Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Cholita Linda – San Francisco
Cholita Linda - San Francisco
Photo from Cholita Linda
Cholita Linda at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🌶️ Latin American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 106 of the guests
#1051 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#3 Latin American Restaurant out of 4 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
600
Reviews
78.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh flavors
- Scenic views
- Comfortable seating
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Service variability
- Pigeon presence
The restaurant Cholita Linda invites you to a vibrant Latin American culinary journey right in San Francisco’s bustling Financial District. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This spot is known for its delicious small plates and refreshing cocktails, making it an ideal destination for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re seeking a lively dining experience or a convenient takeout option, Cholita Linda offers a taste of authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting Cholita Linda
Cholita Linda offers a vibrant dining experience, often praised for its fresh food and great atmosphere. Many appreciate the appealing setting and the quality of their main dishes, making it a popular choice for a quick and tasty meal.
However, some diners have noted high prices for certain items and occasional inconsistent service. While the overall experience is generally positive, these aspects can sometimes detract from an otherwise enjoyable visit.
Good
7.6
out of 10
600
Reviews
78.5%
Satisfaction
101
negative
28
neutral
471
positive
Cholita Linda earns a solid 7.6 overall, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 78.5%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial pool of 600 customer remarks, with 471 leaning positive against 101 negative observations. Diving deeper, the Ambience (8.2) and Food (7.8) are clear strengths, frequently highlighted for their quality and appeal.
However, opinions on Service (6.5) and Value (6.3) are more mixed, suggesting areas where the experience can be less consistent for some diners.
What people like
- Fresh, delicious food
- Appealing bay views
- Ample seating options
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Inconsistent service
- Pigeons near dining area
Cholita Linda presents a compelling option for those seeking fresh food in a pleasant setting. With a recommendation score of 7.8, it’s generally a place worth considering, especially if you appreciate a good atmosphere and flavorful dishes.
However, be mindful of the potential for high prices and occasional service inconsistencies. If you prioritize a vibrant location and quality food over strict budget adherence or flawless service, Cholita Linda could be a satisfying choice for your next meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cholita Linda
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a solid score of 7.8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 81.3%. Diners frequently rave about the delicious flavors and fresh ingredients, especially highlighting popular items like the fish tacos, lechón sandwich, and refreshing aguas frescas. With 309 positive remarks out of 380 total, it's clear many leave happy.
However, not every dish is a winner, as 53 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Some guests noted issues like small portion sizes, dry meats, or bland food, with specific mentions of tough sandwich meat or mushy guacamole. While many dishes shine, consistency can sometimes be a challenge.
Food
380
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
53
negative
18
neutral
309
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious flavors
- Fresh ingredients
- Quality tacos
What people don't like
- Dry meats
- Small portions
- Bland food
Often praised
- foodI absolutely love this place and have been here many times. Their food is always super fresh and delicious. It’s a fast-paced environment, so if you see a long line, don’t be afraid.
- tacosThe Street Tacos were consistently fresh, whether I chose chicken or fish, though I always opt for the fish. I've visited multiple times, and the tacos have never disappointed me. My only complaint is the limited variety of sauces.
- fish tacosAs a regular customer, I can attest that this place consistently serves up great food. My personal favorites include the cubano torta, the picadillo rice plate, and the fish tacos. I also always opt for the plantains, which are mouthwateringly delicious!
- fish tacoThe fish taco and carne asada was yummy
- breadThe tacos were good and enjoyable, but the sandwiches were truly divine. They featured crispy yet soft bread, perfectly cooked and juicy meat, and delicious complementary flavors. While the experience isn't the fanciest, the food is absolutely mouth-watering.
- plantainsMy personal favorites include the cubano torta, the picadillo rice plate, and the fish tacos. I also always opt for the plantains, which are mouthwateringly delicious! Be prepared for a wait, as this place gets very busy on weekends.
- sandwichesWe found this place by chance and it was a very good surprise. From the guacamole (tasty and homemade) to the sandwiches, which were super delicious with quality ingredients, very flavorful and very abundant. Even the flavored water drinks (I recommend strawberry and lemon) were great.
- FoodMy experience at the restaurant was incredible. Everything was done to perfection. I highly recommend checking out the ensalata with beef and the tacos were amazing.
- chicken tacoschicken tacos were the best tacos he’s ever had
- chips and guacamolethe chips and guacamole were great as a side.
Frequently criticized
- tacosMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, especially given its location in the Ferry Building. I ordered a variety of tacos, including fish, carne asada, and tofu, but unfortunately, they all tasted the same. The salad was also a letdown, appearing grey and far from fresh.
- foodnot impressed with the food , actually disappointed
- chickenThe tacos were very uninspired. The chicken in the tacos wasn’t even sliced properly and was like eating cubed rubber. Their best taco was their fish taco, but even then, it lacked flavor and seasoning of any kind.
- portion sizeI found this to be totally rude. The tacos themselves were also disappointing; there was no meat, really just tortillas with cabbage, and they were very small and not tasty. The food was bad and the service was just as bad.
- guacamolethe guacamole was mush and flavor less
- salsasalsa should come with Guacamole order
- alcoholThey do not serve alcohol though
- authenticityThe only saving grace was the habanero sauce. Otherwise, this place is expensive and doesn’t taste authentic at all.
- bananaWe ordered the 'Pescado Frito' with rice and beans, which we really enjoyed. The dish was supposed to come with sweet potato, but they substituted it with banana without informing us. As it's a Mexican restaurant, the beans were a bit spicy.
- bland foodI will never return. Bland food, bad attitudes, poor customer service, and burnt fries? No thanks.
If youre looking for a place with generally delicious and fresh Latin American flavors, especially their tacos and sandwiches, its definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some specific items might not always hit the mark, and portions can sometimes be on the smaller side.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
Many guests have had positive interactions with the service, with 51 positive remarks out of 83 total. Youll often find the staff described as friendly, quick and helpful, and even bilingual, making for a smooth and pleasant experience. The service score is a solid 6.5, suggesting a generally good performance, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 61.4%.
However, its not always sunshine and rainbows. There are 26 negative opinions highlighting issues like rude staff, an unwelcoming attitude, and poor customer service. Some have also experienced frustrating order delays or difficulties with menu access, suggesting there's definitely room for improvement in consistency.
Service
83
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
26
negative
6
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Bilingual staff
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Poor customer service
- Order delays
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by generous portions, fast service, and a great location. I ordered a salad, a carne asada taco, and a mango agua fresca.
- staffI ended up ordering rice and beans, plantains, and a chicken taco with a mango fresh water, and everything was delicious. The environment was chill, and the staff was friendly. You also get a nice view of the bay/ferry, which my family and I enjoyed.
- ServiceService:4
- managerThe manager and lead chef at this location were so hands on
- Spanish with the cashierI get to exercise Spanish with the cashier!
- bilingual staffperson who took our order was bilingual
- cashiersThe cashiers are always friendly
- customer servicegood customer service
- foodFood was ready on time
- food and servicethe food and service is amazing.
Frequently criticized
- serviceDiscriminative servicers
- SF experienceI was excited to see that there’s a Cholita in SF since I usually order from the East Bay location and have had nothing but good experiences at that one. But so far, this SF experience could be better, and I’ll rethink ordering food from here again. Prices on delivery are way too expensive to have items missing.
- ServiceService:1
- accommodatingThey were less than accomedatting
- attitudeafter their attitude, I couldn’t bring myself to spend another cent
- bad attitudesI will never return. Bland food, bad attitudes, poor customer service, and burnt fries? No thanks.
- bottle topsThe food and service were excellent. They did forget to take the unscrewable bottle tops off, which was a minor oversight. Overall, I enjoyed this place and would recommend eating here.
- business modelGiven the lack of service staff, I question why the prices are so high. They need to re-evaluate their business model, as it doesn't seem to benefit their employees who could potentially earn significantly more from tips if simple table service were offered.
- customer serviceWorst costumer service ever!
- kitchen not fully functioningcouldn't prep some foods on menu due to their kitchen not fully functioning
If youre looking for quick and friendly service, youll likely be pleased, especially if you catch them on a good day. However, be aware that some guests have encountered rude staff and delays, so it might be a bit of a gamble.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
The ambience at this spot truly shines, boasting a strong score of 8.2 and an impressive 88.7% customer satisfaction. With 86 positive remarks out of 97 total, guests consistently praise the breathtaking views, ample seating options, and the lively Latin music that creates a wonderful South American ambiance. It’s clearly a place designed for a memorable experience.
However, a handful of the 8 negative comments point to a few potential snags. Some visitors noted it can get very busy, especially on weekends, occasionally leading to a scramble for seats. There were also mentions of pigeons being a nuisance in outdoor areas and an occasional funny smell inside, prompting some to opt for the patio.
Ambience
97
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
8
negative
3
neutral
86
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Breathtaking Bay views
- Ample outdoor seating
- Lively Latin music
What people don't like
- Pigeons in outdoor areas
- Can get very busy
- Funny indoor smell
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was overall positive, with a great atmosphere and quality food. However, I would advise skipping the chicken thighs, as they were rather dry, a point also noted by others.
- locationMy experience at this restaurant was marked by generous portions, fast service, and a great location. I ordered a salad, a carne asada taco, and a mango agua fresca.
- seatingI had a lovely experience at Cholita Linda, a great spot for a quick and tasty bite. Despite being in a touristy area like the Ferry Building, they offer shockingly ample seating and affordable pricing. We visited on a Saturday afternoon, needing nourishment and opting out of the long Farmer's Market lines.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- outdoor seatingI particularly enjoyed their fish tacos and plantains. The venue offers ample indoor seating and also outdoor seating overlooking the bay, providing a lovely atmosphere. For those on the go, you can easily grab your food to go and enjoy it anywhere in the ferry plaza area.
- ambianceThe food was bad and the service was just as bad. The ambiance was nice, but I wouldn’t recommend it. It's surprising how they could mess up tacos.
- sit outsideMy experience was wonderful! It was the perfect place to grab a quick bite and sit outside on a beautiful day. The Papito Sandwich was so yummy, with flavors I don’t think I’ve ever had together before.
- viewThe manager and lead chef at this location were so hands on for our event and extremely helpful! Look at this beautiful view btw!
- experienceTo wash it all down, they offered excellent agua fresca. The great location also contributed to a complete great experience.
- Bay side viewsI enjoyed delicious sandwiches, hearty plates, and refreshing drinks. The cafe offers beautiful Bay side views in the SF Ferry Building, making it a wonderful spot for lunch.
Frequently criticized
- SF locationsadly, we like the Walnut Creek location better
- San Francisco restaurantUsual San Francisco restaurant aimed at tourists
- busyit’s very busy during the weekends
- funny smellMy experience at the restaurant was primarily positive due to the great food, especially the Tacos carnitas 👌. However, there was a funny smell inside the restaurant, which led us to eat outside. This wasn't a major issue, as we were happy to eat outside.
- pigeonsLoads of pigeons around the tables and sitting into the dish buckets
- pigeons eating from platessaw pigeons eating from the plates on the sitting area outside
- plastic strawsIt’s the perfect place to enjoy great food. One small note: I noticed plastic straws are still being used, which feels a bit surprising given how close the restaurant is to the water. Maybe they’re biodegradable?
- seatsmight not be any available seats so you might have to wait
If you're looking for a vibrant atmosphere with stunning views and plenty of seating, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that it can get crowded, and you might encounter some pigeons if you choose to sit outside.
Value (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers found some pleasant surprises. With 25 positive remarks out of 40 total, guests often highlighted the affordable and reasonable prices, noting it was good value for money. Some even raved about a specific munchies deal!
Overall, the score for value sits at a decent 6.3, suggesting a generally fair offering. However, not everyone felt the same, with 14 negative comments pointing to some concerns. Several felt the prices were too high, even calling it a tourist trap or mentioning unnecessary up charges.
While customer satisfaction is a mixed 62.5%, it seems some items were considered quite expensive and not worth the cost.
Value
40
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Good value
- Munchies deal
What people don't like
- High prices
- Tourist trap
- Expensive items
Often praised
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was largely positive, with the food being the standout. I found everything to be amazing and delicious, and truly worth every cent. The ingredients were noticeably very fresh, and it was clear the kitchen staff knows what they're doing.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for a weekday lunch catch-up. The food was great, offering a good menu with good prices. I particularly enjoyed their fish tacos and plantains.
- affordableThe restaurant is conveniently located in the ferry building, offering the most beautiful ocean views. The food was perfectly cooked and very affordable, making it a great value. The atmosphere and food both received a perfect 5-star rating, and the service was also excellent.
- valueVery good value for what you’re getting.
- PricesThe location right by the water couldn’t be better, offering a beautiful Bay view. Prices were also very reasonable for the quality and setting. It’s the perfect place to enjoy great food.
- fish tacoThe fish taco for weirdly the same price gives better value
- munchies dealcheck out their $6 munchies deal
- price comparisonHowever, it was a bit of an expensive mistake to make, costing $26 for a margarita, chips & guac. While pricey, it was cheaper than hog island.
- pricingI had a lovely experience at Cholita Linda, a great spot for a quick and tasty bite. Despite being in a touristy area like the Ferry Building, they offer shockingly ample seating and affordable pricing. We visited on a Saturday afternoon, needing nourishment and opting out of the long Farmer's Market lines.
- reasonable pricesthe reasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- priceThe only saving grace was the habanero sauce. Otherwise, this place is expensive and doesn’t taste authentic at all.
- chips and salsachips and salsa don’t need to be $5
- charged usshe charged us for chips and salsa and chips and guacamole
- chicken tacos$5 a taco for steak and chicken street tacos are a bit too high
- delivery pricesBut so far, this SF experience could be better, and I’ll rethink ordering food from here again. Prices on delivery are way too expensive to have items missing.
- priceswhy do your prices have to be so high
- steak tacos$5 a taco for steak and chicken street tacos are a bit too high
- tacosAt $5 each, it just wasn't filling enough for me
- tourist traptourist trap at it's finest
- up charge unnecessarilyI don’t see the need to up charge unnecessarily
If youre looking for a good deal, keep an eye out for specific menu items and deals, as many find them quite affordable. However, be mindful that some dishes might feel overpriced, especially if youre sensitive to tourist-area pricing. It's a bit of a mixed bag, so choose wisely!
How are the prices at Cholita Linda?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 106 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Latin American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people usually spend, while the average is 21, a good chunk of diners actually spend a bit less, around $11–$20, suggesting a nice mix of options for different budgets, with some higher-end experiences available too.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 106 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Latin American spot in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers good value for a mid-range experience, with flexibility for those looking to spend a little more or a little less.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cholita Linda
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Delicious Food with a Bay View
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Everything was on point. The food was delicious, fresh, and full of flavor.
The location right by the water couldn’t be better, offering a beautiful Bay view. Prices were also very reasonable for the quality and setting. It’s the perfect place to enjoy great food.
One small note: I noticed plastic straws are still being used, which feels a bit surprising given how close the restaurant is to the water. Maybe they’re biodegradable? It would be great to see an eco-friendly option in the future.
- food9
- location10
- Bay view10
- plastic straws3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Fish Tacos and Friendly Staff
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had one of the best fish tacos I’ve ever tasted, and I really loved the crème sauce. The staff were also very friendly.
- fish tacos9
- crème sauce9
- staff8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Atmosphere, Mostly Good Food
My experience at this restaurant was overall positive, with a great atmosphere and quality food. However, I would advise skipping the chicken thighs, as they were rather dry, a point also noted by others. All other food items were really nice.
- atmosphere8
- quality food8
- other food8
- chicken thighs3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Authentic Cuban Sandwich Approved!
As a Cuban, I can confidently approve of the Cuban sandwich. It had the perfect amount of mustard and pickles, and the bread was not too narrow, allowing for a generous portion of pork and ham. This is a true tell of a good Cuban sandwich.
- Cuban sandwich10
- mustard and pickles9
- bread8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
4
Pulled Pork Sandwich Was Soft
My experience at the restaurant involved trying the Luchon, a pulled pork sandwich served on a roll. Overall, the sandwich was just OK. The meat was soft, and the roll was also soft.
It came with sweet potato fries, which were also soft. While this might be great for those who have difficulty chewing, I would have preferred a different texture to break up the sandwich, perhaps something like coleslaw. This lack of texture made the sandwich feel rather mushy.
Despite this, other than the texture issue, the sandwich was good. However, I wouldn't order it again.
- meat5
- roll5
- sweet potato fries5
- mushy3
What Cholita Linda offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Cholita Linda in San Francisco?
At Cholita Linda, you can anticipate a casual and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. This Latin American restaurant offers delicious small plates, cocktails, wine, and beer. You can enjoy lunch or dinner here, and it’s also good for kids, making it a versatile spot for various dining occasions.
What service and accessibility options does Cholita Linda provide for its guests?
Cholita Linda provides convenient service options like outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring comfort for all guests. While parking can sometimes be challenging, paid parking lots and paid street parking are available nearby for your convenience.
What is the overall assessment of Cholita Linda?
Cholita Linda holds an overall score of 7.6, indicating a good dining experience. Its strengths lie in Ambience (8.2) and Food (7.8), while Service (6.5) and Value (6.3) are considered average.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Cholita Linda's food?
Customers frequently praise the fresh food, with specific mentions of delicious fish tacos, flavorful sandwiches, and tasty plantains. Many find the food to be of high quality and well-prepared.
Are there any common concerns regarding Cholita Linda's pricing or service?
Yes, some customers express concerns about high prices for certain items, perceiving it as expensive. Additionally, there are occasional reports of inconsistent service and less accommodating staff experiences.