Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Per Diem – San Francisco
Per Diem - San Francisco
Photo from Per Diem
Per Diem at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 43 of the guests
#1259 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#66 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
345
Reviews
75.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Inviting ambiance
- Attentive service
- Quality dishes
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Noisy environment
- Value concerns
The American restaurant Per Diem – Financial District in San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood offers a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll discover a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere, perfect for any occasion.
Known for its great wine list, this spot ensures you’ll find the perfect pairing for your meal. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or an upscale dinner, you’ll appreciate the cozy and trendy ambiance that makes every visit special.
Overview: Introducting Per Diem
Per Diem generally provides a pleasant dining experience, with many guests appreciating the inviting atmosphere and the quality of the dishes. The attentive staff often receives praise for their hospitality, contributing to a welcoming visit for most patrons.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly with the pace of service and occasional concerns about value. While the culinary offerings are largely well-received, a few specific items have drawn criticism for their preparation.
Good
7.4
out of 10
345
Reviews
75.4%
Satisfaction
68
negative
17
neutral
260
positive
Overall, Per Diem holds a solid 7.4 out of 10, indicating a generally good performance, and customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 75.4%. This positive sentiment is drawn from 345 customer opinions, with 260 positive remarks outweighing 68 negative ones, suggesting a largely favorable impression among diners.
When we look closer, the Ambience shines with an (8.1), creating a highly appreciated setting. The Food also performs well at (7.6), with many praising the menu.
Service registers a good (6.9), though some experiences point to areas for improvement. The Value score of (5.8) suggests it’s more of an average aspect, occasionally raising concerns about pricing.
What people like
- Inviting atmosphere
- Attentive staff
- Quality food & drinks
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service speed
- Occasional loud environment
- Value for money concerns
Per Diem generally offers a pleasant experience, particularly if you value a good setting and well-prepared dishes. With a 7.7 recommendation score, it’s a place worth considering for its strengths, especially for a relaxed meal or drinks.
However, be mindful of potential service delays and occasional noise levels, which some guests have noted. If you prioritize consistent, swift service and strict budget adherence, you might want to manage expectations or explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Per Diem
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid 7.6 score and a happy 77.8% customer satisfaction, its clear most diners are enjoying their meals. Out of 180 comments, a whopping 140 rave about dishes like the Squid ink Pasta, tri-tip sandwich, and braised short rib, praising the quality and everything they served.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. About 30 remarks point to some areas for improvement, mentioning flavorless dishes, disappointing portion size for some items, and even issues like raw burgers. While these are fewer, they suggest some inconsistencies in food preparation that might catch you off guard.
Food
180
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
30
negative
10
neutral
140
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pasta dishes
- Tender short rib
- Great sandwich options
What people don't like
- Flavorless food
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent food preparation
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Per Diem was fabulous! We had a great atmosphere and amazing food. I particularly enjoyed the kale salad and the tri tip Gorgonzola sandwich, which were both YUM!
- cocktailsI've never been disappointed. The beer, cocktails, entrees, and apps are all fantastic. The atmosphere is also a major plus.
- drinksThe food and drinks were delicious
- menuThey have an excellent menu.
- musselsthe mussels were really fresh.
- appsI've never been disappointed. The beer, cocktails, entrees, and apps are all fantastic. The atmosphere is also a major plus.
- burrata toastI especially liked the burrata toast
- entreesI've never been disappointed. The beer, cocktails, entrees, and apps are all fantastic. The atmosphere is also a major plus.
- kale saladthe kale salad and had nothing but good things to say
- lobster friesThe ambiance is great, and the service was on point. We enjoyed the good old fashions and the fantastic lobster fries. Naomi up front and the bartender were both super friendly.
Frequently criticized
- gnocchi ragugnocchi ragu was small, cold, and bland
- FoodFood:2
- Mac and cheeseMac and cheese was overcooked too
- burgerMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. While the food was okay and the appetizers were decent, the main issue was that the burger was raw. Furthermore, the server upstairs was not attentive in any way, which really stood out as a poor experience.
- burgersTo make matters worse, when the order finally arrived, it missed some items. Furthermore, the burgers came raw, indicating a serious issue with food quality and preparation.
- chicken sandwichchicken sandwich boring
- coffeecoffee sucks real bad
- dessertThe dessert is probably the weakest part
- drinkMy drink was small
- eggplant sandwicheggplant sandwich and had the same experience
If youre looking for a place with generally good food and some standout dishes, its definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few diners have experienced inconsistencies in flavor or portion sizes, so choose your meal wisely.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot lands an average score of 6.9, with customer satisfaction sitting at a rather mixed 64.4%. Many guests rave about the attentive service, friendly staff, and personalized hospitality, with 56 positive remarks out of 87 total. Special shout-outs go to the wonderful staff, servers, and even the bartender for their excellent customer care.
However, not everyone had a smooth experience, with 27 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement. Issues like slow service, unwelcoming attitudes, and long wait times were mentioned. Some felt the staff could be more attentive, and there were instances of incorrect checks or feeling pressured to leave.
Service
87
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
27
negative
4
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Friendly servers
- Personalized service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Unwelcoming attitude
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceIt's a great place to eat for business or pleasure. They offer wonderful light dishes for everyone, and I particularly noted the nice wine and great service. The atmosphere and service were rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating.
- bartenderWe chose to sit at the bar and shared a delicious watermelon/tomato/burrata salad and a pizza. The bartender was very nice, and the ambiance is lovely. They also have a good wine list and cocktails.
- staffThe staff was attentive and very nice.
- serverThe food is delicious and the prices are quite affordable. A big plus for the extremely kind and attentive server, with whom we shared some good laughs. He was truly looking after us.
- hospitalityGreat food, ambience, and hospitality
- KimKim was beyond amazing at coordinating
- Naomi and Lizask for Naomi and Liz, no lie they are the best
- Naomi up frontWe enjoyed the good old fashions and the fantastic lobster fries. Naomi up front and the bartender were both super friendly. I will totally go back when I’m in town again.
- attention to detailAlthough we only stopped for a drink at the bar, our experience provided a very positive impression. Observing the patrons and engaging with the barman and manager highlighted the restaurant's commitment to customer care and its healthy obsession with attention to detail. The drinks were exquisitely made, and the food we saw being served looked very appetising, with diners finishing their meals with gusto.
- attentive serviceAbraham was fantastic and very attentive
Frequently criticized
- serviceHowever, the service was a significant drawback. Apps were long gone before we ordered entrees, and two entrees came out 15 minutes after the others. It seems they could use one more on the wait staff, as a little more staff on hand would definitely add to the experience.
- waiterMy experience at the restaurant was a bit mixed. As the sole not Asian person at the table, the waiter awkwardly dropped me a fork before the food came without me asking. However, the food was good.
- acknowledgementHowever, the service was incredibly slow; it felt like they kept forgetting about us. It took at least 5 minutes for anyone to acknowledge us when we walked in, which was awkward. While the good food and friendly staff mean we'd consider going back, I'd advise avoiding it if you're particularly hungry due to the wait time.
- annoyance and irritationclearly showing his annoyance and irritation on his face
- attitudegave me an attitude as he led me to my table
- communicationrudely communicated, they need to understand
- drinks ordersDidn’t even remember drinks orders
- front desk staffmade me feel very UNCOMFORTABLE and UNWELCOME at the restaurant
- hostess seatingHostess seated us about 10 mins late
- incorrect checkincorrect check
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and attentive staff, youll likely have a good experience. However, be prepared for the possibility of slower service or occasional communication hiccups, especially during busy times.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place really shines! With a good score of 8.1 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 90%, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Out of 60 comments, 54 rave about the "atmosphere, " "decor, " "location, " and "vibe, " praising its beautiful design, comfortable seating, and relaxing setting.
However, its not entirely perfect. A few of the 4 negative comments mentioned that the room could be noisy, making it hard to hear. While this isnt a widespread issue, its something to keep in mind if you prefer a quieter dining experience.
Ambience
60
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful atmosphere
- Stylish decor
- Convenient location
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
Often praised
- atmosphereWe discovered this restaurant by chance while getting lost in the streets of San Francisco, and what a pleasant surprise! The setting is very nice and the atmosphere is relaxing. The food is delicious and the prices are quite affordable.
- ambianceGood ambiance for a drink!
- locationConvenient location near Market Street transit.
- decorthe decor was perfectly festive
- ambienceGreat food, ambience, and hospitality
- placeLoved the place
- restaurantBeautiful restaurant with lovely character
- Covid-safefelt Covid-safe with the well spaced tables and high ceilings
- atmosphere and designLove the atmosphere and design of the place
- barI could see was well-stocked
Frequently criticized
- experiencethe experience was ruined
- noisyIt was a little noisy
- parkingStandout dishes included the squid ink pasta and the fried artichoke hearts (when in season). However, it's important to note that parking is currently abysmal, though this is not the restaurant's fault. It might be wisest to take a cab or rideshare to avoid this inconvenience.
- roomthe room was so loud you could not hear a thing
Overall, if you're looking for a spot with a fantastic atmosphere and stylish decor, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that it can get a bit lively, so if you prefer absolute quiet, you might want to consider off-peak hours.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
Many guests find things to cheer about regarding value, with 10 positive remarks out of 18 total. Terms like good value, happy hour, and reasonably priced pop up frequently, with diners praising affordable food and drink options. Theres a sense that you can get tasty food without breaking the bank, particularly during happy hour.
However, the overall picture for value is a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 55.6% and an average score of 5.8. With 7 negative comments, some patrons felt the price was too high, describing certain items as overpriced or even a scam. There are mentions of small, expensive drinks and feeling that portions didnt justify the cost, suggesting inconsistency in perceived value.
Value
18
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value
- Reasonable prices
- Great happy hour
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Small, expensive drinks
- Poor portion value
Often praised
- pricesThe setting is very nice and the atmosphere is relaxing. The food is delicious and the prices are quite affordable. A big plus for the extremely kind and attentive server, with whom we shared some good laughs.
- happy hourhappy hour for food and drinks
- good valueMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a short walk from our hotel in the financial district and offers good value. The short rib was particularly delicious.
- priceReasonably priced tasty food
- pricingall very reasonably priced
- value for moneyGood value for the money, too.
Frequently criticized
- pricepaid $33 for skirt steak
- drinkThis time, I brought two friends, and unfortunately, the staff was not friendly. My drink was small and overpriced, although my friends seemed to enjoy theirs. Previously, the food was good and the service was great.
- high paying patronspolite to some high paying patrons
- pricesFor those prices, I should have received either more protein or more pasta
- scamfelt a bit like a scam
If youre looking for a good deal, especially during happy hour, this spot could be a solid choice for reasonably priced food. However, be mindful that some items, particularly drinks, might feel a bit overpriced, so choose wisely to ensure you get your moneys worth.
How are the prices at Per Diem?
You’re looking at roughly 50 per person – reported by 43 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an American Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a pretty wide spread. While many diners spend less, in the 21 – 40 $ range, there’s also a notable number opting for a more premium experience, pushing the average up.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 43 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an American Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers options for different budgets, from a more casual meal to something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Per Diem
Visit Type
- Business Meeting
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Mushroom Pasta and Service!
I came here for a work dinner and had an absolutely ahhhmazing experience! The Wild Mushroom Pasta was incredible. The staff was also very attentive and nice.
I definitely recommend this place!
- Wild Mushroom Pasta10
- staff9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Excellent Dinner in the Financial District
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. We had a reservation for an early evening on Friday, and our table was ready upon arrival. The service was prompt; we were waited on quickly and received our drinks without delay.
The food also arrived in a timely manner. Our party of four each ordered different dishes and were all very happy with our selections. Our server was friendly, contributing to a great atmosphere.
It's a great place to enjoy good dishes with others, especially when you're staying in the financial district.
- table9
- service9
- drinks9
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Great Food, Slow Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was absolutely great, and the servers were friendly. However, the service was incredibly slow; it felt like they kept forgetting about us.
It took at least 5 minutes for anyone to acknowledge us when we walked in, which was awkward. While the good food and friendly staff mean we'd consider going back, I'd advise avoiding it if you're particularly hungry due to the wait time.
- food10
- servers8
- wait time3
- acknowledgement2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Homey Food, Great Value
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a short walk from our hotel in the financial district and offers good value. The short rib was particularly delicious.
- homey food9
- good value8
- short rib10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
3
Disappointing Service After Not Ordering Alcohol
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. Our server seemed to write us off when we didn’t order any alcohol. We had to wave him down and/or wait a while for service.
It was a disappointing experience. Maybe they were understaffed.
- understaffed5
- server2
- wait a while3
What Per Diem offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- 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
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What dining options and reservation policies does Per Diem - Financial District offer?
At Per Diem – Financial District, you can enjoy lunch and dinner with comfortable seating and table service. They recommend making reservations for both lunch and dinner, ensuring you secure your spot for a delightful meal.
Is Per Diem - Financial District accessible and what amenities are available?
Yes, Per Diem – Financial District is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. You’ll also find a convenient bar onsite, perfect for enjoying their great beer selection or happy hour drinks.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Per Diem?
Per Diem has a good overall score of 7.4 and 75.4% customer satisfaction. Guests particularly appreciate the Ambience (8.1) and Food (7.6), while Service (6.9) is good but Value (5.8) is considered average.
What do customers enjoy most about the atmosphere at Per Diem?
Customers frequently praise the atmosphere and ambiance for being relaxing and inviting, with many highlighting the beautiful decor and comfortable setting, making it suitable for both dining and drinks.
Are there any common issues with service at Per Diem?
Some customers have reported inconsistent service speed, including delays in receiving food or drinks, and occasional issues with staff attentiveness or communication, which can impact the dining experience.