Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Nena’s – San Francisco
Nena's - San Francisco
Photo from Nena’s
Nena's at a glance
San Francisco Bernal Heights
- πΈπ» Salvadoran Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31β$40
mentioned by 11 of the guests
#1950 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#7 Salvadoran Restaurant out of 17 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
127
Reviews
61.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly staff
- Cozy setting
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Bad ambience
- High prices
The restaurant Nena’s, a beloved Salvadoran Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Bernal Heights neighborhood, invites you to discover its cozy atmosphere. You’ll find a welcoming spot perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, offering a taste of authentic flavors.
Whether you’re craving healthy options or looking for an all-you-can-eat experience, Nena’s has something special for you.
Overview: Introducting Nena's
Nena’s offers a taste of Salvadoran cuisine, with many praising its delicious food and the friendly staff who make you feel welcome. The restaurant often provides a cozy atmosphere for family and friends, making for a pleasant dining experience.
However, some experiences at Nena’s have been less ideal. Concerns about loud music and occasional hygiene concerns have been noted.
Additionally, there are reports of slow service and issues with parking, which can detract from the overall visit.
Good
6.5
out of 10
127
Reviews
61.4%
Satisfaction
42
negative
7
neutral
78
positive
Nena’s overall performance registers a solid 6.5 out of 10, placing it in the average category. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 61.4%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
With 127 customer remarks, including 78 positive and 42 negative, there’s a clear picture of what works and what needs attention. The Food (7.9) stands out as a strong point, consistently receiving good feedback.
However, Service (5.4), Ambience (5.2), and Value (5.1) all fall into the average range. While not poor, these areas suggest there’s room for improvement to elevate the dining experience beyond its current mixed standing.
What people like
- Delicious Salvadoran cuisine
- Welcoming, friendly staff
- Pleasant, cozy setting
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service speed
- Ambience issues (noise, smell)
- Value for money concerns
Nena’s offers a compelling draw with its authentic Salvadoran dishes, which are clearly a highlight. With a Recommendation Score of 6.8, it suggests a generally positive experience for many, particularly if you prioritize flavorful food above all else.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and a sometimes-lively atmosphere. If you’re seeking a casual meal focused on good food and don’t mind a few rough edges, Nena’s could be a worthwhile stop.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Nena's
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a good 79.7%, many folks are raving about the deliciousness. Out of 59 comments, a whopping 47 were positive, highlighting favorites like the amazing pupusas, comforting moms cooking, and the refreshing Chia water, alongside flavorful seven seas soup.
However, its not all perfect, with 9 negative remarks pointing out some areas for improvement. Some found dishes like the sopa de pata to be disappointing, and there were concerns about the pricing of items like the cocktail de conchas, pupusas, and horchata, suggesting that some menu items might feel a bit expensive for the quality.
Food
59
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pupusas
- Authentic Salvadoran food
- Flavorful soups
What people don't like
- High prices
- Some dishes disappointing
Often praised
- foodabsolute DELICIOUSNESS of their food
- pupusasThe waiters were very pleasant and friendly. They serve Mexican and Salvadoran food, and the pupusas were good.
- Salvadoran fooddelicious place to come to for salvadoran food
- Chia waterstrongly recommend their Chia water it is amazing!!
- Mexican and Salvadoran foodThe waiters were very pleasant and friendly. They serve Mexican and Salvadoran food, and the pupusas were good.
- Salvadoran breakfastbest Salvadorean breakfast I have found
- Salvadoran dishone typical of El Salvador... rellena de una planta tΓpica salvadoreΓ±a: loroca
- Salvadoran restaurantbest restaurante SalvadoreΓ±o
- atole de eloteDelicious atole de elote - so rich, so nicely spiced
- chef's touchThe chef's touch is simply delicious.
Frequently criticized
- ComidaComida no muy buena
- PupusasPupusas expensive.. Pupusas casi $ 4
- cocktail de conchascocktail de conchas $ 25
- coffeeMy bfriend asked for coffee, never got it.
- food qualityexpensive for the quality of food
- horchatahorchata $ 5. Ridiculous
- pupusasI asked for beans and pork. Only beans.
- sopa de patasopa de pata was pure water full of cabbage
- tortillasNo me llevaron pronto mis tortillas
If you're craving authentic Salvadoran flavors, especially pupusas and soups, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some specific dishes and drink prices might not always hit the mark for everyone.
Service (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has some real bright spots! Many guests rave about the friendly staff and attentive waiters, noting the good attention and even quick service speed. With 17 positive remarks, its clear that when things go well, they go really well, contributing to an overall customer satisfaction of 48.6%.
However, the experience isnt always consistent, leading to an average score of 5.4. There are also 17 negative comments, with some guests frustrated by long waiting times for food and drinks, and issues with customer service and waitresses not taking down orders properly. It seems there's definitely room for improvement to make every visit a smooth one.
Service
35
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
17
negative
1
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Good attention
- Quick food delivery
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Poor customer service
- Order mistakes
Often praised
- servicethe service was great as well
- attentionthe attention is Buy
- staffits staff very friendly
- waitersthe waiters, the waitresses and the cooks all very friendly
- cooksthe waiters, the waitresses and the cooks all very friendly
- new managementtienen 1 aΓ±o de nueva administraciΓ³n
- ownersThe owners are down to earth and they make you feel welcomed.
- peopleIt's a delicious place to come for Salvadoran food. I've been coming here for years, and the people are so nice.
- people working therelos que trabajan ahΓ me dan buenas recuerdos
- service speedfood te la dan rΓ‘pido
Frequently criticized
- customer servicethe customer service was hecka shity
- serviceThe service was horrible
- waiting timeNo me llevaron pronto mis tortillas y apesar que las ordene con tiempo
- customersway they treat customers is horrible
- dishWe ordered three dishes, but they only brought two. They only brought the third dish after we had already finished the other two. I definitely do not recommend it.
- dishesIt was also expensive for the quality of food served. We ordered three dishes, but they only brought two. They only brought the third dish after we had already finished the other two.
- managerpersonally they need a manager to manage the business
- owner/employeeowner/employee was very rude
- refills on our drinksHowever, the customer service was hecka shity. Out of 6-7 waiters, no one asked us if we needed more refills on our drinks. My son asked one waiter for a refill, and it never came.
- wait for fooddemoraron mucho en traer la comida
So, whats the verdict on service? Its a bit of a gamble; you might get a fantastic experience with friendly staff and quick service, or you could face frustrating delays and inconsistent attention. If you're willing to take a chance, you might be pleasantly surprised, but be prepared for potential hiccups.
Ambience (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, many customers (11 positive opinions out of 23 total) found a lot to appreciate, often highlighting its family atmosphere and cleanliness. Its described as a small but cozy place, with some even enjoying the jukebox for a bit of fun. The ambience scores an average 5.2, indicating some definite bright spots.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. A significant number of reviews (11 negative opinions) point to some serious drawbacks, particularly concerning hygiene and a persistent odor or smell of urine. The music can also be too loud for comfort, making conversations difficult.
With customer satisfaction at a mixed 47.8%, there's clearly room for improvement in these areas.
Ambience
23
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy family atmosphere
- Good cleanliness
- Jukebox entertainment
What people don't like
- Poor hygiene
- Unpleasant odors
- Loud music
Often praised
- atmosphereIt was an excellent place to enjoy a good experience with family and friends. The atmosphere was pleasant. I recommend visiting this place!
- cleanse mira limpio
- cleanlinessrestaurant is very clean
- environmentthe environment is better
- family atmosphereit is a family atmosphere
- good experienceIt was an excellent place to enjoy a good experience with family and friends. The atmosphere was pleasant.
- good presentationgood presentation of the place
- jukeboxthey have a jukebox!
- placeIt's a small but nice place, the food is excellent and they have very good service.
- small but cozyMy experience at this restaurant was quite pleasant. It's a small but cozy place. The waiters were very pleasant and friendly.
Frequently criticized
- musicMusic can sometimes be on the loud side
- bad musicla mala mΓΊsica
- difficult parkingdifΓcil parqueo
- hygienelo q sΓ estΓ‘ sΓΊper mal es el higiene
- loudtoo loud for any good conversation
- odorel olor al entrar es fatal
- parkingparking is a little tide up
- restaurantworst restaurant I have ever visited
- smellterrible smell, like urine
- smell of urineolor a orina estΓ‘ malΓsimo
If youre looking for a cozy, family-friendly spot and dont mind potentially loud music or some hygiene issues, this place might be okay. However, be prepared for a mixed experience, especially regarding cleanliness and noise, which could be deal-breakers for some.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
Regarding value, some guests have found pleasant surprises, noting los $ muy buenos and that prices are low compared to how happy Im feeling. Others even mentioned el precio mejor y menor, highlighting good prices. However, with a score of 5.1, its an average showing, and customer satisfaction is a poor 30%, indicating a clear divergence.
Yet, the picture isnt entirely rosy. Several folks felt it was expensive for the quality of food or that they were overcharged. The cash only policy is a frequent complaint, and issues like precios un poco alto or a bill' being wrong have been noted in 5 negative comments, outweighing the 3 positive ones out of 10 total.
Value
10
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good prices
- Low cost
What people don't like
- Expensive for quality
- Cash only
- Billing errors
Often praised
- pricesPrices are low compared to how happy I'm feeling
- priceel precio mejor y menor
Frequently criticized
- priceexpensive for the quality of food
- billAnd then the bill was wrong
- cash onlyCash only
- pricesprecios un poco alto
If youre looking for a bargain, you might find some good prices here, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies. While some find the value decent, others are left feeling overcharged or frustrated by the cash only policy. Its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations, especially regarding the final bill.
How are the prices at Nena's?
Youβre looking at roughly 32 per person β reported by 11 diners. That puts it in the $31β$40 category. For a Salvadoran Restaurant, itβs comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, most guests actually spend less, typically in the $11β$20 or $21β$30 ranges. A few higher-priced experiences seem to pull the overall average up, indicating a nice mix of options.
Hereβs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 11 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing offers good flexibility. It seems you can enjoy a more budget-friendly meal or opt for a more premium experience, depending on your preference. Wed say its fair for the variety it offers.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Nena's
Price per Person
- $81β$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0β5 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Welcoming Atmosphere
My experience at this low-key spot in the Mission was simply delicious. The chef's touch is evident in every dish. I usually go for their sopa de res, and they are certainly generous with their portions.
The owners are incredibly down-to-earth and make you feel very welcomed. As an added plus, they have a jukebox!
- chef's touch9
- sopa de res9
- portion control8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Terrible hygiene, okay food
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food was okay, but the hygiene was extremely bad. Upon entering, there was a fatal odor, a terrible smell of urine.
The bathrooms actually smelled better than the main dining area.
- food6
- bathrooms5
- hygiene1
- odor1
- smell of urine1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Great Pupusas, Loud Music
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around the great food, particularly the pupusas. The staff was friendly, contributing to a good overall experience. However, the music can sometimes be on the loud side, which detracted slightly from the atmosphere.
- pupusas10
- staff9
- food10
- music4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Salvadoran Flavors & Warm Memories
I really enjoyed this little place. The food, in particular, is very flavorful and tastes just like it does in El Salvador. The typical breakfast brought back memories of eating at my aunt's house in Chalatenango.
I went with my uncle and aunt, and the soup I ordered was one of my favorites. It's worth it; everything is cooked very well and is traditional ππΌ. The people working there also give me good memories of El Salvador π.
- food9
- typical breakfast9
- soup9
Price per Person
- $11β$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Great Pupusas, Cash Only
My experience at the restaurant was positive, though it's important to note that they are cash only. Fortunately, there are ATMs nearby at Safeway and the corner store. I highly recommend the pupusas, which are priced at approximately $3.
25 to $3. 50 each.
- pupusas9
- cash only4
What Nena's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- All you can eat
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Nena's Restaurant accessible and family-friendly?
Yes, Nena’s Restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. For families, you’ll be pleased to know it’s good for kids and offers high chairs, making it a welcoming spot for your entire family to enjoy.
What are the service and payment options available at Nena's Restaurant?
Nena’s Restaurant offers both dine-in and takeout service options for your convenience. For payments, you can easily use major credit cards and debit cards. They also accept reservations, allowing you to plan your visit ahead of time for a seamless and enjoyable experience.
What is the overall dining experience like at Nena's?
Nena’s holds an overall score of 6.5 out of 10, indicating an average experience. While Food scores well at 7.9, Service (5.4), Ambience (5.2), and Value (5.1) are considered average.
What kind of food does Nena's specialize in, and is it well-received?
Nena’s specializes in Mexican and Salvadoran cuisine, with many praising its delicious pupusas, Salvadoran breakfast, and atole de elote. The chef’s touch is frequently highlighted as a positive.
Are there any common issues or drawbacks to consider before visiting Nena's?
Some customers have noted concerns regarding loud music, occasional hygiene issues, and difficult parking. Service speed and consistency, including long waits and missed refills, have also been mentioned.