Highlights
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
oChef » Altamirano – San Francisco
Altamirano - San Francisco
Photo from Altamirano
Altamirano at a glance
San Francisco North of Panhandle
- 🇵🇪 Peruvian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 53 of the guests
#280 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Peruvian Restaurant out of 12 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
394
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Great Service
- Inviting Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Poor Value
- Slow Service
- Billing Issues
The restaurant Altamirano is a vibrant Peruvian Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s North of Panhandle neighborhood. As you step inside, you’re greeted by a cozy and trendy atmosphere, often highlighted by the inviting fireplace.
This spot offers a first-hand experience of authentic flavors, complemented by a great wine list and a selection of small plates, perfect for any occasion you might be planning.
Overview: Introducting Altamirano
Altamirano generally offers a delightful dining experience, with many guests praising the delicious food and the attentive service from the staff. The inviting atmosphere also contributes positively to visits, making it a comfortable spot for many.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall value, with opinions suggesting that portions might be on the smaller side for the price. Occasional reports of slow service or even serious billing issues also temper the otherwise positive feedback.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
394
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
46
negative
13
neutral
335
positive
Altamirano earns a solid overall Restaurant Score of 8.4 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive reception. This is further supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 85%, indicating that most patrons leave content with their experience.
These figures are based on 394 customer opinions, with a significant majority of 335 positive remarks against 46 negative ones. The culinary offerings stand out with a strong Food score (8.5), complemented by excellent Service (8.6) and a pleasant Ambience (8.4).
However, the Value score (4) indicates a clear area for improvement, suggesting that while the experience is enjoyable, some guests find the pricing doesn’t always align with what’s received.
What people like
- Delicious Peruvian food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Comfortable, inviting ambiance
What people don't like
- Significant value concerns
- Occasional slow service
- Serious billing issues
Altamirano presents a compelling option for those seeking well-prepared Peruvian cuisine and a pleasant dining atmosphere. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.7, it’s clear that many find the overall experience worthwhile, particularly appreciating the quality of the dishes and the attentive staff.
However, potential diners should be mindful of the value proposition, as some feel the cost doesn’t always match the portion sizes. While generally positive, be aware of possible service delays and, in rare instances, serious billing concerns.
It’s a place worth considering for its strengths, but with a few caveats.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Altamirano
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place truly delivers! With a strong score of 8.5 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 86.5%, diners consistently rave about the delicious, fresh, and creative dishes. Out of 244 comments, 211 were glowing, praising everything from the amazing Pisco cocktails and sophi sashimi to the flavorful lomo saltado and generous portion sizes.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 23 critical remarks. Some found the lamb shank gamey or the lomo saltado chewy and lacking flavor. A few felt certain main courses were underwhelming, and some portions were considered small, especially the tuna toast.
Food
244
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
23
negative
10
neutral
211
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Creative, vibrant flavors
- Excellent Pisco cocktails
What people don't like
- Some dishes underwhelming
- Chewy, bland meat
- Small portions sometimes
Often praised
- foodThis was my first time at any Peruvian restaurant, and it was a lovely experience with delicious food. The food was rated a 5, and the atmosphere was also a 5.
- cocktailsThe cocktails were also a work of art
- drinksthe drinks,the food everything amazing
- cevicheThe mango in the ceviche was a tough of sweetness we didn't expect.
- dishesWe sat outside on the covered patio for Sunday brunch with a group of 8. There were lots of different dishes, and all were tasty and in good quantity. The only dish with a smaller quantity was the tuna toast.
- lomo saltadolomo saltado. Everything was super delicious 😋.
- pisco soursThe empanada dough was amazing – crisp yet light and airy, and the portion size was generous with two empanadas. The cocktails were also works of art; I highly recommend trying the ‘lady’s night out’ and pisco sours.
- Churro SandwichThe Peruvian fries, however, were a highlight, absorbing the rich oyster-soy sauce (which explains why the beef was bland). The Churro Sandwich was a decadent dessert, perfect for sharing. The churro itself was slightly undercooked, but the dulce de leche sauce was delicious.
- crabThe food was delicious, and the service was good. I really liked all the dishes we tried, including the ceviche, scallops, and crab. The atmosphere was also excellent.
- halibut cevicheThe standouts were pisco sours and the halibut ceviche
Frequently criticized
- foodThe pollito a la brasa was tiny, looking more like half a game hen than a chicken, and it had a non-traditional marinade. Honestly, it just wasn’t good.
- lamb shankThe lamb had likely been sitting out for a while — it wasn’t hot, just room temperature
- portionsthe portions were small
- Lomo SaltadoWhile the potato causa was a standout, it somewhat overpowered the delicate crab. The second course, the Lomo Saltado, was a bit disappointing. The beef was chewy and lacked flavor.
- Peruvian foodNot the best Peruvian food
- adobo de cerdoadobo de cerdo didn’t taste anything like what I expected
- beefThe second course, the Lomo Saltado, was a bit disappointing. The beef was chewy and lacked flavor. The Peruvian fries, however, were a highlight, absorbing the rich oyster-soy sauce (which explains why the beef was bland).
- chickenOur chicken was dry
- crab thingthe only thing I probably wouldn’t order again was the crab thing
- crème brûléeThe crème brûlée was a little too firm
If youre looking for vibrant, fresh Peruvian flavors and creative cocktails, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While a few main dishes might miss the mark, the overall food experience is highly praised and wont disappoint.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a solid score of 8.6 and an impressive 87.2% customer satisfaction. Based on 68 positive remarks out of 78 total opinions, guests frequently rave about the friendly staff, attentive service, and exceptional hospitality. Many highlight the attention to detail from servers and waiters, often noting quick and knowledgeable assistance, making for a truly welcoming experience.
However, its not entirely without its bumps. A few of the 10 negative comments mention concerns like wait times being excessive or feeling rushed during meals. More seriously, one significant concern involved a dishonest' billing incident, which is definitely a red flag.
While these are isolated, they suggest areas where consistency could be improved.
Service
78
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Exceptional hospitality
- Seamless reservations
What people don't like
- Dishonest billing incident
- Excessive wait times
- Feeling rushed
Often praised
- serviceWe loved everything we ordered and are excited to revisit to try more of the menu. The service was fantastic, making it an all-around great dinner.
- staffWe love Peruvian food. Thank you so much Bright for your amazing hospitality and all staff. Definitely wonderful service.
- ServiceWe also had the amazing French toast for a shared table dessert. The service was attentive and unobtrusive. We enjoyed the live Spanish guitar music, which was calming and appropriate for the setting.
- serverOur server, Amelia, only had an A game, she was excellent
- EdwardOur server Edward was knowledgeable and attentive at all times
- all the stafftodo el personal amable
- amazing serverThe prices were reasonable, the portions were large, and the food was delicious. Eduardo was an amazing server too! The sashimi was amazing and the pesto pasta was possibly the best in the city.
- attention from the ladygran atención de la señorita que nos atendió
- attention to detailAttention to detail.
- back patio bar staffback patio bar staff and servers were very attentive
Frequently criticized
- dishonestI paid my bill as usual, but a few days later, I discovered a significant amount had been added to my credit card statement. This is not just dishonest; it's credit card fraud. I've never encountered anything like this before, and I find it shameful and completely unethical.
- feel rushedWe didn’t feel rushed at all
- platetakes the plate from you while you’re in the middle of eating
- servicethe service was not
- staffthe quantity of staff
- unethicalThis is not just dishonest; it's credit card fraud. I've never encountered anything like this before, and I find it shameful and completely unethical. I have already filed a dispute with my credit card company and reported the incident.
- wait staffwait staff didn’t try to take away dishes many times that still had food on them
- wait timeIt took over 35 minutes for the main courses
- wait timesWait times for anything from water to cocktails to food were excessive
- waitressmy waitress had forgotten about me
Overall, the service here is largely a highlight, with most guests enjoying attentive and friendly interactions. While there are a few serious concerns about billing and occasional wait times, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youre likely to have a great experience. Its definitely worth trying for the generally excellent service.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8.4 and 88.7% customer satisfaction, it's clear most folks love the atmosphere. Out of 62 comments, 55 rave about the inviting ambiance, especially praising the lovely outdoor area, cozy patio, and overall great vibe.
Many describe it as a true neighborhood gem with beautiful decor. However, a few of the 6 negative comments point out some minor snags. Some guests found the tables a bit too close, leading to overheard conversations.
There were also mentions of a high noise level, which could make intimate chats a bit tricky. A slippery floor was also noted once.
Ambience
62
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Oasis-like patio
- Refined, relaxed vibe
- Beautiful decor
What people don't like
- Close tables
- Loud conversations
Often praised
- atmosphereEveryone made me and my friend feel super comfortable
- spaceWe had a great birthday dinner here. The atmosphere was pleasant, not loud, with plenty of space. The food was great, and the pisco sours were amazing.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance is sultry with a craftsmen coziness
- ambienceThe ambience was comfortable, inviting and very nicely appointed
- barAlso, we LOVED the churro sandwich. It’s a great place for a date night; we’re definitely coming back in the future to sit at the bar for drinks and dessert. : -)
- experiencefood & experience was worth it
- gemThe staff demonstrated excellent knowledge of the menu, and the cocktails were equally impressive. It's a rare gem west of Divisadero that manages to feel both refined and relaxed, making it suitable for a full meal or just drinks.
- patioWe sat in the patio which is fully covered and heated
- Live musicLive music, Spanish guitar. Calming and appropriate
Frequently criticized
- conversationswe can all just hear the conversations next to one another
- noise levelthe noise level can make it difficult to hold a conversation
- slippery floorslippery floor was a significant issue
- spidersspiders, you may want to sit indoors
- tablesThe outdoor area was comfortable, not cold at all. My only gripe is that the tables are just a little too close together, which made things awkward as we could overhear conversations next to us. Despite this, I highly recommend giving this place a try and enjoying the experience, it's totally worth it 😊.
- tables for twoIf you are at a table of two though, they are quite close together
If youre looking for a place with a fantastic atmosphere, especially if you can snag a spot on the patio, youll likely be very pleased. Just be mindful that it can get a bit lively, so if you prefer a super quiet, private conversation, you might want to pick your timing carefully.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
Out of 10 opinions, only 1 highlighted reasonable prices, suggesting that while some might find the cost acceptable, it's not a common sentiment. The score for value is an average 4, yet customer satisfaction is quite low at 10%, indicating a significant disconnect. However, 7 opinions raised concerns, frequently mentioning the price and finding items expensive .
Many felt they expected a bit more for what they paid, often citing small portions or that the food was overpriced for what it is . There were also serious mentions of fraudulent charges .
Value
10
Reviews
10%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Small portions
- Fraudulent charges
Often praised
- pricesReasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- priceUnfortunately, my experience was disappointing. The food is WAY, WAY overpriced for what it is. Our chicken was dry, and the portions were small.
- credit card fraudit’s credit card fraud
- expensiveHowever, the portions were smallish. While it wasn't the best Peruvian food I've had, and it was a bit expensive, the overall cost wasn't excessive.
- fraudulent chargefraudulent charge added after I left
- prices per servingprices per serving were less awesome
If value is a top priority, you might want to proceed with caution here. Many found the offerings expensive and overpriced for the small portions , despite a few finding prices reasonable. Serious mentions of fraudulent charges also raise a red flag.
How are the prices at Altamirano?
Hey there, food lover! On average, you’ll spend around 66 per person at this spot, based on what 53 guests have shared. That places it squarely in the $61–$70 category.
For a Peruvian Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning a bit towards the higher end. Looking at what people actually spend, we see a nice mix! While the average is around 66, there are quite a few diners enjoying meals in the 71-80$ range, and even a good number opting for experiences over 101$.
This suggests the restaurant offers a range of options, 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 53 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the vibrant culinary scene in San Francisco and the unique flavors of Peruvian cuisine, we think the pricing here feels quite fair. It offers flexibility for different budgets while still delivering a quality experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Altamirano
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Spectacular Food, Drinks, and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was nothing short of spectacular! The food was incredibly fresh, cooked to perfection, and bursting with incredible flavor. I particularly enjoyed the salmon ceviche and the chorizo empanadas.
The ceviche was exceptionally fresh and packed with flavor. The empanada dough was amazing – crisp yet light and airy, and the portion size was generous with two empanadas. The cocktails were also works of art; I highly recommend trying the ‘lady’s night out’ and pisco sours.
- food10
- salmon ceviche10
- chorizo empanadas10
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Altamirano: A Truly Remarkable Find!
My experience at Altamirano last night was nothing short of perfection. The cocktails were absolutely delicious, and the food was not only beautifully presented but also superb in taste. The service was attentive and friendly, making the entire evening thoroughly enjoyable.
I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant and plan to return as often as possible. It's a truly remarkable find!
- cocktails9
- food10
- service9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Creative Food, Great Service, Spider Surprise!
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of delightful flavors and an unexpected encounter with nature. The food was truly good and creative, with lovely presentation. The drinks were also delicious, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
I particularly enjoyed the refreshing Thai mojito and the halibut ceviche, which had excellent flavor. The crab bao roll was also a hit. However, the experience was slightly marred by the presence of spiders in the courtyard.
If you're afraid of spiders, I'd recommend sitting indoors. If you opt for the courtyard, ask for a table away from the walls, as we had a few crawling around us. Thankfully, the staff was great and quickly moved us to another table, though unfortunately, the spiders followed.
Despite this, I would still recommend this place! The atmosphere was really nice for a girls' dinner. Be aware that the indoor dining area can be a bit louder, potentially making conversation harder.
- food9
- presentation8
- drinks8
- spiders2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing service and food!
My experience at the restaurant was amazing. The service was outstanding, and everyone made my friend and I feel super comfortable. The food was also fantastic.
I can't wait to go back again.
- service10
- food10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Absolutely Blown Away by Every Dish!
Our experience at this restaurant was exceptional. We shared several small plates, and every single one blew us away. The food was incredibly delicious, fresh, and flavorful.
Even the cocktails were fantastic. The service was impeccable. We couldn't stop talking about the place all the way home!
- small plates10
- food10
- cocktails9
What Altamirano offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What accessibility and parking options are available at Altamirano Restaurant & Bar?
At Altamirano, you’ll find comprehensive accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For parking, while it can sometimes be a bit difficult to find a space, both free and paid street parking options are available nearby for your convenience when you visit.
What kind of dining experience and amenities can you expect at Altamirano?
You can enjoy a cozy and trendy atmosphere at Altamirano, perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner with full table service. The restaurant features a bar onsite, Wi-Fi, and gender-neutral restrooms, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit for you and your companions.
How does Altamirano generally perform according to customer feedback?
Altamirano receives a good overall Restaurant Score of **8.4** and a Customer Satisfaction of **85%**. Customers particularly praise the **Service** (8.6), **Food** (8.5), and **Ambience** (8.4), though **Value** (4) is noted as an area for improvement.
What are some of the standout dishes or aspects of the food at Altamirano?
Many guests enjoy the diverse menu, with specific mentions of the delicious ceviche, lomo saltado, and creative cocktails. The Peruvian fries and the Churro Sandwich are also highlighted as popular choices.
Are there any common issues or concerns reported by diners at Altamirano?
While service is generally good, some patrons have experienced occasional slow wait times. A more serious concern raised by a few is regarding value for money, with some finding portions small and prices high, and there have been rare but serious reports of billing discrepancies.