Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Firefly – San Francisco
Firefly - San Francisco
Photo from Firefly
Firefly at a glance
San Francisco Noe Valley
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 94 of the guests
#409 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#12 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
706
Reviews
83.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent food
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- High pricing
The restaurant Firefly is an American Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s charming Noe Valley neighborhood. You’ll discover a culinary gem renowned for its great dessert, making it a must-visit spot.
This establishment offers a unique blend of casual and upscale, creating a cozy yet trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner or a delightful evening out, Firefly promises an exceptional experience.
Overview: Introducting Firefly
Firefly generally delivers a strong culinary experience, with many guests praising the quality of the food and the attentive service. The outdoor seating also frequently receives positive remarks, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly concerning waiting time and occasional staff interactions. While the overall dining experience is often delightful, these points indicate areas where the restaurant could offer a more consistent experience for every guest.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
706
Reviews
83.3%
Satisfaction
97
negative
21
neutral
588
positive
Firefly earns a commendable Restaurant Score of 8.3 and boasts a strong Customer Satisfaction of 83.3%, indicating a largely positive reception from its patrons. This solid performance is built on a foundation of well-regarded aspects, reflecting a generally satisfying dining experience across 706 customer remarks.
The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring an impressive (8.6) and being the most discussed topic. The Ambience (8.4) also contributes significantly to the positive sentiment, creating an inviting setting.
While Service (7.4) is generally good, it shows some room for improvement, and Value (5.6) is perceived as more average, with some finding it a bit steep.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Attentive, helpful service
- Cozy outdoor dining
What people don't like
- Inconsistent staff behavior
- Long waiting times
- Perceived high pricing
Firefly presents a compelling option for those seeking a strong culinary experience in a pleasant setting. With a Recommendation Score of 8.5, it’s clear that many find it a worthwhile destination, particularly for its well-regarded dishes and inviting atmosphere.
While the food and ambiance are consistently praised, potential visitors should be aware of occasional service inconsistencies and the pricing, which some find a bit high. If you prioritize excellent cuisine and a cozy environment, Firefly is certainly worth considering, but manage expectations regarding service speed.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Firefly
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting a fantastic score of 8.6 and a solid 87% customer satisfaction! Many rave about the delicious and unique flavors, especially the excellent gluten-free and vegetarian options, often highlighting the creative changing menu. Based on 388 positive remarks out of 446 total, it's clear the kitchen is doing something right.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 41 negative comments pointing to some inconsistencies. Concerns include small portions, particularly for starters, and occasional issues like bland fried chicken or soggy elements. While generally good, some experiences suggest the quality can sometimes be a mixed bag.
Food
446
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
41
negative
17
neutral
388
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Gluten-free friendly
- Excellent veggie options
- Unique, delicious food
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Small starter portions
Often praised
- foodThey offer gluten-free options and were superb with my various allergies/intolerances, even marking up a special menu for me in advance. All the food was really nice – a total find and well worth going out of your way for. It's no surprise they were busy on weeknights and weekends, as the food is so good.
- fried chickenThe food was a perfect 10/10. I especially loved the Japanese sweet potato and fried chicken. The non-alcoholic drink selection was also a highlight.
- mealAbsolutely delicious meal
- troutMy experience at the restaurant was amazing. I was impressed by the unique and intense flavors, especially the trout, which we were fortunate to try at the end of the season. The service was incredibly thoughtful and conscientious.
- vegetarian optionsThe food was delicious, with a refined taste and surprising flavors. I was particularly pleased with the lot of vegetarian options available. I visited on a trip and would definitely come back in the future.
- FoodFood was excellent from start to finish
- flavorsThis place is always worth a stop and has never let me down in 15 years. The food offers flavors that will make you happy, and the environment feels comfortable, homey/warm. (Plus, they have a nice outside parklet on the two days it’s nice in SF) 🤣
- gluten free optionsthey also had a large selection of gluten free options.
- gluten-free optionsPlenty of gluten-free options.
- menuThe menu is mostly gluten free — and where it is not, alternatives were available
Frequently criticized
- fried chickenfried chicken - honestly the most hyped in reviews and … mediocre at best :( really wanted to like it but it was just very bland.
- EnchiladasEnchiladas. Gumbo was definitely better than the Enchiladas
- biscuitsThe biscuits were also overbaked to the point of being painfully dry
- brownie sundaethe brownie sundae was burnt to a crisp
- buttermilk biscuitthe "damn fine buttermilk biscuit" hasn't actually been that great on two occasions - it tends to be overcooked and not so tender
- coatingWhile I would have given the food 5 stars, I was a bit disappointed in the signature fried chicken dish. It was only lukewarm when delivered to the table, and the coating was not as interesting or tasty as it might have been. Fortunately, there were plenty of other choices on the menu.
- corn cakesHowever, my only wish is for the portions to be larger as they can sometimes be quite small, especially the starter plates. For example, the corn cakes were only two small cakes for $12, which felt steep when they arrived. The entrees are a good size, though.
- cornbreadThe cornbread is much better although it too tends to be overcooked
- daikon cakessome dishes are way too salty like the daikon cakes
- entreesWill skip the entrees next time
If you're looking for a place with unique, delicious food and fantastic options for dietary needs like gluten-free or vegan, this restaurant is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared that while many dishes are stellar, some experiences mention inconsistent quality or smaller portion sizes.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
Overall, the service here seems to hit the mark, with a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 73.5%. Many of the 108 positive comments praise the welcoming and helpful wait staff, highlighting their attentive service and friendly staff who are often described as accommodating. It sounds like they really go the extra mile!
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows, as 39 negative comments point to some significant issues. There are mentions of rude and dismissive staff, frustrating delays, and even instances of immaturity and disrespect, including reports of a server attack. This suggests a real inconsistency in the service experience.
Service
147
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
39
negative
0
neutral
108
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Attentive service
- Accommodating dietary needs
What people don't like
- Rude, dismissive staff
- Long wait times
- Inappropriate server behavior
Often praised
- serviceOur table was in their parklet, and despite a cold, windy summer evening in San Francisco, it felt super cosy and nice. The food was just perfect, as always, and the service was excellent. Our whole experience was completely delightful.
- staffAll of the staff was knowledgeable and helpful about allergens
- ServiceService and warm, neighborhood vibe were all terrific
- great serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had an excellent meal and enjoyed the great service. It's a true gem in the city.
- serverServer, on the other hand, was bright, bubbly, and delightful
- waitressOur waitress was attentive and friendly
- ElijahOur server, Elijah, had great recommendations
- Juliaespecially to Julia for being so kind, helpful and thoughtful
- Michelin Star level serviceMichelin Star level service
- SamieOur server, Samie was checking on us
Frequently criticized
- ownerthe owner just continues to comment like an immature teenager
- serverMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative due to the service. I was "totally attacked" by a young server with short hair who was "insanely inappropriate. " She confronted our party about a prior encounter and then, to the shock of other patrons, yelled “SEE YOU NEVER” across the dining room.
- behaviorshocked at her behavior as she yelled
- customer serviceappalled at the terrible customer service
- reservationasked to wait as there were other guests occupying our table
- serversservers were rude
- serviceWe'd dined many other times at Firefly and enjoyed the food, even though the service can get quite slow sometimes. On this occasion, we reserved well in advance for a dinner with our friends.
- staffThe staff was not friendly, just in their zone.
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was chaotic from start to finish. Despite arriving on time, we were made to wait 20 minutes before being seated at a table so wobbly that water constantly spilled. Two different waiters attempted to fix it, but to no avail.
- apologyStill no apology
If youre looking for a place with generally good service, youll likely find it here, especially with their accommodating and friendly staff. However, be aware that there's a chance you might encounter some rude or unprofessional behavior, which could definitely sour your experience.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot really shines, earning a good score of 8.4 and a solid 87.6% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the cozy, romantic vibe, the super cute interior, and the inviting neighborhood vibe. With 85 positive remarks out of 97 total opinions, it's clear the atmosphere leaves a great impression, often highlighted by comfortable outdoor seating options.
However, not every aspect of the ambience is perfect. A few of the 10 negative comments mention issues like difficult parking and a wobbly table that caused spills. Some found the counter seating uncomfortable, and a full house could sometimes lead to a noisy environment, making conversation a bit challenging.
Ambience
97
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
85
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, romantic vibe
- Inviting outdoor seating
- Charming interior
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Uncomfortable counter seating
- Wobbly tables
Often praised
- atmosphereThis is one of our SF favorite restaurants. It’s an intimate restaurant that has delicious food that is safe for celiacs! The staff's first question is about dietary restrictions, and they are very informed, clearly stating what they can and cannot do.
- ambiancedelectable meal in an inviting ambiance
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- experienceour whole experience just completely delightful
- outdoor seatingshe brought a blanket out for us since we sat in their outdoor seating
- parkletOur table was in their parklet, and although it was a cold, windy summer evening in San Francisco, it was super cosy and nice.
- FireflyWe absolutely love Firefly!
- Outdoor diningOutdoor dining done right! It provided a cozy warm atmosphere
- ambienceCasual yet festive ambience
- bardecided to sit at the bar because it's always more fun for us.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereVery uncomfortable. Very un-San Francisco.
- conversationdifficult to carry on a conversation without raising your voice
- counter seatingDon’t ask for counter because there’s one two seater where you’re literally facing a wall.
- experienceFirefly is not a fun experience anymore.
- full housewhen there's a full house
- musicOnly thing I’d change was the music that was playing!
- parkingParking here was a nightmare
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- screamingScreaming made my meal extremely uncomfortable
- wobbly tabletable so wobbly that water constantly spilled
If you're looking for a place with a charming, cozy atmosphere, especially for a romantic evening or a relaxed neighborhood feel, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of potential parking challenges and consider requesting a table away from any counter seating for the best experience.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a definite split, but many diners feel its money well spent. Despite a mixed customer satisfaction of 43.8%, positive comments highlight fair prices and good value for the overall experience. Guests often found it pricey but SO worth it, especially appreciating the wine list which was noted as extensive and reasonably priced, suggesting you get what you pay for.
However, the average score of 5.6 indicates some reservations. With 7 negative comments out of 16 total, several patrons found certain items pricey or expensive for not much food. There were instances where guests felt dishes were completely overpriced or that they were charged in full for meals that didn't meet expectations, leading to a feeling of being underwhelmed.
Value
16
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the spend
- Fair food prices
- Good wine value
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Some items overpriced
- Drinks too costly
Often praised
- pricefor the atmosphere and food it was fairly priced
- fair pricesdelicious food for fair prices
- good valuegood value
- valueYou get what you pay for.
- wine listWine list is extensive and reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- pricecompletely overpriced for what it is by at least 30%
- charged in fullRather than striving to improve, they served us expired food as a takeaway. Despite claiming they had taken care of the appetizers, we were still charged in full. By the end of the night, it felt like they were eager to get rid of us.
- priceyVery pricey, but really great food!
If you're looking for a dining experience where quality often justifies a higher spend, this spot might be for you, especially if you appreciate a good wine list. However, be prepared that some menu items might feel pricey for what you receive, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
How are the prices at Firefly?
You’re looking at roughly 61 per person – reported by 94 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 61, our data shows a pretty wide spread. Many guests enjoy meals in the 30-50$ range, but theres also a notable group opting for experiences above 90$, even past 100$. So, its not just one price point; there’s a mix of options available, from more casual to quite premium.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 94 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For an American Restaurant in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers flexibility, allowing guests to choose between a solid mid-range meal or a more premium experience, which is a smart approach.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Firefly
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Incredible Gluten-Free Dining Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was hands down the best food I've had, and it was all gluten-free! As someone who is GF, having actual menu options beyond just a modified bun or a plain burger was a huge win. I enjoyed their fried chicken, gravy, and Mac and cheese, which were not substitutes but part of their regular menu.
Our waitress, Sammy, was incredible and truly added to our evening. The food was so filling, and considering the atmosphere and the quality of the food, it was fairly priced. We are visiting, but would 100% go back.
It was absolutely delicious! You must go. Sammy even brought out a blanket for us since we chose to sit in their outdoor seating.
- food10
- gluten free options10
- menu options9
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Firefly Restaurant: A Delightful Experience!
I had a lovely time at Firefly Restaurant! The food was delicious, and the young lady who served us was so sweet and attentive, making the whole experience even better. The cozy, romantic vibe was perfect—can’t wait to come back!
- food10
- young lady10
- cozy, romantic vibe10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious GF Meal & Kind Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was a true treat! I was so happy to have a full GF meal that was incredibly delicious. Every visit, the staff are so kind.
I highly recommend the sweet potato tostones – they are a MUST!
- full GF meal10
- staff9
- sweet potato tostones10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Decline in Quality
We used to love this place, but for some reason, it’s gone downhill. It was disappointing as we were so excited. The fried chicken was dry and unsatisfactory, and the server seemed uninterested.
We would advise against getting the short rib.
- fried chicken2
- server2
- short rib2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Incredible Luxurious Dinner Experience
My experience at this restaurant was incredible. It was one of the best nights out for quality food I’ve had in the city. The super cute interior also added to the overall luxurious dinner experience.
- quality food10
- super cute interior9
- Luxurious dinner10
What Firefly offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Firefly Restaurant?
You can enjoy dinner with table service and comfortable seating at Firefly Restaurant. The atmosphere is a delightful blend of casual, upscale, cozy, and trendy, making it ideal for a romantic evening. Outdoor seating is also available for you to enjoy.
Are there healthy or specific dietary options available at Firefly Restaurant?
Yes, Firefly Restaurant caters to diverse preferences. You’ll find a variety of healthy options, including delicious vegan options, vegetarian options, and organic dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone on the menu.
How is Firefly rated by customers?
Firefly achieves a strong **Restaurant Score** of **8.3** and boasts **Customer Satisfaction** of **83.3%**. Its **Food** (8.6) is highly regarded, followed by a pleasant **Ambience** (8.4) and good **Service** (7.4), though **Value** (5.6) is more average.
What are Firefly's culinary strengths?
Many patrons appreciate Firefly’s excellent culinary offerings, often highlighting the unique and refined flavors. The restaurant is also noted for its significant selection of **gluten-free options** and accommodating various allergies.
Are there any common concerns at Firefly?
Some customers have noted inconsistencies in **service**, occasionally experiencing long **waiting time** or unprofessional **staff** behavior. Additionally, a few find the **price** to be on the higher side for what is offered.