Highlights
- Live music
- Great tea selection
oChef » El Mansour – San Francisco
El Mansour - San Francisco
Photo from El Mansour
El Mansour at a glance
San Francisco Outer Richmond
- 🥘 Moroccan Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 71 – 80 €
mentioned by 76 of the guests
#1176 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#4 Moroccan Restaurant out of 4 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
509
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Moroccan ambiance
- Flavorful dishes
- Live entertainment
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Food inconsistency
- Slow service
The restaurant El Mansour, a captivating Moroccan Restaurant in San Francisco’s Outer Richmond, invites you to a truly immersive dining experience. You’ll discover a romantic and cozy atmosphere, perfect for an evening out.
With live music often filling the air, you are transported to another world. This trendy spot also boasts a great tea selection, ensuring a delightful visit whether you’re seeking a casual meal or a special occasion.
Overview: Introducting El Mansour
El Mansour offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its authentic Moroccan food and the captivating ambience. Guests frequently highlight the unique atmosphere and the engaging entertainment that sets it apart.
However, some diners have noted inconsistencies with certain dishes and occasional issues with slow service. The overall experience is generally positive, though the value proposition can be a point of contention for some.
Good
7.5
out of 10
509
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
101
negative
26
neutral
382
positive
El Mansour generally leaves a positive impression, reflected in its solid restaurant score of 7.5 and a good 75% customer satisfaction rate. These figures are drawn from over 500 customer opinions, with a healthy balance of 382 positive remarks against 101 negative ones.
Digging deeper, the Ambience (8.4) stands out as a strong point, creating a memorable setting. The Service (7.7) and Food (7.3) also receive good marks, indicating a generally pleasant dining experience.
However, the Value (3.3) is a clear area where many customers feel there’s room for improvement.
What people like
- Immersive Moroccan ambiance
- Authentic, flavorful dishes
- Engaging belly dancing
What people don't like
- High prices, poor value
- Inconsistent food quality
- Occasional slow service
With a recommendation score of 7.8, El Mansour is worth considering if you’re seeking a unique cultural experience. It shines when it comes to its distinctive atmosphere and the entertainment provided, making for a memorable evening.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher bill and some variability in dish quality. If you prioritize an immersive setting over strict value, and are willing to overlook minor service hiccups, it could be a delightful choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Mansour
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a solid 7.3 score and customer satisfaction at 71.6%, both landing squarely in the good category. Many guests rave about the delicious food, highlighting flavors, tenderness, and generous portion sizes. With 169 positive remarks out of 236 total comments, it's clear the cuisine leaves a great impression.
However, not every dish is a winner. Some found the food a bit too salty or too sweet, and a few vegetarian options were disappointing or bland. There were also comments about overall food quality issues, like dry chicken or inedible lamb, accounting for 50 negative observations.
Food
236
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
50
negative
17
neutral
169
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Tender, well-cooked meats
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Too salty or sweet
- Limited veggie options
Often praised
- foodOur server was incredibly attentive, contributing to the overall outstanding service. We savored each moment of the warm and inviting ambiance and the scrumptious food. It was a truly unforgettable evening, and we are eagerly looking forward to our next visit to enjoy more of their outstanding dishes.
- Moroccan foodAuthentic Moroccan food served hot
- lentil soupLentil soup was decent but that was the only part of the whole meal I can speak positively on.
- 5 course mealThe 5 course meal with the belly dancing show is the best experience
- Chicken BastillaChicken Bastilla—a sweet-savory pastry filled with spiced chicken and almonds—is a standout
- lambThe lamb melts in our mouth and is full of flavor
- 5-course meal5 course meal was delicious
- Rabbit TagineThe atmosphere was beautiful, the music was fun, and the food was seriously delicious! We enjoyed the 5-course meal, with the Rabbit Tagine and Lamb Shoulder with eggplant as our entrees. Our drinks, Strawberry Splash and Sweet Sunrise, were also great.
- baklavaThe baklava at the end.. the best I ever had
- chicken bastillaThe dish I love the most is chicken bastilla
Frequently criticized
- foodAll the dishes were cooked thoroughly. However, for my personal taste, I found the food a little sweet. Despite this minor point, I would highly recommend this place.
- food qualityMy experience at this stylish Maghrebi eatery was marred by a disastrous $37 Fish Tagine that led to a 3 am bout of Montezuma's Revenge. While the cool ambience was a definite plus, the food quality was severely lacking. If I were the suspicious type, I would say the waiter was complicit due to his enthusiastic recommendation of this particular dish.
- Chicken BastilleChicken Bastille was too dry
- Chicken KabobThe "Chicken Kabob" could have been cooked better
- Fish TagineThe $37 Fish Tagine that resulted in a 3am bout of Montezuma's Revenge
- Moroccan glass of wineit was not very good so that was disappointing
- Moroccan saladThe Moroccan salad was gross! Really oily and obvious that they had made it the day before.
- Morrocan seafood entreeMorrocan seafood entree was not worth $52.00
- Vegetarian Du Chefthe sweet and salty mix in the "Vegetarian Du Chef" wasn’t to my liking
- apps plateThe apps plate they served were stale and tasteless
If you're looking for a generally good Moroccan meal with bold flavors and generous portions, this spot is worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might lean a bit sweet or salty, and vegetarian options could be hit or miss.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
The service here is generally a highlight, with a good score of 7.7 and 76.8% customer satisfaction. Many guests, in 73 positive remarks, frequently praise the staff and waiters for their hospitality and impeccable service. You can expect a warm welcome and attentive care, making for a truly pleasant experience.
However, there are some areas for improvement, noted in 21 negative remarks. A few guests felt rushed out due to reservation constraints or experienced questionable tip practice. There were also mentions of an unapologetic manager and slow service, indicating that consistency might sometimes be an issue.
Service
95
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
21
negative
1
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, kind staff
- Warm welcome
- Impeccable service
What people don't like
- Questionable tipping
- Rushed dining
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceWe came here to celebrate a milestone anniversary and definitely made the right decision. Everything was perfect, from the excellent service from Gan to the wonderful belly dancing from Janessa. The atmosphere was beautiful, the music was fun, and the food was seriously delicious!
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! The food was incredibly delicious, and the service was great, with super kind and friendly staff. The show was also great and definitely worth a visit.
- customer serviceThe customer service was amazing
- AdirOur waiter Adir did great job serving our big crowd
- GanGan, who served us was so nice and supportive
- NicoleNicole was our performer the night we went and she was wonderful!
- ServiceService:5
- big crowdAdir did great job serving our big crowd
- everyone working hereEveryone working here is absolutely amazing
- frequent checksHe made frequent checks to see how the food was
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was absolutely creepy. ... they were really unprofessional, whispering creepy anecdotes about the guests to each other and laughing
- waiterI had the chicken with onions and olives (gotta be very careful for small bones). This place had a veggie meal option, but I don't really know if they are actually vegetarian friendly because when my friend ordered it, the waiter asked if he was okay with them using chicken broth. The seats were comfortable and they had some belly dancing entertainment which was fun.
- customer serviceone star for the incompetent customer service
- dance performanceThe dance was mediocre. I've seen much better ones
- dishonest business practiceseemed like a somewhat dishonest business practice
- drinksThe waiter also knocked down our drinks
- enthusiastic recommendationWhile the cool ambience was a definite plus, the food quality was severely lacking. If I were the suspicious type, I would say the waiter was complicit due to his enthusiastic recommendation of this particular dish. The food was a major letdown, despite the appealing atmosphere.
- fine printA simple "I'm sorry about this" or an offer of a "free appetizer" would have made a difference, even if refused. Instead, he insisted we should have "read the fine print" and "shouldn't be late. " While I couldn't dispute the fine print regarding show times, I argued that when we called about being late, he could have advised us to hurry as the show would end by 8pm.
- food serviceThe food service was extremely slow
- managermanager's unapologetic and rude demeanor
If you're looking for generally good service, this place is worth trying, as most guests rave about the attentive and friendly staff. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies with reservations or billing practices that a few diners have noted.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
If youre looking for an unforgettable dining experience, the ambience here truly shines! With a good score of 8.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 89.6%, its clear most guests adore the atmosphere. Many of the 138 positive comments rave about the mesmerizing belly dancer performances, the unique decor and authentic Moroccan textiles, and the overall warm and beautiful atmosphere that creates an immersive experience.
However, based on 14 negative comments, there are a few things to keep in mind. Some guests found the seating to be low-lying and inconvenient for prolonged dining, and a few felt the space could be a bit tight or claustrophobic. While the belly dancing show is a highlight for many, a small number of reviews mentioned it being subpar or having arbitrary showtimes, which could be a slight disappointment.
Ambience
154
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
138
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Belly dance entertainment
- Unique Moroccan decor
- Immersive experience
What people don't like
- Inconvenient seating
- Arbitrary showtimes
- Tight space
Often praised
- atmosphereThe beautiful decorations made me feel like I was in another part of the world, and the amazing hospitality from the staff was exceptional. I felt like all my senses were enjoying the atmosphere. The food was simply amazing; everything was so fresh, fell off the bone, and was juicy and tender.
- belly dancerThe belly dancer encourages customers to join so it's interesting to watch
- belly dancingWe came here to celebrate a milestone anniversary and definitely made the right decision. Everything was perfect, from the excellent service from Gan to the wonderful belly dancing from Janessa. The atmosphere was beautiful, the music was fun, and the food was seriously delicious!
- experienceAlso a experience not just your average sit down and eat place.
- placeWhat an experience! 👌 The place is very beautiful inside, something different. They wash your hands and apply perfume while you eat.
- ambianceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely loved the ambiance. The food was delicious, and the Chicken Bastilla was particularly good.
- entertainmentFabulous atmosphere and entertainment
- ambienceMy recent experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the ambience was definitely good, the food was just okay. On weekends, they offer a 5-course set menu for $62 per person.
- belly dancersBe sure to go when they have the belly dancers
- decorthe decor and belly dance show transport you to another place
Frequently criticized
- Arabic dancethe Arabic dance was below zero
- ambianceThe ambiance is cool but the space is also claustrophobic.
- belly dancingThe belly dancing was subpar.
- belly dancing showbelly dancing show, be aware that the shows are arbitrary
- celebrationsplace for celebrations there were 4 bdays on one Sunday night
- half emptyit was a Friday night and half empty
- happy birthday songplayed the happy birthday song on speaker loudly, which was disruptive
- hypeToo much hype!!
- placeSmall place
- run downalthough somewhat run down
Overall, if you're seeking a vibrant, immersive dining experience with captivating live entertainment, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of the seating arrangements and perhaps check belly dance showtimes beforehand to ensure you catch the full spectacle.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, there's a bit of a mixed bag here, though customer satisfaction is quite good at 8.3. Diners appreciated the convenience of free street parking and found the dinner price of around $30 per head to be reasonable. These 2 positive observations suggest that some aspects of the experience can indeed feel like a good deal.
However, the overall score for value sits at a rather poor 3.3, largely due to a significant number of concerns. Out of 24 total comments, a striking 16 were negative, frequently mentioning mandatory service charges, high prices, and added gratuity on the bill. Many felt the cost was simply not worth the quality, leading to a sense of being overcharged.
Value
24
Reviews
8%
Satisfaction
16
negative
6
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Free street parking
- Reasonable dinner price
What people don't like
- Mandatory service charge
- Overpriced food
- Not worth the price
Often praised
- dinnerreasonable priced dinner $30 per head
- free street parkingFree street parking
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was that it was very expensive for what is offered. For two people, the bill came to $185 without any drinks.
- billmaking the bill from a budgeted 500 maybe plus tip to a 960 dollars with tip
- gratuityadds the gratuity so regardless of the quality of your service, they dictate how much of a tip you’re giving
- 20% gratuitya 20% gratuity was added in the bill.
- PriceThe $37 Fish Tagine
- meat dishesthey ended up charging us the same price for the meat.
- service chargeThe mandatory 18% service charge felt a bit steep
If you're looking for a budget-friendly spot where free parking is a plus, you might find some value here. However, be prepared for potentially high prices and mandatory service charges that could make the final bill feel steep and not always justified by the experience.
How are the prices at El Mansour?
You’re looking at roughly 73 € per person – reported by 76 diners. That puts it in the 71 – 80 € category. For a Moroccan Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 73 €, we see quite a few guests spending a bit more, with a good number of prices falling into the 81 – 90 € and even 91 – 100 € ranges. This suggests a nice mix of experiences, from a solid mid-range meal to something a bit more premium.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 76 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Moroccan restaurant in San Francisco. It offers options that cater to a comfortable mid-range budget, with room to splurge a little for a more premium experience. Wed say its a good value for what you get!
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Mansour
Price per Person
- 91 - 100 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
A Moroccan Feast for the Senses
My experience at El Mansour in San Francisco’s Outer Richmond was like stepping into a different world, a true feast for the senses. The restaurant’s interior is draped in authentic Moroccan textiles, lanterns, and ornate décor, instantly setting the mood for a magical evening. Whether celebrating a special occasion or craving something extraordinary, this place delivers.
🍽️ The food offers equally indulgent Moroccan classics. The Chicken Bastilla is a standout, a sweet-savory pastry filled with spiced chicken and almonds. Rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying dishes like Lamb with prunes and honey, Moroccan seafood tagine, and eggplant dishes were found.
Portions are generous, and the flavors are bold yet balanced, with fragrant spices and slow-cooked tenderness in every bite. 💃 The experience was enhanced by a mesmerizing belly dance performance every evening, adding a festive, immersive touch. Guests are often invited to join in, making it interactive and fun.
The staff is warm and attentive, going out of their way to make me feel welcome and cared for.
- authentic Moroccan textiles10
- ornate décor10
- Chicken Bastilla10
Price per Person
- 71 - 80 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Unique Experience with Great Food!
This was a completely unique experience for me, and I loved it! Everything was great. My favorite was the Chicken shish-kabob.
I'm not sure if this is a nightly occurrence, but there was a bell dancer who performed. She was really good and even involved the diners. I hope it's alright to post her name here, May Yang (pronounced 'my'), and I hope to see her perform again.
- Chicken shish-kabob9
- bell dancer9
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fantastic Birthday Dinner with Great Service!
I had a birthday dinner with a few friends here. The meals were so good and satisfying, we had our tummys full. Gan, who served us was so nice and supportive.
Thanks to him we had a great time. Also, the belly dancing was my favorite 😍
- meals9
- Gan10
- belly dancing10
Price per Person
- 71 - 80 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Food, Fun Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was great, and they didn't rush us out. The food was also excellent.
The belly dancer was super fun and definitely worth it!
- service9
- food9
- belly dancer10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Moroccan Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. Our waiter, Adil, was incredibly warm and welcoming. The belly dancer was amazing and all smiling, I could see the passion when she dances.
As a Moroccan myself, I can attest that the food was really good and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
- waiter Adil10
- belly dancer10
- passion when she dances10
What El Mansour offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Catering
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and entertainment can you find at El Mansour Restaurant?
At El Mansour Restaurant, you can expect a truly unique ambiance. The atmosphere is described as romantic, cozy, casual, and trendy, making it suitable for various occasions. To enhance your dining experience, you’ll often find live music, adding an authentic and engaging element to your visit.
Does El Mansour Restaurant accommodate special dietary needs and offer convenient service options?
Yes, El Mansour Restaurant is mindful of diverse preferences, offering vegetarian options to ensure everyone finds something delicious. For your convenience, you can choose from dine-in service for a full experience, or opt for takeout and delivery if you prefer to enjoy your Moroccan meal at home.
How does El Mansour generally perform according to customer feedback?
El Mansour holds a good overall restaurant score of **7.5** and a **75%** customer satisfaction rate. Its **Ambience** (8.4), **Service** (7.7), and **Food** (7.3) are well-regarded, though **Value** (3.3) is a notable concern.
What makes the ambiance at El Mansour stand out?
Customers frequently praise El Mansour’s immersive and beautiful Moroccan decor, which creates a unique atmosphere. The engaging belly dancing shows are also a significant highlight, contributing to a memorable dining experience.
Is El Mansour considered good value for money?
While the experience is often enjoyed, many customers find El Mansour to be on the expensive side, with a **Value** score of 3.3. Mandatory gratuities and high prices for certain dishes are common points of feedback.