Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » JT – San Francisco
JT - San Francisco
Photo from JT
JT at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🇵🇭 Filipino Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 22 of the guests
#499 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#5 Filipino Restaurant out of 15 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
171
Reviews
83.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Authentic food
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Cluttered space
- Food inconsistency
The restaurant JT is a delightful Filipino restaurant nestled in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Specializing in small plates, it’s an excellent spot to explore a variety of authentic flavors. Whether you’re looking for lunch, dinner, or even dessert, this welcoming establishment has you covered.
It’s also a great choice if you’re dining with children, ensuring a pleasant experience for the whole family.
Overview: Introducting JT
JT offers a genuinely warm and inviting experience, often described as having a hospitable atmosphere that feels like a true embrace into the community. Many guests appreciate the authentic home-cooked meal quality, making it a comforting spot for Filipino cuisine.
However, some visitors have noted that the ambience can feel a bit cluttered inside , which might detract from the dining experience for those seeking a more conventional restaurant setting.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
171
Reviews
83.6%
Satisfaction
25
negative
3
neutral
143
positive
JT earns a solid overall score of 8.2, indicating a good dining experience, complemented by a strong 83.6% customer satisfaction rate. This positive sentiment is largely driven by its exceptional Service (9.1), which guests frequently praise for its warmth and friendliness.
The Food (8.1) also stands out as a key strength, consistently delivering on flavor and authenticity. Based on 171 customer opinions, with 143 positive remarks against 25 negative ones, the restaurant’s Ambience (7.4) is generally well-regarded for its cozy feel, despite some comments about it being crowded.
Additionally, the Value (7.2) is considered good, offering reasonable prices for the quality and portions provided.
What people like
- Exceptional, friendly service
- Authentic home-cooked food
- Good value for money
What people don't like
- Cluttered, crowded space
- Inconsistent food taste
If you’re seeking a dining experience rich in Filipino hospitality and authentic flavors, JT is certainly worth considering. Its strong Recommendation Score of 8.4 suggests that most visitors leave satisfied, particularly those who appreciate a personal touch and a comforting, home-style meal.
However, if a pristine, spacious dining environment is a top priority, you might find the cluttered setting less ideal. Ultimately, for delicious, heartfelt food and genuinely friendly service, JT delivers a memorable experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on JT
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting a strong score of 8.1 and a customer satisfaction rate of 84.9%. Out of 106 comments, a whopping 90 were positive, highlighting the authentic taste and home cook Filipino food. Guests consistently rave about the great food and rich flavor, often feeling like theyre enjoying a delicious, home-cooked meal.
However, not everyone was completely satisfied, with 16 negative remarks. Some felt the portions were a bit small, while others found certain dishes to be sour or even tough and dry. A few even noted an overpowering use of vinegar', which detracted from their experience.
Food
106
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
16
negative
0
neutral
90
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Filipino taste
- Homestyle cooking feel
- Rich, great flavor
What people don't like
- Overly sour dishes
- Tough, dry food
- Meager portion sizes
Often praised
- foodServed over a bed of steaming white rice, it was the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying. The portion sizes were generous, the service was warm and welcoming, and the food tasted just like a home-cooked meal. Don’t let the atmosphere distract you from the home-cooking deliciousness—this place is all about the food, and it delivers big time.
- Filipino foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It served as a perfect introduction to Filipino food. The food was good, and the service was lovely.
- pork adoboGot the beef stew and pork adobo. Tastes like a home-cooked filipino meal
- lumpiaLeft with pork adobo, lumpia, beef stew, and a sausage.
- beef stewGot the beef stew and pork adobo. Tastes like a home-cooked filipino meal
- sausageLeft with pork adobo, lumpia, beef stew, and a sausage.
- sinigangTheir sinigang was just as good as moms.
- AfritadaThe afritada? Tender chunks of meat simmered in a rich, tomato-based sauce, full of deep, hearty flavors. Served over a bed of steaming white rice, it was the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying.
- Filipino Breakfastthe Realist Best Filipino Breakfast I've Ever Had
- Filipino cuisineShe makes classic Filipino cuisine and dessert
Frequently criticized
- dinuguandinuguan from this restaurant, but it was disappointing
- foodI always like to support Filipino businesses, but I really didn't like the food here. All the food is very sour. My first time, I had adobo and it was so sour I ended up throwing it away.
- portionsthe portions are meager
- Filipino sausagesFilipino sausages are hard to chew
- adoboadobo and its so sour I end up throwing away
- calderetaget dinuguan and caldereta and it’s still very sour
- eatingThe staff was unfriendly, and the food tasted horrible. I wouldn't trust eating anything from this place. Buyer beware!
- item we wantedall out of the only thing we wanted to order
- loganisait's sweeter than typical and had a really strong buttery caramel finish that was unpleasant
- pork adobothe pork was extremely tough and dry
If you're craving authentic, home-cooked Filipino flavors, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While there might be occasional concerns about portion sizes or a dish being too sour, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests a delightful culinary experience awaits. Just be prepared for a genuine taste of the Philippines!
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
The service at this spot truly shines, boasting an excellent score of 9.1 and an impressive 91.9% customer satisfaction. With 34 positive remarks out of 37 total, guests consistently highlight the friendly sole proprietor, owner, and the genuine Filipino hospitality. Youll often hear about a warm greeting and a smile that makes you feel instantly like family, turning a meal into a memorable dining experience.
On the flip side, a very small number of comments, just 3, touched on minor concerns. A few guests mentioned unfriendly staff, suggesting that while the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, theres a rare instance where the staff might not meet the high standards set by the owner's warmth.
Service
37
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly owner
- Warm hospitality
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Unfriendly staff
Often praised
- ownershe's the nicest restaurant owner I've ever encountered
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was delicious, and the service was incredibly friendly. If I ever find myself back in San Francisco, I will definitely visit again!
- ownersThe food was very tasty and felt home-cooked. I had a very nice visit with the owners while dining. The pork adobo was particularly terrific!
- Amigo JuanI also enjoy chatting with her hubby Amigo Juan
- Ate TessAte Tess is always there to greet u with a smile
- Filipino hospitalityFilipino hospitality that makes you feel like a “bisita” at her home
- Lola TessOur son felt a connection with Lola Tess, reminding him of his Lola back home. She was full of smiles and warmth, making us instantly feel like family. We loved every single bite and every single moment.
- ServiceService:5
- TessTess is sooo friendly and sweet
- The Ma'amThe Ma'am There She's A Wizard
Frequently criticized
- cookThey need better cook
- finding this placetaking a little longer for us to find this place
- staffStaff is unfriendly
If youre seeking a dining experience where the hospitality is as memorable as the food, this place is a clear winner. The exceptional service and welcoming owner make it a must-visit, promising youll feel right at home despite a very rare mention of less-than-friendly staff.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a good note, scoring 7.4, which is quite good, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 66.7%. Many of the 12 positive remarks highlight the atmosphere, vibes, and warm and charming ambiance, often describing it as a family dining room or a home away from home. Guests appreciate the soulful atmosphere and feeling welcomed into the Filipino community.
However, its not without its quirks, as 4 negative comments point out. Some find the ambience a bit cluttered, feeling more like an aunties house than a restaurant. There are also mentions of plants blocking the window and the space feeling crowded inside.
While the food often shines, some guests suggest the atmosphere can be a distraction, contributing to the mixed satisfaction despite the good score.
Ambience
18
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, charming ambiance
- Soulful atmosphere
- Welcoming community vibe
What people don't like
- Cluttered ambience
- Blocked window views
- Feels crowded inside
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was also great.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Filipino communitywelcomed into a stole of the Filipino community
- ambianceThe ambiance is warm and charming
- family dining roomThe place looks like a family dining room
- hospitable atmosphereAte Tess sets the hospitable atmosphere
- placeThe place is very clean
- regular customersThe authentic Filipino cuisine was served by a friendly sole proprietor. Throughout our meal, a steady stream of regular customers came in to chat with the owner in Tagalog and pick up to-go orders. It truly felt like a warm embrace into their community.
- restaurantIt's a cute , cozy little restaurant inside the Mint Mall
- soulful atmosphereIt's a true find, especially when surrounded by overpriced, Instagrammable Chipotle knock-offs with kiosk ordering. This place has soul and offers a fantastic experience with its soulful atmosphere, excellent food, and top-notch service.
Frequently criticized
- ambienceThe ambience feels more like an auntie's house than a restaurant--there's A LOT of clutter.
- atmosphereThe portion sizes were generous, the service was warm and welcoming, and the food tasted just like a home-cooked meal. Don’t let the atmosphere distract you from the home-cooking deliciousness—this place is all about the food, and it delivers big time. Five stars, high fives all around—definitely coming back for more!
- crowded insideYou feels crowded inside
- plants blocking windowPlants blocking the window
If youre looking for a cozy, community-driven vibe and dont mind a bit of clutter, this place offers a unique, homey experience. It might feel a little crowded, but the authentic atmosphere often outweighs these minor points for many, especially if you prioritize a soulful, welcoming feel.
Value (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.2 and a customer satisfaction rate of 70%, its clear that most diners find the pricing to be good. Many folks rave about the "reasonable price" and how the "food" is "well priced, " often describing it as "affordable" or "inexpensive.
" This positive sentiment comes from 7 out of 10 customer observations. However, its not a perfect score, as a couple of voices (2 out of 10 observations) did find the price to be a bit steep, noting it as expensive or a bit much for certain items. While the overall consensus leans positive, it's worth keeping in mind that a few items might feel a little pricey to some.
Value
10
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable price
- Affordable food
- Well priced
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
Often praised
- priceI'm not very familiar with Filipino food, so I stuck to what I recognized, but I'm definitely coming back to try other dishes. I had the pork and sausage with rice for $10.
- foodthe food is Affordable
- pricesreally inexpensive
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price for a spot in the city
- well pricedwas well priced
Frequently criticized
- price$12 for one item and $20 for 2 items !! That's a but much
If you're looking for a place where your money generally goes a long way, this restaurant is a good bet. Most customers find the value to be quite fair, making it a solid choice for an enjoyable meal without breaking the bank. Just be mindful that a few specific items might lean towards the pricier side.
How are the prices at JT?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 22 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Filipino Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners (18 out of 22) are right in that $11–$20 sweet spot, with just a few venturing slightly higher. So, prices are pretty consistent around that average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 22 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Filipino Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. Its a good spot if youre looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about JT
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic Filipino Community Hub
My experience at this restaurant was like being welcomed into a piece of the Filipino community in the city. The authentic Filipino cuisine was served by a friendly sole proprietor. Throughout our meal, a steady stream of regular customers came in to chat with the owner in Tagalog and pick up to-go orders.
It truly felt like a warm embrace into their community.
- authentic Filipino cuisine9
- friendly sole proprietor10
- regular customers8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Delicious Food & Friendly Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was delicious, and the service was incredibly friendly. If I ever find myself back in San Francisco, I will definitely visit again!
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Authentic Filipino Comfort Food!
High Five for JT’s Filipino Restaurant! If you’re craving authentic, home-style Filipino comfort food in San Francisco, JT’s Filipino Restaurant is the spot! I stopped by and ordered their Longanisa and Afritada over rice, and let me tell you—it was a flavor-packed experience!
The longanisa was perfectly sweet, savory, and caramelized just right, with that irresistible snap in every bite. The afritada? Tender chunks of meat simmered in a rich, tomato-based sauce, full of deep, hearty flavors.
Served over a bed of steaming white rice, it was the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying. The portion sizes were generous, the service was warm and welcoming, and the food tasted just like a home-cooked meal. Don’t let the atmosphere distract you from the home-cooking deliciousness—this place is all about the food, and it delivers big time.
Five stars, high fives all around—definitely coming back for more!
- Longanisa10
- Afritada9
- portion sizes9
- atmosphere2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
A Must-Visit for Filipino Food Lovers!
If you're a fan of Filipino food, this restaurant is a must-visit. The service was impeccable, with a team that goes above and beyond to ensure your dining experience is memorable. The food is a culinary journey through the Philippines, with the kare-kare and halo-halo standing out as my favorites.
The ambiance is warm and charming, reflecting the rich culture of the Philippines. An absolute delight!
- Filipino food10
- service10
- dining experience10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Disappointing Sour Filipino Food
I always like to support Filipino businesses, but I really didn't like the food here. All the food is very sour. My first time, I had adobo and it was so sour I ended up throwing it away.
It was a waste, especially since it was expensive for a meal at $20. Even though I didn't like it the first time, I went again and got dinuguan and caldereta, and it was still very sour. They overpower everything with vinegar.
They need a better cook.
- food1
- adobo1
- dinuguan1
What JT offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and accessibility features does JT Restaurant offer?
At JT Restaurant, you can enjoy a casual dining experience for lunch, dinner, and dessert. The establishment is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests. For convenience, curbside pickup and takeout options are also readily available.
Is JT Restaurant suitable for families and what kind of dishes can I expect?
Yes, JT Restaurant is good for kids, making it a family-friendly spot in the Mission District. The menu features delicious small plates, perfect for sharing or enjoying a quick bite. It’s an ideal place to experience authentic Filipino flavors in a relaxed setting.
How does JT perform overall?
JT earns a strong overall score of 8.2 with 83.6% customer satisfaction. Its Service (9.1) and Food (8.1) are particularly well-received, while Ambience (7.4) and Value (7.2) also contribute positively to the experience.
What makes JT a unique dining experience?
JT is often highlighted for its genuine Filipino hospitality and the feeling of being welcomed into a family dining room . Guests frequently praise the home-cooked meal quality and the warm, personal interaction with the owner, making it feel like a visit to a relative’s home.
Are there any aspects of JT that some customers find challenging?
Some customers have noted that the ambience can feel crowded inside or cluttered , resembling an “auntie’s house” rather than a traditional restaurant. Additionally, there are occasional comments about inconsistent food taste , with specific dishes sometimes described as too sour or pork being tough .