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oChef » Pier42 – San Francisco
Pier42 - San Francisco
Photo from Pier42
Pier42 at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🇵🇪 Peruvian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 15 of the guests
#939 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#8 Peruvian Restaurant out of 12 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
77
Reviews
76.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent Food
- Great Ambiance
- Polished Service
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Rushed Service
- Noisy Ambiance
The restaurant Pier42 invites you to experience authentic Peruvian flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Financial District. This Peruvian restaurant offers a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy a delightful meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a relaxing dinner, you’ll find a welcoming spot to savor delicious small plates and expertly crafted cocktails. It’s a perfect destination for a memorable culinary journey.
Overview: Introducting Pier42
Pier42 offers a notable dining experience, particularly praised for its excellent culinary offerings and a generally pleasant atmosphere. Guests often highlight the food quality and the appealing ambiance, making it a suitable spot for various occasions.
However, some aspects like the overall value and certain service elements could see improvement. Despite its culinary strengths, Pier42 faces some challenges.
While the setting is often described as a beautiful place, there have been mentions of noise and issues related to accessibility or unexpected closures, which can detract from the experience. The service, though often polished, sometimes feels rushed.
Good
7.7
out of 10
77
Reviews
76.6%
Satisfaction
14
negative
4
neutral
59
positive
Overall, Pier42 maintains a solid reputation, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 7.7 and a Customer Satisfaction rate of 76.6%. This indicates a generally positive reception from diners.
The culinary aspect truly shines, with Food earning an excellent (9.1). The Ambience also contributes positively, rated as good (7.3), often described as a beautiful place with a great atmosphere.
However, there are areas for development. While Service is rated as average (6.4), some guests have felt rushed.
The Value score, also average (6.3), suggests that while the food is good, the prices can be a concern for some. These insights are drawn from 77 customer opinions, with 59 positive and 14 negative comments providing a balanced view of the dining experience.
What people like
- Excellent Food Quality
- Appealing Ambiance
- Polished Service
What people don't like
- High Prices
- Rushed Service
- Noisy Ambiance
With a Recommendation Score of 7.9, Pier42 is a compelling choice for those prioritizing exceptional cuisine and a pleasant setting. If you’re seeking a vibrant atmosphere and high-quality dishes, it certainly warrants a visit.
Just be prepared for a potentially bustling environment and consider making reservations to ensure a smooth experience. However, if you’re sensitive to noise or on a strict budget, you might find the value proposition less appealing.
While the service is generally good, some guests have noted feeling hurried. Weigh these aspects against the strong culinary appeal to decide if Pier42 aligns with your dining preferences.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pier42
Food (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.1 and a perfect 100% customer satisfaction, its clear diners are thrilled. Based on 27 glowing remarks, guests rave about the delicious seafood, innovative Peruvian cuisine, and great presentation.
Even the stunning cocktails and appetizers get high praise! Whats truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the food. Not a single complaint was found among all the opinions, which is a rare and impressive feat.
It seems the culinary experience here consistently hits all the right notes for everyone.
Food
27
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious seafood options
- Innovative Peruvian cuisine
- Stunning cocktails
What people don't like
Often praised
- foodThe food was very good and fun
- cocktailsMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a lively and friendly vibe, complemented by great cocktails. Although I only sampled a few appetizers during a corporate event, they were excellent.
- FoodFood:5
- Peruvian restaurantexcellent Peruvian restaurant La Mar
- appetizersthey were excellent
- crabsCrabs, shrimp, pasta вкусные очень
- cuisine sud américaineexcellente cuisine sud américaine
- dessertlet me not get started on the dessert!
- food optionsWe arrived here after visiting Sausalito. The place has lovely shops, great food options, is very clean, and offers great views.
- food qualityRestaurant de très bonne qualité, excellente cuisine sud américaine
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for an exceptional dining experience where the food is consistently praised, this is definitely the place to go. From delicious seafood to innovative Peruvian dishes and stunning cocktails, youre in for a treat.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
When it comes to service, guests have had some genuinely warm experiences, with 10 positive remarks out of 18 total. Many praised the overall service and hospitality, with special shout-outs to server Luis for making families feel at home. The polished service often enhanced the dining experience, contributing to a decent score of 6.4, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 55.6%.
However, not all experiences were smooth sailing, with 7 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement. Some patrons felt rushed through the whole meal, and there were frustrations around reservations and securing a desired table in the restaurant versus being offered seating at the bar despite apparent availability. This suggests a need for more consistent pacing and flexible seating arrangements.
Service
18
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing service
- Friendly server Luis
- Polished hospitality
What people don't like
- Rushed dining experience
- Reservations mandatory
- Seating flexibility issues
Often praised
- serviceThe service is beyond amazing!
- ServiceService:5
- boat accessMy experience was centered around the convenience of this location. It was good to quickly jump on a boat or be dropped off. The quick walk to FiDi was a major plus.
- hospitalityIt was the hospitality for me!
- polished serviceI particularly enjoyed the great seafood dishes and the novel drinks. The polished service truly enhanced the overall dining experience.
- prior arrangementtie up in San Francisco without prior arrangement
- server LuisOur server Luis made my family and I feel right at home!
Frequently criticized
- reopenMy experience at Pier 1/2 was that it is closed to boaters as of June 2023. There are no plans to reopen before 2024.
- reservationsRéservation obligatoire
- rushed through the whole mealThe food was very good and fun, and they offered a good wine list. However, we felt a bit out of sorts as we were rushed through the whole meal.
- seating at the barsolo en el bar a pesar de tener disponibilidad
- signNo sign explaining if it will ever reopen
- signsno signs explaining where to dock
- table in the restaurantno quisieron darnos una mesa en el restaurante
Overall, the service here is a bit of a mixed bag. While many appreciate the attentive staff, be prepared for potential issues with reservations or feeling rushed. If you value quick, friendly service and don't mind a potentially fast-paced meal, it could be a good fit.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youre generally in for a treat when it comes to the atmosphere! With a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at a good 72.4%, its clear most visitors love the vibe. People frequently rave about the Atmosphere, outdoor view, beautiful place, and the overall vibe, often highlighting the sea view and waterside spot as perfect for a date night or even being kid friendly.
Based on 21 positive opinions out of 29 total, it sounds like a truly lovely day out. However, its not entirely without its quirks. While the majority enjoy the setting, a few of the 6 negative opinions mentioned the ambiance could be bruyante' (noisy).
So, while the views and decor are generally celebrated, be aware that it might get a bit lively, depending on when you visit.
Ambience
29
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful outdoor views
- Lively, friendly vibe
- Clean and well-decorated
What people don't like
- Noisy ambiance
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- SF experiencethe perfect SF experience
- ambianceAmbiente muy agradable
- back viewThe back view is beautiful
- beautiful placeUn lugar muy hermoso
- cleanlinessvery clean
- convenienceMy experience at this pier was primarily about its convenience
- date nightit's deff a great place for date night
- decor and furnishingsThe place is decorated and furnished nicely.
- dockThis is a very nice dock allowing boat traffic access to the San Francisco Embarcadero area. It has a 3-hour limit and no vessels over 40 feet are allowed.
Frequently criticized
- Pier 1/2Pier 1/2 is closed to boaters
- SUVmy suv was completely ransacked
- ambianceAmbiance plutôt bruyante
- back windowsI was having dinner at La Mar and parked my SUV across the street in a lot. When I came out, my 2 back windows were busted out, and my SUV was completely ransacked. I've lived in this city for 10 years and have visited here all my life.
- cityI've lived in this city for 10 years and have visited here all my life. I will miss the Arts, the Ballet, the Symphony, the Opera, as the city has lost another of their patrons who will never forget the beauty and energy of this once amazing city.
- restaurantthe restaurant was closed
If you're looking for a place with beautiful views and a lively atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that it might get a little noisy, but the overall experience seems to be a positive one for most visitors.
Value (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
Looking at the value, it seems theres a small bright spot with one customer noting No fee, which is always a welcome surprise. This positive sentiment, based on 1 mention, contributes to an overall score of 6.3, placing value in the average range. However, customer satisfaction for value is quite low at just 33.3%, suggesting a mixed bag despite the no fee perk.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy. The main concern, highlighted by one customer, is that Цены правда кусаются (prices really bite). This strong negative opinion about the prices is a significant factor, especially given the low customer satisfaction.
It suggests that while some things might be free, the overall cost can be a deterrent for many.
Value
3
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- No fee
What people don't like
- High prices
Often praised
- no feeNo fee
Frequently criticized
- pricesЦены правда кусаются
If youre considering this spot, be aware that while there might be a pleasant surprise like no fee for some items, the general consensus is that the prices can be quite steep. Its a place where you might find a good deal on one thing, but overall value could leave you feeling a bit short-changed.
How are the prices at Pier42?
You’re looking at roughly 69 per person – reported by 15 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Peruvian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, prices are quite spread out. While some guests enjoy a more budget-friendly meal, a good number opt for a premium experience, with many spending over 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 15 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Peruvian Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers options for different budgets, but leans towards a more premium experience overall. Wed say it’s a good value for what you get in this city.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pier42
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Impressive Food and Good Times
My experience at this restaurant was amazing! The food was incredibly innovative, making it a perfect place to come if you want to impress someone and have a good time. The cocktails were also very, very nice 🍸.
- food10
- cocktails9
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Excellent South American Cuisine, Attentive Service
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food quality was excellent, offering a taste of South America. The service was attentive, contributing to a great overall experience.
While the ambiance was a bit noisy, the exceptional food and service made it worthwhile. It's important to note that reservations are mandatory.
- food quality10
- cuisine sud américaine10
- service10
- ambiance4
- reservations3
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
A Must-Try San Francisco Gem
Every time we travel to San Francisco, we have to try this place over and over again. The Service, Atmosphere, and Food were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5, making for an exceptional dining experience.
- Service10
- Atmosphere10
- Food10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Service, Delicious Food, Beautiful View!
My experience at this restaurant was beyond amazing! Our server, Luis, made my family and I feel right at home. The hospitality was truly exceptional.
The food was delicious, and I can't even begin to describe how wonderful the dessert was. The back view is beautiful, making it a great place for date night while also being kid-friendly. It's a MUST GO!
- service10
- server Luis10
- hospitality10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Beautiful Place, Disappointing Seating
What a beautiful place! The food was super delicious. Unfortunately, we were not given a table in the restaurant and were only offered seating at the bar, despite there being availability.
I'm unsure why this happened.
- beautiful place9
- food10
- table in the restaurant3
- seating at the bar4
What Pier42 offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services can you expect at Pier42?
At Pier42, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with comfortable table service. For your convenience, the restaurant also offers outdoor seating, traditional dine-in, and takeout services, ensuring you can enjoy your meal however you prefer.
Is Pier42 accessible and family-friendly?
Absolutely! Pier42 is designed to be welcoming for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, making it easy for all guests to enjoy their visit. Plus, it’s considered a good spot for kids, making it a great choice for family outings.
How does Pier42 generally score with customers?
Pier42 has a Restaurant Score of 7.7 and a Customer Satisfaction of 76.6%. Customers particularly praise the Food (9.1) and Ambience (7.3), while Service (6.4) and Value (6.3) are rated as average.
What do customers enjoy most about Pier42's atmosphere?
Many guests appreciate the beautiful place and the overall SF experience, describing the ambiance as very pleasant and suitable for a date night. The decor and furnishings also receive positive remarks.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Pier42?
Some customers have noted that the prices can be high, impacting the overall value. Additionally, there are mentions of feeling rushed through the whole meal and issues with reservations or seating availability.