Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Great wine list
oChef » Modi – San Francisco
Modi - San Francisco
Photo from Modi
Modi at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 82 of the guests
#461 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#32 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
587
Reviews
83.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great service
- Cozy ambiance
- Unique dishes
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Poor restrooms
- High price
The Italian restaurant Modi in San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood offers you an unforgettable dining experience. You can immerse yourself in a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, often enhanced by live music.
This spot is perfect for enjoying a great wine list, delicious small plates, and expertly crafted cocktails. Whether you’re looking for vegan options or a lively happy hour, Modi has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Modi
Modi offers a distinctive Italian-Mexican fusion experience, often praised for its elegant atmosphere and thoughtfully curated decor. Guests frequently highlight the warm vibe and the generally attentive service, making it a pleasant spot for various occasions.
However, the experience at Modi isn’t without its challenges. Some patrons have noted that service can falter when busy, leading to delays in getting the check.
Additionally, concerns about the bathrooms and occasional noise levels have been raised.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
587
Reviews
83.5%
Satisfaction
72
negative
25
neutral
490
positive
Modi generally earns a solid reputation, reflected in its overall score of 8.2. Customer satisfaction also stands strong at 83.5%, indicating a largely positive dining experience.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 587 customer opinions, with a clear majority of 490 positive remarks outweighing the 72 negative ones, suggesting a well-received establishment. Delving into specifics, Service (8.9) shines brightly, often described as fast and attentive.
The Ambience (8.4) also contributes significantly, praised for its stylish and inviting feel. While Food (7.9) is considered good, some dishes occasionally miss the mark.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (5.8), which customers found to be less compelling.
What people like
- Attentive, friendly service
- Inviting, stylish atmosphere
- Flavorful fusion food
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service speed
- Subpar restroom conditions
- Perceived high cost
Modi offers a unique Italian-Mexican fusion experience with a generally positive reception. If you prioritize a stylish setting and attentive staff, it’s likely to be a good fit.
Be mindful, however, that service can waver during peak times, and some find the overall value less appealing. With a strong recommendation score of 8.3, Modi is certainly worth considering for its distinctive culinary approach and pleasant environment.
It’s a solid choice for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere and creative dishes, provided you manage expectations regarding busy periods and pricing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Modi
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction of 79.5%. Many of the 267 positive remarks celebrate the unique Mexican-Italian fusion, with standout dishes like the Birria Lasagna, Al Pastor Cauliflower, and Churro Tiramisu often described as delicious and flavorful. However, not every dish is a home run.
Among the 49 negative comments, some diners found certain items bland, overcooked, or even tasteless, with mentions of dry branzino or chewy octopus. A few also noted disappointing or mediocre flavors and small portions.
Food
336
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
49
negative
20
neutral
267
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique fusion cuisine
- Delicious Birria Lasagna
- Flavorful, creative dishes
What people don't like
- Bland, tasteless food
- Overcooked items
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodThe menu presented an impressive Italian-Mexican fusion, offering a wide array of great seafood options. It was challenging to make a choice, but ultimately, we were not disappointed with our selections. The food was excellent, and the service was top-notch, complemented by a pleasant atmosphere.
- drinksThe staff were extraordinarily friendly and generous to us :) I highly recommend it for good vibes! We went for drinks and they were great. Shout out to Jonathan!
- pizzaI really enjoyed my lasagna. Pizza was nice to split between two people.
- birria lasagnathe birria lasagna and I ordered the corn ravioli. Both were excellent!
- FoodFood was good
- churro tiramisulet's close with the churro tiramisu that this is also something never seen before!
- lasagnaThe covered outdoor seatings provided a nice atmosphere, and the friendly service made the visit even more pleasant. We tried the ceviche, pulpo, lasagna, and tacos, all of which were incredibly tasty. The passionfruit mezcal cocktails were also a hit.
- menuHe explained the menu perfectly, the fusion italian-mexican
- tacosThe covered outdoor seatings provided a nice atmosphere, and the friendly service made the visit even more pleasant. We tried the ceviche, pulpo, lasagna, and tacos, all of which were incredibly tasty. The passionfruit mezcal cocktails were also a hit.
- Birria LasagnaThe undisputed star. Crispy edges, tender beef, layers of cheese + béchamel.
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was consistently disappointing. On both visits, the food quality was bad
- New York Stripfora do ponto pedido
- branzinoThe branzino was such a let down. Slightly overcooked and so under seasoned.
- flavorsMy experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. While the food was pretty good, the flavors weren’t as outstanding as I’d hoped, especially considering the price. The fusion concept is a fun idea, and I appreciated that there were good dishes for different dietary restrictions, like vegetarian options.
- ravioliThe pasta was a bit chewy on those so I could only have a couple bites.
- risottoHad the risotto and didn’t feel well
- Black new york steak mezcalthe main meal was just bad. I ordered medium rare "Black new york steak mezcal".
- Cactus parmigianaThis baked version didn’t really have much flavors.
- Holbrook pizzaMy grilled branizo was very dry, and the octopus was overcooked, but I still enjoyed it. The Holbrook pizza, topped with lobster and octopus, replaced traditional tomato sauce with pico de gallo, which I didn’t love. I appreciate the concept of Mexican-Italian fusion, but the flavors didn’t quite work for me.
- avocado butterThe focaccia bread and avocado butter were overly salty
If you're seeking an adventurous culinary experience with creative Mexican-Italian fusion, this spot is definitely worth a try. While some dishes might miss the mark, the overall consensus points to a delicious and unique meal that often delights.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.9 and a stellar customer satisfaction rate of 91.1%, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Guests frequently rave about the excellent service, attentive staff, and knowledgeable servers who offer warm welcomes and great recommendations.
Out of 124 pieces of feedback, a remarkable 113 highlight these fantastic experiences. However, a few comments (9 out of 124) suggest there's a slight dip when things get busy. Some patrons noted slow service and feeling ignored when busy, leading to long waiting times for things like the check or refills on beverages.
It seems the team excels, but can get stretched during peak hours.
Service
124
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
113
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent, attentive service
- Knowledgeable, friendly staff
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Service slows when busy
- Long waits for check
- Refills often missed
Often praised
- serviceThe atmosphere is refined and carefully curated, perfect for a relaxed yet upscale dining experience. The service was also incredibly fast and attentive. We started with arancini filled with sausage, beautifully crispy on the outside and rich in flavor on the inside—a comforting Italian classic with a twist.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was honestly one of the best Mexican food places I've been to in the city. It's a beautiful mix of Italian and Mexican cuisine, and the staff is absolutely incredible. I highly recommend it!
- ServiceService is great!
- serverOur server was outstanding—enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and passionate
- waitersthe waiters were all so friendly and welcoming
- DanDan took great care of us
- GMMatteo, their GM, took great care of our crew
- Gianluca our serverA mention also to Gianluca our nice and good server and very at the but you immediately feel at home and he made us laugh!
- JiroThe host was super welcoming and walked us to the bar side. Jiro, the bartender/mixologist/absolute legend, flipped the channel to the game for us without hesitation. Already off to a strong start.
- Kind, professional serviceKind, professional service
Frequently criticized
- serviceUnfortunately, the service brings the overall experience down. When the restaurant gets busy, you can feel ignored, and service slows considerably. For example, it took us 20 minutes and two tries with the waiter to get our check.
- ServiceService brings the experience down
- checkWhen the restaurant gets busy, you can feel ignored, and service slows considerably. For example, it took us 20 minutes and two tries with the waiter to get our check. Almost half the seating capacity is in a mostly outdoor space, which can be difficult to keep temperature controlled when the breeze picks up.
- refilrefil sĂł pra Coca-Cola
- refill on beveragesrare that you get a refill on your beverages
- stafffelt mostly ignored by the staff
- waiting timeafter an hour from being sat
Overall, you can expect genuinely excellent service here, with staff often going above and beyond. Just be aware that during peak times, the attentiveness might dip slightly, so plan your visit accordingly if you're in a hurry.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a strong 8.4 score and delighting 89.7% of customers. Diners consistently praise the vibrant atmosphere, modern decor, and welcoming environment. Many rave about the outdoor patio with infrared heaters and live music or DJ, creating a sexy and inviting vibe.
With 104 positive remarks, its clear the restaurants aesthetic is a major draw. However, not everything is perfect, with 9 negative comments. Some guests found the indoor space a bit tight or loud, making conversation tricky.
A recurring concern was the restroom situation, often described as having only one bathroom for a large venue, and occasionally a sickly smell. Temperature control in outdoor areas was also mentioned as a minor issue.
Ambience
116
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
104
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Vibrant, lively atmosphere
- Heated outdoor patio
- Live music/DJ
What people don't like
- Limited, poor restrooms
- Loud indoor space
- Outdoor temperature issues
Often praised
- atmosphereThis elegant and well-designed restaurant delivers a sophisticated and exotic take on Mexican-Italian fusion that feels both gourmet and authentic. The atmosphere is refined and carefully curated, perfect for a relaxed yet upscale dining experience. The service was also incredibly fast and attentive.
- ambianceFrom the bold spices to the comforting pasta, every dish was packed with flavor and clearly made with care. The ambiance was warm and inviting, and the service was extremely friendly and attentive. I’ll definitely be coming back!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationThe location is great and if you have large groups then this is a perfect spot.
- decorThe atmosphere is both stylish and inviting, making it perfect for a night out with friends or a cozy date. The decor is thoughtfully curated, blending bold colors and textures to create a truly unique experience. The dishes were very flavorful.
- outdoor patioBeyond the amazing food, the atmosphere was spot on. The restaurant is gorgeous, the outdoor patio is warm and cozy, and the staff was fantastic. We had a truly great time and are eager to return to explore more of their dishes!
- vibeThe vibe here is super cozy and inviting
- ambienceThe staff, the food, the ambience - all fantastic.
- vibeshighly recommend for good vibes
- DJatmosphere was amazing, good DJ
Frequently criticized
- bathroomsbathrooms were stinking
- environmentThe environment was quite loud with so many people there and it was tricky to carry on a conversation
- indoor spaceThe atmosphere was equally inviting. While the indoor space was a bit tight for our group of 18, we sat in the covered outdoor area. Normally, I’m not a fan of outdoor seating, but with the cozy space heaters and stylish decor, it was incredibly comfortable.
- one bathroomOne bathroom with a single toilet to service the entire restaurant
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- restroomget a grip on your restroom. It is revolting.
- sickly smellthis place has this sweet, really sickly smell
- single-use bathroomone (1) single use bathroom for a very large restaurant
- temperature controlledFor example, it took us 20 minutes and two tries with the waiter to get our check. Almost half the seating capacity is in a mostly outdoor space, which can be difficult to keep temperature controlled when the breeze picks up.
If you're looking for a restaurant with a fantastic, lively atmosphere, especially with great outdoor seating and music, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially tight indoor spaces and be mindful of the restroom situation, which could be a minor inconvenience.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners have found pleasant surprises, noting that the price was reasonable and even surprisingly inexpensive for lunch. With 6 positive remarks out of 11 total, many appreciated that it wasn't overpriced, making it a decent option for your wallet. The overall score for value sits at an average 5.8.
However, not everyone agrees, as 5 opinions suggest the experience was definitely overpriced or had a horrible cost-benefit. Despite some positive feedback, customer satisfaction for value is a mixed 54.5%, indicating that the cost might not always align with expectations for some patrons.
Value
11
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced
- Inexpensive lunch
What people don't like
- Definitely overpriced
- Horrible cost-benefit
Often praised
- priceNot overpriced either
- lunchThe waiter brought some different salsas with the chips; I thought the medium sauce was best, and it works well on the burrito with the aioli. Surprisingly inexpensive, as lunch was less than $20. The food was delicious, the service was great, the staff were super friendly, and the interior vibe was nice, with indoor or outdoor seating.
- pricesPrices were reasonable.
- reasonably pricedit's wonderful and reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- priceThe food options are interesting, boasting a combination of Italian and Mexican flavors, though in practice, it feels more like you pick one or the other. The food itself was good, but perhaps overpriced. Unfortunately, the service brings the overall experience down.
- costexpecting a better experience for the ~$300 cost
- valueCusto benefĂcio horrĂvel
If youre looking for a budget-friendly spot, this place might be a bit of a gamble. While some find it reasonably priced, others feel its definitely not worth the cost. Go in with moderate expectations, especially if you're sensitive to price.
How are the prices at Modi?
You’re looking at roughly 49 per person – reported by 82 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits nicely in the $41–$50 bracket, the prices are quite spread out. You’ll find a good chunk of diners spending less, in the 21 – 40 $ range, but also a fair number opting for more premium experiences, going well above 60 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 82 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the range of options available, we think the pricing feels fair for an Italian restaurant, offering choices for different budgets while maintaining a mid-range average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Modi
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
6
Good Fusion, Lacking Price Value
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. While the food was pretty good, the flavors weren’t as outstanding as I’d hoped, especially considering the price. The fusion concept is a fun idea, and I appreciated that there were good dishes for different dietary restrictions, like vegetarian options.
The atmosphere was rated a 4, and the service also received a 4, indicating a generally pleasant dining environment and attentive staff.
- food6
- fusion7
- dietary restrictions8
- flavors4
- price4
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Meal Despite Recommendation
I was pretty disappointed by this place, especially since it came with a recommendation. The branzino was a significant letdown; it was slightly overcooked and so under seasoned, making it bland and flavorless. The presentation was also a bit sloppy.
The cocktail was just so-so. Overall, it felt like there wasn’t a lot of care put into the food.
- cocktail5
- branzino2
- presentation3
- food2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Food, Great Service
I honestly don’t understand the hype about this place 🫠My food was so disappointing! The service was great, and the arancini were solid. However, the ceviche was terrible; it seemed to use the same sauce as the arancini mixed with the “lasagna birra” sauce, which just didn’t work.
It felt like the restaurant only has one sauce for everything. The wagyu + Gorgonzola tacos were also bad, with the Gorgonzola completely overpowering the other flavors. The lasagna birra was the best of what we ordered, but even that missed the mark, lacking distinct layers and crunch, feeling more like a mushy purée.
I hate trying a new place and leaving feeling like I wasted my money on bad food. On top of that, the place has a sweet, really sickly smell that makes it hard to enjoy the meal.
- service10
- arancini8
- lasagna birra6
- ceviche2
- wagyu + Gorgonzola tacos2
- sickly smell2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Delicious Food and Cheerful Staff!
My experience at Modi was wonderful! The food was delicious, with the nopales and burrata being a standout dish. The vibes were great, and the staff were super fun and cheerful, making us feel special.
Overall, a fantastic experience!
- food10
- nopales with burrata10
- vibes10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Vibrant Lunch Spot with Juicy Burgers
I visited this restaurant for a quick lunch with a friend and had a great experience. The atmosphere is vibrant with modern decor, creating a welcoming environment. The juicy burger was a standout dish, perfectly complemented by very crispy fries.
Overall, Modi delivers pretty good food for a quick bite during lunch hours.
- vibrant atmosphere8
- modern decor8
- juicy burger9
What Modi offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere does Modi offer you?
Modi provides a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere where you can enjoy dine-in, outdoor seating, takeout, or delivery. You can also experience live music and a great wine list, making it a versatile spot for your dining pleasure.
Does Modi offer options for specific diets and convenient services?
Yes, Modi caters to you with vegan options, vegetarian options, and organic dishes. For your convenience, they offer no-contact delivery, takeout, and accept reservations. Dinner reservations are recommended for you, ensuring your spot.
How does Modi generally perform according to customer feedback?
Modi achieves an overall score of 8.2, driven by strong marks for Service (8.9) and Ambience (8.4). While Food (7.9) is good, Value (5.8) is noted as an area for improvement.
What makes Modi's atmosphere stand out?
Customers frequently praise Modi’s elegant and inviting ambiance, highlighting its stylish decor and cozy vibe, which create a refined yet comfortable dining experience.
Are there any common concerns about the dining experience at Modi?
Some patrons have reported that service can become slow when the restaurant is busy, particularly regarding getting the check. Issues with the cleanliness and availability of bathrooms have also been mentioned.