Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » el Mil Amores – San Francisco
el Mil Amores - San Francisco
Photo from el Mil Amores
el Mil Amores at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 93 of the guests
#352 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#56 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
475
Reviews
82.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent food
- Charming atmosphere
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- Average value
- Parking issues
The restaurant el Mil Amores is a cozy and casual spot nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District. You’ll find a trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying quick bites and delicious small plates.
Whether you’re starting your day with coffee or settling in for dinner, this welcoming establishment offers a delightful experience.
Overview: Introducting el Mil Amores
El Mil Amores offers a delightful experience where the culinary offerings truly shine, often described as excellent and perfectly balanced. Guests frequently praise the inviting atmosphere , noting its authentic and cozy feel, making it a pleasant spot for a meal.
While the overall experience is largely positive, some visitors have noted considerable wait times, particularly during peak hours. However, many find the food and the warm attention from the staff make these waits worthwhile, contributing to a memorable visit.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
475
Reviews
82.5%
Satisfaction
61
negative
22
neutral
392
positive
El Mil Amores earns a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.3, indicating a good to excellent dining experience, supported by a solid Customer Satisfaction rate of 82.5%. This suggests that most patrons leave feeling pleased with their visit, reflecting a generally positive consensus among diners.
The restaurant’s Food (8.7) stands out as its strongest aspect, consistently receiving high praise. The Ambience (8.5) also contributes significantly to the positive experience, creating a welcoming setting.
Service (7.4) is rated as good, though some experiences vary, while Value (5.5) is perceived as average. These insights are drawn from 475 total opinions, with 392 positive and 61 negative observations.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Charming, cozy atmosphere
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- Significant wait times
- Average value perception
- Difficult parking
If you’re seeking a place with genuinely flavorful food and a charming setting, el Mil Amores is certainly worth considering. Be prepared for potential waits, especially during busy times, but the culinary rewards often justify the patience required.
With a Recommendation Score of 8.5, it’s clear that many diners would encourage others to visit. It’s a solid choice for those prioritizing delicious food and a pleasant atmosphere, provided you manage expectations regarding potential queues.
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Verdict: Our expert take on el Mil Amores
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, diners are generally raving! With an excellent customer satisfaction of 90.6% and a strong score of 8.7, it's clear the kitchen is doing something right. Out of 276 total comments, a whopping 250 were positive, frequently praising the delicious flavors, authentic homemade recipes, and standout dishes like the CDMX plate, chilaquiles, and concha French toast.
However, not every bite is perfect. A small number of the 18 negative comments mentioned occasional blandness, some cold items like tortillas or tres leches pancakes, and a few found the tomatillo sauce to be too sour. Interestingly, a couple of diners also felt the CDMX plate was underwhelming, despite its overall popularity.
Food
276
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
18
negative
8
neutral
250
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh flavors
- Unique Mexican dishes
- Authentic homemade recipes
What people don't like
- Occasional blandness
- Some cold items
- Sour tomatillo sauce
Often praised
- foodAlthough not explicitly listed on the menu, I was pleased to find that the meat could be substituted with nopales or avocado, making it a great option for different dietary preferences. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere and service were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
- FoodI was craving Huevos en ahogada and a horchata, and this place always hits the spot. The food was excellent, the service was great, and the atmosphere was perfect.
- chilaquilesWhile the long wait to get seated is a challenge, it's totally worth it. I've tried and highly recommend the CDMX plate, chilaquiles, and huevos rancheros. The vegetarian options are plentiful, with most dishes able to be made vegetarian, making it a great choice for vegetarians.
- cafe de ollaThe cafe de olla was great - sweet, but good flavor
- CDMX plateThe CDMX plate is also a good choice if you want both savory and sweet.
- concha French toastThe portions were perfect. The concha French toast was my favorite; it was incredibly tasty, not excessively sweet, just right. Additionally, the food was served very hot.
- flavorsA coworker recommended this place, and now I'm completely in love with it. I was tired of typical taquerias, and this restaurant perfectly satisfied my craving for something different with its perfectly balanced flavors. The enchilada was hands down the best I've ever had, and the mole chilaquiles 🔥 were incredible.
- tres leches pancakesTucked away on 21st street, it's easy to miss, but I definitely recommend giving them a shot. We ordered the tres leches pancakes, the naranja dulce french toast, chilaquilles, enmoladas, and the mole colorado. Everything was incredible.
- ChilaquilesThe Chilaquiles’s were great, although again a little too saucy
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the best Mexican food in San Francisco here. It's a family and female-owned establishment, which truly reflects the exceptional service they provide.
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food and wait time is just not it
- CDMX plateDo not get the CDMX plate. It's quite mid and not worth it.
- agua frescasThe service was better, but we still had issues with things that we ordered not showing up. For instance, my partner and I both ordered agua frescas - he received his drink fairly quickly, but my drink did not show up until we asked about it more than halfway through brunch. We also had a side dish that never came.
- authentic and traditionalnot authentic and traditional
- avocadosThe food was delicious, and the staff were kind. However, there was an issue with the bill where we were charged for two sides of avocados that never arrived. Despite flagging it twice and being told the charge was removed, it remained on the bill.
- beanstasted liked canned pinto beans
- coffeeforgot to give us our coffee
- drinksforgot to give us our drinks
- food tasteLa comida de muy mal sabor
- portion sizeThe portion size is laughable
If youre looking for a spot with overwhelmingly delicious and authentic Mexican food, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor issues might pop up, the high satisfaction and score suggest youre in for a treat, especially if you enjoy creative Mexican brunch dishes.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7.4. Many guests rave about the friendly staff, super friendly service, and how attentive everyone is, often mentioning no wait for seating. With 79 positive remarks out of 120 customer observations, it seems like a lot of people leave feeling well taken care of.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 65.8%, indicating there's still room for improvement. Some experiences highlight significant wait time issues, with complaints about long waits for orders or tables, and occasional mentions of slow service or unorganized staff. These 33 negative observations suggest that while the hospitality is often great, consistency can be a challenge.
Service
120
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
33
negative
8
neutral
79
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Super friendly service
- Quick seating
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow service
- Unorganized staff
Often praised
- serviceAlthough not explicitly listed on the menu, I was pleased to find that the meat could be substituted with nopales or avocado, making it a great option for different dietary preferences. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere and service were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
- ServiceI was craving Huevos en ahogada and a horchata, and this place always hits the spot. The food was excellent, the service was great, and the atmosphere was perfect.
- staffMy experience at El Mil Amores for breakfast was truly wonderful. The atmosphere was bright and welcoming, and the staff made us feel right at home. My favorite part of the meal was the café de olla; it was sweet, spiced, and comforting, exactly how it should be.
- waitThere was a bit of a wait to be seated for breakfast, but it was totally worth it! The food was excellent, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was lively.
- lineThe line is worth it.
- waiting timewaited about 1.5 hours for our party of 5 and it was totally worth it
- Wait timeNo wait
- attentiona very good attention
- beautiful smileWas greeted with a beautiful smile
- checkquick to give us the check
Frequently criticized
- serviceThey so clearly avoided our table while checking in with others so frequently. I'm disappointed with their service.
- waitMy experience at the restaurant was good. The food was yummy, although we had to wait quite a bit. The staff was very friendly.
- wait timeSpent slightly more than an hour waiting for a seat
- waiting timeat least 30 to 40 minutes for my friend and I to be served
- customer servicecustomer service was horrible
- food takes awhilethe food takes awhile, 30-40min
- food to arriveI specifically asked for steak but received a dish with chicken, indicating a lack of accuracy in the order. The overall waiting time was extensive; we waited an hour just for a seat, and then it took a considerable amount of time for our order to be taken, for the food to arrive, and to pay the bill. In total, we were at the restaurant for 2.
- long lineslong lines for breakfast
- long waitthe long wait to get seated which is totally worth it
- long waitsThe price is also reasonable for San Francisco, especially compared to other overhyped places. I recommend arriving on or before 10 am on weekends to skip long waits.
If you're looking for a place with genuinely friendly and attentive staff, this restaurant is often a winner. Just be prepared that there might be a wait, especially during busy times, but many find the overall experience worth it.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot really shines! With a strong score of 8.5 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 86.8%, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Out of 68 total opinions, a whopping 59 were positive, frequently praising the "cozy" and "charming decor, " the "authentic aura, " and the overall "home vibe" that makes it feel like a true "neighborhood gem.
"However, its not entirely without its quirks, as 5 opinions pointed out some areas for improvement. Some found it impossibly crowded on weekends, and a few mentioned difficult parking. There was even a concerning report of mice, and some felt the online images weren't truly representative of the place.
Ambience
68
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
5
negative
4
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, authentic vibe
- Charming decor
- Lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Impossibly crowded
- Difficult parking
- Mice reported
Often praised
- atmosphereAlthough not explicitly listed on the menu, I was pleased to find that the meat could be substituted with nopales or avocado, making it a great option for different dietary preferences. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere and service were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
- AtmosphereI was craving Huevos en ahogada and a horchata, and this place always hits the spot. The food was excellent, the service was great, and the atmosphere was perfect.
- Noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- ambiencethe ambience was very quaint
- authentic auraThe place overflows with an authentic aura.
- brunch spotsMy experience at this restaurant was an absolute delight! It's quickly become one of my favorite brunch spots in the city. The tres leches pancakes were divine.
- bustling vibewith bustling vibe
- casual environmentin a casual environment
- cozyThe inside is so cozy
- cute decorThey have really cute decor
Frequently criticized
- crowdedimpossibly crowded on weekends now
- imagesthe images that are shown on Instagram or nothing representative of the place
- micehabían ratones
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- placegrotesco lugar
If you're looking for a cozy, authentic, and lively spot with a great atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for it to be bustling, especially on weekends, and consider your parking strategy before you go.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, many customers found some real gems. They frequently mentioned the value and great value for the amount of food, with several remarks highlighting that the prices are very reasonable. Based on 4 positive comments out of 11 total, theres a definite appreciation for what you receive here.
However, the overall picture for value is a bit of a head-scratcher. While the score for value is an average 5.5, customer satisfaction is quite poor at just 36.4%, suggesting a significant disconnect. Some felt it was a little on the pricey side and wondered why it's so expensive, with 5 negative remarks pointing to concerns about the overall price and items on the bill.
Value
11
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Reasonable prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Felt expensive
- Bill issues
Often praised
- great valueGreat value for the amount of food.
- pricePrice is also reasonable
- pricesThe two people running the place handled a rush like absolute champs. The food was amazing and the prices are very reasonable.
- valueGreat value
Frequently criticized
- ParkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- billit stayed on the bill
- pricewhy it's so expensive
- pricey sidea little on the pricey side
- tipnever tipped a server
If youre looking for a place where some find the prices reasonable and the food a good deal, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be prepared that many others felt it was on the expensive side, so it might not be the best fit if youre on a tight budget.
How are the prices at el Mil Amores?
You’re looking at roughly 31 per person – reported by 93 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average hovers around 31, a good chunk of guests actually spend a bit less, often in the $21–$30 range. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly choices to some premium picks.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 93 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Restaurant in San Francisco. You have options whether you’re looking for a more casual bite or something a little more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about el Mil Amores
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Great Food, Terrible Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was great, but the service was the worst I’ve experienced in SF. We waited 40 minutes just to have our order taken, and then another hour for our food to arrive.
However, they were quick to bring us the check. Overall, the food quality was high, but the extremely slow service significantly detracted from the dining experience.
- food9
- check8
- service1
- waiting time1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Brunch Spot with Reasonable Prices
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The atmosphere was nice, and the waitstaff were super friendly. A great feature is that most of the dishes are set by various items, offering a good variety.
The price is also reasonable for San Francisco, especially compared to other overhyped places. I recommend arriving on or before 10 am on weekends to skip long waits.
- atmosphere9
- wait staffs10
- dishes are set8
- long waits4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Wonderful, Flavorful Breakfast Experience
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. Most breakfast places just phone it in, but this was a wonderful, flavorful meal in a casual environment. There was zero pretense, just great food.
The service was rated a 4, and the food a 5. It was a quiet, easy-to-talk atmosphere with no wait time. The price per person was $20–30, and vegetarians are highly recommended.
- flavorful meal10
- casual environment9
- zero pretense9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing Service and Long Wait
I really wanted to like this place, but the wait time was ridiculous. When we ordered, we had to wait almost an hour for our food. I noticed that other people who checked in and were seated after us received their food first.
It seemed like they were prioritizing certain customers, as I observed that those served first were not Latino. They so clearly avoided our table while checking in with others so frequently. I'm disappointed with their service.
- food5
- wait time2
- service2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Wonderful Mexican American Fusion Brunch
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful, particularly for breakfast, featuring primarily Mexican American fusion foods. The food itself was truly wonderful. While the service was a little slow and overwhelmed, which suggests a need for more staff, the overall atmosphere was nice.
It's a great spot.
- Mexican American fusion foods10
- food10
- atmosphere8
- service4
What el Mil Amores offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What are the parking options near el Mil Amores?
Finding parking in San Francisco’s Mission District can sometimes be a challenge, but you’ll often discover free street parking near el Mil Amores. Be prepared that locating a spot might require a bit of patience.
Is el Mil Amores accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, el Mil Amores is designed with accessibility in mind. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, comfortable seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring a pleasant visit for everyone.
How does el Mil Amores rate overall?
el Mil Amores holds a strong Restaurant Score of **8.3** and a Customer Satisfaction of **82.5%**. Its Food (8.7) and Ambience (8.5) are highly rated, while Service (7.4) is good, and Value (5.5) is considered average.
Should I expect a long wait at el Mil Amores?
Many customers report significant wait times, especially for seating and food arrival. While some find it worth it, it’s a common point of feedback, so planning for a potential wait is advisable.
What kind of food can I expect at el Mil Amores?
The food at el Mil Amores is consistently praised for being excellent, with perfectly balanced flavors. Many dishes are highlighted for their quality, and there are often vegetarian options available.