Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » aíso – San Francisco
aíso - San Francisco
Photo from aíso
aíso at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- 🌿 Vegan Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 32 of the guests
#173 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Vegan Restaurant out of 6 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
266
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Creative food
- Great service
- Inviting ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Small portions
- Service inconsistency
- Flavor issues
The restaurant aíso invites you to discover a vibrant vegan dining experience in San Francisco’s charming Duboce Triangle neighborhood. You’ll find a welcoming spot where plant-based cuisine shines, complemented by a full bar offering hard liquor, wine, beer, and delightful cocktails.
Don’t miss their happy hour drinks, perfect for unwinding. This is a place where you can enjoy delicious food and a great atmosphere, whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout.
Overview: Introducting aíso
Aíso offers a vibrant dining experience where the culinary creations truly shine. Guests frequently praise the inventive and flavorful food, noting how quickly dishes arrive.
The atmosphere is often described as warm and inviting, making it a pleasant spot for a meal. However, some diners have found the portions to be on the smaller side, impacting the overall perception of value.
While the service is generally attentive, there have been isolated instances where it fell short, suggesting a slight inconsistency in guest experience.
Excellent
8.6
out of 10
266
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
21
negative
11
neutral
234
positive
Aíso earns a solid overall Restaurant Score of 8.6, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 88%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
With 234 positive remarks against just 21 negative ones out of 266 total customer observations, the sentiment is overwhelmingly favorable. The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring an impressive (8.7).
The Ambience also receives high marks (8.6), creating a comfortable setting. Service is consistently good (8.5), though some minor inconsistencies were noted.
Value (6) is perceived as average, with some guests finding the prices a bit steep for the portion sizes.
What people like
- Flavorful, creative food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Warm, inviting ambiance
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent service
- Occasional oily dishes
For those seeking a lively atmosphere and genuinely creative dishes, aíso is certainly worth considering. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.8, it clearly resonates with many diners.
Expect a menu that aims to delight and a setting designed for comfort. However, be mindful of the portion sizes, which some find modest, and be prepared for potential minor service variations.
If you prioritize innovative flavors and a good vibe over generous platefuls, aíso could become a new favorite.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Vegan Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
646
90.4%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Vegan Restaurant
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
80
86.3%
- $$
- Silver Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Vegan Restaurant
7.8
out of 10
out of 10
589
76.4%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Vegan Restaurant
7.3
out of 10
out of 10
461
72.5%
- $$
- Sunset District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Vegan Restaurant
5.9
out of 10
out of 10
75
53.3%
- $$
- South of Market
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on aíso
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here is truly a standout, earning an impressive score of 8.7 and a strong customer satisfaction of 88.8%. With 150 positive remarks out of 169, diners consistently rave about the incredible flavor, creative plant-based menu, and delicious food. Expect thoughtfully prepared dishes and innovative vegan options that genuinely surprise and delight.
While overwhelmingly positive, a few of the 11 critical comments noted concerns. Some found serving sizes and portions to be on the smaller side, suggesting you might need to order several. There were also occasional mentions of dishes being oily or lacked salt, and specific items like yuca fries or mushroom skewers sometimes missing the mark.
Food
169
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
11
negative
8
neutral
150
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative plant-based menu
- Flavorful, delicious food
- Thoughtfully prepared dishes
What people don't like
- Small serving sizes
- Dishes can be oily
- Inconsistent seasoning
Often praised
- foodThe Castro isn’t particularly known for its food scene, but Aiso is here to turn the tide. The menu was fun, refreshing, and really flavorful. Everything came out quickly, and the vibes inside were awesome… great music, kind and attentive staff, and cute decorations.
- oyster mushroom skewersoyster mushroom skewers and they were divine!!
- menuThe mushroom oysters were a definite highlight—so creative, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Between the excellent service, vibrant atmosphere, and playful yet delicious menu, Aíso has quickly become one of my new favorite spots in the city. I can’t wait to come back and try more!
- mushroom skewersThe udon noodles with the mushroom skewers were amazing
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great food and service, and the outstanding cocktails were a highlight. It's exciting to see a great new restaurant in the Castro that offers both flair and substance right from the start.
- FoodFood is on point
- jerk slidersPersonal favorite was the jerk sliders
- dessertsthe desserts were especially impressive
- dishesMy experience at this restaurant was an absolute 10/10. Whether you are vegan or not, you will enjoy every single dish here. The cozy and classy vibes created a wonderful atmosphere.
- drinksthe food and drinks were so delicious
Frequently criticized
- udon noodlesThe yuca fries and mushroom skewers were super tasty! However, the pasta and udon noodles were a little on the oily side, and the pesto might be even better with a lighter touch. The service received a 5/5, atmosphere a 4/5, and food a 3/5.
- yuca friesyuca fries tasted like they were frozen
- dishesI selected two sides, and both were delicious. However, the dishes were on the small side, so several need to be ordered. The atmosphere was great, and the food was excellent.
- most dishesHowever, the mushroom skewers were good. Unfortunately, most dishes lacked salt and inspiration, which significantly impacted the overall food quality.
- mushroom skewersmushroom skewers were straight-up burnt
- pastaThe pasta were a little on the oily side
- portionsvery small portions
- salad greenssalad greens were not fresh
- serving sizesthe serving sizes are tiny
If you're looking for an exciting and flavorful plant-based dining experience, this place is definitely worth a visit. The creative menu and delicious dishes largely outweigh the minor concerns about portion sizes or occasional seasoning inconsistencies. Just be prepared to order a few small plates to get your fill!
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a strong score of 8.5 and customer satisfaction at 81.3%, its clear that most diners have a good experience. Out of 48 total opinions, a whopping 39 were positive, highlighting the friendly staff, attentiveness, and top-notch service, often praising the owner/founder for their hands-on approach and recommendations.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. The 8 negative comments point to some challenges, particularly with big groups, where support for larger tables and payment options can become chaotic. A few experiences mentioned slow wait times for the bill and instances of staff, like a waitress or bartender, being off-putting or distracted.
Service
48
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Exceptional owner involvement
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Issues with large groups
- Slow bill delivery
- Inattentive staff instances
Often praised
- serviceThe service was attentive and genuinely friendly
- ServiceService is exceptional
- wait timeThe menu was fun, refreshing, and really flavorful. Everything came out quickly, and the vibes inside were awesome… great music, kind and attentive staff, and cute decorations. We will be back :)
- staffThe ambiance is filled with warm lights and hip vibes. The food is delicious, and the staff is friendly. It's also open really late, which is great for a late dinner on a night out, though the kitchen closes at 10 pm and the bar at 12 am.
- Recommendation for vegetariansHighly recommend
- attentivenessexplained each dish and cocktail to us with attentiveness
- bartender Connorbartender Connor where also sheer delights
- bartender and ownerchatted with the bartender and owner, great guy
- chef / ownerYou can tell that the chef / owner is vegan
- customer serviceCustomer service? Check.
Frequently criticized
- bartenderthe bartender was just playing duolingo with the sound on
- big groupswould not suggest this for big groups
- billwaited for our bill for quite a while
- payment optionseither do checks one ITEM per check, or per “table” which is a group of 6 strangers which led to a bit of chaos and stress
- serviceThe service was pretty poor unfortunately too
- support for a 14 person tablecould have used a little more support for a 14 person table
- waiterOn a positive note, the chocolate dessert was excellent. The service was also quite poor; I felt like I was inconveniencing the waiter, and the bartender was engrossed in playing Duolingo with the sound on. While I'm usually generous with reviews, I found Aíso to be over-hyped and underwhelming.
- waitress" The water served was room temperature and without ice. Our waitress was a bit off-putting, and we experienced a significant wait for our bill. I wouldn't recommend this place simply because of the very high price for very small portions.
Overall, you can expect genuinely friendly and attentive service, especially if youre not in a huge party. Its definitely worth trying for the welcoming atmosphere and dedicated staff, but be mindful if youre planning a large gathering, as thats where service can sometimes falter.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youre in for a treat! The ambience here is truly something special, earning a good 8.6 score and an excellent 93.5% customer satisfaction. With 43 positive remarks, guests consistently rave about the cute cozy restaurant feel, warm lights, and hip vibes.
Plus, the indoor and outdoor seating options are a definite bonus, making it perfect for any mood. However, its not entirely without its quirks. Out of 46 total comments, just one person found the place to be very loud, making conversation a bit tricky.
While this is a minor point given the overwhelming positive feedback, its worth noting if youre seeking absolute quiet.
Ambience
46
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute, cozy atmosphere
- Warm, hip vibes
- Great for dates
What people don't like
- Can get loud
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was warm, modern, and inviting
- vibesI enjoyed a delicious meal and a great cocktail. The service was friendly, and the vibes were inviting. The restaurant offers a vegan menu and is highly recommended for vegetarians as the entire menu is vegetarian.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- spaceThe space itself has such a calm, modern vibe
- ambianceThe plate ideas and ambiance is there
- ambienceI celebrated my birthday here with a group of non-vegetarian friends, and we all absolutely loved it! The service was great, the ambience was perfect, and the food was fantastic. I highly recommend this gem!
- cute locationin the Castro in a cute location
- placeThe place is so cute
- vibeThe vibe of the restaurant is hip/cool but comfortable
- addition to the neighborhoodGreat addition to the neighborhood.
Frequently criticized
- loudvery loud in there, making it hard to feel like we were together as a table
If you're looking for a place with fantastic atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Its cozy, hip, and inviting vibe makes it ideal for a date night or a relaxed gathering. Just be aware that on a busy night, it might get a little lively.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 7% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a bit of a mixed bag here! Many folks appreciated the prices for being more affordable than other spots. Plus, the happy hour from 5-6:30pm on weekdays sounds like a real winner, with 2 positive comments out of 3 total pointing to these perks.
Overall, the value aspect sits at an average score of 6. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as some found the price to be quite high. This mixed sentiment is reflected in the 66.7% customer satisfaction, indicating there's definitely room for improvement.
While only 1 negative comment was noted, it highlights a potential concern for those watching their wallets.
Value
3
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good happy hour
- Affordable prices
What people don't like
- High prices
Often praised
- happy hourHappy hour is 5-6:30pm on weekdays and I’d definitely go back to try that out!
- pricesThe prices were more affordable than many places
Frequently criticized
- pricevery high price
So, if youre looking for a good deal, especially during happy hour, this place might be worth checking out. However, be mindful that some find the regular prices a bit steep. Its a mixed bag, so plan your visit wisely!
How are the prices at aíso?
You’re looking at roughly 50 per person – reported by 32 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Vegan Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what others have spent, most diners find themselves in this $41–$50 bracket, suggesting a pretty consistent pricing experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 32 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Vegan Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair for the experience. Its a solid choice if you’re looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about aíso
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Vegan Addition to the Castro!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I’m so happy this vegan restaurant is here. The food was great and flavorful, and the staff was friendly and helpful.
I highly recommend it.
- vegan restaurant9
- flavorful food9
- friendly staff9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
3
Disappointing Execution of Vegan Promise
I was excited to try Aíso, drawn by its high reviews and entirely vegan menu. Unfortunately, my experience was one of significant disappointment. The yuca fries were dry, and the "charred" mushroom skewers were outright burnt.
The udon noodles were comparable to store-bought spaghetti, and the salad greens lacked freshness. On a positive note, the chocolate dessert was excellent. The service was also quite poor; I felt like I was inconveniencing the waiter, and the bartender was engrossed in playing Duolingo with the sound on.
While I'm usually generous with reviews, I found Aíso to be over-hyped and underwhelming. The restaurant has potential with its plate ideas and ambiance, but it desperately needs to improve its cooking and service execution to meet the expectations of its eager vegan clientele.
- chocolate dessert9
- plate ideas7
- ambiance7
- yuca fries2
- mushroom skewers1
- udon noodles3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Finally, Great Vegan Food in the Castro!
Finally, the Castro gets good Vegan food! I had a wonderful experience with delicious food and drinks, which were thoughtfully crafted by a wonderful team. The vibes were on point as well.
The menu is entirely Vegan, making it a great option for vegetarians, and I highly recommend it.
- Vegan food9
- food and drinks9
- team9
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Exceptional Dining Experience at Aiso
My experience at Aiso was truly one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in San Francisco. From start to finish, everything felt thoughtful and elevated. The space has a calm, modern vibe, minimalist yet warm, perfectly matching the food.
The menu is creative without being overwhelming, with each dish offering surprising layers of flavor. The plating was beautiful, and the food tasted even better than it looked. It's evident they put great care into sourcing ingredients and balancing flavors.
The service was spot-on—friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive without hovering. The staff guided us through the dishes and offered recommendations, enhancing the enjoyment. Aiso is the kind of restaurant that transcends labels, offering truly amazing food for everyone.
I left feeling inspired, satisfied, and already planning my next visit.
- dining experience10
- space9
- menu8
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
3
Disappointing Experience, Some Hits and Misses
My experience at this restaurant was extremely mid. I'm not sure what all the hype is about. The yuca fries tasted like they were frozen, which was a letdown.
However, the mushroom skewers were good. Unfortunately, most dishes lacked salt and inspiration, which significantly impacted the overall food quality.
- mushroom skewers7
- yuca fries2
- most dishes3
What aíso offers
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
FAQs
What kind of dining options are available at aíso?
At aíso, you can enjoy a full vegan dining experience, as it is a dedicated Vegan Restaurant. They also offer vegetarian options and serve brunch, making it a versatile spot for various meals.
Does aíso accommodate pets and offer parking?
Yes, aíso is a pet-friendly establishment where dogs are allowed, so you can bring your furry companion along. For your convenience, you’ll also find free street parking available nearby.
What is the overall customer sentiment for aíso?
aíso enjoys a high level of customer satisfaction at **88%**, with a Restaurant Score of **8.6**. This positive reception is driven by strong scores in **Food** (8.7), **Ambience** (8.6), and **Service** (8.5), though **Value** (6) is considered average.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at aíso?
Diners frequently praise the **food** for being fun, refreshing, and flavorful, with highlights like the creative oyster mushroom skewers and impressive desserts. Many also appreciate the outstanding cocktails and delicious drinks.
Are there any common concerns or areas for improvement at aíso?
Some customers have noted that **portions** can be small, leading to a perception of high price for the amount of food. There have also been occasional comments about dishes being oily or lacking seasoning, and some isolated instances of inconsistent service.