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oChef » Kusina Ni Tess – San Francisco
Kusina Ni Tess - San Francisco
Photo from Kusina Ni Tess
Kusina Ni Tess at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🇵🇭 Filipino Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 58 of the guests
#184 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#3 Filipino Restaurant out of 15 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
475
Reviews
89.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant Kusina Ni Tess brings you authentic Filipino flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant South of Market neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for a quick bite or enjoying small plates with friends.
Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or just a coffee, this welcoming Filipino restaurant offers a taste of home.
Overview: Introducting Kusina Ni Tess
Excellent
8.6
out of 10
475
Reviews
89.1%
Satisfaction
25
negative
27
neutral
423
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kusina Ni Tess
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really shines! With an impressive 8.8 score and an excellent 92.3% customer satisfaction, its clear diners are loving whats on their plates. Out of 311 comments, a whopping 287 rave about the authentic Filipino food, praising its delicious, freshly made flavors and generous portions that feel just like a home-cooked meal.
However, a few of the 11 negative remarks did mention some dishes could be a bit greasy, and one customer felt the lechon plate was too basic for its price. There were also isolated comments about dry rice and a concern regarding the quality of the Sinigang soup, suggesting minor inconsistencies in preparation.
Food
311
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
11
negative
13
neutral
287
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Filipino flavors
- Delicious, fresh food
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Can be greasy
- Basic lechon plate
- Soup quality issues
Often praised
- foodUnfortunately, there were no more seating options to eat there; everything is now only to go, which I find a bit of a shame. However, it doesn't change the fact that the food was very delicious. I had the Pork Adobo and Pinakbet dishes, which are both signature dishes.
- Filipino foodI've been back multiple times since, and the quality is very consistent; the food is still as good as ever. I've had so-called authentic Filipino food in other countries and even in Manila, yet the food here still stands tall amongst the best. I also recommend the Pork Lumpia.
- lumpialumpia was freshly cooked in front of you
- turonI love fried eggs, and even though I didn't consider it this time, my a la carte order was delicious. It included garlic rice, fried milk fish (bangus), salty fish (tuyo), cassava suman (sticky rice), turon (fried banana roll), and garlicky vinegar as requested. I was also impressed by their commitment to going green; the takeout packaging and utensils were plant-based and biodegradable.
- authentic Filipino foodlooking for authentic Filipino food. This is definitely a place to go if you are looking for authentic Filipino food.
- portionsI've not eaten much Filipino food, so I wasn't sure what to order at first, but they helped me and directed us to the #1 and #2 breakfasts. They were both absolutely astoundingly good with sizable portions. Since we ate there, they also gave us beef soup as a side that was to die for-- so flavorful and warming!
- tapsilogI settled on the tapsilog and it has become one of my favourite things to get here
- Filipino cuisineI know nothing about Filipino cuisine and thought I was over my head
- FoodI love so much their food. Food very Clean, Place very Clean. And most of all, "Masarap" 😊
- TapsilogThe Tapsilog with the sweet tangy vinegar was delicious!
Frequently criticized
- Bangusmiss one of my order the Bangus
- Sinigang soupSinigang soup had extra protein
- basic plateI ordered the lechon, which came with only plain rice and no sides or vegetables. For $20, I felt this was way too much for such a basic plate. It felt like they were overcharging for what you get.
- foodI didn't really like the food
- food qualityFood:1
- greasyMy experience at this restaurant offered decent Filipino food, though it was perhaps a bit greasy, which is characteristic of real "turo-turo carinderias" in the Philippines. The place is small with only 5 tables, creating a cozy atmosphere.
- hygiene practicesmakes you think if they wash anything properly
- lechonMy lechon came with nothing but plain rice no sides
- pancit noodlesthey don't prepare their pancit noodles
- portion size5 was too much tho, 3 is sufficient
If youre craving authentic, delicious Filipino comfort food with generous servings, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there might be a few minor hiccups like occasional greasiness or a basic lechon plate, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely leave satisfied.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.1 and a fantastic 95.8% customer satisfaction, it's clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 95 remarks, a whopping 91 rave about the incredibly friendly and helpful staff, often noting the fast service and warm welcome from everyone working there.
While overwhelmingly positive, a mere 3 comments touched on minor issues. These mostly concerned external delivery services like Doordash or a single instance of missing utensils for takeout. It seems the in-house team consistently delivers a top-notch experience, making these few points negligible in the grand scheme of things.
Service
95
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Fast service
- Warm welcome
What people don't like
- Missing takeout utensils
Often praised
- staffAs someone who struggles to find Filipino restaurants I like in the city, Kusina Ni Tess is a welcome downtown spot for my cravings. It's a cheap turo-turo place, where you point at the food you want, but the staff are friendly and speak English, making it easy to ask questions. They offer a great deal for about $7-8 for a two-item meal with rice, and you can even get a free side of sabow (soup broth).
- serviceI discovered a special, low-key spot in the Tenderloin/Union Square area that serves tasty Pilipinx food. The staff, including Manny, Marina, and the rest of the aunties, are incredibly friendly, and you can tell the service and food are made with love. I highly recommend the Tapsilog plate and the crispy deep fried pork with the gravy dip.
- peopleMy experience at this restaurant was marked by the wonderful people I encountered. Although the dining room was tiny, the service and atmosphere created by the staff made it a memorable visit.
- ownerMy experience at this restaurant was WONDERFUL! The owner was incredibly helpful in guiding us through the menu choices, and all the food we tried was absolutely delicious! We definitely recommend giving this place a try!
- ServiceService:5
- friendly staffMy experience at this restaurant was like stepping into a Filipino household. The delicious small plates were a highlight, and the extremely friendly staff made the visit memorable. It felt like a genuine taste of Filipino culture.
- ladiesThe ladies are friendly and helpful
- Filipina auntiesThe Pork Sinigang, with its heaping serving of rice, was delightfully tangy and comforting. The atmosphere felt cozy and the place was tidy in appearance, attended by smiling Filipina aunties.
- Manny & EveryoneThank you Manny & Everyone @ Kusina Ni Tess!
- customer serviceeven better customer service
Frequently criticized
- DoordashI don’t feel it should be mandatory to automatically give 20% tips if I’m not sure if my delivery person is coming on time. Doordash tend to make other stops.
- delivery personI had the food delivered to my place. Everything was great except for the delivery person was half an hour late. I don’t feel it should be mandatory to automatically give 20% tips if I’m not sure if my delivery person is coming on time.
- utensilsdon't put any utensils at all
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and well-cared for, this is it. The staff's warmth and efficiency are consistently praised, ensuring a delightful and smooth dining experience. You can expect excellent service here.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot has a lot going for it! Many customers, 22 out of 38 comments, loved the hole-in-the-wall atmosphere and described it as a welcoming and busy joint with a homey and authentic place vibe. The overall score for ambience is a solid 7.1, indicating a good experience for many.
However, its not all sunshine and roses, as the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 57.9%. A few folks, 7 comments, found the seating area to be cramped and the dining room quite tiny'. This suggests that while the overall vibe is positive, the physical space can be a bit of a squeeze for some.
Ambience
38
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
7
negative
9
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Cozy, homey feel
- Clean environment
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Cramped space
Often praised
- atmosphereI enjoyed delicious and filling Filipino food that made me feel like I was back home in Manila. The atmosphere was great, with everyone around speaking in Tagalog. I'm definitely going back again tomorrow ❤️.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- PlaceI love so much their food. Food very Clean, Place very Clean. And most of all, "Masarap" 😊
- appearanceThe Pork Sinigang, with its heaping serving of rice, was delightfully tangy and comforting. The atmosphere felt cozy and the place was tidy in appearance, attended by smiling Filipina aunties.
- authentic placeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the Filipino food, which was very delicious and served in an authentic place. The staff were very hard at work prepping more foods.
- awesome little spotAwesome little spot
- dining roomclean dining room
- dogthey allowed us to bring our well behaved dog in!
- environmentMy experience at this restaurant was marked by fast service, a clean environment, and good food. However, there wasn't much room for seating, with only about three tables that could accommodate four chairs each.
- family run restaurantA family run restaurant
Frequently criticized
- seatingThe team is super friendly, and I will definitely get something to eat here on my next visit. Unfortunately, there were no more seating options to eat there; everything is now only to go, which I find a bit of a shame. However, it doesn't change the fact that the food was very delicious.
- atmosphereAtmosphere a kinda shabby
- crampedVery cramped if you want to eat there
- dining roomdining room was tiny
- menu boardno descriptions posted on menu board
- seating areaThere's not much seating area
If youre looking for a cozy, authentic spot with a lively, welcoming feel and dont mind potentially limited seating, this place is definitely worth a visit. However, if spacious dining is a must-have for you, you might find the ambience a bit too snug.
Value (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
It seems like your wallet will be happy here, as the value proposition is quite strong! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at 74.2%, most diners agree that you get your moneys worth. Many rave about the "affordable price, " "great value for money, " and how some dishes are an absolute "steal, " often praising the generous portions for the cost.
This positive sentiment is echoed in 23 positive remarks out of 31 total. However, a few voices, 4 to be exact, did express some concerns. Terms like "expensive" and "overcharging" popped up, with some feeling the "prices" didnt always make sense for what they received.
While not widespread, it's worth noting that a small number of customers felt they were paying too much for certain items.
Value
31
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
4
negative
4
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great value
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Felt overcharged
- Prices too high
Often praised
- pricesThe staff are friendly and fairly approachable. The food is served in decent portions and the prices are reasonable.
- priceThe portions were big and worth the price.
- valuethe value and quality make Kusina Ni Tess well worth a visit
- $3 dollars worthgo and ask for $3 dollars worth!
- affordable pricethe best part? The affordable price!
- bayadSulit na sulit ang bayad.
- dealThey offer a great deal for about $7-8
- foodCheap delicious food.
- great pricedelicious Filipino food at a great price
- great value for moneyThe Laing, while sweeter than I'm used to, had a wonderful texture. The 'budget' size servings were substantial, lasting me two meals, which offers great value for money. The compostable cutlery was a nice touch.
Frequently criticized
- expensiveMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. The food was very expensive, and to make matters worse, one of my orders, the Bangus, was missing. This store is not good.
- overchargingFor $20, I felt this was way too much for such a basic plate. It felt like they were overcharging for what you get.
- pricesthe prices here don’t make sense
- tipsnot mandatory to automatically give 20% tips
If you're looking for a place where your dollar stretches, this spot generally delivers excellent value, making it well worth a try. Just be mindful that a few folks found certain items a bit pricey, so choose wisely to ensure you get that great deal.
How are the prices at Kusina Ni Tess?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 58 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Filipino Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the reviews, most diners stick to this $11–$20 range, showing a pretty consistent pricing experience, though a few venture higher.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 58 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 quite fair. It offers a good balance for those looking for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kusina Ni Tess
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Overpriced basic meal
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the pricing. I ordered the lechon, which came with only plain rice and no sides or vegetables. For $20, I felt this was way too much for such a basic plate.
It felt like they were overcharging for what you get.
- lechon2
- prices2
- basic plate2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Like Tita's House, Will Return!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful, truly like eating at Tita's house. I will definitely go back every single time I am in San Francisco. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was great, and the service was top-notch, all contributing to a fantastic dining experience.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
8
Good Pork Skewers, Interesting Curries
My experience at the restaurant was centered around trying some of their dishes. The pork skewers were really good, although I found the portion size of 5 to be too much; 3 would have been sufficient. I'm keen to try one of the rice dishes next time.
I noticed a bone-in red chicken curry that resembled an Indian curry, and the brown beef cube curry also looked appealing.
- pork skewers9
- bone-in red chicken curry6
- brown beef cube curry7
- portion size3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Hidden Gem with Authentic Flavors!
What an experience! This place is an unassuming, low-key, hole in the wall that I'm so glad I discovered. The staff and owner were incredibly friendly, and the food was absolutely delicious and high authentic.
I highly recommend trying the Pork Lumpia.
- staff10
- owner10
- food10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Great food, late delivery
My experience with the food was great and delicious. I had the food delivered to my place. Everything was great except for the delivery person was half an hour late.
I don’t feel it should be mandatory to automatically give 20% tips if I’m not sure if my delivery person is coming on time. Doordash tend to make other stops.
- food10
- delivery person2
- tips3
- Doordash3
What Kusina Ni Tess offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Coffee
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services does Kusina Ni Tess offer?
At Kusina Ni Tess, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert, with comfortable seating available. For your convenience, they provide no-contact delivery, curbside pickup, takeout, and traditional dine-in services.
Is Kusina Ni Tess accessible and family-friendly?
Yes, Kusina Ni Tess is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. It’s also a great spot for families, being good for kids, and even welcomes dogs, making it a truly inclusive dining experience.