Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » House of Tadu – San Francisco
House of Tadu - San Francisco
Photo from House of Tadu
House of Tadu at a glance
San Francisco Mission Bay
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 97 of the guests
#1491 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#178 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
636
Reviews
72.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Good value
- Relaxed vibe
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Hygiene concerns
- Food inconsistencies
The restaurant House of Tadu offers a delightful culinary journey in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission Bay neighborhood. House of Tadu Ethiopian Kitchen is a cozy, casual spot, a true gem for authentic Ethiopian flavors.
You will discover a menu rich with healthy options, including abundant vegan and vegetarian dishes, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner. Its inviting atmosphere is ideal for enjoying small plates and traditional Ethiopian coffee.
Overview: Introducting House of Tadu
House of Tadu offers a compelling Ethiopian dining experience, often praised for its truly delicious food and generous portion sizes that hit the spot for many. Guests frequently appreciate the chill atmosphere and the overall positive vibe of the place.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly concerning cleanliness in certain areas and occasional issues with service. While the culinary offerings generally shine, these minor drawbacks can sometimes detract from an otherwise enjoyable visit.
Good
7.2
out of 10
636
Reviews
72.3%
Satisfaction
152
negative
24
neutral
460
positive
House of Tadu achieves a respectable overall score of 7.2, indicating a good dining experience, supported by a solid 72.3% customer satisfaction rate. This suggests that the majority of diners leave content, reflecting a generally positive perception across 636 customer observations, with 460 positive remarks outweighing 152 negative ones.
The restaurant’s strength lies predominantly in its Food (7.7), which is clearly a highlight for many. Ambience (6.8) also contributes positively, offering a pleasant setting.
While Value (6.3) is considered fair, Service (6.2) appears to be an area with room for improvement, sometimes falling short of expectations.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Reasonable prices
- Relaxed atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Cleanliness issues
- Food inconsistencies
If you’re seeking authentic Ethiopian flavors and a satisfying meal, House of Tadu is certainly worth considering, especially given its strong 7.4 recommendation score. The food is consistently a high point, delivering on taste and portion size, making it a reliable choice for a flavorful experience.
However, be prepared for potential minor hiccups in service or cleanliness, which, while not universal, have been noted by some. It’s a place that excels where it counts most – the plate – but might occasionally test your patience in other aspects.
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Verdict: Our expert take on House of Tadu
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.7 and a strong customer satisfaction of 77.7%. Diners frequently praise the authentic flavors, especially the diverse vegetarian and meat combos, and the perfectly prepared injera. With 310 positive remarks out of 399 total, it's clear many find the dishes delicious and satisfying.
However, not every bite is perfect, as indicated by 70 negative observations. Some guests have noted concerns about portion sizes, occasional issues with injera quality, and dishes being either too salty or dry. While the flavors are often celebrated, a few experiences suggest inconsistency in preparation.
Food
399
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
70
negative
19
neutral
310
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Ethiopian cuisine
- Flavorful dishes
- Great vegetarian options
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Inconsistent food quality
- Salty/dry food
Often praised
- foodIf you're not into spicy food, do pay attention to what you're ordering because their spice levels can be too much for anyone who thinks mustard is spicy. Overall, I highly recommend Tadu if you're looking for delicious food packed with a ton of fabulous flavor and seriously good spice.
- Ethiopian foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I've been craving delicious Ethiopian food for a while, and this place truly hit the spot. I loved the chill atmosphere, reasonable prices, and great portion sizes.
- injeraWhile the shiro was served in a cheap plastic container, which was a bit odd, it was still very tasty. Plenty of injera was provided. The bathrooms are also clean.
- vegetarian comboordered the vegetarian combo and meat combo so that we could try a bit of everything
- vegetarian optionsdelighted by this restaurant. We came here after a Warriors game and were surprised by the quality and home-cooked feel of the food.
- flavorsWe enjoyed a variety of vegetarian and meat-based options, including the doro wat and the lentil stew. The flavors were bold and complex, with a perfect balance of spices, and the injera was soft and slightly tangy. The traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony was both fascinating and flavorful.
- veggie comboshared the veggie and meat combos. Food was excellent.
- FoodFood is very good.
- meat comboordered the vegetarian combo and meat combo so that we could try a bit of everything
- InjeraTheir injera is not sour like most places and I was surprised before this place I never cared for the bread but now it’s so delicious!!
Frequently criticized
- foodmy food did not even represent what was shown on the menu
- portionsthe portions were so small that they were forgettable
- injeraThe injera I got on the side, which I was expecting, was like straight out of the fridge cold
- beefbeef which was extremely chewy and hard to eat
- meatI can't say anything about the taste of the dish because the meat was so spicy that tears came to my eyes. The coffee was incredibly strong and there was no milk for it.
- tibsI didn’t feel full after getting tibs.
- Firfir Lamb Alicha Banatumost tasteless thing I have ever ate
- FoodFood was gross because it felt so rushed and it was cold
- Gomen BesegaGomen Besega had almost zero lamb
- InjeraInjera wasn’t my thing
If you're craving authentic Ethiopian cuisine with a good variety of flavorful dishes, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that portion sizes might be smaller than expected for some, and quality can occasionally vary.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, many diners rave about the friendly staff, nice owners, and amazing hospitality here. With 73 positive sentiments out of 127 total, theres a good chance youll experience a warm welcome and quick service. The overall customer satisfaction for service sits at a mixed 57.5%.
However, the experience isnt always consistent. Some customers reported slow service, feeling the restaurant was understaffed, leading to a long wait and instances of poor customer service. The service score averages an average 6.2, indicating theres definitely room for improvement.
Service
127
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
50
negative
4
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Amazing hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Understaffed
- Long wait
Often praised
- serviceIt seems like people feel compelled to rate this place highly simply because it's different. I would recommend saving yourself the trouble and going to Cafe Reveille instead, as they offer way better food and service.
- staffTadu is unquestionably my favorite Ethiopian restaurant and one of my top spots in all of SF. The experience is consistently amazing, and the staff is super nice. I especially love the kitfo (well done, as I'm not into raw meat) with kik alicha wot and an order of crispy meat sambusa.
- ServiceService was very warm and welcoming
- peoplethe people are nice who work there
- customer serviceThey have wonderful customer service
- friendly staffvery friendly staff to assist with ordering
- ownerThe owner himself serves the food with pleasure and smile
- EliasElias is awesome
- Ethiopiana true Ethiopian, they're always so warm and generous
- Ethiopian ownerif its the actual Ethiopian owner
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was not so good, drinks arrived when we had already finished the main dishes
- orderMy experience at this restaurant was very poor. We were berated for our order and, to make matters worse, they didn’t provide injera for one of our take-out orders. This was for a dinner meal, with a price range of $20–30 per person.
- understaffedthey are understaffed especially during peak meal hours
- waiting timeunusually long time to get my order
- Google informationI don't know if they are in business. Google said that it was open and that was incorrect.
- Indian guynot the Indian guy who he hired to work there part-time
- Indian peopleI don't know what these indian people are up to
- customer serviceVery poor customer service!
- dishesthey didn’t seal the dishes properly so it was a mess
- disrespectfuldisrespectful towards the customer's time
If youre looking for a place with genuinely warm interactions, youll likely find it here. Just be prepared that service can sometimes be a bit slow or inconsistent, especially during busy times. It's a mixed bag, but the friendly faces often make up for the occasional wait.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally lands a solid 6.8, backed by a good 71.3% customer satisfaction. Many of the 62 positive comments praise the welcoming atmosphere, beautiful artwork, and spacious, casual setting. Guests often appreciate the cleanliness, good location, and even the thoughtful touches like cushioned banquette seating and easy accessibility.
However, it's not all smooth sailing, with 24 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement. Some found the environment noisy, citing loud music and an echo-y dining room. Concerns were also raised about cleanliness, specifically regarding dirty cups and restrooms, and a few felt the interior looked a bit cold or had an unfriendly vibe.
Ambience
87
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
24
negative
1
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming, artistic decor
- Spacious, casual setting
- Good location, accessibility
What people don't like
- Loud, noisy environment
- Unclean cups, restrooms
- Interior feels cold
Often praised
- atmosphereI've been craving delicious Ethiopian food for a while, and this place truly hit the spot. I loved the chill atmosphere, reasonable prices, and great portion sizes. My husband and I both ordered samplers – the meat sampler and the vegetarian sampler – and we loved everything.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessmostly clean interior
- settingMy experience at this restaurant was great, with filling dishes served in a casual setting. The bread was particularly noteworthy, described as very spongy and perfect for carb cravings.
- vibevery nice vibe
- AmbianceAmbiance was beautiful
- PlacePlace is clean
- ambienceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious food, the excellent ambience, and the great service. The portions were perfect.
- artworkArtwork in the restaurant is beautiful
- artwork insideThe artwork inside is beautiful
Frequently criticized
- musicmusic they play is a gospel song than Ethiopian cultural tradition music
- placeLike there are a lot of signs that this place isn't great.
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- bathroom lightno light in bathroom
- clean cupsNo clean cups for water
- cleanlinessDirty, found a hair
- cupsThe cups feel dirty, and are deeply worn.
- dining roomThe dining room is very echo-y though
- drinking cupsDirty and worn drinking cups
- fliesLike there are flies buzzing around inside.
If youre looking for a casual spot with artistic flair and a generally pleasant atmosphere, its worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential noise and perhaps double-check your drinking cups, as some guests have noted issues with cleanliness.
Value (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found the price to portion ratio fair, often describing the food as affordable and reasonably priced. With 15 positive remarks out of 23 total, it seems many appreciate the bang for your buck and consider it a place with great value, even calling it one of the cheapest places around. The score for value is an average 6.3, with customer satisfaction at a 65.2% mixed bag.
However, not everyone felt the same, with 8 negative comments highlighting concerns. Some found the experience expensive, noting that portions were often too small for the price, leading to feelings of being overpriced. A few even mentioned getting a little amount of food for what you paid, indicating that while some found it affordable, others felt it didn't quite hit the mark.
Value
23
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair price-portion ratio
- Very affordable
- Great value
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Small portions
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive. The food was good overall, with generous portion sizes and a reasonable price. However, I was a bit taken aback to receive hot dog buns when I had specifically ordered sourdough bread.
- pricesI've been craving delicious Ethiopian food for a while, and this place truly hit the spot. I loved the chill atmosphere, reasonable prices, and great portion sizes. My husband and I both ordered samplers – the meat sampler and the vegetarian sampler – and we loved everything.
- affordableit’s totally affordable
- bang for your buckreally good bang for your buck!
- cheapest placeAnd it's one of the cheapest place to eat in the area.
- great valueGreat value
- price to portion ratiothe price to portion ratio was fair
- reasonable pricefood at reasonable price
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was unfortunately not very good. The food was dry and tasteless, and I found it to be overpriced. It seems like people feel compelled to rate this place highly simply because it's different.
- expensiveThe sambousa tasted like it was fried two days prior, making for a very unpleasant meal. The portions were small and the overall experience was expensive. I would recommend going to the East Bay for Ethiopian food to spare yourself this disappointment.
- mealI expect more for a $30 meal?!
If youre looking for an affordable meal with decent portions, this spot could be a good fit, especially if you catch it on a good day. However, be mindful that some diners found the portions small for the price, so it might not always deliver the bang for your buck youre hoping for.
How are the prices at House of Tadu?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 97 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the full picture, most diners spend in the $11–$20 or $21–$30 range, showing a good mix of value-conscious and mid-range spending around the average.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 97 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about House of Tadu
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Gorgeous Flavors, Lovely Experience
My experience at House of Tadu was wonderful! I had the vegetarian plate, which was a sampling of four dishes. The red chickpea dish was outstanding, as were the beets and the dressing on the side salad.
My friend noted that the food was not oversalted, allowing the full flavors of the vegetables and spices to shine through. It was truly beautiful clean food. The staff made a significant impression.
The person who greeted me and took my order was super lovely and her enthusiasm for the food was infectious, which was a deciding factor in my trying the restaurant. The chef also came out to check on me, which was very warm and lovely, especially during a slow period. When I requested a bit of the veg that hadn't been served with the cabbage dish, she was gracious about providing it.
While the carrots in the cabbage dish absorbed the spices beautifully, I found the potatoes and cabbage needed more spice infusion. The injera was beautiful, based on my limited experience. The restaurant's atmosphere is enhanced by wonderful large photo art of Ethiopian tribes, done by S.
F. Architects, which impressively covers the main walls. It's a casual but warm restaurant located on a commercially developed stretch of 4th St, near the UCSF Mission Bay campus.
It's a very worth stopping in after appointments at the medical center. I also appreciated the cushioned banquette seating along the windows. Ethiopian cuisine is the best, and it's always wonderful to learn and experience more of this rich and devout ancient culture.
🙏🧡
- vegetarian plate9
- red chickpea dish10
- beets8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food and Experience!
My experience at the restaurant was amazing! I ordered the meat combo and received the gluten-free injera. Everything was absolutely delicious.
I truly loved this place!
- meat combo10
- gluten-free injera10
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Fresh Food, Great Value, Highly Recommended
I came in for a sit-down lunch and it didn’t disappoint. Everything tasted so fresh and you can tell that it was made to order, which is something that is kind of hard to find in this area. The prices are also extremely reasonable for the area!
I highly recommend this place; it’s honestly slept on. Great parklet and bike parking as well!
- freshness10
- made to order9
- prices9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Good food, minimal service
My experience at this restaurant was characterized by its fast food ambiance. The service was practically non-existent, as ordering is done via a screen, and staff simply place the plates on the table. However, the food taste was good and flavorful.
- fast food ambiance5
- food taste8
- food flavor8
- service3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Food, Service, and Kitchen Views!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The staff were lovely, and the food was incredible. I particularly enjoyed being able to look right into the kitchen as they made the dishes.
The overall experience was rated 5/5 for Service, Atmosphere, and Food.
- staff9
- food10
- kitchen9
What House of Tadu offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dietary options and offerings are available at House of Tadu Ethiopian Kitchen?
House of Tadu Ethiopian Kitchen offers a variety of healthy options, including dedicated vegan and vegetarian dishes. You can enjoy small plates for a quick bite, complemented by a selection of wine, coffee, and beer. These offerings cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences.
What is the atmosphere like and what service options does House of Tadu Ethiopian Kitchen provide?
House of Tadu Ethiopian Kitchen offers a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. Service options include dine-in, takeout, and delivery, with outdoor seating also available. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring comfort for all guests.
How does House of Tadu rate overall?
House of Tadu holds a good overall score of 7.2 with 72.3% customer satisfaction. Its strongest aspect is Food (7.7), followed by Ambience (6.8), while Value (6.3) and Service (6.2) are considered fair.
What are the food highlights at House of Tadu?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and flavorful Ethiopian food, noting the bold and complex flavors, and the soft, slightly tangy injera. Many also appreciate the generous portion sizes and the availability of good vegetarian options.
What should I know about the service and atmosphere at House of Tadu?
The atmosphere is generally described as chill and clean, with beautiful artwork. However, service can be inconsistent, with some reports of long waiting times or poor customer service. There have also been occasional mentions of cleanliness issues, such as dirty cups or flies.