of 19 total comments, 8 positive remarks highlight these aspects.
However, the value proposition isn't always clear, with 11 negative comments pointing to issues. Some diners felt the price was too high for small portions, while others were frustrated by an unexpected large party charge or check error when trying to get separate bills. There were also mentions of discount advertised not being honored, leading to disappointment.
Value
19
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
11
negative
0
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
What people don't like
- Unexpected party charge
- High prices
- Check errors
Often praised
- Happy hourHappy hour is THE DEAL
- cost of the platesThe cost of the plates were not as expensive was I thought
- happy hourGreat happy hour until 6pm!
- pricesthe prices are moderate
- pricingPricing is not too high
- separate checksThe food was delicious, but the ending was disappointing and left a sour taste. We initially requested separate checks, which was accommodated. However, when we asked for the final bill, we were presented with a single check.
- valueBeyond the jalea, the ceviche and arroz criollo were also incredible. Overall, I had a great experience with great food, great service, and great value.
- worth the costEverything was the worth the cost for this visit
Frequently criticized
- priceFoods just not worth the price
- pricesprices are just too ridiculous
- PriceNot cheap...
- billabusively include a 20% charge
- check errorWhich now includes the dish she ordered...and the one she didn't
- discount advertiseddiscount advertised on Yelp was no longer valid
- final billWe initially requested separate checks, which was accommodated. However, when we asked for the final bill, we were presented with a single check. After paying, we lingered for a bit before using the restroom.
- large party chargeabusively include a 20% charge “large party”
- tipyo había puesto el 20% de propina
If you're looking for a great deal, definitely check out their happy hour. However, be wary of potential extra charges for larger groups or issues with separate checks, as these can quickly make the experience feel less valuable.
How are the prices at EL DORADO?
You’re looking at roughly 52 per person – reported by 68 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Latin American Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps a bit on the higher side.
Whats cool is that while the average is 52, the spending is quite varied! Many guests enjoy meals in the 21 – 50 $ range, but there are also plenty who opt for more premium experiences, pushing that average up. So, youll find options for different budgets here.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 68 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the diverse spending options and the San Francisco location, we think the pricing feels fair. It offers flexibility for different budgets while also catering to those looking for a more upscale Latin American dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about EL DORADO
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Food, Eclectic Decor
My experience at the restaurant was very positive, primarily due to the food, which was very good and well prepared. The decor was also a highlight, described as fun, new traditional, and a bit eclectic. The atmosphere received a high rating of 5, and the food also scored a perfect 5.
Service was rated at 4, indicating a good overall experience.
- food10
- decor9
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fantastic Late-Night Find with Amazing Food!
I'm so glad I stumbled upon this place. Even though it was late, they still treated us right. Jorge the bartender was fantastic.
I tried the ceviche sampler, and the Aji de gallina was amazing. Don't skip this spot!
- Jorge the bartender10
- ceviche sampler9
- Aji de gallina10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
El Dorado: A Culinary Gem with Stellar Service!
My experience at El Dorado was absolutely fantastic! I visited after work and tried the Pollo Causa and Lomo Saltado, which were hands down the best I’ve had in a long time. It's challenging to find these dishes prepared correctly, but El Dorado truly excelled.
Each bite was bursting with flavor and clearly made with great care. What truly elevated the experience was Manny, the owner. His warmth, welcoming nature, and passion for his craft were palpable from the moment I walked in.
The entire staff mirrored this friendliness and attentiveness, ensuring top-notch service from start to finish. The ambiance was stunning – super cozy, vibrant, and incredibly Instagram-worthy, making it an ideal spot to share with friends or enjoy a personal treat. I also must mention the Pisco Sours; they are dangerously good and crafted to perfection.
I'm already looking forward to my next visit. El Dorado has definitely secured a place in my regular dining rotation!
- Pollo Causa10
- Lomo Saltado10
- flavor10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Ceviche, Worth the Spice!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, particularly with their ceviche. It was described as a little spicy, but ultimately delicious. Even my wife, who typically dislikes spicy food, absolutely loved the ceviche here.
The food quality was rated a 5 out of 5, and the service and atmosphere also received perfect scores of 5. It was a wonderful dinner experience.
- ceviche9
- food10
- service10
Visit Type
- Business Meeting
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Incredible Food and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was incredible! We went for a company lunch, and I was absolutely blown away. I ordered the LOMO SALTADO and it was fantastic.
The food was a perfect 5/5, the atmosphere was also a perfect 5/5, and the service was excellent. We experienced no wait time, making the entire visit seamless.
- LOMO SALTADO10
- food10
- atmosphere10
What EL DORADO offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is EL DORADO Latin Fusion accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, EL DORADO is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Families are also welcome, as the restaurant is good for kids and provides high chairs for younger guests, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for everyone.
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at EL DORADO Latin Fusion?
At EL DORADO, you can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch, dinner, or dessert. They offer table service and a bar onsite with hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails. You can even catch live music or sports while you dine.
How does EL DORADO generally perform across different aspects?
EL DORADO achieves an overall score of 7.9 with Customer Satisfaction at 77.8%. Guests particularly praise the Food (8.1) and Ambience (8.5), while Service is good at (7.5). Value (4.7) is an area where opinions are more divided.
What do customers enjoy most about EL DORADO?
Many customers highlight the authentic Peruvian cuisine, praising dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado. The restaurant’s vibrant ambiance, with its unique decor and music, is also frequently mentioned as a strong positive.
Are there any common concerns or areas for improvement at EL DORADO?
Some guests have noted issues with value, finding prices high or drinks diluted. There are also occasional reports of inconsistent service and loud music impacting the dining experience for some.