Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Limón – San Francisco
Limón - San Francisco
Photo from Limón
Limón at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 118 of the guests
#1680 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#197 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
675
Reviews
67.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Great Service
- Vibrant Vibe
Frequently criticized
- Poor Value
- Loud Noise
- Service Issues
The restaurant Limón in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District offers you a fantastic dining experience. You’ll find a great wine list and a great beer selection to complement your meal, whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch or a trendy dinner.
This cozy spot is perfect for enjoying small plates and cocktails with friends.
Overview: Introducting Limón
Limón offers a culinary experience where the inspired dishes often take center stage, drawing many positive remarks. Guests frequently commend the friendly staff who strive to provide excellent service.
However, some find the overall atmosphere can become quite loud, making conversation a challenge during peak times. While the delicious food and pleasant vibe are often praised, some patrons have noted concerns regarding the overall value and pricing structure.
Despite these points, the restaurant aims to deliver a memorable visit for those seeking vibrant flavors and a dynamic setting.
Good
7
out of 10
675
Reviews
67.4%
Satisfaction
184
negative
36
neutral
455
positive
Limón earns a respectable 7 out of 10 for its overall performance, indicating a generally good dining experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 67.4%, suggesting that while many leave pleased, a notable portion have reservations.
This contrast is worth noting, as the restaurant clearly excels in some areas more than others, based on 675 customer remarks. Delving into specifics, the Food (7.8) is a clear highlight, consistently receiving high praise.
Service (6.4) and Ambience (6.3) hover in the average range, with opinions varying. The most significant area for improvement appears to be Value (2.9), which customers frequently find disappointing, often citing pricing concerns and unexpected charges.
What people like
- Delicious Peruvian Food
- Attentive Staff
- Lively Atmosphere
What people don't like
- Questionable Value
- Excessive Noise
- Inconsistent Service
Limón presents a compelling option for those prioritizing flavorful Peruvian cuisine in a vibrant setting. With a 7.4 recommendation score, it suggests that many find the experience worthwhile.
If you appreciate a lively atmosphere and exceptional food, and are prepared for a potentially higher price point, it could be a good fit. However, be mindful of the potential for a noisy environment and scrutinize your bill for any unexpected charges.
While the food is a strong draw, the overall value and occasional service inconsistencies might temper expectations for some diners.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Limón
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.8 and leaving 80.4% of customers satisfied. With 316 positive remarks out of 393 total, diners frequently rave about the authentic Peruvian cuisine, especially highlighting the delicious ceviche, lomo saltado, and rotisserie chicken for their outstanding flavors. However, some of the 59 negative comments point to occasional inconsistencies.
Concerns include smaller portions, particularly for certain dishes, and some finding the food quality disappointing or specific items like chicken bland or overly salty.
Food
393
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
59
negative
18
neutral
316
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Peruvian flavors
- Ceviche, Lomo Saltado excel
- Delicious rotisserie chicken
What people don't like
- Small portions sometimes
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland or salty dishes
Often praised
- foodThe food was delicious, as always, and the service is very fast, which I love! The food came pretty quickly and we really enjoyed everything so much. I always love going back :) thank you!
- cevicheWe were celebrating the first annual memorial of a dear friend who passed from cancer, and the family-style meal was exquisite. We ordered almost all seafood, including lots of different types of shrimp, ceviche, squid, and lobster. While the octopus dish was a bit off-putting for me personally (as octopuses are smarter than we are 😳), everything else was SUPERB!
- FoodFood:5
- lomo saltadoThe service is consistently very good. Highlights include the pisco sours, roast chicken, ceviche sampler, lomo saltado, empanadas, and yuca fries. The aji amarillo and hot sauce are excellent accompaniments to almost everything.
- drinksThe ceviche was just okay, and the lomo saltado was also just mid. Our drinks were good, though. The worst part was the waitress who had involuntarily added chips to our bill.
- Peruvian foodmy first time trying Peruvian food, and it was an excellent experience
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I started with the seafood paella and cocktails, which were great. The polli-papas appetizer was amazing.
- empanadasThe service is consistently very good. Highlights include the pisco sours, roast chicken, ceviche sampler, lomo saltado, empanadas, and yuca fries. The aji amarillo and hot sauce are excellent accompaniments to almost everything.
- chickenThe beef empanadas and chicken were good.
- dishesWe managed to secure a reservation during 'Geezer Hour' (5-6: 00 pm), when the upstairs area was less crowded. While the sound levels became quite loud by the time we left, with music and other patrons' voices making conversation difficult, the excellent service and inspired dishes more than compensated. We discovered Pisco Sours by the pitcher, tasty cauliflower, and other delights in March 2024.
Frequently criticized
- foodfood was quite overpriced and not that fantastic
- chickenWhile the atmosphere was great, rated a 5, and the service was also strong at a 4, the food quality was a bit disappointing, scoring a 3. Specifically, the mussels had sand, and both the chicken and fish were a bit dry.
- fishI felt there was a bit too much fish in the ceviche mixto compared to the other ingredients. While I generally don't prefer fish as a ceviche component, it didn't taste great here. I enjoyed the ceviche sauce, but unfortunately, I didn't like the seafood itself.
- portionsVery expensive and small portions.
- Peruvian foodleast authentic Peruvian food I've ever had
- ricethe rice was half cooked (hard like microwaved)
- seafoodWhile I generally don't prefer fish as a ceviche component, it didn't taste great here. I enjoyed the ceviche sauce, but unfortunately, I didn't like the seafood itself. The sides of big corn and crunchy corn were good.
- Lomo Saltadoit was disappointing to say the least
- Mahi MahiMahi Mahi was over cooked so it’s not tender
- MeatMeat was dryer than the Mojave desert
If you're craving authentic and flavorful Peruvian dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that portion sizes can sometimes be a bit small, and a few dishes might occasionally miss the mark on seasoning.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
Based on 99 positive remarks out of 165 total, many guests rave about the attentiveness and friendly staff, often praising excellent service and speedy service. While the overall score for service sits at an average 6.4, theres a clear appreciation for these positive interactions. However, with 63 negative comments, some experiences point to issues with service speed, long wait times, and occasional rudeness from staff.
This contributes to a mixed 60% customer satisfaction, suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency.
Service
165
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
63
negative
3
neutral
99
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Speedy service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Pushy upsells
Often praised
- serviceWe managed to secure a reservation during 'Geezer Hour' (5-6: 00 pm), when the upstairs area was less crowded. While the sound levels became quite loud by the time we left, with music and other patrons' voices making conversation difficult, the excellent service and inspired dishes more than compensated. We discovered Pisco Sours by the pitcher, tasty cauliflower, and other delights in March 2024.
- ServiceService:5
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was marked by delicious food served in a pleasant atmosphere by friendly staff. It's definitely worth a visit.
- serverWe were seated around 9 PM for dinner. Our server was pleasant, and we ordered our drinks. After receiving our drinks, we proceeded to order our food, including an appetizer and entrees.
- MariaI was attended by Maria and very friendly and attentive
- customer serviceenjoying the customer service, was outstanding
- large groupMy experience at the restaurant was AMAZING, largely thanks to our server, Maria. We were a large group of 12 people, and she took care of us as if we were just a couple of people. Her attention and care were truly amazing!
- Chef RolandoChef Rolando and manager Ramez were so welcoming
- Good serviceGood service
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was slow even though the place was not crowded
- waitresswaitress felt like was trying to sell us unnecessary items
- serverServer took 18 minutes just to greet our table and then disappeared
- SaturdayIt's definitely worth a visit. However, be aware that on a Saturday, they are very busy.
- abuseputting up with that abuse
- allergy handlingshe let me order a food item that said "crispy" in the description.
- attentionthe attention of I agree, the takeout orders are very poor
- attitudea slightly impatient and disrespectful attitude
- birthdayella quería ir alli a cenar le pregunte ala mesera si abia algo para cumpleañeros lo cual me contesto esto es restaurante peruano no se regala nada
- business practicesTerrible business practices
Service here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. If you catch them on a good day, you'll likely enjoy attentive and friendly staff, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies in speed or attitude. It might be worth a try, but keep your expectations balanced.
Ambience (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
The restaurant's ambience presents a bit of a mixed bag, scoring an average 6.3 with customer satisfaction at a mixed 50.7%. Many guests, based on 38 positive comments, truly appreciate the pleasant atmosphere and lively spot, often describing it as a fun atmosphere with good vibes. The music and overall energy space contribute to an enjoyable experience, especially for celebrations.
However, 28 negative comments frequently highlight significant noise levels, with many finding the music too loud, making it hard to communicate or have a conversation. Concerns also arise from tables arrangement being too close, seating issues like being on a noisy mezzanine, and even an unpleasant smell, which detracts from the overall experience for some.
Ambience
75
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
28
negative
9
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively, fun atmosphere
- Good vibes
- Positive environment
What people don't like
- Very loud music
- Hard to converse
- Tight, noisy seating
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was marked by delicious food served in a pleasant atmosphere by friendly staff. It's definitely worth a visit.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- experienceI loved the experience
- restaurantThis is one of my favorite restaurants ever, and it never gets old. It's one of the few places where I would genuinely try every single thing on the menu.
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- ambianceloud ambiance
- birthday celebrationthey sang happy birthday to him and made him feel so special
- energy spaceHowever, be prepared for high noise levels during peak hours, which might not be ideal for everyone. If you enjoy a high energy space to kick off your evening, this place is a great choice.
- fun atmosphereIt has a fun atmosphere
- lively spotA lively spot
Frequently criticized
- musicmusic was too loud and it was difficult to have a conversation
- atmosphereToo loud atmosphere
- conversationI'm not sure if they've changed their recipes, but this time, there was truly nothing that didn't taste good. The only downsides were that the room is pretty noisy, making it harder to have a conversation, and I had the feeling they were trying to get us out quickly once we were done.
- ambienceambience is really loud
- atmosphere upstairsReally weird and eerie vibe up there
- communicatehard to hear or communicate
- experiencesharp decline in experience
- latinospareciera que Los latinos no le agradamos
- loudway, WAY too loud
- music and voicesdifficulty we had in speaking over the music and voices
If youre seeking a lively, high-energy environment and dont mind a bustling atmosphere, this spot could be a great choice. But if quiet conversation and spacious seating are high on your list, you might find the ambience a bit overwhelming.
Value (2.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot unfortunately lands in the poor category with a score of just 2.9, and customer satisfaction isnt far behind at a mere 4.8. Despite the overall low sentiment, a couple of guests (2 out of 42 comments) did find some positive aspects regarding the price and dishes, noting that some items were worth the price and they were happy to pay more for certain plates. However, the vast majority of feedback (34 comments) points to significant concerns.
Many found the experience pricey, citing extra charges, hidden fees, and feeling overcharged. Issues like lack of transparency on the bill and being nickel and dimed' for things like sauces and chips were frequently mentioned.
Value
42
Reviews
4%
Satisfaction
34
negative
6
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Hidden fees
- Overcharged bills
- Pricey portions
Often praised
- dishesDishes start at around $14, but it is now a place that I’m happy to pay $30+ for a dish at.
- priceit is worth the price
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was hilariously bad and overpriced. I paid $35 for a sliced steak that was overdone, served with rice.
- billAfter eating here with a party of 8, I saw that the charge on my credit card was $60 higher than what I had seen on the final bill. After calling the restaurant, I found out that they had somehow added an additional two dishes to my bill after I had already paid. The woman I spoke with gladly refunded me for those two dishes after I sent her the receipt that I had been given, where those two dishes weren’t included.
- chipsOur drinks were good, though. The worst part was the waitress who had involuntarily added chips to our bill. When we questioned it, she became irritated and proceeded to pull out her tip money, stating, “we don't argue for four dollars here” and “I automatically add it to every ceviche because it’s not good by itself.
- pricesI felt like I was being robbed due to the fees. They charged a 4% “economic recovery fee” in 2024, which is unusual and high, especially on top of already quite high prices. I also don't believe the sales tax was properly calculated, as the grand total was more than $100 over the subtotal.
- $40 dishFor a 40$ dish, I am disgusted
- DRIP pricingengage in DRIP pricing
- Economic Recovery Taxdisagree with the Economic Recovery Tax that they charge
- discountoffered 25% discount for the dish that wasn’t edible
- economic recovery feeI felt like I was being robbed due to the fees. They charged a 4% “economic recovery fee” in 2024, which is unusual and high, especially on top of already quite high prices. I also don't believe the sales tax was properly calculated, as the grand total was more than $100 over the subtotal.
- extra chargesFurthermore, only half of the dozen oysters we ordered were delivered. It's crucial to thoroughly check every order you receive and be mindful of potential extra charges for items listed as sides on the menu, not the extra ones.
If you're highly sensitive to pricing and unexpected fees, this might not be the place for you. Many guests felt the value was poor due to high prices, extra charges, and a lack of transparency on the bill. Proceed with caution and scrutinize your check carefully.
How are the prices at Limón?
On average, you’ll spend around 52 per person – from 118 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the full picture, while the average is here, we see a good spread! Many diners actually spend in the 21 – 50 $ range, but theres also a notable group enjoying more premium experiences, which helps push that average up. Its not just one price point; there’s a mix of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 118 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the variety in spending shown by guests, we think the pricing feels fair for a restaurant in San Francisco. They seem to offer something for different budgets, which is always a good sign!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Limón
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Incredible Food, Great Service, Worth the Noise
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive, especially regarding the food. My friends and I crave it often, which is why we'll always keep coming back. We've visited both the Valencia street and Walnut Creek locations, and both were great.
The service is consistently very good. Highlights include the pisco sours, roast chicken, ceviche sampler, lomo saltado, empanadas, and yuca fries. The aji amarillo and hot sauce are excellent accompaniments to almost everything.
The only downside is that the restaurant can get a little loud due to the hard floors, walls, and ceilings. Additionally, the seating can be a bit tight between tables.
- food10
- service9
- pisco sours9
- restaurant4
- seating4
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
3
Disappointing Dinner Experience
I visited this restaurant for dinner because a friend recommended it. Unfortunately, I left feeling somewhat disappointed. While I appreciated the presentation of the food, the taste was too salty for my preference.
The service also had issues; my friend received their meal first, and mine arrived about 30 minutes later, almost leading me to cancel my order. Additionally, the tables were arranged too closely, making conversations audible between tables, which I personally did not like.
- food presentation7
- food taste3
- serving time2
- tables arrangement2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Limon: An Unexpected Culinary Delight
My experience at Limon was the absolute highlight of my trip to San Francisco. I arrived with no expectations, and the restaurant delivered more than I could have hoped for. The ceviche, empanadas, and the beef were simply amazing.
I strongly recommend this place.
- ceviche10
- empanadas10
- beef10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
8
Unique Spanish-Style with Raw Seafood
My experience at this restaurant was unique, offering a Spanish-style cuisine with an unexpected but appealing section of raw seafood. The beef tone was my absolute favorite among all the dishes. The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, indicating an excellent dining environment and attentive staff.
The food itself received a strong rating of 4, suggesting high quality and enjoyable flavors. The price per person is estimated between $50–100, and the wait time was minimal, up to 10 minutes. This was a dinner experience with indoor dining.
- beef tone9
- raw seafood6
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Great Food, Poor Service
The food was very good, always excellent. However, the service was the main issue. We had a waitress who left everyone in my group unhappy.
I'm not sure if it was because we didn't look like 'classy people' as I was with my grandmother, or if it was because my daughter was celebrating her birthday. When I asked the waitress if there was anything for birthdays, she rudely replied, 'This is a Peruvian restaurant, we don't give anything away. ' She was very rough with everything.
I asked where she was from, and she said Venezuela, her name is Maria.
- food10
- service2
- waitress2
- birthday2
What Limón offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Limón?
Yes, reservations are recommended for dinner, brunch, and lunch at Limón. Planning ahead ensures you secure your table, especially given its popularity in the Mission District for its cozy and trendy atmosphere.
What kind of dining options and accessibility features does Limón offer?
Limón provides a range of dining options including lunch, brunch, and dinner with table service. You’ll also find wheelchair accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
How does Limón generally score among diners?
Limón achieves an overall restaurant score of **7**, indicating a good experience. Its **Food** (7.8) is highly rated, while **Service** (6.4) and **Ambience** (6.3) are average. **Value** (2.9) is noted as a significant area for improvement.
What are the standout positive aspects of dining at Limón?
Diners frequently praise the delicious and inspired Peruvian dishes, with many highlighting items like Pisco Sours, lomo saltado, and empanadas. The staff is often described as friendly and attentive, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
What are common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by customers?
A recurring concern is the restaurant’s value, with some finding dishes overpriced and noting unexpected fees. The ambience can also be quite loud, making conversation difficult. Additionally, service can sometimes be inconsistent, with reports of slow attention.