Highlights
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
oChef » Cultivar – San Francisco
Cultivar - San Francisco
Photo from Cultivar
Cultivar at a glance
San Francisco Marina District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 36 of the guests
#1378 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#156 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
376
Reviews
75.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Outdoor spaces
- Food and wine
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- High prices
- Uncomfortable seating
The restaurant Cultivar in San Francisco’s vibrant Marina District offers a truly inviting experience. You’ll find a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed evening, especially with the charming fireplace adding to the ambiance.
This restaurant is known for its thoughtful menu and a great wine list, making it a standout spot for your next dining adventure in the city.
Overview: Introducting Cultivar
Cultivar offers a pleasant dining experience, often highlighted by its inviting outdoor spaces like the back patio and parklet, which create a lovely atmosphere. Many guests find the food and wine flights to be quite enjoyable, making it a solid choice for a relaxed outing.
However, some visitors have encountered inconsistencies, particularly with the service, noting occasional delays or feeling rushed. There are also recurring concerns about the overall value, with some items perceived as overpriced for the portion or quality received.
Good
7.3
out of 10
376
Reviews
75.8%
Satisfaction
75
negative
16
neutral
285
positive
Cultivar holds a commendable overall Restaurant Score of 7.3, indicating a good experience for many, supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 75.8%. These figures are drawn from a substantial 376 customer observations, with 285 positive remarks outweighing 75 negative ones, suggesting a generally favorable reception.
Looking closer at the specifics, Ambience (7.9) and Food (7.6) both stand out as good performers, contributing significantly to the positive sentiment. Service (6.7) registers as average, suggesting room for improvement in consistency, while Value (4.9) is also considered average, indicating that some guests find the pricing a bit steep for what’s offered.
What people like
- Inviting outdoor spaces
- Enjoyable food and wine
- Attentive staff members
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service delivery
- Perceived high prices
- Uncomfortable seating options
Cultivar presents itself as a charming spot, particularly if you appreciate a good atmosphere and a well-curated wine selection alongside satisfying dishes. With a Recommendation Score of 7.6, it’s certainly worth considering for a relaxed meal or evening out.
If you prioritize a pleasant setting and enjoyable food and wine, Cultivar is likely to deliver. Just be mindful that service can be a bit inconsistent, and some menu items might feel a little pricey, so manage expectations accordingly.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cultivar
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre looking at a pretty solid experience! With a score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a strong 80%, most diners walk away happy. Out of 190 comments, 152 were glowing about dishes like the excellent wine flights, delicious Shrimp Alfredo, outstanding Berries&Burrata Salad, and flavorful steak with chimichurri, along with popular small plates like hummus and truffle popcorn.
However, its not all perfect, as 28 comments pointed out some areas for improvement. Some found certain dishes, like the truffle caesar salad or pasta, to be bland, while others noted issues with the preparation of items like the NY strip or pork chop. A few also felt portions, such as a single slider or two scallops, were small for the price, and dietary requests occasionally went unheeded.
Food
190
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
28
negative
10
neutral
152
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious small plates
- Excellent wine pairings
- Fresh, flavorful ingredients
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Dietary requests missed
- Small portions, high price
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this small wine bar at the end of the marina strip was pleasant and relaxing. The bar offers a small selection of wine and relatively quick, crispy food. The wine flights were excellent, and the service was quick and efficient.
- wineWow : -) What a beautiful patio! I really liked this restaurant regarding the wine and some food. The Berries&Burrata Salad is OUTSTANDING!
- winesI appreciate the restaurant's location on the quiet end of Chestnut Street, and the atmosphere inside was very enjoyable. We received great service and had some really good wines. This was our first visit, and we're already planning many more.
- grilled cheesegirlfriend loved the grilled cheese so much
- hummusHummus was probably my favorite item on the menu cost/presentation/taste
- slidersThe pork belly bahnmi and the sliders were so tasty
- steak sandwichThe steak sandwich and grilled cheese sandwich were very good.
- wine flightsThe wine flights are excellent
- wine listI came here for a pre-dinner drink, so my review isn't about the food. The good 👍🏼: their food menu looks really nice and they have an extensive list of wine, organized by price. They have a lovely parklet in the front and our server was lovely.
- wine selectionIt's a great place to hang out in the neighborhood. They offer a great selection of wines and their recommendations are spot on. The food was SO GOOD; the grilled cheese and fries were simple yet packed with flavor.
Frequently criticized
- food qualitymediocre food, poor quality and preparation
- NY stripMy “medium rare” NY strip was anything but
- San Francisco sourSan Francisco sour came out in a sample size
- baconit came with bacon anyway
- cut of meatthe cut of meat for both steaks was terrible
- dietary requestinstructions I told the waiter didn’t come trough
- flavorI ordered their truffle caesar salad, which was very underwhelming. It lacked flavor and was very bland. This was pretty disappointing, especially considering the price point.
- foodmy food was actually a little late
- grilled cheeseFor food, we ordered the grilled cheese and the BBQ Chicken Slider. The grilled cheese was a very large portion but quite bland; it's great if you're looking for quantity. The slider was flavorful, but for $7, I expected more than a single slider of that size, though they weren't intentionally misleading.
- olivesthey were also not super tasty
If you're looking for a spot with generally delicious food and a great wine selection, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many dishes shine, there might be a few inconsistencies in flavor or portion size to navigate.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had truly wonderful experiences! With 51 positive observations out of 81 total, youll often find the staff described as attentive, accommodating, and engaging in friendly conversation. The overall score for service sits at a respectable 6.7, indicating a generally good experience for many.
However, its not always smooth sailing, as 29 negative comments suggest some areas for improvement. Some diners reported slow service, feeling the restaurant might be understaffed, leading to long waiting times for orders or checks. Customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 63%, showing there's still work to be done to ensure everyone feels well-cared for.
Service
81
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
29
negative
1
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Accommodating service
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waiting times
- Understaffed feeling
Often praised
- serviceThis is a local gem in the area, with a nice interior, seating out front, and an excellent back patio that you will love. The service was just great from beginning to end; our server was there when we needed him and super friendly throughout. For dinner, we started with the Bacon & Blue salad, which they generously split and served for us – an excellent combination for a summer afternoon.
- staffPatient staff know their way around the wine list
- accommodatingWe again had reservation problems (I don't understand what that's about), but again, Kevin came to save the day. He and Cinder created the best atmosphere and were very attentive and accommodating. Those two are the light of that place, and we will be back!
- serverThe good 👍🏼: their food menu looks really nice and they have an extensive list of wine, organized by price. They have a lovely parklet in the front and our server was lovely. The not-so-good 👎🏼: we tried 2 different glasses of red wine and asked for something with medium/full body.
- Cinderhe and Cinder created the best atmosphere
- GMowner/manager taking responsibility for the overall food/service experience. I applaud her for stepping up
- KevinKevin came out and apologized and made sure
- LauraLaura was wonderful and made my experience one to remember
- OceanoOceano helped us that evening and he was extremely attentive
- ServiceService is great and attentive
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was really good. We got a little rushed out
- staffWhile the surface details looked nice, I have literally nothing good to say about my visit. The service was slow and the staff indifferent. The wines were among the few I didn't want to finish, and the sliders were greasy bitter things that lacked flavor without the bitterness.
- waitThen we waited. And waited.
- Google hoursGoogle says they're open 12-11 on Sunday
- Sunday hourstold they were closed
- apologiesNo apologies or free drink/appetizer
- bartenderbartender was talking with someone, and there was no server/host/hostess
- bookingwe booked for four people in the patio. When we got there (on time) they said "sorry, fully booked in the patio"
- bread servicebread service also took over 25 minutes
- checked onwas only checked on one time
If youre looking for a place where the staff often goes above and beyond, its definitely worth a try. Just be prepared that on busier days, you might encounter some slower moments, so patience could be key.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
The ambience at this spot truly stands out, earning a strong score of 7.9 and an impressive 89.2% customer satisfaction. Many of the 74 positive opinions highlight the delightful outdoor seating, especially the cozy back patio with its inviting fireplace, creating a wonderful and relaxed atmosphere. Its often praised as a great environment for casual dining, date nights, or meeting friends.
However, its not entirely without its minor drawbacks, with 6 negative instances noted. Some customers mentioned issues like loud groups and specific uncomfortable booth seats, which can occasionally impact the overall experience. While generally good, be mindful that noise levels might sometimes be a concern.
Ambience
83
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy back patio
- Inviting outdoor seating
- Warm fireplace atmosphere
What people don't like
- Loud noise levels
- Uncomfortable booth seats
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great place to hang out in the neighborhood. They offer a great selection of wines and their recommendations are spot on.
- back patioate in the back patio with the fire place and it was really lovely
- patioAfter a long walk in the city, my friend and I visited Cultivar for an early dinner. We opted for sidewalk dining as no one suggested the patio, which would have been nicer. We enjoyed a nice Pinot Noir, the Heirloom Tomatoes and Burrata, and a cauliflower dish.
- fireplaceback patio with the fire place and it was really lovely
- parkletThe good 👍🏼: their food menu looks really nice and they have an extensive list of wine, organized by price. They have a lovely parklet in the front and our server was lovely. The not-so-good 👎🏼: we tried 2 different glasses of red wine and asked for something with medium/full body.
- barthe bar is fun to talk with the crew
- environmentRelaxing environment with wonderful food
- heatersInside, the seating arrangements include a bar, booths, and high tables, all nicely spaced and not crowded. They've recently added a large parklet with heaters, which significantly increases their capacity and makes it easier to get a table, as it used to be difficult to get in sometimes.
- locationquality and location
- outdoor patiothe outdoor patio in the back is a really nice, cozy setting
Frequently criticized
- booth seatsThe food was great, but the seating was not so much. The booth seats have a design flaw; if you are 6 feet tall, you will be okay, otherwise, sit on the stools, lest you slide to the floor. I would recommend sitting on the stools to avoid the discomfort of the booth seats.
- feeling unwelcomewe were made to feel so unwelcome
- interiorit will be cold and drafty inside too
- loud groupunless you get a loud group next to you
- noise levelWe came around 9 pm, and it seems to be a local favorite. The only thing is that we, like every table, were trying to hear each other chat, indicating it can get quite loud.
- parkingBeware parking on the weekends can be challenging
If you're seeking a charming spot with fantastic outdoor options, particularly the back patio, this place is definitely worth trying. Just be aware that inside seating might occasionally get loud or have less comfortable booths.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.9, placing it squarely in the average range. Many guests appreciate finding items like wine and specials that are well-priced, offering great value, especially during happy hour or for their Monday night special. This positive feedback comes from 8 comments out of 22 total pieces of feedback.
However, the customer satisfaction for value sits at a rather poor 36.4%, indicating significant room for improvement. A larger number of guests, 12 to be exact, felt that the experience was overpriced, citing issues like service fees, premium prices for food, and a general feeling that it wasnt worth the cost. Many felt they didnt get enough bang for their buck.
Value
22
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced wine
- Great happy hour
- Affordable specials
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Unexpected service fee
- Not worth cost
Often praised
- Monday night specialMonday night special...delish and affordable
- happy hour$6 during happy hour
- pricewell priced
- pricedI found the atmosphere to be good and the wait staff were attentive. While the wine selection wasn't extensive, featuring mostly their own wines, these were perceived as good and reasonably priced.
- pricesThey serve simple comfort food for brunch, but the taste is truly outstanding. I really liked everything we had, and the prices are "reasonable". The service was good, and the outdoor patio in the back provided a really nice, cozy setting.
- retail their wineretail their wine/balsamic vinaigrette/olive at great prices
- valuegreat value
- wine pricesThe wine prices seem to be below market
Frequently criticized
- priceWasn’t worth price with quality and wait
- service feeWe also tried their olives just to have a little something to pair with, and they were also not super tasty and full of thick oil from their container. Finally, they add a 5% service fee by default. So, 2 average glasses of wine + olives ended up costing $50.
- bang for your buckget more for your bang if you go somewhere else
- foodFood is on the pricier side
- overpriced5 out of 5 stars. The food was good, but it was extremely overpriced. For example, two scallops cost a hefty $17.
- premium priceAll that at a premium price too
- price pointespecially for the price point
- smallest beersmallest beer on the planet is $5,67 😱
- total cost2 average glasses of wine + olives ended up costing 50 dollars. That’s insane!
- valueNot worth it
If you're looking for specific deals like happy hour or special nights, you might find some good value here. However, be prepared that many feel the regular menu items and added fees can make the overall experience feel overpriced and not entirely worth it.
How are the prices at Cultivar?
You’re looking at roughly 49 per person – reported by 36 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While your current bill sits in the $41–$50 range, its interesting to see that prices are quite spread out. Many diners spend less, especially in the $21–$30 bracket, but a good number also venture into the premium $101+ territory. So, theres a real mix of experiences here!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 36 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Restaurant in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, and with the varied price points, there’s likely something for everyone.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cultivar
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Experience at a Premium Price
My experience at this restaurant was, at best, average. The NY strip I ordered was supposed to be medium rare, but it was anything but. The shrimp scampi tasted as if it had been pre-frozen, and the San Francisco sour was served in a minuscule sample size.
Considering the premium price, the overall value was definitely not worth it.
- NY strip2
- shrimp scampi2
- San Francisco sour2
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Wonderful Party Experience at Cultivar
I hosted a party for about 50 guests at Cultivar, and my experience was fantastic. The team, especially Sarah, was incredibly responsive and accommodating of our requests throughout the planning process. The drinks and food were great, and the patio atmosphere was very cozy.
We and our guests had a lovely time.
- team10
- drinks and food9
- patio atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
3
Disappointing Pork Chop and Long Wait
My experience involved ordering the pork chop and NY Strip, along with bread service. The server was exceptional. However, the pork chop lacked seasoning, and our entrees took nearly 40 minutes to arrive.
This delay might have been due to Fleet Week, but even the bread service took over 25 minutes. Ultimately, the quality and the wait time made it not worth the price.
- NY Strip5
- server10
- pork chop2
- bread service3
- entrees3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Mediocre Food, Understaffed Experience
My experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing. The food was mediocre, with poor quality and preparation, though thankfully I didn't get food poisoning. The service was extremely lacking due to being severely understaffed.
I definitely do not recommend coming here unless you're in a pinch.
- food quality2
- preparation2
- understaffed1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Happy Hour Finds!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially during happy hour! I tried the Ahi tacos, which were excellent, and the grilled cheese was decadent. The fries were also fresh and flavorful.
I highly recommend not skipping this place!
- Ahi tacos9
- grilled cheese9
- fries8
What Cultivar offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and dietary options can you expect at Cultivar San Francisco?
At Cultivar San Francisco, you can enjoy a casual yet upscale dining experience in a cozy and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening. The menu thoughtfully includes healthy, organic, vegetarian, and vegan options, ensuring there’s something delicious for every palate.
Does Cultivar San Francisco offer flexible service options and cater to families?
Yes, Cultivar San Francisco provides various service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and no-contact delivery. You can also enjoy outdoor seating. For families, the restaurant is good for kids, offering a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables for convenience.
How does Cultivar rate overall?
Cultivar has a **Restaurant Score** of **7.3** and a **Customer Satisfaction** of **75.8%**. Its **Ambience** (7.9) and **Food** (7.6) are rated good, while **Service** (6.7) and **Value** (4.9) are considered average.
What makes Cultivar's atmosphere stand out?
Guests frequently praise Cultivar’s inviting **back patio** with a **fireplace**, the pleasant **parklet** out front, and the overall relaxing **environment**, often enhanced by **heaters**.
Are there any common concerns about Cultivar?
Some patrons have noted occasional **wait** times, issues with **booking** accuracy, and a perception that certain items are **overpriced**, particularly concerning **value**.