Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Alora Coastal Mediterranean – San Francisco
Alora Coastal Mediterranean - San Francisco
Photo from Alora Coastal Mediterranean
Alora Coastal Mediterranean at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🫒 Mediterranean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 80 of the guests
#1375 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#31 Mediterranean Restaurant out of 40 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
599
Reviews
70.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Waterfront views
- Attentive staff
- Delicious food
Frequently criticized
- Service delays
- High prices
- Public restrooms
The restaurant Alora Coastal Mediterranean, a delightful Mediterranean Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Financial District, invites you to experience a taste of the coast. You’ll discover a truly exceptional dining experience here, highlighted by a great wine list that perfectly complements the fresh, healthy options.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening or a trendy spot for small plates and cocktails, this is a destination you won’t want to miss.
Overview: Introducting Alora Coastal Mediterranean
Alora Coastal Mediterranean offers a dining experience where the stunning waterfront view and inviting decor often set a positive tone. Guests frequently praise the attentive service from a hustling staff, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
However, some visits are marred by considerable waiting time for seating and orders. While the food was amazing for many, others found certain dishes and watered down cocktails less impressive, suggesting an inconsistent culinary execution.
Good
7.3
out of 10
599
Reviews
70.3%
Satisfaction
141
negative
37
neutral
421
positive
Overall, Alora Coastal Mediterranean earns a solid 7.3, reflecting a generally good experience for diners. This is supported by a 70.3% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most guests leave content.
With 421 positive remarks against 141 negative ones out of 599 total comments, there’s a clear leaning towards positive impressions, though some areas could see improvement. The restaurant truly shines in its Ambience (8.1), which is a significant draw.
The Food (7.6) also performs well, with many appreciating the culinary offerings. However, Service (6.6) falls into the average range, suggesting some inconsistencies, and Value (4.1) is a notable area for improvement, often perceived as a drawback by guests.
What people like
- Stunning waterfront views
- Attentive, hustling staff
- Delicious food items
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service timing
- High price point
- Public restroom concerns
Alora Coastal Mediterranean, with a 7.5 recommendation score, presents a compelling option for those prioritizing a beautiful setting and well-crafted dishes. It’s a place to consider for a memorable meal, especially if you value a vibrant atmosphere and don’t mind a potentially higher price point.
However, be prepared for possible service delays and be aware of the public restroom situation. If these aspects are significant concerns for you, it might be worth exploring other options, but for many, the overall experience makes it a worthwhile visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Alora Coastal Mediterranean
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.6 and a strong customer satisfaction of 73.9%. With 246 positive remarks out of 333 total, many diners rave about the Muhammara, Hokkaido Scallops, and Crispy Eggplant. The Basque cheesecake and puffy bread also frequently earn high praise for their deliciousness and quality.
Yet, there are some culinary missteps among the 58 negative comments. A recurring concern is the portion sizes, often deemed too small for the price. Specific dishes like the duck liver mousse and Adana Kebab occasionally disappoint, with some finding them gamy, tough, or lacking authentic flavors.
Food
333
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
58
negative
29
neutral
246
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent Muhammara
- Divine Crispy Eggplant
- Outstanding Basque cheesecake
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent Adana Kebab
- Disappointing duck mousse
Often praised
- foodHe also shared some great insights on anime. The food was amazing, the vibes were perfect, and the cocktails completed a wonderful night. I must also shout out the chef, who transformed seemingly random ingredients like duck liver, berries, and mustard into one of the tastiest things I've ever eaten.
- cocktailsThe basque cheesecake was a bit sweet and dense for my liking, especially compared to the original in San Sebastián, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it. The drinks menu features cocktails with dreamy names and diverse ingredients. I enjoyed a bourbon cocktail, the “Ruby and the Phoenix”, which was similar to a smoky old-fashioned.
- octopusthe octopus was cooked well and simply superb
- MuhammaraWe enjoyed our appetizer (Muhammara)
- drinksI found it to be the BEST RESTAURANT EVER! The people were lovely, and they served such good drinks. The food had a great taste.
- cheesecakethe cheesecake two thumbs up on that
- cocktailDon’t skip the puffy bread! Carlos’ mezcal-cilantro-egg white cocktail (The Meadow) was a revelation 🍸. Manager Sergio & server Pooja’s warm, attentive care, plus the stunning waterfront view, made it unforgettable 🌊.
- eggplantmy husband had the eggplant
- mealI will be back again as my client enjoyed the meal. We had a wonderful meal, including a treat of rabbit for the main course.
- muhammaraWe shared the duck liver mousse, muhammara, and lamb souvlaki. Both of us really liked the muhammara. Unfortunately, the lamb souvlaki was too dry and the duck liver mousse tasted too rich.
Frequently criticized
- foodFood also tasted as though it had been sitting out
- cocktailsThe highlight was the warm sourdough pita ($4 for one piece) that went perfectly with the delicious Muhammara dip. The mocktail tasted like sparkling fruit juice, and we didn’t find the cocktails well-balanced or smooth. For entrees, we ordered pasta dishes, which were slightly disappointing as they either felt like they had too much of one flavor or lacked another.
- drinksBoth of our drinks were surprisingly underwhelming
- duck liver mousseI visited Alora with high expectations, but unfortunately, the experience fell short, leaving me disappointed, especially considering the many excellent dining options in the area. We began with two appetizers: the Muhammara was enjoyable (picture included), but the duck liver mousse, despite a generous portion, had an unappealing texture and flavor, and we only managed a few bites. My main course, the Adana Kebab (picture included), was gamy and tough, detracting from my enjoyment.
- octopusThe octopus and assorted potatoes tasted like they were fire-grilled on the outside and were undercooked on the inside
- Adana KebabWe began with two appetizers: the Muhammara was enjoyable (picture included), but the duck liver mousse, despite a generous portion, had an unappealing texture and flavor, and we only managed a few bites. My main course, the Adana Kebab (picture included), was gamy and tough, detracting from my enjoyment. The most disheartening part was the pavlova dessert, a personal favorite, which was inedible and had to be sent back.
- Adana kebabthe Adana kebab was served with a type of rice that didn’t quite match
- FoodFood:2
- MuhammaraThe Muhammara had a spice that felt out of place
- Pisco Sourit still tasted bland and poorly executed
If you're looking for a generally good dining experience with many standout dishes, this place is worth a try, especially for its highly-praised Mediterranean flavors. Just be mindful that some portions might be on the smaller side, and a few specific items could be inconsistent.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had genuinely positive experiences, with 75 positive opinions out of 127 total. Diners frequently praised the attentive service, friendly staff, and knowledge of the menu, especially for special occasions. The overall score for service stands at 6.6, indicating an above-average performance, with many feeling well-cared for.
However, not everyone had a smooth experience, with 48 negative opinions pointing to areas for improvement. Some guests encountered slow service, long waiting times, and felt rushed to order, or found the staff inattentive. This contributes to a customer satisfaction of 59.1%, suggesting a mixed bag where consistency could be better across the board.
Service
127
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
48
negative
4
neutral
75
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, warm staff
- Knowledgeable service
- Personalized care
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Inattentive staff
- Felt rushed
Often praised
- serviceParking can be a challenge as it is on Pier 3, but the restaurant is clearly visible from the street on Embarcadero. I was greeted with a smile and able to be seated immediately. I sat on the porch, which was tinted with clear plastic, allowing a view of the bay, and there were several heat lamps, so you weren’t freezing.
- staffThe staff was really hustling to handle a full restaurant
- Great serviceGreat service
- attentive serviceUnfortunately, the lamb souvlaki was too dry and the duck liver mousse tasted too rich. Food was average, but I appreciated the ambiance and attentive service.
- experienceThe manager, Sergio, also came over to ensure everything was going well. It was a 10/10 experience.
- AngelineSpecial gratitude to Chef Aline Bueno 👩🏻🍳 for her artistry and vision — this menu carries her signature of precision and heart. And to Angeline, whose thoughtful, graceful service turned dinner into an experience. This is more than a meal — it’s an invitation to slow down, connect, and celebrate life’s finer details.
- CarlosThe bartender Carlos made some bomb cocktails
- Dietary restrictionsvery accommodating and happy to help
- Elisabest of the night was Elisa she had us smiling
- Manager SergioCarlos’ mezcal-cilantro-egg white cocktail (The Meadow) was a revelation 🍸. Manager Sergio & server Pooja’s warm, attentive care, plus the stunning waterfront view, made it unforgettable 🌊. The Basque cheesecake?
Frequently criticized
- serviceFor dessert, the layered chocolate cake was very tasty. The service could have been more attentive given there were few people in the restaurant. We had to prompt them to explain the menu to us, despite the fact that they were recently opened and should have assumed, or at least asked, if it was our first time.
- waiting timeWe went in knowing that there was probably going to be some backup from the other reservations earlier in the night but we didn’t anticipate how long we would be waiting. We ended up waiting 40 minutes past our reservation time to be seated and then another 30 minutes till we got our order taken by our waiter. The food was okay but not worth the wait.
- waithad to wait 30 mins after our reservation time
- GMclaimed that I cannot drink the alcohol because I didn’t have a physical ID
- ServiceThree plates of food arrived before we had our cocktails
- appetisers clearedappetisers were cleared before finished
- bartenderbar tender wasn’t into it
- crushed red pepperAsks for crushed red pepper that never came
- customer experienceruin the customer’s experience is at a different level
- disorganizedThey overall seem pretty disorganized
Service here can be a bit of a gamble; you might encounter truly exceptional, attentive staff who make your night. However, be prepared for potential delays or moments of inattentiveness, especially during busy periods. If youre patient, you could have a wonderful experience, but its not always guaranteed.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.1 and a customer satisfaction rate of 84.2%, it's clear most diners love the atmosphere. Based on 96 positive comments out of 114 total, guests frequently rave about the amazing views, beautiful decor, and lovely patios, creating a truly memorable dining experience with a great vibe.
However, not every detail is perfect, as noted in 15 less favorable comments. Some guests found the public restrooms to be a significant drawback, while others mentioned issues like unstable tables or music that was a bit too loud. These are minor points, but worth considering for a completely seamless visit.
Ambience
114
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
96
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning waterfront views
- Beautiful, modern decor
- Inviting outdoor patio
What people don't like
- Shared public restrooms
- Loud, club-like music
- Unstable tables
Often praised
- atmosphereThis has turned into one of our favorite lunch spots, especially on a sunny day. It's so beautiful and on the water. The food is delicious.
- ambianceThe service from all staff was super attentive. The decor is fun and evocative, including the pretty patio overlooking the bay. Chef Ryan Mcilwraith even took a moment to visit our table; though our mouths were full of his savory lasagna (a must-try!), we managed to express our deep appreciation.
- interiorThe interior was stunning
- ParkingParking is easy enough to find.
- amazing viewamazing view as well
- ambienceambience with awesome view
- decordecor and ambiance were all first rate
- dining experienceMy wife and I visited for Valentine's Day. The staff was incredibly busy managing a full restaurant, and while things took a while to get sorted, the overall dining experience was fantastic. Every food item and cocktail was well crafted with good fresh flavors.
- interiorsThe food was really good and high quality, and the service was also great. I particularly enjoyed the nice vibe and the beautiful interiors. The only downsides were that they had no beers available, neither on tap nor in bottles, despite it being on the menu, and the restrooms are public and located outside the restaurant.
- locationWhat a delightful restaurant with great food and a great location. Parking can be a challenge as it is on Pier 3, but the restaurant is clearly visible from the street on Embarcadero.
Frequently criticized
- musicThe food was superb, and the service was splendid -- Jessie ensured we had a great experience. The only advice is to work on the music; it was loud and club-like, so it took away from our full enjoyment of the ambiance. We'll come back with friends and hope all will be perfect.
- restroomyou have to use a public restroom in a different building that was dirty
- restroomsthe restrooms are public access and had homeless in there during dinner service
- ParkingWhat a delightful restaurant with great food and a great location. Parking can be a challenge as it is on Pier 3, but the restaurant is clearly visible from the street on Embarcadero. I was greeted with a smile and able to be seated immediately.
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- awkward situationAwkward experience being told we only have 90 minutes
- covered patioin the rain the cover leaked water on us
- outside tableif you don’t get an outside table it’s a ripoff
- public bathroomrestuarant does not have its own bathroom but directs to a public bathroom outside.
- public restroomonly have a public restroom that isn’t connected to the restaurant
If you're looking for a place with stunning views and a fantastic atmosphere, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for the possibility of using shared public restrooms, which seems to be the main point of contention for some guests.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with a 4.1 score indicating its pretty average overall. However, customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 16%, suggesting many arent thrilled with what theyre getting for their money. On the bright side, the happy hour menu gets a lot of love, with folks raving about the unbeatable prices and great value, making it a definite highlight among the 4 positive comments out of 25 total.
On the flip side, the general sentiment leans heavily towards the negative, with 20 opinions highlighting concerns about the price, quantity, and overall pricy nature of the offerings. Many feel the portions are too small for the cost, and terms like expensive, price point, and bill frequently pop up in complaints, indicating that for many, the value for money just isnt there.
Value
25
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
20
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour menu
- Unbeatable happy hour price
What people don't like
- High price point
- Small portion sizes
- Poor value for money
Often praised
- biggest tabBiggest tab of my life, zero regrets
- happy hourBest happy hour I’ve been to in the city!
- happy hour menutotally recommend happy hour menu. Can’t beat the price
- valuefair value for dinner quality and venue location
Frequently criticized
- priceWe enjoyed our appetizer, the Muhammara. However, our cocktails were very watered down, and we felt the crispy eggplant was slightly bland and not worth the high price. Overall, it was a good experience, but we will probably order a different main dish next time.
- price pointThe only true downside is that the restrooms are public access and had homeless individuals in there during dinner service. This felt unsafe for my wife and myself; I wish there was a better situation or an attendant at this price point.
- Value for moneyFor the amount paid we feel like this is not worth the visit
- affordableIf it was more affordable
- billThe most disheartening part was the pavlova dessert, a personal favorite, which was inedible and had to be sent back. While Alora is relatively new and these might be teething problems, the $280 bill for two felt excessive. This visit has convinced me to stick with my usual favorites in the area where quality is guaranteed.
- drinksDrinks are overpriced ($20 for a glass of Chardonnay)
- expensive imported alternativeno expensive imported alternative offered
- menuthe menu isn’t cheap
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- price per personon top of being $100+ a person
If youre looking for a great deal, definitely check out their happy hour menu – it seems to be a real winner. However, for regular dining, be prepared for potentially high prices and smaller portions, as many customers feel the overall value isnt quite up to par.
How are the prices at Alora Coastal Mediterranean?
On average, you’ll spend around 75 $ per person – from 80 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $71–$80 category. For a Mediterranean Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average hovers around 75 $, it’s clear that prices are quite spread out, with a significant number of diners opting for experiences well over 101 $, suggesting a mix of mid-range and premium offerings.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 80 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mediterranean restaurant in San Francisco, offering good value across its range of options.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Alora Coastal Mediterranean
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Favorite Lunch Spot on the Water
This has turned into one of our favorite lunch spots, especially on a sunny day. It's so beautiful and on the water. The food is delicious.
We love the vegetable and assorted dips appetizer, the octopus, and the chicken plate. These are just a few of our favorites, but you really can't go wrong!
- vegetable and assorted dips appetizer9
- octopus9
- chicken plate9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
1
Ignored and Annoyed Wait Staff
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a significant wait to be served, nearly 10 minutes, during which no staff member acknowledged our presence. This led to us leaving without being served. The wait staff also appeared to be annoyed by our presence.
- wait to be served2
- wait staff1
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Perfect Sharing Plates & Must-Try Baklava
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! We ordered a bunch of plates to share between two people, and it was the perfect amount. You truly can't go wrong with any combination of their dishes.
I definitely recommend that you don't miss the chocolate baklava!
- plates to share10
- chocolate baklava10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Happy Hour, Beautiful Spot
We visited Alora for a last-minute "happy hour" before a wedding. The spot looks fancy, and the bar is beautiful. We sat at the bar and ordered from the happy hour menu.
The bartender was really nice, though he did repeatedly mention we had less than 10 minutes to order, which we did quickly. We enjoyed the Hummus HH and Crudo, which were beautifully presented and had tasty flavors. We also had drinks.
Although our stay was short, it was fun. We plan to return for a full meal to get the complete experience, but we totally recommend the happy hour menu, especially for the great price.
- fancy spot8
- beautiful bar9
- guy at the bar7
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
1
Toxic Food, Lacks Quality
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. The food was toxic and lacked quality. Despite the name suggesting Mediterranean cuisine, the dishes were prepared using local junk ingredients instead of imported ones.
The chef's reliance on salt for flavor was overwhelming, leading to noticeable fluid retention and weight gain. I would not recommend this establishment.
- food1
- local junk ingredients1
- salt1
What Alora Coastal Mediterranean offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking options are available when you visit Alora Coastal Mediterranean?
When you plan your visit to Alora Coastal Mediterranean, you’ll find several convenient parking options. There’s a paid parking lot, a paid parking garage, and paid street parking available. Usually, you’ll find plenty of parking to make your dining experience hassle-free.
Can you make reservations at Alora Coastal Mediterranean, and what dining times are offered?
Yes, Alora Coastal Mediterranean accepts reservations, with dinner reservations highly recommended. You can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day, including brunch, lunch, and dinner. All meals come with comfortable table service and seating, ensuring a pleasant experience.
What is the overall dining experience like at Alora Coastal Mediterranean?
Alora Coastal Mediterranean generally offers a good dining experience, reflected by an overall score of 7.3 and 70.3% customer satisfaction. Guests particularly appreciate the Ambience (8.1) and Food (7.6), though Service (6.6) is average and Value (4.1) is a weaker point.
What are the standout features of Alora Coastal Mediterranean?
Many guests highlight the restaurant’s stunning waterfront views and inviting decor. The staff is often praised for being attentive and hustling, and several food items like the octopus and Muhammara receive positive remarks.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Alora Coastal Mediterranean?
Some diners have experienced inconsistent service timing, including long waits for seating and orders. The price point is often noted as high, and the use of public restrooms outside the restaurant is a frequent concern.