Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Komaaj Mazze – San Francisco
Komaaj Mazze - San Francisco
Photo from Komaaj Mazze
Komaaj Mazze at a glance
San Francisco Bernal Heights
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 36 of the guests
#511 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#36 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
270
Reviews
81.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Creative cuisine
- Great service
- Inviting atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Service issues
- Loud setting
The bar & pub in San Francisco’s vibrant Bernal Heights neighborhood, Komaaj Mazze, offers you a truly inviting experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot where the great wine list is a definite highlight.
This trendy establishment, known as Komaaj Mazze Wine Bar, provides a perfect setting for you to unwind, whether you’re looking for a delightful evening out or just a quick drink.
Overview: Introducting Komaaj Mazze
Komaaj Mazze offers a distinct culinary journey with its creative persian inspired tapas and an impressive wine selection . Guests frequently commend the beautiful space and its authentic feel, making for a memorable dining experience.
The overall atmosphere is often described as inviting and well-curated. However, some diners have found the experience to be overpriced , particularly concerning portion sizes and additional charges.
While service is generally praised, there are occasional remarks about pushy staff and a noisy environment, which can detract from the otherwise pleasant setting.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
270
Reviews
81.1%
Satisfaction
40
negative
11
neutral
219
positive
Komaaj Mazze generally delivers a strong experience, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 8.1, indicating a good overall performance. This positive sentiment is echoed by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 81.1%, suggesting most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from 270 customer observations, with a significant majority of 219 positive remarks against just 40 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Ambience (8.5), Food (8.2), and Service (8.2) all achieve good scores, highlighting the restaurant’s strengths in these areas.
However, Value (2.4) stands out as a clear area for improvement, falling into the poor category. This suggests that while the quality of the experience is appreciated, its cost can be a point of contention for some.
What people like
- Creative Persian tapas
- Attentive, warm service
- Beautiful, cozy ambiance
What people don't like
- Questionable value
- Pushy service
- Noisy environment
Komaaj Mazze offers a distinctive dining experience, particularly for those seeking unique Northern Iranian-inspired dishes and a well-curated wine list within an appealing setting. The attentive service and inviting atmosphere contribute significantly to a pleasant visit, making it a place where many find enjoyment.
With a Recommendation Score of 8.1, it’s clear that many patrons would suggest a visit. However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it on the higher side.
If you prioritize creative flavors and a charming environment over strict budget considerations, Komaaj Mazze is certainly worth exploring.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Komaaj Mazze
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally quite pleased, with a good customer satisfaction rating of 82.2%. Many rave about the authentic Northern Iranian cuisine, praising its unique and rich flavors, often highlighting the beautiful presentation. With 129 positive comments out of 157 total, it's clear the culinary journey is a hit.
However, a few of the 19 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Some found the portions to be on the smaller side and felt certain dishes were overpriced. There were also mentions of inconsistent food quality and a surprising lack of carbohydrate elements in some main courses.
Food
157
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
19
negative
9
neutral
129
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Northern cuisine
- Unique, rich flavors
- Beautiful presentation
What people don't like
- Portions can be small
- Some dishes overpriced
- Inconsistent food quality
Often praised
- foodThe food is on rotation, very creative persian inspired tapas
- wine selectionMy experience at this elegant and refined wine bar was exceptional. The impressive selection of rare-find Armenian and Georgian wines was a highlight. For food, the Northern Iranian mezze were perfect for sharing amongst friends.
- FoodFood:5
- Northern Iranian cuisineNorthern Iranian cuisine is really special and Komaaj has done a really good job
- drinksMy experience at this wine bar was really fun! I enjoyed the delicious drinks and the great shareable plates that were perfect for munching on while sipping. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the food was excellent.
- smoked troutThe smoked trout with the sauce and mint was phenomenal.
- beautiful presentationMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was delicious, with unique flavors and beautiful presentation. Our service person offered great advice, and the olives and the eggplant & walnut mezze were particularly fantastic.
- flavorsFour of us had wine experiences, and all the wine was unique and paired well with the food. The flavors were incredible! Our favorites were the platter, the beef kitchen main, and the saffron yogurt dessert.
- fresh ingredientsI believe this is probably the best northern Iranian food you can find in the Bay Area, and possibly in all of California. The food quality is extremely high, thanks to the use of fresh ingredients. The friendly staff is also a significant plus.
- marinated oliveshighly recommend trying the marinated olives
Frequently criticized
- Persian communityMy experience at this restaurant was largely a disappointment, particularly concerning the food. I don't believe their target market is the Persian community, and if you've had authentic northern Iranian food, this experience doesn't come close. It might be acceptable if you've never tried it before.
- Saffron ice creamthe Saffron ice cream was served too frozen
- carbohydrate elementdefinite lack of a proper carbohydrate element in this dish
- chickenFor the main course, the sour chicken stew was surprising as it didn't come with rice, which had to be ordered separately. The turmeric rice didn't complement the dish at all, and the chicken was extremely overcooked, possibly reheated leftovers. The smoked trout dish was a complete disappointment with a very small portion and a lack of a proper carbohydrate element.
- cucumber saladcucumber salad just tasted bad
- fooddisappointed by the food
- food qualitygave only 3 stars only because of the food quality
- labnelabne that is the size of one tablespoon
- lavash breaddidn’t like the crunchy lavash bread
- marinated olive dishmarinated olive dish (zeitoon parvarde), it was below average
If you're seeking an authentic and unique Northern Iranian culinary experience with rich flavors and beautiful presentation, the food here is definitely worth trying. Just be mindful that some portions might be smaller than expected, and a few dishes could feel a bit pricey.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.2 and a fantastic 83% customer satisfaction, it's clear guests feel well-cared for. Out of 53 remarks, 44 praise the friendly staff, attentive managers, and the overall great hospitality, often highlighting professional and welcoming interactions.
However, a few guests (7 remarks) did note some areas for improvement. There were mentions of pushy waiters or servers, and occasionally, the service could be slow. A couple of instances also pointed to staff seeming less than thrilled, which can dampen the experience.
Service
53
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Attentive, great managers
- Professional, helpful service
What people don't like
- Pushy servers
- Service can be slow
- Unenthusiastic staff
Often praised
- serviceIt didn't pair well with either the Sangak bread or the turmeric rice. On the positive side, the service was good and the staff were friendly. I also liked the interior design of the place.
- staffHad a great family dinner here, trying all sorts of delicious, new dishes and served by the warm and helpful staff. My favorite dishes included the Mazze platter, especially the eggplant walnut dip, and the Olives appetizer – a delicious combo of briney, smoky olives with sweet and herbaceous toppings.
- ServiceStill, the overall experience was fantastic. Service was incredible, attentive yet relaxed, and the space itself is beautiful. The design and decor, with portraits and traditional pieces, made the atmosphere feel authentic and filled with love.
- hospitalityhospitality was top-notch
- big groupHope to come back soon with a big group
- busserFor instance, a side of rice was almost $10. The service from the servers was a bit pushy, though the busser was super sweet and helpful. On a positive note, the atmosphere was very nice.
- event managementthe event was managed perfectly
- friendly staffFriendly staff is also a big plus
- great adviceThe food was delicious, with unique flavors and beautiful presentation. Our service person offered great advice, and the olives and the eggplant & walnut mezze were particularly fantastic. The smoked trout and salmon were also favorites.
- hostThe host did an amazing and thorough job of explaining
Frequently criticized
- experienceleft a bit disappointed by the experience
- managerstill came off as talking down to me
- serversServers were also kind of pushy
- serviceWe were a group of 3 and opted for the mezze platter for 4, which included great smoked fish and several good side dishes to share. However, the service did get kind of slow towards the end of the evening, and the atmosphere became a bit noisy.
- staffif the staff doesn't even seem to care when you bring up these issues
- waiterThe waiter was very pushy
- waitressThe waitress was clearly not in the best mood and got pretty upset
Overall, you can expect a really positive service experience here, with most guests raving about the friendly and professional team. While a few found the servers a bit pushy or slow, these seem to be isolated incidents. It's definitely worth trying for their generally excellent hospitality!
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a fantastic score of 8.5 and delighting 88.5% of guests! With 46 positive remarks, diners consistently praise the wonderful atmosphere, thoughtful decor, and great vibes. Many find it a warm, welcoming space offering a unique dining experience, often highlighted by its traditional Persian touches.
However, a few of the 6 negative comments mention that the space can get a bit loud or noisy, especially during busy times. Some also felt the adjacent takeout counter detracted slightly from the overall elevated feel. While minor, these are points to consider if you prefer a quieter setting.
Ambience
52
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Captivating atmosphere
- Thoughtful interior design
- Unique dining experience
What people don't like
- Can get noisy
- Takeout counter proximity
Often praised
- atmosphereService was incredible, attentive yet relaxed, and the space itself is beautiful. The design and decor, with portraits and traditional pieces, made the atmosphere feel authentic and filled with love. Truly a gem in the city.
- ambianceThe ambiance was wonderful
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiencegreat ambience
- decorThe food and the decor took me back
- interior designI absolutely love their interior design
- spacethe space itself is beautiful
- vibeThe vibe is cozy
- wine barReally fun wine bar
- ambientThe ambient inside is also very traditional and unique.
Frequently criticized
- confusingIt's confusing and feels like they're just finding more ways to charge us extra
- loudit can get quite loud
- neighborhoodand the neighborhood is pretty unappealing
- noisydid get a bit noisy
- parkingAlso, parking is awful
- takeout countertakeout counter is next door, makes the space feel less elevated
If you're seeking a restaurant with a truly captivating and culturally rich atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that it can get lively, so if you prefer a very quiet meal, you might want to plan your timing carefully.
Value (2.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
Based on 8 customer feedbacks, there are unfortunately no positive remarks to highlight regarding the value offered here. It seems guests havent found anything particularly noteworthy or commendable about the pricing or overall cost-effectiveness of their dining experience. The value aspect, however, scores a very poor 2.4, with customer satisfaction at a dismal 0%.
Customers frequently felt overcharged due to high prices and unexpected costs like the bread they brought and a 21% gratuity. Many opinions suggest the offerings were overpriced and didnt justify the cost, especially compared to an upscale one.
Value
8
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- High prices
- Feel overcharged
- Unexpected charges
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- priceWhile the vibe is cozy and some dishes like the eggplant dip were phenomenal, and the smoked trout was also very good, the overall experience left me a bit disappointed. The food was good, not great, and overpriced. The mezza platter was nice, but I did not think the main dishes were as good.
- bread they broughtBoth entrees were good, but they used to be perfect. When we got the check, we noticed that they charged for the bread they brought with the appetizers (5 small pieces of Sangak bread for $5!) plus a 21% gratuity for a group of 6, which I believe is more than the regular 18% for this group size. I gave only 3 stars because of the food quality.
- gratuity21% of gratuity for a group of 6
- high pricesdisappointed with the experience, especially considering the high prices
- overchargedwanted a place I could enjoy without feeling overcharged
- overpricedbut overpriced. Side of rice is almost $10
- upscale onewith prices of an upscale one
If value is a key factor for you, this spot might disappoint. Many guests felt significantly overcharged and found the high prices didn't match the experience, including unexpected charges for things like bread and a hefty gratuity. Be prepared for a potentially expensive outing where the cost might outweigh the perceived worth.
How are the prices at Komaaj Mazze?
On average, you’ll spend around 41 per person – based on 36 guests. That places this Bar & Pub in the $41–$50 category, which is definitely on the higher-end for its type. Looking at the full picture, prices are quite spread out.
While many guests spend in the 21 – 40 $ range, there are also those who opt for more premium experiences, pushing their spend up to 90 $.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 36 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Given the higher-end pricing for a Bar & Pub, we’d say it feels fair if the quality of drinks, food, and ambiance matches the price tag. It seems like there are options for different budgets, which is a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Komaaj Mazze
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Food, Worth a Visit
My experience at this restaurant was quite positive. The food was amazing and interesting, with a flavor profile that reminded me of Mediterranean cuisine, though it was distinct. I will definitely be back.
- food9
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
A Warm Persian Gem in SF
If I had to pick my top 10 restaurants in SF, this would absolutely make the list. It feels like home, warm, welcoming, and full of heart. What makes it special is how it highlights Persian dishes you don’t often see elsewhere.
The mains were outstanding, the chicken and smoky fish were my favorites, though the lamb stew could get better. The appetizers were a bit mixed; some were good, while others could use a little more refinement. Still, the overall experience was fantastic.
Service was incredible, attentive yet relaxed, and the space itself is beautiful. The design and decor, with portraits and traditional pieces, made the atmosphere feel authentic and filled with love. Truly a gem in the city.
- mains9
- chicken and smoky fish10
- lamb stew6
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Incredible Food and Atmosphere for a Birthday!
I came to this restaurant for a birthday meal with 5 people. Someone had recommended this place to me, and it had been on my list for a while. We arrived without a reservation, and they were initially unsure where to seat us, which is why I've rated service 4 stars.
However, the service and everything else afterward were excellent! We ordered the larger mazze platter, two additional dishes, three kitchen "main" dishes, and all three desserts. Sharing everything family-style was the perfect amount, perhaps even a little more.
Four of us had wine experiences, and all the wine was unique and paired well with the food. The flavors were incredible! Our favorites were the platter, the beef kitchen main, and the saffron yogurt dessert.
Honestly, everything was great! You can’t go wrong; it just depends on your preferences. Go and enjoy!
- food10
- atmosphere10
- service8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Iranian Food and Atmosphere
I absolutely love this place! I first tried it years ago when it was a tiny cafe in SF, and I was happy to see how much they have grown recently. The service is amazing, and I absolutely love their interior design, with very traditional unique pieces brought from Iran.
The food is really unique, delicious, and beautifully served. They offer traditional Iranian dishes that you normally don’t find in Iranian restaurants here, and they have slightly modified them with a modern touch. The menu changes, and I loved everything that I have tried on their menu!
My absolute favorite was the Sumac Beef Pan Kabob.
- service10
- interior design10
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Vibes and Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The vibes were great, from the decor to the food presentation and plating. The hospitality was also excellent.
We enjoyed the red wine tasting flight, and the pours were generous. We also tried the neshtaa mazze sampler and the pomegranate chicken & rice, which were all delicious and a substantial amount of food for two people. I would definitely come back to try more items on the menu!
- vibes9
- decor9
- food presentation9
What Komaaj Mazze offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food
- Wine
- Food at bar
- Beer
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Komaaj Mazze Wine Bar accessible for everyone?
Yes, Komaaj Mazze Wine Bar is designed with accessibility in mind. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests in this Bernal Heights spot.
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Komaaj Mazze?
At Komaaj Mazze, you can expect a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed outing. They offer table service and seating, and you can even make reservations for your visit to this San Francisco bar.
What is the overall standing of Komaaj Mazze?
Komaaj Mazze holds a good overall Restaurant Score of 8.1, with Customer Satisfaction at 81.1%. Its strengths lie in Ambience (8.5), Food (8.2), and Service (8.2), though Value (2.4) is a notable area for improvement.
What makes the food at Komaaj Mazze distinctive?
The food is praised for its creative Persian-inspired tapas, impressive wine selection, and unique Northern Iranian cuisine. Diners often highlight the beautiful presentation, incredible flavors, and use of fresh ingredients, with dishes like smoked trout and marinated olives receiving specific acclaim.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks when dining here?
Some patrons express concerns regarding the restaurant’s value, finding certain items overpriced or noting unexpected charges. Additionally, there are occasional comments about pushy service and the environment becoming noisy, which can impact the dining experience for some.