Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Ernest – San Francisco
Ernest - San Francisco
Photo from Ernest
Ernest at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🥂 Fine Dining Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $91–$100
mentioned by 87 of the guests
#1513 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#15 Fine Dining Restaurant out of 18 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
737
Reviews
66.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food Quality
- Attentive Service
- Tasting Menu Value
Frequently criticized
- Mandatory Fees
- Inconsistent Service
- Loud Ambiance
The restaurant Ernest is a fine dining restaurant located in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco. You’ll discover a sophisticated culinary experience here, highlighted by its truly great wine list.
This establishment offers an inviting atmosphere for an unforgettable evening, perfect for those seeking exceptional food and drink in a trendy, romantic setting. Prepare for an elevated dining journey in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Ernest
Ernest offers a culinary journey where the creative menu and generous portions often leave a positive impression, especially with its well-regarded tasting menu. Many appreciate the reasonable price for the substantial food experience provided.
However, the dining experience isn’t without its challenges. Some patrons have noted inconsistent service and a loud atmosphere , with tables occasionally feeling a bit cramped, which can detract from the overall enjoyment.
Good
7.2
out of 10
737
Reviews
66.8%
Satisfaction
187
negative
58
neutral
492
positive
Ernest achieves a respectable 7.2 overall score, indicating a generally good dining experience. However, Customer Satisfaction sits at a mixed 66.8%, suggesting that while many enjoy their visit, a notable portion have reservations.
This assessment is drawn from 737 customer observations, comprising 492 positive and 187 negative remarks. The Food (7.8) is clearly a standout, receiving the highest praise and driving much of the positive feedback.
Ambience (6.9) is also rated well, contributing to the restaurant’s appeal. However, Service (6.1) is more average, and Value (4.9) is a mixed bag, reflecting varied opinions on pricing and additional charges.
What people like
- Exceptional Food Quality
- Attentive Service
- Tasting Menu Value
What people don't like
- Mandatory Fees
- Inconsistent Service
- Loud, Cramped Ambiance
Ernest is a compelling choice for those prioritizing an inventive and substantial culinary experience in a lively setting. If you appreciate a creative menu and generous portions, particularly from a tasting menu, it’s likely to impress.
With a 7.4 recommendation score, it’s certainly worth considering. Just be prepared for a potentially energetic atmosphere and be mindful of the overall pricing structure, as service consistency can vary.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ernest
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.8 score and a 74% customer satisfaction rate, both indicating a good experience. Many guests rave about the creative tasting menu, vibrant flavors, and beautiful presentation, often highlighting unique dishes. Based on 341 positive remarks out of 461 total, it seems your taste buds are in for a treat!
However, not every dish is a home run, with 74 negative comments pointing to some inconsistent flavors and occasionally underwhelming dishes. Some found the seasoning could be off, and dietary options, particularly for gluten-free needs, sometimes fell short. While generally good, there's a bit of room for improvement in consistency.
Food
461
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
74
negative
46
neutral
341
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Vibrant, unique flavors
- Creative tasting menu
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent flavors
- Underwhelming dishes
- Limited dietary options
Often praised
- foodDespite clearly stating that Ernest was the only place the three of us ate together that day, the restaurant refused to take responsibility, claiming no issues on their end. It's a shame because the food is tasty and the service is great, but I cannot recommend risking food poisoning, especially when the establishment is unwilling to acknowledge and address problems.
- tasting menutasting menu which was great value bc it was a tremendous amount of food
- FoodErnest did not disappoint!
- dishesThe uni toast and pasta were universal favorites, as was the ice cream at the end. Some felt the menu lacked a bit of cohesion (why are there onion rings?), but we all agreed that the majority of dishes were enjoyable and elevated. The staff is knowledgeable, genuine, and friendly.
- dessertIf you go for the tasting menu, come hungry because it was a lot of food, and we didn't manage to finish everything. Plus, you've got to save room for dessert!
- menuThe menu is creative, delicious, and there is always something new to try.
- Parker House RollsFor food, the Daiquiri Bolognese 👍, Bluefin Tuna Carpaccio 👍, and Pork Neck Tonkatsu 👍 were all fantastic. The Parker House Rolls 🔥, Beer Battered Onion Rings 🔥 (with the thickest onions I've had), and Potato Pave 🔥 were standout dishes. The Prawn Scampi 🫳, Pork & Cabbage Dumplings 🫳, and Koshihikari Fried Rice 🫳 were also good.
- fried riceI could eat the fried rice every day!
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with delicious, fresh food and generous portions. While some dishes were better than others, overall, the food was quite good.
- uni toastThe uni toast and pasta were universal favorites
Frequently criticized
- sushi riceThe Uni Toast was pretty good, but it just lacked that pop, and the bread didn't have the same appeal as other versions I've had elsewhere. The sushi rice was probably the most highly anticipated but sadly disappointing dish; it had ikura but still lacked salt and had overcooked rice, making it not worth ordering in my opinion. We sat at the bar and had a few observations: The bar is way too cramped in its current form, making it hard to eat with someone else's shoulder cramping your space.
- tasting menuthe $99 tasting menu was laughably underwhelming
- cheesecakethe cheesecake wasn't great, something was off with the flavor
- dishesI wouldn’t eat these dishes if someone gave them to me for free. They tasted plain bad
- fried riceThe fried rice tastes like the healthy fried rice my mom makes me at home
- oystersoysters were brought out for them instead of doing some tiny substitution
- shrimp cocktailshrimp cocktail which were not something I would expect
- Basque cheesecakeIt was inedible. A sort of amorphic block of... something... with a very bad taste and an awful texture.
- Beef tartarBeef tartar and ikura was not as good as expected
- Buffalo style tunaThe Buffalo style tuna was hard to eat
If you're looking for an adventurous culinary journey with unique dishes and generous portions, this place is definitely worth trying. Just be aware that a few dishes might not hit the mark for everyone, and dietary restrictions might require a bit of extra communication.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests found the experience quite pleasant, with 78 positive remarks out of 140 total. Folks often praised the friendly service and attentive staff, noting that servers made them feel welcome and provided great service. While the overall score for service is an average 6.1, these positive experiences certainly contribute to the mixed 55.7% customer satisfaction.
However, it's not all smooth sailing, as 59 negative comments point to some significant issues. Some diners encountered poor service and even a bad server attitude, leading to a less-than-ideal experience. Others felt a rushed experience or suffered from long waits between courses, which clearly impacted their enjoyment and pulled down the overall satisfaction.
Service
140
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
59
negative
3
neutral
78
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great service
- Good pacing
What people don't like
- Poor server attitude
- Long waits
- Rushed experience
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. It's a trendy and modern establishment with high quality food and impeccable service. The amazing upbeat energy created a fun experience, especially with the tasting menu and drink pairing.
- Service" The best dessert was the shaved ice with shiso and pluot. Service was good, and the servers were nice. The atmosphere was pleasant but very loud.
- staffWe did enjoy the pork neck and stonefruit salad. The staff were also incredibly nice. Overall, for the price paid, we expected a bit more.
- serverServer took it off from our bill after I expressed my comments
- Chef Rodolfo and the kitchen teamThe service was outstanding; Oscar and Ignacio made us feel so welcome and took amazing care of us. Huge thanks to Chef Rodolfo and the kitchen team for an unforgettable night. We can’t wait to come back!
- attention to detailSuper happy with the attention to detail.
- attentive serviceattentive service of the staff
- bar servicesat at the bar (excellent service)
- birthday celebrationlittle touches for a birthday celebration, which was very much appreciated
- birthday notehand written birthday note - beautiful touch!
Frequently criticized
- serviceOn my second visit to Ernest, the food remained thoughtful and delicious. However, the service definitely missed the mark. While I understand that dinner time can be busy, our server showed little interest in serving and engaging with us.
- serverour server showed little interest serving and engaging
- staffThe inside was very loud, with tables crammed very close to each other. The staff is almost always in a rush, so they don’t have a lot of time to explain what you’re eating. Despite these drawbacks, the food was good, and the atmosphere and service were rated well.
- reservationErnest canceled our New Year's Eve reservation just one day before the event
- waitersthe waiters were swapped out for ones who appeared to be deliberately rude to us
- waitressthe waitress treated us even worse, completely ignored us
- Resy appThe Resy app shouldn’t offer you the option to cancel
- ServiceService was inconsistent and had to ask for more drinks as we were ignored
- allergy accommodationwhy ask if you're not going to accommodate?
- apologyIn response to the owner's reply, if you are suggesting we lied about the timing of cancellation, we can show phone records that the restaurant called us at 3 pm on 12/30. There was no explanation nor any apology; the host simply stated: 'after careful consideration we decided to cancel, you may choose to reschedule for free. ' This inaccurate attack further demonstrates the lack of respect for customers.
Service here can be a bit of a mixed bag. You might get friendly, attentive staff, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies, long waits, or even a rushed feeling. Its worth a try if youre flexible, but don't go in expecting consistently stellar service.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a good 6.9. Many guests raved about the atmosphere, decor, and vibe, describing it as a beautiful space with chic ambience and great energy. With 59 positive remarks out of 90 total opinions, it seems most people found the setting quite appealing and inviting.
However, the customer satisfaction for ambience sits at a mixed 65.6%, indicating some areas for improvement. A significant 27 opinions pointed out issues like noise, lighting, and cramped tables. Some found it too loud or bright, with seating feeling a bit squeezed, which could detract from the overall comfort.
Ambience
90
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
27
negative
4
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Chic ambience
- Great vibe
- Beautiful space
What people don't like
- Too loud
- Bright lighting
- Cramped tables
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's a trendy and modern establishment with high quality food and impeccable service. The amazing upbeat energy created a fun experience, especially with the tasting menu and drink pairing. It's my favorite restaurant of all time!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- spaceThe space is a cool warehouse that reminds me of Lyle’s in London.
- ambianceDon’t get the tasting menu - just try a lot of different dishes à la carte and share among your party, especially if it’s more than 2 people. The food is so fresh and delicious, and the ambiance is very hip. No wonder it’s so popular!
- restaurantThe restaurant itself is minimalist, with sharp lines, lots of plants and feels refreshing
- vibeIt was the vibe. The energy.
- aestheticIt has a nice spartan aesthetic.
- atmosphere and decorThe atmosphere and decor is upbeat and bright
- balance of high and lowMy experience at Ernest was absolutely fantastic! I *loved* the restaurant, appreciating its killer balance of high and low, elevated and comforting. The menu and plating gave off a vibe of humor and playfulness.
- bar counterwonderful experience at the bar counter
Frequently criticized
- atmospheremaking the space feel like lunch in a middle school cafeteria instead of a fine dining restaurant.
- lightingWhile the food never disappoints, there's room for improvement in other areas. Specifically, the service could be improved, and the lighting could be dimmer. Overall, it's a great place with excellent food.
- loudInside is very loud
- tablesMy experience at this restaurant was that it's a very nice and expensive fine diner, perhaps not quite fine dining, but close. The inside was very loud, with tables crammed very close to each other. The staff is almost always in a rush, so they don’t have a lot of time to explain what you’re eating.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- ambienceReally bright
- barBar is way too cramped in it's current form
- chipped plateone of the plates was chipped, a restaurant that expensive should have set that one aside
- comfort levelEating envirnment and comfort level should be leveled up from its pricing
- crampedA bit cramped
If youre looking for a lively spot with a stylish look and dont mind a bit of a buzz, you'll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. However, if quiet intimacy and spacious seating are top priorities, you might find it a bit too loud or cramped for your taste.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% 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 in the average range. However, some diners absolutely rave about the incredible value, especially for their omakase/tasting menus, often calling it a steal! Many found the pricing reasonable, highlighting generous portions that made it feel truly worth it.
These positive sentiments were shared across 14 customer remarks. On the flip side, customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 30.4%, indicating significant concerns. A larger group of 27 comments felt the experience was overpriced, with many questioning the overall price point.
Specific frustrations often revolved around mandatory junk fees, like the SF mandate charge, and even the cost of still water, leading some to feel it simply wasn't worth the price paid.
Value
46
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
27
negative
5
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Omakase offers value
- Generous portions
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- Often overpriced
- Mandatory junk fees
- Not worth it
Often praised
- priceTasting menu had generous portions for a reasonable price.
- valuegreat value bc it was a tremendous amount of food
- costWe opted to let the chef prepare our meal, and each dish was a delightful progression, with every subsequent plate surpassing the last. The amount of food provided was truly unbelievable for the cost.
- costswell worth it in terms of costs
- free street parkingfree street parking was a convenient option
- omakase/tasting menusI highly recommend letting the chef cook for you. It's a steal compared to other omakase/tasting menus, and you will leave so freaking full of delicious food.
- price pointExcellent for the price point
- pricingpricing is reasonable for the location and quality
- worth itit felt worth it.
Frequently criticized
- priceas expensive as this place is. I definitely can get food with this quality and price somewhere better!
- price pointFor this price point there’s better options
- pricesOverall high prices for reasonably executed average menu
- still waterPaying for still water seems very strange
- $100The $100 they stole from me
- 7% “mandated” chargethe 7% “mandated” charge they add on at the end
- ROI per dinerThe whole experience gave off the impression of a place more focused on maximizing ROI per diner
- SF employees mandatory feethey still charge 7% SF employees mandatory fee
- SF mandate junk feemandatory 7% “SF mandate” junk fee
- better optionsthere are much better options out nearby at the same price range
If you're eyeing the omakase or tasting menu, you might find it a fantastic deal with surprisingly generous portions. However, be prepared for potentially high overall prices and keep an eye out for additional mandatory fees that could make the experience feel less valuable than expected.
How are the prices at Ernest?
You’re looking at roughly 96 per person – reported by 87 diners. That puts it in the $91–$100 category. For a Fine Dining Restaurant in San Francisco, this is certainly on the higher end.
In fact, looking at what people actually spend, most guests are enjoying a truly premium experience, often spending upwards of 101 $.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 87 most recent reviews.
Here’s how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing feels fair for a premium Fine Dining experience in San Francisco, especially given what most guests choose to spend.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ernest
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Tasty Plates, Mixed Feelings
My experience at the restaurant was generally positive, with the larger plate options being particularly helpful for dinner. I really enjoyed the Uni toast and the Oysters. The Scallops and Shrimp were good to try, though I wouldn't order them again.
The Pork neck and Beef were definite yeses. However, the Cheesecake had a chunk of cream cheese and wasn't as creamy as the table next to us. The mixed drinks were good.
We were glad we went and would recommend it, although there wasn't a lot of "wow" factor. Our table was also a bit wobbly. We ended up going for burgers afterward as we still needed some food.
- larger plate options8
- Uni toast9
- Oysters9
- Cheesecake3
- table3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Exceptional Tasting Menu Experience!
We ordered the tasting menu and were absolutely delighted with the experience. The Osetra Caviar with banana bread and butter was a standout, described as the best I've ever had in my life for its taste and texture. Other notable dishes included the Shrimp Cocktail (yessss), Uni Toast (yum), Bluefin Tuna Carpaccio (LOVED this), and the Zuckerman Watermelon Salad (LOVEEED this).
The Thickcut LA Shortrib was also incredibly delicious (yum!), and the Smoked Early Girl Tomatoes with ramen egg were so so so good. While the Parker house roll bread and butter were nothing special, they were still nice. The Koshihikari Fried Rice with Summer Vegetables and Thai Basil was also a hit (yum!).
I personally don't like cheese, so the Burrata wasn't for me. For dessert, the Shaved ice was okay, though impressively large. We celebrated my husband's birthday here, and it was a fantastic choice.
Having dined at several Michelin star restaurants, this one ranks as my number 2. The food offered a flavor explosion with amazing quality. Finding parking was also very easy.
The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- tasting menu9
- Osetra Caviar with banana bread and butter10
- Shrimp Cocktail9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Unforgettable Meal with Exceptional Service!
My experience at this restaurant was truly memorable. I highly recommend not missing the tasting menu! From the delightful banana bread toast and butter with caviar to the incredible shave ice and soft serve ice cream with magic chocolate sauce, it was one of the most remarkable meals we've had.
The staff was great, contributing to a wonderful overall experience.
- tasting menu10
- banana bread toast and butter with caviar10
- shave ice and soft serve ice cream with magic chocolate sauce10
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Interesting Flavors and Fun Date Night
My experience at Ernest was great! I loved the fried rice and also the scallion pancake. It was the perfect date night spot, and the food was really interesting and fun.
Expect surprising flavor combinations, and don’t miss the shaved ice!
- fried rice9
- scallion pancake9
- date night spot9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
San Francisco Culinary Home Run!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. It's rare to say this, but all the plates truly slapped! This was another San Francisco culinary home run.
The menu was creative, beautiful, and most importantly, delicious. The restaurant itself features a minimalist design with sharp lines and lots of plants, creating a refreshing atmosphere. I came specifically for the Parker rolls, which were served with great butter that had cream and salt.
The Smokey tomatoes were incredibly tender and melted in my mouth. For dessert, the sundae with hazelnut and chocolate packed a punch. However, my favorite dish was definitely the tostada!
I would love to return to try everything on the menu.
- plates10
- menu9
- restaurant8
What Ernest offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Ernest in San Francisco's Mission District?
Yes, reservations are required to dine at Ernest. It is highly recommended to make dinner reservations in advance to secure your table at this popular fine dining restaurant in the Mission District, ensuring you can enjoy your experience.
What kind of dining experience and offerings can you expect at Ernest?
At Ernest, you’ll find a romantic and trendy fine dining experience, ideal for dinner. You can savor small plates, complemented by an impressive wine list, cocktails, and beer. Coffee and vegetarian options are also available, and a private dining room is offered for special occasions.
How does Ernest generally perform?
Ernest achieves a 7.2 overall score, driven by strong Food (7.8) and good Ambience (6.9), though Service (6.1) and Value (4.9) are more average.
What are the culinary highlights at Ernest?
Guests frequently praise the creative menu and generous portions , with dishes like uni toast and pasta often cited as favorites. The tasting menu, in particular, is noted for its substantial and delicious offerings.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Ernest?
Some patrons have noted inconsistent service and a loud atmosphere with cramped tables . Additionally, the overall price point and mandatory fees have been points of contention for some.