Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Leopold’s – San Francisco
Leopold's - San Francisco
Photo from Leopold’s
Leopold's at a glance
San Francisco Russian Hill
- 🥨 Austrian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 49 of the guests
#500 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Austrian Restaurant out of 1 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
382
Reviews
84.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Austrian food
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Rude management
The restaurant Leopold’s invites you to experience a taste of Austria right in the heart of San Francisco’s charming Russian Hill neighborhood. This authentic Austrian restaurant is celebrated for its cozy atmosphere and, notably, its great wine list, promising a delightful culinary journey.
Whether you’re seeking a casual lunch or an intimate dinner, you’ll find a welcoming spot to unwind and savor European flavors.
Overview: Introducting Leopold's
Leopold’s offers a truly immersive experience, with many guests praising its hospitable service and warm and cozy atmosphere that transports you to a European setting. While the delicious food receives widespread acclaim, some patrons have noted that certain items can feel overpriced.
This establishment aims to deliver an authentic feel, from its decor to its culinary offerings. It’s a place where the overall vibe and the quality of many dishes shine, though a few aspects related to cost and specific service interactions have drawn criticism.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
382
Reviews
84.3%
Satisfaction
46
negative
14
neutral
322
positive
Leopold’s earns a solid 8.1 overall, reflecting a generally positive dining experience, and customer satisfaction stands at a good 84.3%. This indicates that most visitors leave content, with the restaurant successfully delivering on many fronts.
These insights are drawn from 382 customer remarks, comprising 322 positive and 46 negative observations. Delving into specifics, the Ambience (8.7) and Food (8.2) are clear standouts, consistently impressing diners.
Service (8.2) also performs well, though some specific negative comments about management exist. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.3), which falls into the average range, suggesting that while quality is often high, the pricing can be a point of contention for some.
What people like
- Delicious Austrian food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Authentic, cozy ambiance
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Inconsistent management interactions
- Can be noisy
With a strong recommendation score of 8.2, Leopold’s is generally a worthwhile visit, especially if you’re seeking an authentic European atmosphere and well-regarded Austrian cuisine. It’s a place that often delivers on its promise of a unique dining experience.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some items are considered expensive, and be prepared for a potentially lively, sometimes noisy, environment. If you prioritize delicious food and a transportive ambiance over strict budget adherence, it’s certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Leopold's
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, it seems many diners are leaving happy! With a solid score of 8.2 and a customer satisfaction rate of 84%, the culinary experience is generally good. Patrons frequently praise the authentic German and Austrian food, delicious meals, and generous portion sizes, often paired with a great beer selection, as noted in 199 positive remarks.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 24 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. A few guests found certain items bland or not quite authentic, while some desserts were considered too sweet. There were also isolated reports of upset stomachs, suggesting some inconsistency in preparation.
Food
237
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
24
negative
14
neutral
199
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic German/Austrian food
- Delicious meals
- Great beer selection
What people don't like
- Some dishes bland
- Desserts too sweet
- Inconsistent preparation
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of delicious food and a very unpleasant service encounter. The food was so yummy, earning a perfect score. However, the experience was significantly marred by the very rude manager.
- beerMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. The atmosphere was nice, and they served great beer. The food was good, and I was particularly impressed with the Wiener Schnitzel, which was great.
- beer selectionbeer selection was fun and interesting
- schnitzelThe bartenders were super friendly. I had the best schnitzel in SF and the Apfelstrudel was done right; we inhaled it in 2 minutes! I would 120% come back.
- SchnitzelBEST Schnitzel in US, compares to Germany/Austria's best
- Austrian foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We enjoyed the best Austrian food in SF, complemented by amazing service. Our server, Shannon, was particularly awesome.
- Wiener SchnitzelOur favorites are their Friday special and the Wiener Schnitzel
- bratwurstespecially the käsespätzle and bratwurst
- Wiener schnitzelThe star of the show is the Wiener schnitzel—absolutely incredible!
- beer menuMan, this Austrian restaurant is fantastic! The staff is super friendly, the food is delicious, and they have an epic beer menu and tons of great wine options. The atmosphere is fun and lively, with big booths and tons of ephemera on the walls.
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was not good at all
- Austrian cuisineDear Americans, please don't think that this restaurant has anything to do with Austrian cuisine or atmosphere. It’s clear that the food is geared towards American tastes, but the taste, and even the way it's prepared, couldn't be further from Austrian cuisine. The brass band music that's played way too loudly in the restaurant is only heard by a few alpine pastors in Austria.
- Austrian/German foodfood here has taken bland to a whole new level
- Chicken breastnever had such a bad 'Chicken breast'
- German and Eastern European foodTheirs is mediocre at best
- Jager mushroom sauceMy experience at the restaurant was okay. The food was a bit flavorless, and the Jager mushroom sauce was quite sour, not as it is in Europe. However, the service was friendly and the decor was cozy.
- Linzer tortLinzer tort which I thought was way too sweet
- SoupSoup seems an afterthought
- Wiener SchnitzelMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I ordered what was advertised as Wiener Schnitzel, but it was made with pork. In Austria and Germany, it's widely known that authentic Wiener Schnitzel must be made with veal.
- blandIt tasted bland
If you're craving authentic German and Austrian cuisine and a fantastic beer selection, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that while many dishes are delicious, some might find certain items a bit bland or the desserts overly sweet.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at 84.5%, most diners rave about the friendly service, accommodating staff, and knowledgeable waiters who offer great suggestions. Based on 60 positive remarks out of 71 total, you can expect a welcoming experience with quick service.
However, not every interaction is perfect. There are 11 negative comments, with some guests encountering slow service or long waiting times. A few experiences mention a rude manager or owner, which can certainly put a damper on an otherwise good meal.
It seems like while the general staff is excellent, there might be occasional hiccups.
Service
71
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
11
negative
0
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Knowledgeable waiters
- Quick, attentive service
What people don't like
- Rude manager/owner
- Slow service
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceDespite the desserts, I'm giving 5 stars because everything else is amazing, including the atmosphere. It's warm and cozy, with hospitable service, making you feel transported to an Austrian mountain town for a genuine European experience!
- staffThe staff is friendly and quick with service.
- ServiceService is friendly and good
- Dirndlwaitresses even wore Dirndl
- HansI highly recommend the meat salumi platter, which is one of the very best things in San Francisco! Enjoy the Stiegl and the schnapps, and be sure to say hello to Hans, who is always working the restaurant.
- Johnhe's really cool
- ShannonShannon was amazing
- accommodatingvery accommodating to us
- bartendersBartenders were super friendly
- custom menusThe food was great, we enjoyed boots of beer, and the service was amazing. They even provided custom menus. I mean, come on!
Frequently criticized
- managerThe food was so yummy, earning a perfect score. However, the experience was significantly marred by the very rude manager. Unfortunately, this isn't an isolated incident; many friends have also had bad encounters with her.
- health inspectorA health inspector should really come by
- hostess/managerThe hostess/manager replied with "Oh yeah you guys were awkward customers
- kitchenThe kitchen can be slow
- ownerThe owner is rude and doesn't seem to want customers.
- refundIt seemed like nobody else in the restaurant was happy with their food either. When I called to complain and requested a refund due to my girlfriend's illness, the hostess/manager was extremely rude, stating, "Oh yeah, you guys were awkward customers, we are not giving you a refund, and I figured it was you. " This was particularly disappointing as my girlfriend and I were polite throughout our visit.
- serviceService was pretty slow
- staffPersonal ein wenig durcheinander und sind wie Hühner durch die Gegend gelaufen
- tableA pro tip for fellow diners: they serve an amazing breakfast! My only complaint is that it can be hard to get a table, but this is a testament to how much I always want to go here.
- waiting timeEwigkeiten warten müssen, bis unsere Getränke überhaupt mal kamen
Overall, the service here is a strong point, making it well worth a visit if you value a friendly and efficient dining experience. Just be aware that a few guests have noted occasional slowness or less-than-stellar interactions with management, so keep that in mind.
Ambience (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The atmosphere here truly shines, earning a fantastic score of 8.7 and delighting customers with an excellent 96.6% satisfaction rate. Based on 57 positive comments out of 59 total, guests consistently praise the festive chalet vibe, cool decor, and traditional Austrian atmosphere. Many find it fun, energetic, cozy, and welcoming, often feeling transported straight to Austria.
However, a couple of observations (2 negative comments) point to potential downsides. Some guests noted that it can get noisy, making conversation difficult, and mentioned brass band music being played way too loudly. While these are minor points given the overwhelmingly positive feedback, they're worth keeping in mind.
Ambience
59
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Festive chalet vibe
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Transporting to Austria
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Loud music
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience was like being transported to a Tyrolean beer house! The atmosphere and the dishes truly reflect the region they represent. I enjoyed a good selection of typical beers.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- decorthe decor was cozy
- placeDefinitely a great place.
- Austrian ambiancelove this place with the Austrian ambiance
- Austrian musicFrom the moment I walked in, I felt transported to Vienna or Salzburg. The wonderful Austrian music, the laughing, the cheers, and the smells of amazing Austrian food filled the air. The food here is incredible.
- Austrian placeMy experience at this restaurant was that it's the best Austrian place in SF. They have a great beer selection, but the food was just ok, especially when compared to actual Vienna.
- ambianceThe ambiance, music and food is delicious.
- beer hall atmospherefun beer hall atmosphere
- big boothsBig booths
Frequently criticized
- brass band musicbrass band music that's played way too loudly
- noisyMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great Austrian food and a good vibe. However, it can be really noisy, which makes having a good conversation difficult.
If you're looking for a lively, authentic Austrian experience with a great vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that it can get a bit loud, especially on busier nights, which might not be ideal for quiet conversations.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot earns an average score of 4.3, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 40%. However, out of 15 total comments, 6 positive remarks highlight that many guests appreciate the reasonable prices and moderate prices for a satisfying meal. Some even felt it was pricey but worth it for the overall experience, finding the prices fair.
On the flip side, 9 negative comments frequently mention concerns about things being overpriced and expensive. Specific items like the cost of a beer and even the pretzel price drew criticism, with some feeling the total cost was way overpriced for what was offered. It seems certain aspects of the menu can feel quite steep to some diners.
Value
15
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Expensive beer
Often praised
- priceAround $100 spent for two people and were full!!
- pricesFair prices
- moderate pricesMy meal was filling and satisfying. Prices are moderate for SF. A main course is sufficient, but appetizers might be good for groups.
- reasonable pricesI was just passing through and had been to a few places, but this is the one that made me feel so good. The friendly service, delicious food, real German beer, and great dessert were all served at very reasonable prices. If you are a fan of German cuisine, sausages, and potato pancakes, then this is probably the best place to go!
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was centered around enjoying a good stein and decent food. However, I found it to be too expensive for what it is. Essentially, it's cheap beer in a big glass.
- cost of a beerthe cost of a beer is $13, which is outrageous
- expensiveThe waitresses even wore Dirndl, adding to the authentic feel. However, I found it to be somewhat expensive.
- extrasurprised that it is $6 when you ask for extra
- overpricedway overpriced
- pretzel price$16 for glorified bread is wild
- restaurantoverpriced non authentic restaurant
- total costto this cost a whopping $130!
Overall, the value here is a bit of a mixed bag. If you're looking for a filling meal at what some consider moderate prices, it might be a good fit. However, be prepared for certain items, especially drinks, to feel quite expensive and potentially impact your overall bill.
How are the prices at Leopold's?
On average, you’ll spend around 45 per person – from 49 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For an Austrian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the full picture, prices tend to cluster around this average, but there’s also a good spread of options for those looking for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 49 reviews.
Comparing value for money: How this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Austrian Restaurant in San Francisco, offering good value whether you’re looking for a classic meal or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Leopold's
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Awesome Place, Wish I Was Hungrier!
My experience at this restaurant was awesome. The only downside was that I wasn't hungry enough to order more. It's definitely a great place.
- place9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Austrian Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the excellent beer and the Austrian dishes, which were both good and abundant. The atmosphere was tranquil, and the restaurant itself is not large.
Furthermore, the staff was very courteous.
- beer9
- Austrian dishes8
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Yummy Food, Terrible Manager
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of delicious food and a very unpleasant service encounter. The food was so yummy, earning a perfect score. However, the experience was significantly marred by the very rude manager.
Unfortunately, this isn't an isolated incident; many friends have also had bad encounters with her. While I would love to eat here again because of the food, everyone refuses to return due to the manager's behavior. It's a shame.
- food10
- manager1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Austrian Eats and Atmosphere
Wow. This place was amazing. I don’t get the snobbish comments saying otherwise.
We enjoyed an excellent Austrian beer and wine. We had the braised short ribs (fall-off-the-bone tender), the bratwurst and sauerkraut, and the bacon-wrapped trout. All three dishes were delicious.
Although the trout was a bit dry, the leek medley and broth served with it were exceptional: crisp, tender, and very flavorful. It’s truly rare to find a vegetable accompaniment that shines like this. (Too often the vegetables are just a space filler on the dish.) The beer selection was fun and interesting as was the small selection of international wines.
Service was friendly. Atmosphere was warm and cheerful. Oh, and the pretzel was a 4.
5 out of 5. And this is coming from a pretzel aficionado, who has eaten them all over Europe and is always looking to replicate and experience in southern Germany.
- braised short ribs10
- bratwurst and sauerkraut10
- bacon-wrapped trout8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Fantastic Food and Excellent Beer Selection
What a place! My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food was incredible; I particularly enjoyed the trout salad, kasespatzle, and the half charcuterie board, which was generously portioned for two.
The beer selection was also excellent, and I discovered a very good Schloss Eggenburg Pilsner I hadn't tried before. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a perfect 5. It was quiet and easy to talk, making for a pleasant dining experience.
- food10
- trout salad9
- kasespatzle9
What Leopold's offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- 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
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Leopold's in Russian Hill?
Yes, Leopold’s accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are highly recommended to ensure you secure a table. You can plan your visit for lunch or dinner and enjoy table service in their cozy setting, perfect for a relaxed meal.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Leopold's?
Leopold’s offers a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, ideal for various occasions. You can enjoy a great beer selection, wine, coffee, and hard liquor, alongside small plates. Outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery options are available for your convenience.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Leopold's?
Leopold’s generally receives good feedback, with an overall score of 8.1 and 84.3% customer satisfaction. Its Ambience (8.7), Food (8.2), and Service (8.2) are highly rated, though Value (4.3) is an area where opinions are more mixed.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Leopold's?
Many customers praise the delicious Austrian food, with the schnitzel often highlighted as a favorite. The beer selection is also frequently mentioned as a positive aspect of the culinary experience.
Are there any common complaints about Leopold's?
Some customers find the prices to be high, particularly for certain items. Additionally, while overall service is good, there are occasional negative remarks regarding specific management interactions and the restaurant can sometimes be noisy.