Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Camino Alto – San Francisco
Camino Alto - San Francisco
Photo from Camino Alto
Camino Alto at a glance
San Francisco Pacific Heights
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 72 of the guests
#593 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#21 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
644
Reviews
80.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh ingredients
- Cozy atmosphere
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent flavors
- High prices
- Cramped seating
The restaurant Camino Alto, an American restaurant nestled in the vibrant Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, offers a truly inviting experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any meal, from breakfast to dinner.
Known for its great coffee, this spot is ideal for starting your day or enjoying a relaxed afternoon. With healthy and organic options alongside small plates and cocktails, there’s something for every palate.
Overview: Introducting Camino Alto
Camino Alto generally offers a pleasant dining experience, with many guests appreciating the inviting atmosphere and attentive service. However, some found the culinary offerings to be a bit inconsistent, occasionally lacking in flavor or creativity.
While the setting often receives praise for its comfortable vibe, a few diners noted issues with seating arrangements or feeling cramped. The overall impression leans positive, but there are areas where the experience could be more uniformly polished.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
644
Reviews
80.6%
Satisfaction
101
negative
24
neutral
519
positive
Camino Alto generally leaves a strong impression, reflected in its solid Restaurant Score of 8.1. This positive sentiment is echoed by a high Customer Satisfaction rate of 80.6%, indicating that most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial body of feedback, with 644 total opinions, showing a clear lean towards positive experiences (519 positive against 101 negative). Delving deeper, the Food (8.2) and Ambience (8.2) stand out as particular strengths, frequently earning high marks for quality and setting.
Service (8) also performs commendably, often described as attentive and welcoming. The primary area for consideration appears to be Value (5.5), which some guests found to be a mixed bag, suggesting pricing might not always align with expectations.
What people like
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Inviting, cozy atmosphere
- Attentive, personalized service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food seasoning
- Perceived high prices
- Occasional cramped seating
Camino Alto presents a compelling option for those prioritizing a pleasant dining environment and attentive staff. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.2, it’s clear many find the overall experience quite satisfying, especially if you appreciate a well-curated setting and thoughtful service.
However, be mindful that while the ingredients are often praised, the culinary execution can sometimes be inconsistent, and the pricing might feel a bit steep for some. It’s worth a visit for the ambiance and service, but manage expectations regarding every dish.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- American Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
731
93.8%
- $$
- Bayview District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
780
93.3%
- $$
- Silver Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
423
94.6%
- $$
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
804
89.9%
- $$
- Union Square
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
294
89.1%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- American Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
356
91%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Camino Alto
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally raving! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at a high 82.7%, it's clear the kitchen is doing something right. Many appreciate the quality ingredients , fresh flavors , and the commitment to farm to table practices, especially the gluten-free options that impress many.
Out of 375 comments, a whopping 310 were positive, highlighting delicious and unique meals. However, not every dish hits the mark. Some guests found certain items bland or lacking flavor , with a few mentioning overcooked fish or dishes that were a bit oily .
While these concerns appear in 54 reviews, they suggest that consistency might be an area for improvement, particularly with some main courses.
Food
375
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
54
negative
11
neutral
310
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Farm-to-table cuisine
- Excellent gluten-free options
What people don't like
- Food can be bland
- Occasional lack flavor
- Inconsistent dish quality
Often praised
- foodWe ordered the carnitas tacos and chicken mole enchiladas, both of which were light yet satisfying, perfect for lunch or brunch. While the food was solid, my favorite part of our visit was dining on their private back patio with our dog. The space is fully enclosed, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and was thoughtfully designed and super lowkey.
- FoodFood:5
- menuThe food is fabulous, fresh, and curated with seasonal ingredients. The menu has something for everyone. My family goes for brunch on the weekends (scones are a must have!) and I regularly take clients for dinner.
- ingredientsThe second time dining, the food was under-seasoned. Besides that, I can tell they pick their ingredients with great quality standards. We got a chance to speak with the owner, who was bussing tables himself (great leadership!).
- dishesproduces high quality dishes that aren't over the top
- mealsIt was a truly interesting experience. This is the place to go if you want delicious meals that are good for you. Unlike other restaurants, I felt good after this lunch.
- seed oilsIt probably could've used more salt too. While I appreciate that the restaurant does not cook using seed oils, I was sadly underwhelmed with the food we were served. Again, service was phenomenal, drinks were great, and atmosphere was cozy.
- CevicheCeviche as a starter was also wonderful
- appetizersOur waiter made us feel like an inconvenience, and was already in a sour mood and quite rude from the start, even though it was a Saturday at 7 PM. The appetizers were fresh, however, the mains were shockingly bad. The halibut served with beans was incredibly bland.
- dessertThe only thing saving this review from being 3 stars was the amazing service. We received dessert on the house as we were celebrating a birthday. For the price point, the food lacked creativity and flavor.
Frequently criticized
- foodExtremely disappointed in our meal! If I could give 0 stars for the food, I would.
- dishesOur waitress came to our table, took our drinks, brought them, and left without saying it was the end of her shift. Our dishes took quite a long time to arrive, and the flavors, again in my opinion, were a tad on the dull side. While I try to give grace, both the service and food were par at best.
- mainsOur waiter made us feel like an inconvenience, and was already in a sour mood and quite rude from the start, even though it was a Saturday at 7 PM. The appetizers were fresh, however, the mains were shockingly bad. The halibut served with beans was incredibly bland.
- saladThe apps were also disappointing. The salad was sad, and the burrata was inferior to what I've had elsewhere, served with minimal bread and tired peaches. The "glassy" potatoes were simply greasy.
- steakThe halibut served with beans was incredibly bland. The small portion of steak was also flavorless and served with an egg. The three of us were extremely underwhelmed and surprised since the reviewers for this place were good.
- Japanese sweet potatoWe were told this was how the chef wanted them? The Japanese sweet potato was extremely bland and dry. We had the halibut and ribeye for our main courses and both were very meh.
- appetizersThey didn’t bring us new glasses when we switched from our first glass of wine to the bottle we ordered. The appetizers were really not great; the tortilla chips that came with the ceviche were extremely soggy. We were told this was how the chef wanted them?
- beansI live down the street and used to love this place. Unfortunately, they messed up on a takeout order by missing the beans. I've tried to reach out via email to understand if this is a permanent change to the order, but I haven't received a response.
- berry crumblethe berry crumble tastes like bad granola
- blandIt was quite bland
If you're looking for a restaurant that prioritizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and offers plenty of gluten-free choices, this place is definitely worth a try. While most experiences are fantastic, be aware that a few dishes might occasionally miss the mark on flavor.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
The service at this restaurant generally shines, earning a good score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 78.7%. With 111 positive remarks out of 141 total comments, guests frequently highlighted the waiter knowledge, the owners presence, and the genuine hospitality, often noting staff attending to every detail and making experiences truly welcoming. However, not every interaction was flawless.
A smaller number of 25 negative comments pointed to occasional issues with waiting time, specific waiter behavior, or even a disrespectful owner, leading to some feeling rushed or experiencing a lack of acknowledgment, especially concerning the check' or drink refills.
Service
141
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
25
negative
5
neutral
111
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Knowledgeable staff
- Attentive service
- Friendly owner
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Rude staff
- Rushed experience
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was one of genuine hospitality and service that I haven't encountered before in San Francisco. While the restaurant has a few quirks, such as ultra dim lighting, bench seating, and shared written menus, these quickly become charming.
- staffthe staff’s knowledgeable, attentive to detail, yet unobtrusive service
- ownerWe asked to be moved and, after 25 minutes, were eventually accommodated, which was appreciated. The owner was very kind and came over to try and "reset" the evening for us. However, there wasn’t much effort beyond that to really turn the experience around.
- ServiceI’ve tried. Service: Kind and attentive. Speed: You can enjoy a leisurely meal or be efficiently fed.
- serverRyan our server was excellent as well- so knowledgable and friendly
- Andonimade the experience welcoming
- Camino Alto teamthe Camino Alto team saved me a private seat at the bar
- JoshJosh our steward made it an amazing evening
- Josh the chef and ownerJosh the chef and owner is so kind
- ParkingI would definitely love to return! Parking was easy as the loading zone on Union st between Franklin and Gough was not enforceable in the evenings.
Frequently criticized
- serviceHowever, the food was excellent, scoring a 5 out of 5, while the atmosphere was rated a 3 out of 5. The service received a low score of 1.
- waiterour white male waiter straight-up yelled at me for being on my phone
- acknowledgmentmore acknowledgment or maybe an offer of a drink
- checkwe were in the middle of dessert when we were given the check
- disrespectful ownera disrespectful owner who made us regret spending a dime
- effortThe owner was very kind and came over to try and "reset" the evening for us. However, there wasn’t much effort beyond that to really turn the experience around. Again, the food was fantastic, but this experience soured the night for us, which is a shame.
- emailswon’t respond to my emails
- glassesThe only sparkling wine they had by the glass was Lambrusco. They didn’t bring us new glasses when we switched from our first glass of wine to the bottle we ordered. The appetizers were really not great; the tortilla chips that came with the ceviche were extremely soggy.
- indoor tableWe were so excited to eat here and I was so disappointed. We reserved an indoor table and were initially led outside. After some coaxing, they sat us inside.
- manners and cultureIs it manners and culture here?
Overall, the service here is largely a strong point, making it a place worth trying for its attentive and friendly staff. While a few guests encountered minor issues, the overwhelmingly positive experiences, often involving the owner, suggest you'll likely receive excellent care.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a solid 8.2 and leaving a remarkable 84.5% of customers satisfied. With 87 positive remarks out of 103 total, guests frequently rave about the lighting, Atmosphere, and overall vibe, often highlighting the charming private back patio. Many find the space thoughtfully designed, offering a cozy, romantic, or lively setting perfect for conversation and enjoyment.
While overwhelmingly positive, a few of the 10 negative comments point to specific issues like an awkward table placement or a cold and quiet back room. Some also mentioned the ambiance feeling cramped in certain areas. These instances, though infrequent, suggest that not every spot in the restaurant delivers the same stellar experience.
Ambience
103
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
10
negative
6
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful back patio
- Cozy, inviting vibe
- Thoughtful decor, lighting
What people don't like
- Awkward table spots
- Cold, quiet backrooms
- Cramped dining areas
Often praised
- atmosphereThey truly exceeded expectations for both the vendors and the couple. The atmosphere is effortlessly elevated, from the handwritten custom menus to the specialty drinks tailored to the couple, and the stellar service made it a night I’ll never forget. I am eagerly looking forward to returning as a guest myself.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance strikes a perfect balance between modern chic and cozy comfort
- back patiothe whole back patio to themselves, which was beautiful and cozy
- vibeMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a very good vibe, and it's clear that it's a popular spot as it's always full, so booking in advance is recommended. However, the food itself was only average.
- placeFrom the host to the server to the manager, the service was outstanding and personalized; I felt appreciated for being there. The place was popping on a Thursday night, but I never felt rushed. This dinner was the highlight of my trip, and I can't wait to return!
- vibesThe establishment prides itself on using no seed oils and features fresh, unique ingredients that create amazing flavors. Beyond the incredible food, the impeccable vibes made the dining experience truly special. I highly recommend treating yourself to a meal here.
- ambienceAmbience was indeed incredible
- decorthe decor though, still nice
- lightingMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive. The patio was very cute with nice lighting, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. The food was good overall, though two of our four dishes were a little under seasoned.
Frequently criticized
- ambianceThe ambiance is drafty/cramped
- tableInstead, the hostess said she "hopes the food makes up for it. " Once seated, our original table was in a very awkward spot, facing a wall and the back of the espresso machine, with our backs to the restaurant. It felt like a table set aside for walk-ins rather than reservations.
- broken glassFor the price point in San Francisco, there are significantly better dining options. In summary, the ambiance was that of a cramped Blue Bottle, the food was bland and overpriced, there was broken glass on our table that we had to repeatedly ask to be removed, and the disrespectful owner made us regret spending any money there.
- broken shards of glassbroken shards of glass on our table
- environmentThe ambiance was cold and quiet in the back room (we had a reservation). Overall, it was a bland, tiring, and a cold environment (literally and figuratively). It was way too expensive for the lack of creativity, presentation, and thoughtfulness of the food.
- parkingThey even offered to let us hang out after they closed the kitchen. Definitely leave time to find parking, or better yet, take Uber or something.
- parking spotnear impossible to find a parking spot
- tablesTables a bit on small side
If you're looking for a place with a fantastic atmosphere, especially a lovely back patio, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few guests have experienced less-than-ideal table locations or colder areas, so you might want to request a specific spot if you have preferences.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.5 and customer satisfaction at 44%. Many guests appreciate the "reasonable wine prices" and "affordable mock tails, " finding "great value" in the thoughtful farm-to-table cuisine. Some even felt the "price/quality relation" was very good, especially for special occasions or during Restaurant Week, making it feel worth the cost.
However, the sentiment isnt universally glowing. A significant number of the 25 opinions, with 12 negative compared to 11 positive, point to concerns about the restaurant being pricey and expensive. Several felt the food was priced above where it punches, lacking creativity and flavor for its price point, leading to disappointment.
Value
25
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good price/quality
- Reasonable drink prices
- Special occasion value
What people don't like
- Food overpriced
- Lacks creativity
- Priced too high
Often praised
- priceOn the more pricey side but worth it
- Great valueswith great values overall
- Restaurant WeekThis was my first time trying Californian cuisine during Restaurant Week, and I felt I got about $67 worth of food for $45. I ordered the 'Yuzu Party, ' which isn't on the current menu 🌟🌟🌟🌟.
- mock tailsAlso super affordable mock tails
- price/quality relationVery good price/quality relation
- pricesreasonable prices
- qualityThe waffles are mad good. It is a little pricey, but that’s to be expected for the quality.
- reasonable wine pricesWhile the restaurant has a few quirks, such as ultra dim lighting, bench seating, and shared written menus, these quickly become charming. This is especially true when you consider the reasonable wine prices, the delicious food that flows easily from the kitchen, and the staff—hostess, server, and manager—who are constantly attending to every detail. I will definitely be back very soon.
- special occasionfor a special occasion we loved it
- valueThe prices were reasonable for the level of thoughtful farm-to-table cuisine, bursting with nice flavors and interesting combinations. The chef is passionate about his supply chain and offers great value to his guests. A prime example is the pasture-raised chicken wings, added to the menu to support an organic poultry grower, creating a win-win as guests enjoy the delicious taste of chickens eating bugs and worms while moving around freely.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was crazily overpriced and basic. For instance, a salmon salad with mixed greens and apples cost $50.
- price pointWe received dessert on the house as we were celebrating a birthday. For the price point, the food lacked creativity and flavor. The halibut dish, which was recommended by our waiter, felt like something I could've cooked at home.
- priceyWel prijzig
- expensiveit was pretty expensive relative to restaurants
- priced above where it punchesThe chocolate component itself though was suspiciously reminiscent of a pudding cup and lacked the luxury a typical pot de crème should have. In summary, I overall enjoyed the meal as the food was good but it definitely didn’t blow me away and quite frankly was priced above where it punches. The service was nice and the patio out back was gorgeous.
So, is it worth it? If youre looking for a special occasion spot or can catch a deal like Restaurant Week, you might find the value aligns with the quality. But if youre sensitive to higher prices and expect groundbreaking creativity for every dollar, you might find it a bit steep.
How are the prices at Camino Alto?
On average, you’ll spend around 77 $ per person – from 72 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $71–$80 category. For an American Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the full picture, prices are quite spread out. While the average is higher, many guests find options in the 51 – 70 $ range, suggesting a good mix of choices, but also some higher-end experiences pulling up the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 72 reviews.
How this American Restaurant in San Francisco stacks up against similar spots.
Considering the variety of price points available, we think the pricing feels fair for an American Restaurant in San Francisco. It suggests theres value to be found, whether youre looking for a solid mid-range meal or something a bit more premium.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Camino Alto
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Great Ambiance, Disappointing Main Dishes
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The ambiance was truly incredible, creating a wonderful atmosphere. However, the food we had was subpar.
While the appetizers were good, the main dishes were a big letdown, lacking flavor.
- ambiance10
- appetizers8
- food3
- main dishes2
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Ceviche and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding. The ceviche was absolutely to die for, a truly memorable dish. I also had the pleasure of meeting the owner, who is a great guy and added to the lovely atmosphere of the place.
I highly recommend this restaurant if you are in San Francisco.
- ceviche10
- owner9
- place9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Food, Service, and Vibe
My experience at this restaurant was 10/10. The food was great, the service was great, and the overall vibe was good. I went for lunch while visiting SF and it perfectly met my need for a clean meal while traveling.
I absolutely plan on going back. By the way, the lattes were great!
- food10
- service10
- vibe10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Disappointing Dinner Experience
My recent dinner at Camino Alto was the most disappointing experience I've had there. Our server was consistently absent throughout the night, leading to significant delays. We were the last to be served because it took them so long to take our order.
I had to personally go and ask for our wine, which took over ten minutes to arrive after ordering. While some aspects of the food showed promise, the overall meal was underwhelming. The salad lacked proper dressing, and the steak was chewy, not tasting like a quality cut.
The chicken was delicious, but it wasn't enough to salvage the rest of the meal. Considering the quality, the experience felt overpriced.
- chicken8
- server2
- order time2
- wine3
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food truly speaks for itself – it was fresh, clean, and artfully prepared, making it incredibly delicious. Complementing the amazing food was the staff's knowledgeable, attentive, and unobtrusive service.
This combination made for a winning dining experience.
- food10
- staff10
- service10
What Camino Alto offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and services does Camino Alto offer?
At Camino Alto, you can enjoy a full range of dining experiences, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with table service. You can choose between comfortable indoor seating or outdoor seating. For your convenience, takeout, curbside pickup, and onsite services are also available. Dinner reservations are recommended, and the restaurant accepts reservations.
Are there healthy and accessible options available at Camino Alto?
Yes, Camino Alto prioritizes your comfort and dietary needs. You’ll find a variety of healthy and organic dishes, alongside vegetarian options. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. They also offer a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, making it a versatile spot for all.
What is the overall dining experience like at Camino Alto?
Camino Alto generally offers a good dining experience, with a Restaurant Score of **8.1**. Guests particularly appreciate the **Food** (8.2), **Ambience** (8.2), and **Service** (8), though **Value** (5.5) is sometimes a point of contention.
Is the food at Camino Alto consistently good?
While many praise the fresh, high-quality ingredients and unique flavors, some diners have found the food to be under-seasoned or bland, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Is Camino Alto considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. Some find the prices reasonable for the quality, especially during special events, while others consider it pricey or overpriced for the portions and creativity offered.