Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » El Porteño II – San Francisco
El Porteño II - San Francisco
Photo from El Porteño II
El Porteño II at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🇵🇪 Peruvian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 40 of the guests
#1967 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#10 Peruvian Restaurant out of 12 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
240
Reviews
61.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Food
- Friendly Service
- Lively Karaoke
Frequently criticized
- Poor Value
- Ambience Issues
The restaurant, El Porteño II Restaurant & Bar, invites you to experience authentic Peruvian cuisine right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District. You’ll find a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner, this spot offers a unique culinary journey with its diverse menu.
Overview: Introducting El Porteño II
El Porteño II offers a taste of authentic Peruvian cuisine, with many guests praising the ceviche and other traditional dishes for their quality. The friendly staff often receives commendation for their attentive approach, contributing to a generally positive dining experience.
However, some visits to El Porteño II have been marred by inconsistent service, with reports of staff being inattentive. The atmosphere can also be a mixed bag, sometimes suffering from issues like a lack of air conditioning or the presence of flies, which can detract from overall comfort.
Good
6.5
out of 10
240
Reviews
61.7%
Satisfaction
83
negative
9
neutral
148
positive
El Porteño II holds an overall score of 6.5, indicating a generally positive experience for many. Customer satisfaction stands at 61.7%, suggesting a mixed but leaning positive reception.
This assessment is drawn from 240 customer remarks, with 148 positive and 83 negative observations, painting a comprehensive picture of what to expect. Diving deeper, the Food (7.1) is clearly a strong point, often highlighted for its authentic flavors and quality ingredients.
Service (6.9) also performs well, with many appreciating the attentive staff. However, the Ambience (5.9) is more of a mixed bag, and Value (3.8) appears to be a significant concern for some patrons, indicating areas for improvement.
What people like
- Authentic Peruvian cuisine
- Attentive, friendly service
- Lively karaoke atmosphere
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Unpleasant ambience issues
With a recommendation score of 6.7, El Porteño II presents a mixed but generally appealing proposition. If you’re seeking genuine Peruvian flavors and a lively, engaging atmosphere, particularly with karaoke, this spot could be a good fit for your evening out.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and the overall value, as some guests have found prices to be on the higher side for the experience. It’s a place worth considering for the food and fun, but manage your expectations regarding comfort and cost.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Peruvian Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
346
91.6%
- $$
- Sunset District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Peruvian Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
394
85%
- $$
- North of Panhandle
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Peruvian Restaurant
8.2
out of 10
out of 10
455
85.7%
- $$
- Sunset District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Peruvian Restaurant
8
out of 10
out of 10
77
79.2%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Peruvian Restaurant
7.9
out of 10
out of 10
599
79.1%
- $$
- Potrero Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Peruvian Restaurant
7.8
out of 10
out of 10
312
79.5%
- $$
- Potrero Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on El Porteño II
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to the food, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a 7.1 score indicating its generally good, though customer satisfaction sits at a 67.7%, suggesting some room for improvement. Out of 130 remarks, 88 were positive, often praising the authentic Peruvian food, delicious lomo saltado, phenomenal ceviche, and rich flavors, with many enjoying generous portions and quality ingredients. However, 38 negative comments point to some inconsistencies.
Guests occasionally found dishes salty, noted issues with overall food quality, and some felt portions were too small. Specific items like the chicken soup or seafood rice sometimes missed the mark, and there were mentions of overcooked seafood.
Food
130
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
38
negative
4
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Peruvian flavors
- Delicious Lomo Saltado
- Phenomenal Ceviche
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Overcooked seafood
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodI've tried many places, but this restaurant is truly special and traditional. While it might not be the fanciest establishment, it's a must-visit if you're seeking real, authentic, and amazing Peruvian food. My experience was centered around the incredible food, which I rated a 5 out of 5, and the service, which was also very good at a 4 out of 4.
- Peruvian foodI've tried many places, but this restaurant is truly special and traditional. While it might not be the fanciest establishment, it's a must-visit if you're seeking real, authentic, and amazing Peruvian food. My experience was centered around the incredible food, which I rated a 5 out of 5, and the service, which was also very good at a 4 out of 4.
- anticuchosThe anticuchos (which I dislike anywhere else) are the bomb.
- cevicheWe had the ceviche and loma saltado. Both work excellent.
- ingredientsIt's a Peruvian restaurant that offers a wide variety of typical Peruvian dishes. Since Peruvian food has worldwide fame, they use ingredients of exquisite quality. I really enjoyed it.
- lomo saltadoI recommend the lomo saltado
- picaronesthe picarones brought me back to mi peru!!!!
- CevicheThe Ceviche is Michelin grade AAA
- Ceviche MixtoRecommended dishes:Ceviche Mixto
- ChaufaWe got ceviche and Chaufa and the food was delicious!
Frequently criticized
- foodHowever, the food was not that great and could have been better for the price. It didn’t seem fresh or presentable.
- anticuchosordered anticuchos me dieron de hígado
- food qualityThe drinks were also a letdown, with the glasses being very small. The atmosphere was poor, and the food quality was also rated low.
- sangriaSangria needs to be improved with a little bit more alcohol
- CALDO DE GALLINAthat caldo jajajaja Hera agua hervida y ni papá tenía
- Kanlu wantanpaid almost $30 for a Kanlu wantan… not what I expected
- calamari and octopusall of the calimari and octopus was overcooked making everything annoyingly chewy and tough
- causaThe causa was missing a little flavor
- cebolla chiname pusieran cebolla china por qno lo pedí
- cevicheceviche de pescado (muy normalito, no repetiría)
If you're craving authentic Peruvian flavors like lomo saltado or ceviche, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might be inconsistent, so keep your expectations balanced.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits a good note! With a score of 6.9, many guests rave about the attentive waiters and friendly staff, often describing the experience as amazing service. Out of 41 total opinions, a solid 28 were positive, highlighting moments where the team truly shined and made diners feel well-cared for.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.3%, indicating there's still some room for improvement. A few experiences, accounting for 11 negative remarks, mentioned feeling forgotten about us or encountering bad service. Some even pointed to a lack of basic customer service, suggesting inconsistency in the overall experience.
Service
41
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
11
negative
2
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Friendly service
- Amazing attention
What people don't like
- Poor customer service
- Felt forgotten
- Bad service
Often praised
- servicethe service was great. They servers were very attentive and friendly.
- FlavioFlavio was super helpful and provided amazing service.
- amazing serviceprovided amazing service.
- attentionthe attention wow excellent
- attentive waitersAs a first-time visitor to San Francisco from New Jersey, I found this to be a nice, big place with attentive waiters and good music 🎵. They even had karaoke 🎤.
- chefscongratulate the chefs (3) at that time
- everyone's order on pointeveryone's order on point
- friendly staffSuper friendly staff
- good attentionAs someone from Peru, I have to travel to savor the good Peruvian food. I love eating here because of the good attention and good atmosphere.
- mozoel mozo muy atento y servicial
Frequently criticized
- serviceI went with my son to eat, the service was fatal, the waitress didn't even want to take our order. On top of that, they tried to charge us double.
- waitressI went with my son to eat, the service was fatal, the waitress didn't even want to take our order. On top of that, they tried to charge us double.
- bad serviceBad service from the lady from El Salvador
- cookcambiaron de cocinero ???
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was very bad. The restaurant charges for a service, and I don't understand why if the staff doesn't have customer service. It felt like a complete lack of customer care.
- forgot about usI think they forgot about us
- kitchen servicebut of kitchen q mal
So, should you go? While the service often receives praise for its attentiveness, be aware that some guests have reported less-than-stellar experiences. It seems like you might get lucky with a great server, but there's a chance of hitting a snag.
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 5.9 with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 58.7%. Many patrons enjoy the clean and modern interior with vaulted ceilings, praising the fun place for its karaoke and dance nights, creating a generally good atmosphere with lively music and an #LGBTQ friendly environment, based on 27 positive comments. However, not everyone is thrilled.
Some found the atmosphere too dark or suffered from no air conditioning leading to unpleasant heat. There were also concerns about flies and the state of the bathrooms, which lacked basic amenities like toilet paper and were described as unclean, contributing to 17 negative remarks out of 46 total observations.
Ambience
46
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
17
negative
2
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fun karaoke nights
- Clean, modern look
- Good music/dancing
What people don't like
- Unpleasant heat
- Unclean bathrooms
- Flies present
Often praised
- karaokeAs a first-time visitor to San Francisco from New Jersey, I found this to be a nice, big place with attentive waiters and good music 🎵. They even had karaoke 🎤. However, the food was not that great and could have been better for the price.
- musicThe amazing Latin American authentic flavors were incredible. I loved the Karaoke 🎤 with music from all over the world, including Brasilero and Argentinian songs, plus all kinds of English playlists for a top tier experience. It's top class yet very affordable.
- atmospherebetter than most clubs for the atmosphere
- fun placeIt's a fun place to be out
- placea place that fills all expectations
- #LGBTQ friendlyI highly recommend treating yourself, even if you're on a budget, and impressing your people at this Gem of a place. You can thank me later 😉😎 #LGBTQ friendly 🌈🤸🎉
- English playlistThe amazing Latin American authentic flavors were incredible. I loved the Karaoke 🎤 with music from all over the world, including Brasilero and Argentinian songs, plus all kinds of English playlists for a top tier experience. It's top class yet very affordable.
- Gem of a placeIt's top class yet very affordable. I highly recommend treating yourself, even if you're on a budget, and impressing your people at this Gem of a place. You can thank me later 😉😎 #LGBTQ friendly 🌈🤸🎉
- KaraokeThe amazing Latin American authentic flavors were incredible. I loved the Karaoke 🎤 with music from all over the world, including Brasilero and Argentinian songs, plus all kinds of English playlists for a top tier experience. It's top class yet very affordable.
- TV screensSituated right in the heart of the Mission, the service is great – very quick and friendly. The atmosphere is enhanced by TV screens all over the place, and the interior is very clean and modern with vaulted ceilings. Many of the items we ordered were just as good, if not better, than at the other location.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe drinks were also a letdown, with the glasses being very small. The atmosphere was poor, and the food quality was also rated low.
- placeIt's a very small place with no air conditioning. When there are many people, the heat becomes very unpleasant.
- DJI am disappointed with this place. We used to frequent this restaurant often, but today I came to eat at 11: 20 PM and they wanted to charge me $20 just because the DJ was there. Hello, I come to consume as well, I wasn't planning on dancing!
- air conditioningIt's a very small place with no air conditioning. When there are many people, the heat becomes very unpleasant.
- ambienceThe ambience inside the restaurant was very strange
- bathroomsMy experience at this restaurant was very negative due to the terrible state of the bathrooms. They were completely lacking toilet paper and seat covers.
- fliesesta tienda tiene muchas moscas
- floorsThey were completely lacking toilet paper and seat covers. It's a shame for the ladies who visit this place, as they have to deal with floors full of urine.
- footballlo malo el sr coloco partido football
- heatIt's a very small place with no air conditioning. When there are many people, the heat becomes very unpleasant.
If you're looking for a lively night out with karaoke and dancing, especially on a cooler evening, this place could be a fun pick. However, be prepared for a potentially warm or dimly lit space, and manage your expectations regarding the restroom facilities.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests found a silver lining, appreciating that theres no entry fee or sitting fee to worry about. A few even described the experience as affordable for what you get, especially if youre looking for a good time without breaking the bank. These positive sentiments, though fewer in number (5 out of 23 opinions), highlight that some found aspects of the pricing agreeable.
However, the overall picture for value is quite challenging, reflected in a score of 3.8 (poor) and a customer satisfaction of 21.7% (poor). A significant 17 out of 23 opinions point to issues like being asked to charge double or facing unexpected service charge additions. Guests frequently mentioned food prices being too high and the inconvenience of having to pay in cash, indicating that for many, the value just isn't there.
Value
23
Reviews
21%
Satisfaction
17
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- No cover charge
- Affordable experience
What people don't like
- Unexpected charges
- High food prices
- Cash-only payment
Often praised
- Price per personPrice per person:$20–30
- affordableI loved the Karaoke 🎤 with music from all over the world, including Brasilero and Argentinian songs, plus all kinds of English playlists for a top tier experience. It's top class yet very affordable. I highly recommend treating yourself, even if you're on a budget, and impressing your people at this Gem of a place.
- entry feeYou don't have to pay to gain entry
- sitting feeor sit down
- top classTop class yet very affordable
Frequently criticized
- pricecostaban casi igual que el ceviche, error mío, no preguntar el precio
- billCuenta de dos personas $68,37, nos quedamo con hambre
- bucket of beer47 Dollars for a bucket of beer is insane
- charge doubleI went with my son to eat, the service was fatal, the waitress didn't even want to take our order. On top of that, they tried to charge us double. Service was fatal and they tried to charge us double.
- charge for serviceThe restaurant charge you for a service and I don't understand why
- cover chargewanted to charge me $20 hello
- food pricesThe food prices expensive
- lunch by myselfspend almost $70 for lunch by myself is too much
- moneyHowever, I tasted it and it was vinegary, so I didn't eat it and left it. I lost my money. I do not recommend it.
- pay in cashMy experience at the restaurant was marked by bad service from a specific staff member, described as 'the lady from El Salvador'. Additionally, the payment method was restrictive, as you can only pay in cash.
If youre looking for a night out where you dont pay for entry, you might find some appeal here. However, be prepared for potentially high food prices and unexpected service charges that could quickly inflate your bill, especially since you might need to pay in cash. It's a mixed bag, so manage your expectations carefully.
How are the prices at El Porteño II?
You’re looking at roughly 38 per person – reported by 40 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Peruvian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 38, we see a good number of guests spending less, with a strong cluster around the $21–$30 mark, but also some opting for higher-priced experiences.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 40 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine and its San Francisco location, we think the pricing here feels quite fair. It offers a good balance for a memorable meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Porteño II
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Excellent food, but pricey and noisy
My experience at the restaurant was marked by excellent food. While it's not an inexpensive option, the food was undeniably delicious. I was dining alone, and the only downside was that the television was showing football; I would have preferred music.
The atmosphere was rated a 4, and the food a 5.
- food10
- music7
- price4
- football3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Latin American Gem!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The amazing Latin American authentic flavors were incredible. I loved the Karaoke 🎤 with music from all over the world, including Brasilero and Argentinian songs, plus all kinds of English playlists for a top tier experience.
It's top class yet very affordable. I highly recommend treating yourself, even if you're on a budget, and impressing your people at this Gem of a place. You can thank me later 😉😎 #LGBTQ friendly 🌈🤸🎉
- Latin American authentic flavors10
- Karaoke9
- music9
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Insane Prices, Horrible Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. The price for a bucket of beer was insane at 47 dollars. The seating was uncomfortable with small chairs, and the music was horrible.
Overall, it was the worst place in San Francisco.
- bucket of beer1
- small chairs1
- horrible music1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Horrible Experience with Vinegar Soup
My experience was horrible. I ordered a chicken soup, and while it's not prepared like in Peru, I thought I'd eat it as a normal soup. However, I tasted it and it was vinegary, so I didn't eat it and left it.
I lost my money. I do not recommend it.
- chicken soup1
- money1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Kanlu Wantan
I paid almost $30 for a Kanlu wantan and it was not what I expected. I do not recommend it. 👎🏻
- Kanlu wantan2
- price2
What El Porteño II offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at El Porteño II Restaurant & Bar?
At El Porteño II, you can enjoy a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch, dinner, or dessert. They offer comfortable seating with table service, and you can even opt for outdoor seating. High chairs are available for children, ensuring a family-friendly visit.
Does El Porteño II Restaurant & Bar offer special features like late-night dining or happy hour?
Yes, El Porteño II is a great spot for late-night food, happy hour drinks, and happy hour food. You’ll find a full bar onsite with hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails. They also offer coffee, small plates, and vegetarian options for diverse tastes.
How is El Porteño II generally rated by customers?
El Porteño II has an overall score of **6.5** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at **61.7%**. While the **Food** (7.1) and **Service** (6.9) are well-regarded, the **Ambience** (5.9) is average, and **Value** (3.8) is a notable concern.
What do customers particularly enjoy about El Porteño II?
Many customers praise the authentic Peruvian cuisine, highlighting dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado for their quality. The staff is often described as attentive and friendly, contributing positively to the dining experience, which can also feature a lively karaoke atmosphere.
What are some common concerns or drawbacks at El Porteño II?
Patrons frequently mention issues with the restaurant’s value, citing high prices and occasional billing discrepancies. Some also note problems with the ambience, such as a lack of air conditioning, unpleasant heat, or cleanliness issues in the bathrooms.