Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » El Tomate – San Francisco
El Tomate - San Francisco
Photo from El Tomate
El Tomate at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 10 of the guests
#1856 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#103 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
137
Reviews
67.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Good value
- Relaxed atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Hygiene issues
- Unstable tables
The restaurant El Tomate is a vibrant Mexican restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s lively Mission District. You will discover a truly cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic flavors.
Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a relaxed meal, this spot offers a welcoming and casual setting for all. It’s an ideal destination for delicious food in a comfortable environment.
Overview: Introducting El Tomate
El Tomate appears to offer a genuine Mexican dining experience, often praised for its flavorful food and a relaxed, casual setting. Many appreciate the reasonable prices for the portions received, making it an accessible option for a satisfying meal.
However, some diners have noted inconsistencies with the service, which can sometimes detract from the overall visit. While the atmosphere is generally welcoming, there have been occasional concerns about cleanliness and wobbly tables, suggesting areas for attention.
Good
6.7
out of 10
137
Reviews
67.9%
Satisfaction
35
negative
9
neutral
93
positive
El Tomate holds a 6.7 Restaurant Score, placing it in the average range, while customer satisfaction sits at a 67.9%, indicating a mixed reception. This suggests that while many find their experience satisfactory, there’s room for improvement.
These insights are drawn from 137 customer remarks, comprising 93 positive and 35 negative observations. The Food (7.4) is clearly a strong point, frequently mentioned and highly regarded by patrons.
In contrast, Service (4.8) appears to be a weaker area, often cited for slow responses or less-than-attentive staff. Both Ambience (5.9) and Value (5.9) land in the average category, suggesting they generally meet expectations but don’t particularly stand out.
What people like
- Flavorful, authentic food
- Reasonable prices
- Casual, relaxed setting
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Cleanliness concerns
- Wobbly tables
If you prioritize genuinely tasty Mexican cuisine and appreciate an unpretentious atmosphere, El Tomate could be a worthwhile stop. The Food (7.4) is a clear draw, offering satisfying meals at a fair price point.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent Service (4.8) and some minor issues with the dining environment. With a 7 recommendation score, it’s a place to consider if you can overlook these aspects for a good meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Tomate
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre looking at a pretty solid experience! With a score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 77%, the general consensus is good. Many rave about the "great food, " "huge portions, " and "homemade delicious tortillas, " with 67 positive remarks highlighting tasty items like "fajitas, " "quesabirria, " and "ceviche.
"However, its not all perfect, as 14 opinions mention some bumps in the road. Some found the food salty or drinks too sweet, while others noted chewy and dry meat or concerns about reheated food and mediocre portions. It seems consistency might be a slight issue, but the positives definitely outweigh the negatives here.
Food
87
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
14
negative
6
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent food
- Huge portions
- Homemade tortillas
What people don't like
- Food salty
- Dry meat
- Reheated food
Often praised
- foodShe never approached my table to see if I needed anything. I hope the service improves because the food is good. I know the owners, and they are kind, so this happens when they are not around.
- cevichethe cerviche was amazing! Lots of shrimp and octopus
- chipsSuper good burrito, beer, chips, and salsa
- fajitasWe had fajitas + nachos, and it was too good
- mealsthe meals were a good portion
- soupThe soup here is phenomenal
- Micheladaheck of a good Michelada 🍺 with plenty of powder & spice
- Mole OaxacaThe Mole Oaxaca so good
- TacosTacos which were excellent
- beef soupVery good beef soup here
Frequently criticized
- foodvery ill from the food
- chewy and dry meatthe meat was all chewy and dry
- chocolateI ordered coffee and chocolate. I asked the waitress to warm up the chocolate a bit more, and when she returned, she had a bad attitude. I asked for milk for my coffee, and she ignored me, turned around, and left.
- coffeethe coffee there it stayed
- drinksthe drinks too sweet
- frozen foodfrozen food?
- meatmeat wasn't great
- mediocre portionsportions were mediocre
- milkI asked for milk for my coffee, and she ignored me, turned around, and left. The milk never arrived, and therefore, the coffee just sat there. I left a one-dollar tip and wrote on the bill that I was missing milk for my coffee.
- qualitythe quality has gone downhill over time
Overall, the food here is a strong contender, offering many delicious and generously portioned options. If youre looking for a tasty meal with a good variety, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few experiences mention minor inconsistencies in taste or quality.
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
On the brighter side, many guests have experienced some truly positive interactions, often praising the super friendly service and wonderful waitstaff, with mentions of the nice family and kind owners making a difference. While the overall customer satisfaction sits at a 41.7% mixed level, there are 10 positive remarks out of 24 total that highlight these genuine efforts to make diners feel welcome, contributing to an average score of 4.8. However, the service isn't without its challenges, as 12 negative remarks out of 24 total point to some significant issues.
Guests have reported instances of unpleasant waitstaff with a bad attitude and lack of manners, leading to frustratingly long waiting times and even descriptions of terrible service. This mixed feedback clearly impacts the overall 41.7% customer satisfaction, indicating a need for more consistent positive experiences.
Service
24
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Kind owners
What people don't like
- Bad attitude
- Long waits
- Unpleasant staff
Often praised
- serviceservice is good for a quick lunch
- nice familyMy experience at this authentic Mexican restaurant, run by a really nice family, was fantastic. We enjoyed the fajitas and nachos, which were so delicious that we couldn't stop eating even when we were full.
- old cookunless i see the old cook
- open late at nightI'm so glad to have found this restaurant! It served great food and was open late at night, which was a lifesaver after the Day of the Dead festival when other restaurants near Mission Street had long lines or were closed. We were starving, and the price was great too.
- ownersI hope the service improves because the food is good. I know the owners, and they are kind, so this happens when they are not around.
- staffThe ceviche was also very good, featuring a large portion of pulpo 🐙 (octopus). The space itself is nice overall, with friendly staff and the expected music for this type of restaurant, including a soccer channel ⚽️ permanently on the TV. The quesabirria was a sizzling masterpiece of flavor.
- super friendly serviceAnd super friendly service!
- waitressThe Waitress was wonderful
Frequently criticized
- waitressThe service was bad, the food was salty, and the drinks were too sweet. The waitress was unpleasant, pedantic, and hateful. It was also very expensive; two waters cost $23 dollars and were too sweet.
- serviceMuy mal servicio..las que atienden se tardan mucho
- waiting timeWaiting over 30mins for one carnitas burrito and im still waiting
- bad attitudeIf you don't believe me, go and see for yourself. The service was bad, and the waitress had a bad attitude and no manners. What a shame.
- mannersIf you don't believe me, go and see for yourself. The service was bad, and the waitress had a bad attitude and no manners. What a shame.
- terrible servicethe service was terrible
Service here is a mixed bag; you might encounter genuinely friendly staff or face frustrating delays and attitudes. If you're feeling lucky and the food is your priority, give it a try, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies in the service experience.
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot offers an average experience with a 5.9 score, yet customer satisfaction is a mixed bag at 66.7%. Many appreciate the nice space and low-key atmosphere, with 8 positive observations highlighting the fresh flowers, casual setting, and its charm as a hidden gem right in the heart of The Mission. It sounds like a place where you can truly relax.
However, there are a few areas that could use some attention, noted in 4 negative comments. Some guests encountered chipped glass and wobbly tables, which can definitely detract from the experience. There were also mentions of needing to clean the tables more thoroughly, with one customer even getting mosquito bites, which is certainly not the kind of souvenir you want to take home.
Ambience
12
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Casual, low-key atmosphere
- Fresh flowers
- Hidden gem location
What people don't like
- Chipped glassware
- Wobbly tables
- Mosquito bites
Often praised
- Mexican customersEl local estaba concurrido por mexicanos cosa que dice mucho
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the great food in a low key atmosphere. The fajitas I had were amazing.
- casual settingvery relaxed, casual setting
- easier to find parkingThe menu was only in Spanish, which I assume means it's authentic, and we managed to figure it out. The location is a bit further down from the busy Mission, but it might be easier to find parking. Buses run along 24th and Bryant Streets.
- fresh flowersThe tables were adorned with fresh flowers
- hearth of The Missionright in the hearth of The Mission
- placeA little gem, hidden in the Mission area.
- spaceNice space overall
Frequently criticized
- clean the tablesSome of the soups were a bit greasy. They need to clean the tables more; I ended up with 3 mosquito bites as a souvenir.
- glassThe glass of tamarind water is chipped, broken at the top where one drinks.
- mosquito bites3 piquetes de chiches
- tablesThey should fix their tables. I noticed at least three that were very wobbly
If youre looking for a casual, relaxed spot with a local feel and dont mind potentially overlooking a few minor maintenance issues, this place could be a good fit. However, if pristine conditions are a must for your dining experience, you might want to consider other options.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners find things to appreciate here. Based on 8 positive opinions out of 14 total, guests often highlight the affordable price, noting that the prices are reasonable and sometimes even super reasonable. Many feel the price was great for what they received, making it easy on the family budget and offering good food for the cost.
However, its not all sunshine and savings. With 5 negative opinions, some customers found the experience to be very expensive, questioning the overall quality/value proposition. There were also concerns about billing accuracy, suggesting that while the score sits at an average 5.9 and customer satisfaction is a mixed 57.1%, theres definitely room for improvement in consistency.
Value
14
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Reasonable value
- Good food for price
What people don't like
- Very expensive
- Poor value proposition
- Billing errors
Often praised
- pricesprices super reasonable
- affordable priceaffordable price of its dishes
- priceVery good food for the price.
- price was greatThe price was great
- reasonable pricereasonablely priced
Frequently criticized
- billingIt's worse than a mistake. Better to make a mistake when charging me, instead of $40 dollars put $4 dollars
- placeplace very expensive to eat
- pricevery expensive
- quality/value propositionI suspect the food is reheated or possibly frozen, giving it a "funky" taste. My guests and I have found the last two visits to be disappointing, especially considering the quality/value proposition. There's no need to return, as there are plenty of other authentic places offering home-style Mexican meals.
- tipThe milk never arrived, and therefore, the coffee just sat there. I left a one-dollar tip and wrote on the bill that I was missing milk for my coffee. She never approached my table to see if I needed anything.
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? Its a bit of a mixed bag. If you catch it on a good day, you might find some genuinely affordable dishes, but be prepared for the possibility of higher prices or a less-than-stellar value proposition.
Its probably best to manage your expectations on the cost front.
How are the prices at El Tomate?
On average, you’ll spend around 35 per person – based on 10 guests. That places this Mexican spot in the $31–$40 category. For a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s mid-range, perhaps a little above.
Interestingly, while the average is 35, the prices people pay are quite spread out; we see many experiences in the $11–$20 range, but also a few guests opting for a more premium meal, which pulls the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 10 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the San Francisco dining scene, we think the pricing here feels fair for a Mexican restaurant, especially given the range of experiences available. It seems like you can tailor your visit to your budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Tomate
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Terrible Service, Couldn't Buy What I Needed
My experience at the restaurant was very poor. The staff took a very long time to serve me, and I was unable to purchase what I needed. This was especially frustrating as there was only one person ahead of me in line.
- service2
- waiting time2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Tasty Food, Good Service
I visited this restaurant for lunch with friends and we had a great experience. We ordered veg nachos, chicken fajita, and veg quesadillas, along with some beers from the tap. The service was good and the food was very tasty.
- veg nachos8
- chicken fajita8
- veg quesadillas8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Phenomenal Soup and Great Tacos!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially the soup, which was phenomenal. It truly took me back to my abuela's cooking, reminding me of the perfect soup weather. The tacos were also hella good.
It was definitely worth the trip.
- soup10
- tacos9
- trip8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Heartwarming Soup and Delicious Chips!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially the soup. It was absolutely FANTASTIC, with incredibly tender meat and broth seasoned to perfection. It truly felt like a lot of love went into it.
The homemade chips and salsa were also a hit. Their salsa picante had a very complimentary flavor with the dishes. I would recommend this place for anyone looking for some authentic, heart-warming soup.
- soup10
- meat9
- broth10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Food poisoning after a great meal
I got food poisoning and was very ill for a week from the food. While the food looked and tasted great, it made me sick. Sorry.
- food1
What El Tomate offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is El Tomate accessible for everyone?
Yes, El Tomate ensures a welcoming experience for all guests. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot, and comfortable wheelchair accessible seating available for your convenience, making it easy for everyone to visit.
What dining and service options does El Tomate offer?
At El Tomate, you can enjoy various dining experiences. You can choose between dine-in, takeout, or delivery services. They also provide catering, counter service, and traditional table service for lunch, dinner, and dessert, fitting your plans perfectly.
What is the overall customer sentiment for El Tomate?
Customers have a mixed view of El Tomate, with a **67.9%** satisfaction rate. While the **Food** (7.4) is highly praised, **Service** (4.8) is often cited as an area needing improvement, and **Ambience** (5.9) and **Value** (5.9) are considered average. The restaurant has an overall score of **6.7**.
What do customers enjoy most about El Tomate?
Diners frequently commend the flavorful and authentic Mexican **food**, highlighting dishes like ceviche, fajitas, and mole. Many also appreciate the **reasonable prices** and the casual, relaxed setting, often noting it’s a good spot for a quick lunch or late-night meal.
Are there any common complaints about El Tomate?
Some customers have reported issues with inconsistent **service**, including long waiting times and inattentive staff. There have also been mentions of cleanliness concerns, such as wobbly tables and occasional insect issues, along with some finding the drinks too sweet.