Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Mystique – San Francisco
Mystique - San Francisco
Photo from Mystique
Mystique at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- 🫒 Mediterranean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 105 of the guests
#1048 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#26 Mediterranean Restaurant out of 40 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
581
Reviews
76.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent food
- Engaging atmosphere
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent value
- Food inconsistencies
- Atmosphere discomforts
The restaurant Mystique, a charming Mediterranean Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Duboce Triangle, invites you to a delightful culinary journey. You’ll discover a place where great coffee is just the beginning.
Whether you’re seeking a cozy spot for a casual meal or a romantic setting for an evening out, this trendy establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere and an experience you won’t soon forget.
Overview: Introducting Mystique
Mystique generally offers a pleasant dining experience, often praised for its engaging Castro vibe and the attentiveness of its friendly staff. Many find the food quality to be a highlight, with dishes like lamb risotto receiving positive remarks, contributing to a generally positive impression.
However, guests have occasionally encountered issues such as overpriced items, leading to concerns about value. There have also been instances of soggy pancakes or a loud inside atmosphere, suggesting that not every visit is without its minor drawbacks.
Good
7.6
out of 10
581
Reviews
76.4%
Satisfaction
115
negative
22
neutral
444
positive
Mystique holds a respectable overall score of 7.6, indicating a good dining experience, supported by a solid customer satisfaction rate of 76.4%. This suggests that most patrons leave feeling content with their visit.
The restaurant garners a substantial amount of feedback, with 444 positive observations against 115 negative ones, providing a clear picture of its performance. Delving into specifics, Food (7.8) and Ambience (7.8) both stand out as strong points, frequently earning high marks from diners.
Service (7.2) also performs well, reflecting a generally attentive and welcoming staff. However, Value (6.3) registers as more average, suggesting that while the experience is often good, some guests find the pricing less compelling.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Engaging atmosphere
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value
- Occasional food missteps
- Atmosphere discomforts
Mystique presents itself as a generally reliable choice for a meal out, with a recommendation score of 7.7 affirming its appeal. If you prioritize a pleasant setting and well-prepared dishes, you’ll likely find much to appreciate here.
It’s a place that often delivers on its promise of a good time. However, be mindful that the experience might not always hit every mark, particularly concerning value and occasional inconsistencies in certain dishes or the environment.
It’s worth trying if you’re in the area, but manage expectations regarding pricing and potential minor service or ambiance quirks.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mystique
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 79.7%, its clear the kitchen is doing something right. Many rave about the delicious and excellent dishes, often highlighting the great flavors, generous portions, and fresh ingredients.
Out of 301 remarks, a whopping 240 are positive, showing a strong thumbs-up from diners. However, there are a few areas for improvement. About 50 negative comments mention concerns like bland or greasy food, and some found dishes, particularly salmon, to be dry.
There were also instances where a risotto was perceived as just rice, and some felt certain items like meatballs were mild. Overall, the positives far outweigh these minor hiccups.
Food
301
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
50
negative
11
neutral
240
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, excellent food
- Generous portion sizes
- Great flavors, fresh
What people don't like
- Bland or greasy food
- Dry dishes
- Inauthentic "risotto"
Often praised
- foodThe staff provided excellent service, and the food was prepared surprisingly quickly. I truly enjoyed my visit—the atmosphere, the service, and the food were all wonderful. Thank you for a great dining experience!
- FoodFood:5
- hummusthe garlic fries and the hummus were outstanding
- lamb risottoWe chose the beef stew and lamb risotto, both were excellent.
- beef stewI had the lamb stew, and my friend had the beef stew. They were both excellent!
- chicken risottohighly recommend the chicken risotto for its great flavor
- cocktailstwo cocktails. Everything was absolutely excellent.
- drinksThe drinks were also great and with some different options
- green beansgreen beans - perfectly cooked with a wonderful sauce
- portionsI had some of the best food I've had in a long time. Each course we tried was utterly delicious, and the portions were more than filling. The food was a definite highlight, scoring a perfect 5 out of 5.
Frequently criticized
- foodI did not like the food; some dishes were very greasy. I also do not recommend the mimosa because it is not made with natural orange juice.
- pancakesMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. After waiting 40 minutes for our food on a slow Wednesday morning, we received soggy and chewy pancakes and a terrible chicken sandwich. The staff offered no support, no help in fixing our order, and there was no manager on shift.
- salmonthe salmon cooked until it dried out
- Alaskan salmonThe "Alaskan" salmon was WHITE!
- Hummus PlateHummus doesn’t have any taste whatsoever
- Mediterranean foodthey advertise themselves as serving Mediterranean food, but it was nothing like it
- allergic reactionimmediate reaction to the food
- appsThe apps were a little boring
- breakfast itemsFor 35 minutes, no food came out to us or the other 3 tables near us who sat before us. These are quick breakfast items to make. Only once we asked when it would be out, the orders started.
- chickenChicken dry
If youre looking for a spot with generally delicious food and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. While a few dishes might miss the mark, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely enjoy a satisfying meal.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a score of 7.2, indicating a good experience for many. Out of 160 remarks, a solid 111 praise the team, highlighting the friendly staff, attentive service, and often excellent service. Guests frequently rave about the warm welcome and how the waitstaff goes above and beyond, making for a truly pleasant visit.
However, the picture isn't entirely rosy, with customer satisfaction sitting at a 69.4%, which is a mixed bag. The 46 negative comments often point to frustrating waiting time and slow service, with some guests finding servers inattentive. There are also mentions of occasional lack of knowledge or attention to specific needs, suggesting some inconsistency in the overall experience.
Service
160
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
46
negative
3
neutral
111
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent, warm service
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Inattentive servers
- Lack of knowledge
Often praised
- serviceWe ordered a paloma and cosmo, and they looked so yummy that a few tables asked to try our drinks! The service was so good that we didn’t have to wait much time between our appetizer and main dishes, but just enough time to savor the calamari. For entrees, we ordered the Ribeye Steak medium rare and Lamb Risotto spicy.
- staffThe ambiance, the staff, and the food are just perfect.
- ServiceService:5
- ownerThe owner, Narmela and the staff make you feel like you’re a regular
- serverOur server was attentive, knowledgeable, and made us feel right at home
- Wait timeWait time:Up to 10 min
- customer serviceVery nice, easy to grab, and checked up on me.
- friendly staffthe friendly staff very much
- peopleAnother standout dish was the hummus topped with what I believe was ground lamb. Overall, the experience was characterized by generous portions, bold and rich flavor, and good people :)
- waitersThe waiters were super friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was a mix of delightful food and somewhat slow service. Although the restaurant was emptying out around 10 pm, the service was a little slow. However, the staff was incredibly sweet and friendly.
- waiterWhen I told the waiter that salmon was red, he looked like that was news to him
- waiting timeWaited 15 mins to get order taken and 40 minutes for food to arrive.
- serverThe setting was nice, making it a suitable place for brunch. However, the food was bland, and the server was not attentive. Additionally, there was a basic lack of knowledge regarding gluten-free restrictions, which was disappointing.
- serversone of servers keep smoking within feets of us
- staffMy lips are still swollen and my tongue is numb. To make matters worse, when we called the restaurant, the staff was rude and insisted the dish had no peppers, despite my partner and I clearly tasting cayenne, chili, or sriracha. They then suggested we drive the dish back and pick up a new one, which is a ridiculous request.
- allergiesThis place doesn’t take allergies seriously
- attentioncould have used a bit more attention after we received our meal
- busboycome over and shout at us
- discriminationthe restaurant manager is still practicing discrimination
If you're looking for a place with genuinely friendly and often attentive staff, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared that service can sometimes be a bit slow or inconsistent, especially during busy periods, so manage your expectations for wait times.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
Hey there, food adventurers! When it comes to the vibe, this spot really shines, boasting a 7.8 score and a fantastic 82.5% customer satisfaction. With 80 positive remarks out of 97 total, guests frequently rave about the cozy place feel, the inviting fireplace, and the delightful outdoor seating options, often noting the beautiful decor that sets the mood.
However, its not all perfect harmony. A smaller number of 12 comments did point out some areas for improvement, with a few finding it a bit loud inside or mentioning uncomfortable chairs. There were also occasional notes about it being drafty near the door, suggesting some spots might have a higher noise level' than others.
Ambience
97
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
12
negative
5
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, warm atmosphere
- Outdoor seating options
- Beautiful decor
What people don't like
- Loud indoor noise
- Uncomfortable chairs
- Drafty areas
Often praised
- atmosphereThey made us feel like family, which was a wonderful touch. The atmosphere was also great, contributing to a very enjoyable dinner.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceMy experience at this wonderful little place was fantastic, largely due to its great ambiance and amazing food. Our group tried nearly every appetizer on the menu!
- decorGreat decor, the gold and black palette really adds to the mystique vibes.
- environmentmade an amazing environment
- experienceThe best experience I’ve had in SF so far
- people watchinggetting some amazing people watching in
- BART and Muni accessibilityFor dessert, we decided to try the fried banana with vanilla ice cream… it was the most delicious dessert we’ve ever tried. Overall, such a great experience, from the cozy dim lighting to the BART and Muni accessibility.
- Castro vibeMy experience at Cafe Mystique was perfect for a date night with a friend. We enjoyed the vibrant Castro vibe and snagged a window seat for some fantastic people-watching – it felt like dinner and a show! The service was impeccable, and every dish we tried was incredibly flavorful and unique.
- Christmas decorationsThe Christmas decorations were beautifully done
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere was quite disappointing
- bathroom floorThe floor was a bit broken
- coldthe cold really made it difficult to enjoy the food
- community mindednessanti community minded. :(
- draftyThe atmosphere was wonderful. Although we were initially seated by the door and it was drafty, our server, Narmela, was very accommodating and moved us further back without any issue. The Salmon with Thai coconut sauce was amazing, and the risotto, while very spicy, was good and filling.
- loud insidecan be a bit loud inside
- noise levelNoise level:Very loud, hard to hear
- pooppeople walked their dogs allowing them to 💩💩 next to us
- trashairblow it down the street. :/
- uncomfortable chairsuncomfortable Yellow chairs that aren't made for long time seating
If you're looking for a place with a genuinely good atmosphere, especially if you snag a cozy spot by the fireplace or enjoy outdoor dining, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some areas can get a bit noisy or drafty, so choose your seat wisely for the best experience.
Value (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, many folks are pleasantly surprised! With 13 positive opinions out of 23 total, customers often praise the fair and reasonable price, noting the great value for what you get. Some even rave about finding the cheapest beer in town, making it feel truly worth it.
The overall score for value sits at an average 6.3. However, it's not all sunshine and savings. A mixed 56.5% customer satisfaction suggests some concerns, with 7 negative opinions highlighting issues like items being overpriced or feeling like a tourist trap.
There were also mentions of prices online not matching the bill, which can be a real bummer.
Value
23
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value offered
- Fair prices available
- Cheapest beer found
What people don't like
- Items feel overpriced
- Perceived tourist trap
- Online prices differ
Often praised
- priceSeemed fairly reasonably priced too.
- valueWhat stands out just as much as the quality of the food is the amazing value
- PricePrice fair!
- beerCheapest beer we’ve found in SF
- great valuegreat value for what you get
- menu pricingI appreciated the comfortable seating, with the option to dine inside or outside. The menu pricing offered great value. We also enjoyed drinks.
- pricesMy experience at Mystic Café was absolutely delicious! They have an amazing selection of food with fair prices. The service was truly outstanding, and I was blown away by how flexible the kitchen was for my keto diet.
- pricingFair pricing and lots of good options to choose from.
- worth itis it worth it
Frequently criticized
- $100 billthey wouldn't accept it
- 15% morewhat i ordered was 15% more
- billcharged a tip on my card after I wrote in cash
- priceSalad completely overpriced
- pricesWay over priced
- prices onlineThe prices online weren’t updated.
- tourist trapdefinitively a tourist trap
So, is it worth it? If youre looking for good deals and potentially cheap drinks, you might find some real gems here. But be mindful of potential price discrepancies or feeling like youre paying a bit too much for certain items.
How are the prices at Mystique?
On average, you’ll spend around 38 per person – from 105 guests. That places this Mediterranean spot in the $31–$40 category. For a Mediterranean Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s a comfortable mid-range, perhaps a touch above.
Interestingly, while the average is 38, we see a good spread in what people actually spend. The most common price point is actually a bit lower, in the $21–$30 range, but there are also plenty of diners opting for dishes in the $41–$50 bracket. So, it offers a nice variety of price points.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 105 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mediterranean Restaurant in San Francisco, especially given the variety of price points available. Its a good option if youre looking for quality without breaking the bank, but also have room to splurge a little.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mystique
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Cocktails and Great People Watching
This is such a chill place. The cocktails are delicious, and the service is warm and welcoming. It's a great spot for people watching, with the fashion and outfits on the street being next level.
I had perhaps the best espresso martini I’ve ever had! 🤩
- cocktails9
- service9
- people watching8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Wonderful Experience, Worth the Price
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It tends to be. I’ve eaten here before and while it might be just a slight bit pricey, it is definitely worth it.
They compensate you with a plentiful amount of food, so much so that I simply never get to try the dessert because I always walk away with a to-go box. It’s also just a charming place to eat at in the Castro, and the seating outside is lovely.
- plentiful amount of food9
- charming place to eat9
- seating outside8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Delicious Food, Beautiful Night, Slow Service
My experience at the restaurant was largely positive, especially concerning the food and atmosphere. The food was truly good and delicious, and the portions were generous. I also enjoyed the drinks, particularly the unique Pomegranate cocktail.
The atmosphere was lovely, contributing to a beautiful end-of-summer night. However, the service was a bit slow, though it seemed to be due to being understaffed.
- food9
- portions8
- drinks8
- service4
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
1
Terrible Meal, No Crab in Crab Cakes
My experience at this restaurant was the worst meal I have ever been served. The crab cakes had no taste of crab, and the "Alaskan" salmon was surprisingly WHITE! When I pointed out to the waiter that salmon is typically red, he seemed unaware.
I instructed him to discard it, and when asked if I wanted something else, I firmly declined. The atmosphere was rated 1, service 2, and food 1, with a very loud noise level making conversation difficult.
- crab cakes1
- Alaskan salmon1
- waiter2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Brunch Spot with Healthy Options
My experience at Cafe Mystique was great! It's a fantastic spot for breakfast/lunch (brunch), offering plenty of healthy choices that fit the neighborhood's vibe. I would definitely recommend Cafe Mystique to a friend and plan to return.
- healthy choices9
- vibe8
- Food5
What Mystique offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
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
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Does Cafe Mystique cater to different dietary needs and preferences?
Absolutely! You’ll find a thoughtful selection of healthy options, alongside dedicated vegan and vegetarian dishes. For those seeking specific dietary choices, halal food is also readily available for you to enjoy.
What kind of dining experience and service options does Cafe Mystique provide?
You can immerse yourself in a romantic, cozy, and casual atmosphere that also feels quite trendy. For your convenience, they offer dine-in, takeout, delivery, and even no-contact delivery, with lovely outdoor seating available for you.
How does Mystique generally perform as a restaurant?
Mystique achieves an overall score of **7.6**, indicating a good dining experience. Its **Food** (7.8), **Ambience** (7.8), and **Service** (7.2) are rated well, though **Value** (6.3) is considered more average.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Mystique?
Diners frequently highlight the excellent food quality, with specific praise for dishes like **lamb risotto** and **hummus**. The engaging **Castro vibe** and the attentiveness of the **friendly staff** are also commonly appreciated.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Mystique?
Some guests have noted **inconsistent value**, with opinions mentioning **overpriced** items. There are also occasional reports of **soggy pancakes** or **dry salmon**, and the atmosphere can sometimes be **loud inside** or feel **cold**.