Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » City Eats – San Francisco
City Eats - San Francisco
Photo from City Eats
City Eats at a glance
San Francisco Parkmerced
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 2 of the guests
#2150 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#142 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Average
6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
111
Reviews
48.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Buffet value
- Clean atmosphere
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Food quality
- Service issues
- Dietary knowledge
The café City Eats Dining Center invites you to a delightful experience in San Francisco’s vibrant Parkmerced neighborhood. You’ll find a welcoming spot where you can relax and enjoy a meal, knowing that accessibility is a priority with its wheelchair accessible entrance.
It’s a perfect destination when you’re looking for a casual and comfortable dining option in the area.
Overview: Introducting City Eats
City Eats offers a welcoming environment, often praised for its cleanliness and warm vibe. Many find the overall experience to be a very good value, especially for an all-you-can-eat option.
The friendly staff also contributes positively to the atmosphere. However, while there’s a diversity in food options, the actual food quality can be a point of contention.
Some practical service issues, such as payment problems or inconvenient hours, occasionally detract from the experience.
Average
6
out of 10
111
Reviews
48.6%
Satisfaction
36
negative
21
neutral
54
positive
City Eats registers an overall score of 6, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction sits at 48.6%, reflecting a mixed reception from its patrons.
This assessment is drawn from over 100 customer remarks, comprising 54 positive and 36 negative observations. Diving into specifics, the Ambience (8) and Value (7.3) emerge as clear strengths, often lauded for their inviting feel and affordability.
Conversely, Service (5.8) and particularly Food (5.7) hover around average, with numerous comments highlighting areas needing attention, despite the high volume of discussion surrounding the food.
What people like
- Excellent buffet value
- Clean, welcoming atmosphere
- Warm, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Operational service issues
- Limited dietary knowledge
City Eats presents a somewhat mixed experience. If you prioritize a good value buffet in a clean, inviting space with friendly staff, it might be worth a visit.
The Recommendation Score of 6.2 suggests it’s a decent option for some. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in food quality and occasional service hiccups.
It’s a place that delivers on certain aspects but may fall short if your primary focus is culinary excellence or seamless operational efficiency.
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Verdict: Our expert take on City Eats
Food (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to food, theres a lot to appreciate here! Many diners were impressed by the diversity in food, praising the vegan options, all-you-can-eat format, and the availability of healthy food. With 34 positive remarks out of 78 total opinions, guests often highlighted the great variety, from salad bars to skillet areas and even a dessert bar, making for a satisfying experience.
However, the food experience isnt without its challenges. With a score of 5.7 (average) and customer satisfaction at 43.6% (mixed), some found the offerings to be mediocre. Concerns arose around the same food being served frequently, issues with ingredient quality, and a limited variety overall, especially regarding uncooked meat.
These 27 negative comments suggest there's room for improvement in consistency and selection.
Food
78
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
27
negative
17
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Diverse options
- Healthy choices
- All-you-can-eat
What people don't like
- Poor quality
- Repetitive menu
- Uncooked meat
Often praised
- optionsmany different options to choose from
- salad barIt was my first time dining here on campus and I was really impressed! I was expecting ho-hum American food and was pleasantly surprised to find a lengthy salad bar with a large variety of toppings, Starbucks brand coffee, cereal, and two different skillet areas where they fresh prepare hot foods for students to order. Oh my goodness, I took out the dessert bar!
- Starbucks brand coffeeIt was my first time dining here on campus and I was really impressed! I was expecting ho-hum American food and was pleasantly surprised to find a lengthy salad bar with a large variety of toppings, Starbucks brand coffee, cereal, and two different skillet areas where they fresh prepare hot foods for students to order. Oh my goodness, I took out the dessert bar!
- all-you-can-eatall you can eat food at all times of the day
- as much as you needyou get to have as much as you need
- chia, oatmeal superfood ballhealthy chia, oatmeal super food ball thingy that was super tasty
- chickenPlus they have heating. Their salami and chicken was really good quality and so juicy too. The salami tasted like the expensive type my mom bought a couple of times as a kid, and I wish I could take some extra home.
- dessert barI was expecting ho-hum American food and was pleasantly surprised to find a lengthy salad bar with a large variety of toppings, Starbucks brand coffee, cereal, and two different skillet areas where they fresh prepare hot foods for students to order. Oh my goodness, I took out the dessert bar! I love their soft serve machine and they had vegan jello and even a healthy chia, oatmeal superfood ball thingy that was super tasty.
- diversity in foodimpressed by the diversity in food
- eat all you wantyou can eat all you want
Frequently criticized
- foodfood, which was mostly awful
- meatthey do not properly cook the meat
- varietyThe variety is not very large
- bread and cerealliterally nothing but bread and cereal
- chickenchicken, and turkey. They repeat the menu
- dishit has its occasional dud of a dish
- dishes smellsWhere we put the dishes smells horrible
- food qualityThe food here makes me feel ill sometimes
- gluten-free food labelingThe labeling for gluten free food is inconsistent and sporadic.
- ingredient qualityingredient quality has severely deteriorated
If youre looking for an all-you-can-eat spot with diverse, healthy options and dont mind some menu repetition, this place could be worth a try. However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent quality and a selection that might feel limited over time.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
It seems the heart of the operation truly shines through the people! Many guests rave about the passionate cooks and the consistently friendly staff, often greeting you with a smile. Special shout-outs go to individuals like Maria, whose warmth and generosity at the omelet bar left a lasting impression, making the service feel truly personal.
There are 9 positive remarks highlighting this super friendly atmosphere. However, service isn't without its bumps, resulting in an average score of 5.8 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 47.4%. Guests reported issues with dietary restrictions knowledge and frustratingly long wait times.
Payment can be a hassle, with the card machine often not working and no cash payment option. Inconvenient hours and strict policies also drew 8 negative comments.
Service
19
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Passionate cooks
- Personalized service
What people don't like
- Payment issues
- Long wait times
- Poor dietary knowledge
Often praised
- staffthe staff are always friendly
- MariaThat’s where I met Maria, who worked the omelet bar
- cooksThe cooks are great and have a passion
- flowersI brought her flowers from Trader Joe's the next morning, which made her cry. Feeling bad, I started bringing her flowers every few weeks. Before Maria left City Eats to start her own food truck, Brazuca Grill, her daughter created a Mother's Day tribute video, and I was featured in two photos.
- peoplethe real story is in the people behind the counter
- staff were very kindThe staff were very kind
- super friendly staffSuper friendly staff too
- warmthI met Maria at the omelet bar in 2023. Despite her husband having passed away the year before, she greeted every student with warmth. Before winter break, she gifted caramels, nuts, and sweets to her regulars.
Frequently criticized
- card machinecard machine of theirs dont work
- cash paymentthey cant take cash
- dietary restrictions knowledgeThe people who serve the food seem to be ignorant of dietary restrictions.
- hoursThe hours are inconvenient
- hours at a timehours at a time where they serve literally nothing
- lineslines were not as long
- strictwish that they were not so strict
- waitMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly frustrating. I had to wait a good 30 minutes to get my food. To make matters worse, when it was time to pay, I was informed that their card machine didn't work and they couldn't accept cash.
If you value genuinely friendly staff and a personal touch, especially from the cooks, you might find a lot to love here. However, be prepared for potential issues with dietary needs, long waits, and payment methods, which could make your visit frustrating.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to the atmosphere, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8 and an impressive 87.5% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are loving the vibe. Based on 7 positive comments out of 8 total, people consistently praise the "cleanliness" and "ample seating.
" Many appreciate the "warm, minimalist vibe" that makes you feel welcome and even fosters "meaningful connections. "Whats even better is that out of all the feedback, there were no negative comments about the ambience. This really highlights a consistently pleasant environment that guests truly enjoy, making it a reliable choice for a comfortable and welcoming experience.
Ambience
8
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent cleanliness
- Ample seating
- Warm, minimalist vibe
What people don't like
Often praised
- cleanlinessI love their soft serve machine and they had vegan jello and even a healthy chia, oatmeal superfood ball thingy that was super tasty. The restaurant had a really warm but minimalist vibe that made me feel welcome, yet felt very clean at the same time. I could eat, study, or hang out there any time.
- ample seatingthere's ample seating
- connectionsit gave me one of the most unexpectedly meaningful connections
- initial impressionit was good the first few weeks
- very cleanThe location is very clean
- vibeI love their soft serve machine and they had vegan jello and even a healthy chia, oatmeal superfood ball thingy that was super tasty. The restaurant had a really warm but minimalist vibe that made me feel welcome, yet felt very clean at the same time. I could eat, study, or hang out there any time.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place with a fantastic atmosphere, youve found it! The clean, welcoming, and spacious environment makes it perfect for dining, studying, or just hanging out. You can confidently expect a comfortable and positive experience here.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.3. Many folks rave about the fantastic value, especially for the buffet and being one of the few all-you-can-eat places around. With 4 positive remarks out of 6 total, it seems most agree it can't be beat and offers very good value.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a 66.7%, indicating a bit of a mixed bag. While many find it a steal, there's a dissenting voice noting the price can be high. This single negative comment suggests that while the value is often celebrated, it might not always land perfectly for everyone.
Value
6
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fantastic value
- Excellent buffet
- All-you-can-eat
What people don't like
- Price can be high
Often praised
- all-you-can-eat placesone of the very few all-you-can-eat places
- buffetFor $8 a buffet, it really can't be beat.
- valueit's ultimately a fantastic value
- very good valueIt's very good value
Frequently criticized
- pricethe price is high
If you're looking for a great deal, especially for an all-you-can-eat experience, this place is definitely worth checking out. It offers fantastic value that many customers appreciate. However, be mindful that a few find the price a bit steep, so manage your expectations accordingly.
How are the prices at City Eats?
Youre looking at roughly 14 per person – reported by 2 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, its comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Based on the limited data we have, all reported prices cluster right in this mid-range bracket, showing a consistent offering. While the data is limited, it gives us a good initial feel for the pricing.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 2 reviews. While the data is limited, it gives a good indication of typical spending.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
For a Cafe in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It’s a solid mid-range option for a casual bite or coffee.
Customer Reviews: what people think about City Eats
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Best Food on Campus, Shame About Timing
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, making it the best place to get food on campus. I've eaten everywhere else on campus, and this place is the clear winner. They offer healthy food compared to other options, with multiple options to choose from.
A significant plus is that you get to have as much as you need. The only downside is that lunch is scheduled during my class time 😭. What's not to love?
😭😭😭
- food10
- multiple options9
- as much as you need10
- lunch3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Loud
9
More Than Just a Meal at City Eats
My experience at City Eats, the dining hall at San Francisco State University, was unexpectedly meaningful. While its nickname might suggest otherwise, the dining hall is actually very good. The key to keeping things interesting and healthy is improvisation and creating unusual combinations.
I eat there almost every day, and although the food is consistently chaotic, the people behind the counter are the real story. I met Maria at the omelet bar in 2023. Despite her husband having passed away the year before, she greeted every student with warmth.
Before winter break, she gifted caramels, nuts, and sweets to her regulars. I brought her flowers from Trader Joe's the next morning, which made her cry. Feeling bad, I started bringing her flowers every few weeks.
Before Maria left City Eats to start her own food truck, Brazuca Grill, her daughter created a Mother's Day tribute video, and I was featured in two photos. City Eats may not be gourmet, but it fed more than just students; it provided one of the most unexpectedly meaningful connections I've had in college.
- omelets8
- tacos8
- food quality7
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great variety and friendly staff
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. They offer an all-you-can-eat selection with a great variety of food available at all times of the day. This includes a sandwich bar, pasta, salad bar, and various entrees/sides.
The staff were also super friendly. I really love this place!
- all-you-can-eat9
- great variety9
- sandwich bar8
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Awful Food, Avoid Unless Forced
My experience at this restaurant was largely negative, primarily due to the food, which was mostly awful. The staff, at best, were okay. I would avoid it all costs unless you are forced into the meal plan.
- staff5
- food1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
7
Impressed by Vegan Options, Want More Variety
I'm really impressed by the diversity in food and how they have vegan options. I wish they could have more vegan options. It would be nice to see vegan Asian food, vegan Italian food and vegan Filipino food.
Recipes can be found in IG by searching #veganrecipes then hopefully that gives you some ideas.
- diversity in food8
- vegan options8
- vegan Asian food6
What City Eats offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Service Options
- Dine-in
FAQs
Is City Eats Dining Center accessible for all guests?
Absolutely! City Eats Dining Center provides a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring that everyone can comfortably visit and enjoy their time in this San Francisco cafe.
What dining options are available at City Eats Dining Center?
At City Eats Dining Center, you can enjoy a comfortable dine-in experience. They focus on providing a pleasant atmosphere for you to relax and eat in the Parkmerced neighborhood.
How does City Eats generally perform?
City Eats holds an overall score of 6, indicating an average experience. Its Ambience (8) and Value (7.3) are well-regarded, while Service (5.8) and Food (5.7) are considered average.
What are the standout features of City Eats?
Customers often appreciate the cleanliness and warm vibe of the restaurant, along with the friendly staff. The buffet is also frequently mentioned for its good value and diverse options like the salad bar and dessert bar.
What are some common complaints about City Eats?
Recurring issues include inconsistent food quality, with some finding it awful or poorly cooked. Service can also be problematic, with reports of card machine failures, inconvenient hours, and a lack of dietary restrictions knowledge.