Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Lolinda – San Francisco
Lolinda - San Francisco
Photo from Lolinda
Lolinda at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 129 of the guests
#1342 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#158 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
841
Reviews
69.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great food
- Good ambiance
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Service issues
- Loud atmosphere
The restaurant Lolinda in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District offers you an unforgettable dining experience. As a top-tier restaurant, you’ll discover an atmosphere that’s both upscale and romantic, perfect for a special evening out.
You can look forward to a truly exceptional meal, complemented by a great wine list that promises to elevate your culinary journey. Whether you’re seeking a cozy spot or a trendy destination, Lolinda delivers.
Overview: Introducting Lolinda
Lolinda offers a vibrant dining experience, often praised for its flavorful dishes and inviting atmosphere. Guests frequently commend the quality of the food, with many highlighting the pork chop and steaks as particularly well-prepared.
The restaurant’s ambiance also receives positive remarks for its lively energy and comfortable setting. However, some patrons express reservations regarding the overall value, noting that portions can feel small for the price.
While the service is generally seen as attentive, there are occasional reports of inconsistencies, suggesting a mixed experience for some diners.
Good
7.3
out of 10
841
Reviews
69.7%
Satisfaction
192
negative
63
neutral
586
positive
Lolinda earns a solid 7.3 on its overall restaurant score, indicating a generally good dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a mixed 69.7%, suggesting that while many leave pleased, a notable portion have reservations.
This slight divergence points to areas where experiences can vary among guests. Delving into specifics, the Food (7.8) is a clear strength, with 586 positive remarks out of 841 total customer comments.
The Ambience (7.4) also contributes significantly to the positive sentiment. While Service (6.5) is considered average, it still garners appreciation.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.1), which receives a considerable number of critical observations, with 192 negative comments overall.
What people like
- Flavorful food selection
- Lively, inviting ambiance
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Inconsistent service attention
- Loud noise level
If you’re seeking a lively spot with well-executed dishes and a great atmosphere, Lolinda is certainly worth considering. The culinary offerings, particularly the grilled meats, are a definite draw, and the setting is conducive to a fun evening out.
Just be prepared for a potentially bustling environment. With a 7.5 recommendation score, Lolinda generally delivers a satisfying experience.
However, it’s wise to manage expectations regarding the pricing and portion sizes, as well as the occasional service lapse. It’s a place that shines in its strengths but has a few areas that might not appeal to every diner.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Lolinda
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.8 and a good customer satisfaction of 76%. Many diners, with 358 positive remarks out of 471 total, rave about the delicious grilled meats, especially the juicy steaks, and the authentic empanadas. Don't forget to save room for their delightful churros!
However, not every dish is a home run, as indicated by 68 less favorable comments. Some found the bread dry, while others noted issues with underseasoned dishes or overcooked meat. A few felt the portions were a bit on the smaller side, especially for the price.
Food
471
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
68
negative
45
neutral
358
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent grilled meats
- Authentic Argentinian food
- Delicious empanadas
What people don't like
- Inconsistent meat cooking
- Underseasoned dishes
- Small portion sizes
Often praised
- foodUnfortunately, they couldn't accommodate us with the table upstairs or any actual table, which I wish I had known before coming. However, their staff was so nice, as was the food, that I forgot about the table situation. The hostess was lovely and gave us options, and our server, Dustin (if I'm not wrong about the name), took really good care of us.
- empanadasThe service was excellent, with very friendly and speedy staff who also provided great recommendations. We tried several dishes, including the provoleta, empanadas, pan de queso, chorizo, and the rib eye. Everything was excellent, especially when accompanied by an authentic chimichurri.
- pork chopMy experience at this restaurant was truly the best pork chop experience in life. The pork chop itself was incredibly juicy and seasoned to perfection. I also enjoyed the Brussels sprouts, which were cooked to be both sweet and savory.
- steakThe steak is simple—high quality meaning coming from grass fed organic source
- steakssome of the best steaks in San Francisco
- FoodFood:5
- bone marrowbone marrow + beef tartar were excpetional appetizers
- cevicheWe ordered ceviche, empanadas, a salad and a meat dish. They were all delicious
- chimichurrichimichurri is one of the best I have had in US
- chorizoThe service was excellent, with very friendly and speedy staff who also provided great recommendations. We tried several dishes, including the provoleta, empanadas, pan de queso, chorizo, and the rib eye. Everything was excellent, especially when accompanied by an authentic chimichurri.
Frequently criticized
- steakThe empanadas were absolutely delicious, though I felt they would have been even better with knife-cut meat. For the main course, the asado mix for two was also delicious, but I was a bit disappointed that it contained little asado and little steak. While the portions didn't appear generous at first glance, they were surprisingly filling.
- bone marrowThe cauliflower arrived first, underseasoned and forgettable. The bone marrow followed with barely any actual marrow to speak of – disappointing for a dish that should be rich and indulgent. Surprisingly, the yuca fries were genuinely delicious and showed glimpses of what this kitchen could achieve.
- breadthe bread was all stale ni was not even warm
- meatThe portions were generous—plenty for two to share. My only complaint is that the chorizo and morcilla were a bit dry, and the meat tasted a bit sweet, which is why I'm giving it four stars instead of five.
- Rib EyeThis rib eye was CHARRED - and as a result, it was mostly a medium when I ordered a medium rare
- foodoversalted everything then did not season the steaks
- octopusthe octopus- which was also even more salty
- portionsI came here for a friend's birthday and was quite disappointed overall. The portions are very small. We ordered the gaucho steak, octopus, yuca fries, bone marrow, and artichokes.
- yuca friesWhen it arrived, the octopus tasted burned, though I recognize that it’s hard to get octopus right. There were barely 5 yuca fries in our $9 order. There was only enough bone marrow to fill a tablespoon.
- Argentine beefand Argentine beef
If you're craving well-prepared grilled meats and authentic Argentinian flavors, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might miss the mark on seasoning or portion size, so choose wisely.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When service shines, it truly stands out! Many guests, with 121 positive remarks, raved about the attentive staff and knowledgeable servers who provided excellent service. From personalized experiences to thoughtful gestures, the team often goes above and beyond to make diners feel special and well-cared for.
However, the experience isnt always consistent. With 77 negative comments, some diners encountered off and on service, poor service timing, and even unwelcoming staff who made them feel rushed or ignored. This leads to an average score of 6.5 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 58.5%, suggesting theres room for improvement.
Service
207
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
77
negative
9
neutral
121
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, knowledgeable staff
- Personalized, excellent service
- Friendly, welcoming hospitality
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Unwelcoming, rude staff
- Feeling rushed, ignored
Often praised
- serviceThe attentiveness and kindness of the waitress, who took the time to explain the cocktails, and the courtesy of the busboy when clearing plates, made everything stupendous. The food was perfect, served quickly and at the appropriate times. Later, I moved to the bar area, and the barback was very kind and attentive to my order.
- ServiceGenerally the Service is quite good.
- staffUnfortunately, they couldn't accommodate us with the table upstairs or any actual table, which I wish I had known before coming. However, their staff was so nice, as was the food, that I forgot about the table situation. The hostess was lovely and gave us options, and our server, Dustin (if I'm not wrong about the name), took really good care of us.
- serverWhile it was a little loud, that's understandable for a busy restaurant. The server was good, and his team was attentive, picking up slack and acknowledging wait times. It was a fun evening, made even more special by the server's insistence on lighting the birthday candle for my husband's dessert.
- recommendationsknowledge of the menu and recommendations
- VinceKudos to Vince, the house manager , added an awesome and personal touch
- customer servicegave us the best customer service!
- hostessFrom the hostess to the server, the waiters and the owner were really attentive
- serversServers were excellent (knowledgeable, nice, professional, etc.)
- waiterthe waiter and bartenders were really nice
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe parrilla grill is a standout, infusing the meat with a delicious wood smoke. However, the service was not as great as I would expect for the price range. No one checked in during the meal or asked if anything was needed, which was an unfortunate miss that could have made for a more well-rounded experience.
- serverWe ran out of water and had to stop eating due to thirst. Eventually, after about half an hour, we managed to flag down our mostly absent server. It wasn't just us; most tables weren't receiving much attention.
- Servicethey lost the specialty candles that went along with it. Instead of letting my spouse know, they went ahead and stuck in 10 regular candles
- waiting timeWalking into Lolinda with high hopes for our 8: 30 reservation, I was immediately reminded why first impressions matter in this business. After waiting 15 minutes to be seated despite having a confirmed reservation, we settled in for what would become a masterclass in poor service timing. Twenty minutes passed before our server even acknowledged our table – no water, no greeting, nothing.
- attentionterrible service and attention from the guys at the bar
- customer serviceThe food is okay; I wouldn't say it's bad because the roasts are quite good. However, the customer service is terrible. The waiters and bussers have a lot to be desired.
- staffstaff who were super welcoming and attentive. This time, the service kind of ruined our meal.
- waiterI spoke to the waiter who was serving me but he did not see me
- waitresswaitress came one time after food was served
- 90 minute limitkicked us out of the table! Said there's a 90 minute limit
Service here can be a bit of a gamble. If you catch them on a good day, expect attentive and personalized care. But be prepared for potential inconsistencies, as some guests have reported feeling rushed or ignored.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 73.5%, indicating a good overall experience. Many of the 100 positive remarks out of 136 total observations praise the beautiful atmosphere, warm, cozy decor, and the upscale vibe perfect for a date night or impressing clients, especially with that fantastic rooftop bar offering a 360-degree view. However, it's not without its quirks, as 30 negative comments point out.
Some found the noise level to be quite high, and the low lighting, while often praised, sometimes made it too dark to comfortably see the menu or even the food. Seating arrangements and privacy were also occasional concerns for a few.
Ambience
136
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
30
negative
6
neutral
100
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful atmosphere
- Upscale date night
- Rooftop bar views
What people don't like
- High noise level
- Too dark to see
- Limited privacy
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The upscale, rustic ambient atmosphere was perfect for both large and small groups. I particularly enjoyed the pork chop, which was extremely tender.
- ambiancethe ambiance and service make coming here truly memorable
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceAmbience and cocktails were very good
- dim lightingThe staff is always so warm and welcoming, which makes every visit feel special. The ambiance is stunning—elegant, beautifully designed, with dim lighting that creates the perfect atmosphere for a romantic date night or a fun dinner with friends. Lolinda is truly a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
- dim lightsThe dim lights with candles on each table makes it even better
- experienceThe experience was luxurious without being pretentious.
- lightingMy experience at Lolinda was fantastic! The restaurant has such a fun, lively energy, with great music and warm lighting. The crowd was clearly there to enjoy themselves, contributing to the cool but comfortable atmosphere that mixes rustic and modern elements.
- musicMy experience at Lolinda was fantastic! The restaurant has such a fun, lively energy, with great music and warm lighting. The crowd was clearly there to enjoy themselves, contributing to the cool but comfortable atmosphere that mixes rustic and modern elements.
- vibethe vibe was wonderful
Frequently criticized
- atmospheremaking the experience unwelcoming
- noise levelnoise level inside was obnoxiously loud
- AtmosphereI believe the chimichurri is one of the best I've had in the US. However, I have to give 3 stars for atmosphere because there was no music as it was not working.
- ParkingParking is a challenge if you are not from the SF area
- ambiencedidn’t like the ambience
- ambient lightingla luz ambiental, muy oscuro
- bathroom doorIt’s not pleasant experience when every few minutes someone is passing behind you because they are going to bathroom
- bathroom hallwayNo one wants to see into the bathroom hallway when you are eating
- corporate experienceVery corporate experience; like being in a college canteen.
- dark to see foodit was too dark to see the food we were eating
If youre looking for a lively, upscale spot with a great vibe and dont mind a bit of a buzz, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially dim lighting and a bustling atmosphere, especially if you prefer a quieter, more intimate setting.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners are pleasantly surprised, finding the restaurant to be reasonably priced with decent prices for the food you get. Many appreciate that they could charge more but dont, often noting the "wine" is also very reasonably priced, making for a good overall experience. However, the overall value proposition is a mixed bag, with a score of 4.1, placing it in the average range, and customer satisfaction at a rather poor 25.9%.
Based on 27 opinions, with 17 negative compared to just 7 positive, many feel its overpriced for tiny portions and are frustrated by junk fees and unexpected charges that make the bill surprisingly high.
Value
27
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
17
negative
3
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced wine
- Good food portions
What people don't like
- Overpriced tiny portions
- Unexpected junk fees
- Restaurant week issues
Often praised
- reasonably pricedThe service was decent, and the place had a nice vibe. Although the food wasn't spectacular, I would return because it's good and reasonably priced.
- charge moreThey could charge more, but they don’t
- decent pricesdecent prices for the food you get
- priceFor the price you get a good amount of food.
- valueexpecting it to be more expensive for what we end up paying
- winethe wine very reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- billon a $200 bill of potato should not be the highlight
- priceWe did complain about the tiny bone marrow and they did gracefully get us a replacement plate. Overall, this restaurant is overpriced for its tiny portions. You’re better off getting some to-go quesadillas from El Farolito down the street and treating yourself to drinks or ice cream in the neighborhood.
- pricesfor the prices I paid
- Restaurant weekRestaurant week means restaurants offer discounted menus but Lolinda works opposite.
- Restaurant week pricingIf I order from their regular menu, total price would be $56 which is cheaper than I paid.
- SF mandateSF mandate (5%) is not mandatory.
- charge for everythingThey charge for everything
- junk feesStop charging junk fees!
- price pointFAR better places at the same price point
- price rangenot as great as I would expect from the price range
If you're considering a visit, know that some find the main dishes and wine to be reasonably priced. However, be prepared for potential junk fees and smaller portions that can make the overall experience feel overpriced for what you get. It might be worth trying if you manage expectations about the final bill.
How are the prices at Lolinda?
On average, you’ll spend around 73 $ per person – based on what 129 guests reported. That places this restaurant in the $71–$80 category. For a Restaurant in San Francisco, thats definitely on the higher-end side.
Looking at the price distribution, while many guests spend around this average, theres also a significant number who opt for even more premium experiences, showing a clear lean towards higher prices.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 129 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair for what seems to be a more premium dining experience. Its not a budget spot, but it likely delivers on quality.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Lolinda
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Service and Birthday Surprise!
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding, largely due to the incredible service provided by our server, Nefris. He was super friendly and attentive, ensuring everything was perfect throughout our meal. It was my birthday, and Nefris surprised me with a thoughtful gesture: a brownie topped with ice cream, which made my day extra special.
Nefris truly went above and beyond, making our visit memorable.
- customer service10
- server10
- brownie9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Fun Vibe, Amazing Steaks!
My experience at Lolinda was fantastic! The restaurant has such a fun, lively energy, with great music and warm lighting. The crowd was clearly there to enjoy themselves, contributing to the cool but comfortable atmosphere that mixes rustic and modern elements.
The Argentine-style steaks were amazing, incredibly juicy and full of smoky flavor. The empanadas and cocktails were just as good. It's a perfect spot for a night out with friends when you want great food and a fun vibe.
- energy9
- music8
- lighting8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Awesome Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
I had an awesome night at Lolinda! The food was flavorful and perfectly cooked, and the young lady who served us was super friendly and on point. The lively atmosphere made the whole experience even more fun.
Definitely coming back for another dinner here!
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Great Food, Lacking Service
I’ve eaten at this place several times, and the food is always an outstanding value. However, the service was seriously lacking on my most recent visit on September 23. My server appeared clearly overwhelmed; we brought our own sparkling and waited 20 minutes for flutes.
We had to flag her down to place an order. I only saw her one more time before the end of her shift, at which point the busser informed us he would be taking over for her.
- food10
- service2
- server2
- flutes3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Great Vibe, Mixed Food Experience
I loved the vibe and atmosphere of this place. The Steak Tartare was good, but the short rib was just okay. My mocktail was really good, though it took over 30 minutes to arrive.
- vibe and atmosphere10
- Steak Tartare8
- short rib5
- mocktail arrival2
What Lolinda offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- 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
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- 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
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Lolinda?
At Lolinda, you’ll discover an upscale, romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere, ideal for dinner with table service. You can enjoy small plates, delicious desserts, and late-night food. The full bar offers happy hour drinks, wine, beer, and cocktails, ensuring a complete dining experience.
What are the accessibility and parking options available at Lolinda?
Lolinda ensures accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For parking, you’ll find convenient options including a paid parking lot, free street parking, and paid street parking available nearby, making your visit to this San Francisco restaurant easy.
How does Lolinda generally score with customers?
Lolinda holds a good overall restaurant score of **7.3**, with customer satisfaction at a mixed **69.7%**. Its **Food** (7.8) and **Ambience** (7.4) are highly rated, while **Service** (6.5) is average, and **Value** (4.1) is an area where many customers express concerns.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Lolinda?
Customers frequently praise the quality of the food, especially the **steaks**, **empanadas**, and **pork chop**, noting their excellent preparation and flavor. The authentic **chimichurri** also receives high marks.
What are some common concerns customers have about Lolinda?
Some customers find the restaurant to be **overpriced** for the portion sizes, leading to concerns about **value**. There are also occasional reports of inconsistent **service** and a **noise level** that can be quite loud, impacting the dining experience for some.