Highlights
- Sports
- Rooftop seating
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Sens – San Francisco
Sens - San Francisco
Photo from Sens
Sens at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 80 of the guests
#1566 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#183 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
502
Reviews
67.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Beautiful ambiance
- Attentive service
- Flavorful food
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Inconsistent food
- Hidden entrance
The restaurant Sens, nestled in the vibrant Financial District of San Francisco, invites you to an exceptional dining experience. You’ll discover an upscale and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening or a stylish gathering.
One of its most captivating features is the stunning rooftop seating, offering breathtaking views as you dine. With a great wine list and an array of small plates, Sens promises a memorable culinary journey.
Overview: Introducting Sens
Sens appears to offer a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its inviting atmosphere and attentive staff. Many guests highlight the awesome staff and the beautiful views, making it a popular choice for various occasions.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall cost and portion sizes. While the food generally receives positive feedback for its flavors, consistency can be an issue, and finding the entrance to the restaurant has been a minor point of confusion for some.
Good
7.1
out of 10
502
Reviews
67.1%
Satisfaction
123
negative
42
neutral
337
positive
Sens achieves an overall restaurant score of 7.1, which places it in the good category, suggesting a largely positive experience for its patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at 67.1%, indicating a mixed but leaning positive reception, where many guests are content, but some reservations remain.
Delving into specifics, the Ambience (8.1) is a clear strength, frequently lauded for its appealing setting. Service (7.2) also performs well, with staff attentiveness often appreciated.
The Food (6.9) is generally well-regarded, though it sits just below the ‘good’ threshold. The most significant area for improvement is Value (3.6), which garners considerably lower marks, based on 337 positive and 123 negative opinions.
What people like
- Beautiful restaurant ambiance
- Attentive, accommodating service
- Flavorful food options
What people don't like
- High cost, small portions
- Inconsistent food quality
- Difficult to find entrance
Sens presents a compelling option for those prioritizing a strong atmosphere and attentive service. With a recommendation score of 7.3, it suggests that many guests find their visit worthwhile, particularly for events or when seeking a visually appealing venue.
However, potential diners should be aware of the pricing structure, as the Value aspect is a common point of contention, often linked to portion sizes. If you’re looking for a place with great ambiance and service and are prepared for the cost, Sens could be a fitting choice.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
283
98.6%
- $$
- Lower Nob Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
307
100%
- $$
- Saint Francis Wood
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
97
99%
- $$
- Telegraph Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
182
96.2%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
249
98.4%
- $$
- Cow Hollow
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
533
98.1%
- $$
- Marina District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Sens
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
The food here generally lands in the good category with a score of 6.9, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 63.5%. Many guests absolutely loved the delicious food, with special shout-outs for the paella, birria lasagna, and falafel. The cocktails, appetizers, and overall presentation also received plenty of praise, accounting for 153 positive comments.
On the flip side, some diners expressed disappointment with the small portion sizes and found certain dishes like steak and fish to be undercooked or tough. There were also comments about limited vegetarian options and underwhelming appetizers, contributing to 60 negative observations.
Food
241
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
60
negative
28
neutral
153
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- Great cocktails
- Unique dishes
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Inconsistent mains
- Limited options
Often praised
- foodIt's a great mashup of Mexican and Italian flavors. We visited on a very busy night, but the staff was still highly attentive, and the food was amazing. I highly recommend trying the aranici appetizers or the fresh bruschetta.
- drinksforget about that when with drinks and friends
- Mediterranean SpreadsAll three sauces/dips were incredibly rich and creamy, a delightful start.
- paellaThe Sea Bass was the same story. The paella was good, but that's about all the positive I can share. On top of all that, service was very lackluster.
- PaellaThe shrimp and chicken were really tasty, and the presentation was great.
- appetizersSens is our team's usual dinner spot, and it consistently proves to be a great place for dining. We typically order appetizers, and they are always very good. The service is fast and to the point.
- cocktailsfood, snacks and cocktails
- pastaI had the pasta, which smelled heavenly and was just so fresh and delicious.
- saladsthe salads had excellent flavor
- wine selectionThe wine selection and tag were top notch
Frequently criticized
- foodfood took 1 hour to arrive, quality was sub par
- steaksplit a steak, it was $59 for 6oz's maybe
- steaksThe food took an hour to arrive, and the quality was sub par. Most of our steaks were not cooked well, and the ingredients were of bad quality. Considering the price, the overall experience was not worth it.
- fishThe atmosphere was extremely noisy, and the service for our large party of 12, who spent a significant amount of money, was not impressive. The food was mediocre; the steak was hard to chew, the fish was overcooked, and the dessert was marginal. The brussel sprouts were the highlight.
- portionsthe portions are too small
- dessertThe atmosphere was extremely noisy, and the service for our large party of 12, who spent a significant amount of money, was not impressive. The food was mediocre; the steak was hard to chew, the fish was overcooked, and the dessert was marginal. The brussel sprouts were the highlight.
- portion sizeThere was no potato or anything else, which was so sad! The food tasted great, but the portion size was way too tiny!
- Coca-ColaCoca-Cola was advertised as "refill" but was not
- Mediterranean dishesmost things I would expect at a mediterranean restaurant weren't on the menu
- Sea BassWe got 2 steaks at the table – neither cooked right, both super small portions, and they came with literally nothing else on the plate. The Sea Bass was the same story. The paella was good, but that's about all the positive I can share.
Overall, the food offers some real highlights, especially if you stick to the popular appetizers, paella, or unique dishes like birria lasagna. Just be mindful that portion sizes can be small, and some main courses, particularly steaks and fish, might not always hit the mark.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
The service here generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7.2, though customer satisfaction sits at a somewhat mixed 67%. Many guests, based on 73 positive comments out of 109, raved about the wonderful staff and friendly servers. Shout-outs often went to attentive service and awesome bartenders who made the experience enjoyable.
However, not everyone had a smooth experience, with 30 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some guests encountered very slow service, laggy responses, and even forgotten drinks. There were also instances where the restaurant seemed understaffed, leading to rushed service and long waits.
Service
109
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
30
negative
6
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Awesome bartenders
What people don't like
- Slow, inconsistent service
- Forgotten drinks
Often praised
- serviceI've had the pleasure of meeting some of the awesome staff, and most recently, Richard was our bartender. The drinks were on point and the service was next level.
- staffIt's a great mashup of Mexican and Italian flavors. We visited on a very busy night, but the staff was still highly attentive, and the food was amazing. I highly recommend trying the aranici appetizers or the fresh bruschetta.
- waitressour waitress, who was kind enough to let us order a few items from the happy hour menu
- ServiceService: 5/5
- guestsI even had my wedding here last week on the terrace, and it was a fantastic event. All my guests raved about the food and the overall ambiance. Working with their Wedding Event Manager, Cristina, was a pleasure; she’s the best!
- Dietary restrictionsthey were extremely thoughtful and accommodating suggesting lovely substitutions on the spot.
- RichardRichard as our bartender
- Wedding Event Manager CristinaWedding Event Manager Cristina was amazing to work with
- awesome staffI've visited a few times for business and recently moved to the city. I've had the pleasure of meeting some of the awesome staff, and most recently, Richard was our bartender. The drinks were on point and the service was next level.
- bartenderthe bartender was awesome
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, primarily due to the terrible service and a disappointing kitchen. I was dining with a group and have dietary restrictions.
- hard to findHard to find in a mall
- beveragemy beverage was removed before I was finished too
- credit card disputeI had to resort to a credit card dispute
- finding the restaurantfinding the restaurant as it was my first time
- food arrivedFood arrived with one person's dinner about 8 minutes behind the rest
- forgotten drinksWhile the staff were incredibly kind, I encountered an issue with our server becoming upset about a $200 tip on an $800 tab. I believe this is a generous tip for the service received, which included forgotten drinks, slow responses, and meals needing to be sent back for being undercooked. To make matters worse, our server stopped us on the way out and demanded we alter the tip to be more than 20%, which is unacceptable.
- kitchen was closingwe had a 6:30 res and were told the kitchen was closing at 7:10
- laggy responseslaggy responses
- pacing with drinksOnly complaint about my meal was the pacing with drinks
While many praise the friendly and attentive staff, service can be a bit inconsistent. If youre looking for a place with generally good service, its worth a try, but be prepared for potential hiccups during busy times.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
The ambience at this spot truly stands out, with a good score of 8.1 and a solid 84.3% customer satisfaction. Based on 107 positive remarks out of 127 total, guests frequently rave about the view overlooking the Bay Bridge, the rustic Spanish style, and the warm and cozy yet romantic place vibe, creating a memorable experience. However, its not entirely without its quirks, as 14 comments highlight some areas for improvement.
Patrons occasionally found the restaurant noisy, especially the bar area, and some noted it was hard to find the entrance. There were also mentions of tvs showing sport' being a bit distracting.
Ambience
127
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
14
negative
6
neutral
107
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spectacular views
- Charming decor
- Warm, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Extremely noisy
- Difficult to find
- Distracting TVs
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food, drinks, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch. Our waiter was incredibly helpful, clarifying questions about ingredients and offering excellent recommendations.
- viewthe view from the restaurant was spectacular
- viewsMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of impressive ambiance and varied food quality. The gorgeous views of the bay bridge and the beautiful, stone-inspired interior created a wonderful Spanish ambiance. The restaurant offers multiple rooms and plenty of space, including an event space, making it versatile.
- patioThe burgers were perfectly prepared with a good serving of french fries, the pizzas were perfect, and the salads had excellent flavor. The patio was lovely and the music was just the right volume. My only caution is that the non-alcoholic drinks are loaded with ice, making their $6 prices a harder swallow.
- vibeMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with a great vibe and an atmosphere that's good for gatherings of any size. The wine selection was impressive, and the staff provided helpful suggestions.
- ambianceBeautiful ambiance with views of the Bay Bridge
- ambiencethe ambience of the restaurant was incredibly welcoming
- decorrefreshing decor. Love the beautiful blue mosaic and stone walls
- interiorbeautiful, stone-inspired interior that effortlessly creates a Spanish ambiance.
- locationGreat location. View of the ferry bldg.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was a bit of a disappointment. The atmosphere was extremely noisy, and the service for our large party of 12, who spent a significant amount of money, was not impressive. The food was mediocre; the steak was hard to chew, the fish was overcooked, and the dessert was marginal.
- noisyThe restaurant was also very noisy
- bar areaExtremely loud bar area
- common pathwaysunorganized for common pathways
- entranceThe food was very good and reasonably priced. The only negative aspect was that it's difficult to find the entrance, as it's hidden on the third floor in a mall-like structure with stairs. However, it was worth the hunt for the entrance.
- hard to findI would recommend it if you are in the area. However, it is located on the top floor, making it kind of hard to find.
- restaurantso loud in this restaurant
- terracethe terrace could definitely use a lifting
- tvs showing sporttvs showing sport. Very distracting
If you're looking for a place with spectacular views and a charming, inviting atmosphere for a date or group occasion, this restaurant is a strong contender. Just be aware that it can get lively and a bit noisy, and finding the entrance might require a small adventure.
Value (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
Looking at the value, a few guests found some bright spots. Based on 25 comments, with 4 positive remarks, some appreciated that the drinks were affordable and noted good prices on certain items. The great happy hour specials also earned a nod for offering decent value.
However, the overwhelming 19 negative remarks paint a different picture. The overall value received a 3.6 score, indicating a poor experience, and customer satisfaction stands at a low 16%. Many guests felt items were overpriced , especially given the portion size , and found the cost hard to justify.
Concerns also arose about prices online not matching the dine-in menu.
Value
25
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
19
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable drinks
- Great happy hour
What people don't like
- Overpriced menu items
- Small portion sizes
- Misleading happy hour
Often praised
- drinksDrinks are pretty affordable
- happy hour specialsgreat happy hour specials
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, offering a great harbor bridge view, especially from the spacious balcony. The food was very good and reasonably priced. The only negative aspect was that it's difficult to find the entrance, as it's hidden on the third floor in a mall-like structure with stairs.
- pricesgood prices
Frequently criticized
- pricesThe patio was lovely and the music was just the right volume. My only caution is that the non-alcoholic drinks are loaded with ice, making their $6 prices a harder swallow.
- priceExpensive, food took 1 hour to arrive
- happy hourhappy hour was particularly misleading
- chargesThey charged $60 on top of what I signed
- costthey didn't quite justify the cost.
- dine in menudid not match the dine in menu
- dishesMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to the high cost and misleading information. No dishes were under $40, which is extremely expensive. Although the Coca-Cola was advertised as "refill, " it was not.
- menu itemsThe items on the menu are a bit costly
- money we spendWe ordered a salad and two entrees, but still went home hungry. It felt like it was not the worth the money we spend. The vegetarian options were limited to just a salad and one pasta dish, leading to a recommendation against it for vegetarians.
- overpriceddisappointing, primarily due to the overpriced nature
If value is a top priority, you might want to proceed with caution. While some happy hour specials are noted as affordable, many guests found the regular menu overpriced for the portion size . It's best to manage expectations regarding cost.
How are the prices at Sens?
On average, you’ll spend around 55 per person – based on 80 guests. That places this restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For a Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning slightly higher.
Looking at the bigger picture, prices are quite spread out, with many diners opting for both more budget-friendly and more premium experiences.
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 Restaurant in San Francisco, especially given the variety of price points available to diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sens
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Unique Mexican-Italian Fusion with Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great mashup of Mexican and Italian flavors. We visited on a very busy night, but the staff was still highly attentive, and the food was amazing.
I highly recommend trying the aranici appetizers or the fresh bruschetta. For dinner, the birria lasagna was so good and unique. I will definitely visit here next time I am in downtown SF.
- Mexican and Italian flavors9
- staff9
- food10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Mixed Experience: Good Atmosphere, Rushed Service
I had a 5-star experience with the atmosphere, and it's clear this is a well-loved spot for the after-work crowd. Regarding the food, the Paella wasn't the worst I've had, but I was surprised by the addition of broccoli and the omission of butter beans. The service was rushed; my plate was nearly taken as I was taking a bite, and my beverage was removed before I was finished.
We also had desserts, and they were just okay. I would have loved an espresso, but it's not on the menu, FYI.
- atmosphere10
- Paella5
- broccoli5
- service3
- plate3
- beverage3
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Good Food, So-So Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was definitely a highlight, with both the cod and the pork being very good. However, the service was only so-so.
The atmosphere was quite loud in the outside covered areas.
- food8
- service5
- atmosphere6
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Great Happy Hour Spot with Unique Food
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for a happy hour visit. The drinks were quite affordable, and the food offered some truly unique offerings. I particularly enjoyed the octopus, which was incredibly soft and tasty.
The pizza was also solid, with a nice undercarriage and char. Despite the restaurant being quite busy, the service was timely and friendly. We were able to get a table with some ease, and sitting on the patio was a nice touch.
The overall vibes were fun for an after-work evening.
- drinks8
- food9
- octopus9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Food and Service for Groups
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. We had a large group and found the space to be enjoyable. The food was excellent, and the service was also very good.
Both the food and service received a perfect score of 5.
- food10
- service10
- space8
What Sens offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- 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
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- 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
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining experience can you expect at Sens?
At Sens, you’ll find an upscale, trendy, and romantic atmosphere, perfect for various occasions. You can enjoy table service for lunch or dinner, with options for outdoor seating, including a stunning rooftop. The restaurant also features a fireplace, adding to its inviting ambiance.
What dining options and amenities does Sens provide, and is it accessible?
Sens offers a diverse menu with small plates, late-night food, and a kids’ menu, complemented by a great wine list, beer selection, and cocktails. You’ll find a bar onsite, and the venue is fully wheelchair accessible, including entrances, seating, and restrooms. Dogs are also allowed outside.
What is the overall dining experience like at Sens?
Sens generally offers a good dining experience, reflected in its overall score of **7.1**. Guests particularly appreciate the **Ambience** (8.1) and **Service** (7.2), while the **Food** (6.9) is also well-received.
Is Sens considered a good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find drinks affordable and happy hour specials appealing, the **Value** score of (3.6) indicates that many consider the overall pricing, especially for main dishes and portion sizes, to be a significant drawback.
What are some notable aspects of the service at Sens?
The service at Sens is often highlighted positively, with guests praising the **staff** for being attentive and accommodating, even during busy times. Specific mentions include helpful bartenders and staff who manage dietary restrictions well.