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oChef » Donaji – San Francisco
Donaji - San Francisco
3161 24th St, 90110 San Francisco
8.3
von 10
von 10
Photo from Donaji
Donaji at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
€€€€€
Price per Person 31 – 40 €
mentioned by 89 of the guests
#103 von 500 Lokalen in San Francisco
#7 Mexican Restaurant von 28 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
616
Reviews
85.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Oaxacan cuisine
- Friendly service
- Vibrant atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- High prices
- Dry food
Overview: Introducting Donaji
Donaji offers a vibrant dining experience where the culinary creations often take center stage. Guests frequently praise the authentic Oaxacan food and the generally attentive staff who enhance the visit.
The restaurant’s authentic atmosphere also contributes positively to the overall impression, making it a cheerful spot. However, some experiences at Donaji point to areas needing refinement.
A few patrons have encountered instances of slow service, and certain food items, like the chicken, have been described as occasionally dry. Additionally, the perception of value can vary, with some finding it a bit pricey for what’s offered.
Excellent
8.3 von 10
616
Reviews
85.6%
Satisfaction
63
negative
26
neutral
527
positive
Donaji garners a solid Restaurant Score of 8.3, indicating a generally good performance, and boasts a strong Customer Satisfaction of 85.6%. This positive reception is built on a substantial base of 616 customer observations, with 527 positive remarks outweighing 63 negative ones, painting a clear picture of guest approval.
Delving into specifics, the Food (8.4) stands out as a primary draw, frequently highlighted by diners. Service (8.3) also receives high marks for its quality, closely followed by the inviting Ambience (8.1).
While these aspects shine, Value (6.7) registers as more of an average point, suggesting it’s an area where experiences are a bit more mixed.
What people like
- Authentic Oaxacan cuisine
- Attentive, friendly service
- Vibrant dining atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service speed
- Perceived high prices
- Occasional dry food
If you’re seeking a restaurant with a strong focus on flavorful Oaxacan cuisine and a lively setting, Donaji is certainly worth considering. With a commendable Recommendation Score of 8.3, it generally delivers on its promise of a good dining experience, particularly for those who prioritize food quality and atmosphere.
However, be mindful that service can sometimes be inconsistent, and some items might feel a bit expensive. If you’re prepared for these potential minor trade-offs, Donaji could be a delightful choice for your next meal out.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Donaji
Food (8.4 von 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with a 8.4 score, indicating a good culinary experience. A remarkable 86.9% customer satisfaction rate, based on 393 positive comments out of 452, highlights many delicious dishes. Guests rave about the authentic Oaxacan food, amazing mole sauce, and fresh handmade tortillas, often praising the delicious drinks and flavorful vegetarian options.
However, the 41 negative remarks mention concerns about small portion sizes and a perceived lack of Oaxacan flavor in certain dishes. A few found the chicken dry or the mole bland, suggesting some inconsistency in execution. While these are fewer, they point to areas for potential improvement.
Food
452
Reviews
86%
Satisfcation
41
negative
18
neutral
393
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Oaxacan food
- Amazing mole sauce
- Fresh handmade tortillas
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Lacking Oaxacan flavor
- Dry chicken dishes
Often praised
- foodI loved the place and the atmosphere, the service was very good, and the food is very tasty. The tlayuda is delicious, very different from other places we have visited.
- molethe mole was not overpowering the ribs but ever so slightly supporting them
- pozoleFor the first course, we chose the pozole over the market salad. I feel like pozole is the unsung hero of many kitchens in Mexican households; it's never the flashiest item on a menu, but it's by far one of the biggest staples, and the pozole here definitely didn't disappoint. The second course was sopes with refried beans, braised beef, pickled cabbage, and guacamole.
- drinksThe presentation, ambiance, and drinks were nice.
- Oaxacan foodMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful! It's a nice and cozy place offering great Mexican food from Oaxaca, going beyond just tacos and burritos. The service was friendly, and Pedro was particularly helpful in guiding me through the menu and taking good care of my needs.
- tacosEverything we ate was delicious - the tacos
- tamalesThe fresh tortillas are also incredible. I've heard their tamales and quesobirria are off the charts. If you're near 24th Street, check them out and write a review!
- horchataThe horchata tasted different than any I've had and I think that is because it wasn't overly sweet.
- mole enchiladasThe dish was fantastic. You can taste both the sweetness of the chocolate and the spice of the peppers.
- presentationpresentation and taste. You can really enjoy real delicious food
Frequently criticized
- foodI really wanted to like their food, but it just wasn’t for me. The presentation was amazing, the host was super friendly and helpful, and the overall ambience of the place was great.
- chickenI loved the corn flavor and the salsas on the side. The mole chicken tinga enchiladas had an amazing mole sauce, though the chicken was a little dry. However, the sauce carried the dish, and I still enjoyed it overall.
- moleThe mole was bland
- salsathe tortilla chips should come with a small side of salsa
- Oaxaca foodMy experience at the restaurant was a fraud. This is not Oaxaca food. It was terrible.
- Oaxacan cuisinecalling this Oaxacan cuisine. If this is grandma’s recipes, grandma forgot how to cook.
- Oaxacan flavorfood here has zero Oaxacan flavor
- Oaxacan-style dishesWould have liked to see a few more rare Oaxacan-style dishes though.
- Recommendation for vegetariansWould not recommend
- TlayudaThe Tlayuda — the so-called Mexican pizza — was all show, no flavor. Just a big crunchy base with nothing going on.
If you're seeking authentic Oaxacan flavors, especially their highly-praised mole and handmade tortillas, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might have smaller portions or occasional inconsistencies in flavor, particularly with chicken.
Service (8.3 von 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
It seems like the service here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 8.3 and a solid 85.1% customer satisfaction. Out of 74 total comments, a whopping 63 were positive, highlighting a friendly team, attentive servers, and excellent customer service. Many guests praised the kind people and good communication, making for a pleasant dining experience.
However, not every interaction was perfect, with 10 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some mentioned slow service or hectic moments, while a few noted poor communication skills or even a rude attitude. It appears that while the overall vibe is great, there can be occasional hiccups in efficiency or staff demeanor.
Service
74
Reviews
85%
Satisfcation
10
negative
1
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent customer service
- Efficient service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Poor communication
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceThe atmosphere was colorful, airy, and cheerful and the food was delicious! Every bite was a treat in a very relaxing space with great service. We particularly loved the carnitas benedictos and look forward to trying more of their brunch options!
- staffthe staff was happy to serve the mole enchiladas without the cheese or crema.
- serverserver for our large party was really nice and attentive
- ServiceService:5
- DonajiHighly recommend Donaji
- LupeLupe is a gem
- PedroPedro can guide you through the menu and take good care of your needs
- Service from PedroService from Pedro was excellent
- bartenderThe bartender is super friendly
- birthday celebrationthey made us feel so glad we decided to come there to celebrate.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service is a little slow and neglectful
- acknowledgement timetook about 7-10 minutes to be acknowledged
- communication skillsHe has really bad communication skills and is really rude.
- order mix upHowever, I received the Mole Rojo 1/4 chicken without the sauce. Upon informing the staff, they apologized for the error and offered to correct it. Not wanting the chicken to go to waste, I accepted the dish.
- rude attitudeemployed this rude uneducated guy from mexico. I think owners of stores should employ only good people with good communication skills not people from gangs with rude attitude.
- staffHe has really bad communication skills and is really rude.
- water jughanded me the less than half-full water jug from a leaving customer
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and attentive staff, youll likely have a great experience here. Just be aware that on rare occasions, service might be a bit slow or hectic, but the positives heavily outweigh these minor issues.
Ambience (8.1 von 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 85.3%, its clear most people love the vibe. Many of the 58 positive opinions out of 68 total praise the lively "atmosphere, " "space, " and "decorations, " often highlighting the great "music" and overall fun "dining experience.
"However, its not without a few minor hiccups, as seen in the 6 negative opinions. Some found the music a bit too loud, and a few mentioned parking could be a challenge. There was also a rare but strong concern about hygiene, though this was an isolated comment amidst overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Ambience
68
Reviews
85%
Satisfcation
6
negative
4
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively atmosphere
- Colorful decorations
- Authentic feel
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Difficult parking
- Hygiene concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereI enjoyed the great food and salads, which offered authentic Oaxacan flavors with a wide variety of tastes. The decoration was very similar to being in Oaxaca, creating a great atmosphere.
- ambiencethe overall ambience of the place was great
- placeI loved the place and the atmosphere, the service was very good, and the food is very tasty. The tlayuda is delicious, very different from other places we have visited.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceI particularly enjoyed the mole, which was great. The staff were really friendly, contributing to a nice and casual ambiance. I will definitely return for sure!
- spaceI enjoyed their delicious Oaxacan food, which also offered fantastic vegetarian options. The people were really nice, contributing to a chill, lovely space.
- DJconversation could be said & heard across the table.
- authenticityall around authenticity brings me so so much joy!
- barenjoy the restaurant or some drinks at the bar
- bright interiorsThe bright interiors of the restaurant go well
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere wasn’t great anyway
- ParkingParking is a little hard in the area
- bar sectionhad to sit at the bar section despite there were lots of empty tables
- hygieneautomatic 0 score due to poor hygiene
- musicthere was even any music playing
If you're looking for a vibrant, colorful, and authentic atmosphere to enjoy a meal with friends, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that the music might be lively, and you might need a moment to find parking, but the overall experience is highly rated.
Value (6.7 von 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, but leans positive overall. With a solid score of 6.7, indicating a good performance, and 59.1% customer satisfaction, which falls into the mixed category, it's clear there are some great deals to be found. Many of the 13 positive remarks out of 22 total opinions highlight fantastic Taco Tuesday deals and happy hour specials, often calling the experience affordable and worth it.
However, not everyone walks away feeling like they got a steal. The 6 negative comments frequently mention prices being too high, with some finding portions small especially for the price, leading to much lighter wallets. It seems some items are considered a little pricy for what you actually receive, creating a noticeable contrast in experiences.
Value
22
Reviews
59%
Satisfcation
6
negative
3
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great deals
- Affordable prices
- Worth it
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was quite positive. I found the place to be dope and well-priced. I was a big fan of my mojito and the pollo con mole.
- pricesPrices were extremely reasonable
- Taco Tuesday dealsthe taco Tuesday deals are ridiculous
- Tuesday happy hour specialsMy experience at this restaurant offered great Oaxacan cuisine in the Mission. The food was truly amazing, and I was impressed by their great Tuesday happy hour specials. I would definitely come back to try the tacos and rotating tamales flavors next time!
- affordableMy experience at the restaurant was a solid and fun spin on Mexican cuisine. I will definitely go back again and again because it’s also pretty affordable.
- happy hourSo is happy hour
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- price pointWhile the presentation was "elevated" and made the food look fancy, it ultimately didn't compensate for the lack of flavor. There are many more tastier Mexican food options in the city, offering similar authentic dishes at a lower price point. For instance, El Buen Comer, located just a few blocks away, serves many of the same dishes but is significantly tastier and more affordable, even boasting better drinks.
- wine sourcingWe also ordered a bottle of Mexican sparkling wine to pair with our meal. All the wines are sourced by Latino-owned businesses both in California and Mexico, which is fantastic. I love this business's commitment to supporting other minority-owned businesses.
- worth itbut worth it
Frequently criticized
- pricesmall especially for the price
- pricesThe prices were also high
- taco$6 for a taco for that flavor is preposterous
- tacosa little pricey (7.50 per taco)
- walletsmuch lighter wallets
If youre strategic and aim for their specials like Taco Tuesday or happy hour, youll likely find great value. Otherwise, be prepared that some regular menu items might feel a bit pricey for the portion size, so choose wisely!
Wie sind die Preise pro Gast bei Donaji?
You’re looking at roughly 35 per person – reported by 89 diners. That puts it in the 31 – 40 € category. For a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits in that mid-range, we see a good mix of prices. Many guests spend a bit less, often around the 21 – 30 € mark, but there are also plenty of options for those looking to splurge a bit more, stretching into the 41 – 50 € range and beyond.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 89 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Mexican spot in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. Youve got options whether youre looking for a solid mid-range meal or something a little more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Donaji
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Veggie and Mahi Tacos!
My experience at the restaurant was amazing, earning a 7. 5 or maybe an 8. The Veggie Tlayuda was a favorite, and the mole enchilada was nice and light. The mahi tacos were great and filling, and the queso fundido was solid. The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect 5/5.
- Veggie Tlayuda9
- mole enchilada8
- mahi tacos9
Price per Person
- 91 - 100 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Mind-blowing Mezcal and Excellent Service
We weren't planning on going here but changed our mind mid-way, and I'm happy that we did. The service was excellent, and the food was good. The mezcals were mind-blowing! We even joined the donaji mezcal club because it's a pretty awesome concept, and I'm not saying no to another shot of mezcal. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting SF. Note: The quantities are good, so be careful about ordering too much food; one entree is pretty filling for one person.
- service10
- food8
- mezcals10
Price per Person
- 51 - 60 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Incredible Oaxan Food - Can't Wait to Return!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely loved the Oaxan food, especially the queso fundido and mole. I've saved this place and genuinely can't wait to come back for another meal.
- Oaxan food10
- queso fundido9
- mole9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Mole and Great Drinks!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I was incredibly impressed with the food, finding it to be the closest to authentic in the city. I haven't had mole that good in a long time. The drinks were also very well made. The atmosphere was a perfect 5/5, and the service was rated a solid 4/5.
- food10
- mole10
- drinks9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Unique and Delicious Food with Great Staff
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. The food was incredibly unique and delicious, with the tacos being particularly insane. I tried the Tlayuda Oaxaca, which was incredible, and even the dried ground crickets were delicious. Their chili oil is also fantastic. The staff were really nice and very personable, with Lupe being a gem. An insider tip: get a Mezcal bingo card.
- food10
- tacos10
- Tlayuda Oaxaca10
Das erwartet dich bei Donaji
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Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
How does Donaji generally perform?
Donaji scores well overall with a Restaurant Score of 8.3. Its Food (8.4) is particularly strong, followed by Service (8.3) and Ambience (8.1), though Value (6.7) is more moderate.
What do customers enjoy most about Donaji?
Many appreciate the authentic Oaxacan food, especially dishes like mole and tlayuda, and the attentive staff who contribute to a pleasant dining experience. The atmosphere is also frequently praised for its vibrant and cheerful feel.
Are there any common concerns at Donaji?
Some guests have noted occasional issues with slow service or perceived high prices for certain items. A few opinions also mentioned food items like chicken being dry or a lack of Oaxacan flavor in some dishes.
Opening hours
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday – Thursday
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday
5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Sunday
Closed