Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Kitava – San Francisco
Kitava - San Francisco
Photo from Kitava
Kitava at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🥗 Health Food Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 81 of the guests
#1289 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#9 Health Food Restaurant out of 14 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
413
Reviews
75.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh healthy food
- Allergy friendly
- Clean atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Pricing ethics
- Small portions
- Shady location
The restaurant Kitava, a popular Health Food Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, invites you to discover a world of nourishing and delicious healthy options. You’ll find a casual and cozy spot where you can enjoy organic dishes and quick bites, perfect for any time of day.
Whether you’re seeking vegan options or just a wholesome meal, this trendy eatery offers a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Kitava
Kitava offers a dining experience centered around wholesome ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the fresh, clean, and very tasty food, often highlighting the generous and satisfying portions.
The staff are frequently noted for being friendly and accommodating, contributing to a positive visit. However, some experiences reveal inconsistencies, particularly with customer service, where staff can sometimes seem disengaged.
While the overall ambiance is often described as pleasant and clean, there are occasional concerns about the surrounding location. The perceived value also draws mixed reactions, with some finding the pricing a bit steep for what’s offered.
Good
7.4
out of 10
413
Reviews
75.1%
Satisfaction
88
negative
15
neutral
310
positive
Kitava achieves a solid 7.4 overall score, reflecting a generally positive reception. This is supported by a good 75.1% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
With 413 customer observations, including 310 positive remarks against 88 negative ones, there’s a clear leaning towards favorable experiences. Looking closer at the specifics, Food stands out with a strong (7.9), consistently praised for its quality and health focus.
The Ambience also scores well (7.7), often described as clean and pleasant. Service is rated as good (6.9), though some experiences suggest room for improvement.
The main area for development appears to be Value, which registers an average (4.1), indicating that pricing and portion perception could be better aligned with customer expectations.
What people like
- Fresh, healthy food
- Allergy-friendly options
- Clean, pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Questionable pricing practices
- Small portion sizes
- Unpleasant location/noise
If you prioritize fresh, healthy, and allergy-friendly food in a clean setting, Kitava is certainly worth considering. The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, and the staff generally aim to be helpful.
It’s a place where you can expect a satisfying meal, especially if dietary needs are a concern. However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it doesn’t always align with the portion sizes, and service can occasionally be inconsistent.
While the food quality is high, the overall value proposition and the surrounding area might not appeal to everyone. Go for the food, but manage expectations on other fronts.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kitava
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally quite pleased, with a strong 7.9 score and a solid 80.2% customer satisfaction. Many of the 219 positive remarks highlight the healthy yummy bowls, fresh food, and generous portion size, often praising the gluten free options and the thought put into the dishes. However, its not all perfect, as 43 negative comments point to some areas for improvement.
Some found dishes greasy or noted a weird texture, while others mentioned small protein portions or food that was simply not fresh' or not warm enough.
Food
273
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
43
negative
11
neutral
219
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Healthy, fresh options
- Generous portion sizes
- Gluten-free haven
What people don't like
- Greasy food items
- Inconsistent food texture
- Small protein portions
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was marked by fresh, clean, and very tasty food. The establishment is located in an old McDonald's, which I see as a sign of gentrification in the Mission.
- power bowlalways get the power bowl, which has lots of good stuff in it
- bowlsTheir bowls are fresh, fast, and healthy.
- gluten-freeAs someone with celiac disease and several other allergies, finding safe dining options can be challenging. Kitava's commitment to being 100% gluten-free, soy-free, peanut-free, refined sugar-free, and seed oil-free is the primary reason I visit, despite the pricey options. My favorite dish is the Baja Bowl, especially when made with cauliflower rice.
- healthy foodFantastic healthy food for all occasions!
- portionsgenerous & satisfying portions
- Caesar SaladI tried the Mezze Harvest Bowl, Caesar Salad, and Immunity Broth, and every bite was perfection. The mezze bowl was packed with vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients, the Caesar Salad was crisp and well-balanced, and the Immunity Broth was pure comfort—warm, soothing, and exactly what I needed. The entire menu is full of fresh, wholesome options, making it easy to enjoy a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and flavorful.
- Power BowlPower Bowl and the mushroom kimchi. Blew me away.
- Sweet Plantain bowlSweet Plantain bowl with added plant patty - 9.5/10 excellent
- barbacoa beefmezze bowl with barbacoa beef. Yummy!
Frequently criticized
- foodnot good enough food
- portion sizeI went for the first time yesterday and the food is very very tasty, good quality but the portions are very little. You'll be hungry in about 1-2 hours for sure.
- sesame chicken bowlthe sesame chicken bowl is definitely not worth it for the price
- Broccolimy entire meal came entirely messed up, nothing tasted fresh or came out right
- Chickenmy entire meal came entirely messed up, nothing tasted fresh or came out right
- FoodFood:2
- Ricemy entire meal came entirely messed up, nothing tasted fresh or came out right
- brussel sproutsbrussel sprouts were literally dripping in oil
- chickendidn’t get any chicken
- chicken bitesChicken bites a little too dry
If youre seeking healthy, customizable, and often gluten-free options, the food here is a strong contender. While some minor inconsistencies exist, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youll likely find a satisfying meal.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to service, you'll find a generally good experience, with a score of 6.9, though customer satisfaction is a bit of a mixed bag at 69%. Based on 49 positive remarks out of 71 total, many customers rave about the friendly, knowledgeable staff who are often described as accommodating and providing super fast service, especially for those with food allergies or catering needs. However, about 20 opinions highlight some areas for improvement.
There are concerns about rude customer service, unhelpful staff, and issues with the payment policy, particularly regarding phone orders and cancellations. Some experiences suggest a lack of understanding or flexibility in certain situations.
Service
71
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
20
negative
2
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Fast, accommodating service
- Easy catering process
What people don't like
- Rude customer service
- Unhelpful payment policy
- No order cancellation
Often praised
- serviceThe service was friendly and quick
- staffshout out to the staff here for being so accommodating
- ServiceGreeted with the biggest brightest smile.
- accommodatingso accommodating and careful with my baby daughters’s allergies
- better serviceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! We had amazing food and even better service. I ordered the upgraded Caesar Salad and Plantain Salad, which were both delicious.
- boss/waiterMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a great concept and very friendly boss/waiter. However, the food was not as good as expected.
- cashiers/waitersthey were very friendly and sweet
- catering processIt was a super easy process
- catering servicesI recently used Kitava for catering an event and was impressed.
- digital menuappreciated the convenience of the digital menu
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceAwful customer service though, the staff really don't care
- staffrest of employee just standing and ignoring me
- ServiceService:1
- app usageI have zero interest in using an app
- cancellation policybeware, there are two kitava locations and they don't let you cancel your order
- cashierThe person taking my order was very rude, and not helpful at all when I had a couple of questions about the menu. The atmosphere looked pleasant, unfortunately, the cashier ruined my experience as I walked out without completing my order.
- close downthen its best to just close the doors.
- community impactthe effect you have on your community is net negative
- customer trustTreating your customers with distrust like this
- deliveryI ordered delivery and not only was the chicken
If youre looking for generally friendly and efficient service, especially for dietary needs or catering, youll likely be pleased. Just be aware that some customers have encountered less-than-stellar interactions or rigid policies, so manage your expectations if you have specific requests or issues.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
The vibe here generally hits the mark, with a 7.7 score indicating a good experience for most. Customers are quite satisfied, with 84.2% giving it a thumbs up. Many appreciate the clean atmosphere, modern, clean, and welcoming space, and the nice chill place feel.
Its often described as having a "minimalist atmosphere" and being "nicely decorated, " making for a pleasant dining experience, based on 32 positive remarks. However, its not without its quirks. A few customers (6 out of 38 total opinions) noted it's a no frills restaurant, and some found it loud at times.
The location and neighbourhood were also mentioned as being a bit shady or a rough area, which can be a concern for some visitors.
Ambience
38
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean atmosphere
- Modern design
- Chill vibe
What people don't like
- Shady location
- Can be loud
- No frills seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThe person taking my order was very rude, and not helpful at all when I had a couple of questions about the menu. The atmosphere looked pleasant, unfortunately, the cashier ruined my experience as I walked out without completing my order.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- ambianceI like the ambiance as well
- clean atmospherequiet and clean atmosphere :)
- placeSuper cute place
- ambienceNice ambience
- cleanThe restaurant is very clean
- cleanlinessMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food was great and the establishment was clean. I received the best service from a waiter I've encountered in a very long time.
- community impactprioritizes community impact
- convenienceoffers convenience
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- locationthe location is super shady
- loudwishing it was less loud when dining in
- neighbourhoodThe neighbourhood feels not so safe
- no frills restaurantDefinitely a no frills restaurant, don't expect to sit comfortably
- rough areaMy experience at Kitava was a mix of positive and slightly challenging aspects. The restaurant is located in the middle of a very rough area, which was a bit concerning. I ordered the sesame chicken bowl and fries.
If youre looking for a clean, modern, and generally chill spot with a good vibe, this place is worth checking out. Just be aware that its a no-frills kind of place, and the surrounding area might not feel the safest to everyone.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, some customers, based on 10 positive remarks out of 31 total, found the experience to be reasonably priced and budget-friendly. They appreciated the good portion size for the price and noted that the food is affordable, making for a delicious and budget-friendly meal. The overall score for value sits at an 4.1, suggesting an average perception of cost-effectiveness.
However, a significant number of concerns, with 19 negative remarks, point to a different story, reflected in a low customer satisfaction of 32.3%. Many felt the restaurant's practices regarding tip pooling and livable wage were problematic, leading to accusations of dishonesty and deceptive behaviour concerning menu prices and restaurant set fees. Some also found add-ons and pricey options made the overall meal not worth the price and impacted affordability.
Value
31
Reviews
32%
Satisfaction
19
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced food
- Good portion sizes
- Budget-friendly options
What people don't like
- Unfair wage practices
- Deceptive pricing fees
- Add-ons increase cost
Often praised
- priceit was a good portion size for the price
- Decently pricedDecently priced
- budget-friendlyMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely delicious and budget-friendly! It's the kind of place more establishments should emulate.
- cheap food optionsyou’re competing w a lot of cheap food options
- further discountsorder via club feast for further discounts
- not horribly expensiveWhile Mission Street can get busy, Kitava itself offers a nice chill place. The food is healthy, decently filling, and not horribly expensive. I'm happy to have it in the area.
- price/quality ratioLa relación precio/calidad es muy buena.
- reasonably pricedOverall, I would definitely order both of these items again. The experience was fast, reasonably priced, and relatively healthy. Highly recommend!
Frequently criticized
- pricedefinitely not worth it for the price ($18 after tax)
- livable wageMy experience at this restaurant was honestly embarrassing. The business has a sign that says, "Tip our employees because we can't provide them a livable wage. " How are you not embarrassed?
- add-onsa bit pricey if you keep adding add-ons
- affordabilityIf only it was affordable to the locals.
- businessYou should be ashamed. If you cannot pay your employees a livable wage, you should not be in business in the first place.
- deceptive behaviourthis kind of deceptive behaviour is already illegal for almost all industries
- dishonestyDue to their dishonesty 1 star and I shall not return
- ethicalif the best defence of the behaviour is "it's legal" that doesn't mean the behaviour is ethical
- honesty and transparentIf they wanted to be honest and transparent they'd advertise their true price
- menu pricesDishonestly lists it's menu prices by adding a restaurant set fee
If youre seeking basic, reasonably priced options, you might find some value here. However, be aware of potential extra fees and the restaurants controversial wage practices, which have significantly impacted customer satisfaction. It's a mixed bag, so weigh your priorities before visiting.
How are the prices at Kitava?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 81 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Health Food Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 23, we see a good mix: many diners spend a bit less in the $11–$20 range, while others are happy to go up to 30 $ or even higher. It suggests a flexible menu that caters to different budgets within that mid-range bracket.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 81 reviews.
A comparison of value for money against similar restaurants in San Francisco.
For a Health Food Restaurant in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for those looking for quality healthy options without breaking the bank, especially with options across the mid-range.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kitava
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Gluten-Free Option with Excellent Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially as a gluten-free diner. It's a great option for quick gluten-free and vegetable-forward food. The service was surprisingly great, even for an order-at-the-counter establishment.
I also appreciated that my dine-in order was served on real plates and my tea in a real glass cup, rather than disposable containers.
- gluten free food9
- vegetable forward food8
- service9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Great Lunch Spot with Amazing Staff
This is my go-to spot for ordering lunch when I don’t want to feel like I’ve overdone it all afternoon :) I love that I can make my own bowls, and the crispy chicken bowl is always great. The staff here deserve a special shout-out for being so accommodating and careful with my baby daughter’s allergies. I called to confirm a few things and have been so impressed by the clean ingredients and the care they take in the kitchen.
- make your own bowls8
- crispy chicken bowl8
- staff10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Awesome Bowls, Kind Staff!
My experience at Kitava was awesome. The bowls were fresh, fast, and healthy. The staff was kind and accommodating.
Location aside, it's a great spot.
- bowls9
- staff9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Experience, Hope for More Locations!
My experience at this restaurant was awesome. I've tried this location and the one in Oakland, and both were great. I would love to see one open in Portland!
- restaurant10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Disappointing Veggie Patty Experience
My experience at this restaurant was largely defined by a disappointing dish. I would strongly advise against ordering the protein bowl with the veggie patty. The veggie bean patty itself was not good, and its texture was further compromised by the consistent consistency of hummus, avocado, and overdone sweet potatoes.
While the service and atmosphere were rated a 4, the food quality, particularly this dish, was a significant letdown with a score of 2.
- Service8
- Atmosphere8
- veggie patty2
- protein bowl2
- sweet potatoes2
What Kitava offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of healthy and dietary options can you find at Kitava?
At Kitava, you can explore a diverse menu focused on healthy options, including a wide array of vegan and vegetarian dishes. They also serve organic dishes and small plates, perfect for a quick bite. You can complement your meal with a selection of wine or beer.
What service options and accessibility features does Kitava offer for your convenience?
Kitava provides flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and no-contact delivery. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. Paid street parking is also available nearby.
How does Kitava generally perform according to customer feedback?
Kitava holds a 7.4 overall score with 75.1% customer satisfaction. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.9) and Ambience (7.7), while Service (6.9) is good, but Value (4.1) needs improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about Kitava's food?
Customers frequently praise Kitava for its fresh, clean, and very tasty food, often highlighting its healthy and allergy-friendly options. Many find the portions generous and satisfying, especially dishes like the power bowls.
What are some common concerns customers have about Kitava?
Key concerns revolve around the perceived value, with some finding prices high for the portion sizes and questioning pricing practices. There are also mentions of inconsistent service quality and an occasionally unpleasant surrounding location or noise level.