Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Fable – San Francisco
Fable - San Francisco
Photo from Fable
Fable at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 108 of the guests
#1018 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#42 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
650
Reviews
73.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Charming patio
- Friendly staff
- Creative food
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent quality
- Service issues
The restaurant Fable, an American Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, offers you a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a casual evening out or a special celebration.
Known for its great dessert, Fable invites you to indulge in delicious culinary creations. Whether you’re seeking healthy options or delightful small plates, this trendy spot has something for every palate, ensuring you feel right at home.
Overview: Introducting Fable
Fable offers a delightful experience, often highlighted by its truly charming patio and the genuinely friendly service provided by its staff. Guests frequently commend the relaxed yet elevated atmosphere, making it a pleasant spot for various occasions.
However, some diners have noted inconsistencies, particularly concerning the overall value. While the setting and attentiveness are often praised, be mindful of the potential for high prices and a sometimes limited menu that might not suit all preferences.
Good
7.6
out of 10
650
Reviews
73.4%
Satisfaction
135
negative
38
neutral
477
positive
Fable earns a respectable 7.6 out of 10 for its overall performance, with customer satisfaction sitting at a good 73.4%. This indicates a generally positive reception from diners, based on 650 opinions.
The restaurant particularly shines in its Ambience (8.4), which is frequently lauded for its beautiful garden and inviting atmosphere, and its Service (7.8), where attentive and sweet staff members make a notable difference. While the Food (7.3) generally receives good marks for its creative and comforting dishes, it occasionally faces criticism for inconsistency.
The primary area for improvement is Value (4), which registers as a significant concern for many, with 477 positive and 135 negative opinions highlighting a clear disparity in perceived cost versus experience.
What people like
- Charming outdoor patio
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Creative, comforting dishes
What people don't like
- High prices
- Inconsistent food quality
- Occasional service issues
Fable presents itself as a charming destination, particularly if you prioritize a lovely setting and attentive service over strict budget considerations. The inviting atmosphere and dedicated staff often create a memorable visit, making it suitable for a relaxed outing or a special occasion.
If you’re seeking a place with a strong focus on ambience and service, and are prepared for a higher price point, Fable is worth considering. However, those with a keen eye on value or specific dietary needs might find the experience less consistent.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Fable
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a 7.3 score, which is quite good! With 222 positive remarks out of 327 total, many diners rave about delicious options like the Steak & Egg Benedict, pork shank, and creative vegan options. You'll often find fresh ingredients and excellent food that truly impress.
However, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 67.9%, and 74 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Some found dishes like the Mac and cheese or Ahi tuna to be mediocre or overcooked, with concerns about limited menu options and occasional bland flavors.
Food
327
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
74
negative
31
neutral
222
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent food
- Fresh ingredients
- Creative vegan options
What people don't like
- Mediocre dishes
- Limited menu
- Bland flavors
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Fable was amazing! From the warm atmosphere and decor to their wonderful staff, the unbelievable great food made my first night in San Francisco one to remember. Thank you Chef Brandon for the suggestion and to our fabulous dining room attendant Lori.
- vegan lasagnaFinally, we shared the vegan lasagna. With fresh basil and a light tomato sauce, the flavors popped. The noodles on the bottom were firm, and the vegan cheese did not overpower.
- FoodFood:5
- appetizersMy experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. It's a great place for enjoying great tasting appetizers and entrees, and they also have an excellent selection of wines. The atmosphere is suitable for both casual hangouts and date nights.
- chickenreally delicious chicken served with cherries and other fruit
- dishesTheir dishes are creative yet comforting
- mealMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful. I had the really delicious chicken, which was served with cherries and other fruit, creating a delicious and complex meal. The lovely garden setting provided a beautiful atmosphere, and the friendly and efficient service made the visit even more enjoyable.
- steakMy companions all liked their respective dishes - steak
- wineI absolutely loved the vegan lasagna; the cheese was great, avoiding that unpleasant teeth-coating feel, and it didn't contain any fake meat. đź‘Ť As always, Fable provided great service, delicious wine, and a nice ambiance. The yummy vegan lasagna was a definite highlight.
- CheeseburgerVery filling, I could only eat half
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was not good at all
- breadThe bread that came with the chicken dish was so hard that no one could bite thru.
- brunch menuWe were seated outside, and though the heaters weren't on, making it a bit chilly, we managed. The brunch menu was limited, and the dishes we ordered – the Denver Omelette, Chicken Sandwich, and Quinoa Salad – were just okay, nothing particularly memorable. The most significant issue was the constant nickel and dime extra charges.
- decaf coffeeMy only wish is that they served decaf coffee
- menuFable is a great spot for a casual night out with friends or a fun date. The food is great, though the menu is limited (would not recommend for food restrictions). Standouts include their Goldilocks chocolate mouse, that is the perfect combo of sweet, salty, and not too intense.
- Caesar saladand even the Caesar salad.
- Mac and cheeseThe Mac and cheese was no better than the one I can make myself with a Kraft box.
- Pork chopPork chop was covered in bbq sauce so it's hard to taste any aged flavor
- SancerreIt was not a quality wine. Tasted extremely bitter
- ahi tunaAhi tuna was way overcooked
If you're looking for a meal with some standout dishes and fresh ingredients, this spot is definitely worth a try, especially for its creative plant-based options. Just be aware that while many find the food delicious, a few experiences suggest some dishes might not always hit the mark, so choose wisely!
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, you're generally in for a treat here! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 77.5%, the team consistently delivers a good experience. Based on 93 positive remarks out of 120 total comments, guests frequently praise the friendly service, excellent server, and attentive staff, highlighting the genuine hospitality and care provided by the team.
However, not every interaction is perfect, with 25 negative comments indicating some areas for improvement. A few guests have mentioned feeling under pressure due to a time limit or being rushed out. There are also occasional reports of a rude server or slow service, suggesting that while generally good, the experience can sometimes be inconsistent.
Service
120
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
25
negative
2
neutral
93
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent server
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Rude server
- Felt rushed
- Slow service
Often praised
- serviceThe garden was absolutely charming and beautiful, and we really enjoyed being on their patio. The service was nice, though the food was rather decent and not much to my particular liking. Overall, it was a pleasant experience, especially due to the lovely outdoor seating and attentive staff.
- staffBe prepared for SF pricing, as the meal exceeded $20 per person. The service was great; the staff was really sweet and quickly seated us with our reservation. The backyard patio was incredibly cute, offering ample seating with good space between tables and lots of greenery to set a lovely mood.
- ServiceWe loved that we were able to get immediately seated in a beautiful, lively, heated patio. Service was great, food and wine were solid. Best part was being surrounded by greenery, nice lighting and chit chat of other diners in an intimate setting!
- serverour server was so kind, friendly and funny too!
- friendly serviceI adore Fable. The lovely patio, friendly service, and great food made for a wonderful experience. My only suggestion is that I wish they would change up the menu a little bit.
- waitressLore was our waitress and was patient and thorough in explaining meals
- hostLaurie was an incredibly gracious host
- recommendationsOur waitress, Lore, was patient and thorough in explaining the meals. Her recommendations were perfect, especially the lamb special and the vegan lasagne – so yummy! The Caesar salad was a little gem, perfect with its delicious dressing and Parma cheese.
- staff memberThe environment was wonderful, making it a perfect place for a private party. Every single staff member I interacted with was pleasant, knowledgeable, and fun. They genuinely seemed to enjoy their jobs, which added to the overall positive experience.
- Chef BrandonFrom the warm atmosphere and decor to their wonderful staff, the unbelievable great food made my first night in San Francisco one to remember. Thank you Chef Brandon for the suggestion and to our fabulous dining room attendant Lori.
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service, well, one woman was running around trying to wait on us
- waiting timeleft at our seats for 40 minutes without any drinks and food
- serverOur server unfortunately was quite rude
- WiFi outagethey lost WiFi which affected their ordering process
- angry and condescending tonestarted speaking to me in an angry and condescending tone
- billThe bill was brought to us in a hurried fashion
- elderly man at the doorthe elderly man at the door was in a very bad mood
- forgot my sodaThey forgot to bring me my soda
- host's attitudethe host has an annoying attitude
- owner/managerthe owner/manager, came and whispered, they were whisked into better seating.
Overall, the service here is a definite highlight, with most guests enjoying friendly and attentive staff. While there are occasional reports of feeling rushed or slow service, the positive experiences far outweigh the negatives. If you value great hospitality, it's certainly worth a visit!
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
The ambience here is a real winner, scoring a 8.4 and boasting a fantastic 89.2% customer satisfaction! With 157 positive remarks, guests frequently rave about the beautiful patio and garden oasis, often highlighted by lush greenery and a cozy atmosphere. It truly sounds like a delightful setting for any occasion.
However, not every experience is perfect, with 17 concerns noted. Some guests found the noise level too high, making comfortable conversation difficult. Issues with heaters not working and less desirable hallway seating were also mentioned, occasionally impacting the overall vibe for a few diners.
Ambience
176
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
17
negative
2
neutral
157
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Enchanting garden patio
- Lush, cozy atmosphere
- Heated outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Can be too noisy
- Inconsistent patio heating
- Less desirable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereHer kindness and attentiveness made the experience even more special. The food was fresh and flavorful, the atmosphere was relaxed yet elevated, and the service was top-notch from start to finish. It's a perfect spot for a family meal, a date night, or a peaceful escape with friends.
- patioMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I found it to be a very nice restaurant with a cute and romantic patio. The food was also very tasty, fresh, and presented beautifully on the plate.
- ambianceI absolutely loved the vegan lasagna; the cheese was great, avoiding that unpleasant teeth-coating feel, and it didn't contain any fake meat. đź‘Ť As always, Fable provided great service, delicious wine, and a nice ambiance. The yummy vegan lasagna was a definite highlight.
- back patiothe atmosphere especially in the back patio is perfect
- gardentheir garden was absolutely charming and beautiful
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- garden patiobackdoor garden patio with heatings
- vibeThe vibe and service were outstanding.
- back gardenThe Cuban sandwich was decent, though it had a little too much lettuce/tomato, wasn't pressed, and was a bit too salty. The service was top notch, and the back garden was amazing!
- environmentThe environment was wonderful
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethree people with strollers there. Not the hip gay brunch I expected.
- Street parkingStreet parking would've been impossible.
- bathroom doorthe bathroom door wouldn't lock
- close earlydisappointing that they close early
- comfortable conversationimpossible to have a comfortable conversation
- commotion from the kitchenhear all the commotion from the kitchen
- dirty cupserved me water in a dirty cup
- hallway seatingseated in the hallway. It was poorly lit, a wind tunnel
- heaterthe heater nearby was broken
- heatersThe heaters weren't on, so it was a little chilly
If youre looking for a charming outdoor experience, especially a garden oasis with lush greenery, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some indoor or less ideal seating areas might not offer the same serene vibe, ' so consider requesting a specific spot.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few guests found some pleasant surprises, particularly with the value for portion and even the wine list being described as fairly reasonable or inexpensive . Some felt it was excellent for the price you paid and worth it . However, the overall score for value is an average 4.
However, the majority of the 27 comments leaned negative, with 19 concerns raised. Many felt the restaurant was pricey or over-priced , citing issues like extra charges for things like fries or refills, and even a reservation charge . This sentiment is reflected in a poor 18.5% customer satisfaction, indicating a significant disconnect between price and perceived quality.
Value
27
Reviews
18%
Satisfaction
19
negative
3
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good portion value
- Reasonable wine list
What people don't like
- Overpriced menu items
- Many extra charges
- High reservation fee
Often praised
- priceexcellent for the price you paid
- valueit's worth it
- value for portionthe value for the portion
- wine listtheir wine list is good and fairly reasonable
Frequently criticized
- priceHowever, I ordered the Sancerre as a treat, and it was not a quality wine. It tasted extremely bitter, and for $16 a glass, I expect way better. While the food was excellent, the wine choice was a letdown.
- billTo make matters worse, their PRICES ARE OUTRAGEOUS. With tip, we were CHARGED US ALMOST $200 for only 2 APPETISERS and 2 ENTREES. This was without any dessert, wine, or beer, just a couple of soft drinks.
- pricesfor the prices and the small menu
- diet coke refillthose two drinks were $10. Refills are not free!
- extra chargesThe biggest thing is the nickel and dime extra charges
- food pricefood price is a super high
- friesif you want fries with your sandwich or burger, yep, that'll be $2 extra.
- mimosasThe 15 dollar mimosas
- over-priced fast/casual restaurantYou’ve become just like any other over-priced fast/casual restaurant
- price and qualitythe price and the quality of the food does not match up
If youre considering this place, be prepared for a potentially high bill. While a few found some aspects worth it , the overwhelming sentiment suggests that the pricing, especially with various extra charges , often doesnt align with expectations. It might disappoint if you're looking for great value.
How are the prices at Fable?
You’re looking at roughly 47 per person – reported by 108 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an American Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While many guests spend in that mid-range sweet spot, theres also a good mix of diners opting for more premium experiences, showing a nice variety in whats offered.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 108 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an American Restaurant in a city like San Francisco. It seems to offer a range of experiences, catering to different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Fable
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Charming Patio, Decent Food, Great Service
I absolutely loved the atmosphere at this restaurant! The garden was absolutely charming and beautiful, and we really enjoyed being on their patio. The service was nice, though the food was rather decent and not much to my particular liking.
Overall, it was a pleasant experience, especially due to the lovely outdoor seating and attentive staff.
- atmosphere10
- food5
- service8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Unacceptable hygiene standards
My experience at the restaurant was marred by a significant issue with cleanliness. I was served water in a dirty cup with visible stuff floating and swimming in it. I will be reporting this for food safety.
- dirty cup1
- stuff floating1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
8
Great Food, Beautiful Atmosphere
Fable is a great spot for a casual night out with friends or a fun date. The food is great, though the menu is limited (would not recommend for food restrictions). Standouts include their Goldilocks chocolate mouse, that is the perfect combo of sweet, salty, and not too intense.
The tomato salad is also mind-blowing; I can confidently say this is one of the best restaurant salads out there. The avocado puree and farm-fresh tomatoes sprinkled with delicious cojita cheese is to die for. The atmosphere is beautiful, shrouded with greenery and ambient lighting galore.
- food8
- Goldilocks chocolate mouse10
- tomato salad10
- menu3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
6
Food was okay, but service was a bit much
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The food was not bad, but everything seemed to have an extra step involved. The service was rated a 4, and the atmosphere was also rated a 4.
We were a large group of 9+ people for brunch, and the price per person was between $30–50. The noise level was moderate.
- food5
- service7
- atmosphere7
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Fire Tacos and Biscuits!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The fish taco and biscuits and gravy were absolutely fire. While the hot sauce was a bit bland, I loved everything else about my meal.
The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- fish taco10
- biscuits and gravy10
- food10
- hot sauce3
What Fable offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and services does Fable offer you?
At Fable, you can enjoy a full range of dining experiences from breakfast and brunch to lunch and dinner, all with comfortable seating and table service. For your convenience, Fable also provides no-contact delivery, takeout, and traditional delivery services. If you prefer dining al fresco, outdoor seating is available, and you can even bring your dog to sit outside with you.
What kind of atmosphere and amenities can you expect at Fable in the Mission District?
Fable welcomes you with a romantic, cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, making it ideal for various occasions. You’ll find a full bar onsite offering hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, alongside coffee. Amenities include free Wi-Fi and a clean restroom. Fable is also wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your comfort.
What is Fable's overall rating and customer satisfaction?
Fable holds a 7.6 score out of 10, with customer satisfaction at a good 73.4%. Its Ambience (8.4) and Service (7.8) are highly rated, while Food (7.3) is good, and Value (4) is a notable concern.
What do guests appreciate most about Fable?
Guests frequently praise Fable’s Ambience, especially its charming outdoor patio and garden, which provides a relaxed and elevated atmosphere. The Service is also highly regarded, with many complimenting the attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable staff.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Fable?
Some diners note concerns regarding Value, citing high prices and additional charges that can make the experience feel expensive. While Food is generally good, there are occasional comments about inconsistency in dish quality or a limited menu.