Highlights
- Great dessert
- Live music
oChef » Abacá – San Francisco
Abacá - San Francisco
Photo from Abacá
Abacá at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🇵🇠Filipino Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 129 of the guests
#1613 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#11 Filipino Restaurant out of 15 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
1008
Reviews
66.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Great ambiance
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- High price
- Hidden fees
- Uneven service
The restaurant Abacá, a delightful Filipino Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf, invites you to experience a culinary journey. You’ll discover a menu rich with authentic flavors, perfectly complemented by an atmosphere that balances casual comfort with upscale touches.
Don’t miss out on the great dessert options, which are a true highlight and provide a sweet ending to your meal. Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner or a trendy brunch spot, this place offers a memorable dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Abacá
Abacá offers a dining experience where the culinary creations truly shine, with many guests praising the delicious and flavorful dishes. The restaurant also provides a beautifully designed setting, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for many.
However, the overall experience can be a mixed bag, as some diners have noted inconsistencies with the service and concerns regarding the perceived value for the price paid. While the food often impresses, these other aspects sometimes temper the enjoyment.
Good
7
out of 10
1008
Reviews
66.9%
Satisfaction
275
negative
59
neutral
674
positive
Abacá earns a respectable overall score of 7 , indicating a good dining experience, though customer satisfaction sits at 66.9% , which is a mixed result. This suggests that while many enjoy their visit, a notable portion leaves with reservations.
The restaurant garnered 1008 opinions, with 674 positive and 275 negative remarks. Looking closer at the specifics, Ambience (7.8) and Food (7.6) are clear strengths, frequently receiving high praise for their quality and presentation.
Service (6.9) hovers around average, with some guests appreciating the attentive staff while others found it lacking. The most significant area for improvement is Value (2.8), which is notably low, reflecting concerns about pricing and portion sizes.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Beautiful, hip ambiance
- Knowledgeable, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Mandatory service charges
- Inconsistent service quality
If you prioritize innovative and flavorful cuisine within an appealing setting, Abacá is certainly worth considering. The Food and Ambience scores are strong indicators of a potentially delightful meal, especially if you’re exploring their tasting menu options.
However, be prepared for the cost, as the Value score suggests it might feel a bit steep for some, and Service can be inconsistent. With a 7.2 recommendation score, it’s a place that many would suggest, but it’s best approached with an understanding of its pricing structure.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Filipino Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
295
95.6%
- $$$
- South of Market
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Filipino Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
121
91.7%
- $$
- Excelsior
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Filipino Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
475
89.1%
- $$
- South of Market
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Filipino Restaurant
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
310
87.7%
- $$
- Cayuga Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Filipino Restaurant
8.2
out of 10
out of 10
171
83.6%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Filipino Restaurant
7.8
out of 10
out of 10
143
79.7%
- $$
- Jordan Park
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Abacá
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally receives high marks, with a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a respectable 74.3%. Out of 623 total opinions, 463 were positive, frequently praising the creative Filipino flavors, delicious tasting menu, and inventive dishes. Many found the food to be absolutely delicious and beautifully presented, showcasing the cuisine's potential.
However, 120 opinions highlighted some areas for improvement. Common concerns included small portions, overly salty dishes, and a perceived lack of flavor in some items. A few experiences also mentioned inconsistent quality, with some dishes being described as mediocre or even inedible, leaving a sour taste.
Food
623
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
120
negative
40
neutral
463
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative Filipino flavors
- Delicious tasting menu
- Inventive dishes
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Salty dishes
- Lack of flavor
Often praised
- foodWe ordered the Short rib silog, tocino silog, the Alton breakfast, and the bibingka pancakes. Everything tasted amazing, and I highly recommend it! While the food has a hint of Filipino taste, it's not strictly Filipino cuisine, which I personally enjoyed.
- dishesWe started with a couple of unique cocktails that perfectly complemented our dining experience. We both chose the "Paubaya" tasting menu, which allowed us to sample 10-12 different dishes chosen by the chef. There was nothing that I disliked - everything was delicious!
- Filipino foodI loved my experience at this place! It's great to find an upscale dining experience serving Filipino food. While the dishes aren't strictly traditional, they truly encapsulate the flavors of the original dishes.
- cocktailsOur dinner was outstanding, with everything being so delicious and featuring amazing flavors. We particularly loved the outstanding cocktails, the tomato mousse, and honestly, we loved everything. The staff was also super nice.
- flavorsMy experience at this restaurant was an incredible surprise. Our dinner was outstanding, with everything being so delicious and featuring amazing flavors. We particularly loved the outstanding cocktails, the tomato mousse, and honestly, we loved everything.
- tasting menuThe food was excellent, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the service was top-notch. We opted for the tasting menu and thoroughly enjoyed it. I would definitely go back again soon.
- dessertsdesserts—every single one is a testament to Abaca’s culinary excellence
- lumpiaWe opted for the family-style dinner, and every single dish was fantastic. Standout items included the bone broth, lumpia, squid ink noodles, sisig, and the spicy watermelon with tuna. The desserts and drinks were also spectacular.
- sisig fried ricethe best dish of the night! i’ve never had sisig like this and each bite exploded with flavor
- drinksThe food, drinks, and service were great!
Frequently criticized
- foodHowever, everything else was uninteresting and generic. A significant concern was the pricing; I felt like I was paying $15 per bite, which is a good 3-4 times less food than what's offered in other tasting menus in San Francisco. Given the cost and the lack of overall excitement in the food, I can't see any reason to go here over other places nearby.
- food qualityThe lechon was notably dry, suggesting it had been reheated. This significantly impacted the food quality.
- portion sizeAll come in relatively small portions
- drinksOther sides like their broccolini and lumpia were solid. The meh: The longganisa lacked flavor, the drinks were on the weaker side, and the tocino chicken marinade hadn't absorbed as much as hyped, resulting in a plain taste. The halo halo was just okay; it didn't truly resemble the traditional dessert and lacked variety, making it not worth the $20, even when shared.
- fried riceThe chicory salad was excessively bitter, and the vegetables lumpia had an overpowering flavor that lingered unpleasantly. The fried rice was overcooked, and the dessert pairing of dark chocolate and unsweet mango was a miss. They also have 2 different options of balut for anyone who is daring enough to try.
- lechonthe lechon is really dry
- menuI wish the menu had pictures, had I seen what my dish looked like I would’ve ordered something else.
- portionswish the portions were a little bigger
- AlapaapWe did not like the Alapaap.
- Beef Cheek KulmaMeat was super tough which was a bummer as the sauce with this dish was delicious.
If you're looking for an elevated take on Filipino cuisine with creative flavors and a great tasting menu, this spot is worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might come in smaller portions or have inconsistent seasoning, so consider ordering a la carte if you have specific preferences.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a 6.9 score, reflecting a good experience for many. With 139 positive remarks out of 217, guests frequently praise the attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable service, often highlighting the welcoming chef/owner and thoughtful personalized cards. The team's hospitality and stellar efforts truly make a difference.
However, the customer satisfaction of 64.1% suggests a mixed bag, with 72 negative comments indicating areas for improvement. Some diners encountered slow service, long waits for a table, and felt rushed by staff. Issues like unrefilled water, ignored needs, and occasional unfriendly interactions also left a less-than-stellar impression.
Service
217
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
72
negative
6
neutral
139
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Knowledgeable recommendations
- Personalized thoughtful gestures
What people don't like
- Slow service, long waits
- Feeling rushed by staff
- Unfriendly, unaccommodating staff
Often praised
- serviceDon't miss scanning the QR code for their secret menu – it's a delightful surprise! While gratuity was automatically added, we didn't mind at all because the service was applaudable. The entire staff was knowledgeable, especially our server, Allie, who explained everything and vouched for favorites.
- staffI tried the "Paubaya, " which is their tasting menu. Don’t get me wrong – the food was actually not bad, the staff were friendly and very welcoming, and the ambience of the restaurant was cozy. I am just unhappy that it’s ridiculously overpriced for "Filipino food.
- serverOur server and the other staff members were kind and knowledgeable
- ServiceService was good, very warm and friendly
- serversMy experience at the restaurant was for a celebration of one of my best friend’s new job, and the Tasting Menu did not disappoint! The servers were great at explaining our dishes, and they even had a wine pairing available that evening. For appetizers, the bibingka topped with caviar was an interesting and delightful bite, offering a perfect balance of sweet and salty.
- chefI recently had brunch at this restaurant and absolutely loved every bit of its authentic representation of Mindanao and especially Zamboanga cuisine. The chef and owners were lovely and inspiring. Thank you for bringing a piece of my homeland to America.
- hospitalityWonderful service and hospitality!
- ChefChef came to greet us personally and wish our friend happy birthday
- KeokiThank you Keoki for being such a delight at our table!
- SpencerSpencer was an absolute pleasure behind the bar. Very knowledgeable
Frequently criticized
- serviceApplying a 20% gratuity plus an additional 5% charge on every bill, regardless of party size or service rendered, feels purely greedy. Unsurprisingly, with the gratuity guaranteed, the service was lackluster. The food was hit or miss; some dishes were good, but others were excessively salty or dry, like the bread.
- serverWe decided to go for breakfast. Breakfast at $50 was okay but when I asked for a refill of coffee the server absolutely forgot we were there. This is just 101 service in the morning to refill your coffee.
- waiting timeWaited 9 minutes at the front of the door
- hostessThe hostess was not hostessing at all. She was so dry and unfriendly.
- reservationThe unconfirmed reservation was unfortunate
- serversTo make matters worse, they initially didn't have plates. The servers were rude, and I didn't see a single smile or welcoming gesture. The operations just seemed so off, unlike any restaurant or buffet we've experienced before.
- staffWhen you ask the staff about it they kept promising the food will come but never.
- 5 minute warningserver said "5 minute warning"
- Englishdidn’t speak good English so it wasn’t easy to communicate what’s in each of the dishes
- ServiceThe pastries and desserts were overly sweet and lacked balance. Service was also disappointing; our server seemed rushed, pushing us to order and pay quickly. They appeared exhausted and overworked, which detracted from the overall experience.
If you value attentive and personalized service, youll likely have a great experience here, especially with the knowledgeable staff. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies, as some guests have faced slow service or felt rushed. Its a bit of a gamble, but the highs can be quite memorable.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
The ambience at this spot really shines, with a good score of 7.8 and a solid 80% customer satisfaction! Based on 80 customer opinions, a whopping 64 rave about the amazing vibe, the energy from the live DJ, the beautiful decor and lighting, and the overall relaxed atmosphere that makes for a special experience. However, its not entirely without its quirks, as 10 opinions highlight a few areas for improvement.
Some guests found the noise level a bit high, noted that tables were quite close together, or werent too keen on the faux plants and certain aspects of the interior design.
Ambience
80
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
10
negative
6
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively DJ music
- Beautiful decor
- Relaxed atmosphere
What people don't like
- High noise level
- Close tables
- Faux plants
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful, largely due to the wonderfully friendly staff and nice atmosphere. The surprise dishes were the kantkong fritter and squid noodles.
- ambianceambiance of Abaca adds another layer of enjoyment to the dining experience. It’s a beautifully designed space
- experienceWe had fun and great experience with a visiting friend from Canada.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceI tried the "Paubaya, " which is their tasting menu. Don’t get me wrong – the food was actually not bad, the staff were friendly and very welcoming, and the ambience of the restaurant was cozy. I am just unhappy that it’s ridiculously overpriced for "Filipino food.
- vibeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed great Filipino food in an amazing atmosphere that had a fun and hip vibe. The food was extremely well executed and offered very authentic flavors with a modern take.
- DJDJ made for great background
- DJ playing musicThe DJ playing music earlier in the evening was rockin
- beautiful spotBeautiful spot with incredible food
- date nightI had a delicious experience at this spot! It's a great place for a group of people, offering a fun tasting menu, or for a fun date night. I would recommend making reservations.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereonly took off a star for the atmosphere because the tables were very close
- entranceentrance is not very clear
- faux plantsgreeted with faux plants. Yikes!
- hypenot worth the hype
- interior designInterior design is poor
- noise leveldie Lautstärke sehr hoch
- overall experienceOn the bright side, the food was good; I had the Filipino breakfast, and the chicken was tasty. However, the overall experience was underwhelming due to the poor service.
- spots under skylightsspots under the skylights get pretty hot
- tablesthe tables were very close to each other
- vibeDespite the chaotic vibe
If you're seeking a lively and beautifully decorated spot with great music for a fun night out, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that it can get a bit noisy, and you might find yourself cozying up to your neighbors.
Value (2.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, opinions are quite divided, but some diners found bright spots. They appreciated tasting menus offering exceptional value and felt certain experiences were worth every penny or a good price for the quality, especially given a reasonable price point in San Francisco. However, the overall sentiment regarding value is quite poor, reflected in a 2.8 score, despite an impressive 9.1 customer satisfaction.
Out of 88 comments, 73 highlighted concerns about expensive meals, overpriced dishes, and pricey small portions. Many felt burdened by mandatory tips, service fees, and surcharges, often totaling 25%, leading to feelings of rip off and abusive pricing.
Value
88
Reviews
9%
Satisfaction
73
negative
7
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tasting menu value
- Worth the quality
- Fair SF pricing
What people don't like
- Mandatory gratuity
- Health fee surcharge
- Overpriced dishes
Often praised
- priceThe food was delicious from start to finish. I'm normally a good hole-in-the-wall asian food kind of person, but this place was worth the price as they did really good "luxury" takes on Filipino cuisine. Definitely recommend!
- good priceit was such a good price and so amazing!
- pennyWorth every penny
- reasonable price pointgiven the reasonable price point
- tasting menuFor $75, this tasting menu delivers exceptional value
- worth itNot cheap but worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant involved ordering the Lechon Kawali Arroz Caldo. I found the food to be overpriced and the portions to be small. Additionally, there was a mandatory 20% tip.
- billFor a $200 bill, "fine" doesn't really cut it.
- discountthe discount should have been taken off from the restaurant
- overpricedI was really excited to check this place out, but I was left a little disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, the food was delicious, but the portions were too small and overpriced. Our waiter was very kind, but our table felt like he was pressuring us to keep ordering more, suggesting we would be hungry.
- priceyWe were a bit disappointed with the Bibinka dessert, as we were expecting more Bibinka on the plate. It is a bit pricey, given its location in a tourist area. Additionally, a 20% gratuity was included in the bill since there were four of us.
- tipHowever, I found their pricing to be downright abusive and unethical. Regardless of party size, a 20% tip is automatically added, plus a 5% bogus surcharge, totaling a 25% increase from the base price. The original pricing is completely deceptive, which I found truly disgusting and disappointing.
- mandatory 20% tipmandatory 20% tip is automatically added regardless of party size
- mandatory tipI found the food to be overpriced and the portions to be small. Additionally, there was a mandatory 20% tip. I believe there are better places to dine.
- price pointOur server explained how to eat it, which was helpful. While Abaca's ambiance is impressive, the subpar service and inconsistent food quality make it difficult to justify the high price point, even during a special event like Restaurant Week.
- pricingtheir pricing to be downright abusive and unethical
If youre considering a tasting menu, some found it to be a good deal. However, be prepared for potentially "overpriced" dishes and mandatory "added charges" that significantly inflate the final bill. This spot might disappoint if youre sensitive to hidden fees and high costs, despite generally high customer satisfaction.
How are the prices at Abacá?
On average, you’ll spend around 75 per person – from 129 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $71–$80 category. For a Filipino Restaurant, that’s definitely a higher-end experience.
Looking at what everyone spends, we see prices are quite spread out, with a notable number of guests enjoying premium options well above 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 129 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the 75 per person price point for a Filipino Restaurant, wed say this is positioned as a premium dining spot. Its likely offering a refined experience or unique dishes that justify the higher cost. We recommend it for those looking for an elevated take on Filipino cuisine.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Abacá
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Great Brunch with a Few Menu Limitations
I had brunch here with my family and it was a great time! Although the menu selection for brunch was limited, the food itself was still great. I particularly loved the chicken tocino silog and the wagyu.
The atmosphere was also a perfect 5.
- food9
- chicken tocino silog10
- wagyu10
- menu selection4
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Exceptional Filipino-Inspired Birthday Dinner
My experience at this restaurant was for my father's birthday dinner, and it was truly memorable. The menu offers a unique fusion of cuisines, with a strong Filipino influence and local California ingredients. We opted for their "Paubaya" style dinner, a chef's choice tasting menu.
Even with a picky child in our group, the kitchen was incredibly accommodating, preparing fries, a fried egg, and rice for her, even though they weren't on the menu. Each dish was served with a story from the staff, which was a lovely and thoughtful touch. My dad received a special birthday card signed by the staff, an ube swiss roll, and a keepsake instant photo of our group.
I highly recommend the Black Cod.
- Paubaya style dinner9
- Chef's choice tastings9
- kitchen10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Modern Filipino Cuisine Delight
I recently visited this restaurant for a double date and was thoroughly impressed! Although I'm not typically a huge fan of Filipino food, I truly enjoyed their innovative approach, blending modern touches with traditional dishes. Our server initially recommended the Paubaya family-style dish, but we opted to select our own dishes à la carte.
We started with the Chicken Liver Mousse, served with piping hot Pandesal bread – a fantastic combination once it cooled slightly. Next, the Lola’s pork lumpia was perfectly salted with a hint of sweetness, served in a lettuce wrap. The chicken adobo, with its crispy skin and green onions, was incredibly flavorful, and paired with the BBQ pork, it created the best savory-sweet combo.
For entrees, we shared the Black Cod and the Sakura Farms Pork Chop with Sisiq Fried Rice. The black cod was tasty with wild mushrooms and mung beans, earning an 8/10, though not mind-blowing. The pork chop, however, was the true star – incredibly tender and sweet from the quince, showcasing Filipino cuisine's mastery of sweet pork.
We regretted not ordering another plate! The Sisiq fried rice was a delightful finish, offering a tangy calamansi flavor with sweetness and a touch of spice. To conclude, the Faux Calamansi dessert was an explosion of citrus balanced by jasmine tea mousse, with olive oil adding an extra kick.
We left about 85% full, which was perfect. The total bill, including drinks, was around $360. While the Paubaya might be ideal for very hungry guests, the à la carte option is great for 5-7 dishes.
The service was absolutely perfect; every staff member was kind and attentive. If you're looking to treat yourself to modern Filipino cuisine, this is definitely the place. I'd rate it 4.
5 out of 5, though I wished the appetizers were a bit larger. The entrees were just right for our group of four. Keep in mind, the menu changes seasonally.
- modern touches9
- traditional dishes9
- Chicken Liver Mousse8
- appetizers3
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
World-class food and service!
My experience at this restaurant was world-class. The food was amazing and truly top-class, with a fantastic mixture of flavours and presentation. It's a strong candidate for a Michelin star.
The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere also received a perfect 5/5. We experienced no wait time, and the price per person was between $50–100. It's suitable for all group sizes and was a great dinner experience.
- food10
- mixture of flavours10
- presentation10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Not worth the time or money
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was not that good; they can make it look tasty, but that's about it. I would never go back again!
- look tasty5
- food2
What Abacá offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch 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
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and dietary options can you expect at Abacá?
At Abacá, you can expect a diverse menu with small plates, organic dishes, and a full bar offering hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails. They thoughtfully provide vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring delicious choices for every palate. Enjoy dine-in, takeout, or outdoor seating.
What is the atmosphere like at Abacá, and do they accommodate special occasions or families?
Abacá offers a versatile atmosphere, blending casual, cozy, trendy, and romantic vibes. You can enjoy live music and utilize their private dining room for special events. It’s also family-friendly with a kids’ menu and high chairs. Reservations are accepted and recommended for dinner, brunch, and lunch.
How is Abacá generally rated by customers?
Abacá holds an overall score of 7 , indicating a good experience for many. Food (7.6) and Ambience (7.8) are strong points, while Service (6.9) is average, and Value (2.8) is a significant concern for diners.
What aspects of Abacá do customers enjoy the most?
Guests frequently praise the food for its delicious and unique flavors , with many highlighting the tasting menu. The ambiance is also often noted as beautifully designed, offering a fun and hip vibe that enhances the dining experience.
What are the main concerns for diners at Abacá?
Many customers find the price to be high for the portion size , often feeling the dishes are overpriced . The automatic gratuity and additional surcharge also draw criticism, significantly impacting the perceived value for some guests.