Highlights
- Live music
oChef » Kimbara – San Francisco
Kimbara - San Francisco
Photo from Kimbara
Kimbara at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 13 of the guests
#1928 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#225 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
62
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Peruvian cuisine
- Welcoming staff
- Vibrant ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Excessive noise
- Order errors
The restaurant Kimbara in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District invites you to an unforgettable dining experience. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a night out.
With live music setting the mood, you can savor delicious small plates and expertly crafted cocktails. It’s a fantastic spot whether you’re looking for dinner, lunch, or just a quick bite.
Overview: Introducting Kimbara
Kimbara offers a vibrant setting, often featuring live music and a generally good atmosphere that many find appealing. Guests frequently praise the friendly staff and excellent hospitality, contributing to a welcoming experience.
The culinary offerings, particularly the Peruvian classics, are a significant draw. However, the lively environment can sometimes become quite loud, making conversation difficult for some.
There have also been instances of inconsistent service, with some patrons feeling overlooked. While the food generally impresses, minor issues like incorrect orders have been noted.
Good
6.6
out of 10
62
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
44
positive
Kimbara holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.6, placing it in the average range, yet its Customer Satisfaction stands at a solid 71%, indicating a generally good experience for most patrons. This slight divergence suggests that while some aspects might be middling, the overall feeling is positive.
These insights are drawn from 62 customer opinions, with 44 positive and 15 negative remarks. The culinary experience is a clear highlight, with Food scoring an impressive (8.6), reflecting many positive comments about the Peruvian dishes.
However, other areas show room for improvement. Ambience (5.6), Value (5), and particularly Service (4.9) all fall into the average category, suggesting these aspects could be inconsistent or simply adequate rather than outstanding.
What people like
- Excellent Peruvian food
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Too loud for conversation
- Order accuracy issues
Kimbara presents a compelling option for those seeking flavorful Peruvian cuisine in a vibrant setting. With a Recommendation Score of 7.2, it generally leaves a positive impression, especially if you prioritize delicious food and a lively environment over quiet conversation.
If you’re prepared for a potentially energetic atmosphere and can overlook occasional service hiccups, Kimbara is certainly worth considering for its culinary strengths. However, if consistent, quiet dining and flawless service are your top priorities, you might find aspects of the experience less ideal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kimbara
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a fantastic score of 8.6 and a customer satisfaction rate of 88.5%, its clear that diners are consistently impressed. Based on 23 positive remarks, guests rave about the authentic Peruvian classics and killer sazon, especially highlighting the delicious ceviches and generous portions.
However, its not entirely perfect. Out of 26 total comments, a couple of guests found the food not pleasant, with one specific mention of a Kale salad order mix-up. While these are minor points, its worth noting that not every dish hits the mark for everyone.
Food
26
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Peruvian flavors
- Killer sazon
- Delicious ceviches
What people don't like
- Unpleasant food experience
Often praised
- cevicheThe ceviche was probably the best I've ever had
- foodfood was good
- Lomo Mar y TierraThey serve Peruvian classics with a killer sazon. The standout dishes were the Vaca Frita and Lomo Mar y Tierra. The ceviches and wings were also both very nicely executed.
- Lomo SaltadoLomo Saltado, which was one of the best I have ever tasted
- Peruvian cevichebest Peruvian ceviche I've ever had
- Peruvian classicsPeruvian classics with killer sazon
- Peruvian foodI have been craving Peruvian food since moving to the city and I hit the jackpot.
- PiscoI love Pisco
- Vaca Fritastandout dishes were the Vaca Frita
- cevichesThe ceviches and wings were also both very nicely executed
Frequently criticized
- Kale saladordered Kale salad but they brought me another salad
- foodfood was not pleasant
If youre craving authentic Peruvian flavors with a killer sazon, this spot is definitely worth a visit. The overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely have a delicious meal, despite a very few minor hiccups. Go for the classics and enjoy!
Service (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
Lets talk service! While the overall score for this aspect is an 4.9 (average) and customer satisfaction hovers around a 53.3% (mixed), there are definitely some bright spots. Out of 15 total opinions, 8 were positive, with many guests praising the genuine hospitality and friendly staff.
Some even specifically mentioned excellent organization and pleasantly short wait times, making for a smooth visit. However, its not all sunshine. The 7 negative comments often pointed to issues with the waitress or server, with some feeling a distinct lack of attention or poor customer service.
There were instances where guests felt ignored, even having to go to the bar themselves, which is definitely not ideal and suggests some inconsistency in the team's performance.
Service
15
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great hospitality
- Friendly staff
- Short wait times
What people don't like
- Ignored by staff
- Poor customer service
- Server no-show
Often praised
- servicethe service and organization were excellent
- friendly staffWhat a delicious place with friendly staff.
- hospitalitythe hospitality is second to none
- organizationthe service and organization were excellent
- people at the barthe people at the bar were incredible
- wait timeWait time:No wait
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was quite bad
- attentionThe waitress was in a bad mood and ignored us. I had to go to the bar myself to ask for what I needed because she wouldn't look at us or pretended to be deaf.
- customer serviceMy server had not shown up by the time I was ready to leave. Definitely not a great customer service experience. I will pay for my drink and go patronize another place.
- private partyshould have been closed for a private party but for some reason they let us order
- serverServer has not showed up to right now
- waitressThe service was terrible, and the food was not pleasant. The waitress was in a bad mood and ignored us. I had to go to the bar myself to ask for what I needed because she wouldn't look at us or pretended to be deaf.
So, should you go? If you catch them on a good day, you might experience top-notch hospitality. But be prepared for the possibility of inconsistent service, as some guests have had less-than-stellar interactions with staff.
Ambience (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag. The score sits at an average 5.6, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 58.8%. Many patrons, based on 10 positive remarks out of 17 total, really appreciate the overall venue and environment, often praising the general atmosphere and the fantastic live music on offer, especially for group gatherings.
However, the experience isn't universally perfect. Some found the music too loud, turning the place into a nightclub and making conversation difficult, especially when loud people are present. These 5 negative remarks suggest that while the energy can be great, it can also be overwhelming for those seeking a quieter experience.
Ambience
17
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Incredible live music
- Good for groups
What people don't like
- Blasting loud music
- Difficult conversation
- Limited seating options
Often praised
- live musicThey also had live music
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- circulationlove the circulation
- environmentnice environment to see Real Madrid Soccer games
- good atmospherea good atmosphere
- group sizesSuitable for all group sizes
- musicThe sweet potato dish was almost too good to believe! The music was awesome, though it is loud, so be ready to use your outdoor voice to speak to your party. Oh, and the hospitality is second to none!
- placesOne of my favorite places in the city
- venuelove the venue
Frequently criticized
- conversationcouldn't have a conversation with the person next to me
- loud peoplelet 10-15 very loud people in
- musicStarted blasting music on the sound system so loud
- nightclubturned the place into a nightclub
- tables and chairsNo tables or chairs and had to sit down at the bar
If you're looking for a lively venue with great live music and a vibrant atmosphere, this place could be a hit. However, if you prefer a quiet spot for easy conversation or dislike loud music and a nightclub feel, you might find it a bit overwhelming.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some real perks! Many folks appreciate the free street parking and the fact that theres plenty of parking space available, making your visit hassle-free. Plus, the overall reasonable price point is a big win, contributing to a good 75% customer satisfaction, even though the overall score for value sits at an average 5.
These positive sentiments come from 3 out of 4 total remarks, highlighting terms like free street parking and price point. However, its not all smooth sailing. Theres been a minor hiccup regarding the bill, with one person noting they still payed for kale salad despite an issue.
This single negative comment, focusing on the bill, suggests there might be occasional billing errors to watch out for. Its a small point, but worth keeping in mind.
Value
4
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Free street parking
- Reasonable price point
What people don't like
- Bill errors
Often praised
- free street parkingParking options:Free street parking
- parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- price pointoverall reasonable price point
Frequently criticized
- billstill payed for kale salad
If youre looking for a place with easy parking and generally fair prices, this spot is definitely worth considering. Just double-check your bill before you leave to ensure everything is correct. Its a solid choice for value, especially if parking is a priority for you.
How are the prices at Kimbara?
On average, you’ll spend around 42 $ per person – from 13 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For a Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning slightly higher.
Looking at what others spend, we see a mix: while some experiences are in this $41–$50 bracket, a good chunk of diners actually spend less, often in the $21–$30 range, suggesting a nice variety of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 13 reviews.
Comparing the value for money at this restaurant to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair. It offers a range of experiences, from more casual to slightly more indulgent, which is great for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kimbara
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible Experience: Bad Service and Food
My experience at this restaurant was very bad. The service was terrible, and the food was not pleasant. The waitress was in a bad mood and ignored us.
I had to go to the bar myself to ask for what I needed because she wouldn't look at us or pretended to be deaf.
- service1
- food1
- waitress1
Visit Type
- Business Meeting
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Terrible Service, Won't Return
I came from out of town for work and read some reviews that said the food was good. I walked in and got a table, but no one ever asked if I wanted anything until I looked at the bartender. My server had not shown up by the time I was ready to leave.
Definitely not a great customer service experience. I will pay for my drink and go patronize another place.
- food7
- customer service1
- server1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great food and atmosphere for Real Madrid games!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was absolutely 10/10, truly delicious. The environment was also very nice, perfect for watching Real Madrid Soccer games.
The service and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5 out of 5. It's a great place for all group sizes, and parking was easy with free street parking and plenty of spaces. The price per person was reasonable, between $30–50, and there was no wait time.
- food10
- environment5
- service5
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Peruvian Food Jackpot!
I've been craving Peruvian food since moving to the city, and I hit the jackpot! It was a delicious place with friendly staff. I'll definitely be coming back.
❤️❤️🙏🏽
- Peruvian food10
- delicious place10
- friendly staff10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Exceptional Peruvian Food and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional! I had what I believe to be the best Peruvian ceviche I've ever tasted. Everything else we ordered was also excellent.
The restaurant offered live music, which contributed to a good atmosphere.
- Peruvian ceviche10
- everything else9
- live music8
What Kimbara offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Kimbara in San Francisco accessible for all guests?
Yes, Kimbara ensures a welcoming experience for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, making it easy for all patrons to enjoy their visit in the Mission District.
What dining options and services does Kimbara offer?
At Kimbara, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, or dessert with comfortable seating and table service. They also accept reservations, so you can plan your visit ahead of time, and offer convenient takeout and delivery options.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Kimbara?
Kimbara has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.6, with Customer Satisfaction at 71%. While Food scores highly (8.6), Ambience (5.6), Value (5), and Service (4.9) are considered average.
What kind of food does Kimbara offer, and is it well-regarded?
Kimbara specializes in Peruvian classics, with dishes like ceviche, Lomo Saltado, and Vaca Frita frequently praised. Many customers consider the food to be a significant highlight.
Is Kimbara suitable for a quiet meal, and how is the service?
Kimbara often features live music and a lively atmosphere, which can sometimes be loud, making conversation difficult. Service has been noted as inconsistent, with some experiences being excellent and others less attentive.