Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Soma – San Francisco
Soma - San Francisco
Photo from Soma
Soma at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 129 of the guests
#517 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#34 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
583
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Service
- Italian Cuisine
- Happy Hour
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Pricing
- Mandatory Gratuity
- Noise Levels
The restaurant, an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood, welcomes you with its inviting atmosphere. You’ll find Soma to be a cozy, casual, and trendy spot, perfect for any occasion.
A standout feature you’ll immediately appreciate is their great wine list, promising a delightful pairing for your meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dining experience, this place has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Soma
Soma generally offers a welcoming experience, with many guests praising the attentive staff and the quality of its Italian fare, often highlighting fresh ingredients . It’s a place where you can expect a pleasant dining atmosphere.
However, some visitors have noted inconsistencies, particularly regarding value and occasional issues like unexpected gratuity or a lively atmosphere that can sometimes be too noisy. It’s worth keeping these points in mind.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
583
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
76
negative
23
neutral
484
positive
Soma achieves a solid Restaurant Score of 8.1, indicating a good overall experience, which aligns well with a Customer Satisfaction of 83%. This positive sentiment is reflected in the 484 positive remarks out of 583 total customer observations, suggesting a largely favorable impression.
The restaurant truly shines in Service (9.0), which many describe as excellent, and its Food (7.9) also receives strong marks for quality. While the Ambience (8.2) is generally well-regarded, the Value (5.4) topic shows a more mixed response, with some appreciating happy hour deals while others find certain items or charges less appealing.
What people like
- Exceptional Service
- Quality Italian Food
- Good Happy Hour
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Pricing
- Mandatory Gratuity
- Occasional Noise
Soma appears to be a worthwhile destination, particularly if you prioritize excellent service and well-prepared Italian dishes. The generally positive feedback and a Recommendation Score of 8.2 suggest many find it a satisfying choice.
However, it’s wise to be mindful of potential pricing variations and the possibility of an automatic gratuity. If you’re seeking a lively spot with good food and service, Soma could be a good fit, but check for happy hour specials to maximize value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Soma
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 7.9 and a customer satisfaction rate of 80.3%, indicating a good dining experience for most. Many guests rave about the great food and dining experiences, frequently praising fresh ingredients, crispy crust pizza, delicious pasta, and inventive cocktails. Out of 290 remarks, a whopping 233 were glowing.
However, not every dish is a home run, with 41 less enthusiastic comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Some found the food underwhelming or bland, mentioning soggy fries, tasteless sauces, and occasionally overcooked pasta. While these instances are noted, they don't overshadow the overall positive sentiment.
Food
290
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
41
negative
16
neutral
233
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Delicious pizza, pasta
- Inventive cocktails
What people don't like
- Bland flavors
- Soggy fries
- Tasteless sauces
Often praised
- food” I’m not willing to pay $18 for a cocktail at 4: 30pm. I’ve been here before for happy hour and really liked it, enjoying the good prices, good drinks, and good food. I'm wondering if it was because there’s a Giants home game that night.
- pizzaI had an amazing pizza and carpaccio during my visit. The service was awesome, and the ambiance was great.
- drinks” I’m not willing to pay $18 for a cocktail at 4: 30pm. I’ve been here before for happy hour and really liked it, enjoying the good prices, good drinks, and good food. I'm wondering if it was because there’s a Giants home game that night.
- FoodExcellent restaurant of Italian food
- Italian foodThe restaurant offers a charming and relaxed setting, which was a pleasant surprise. What stood out was the surprising twist of Italian food. I highly recommend it for a delightful dining experience.
- cocktailsOur cocktails were made with care and experience.
- spinach ravioliI had the spinach ravioli with red sauce.
- fresh ingredientselegant presentation, fresh ingredients, and great flavor combinations
- pastaFood was some of the best pasta we have ever had
- ravioliSplit ravioli
Frequently criticized
- foodWe paid extra in the contract for AV and when we arrived the equipment was never provided. The food came out cold. The tables were dirty along with the silverware.
- flavorHowever, the grilled chicken he got on top of that wasn't that great. I feel like there just wasn't much flavor to it and it really didn't add anything to the meal. With the conference going on, it was a little loud.
- food qualityvery poor quality food
- sauceSauce was bland
- seafood linguiniIt felt more like a medium-range price point, yet the dishes lacked flavor. The seafood linguini was overcooked and rubbery, only edible if you were ravenous, and the bland tomato sauce had no punch. The Caesar salad was basic, with limp lettuce, dried croutons, and an equally bland sauce.
- Box pastaBox pasta and tasteless sauces
- Caesar saladcareer was basic really basic lettuce, dried croutons with a sauce equally as bland
- Chicken ParmChicken Parm was dry and underseasoned
- CokeCoke had a little aftertaste of chlorine like diet coke
- Dietary restrictionsIt's a little bland
If youre looking for a place with generally delicious Italian-inspired food and creative cocktails, its definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few dishes might occasionally miss the mark on flavor or texture.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
The service here truly shines, earning an excellent score of 9 and boasting an impressive customer satisfaction of 93.2%. With 151 positive remarks out of 162 total, guests consistently rave about the fantastic service, attentive service, and friendly staff. Many highlight the knowledgeable server and the overall welcoming atmosphere, making every visit a pleasure.
However, a small handful of the 10 negative comments mention instances of subpar service and even condescension from staff. There were also concerns regarding issues like not being seated due to a service dog, which certainly impacted a few experiences negatively, pointing to areas for improvement.
Service
162
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
151
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent service
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable staff
What people don't like
- Staff condescension
- Subpar service
- Ableism concerns
Often praised
- serviceI've visited this restaurant twice, and both times were exceptional. The first visit was marked by an amazing experience with fantastic service. My second visit was exactly the same: a cozy and friendly atmosphere, and the food was oh-so-tasty.
- staffThe service is equivalent to living a real-life Cheers. I continue to visit because the staff are amazing at what they do, caring of who you are, and most of all, they are fun! Firooz, Basil, and Med will always treat you like a god; all you have to do is treat them as a human and they will give you the best experience.
- ServiceService by Veysi was so sweet and attentive
- RamiThe manager Rami was also really cool, he gave me directions where to visit in the city.
- bartendersThe bartenders are always friendly and accommodating
- bartenderThe bartender with the glasses is very hospitable and professional
- experienceI continue to visit because the staff are amazing at what they do, caring of who you are, and most of all, they are fun! Firooz, Basil, and Med will always treat you like a god; all you have to do is treat them as a human and they will give you the best experience.
- StaffStaff was nice
- kindnesseveryone inside was extremely kind
- menu knowledgeextremely knowledgeable person about menu
Frequently criticized
- serviceIt’s receiving 2 stars because a 20% gratuity was added to the bill without any notice beforehand. This was totally off putting especially since we didn’t receive outstanding or even great service. We felt a sense of condescension from the wait staff our entire visit which made us uncomfortable to question the automatic 20% gratuity.
- AV equipmentWe used this restaurant for a work event last night (3/20) and couldn't have had a worse experience. We paid extra in the contract for AV and when we arrived the equipment was never provided. The food came out cold.
- ableismfairly illegal ableism on display
- condescension from staffsense of condescension from the wait staff
- serverServer was talking with cooks in the back the majority of our dining experience
- service dogthey would t seat me and a friend because I have a service dog
- staffStaff kept threatening to move us
- subpar servicepaying a generous tip for subpar service
- wait staffbarely checked on once with a brief are you ok
If top-notch hospitality is what you're after, this place largely delivers. While a few isolated incidents suggest minor hiccups, the overwhelming consensus points to a staff that genuinely cares, making it well worth a visit for a consistently pleasant experience.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
The atmosphere here truly shines, boasting a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 84.8%. Many of the 84 positive comments highlight the welcoming vibe, warm atmosphere, and relaxing vibe, making it a great spot. Guests often appreciate the trendy atmosphere and cozy setting, contributing to a guaranteed mood boost for many.
However, its not always perfect, as 10 negative comments point out some issues. Some found the atmosphere to be too noisy or the space to be too small, especially during busy times. A few mentioned a loud college girl or difficulty getting a table, ' suggesting it can get crowded and impact the overall experience.
Ambience
99
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
10
negative
5
neutral
84
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Relaxing vibe
- Trendy setting
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Limited space
- Gets crowded
Often praised
- atmosphereWith the conference going on, it was a little loud. However, the atmosphere was easy to get around, felt good and open, and it was really easy to navigate even though there were so many people there.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeA unique and peaceful place where you can go
- ambianceThe music, ambiance, and service are all top-notch
- barBest SF bar to visit-!
- locationThe location is convenient
- restaurantA very nice restaurant on Mission St
- vibeChill vibe
- BARTthe bar is also close to Bart
- Bar seatsBar seats opened up with in minutes!
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere severely dampened the experience. It was far far too noisy
- attractionsBcp d'attractions fermées sur les jours de la semaine
- loud college girlexcept for the really loud college girl
- noiseit was just too noisy
- parking spaceService was good, rated 4/5, and Basil even took our photo! Free parking garage is available, though finding a spot was somewhat difficult.
- silverwareThe food came out cold. The tables were dirty along with the silverware. We do a lot of dinners in SF for work purposes and will be avoiding this venue moving forward.
- spaceit was just too small
- tableI went in for happy hour on a Tuesday afternoon, but unfortunately, I couldn’t get a table due to the number of reservations. I ended up sitting at the bar and asked for a happy hour menu.
- tablesThe food came out cold. The tables were dirty along with the silverware. We do a lot of dinners in SF for work purposes and will be avoiding this venue moving forward.
If you're seeking a place with a generally welcoming and vibrant atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that it can get a bit noisy or feel crowded, so consider visiting during off-peak hours if you prefer a quieter setting.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with a 5.4 score landing it squarely in the average category. However, with 16 positive comments out of 32 total, many folks rave about the happy hour deals and affordable prices, often calling it a great price point for what you get. The free parking garage is also a nice bonus!
On the flip side, the value experience can be a bit challenging, contributing to a 50% customer satisfaction rating. There are 15 negative comments, with concerns frequently popping up about a mandatory 20% gratuity and portion size being too small for the price level, especially when happy hour isn't available or is inconsistent.
Value
32
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
15
negative
1
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Reasonable prices
- Free parking garage
What people don't like
- Mandatory 20% gratuity
- Small portions, high price
- Inconsistent happy hour
Often praised
- pricesThe prices are very reasonable
- happy hourWas happy hour from 3-6
- happy hour dealshappy hour deals are unbeatable!
- Free parking garageFree parking garage is available
- affordableFast, fresh, and affordable!
- best happy hoursone of the best happy hours in the city
- happy hour drink pricesBest happy hour drink prices in San Francisco
- happy hour specialsdecent happy hour specials
- pricesurprisingly reasonable price
- price pointgreat restaurant especially for the price point
Frequently criticized
- happy hourI ended up sitting at the bar and asked for a happy hour menu. However, I was told that “it’s too busy today, so we’re not doing happy hour. ” I’m not willing to pay $18 for a cocktail at 4: 30pm.
- 20 bucksfor 20 bucks, I'm not down to pay that
- 20% gratuitya 20% gratuity was added to the bill without any notice
- billincluded in the bill without any previous warning
- cocktailpaying $18 for a cocktail at 4:30pm.
- mealFor a $50 meal, it was not worth dog food
- not normalfound it to be not normal
- option to adjustMy experience at the restaurant involved an unexpected tip of about 20% added to the bill, with no option to adjust the amount. This was the first time I encountered this, and I found it to be not normal.
- portion sizevery small portion for $15
- priceExpensive for very poor quality food
If youre looking for fantastic happy hour deals and reasonable prices, this place could be a winner. However, be mindful of the mandatory gratuity and potentially small portions if youre dining outside of happy hour, as it might not feel like the best value then.
How are the prices at Soma?
You’re looking at roughly 36 per person – reported by 129 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, many guests actually spend a bit less, with the biggest group landing in the $21–$30 range. But dont worry, theres also a good number of diners enjoying a more premium experience, pushing into the $41–$50 and even higher brackets. It’s a nice mix!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 129 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant. It offers flexibility for different budgets while maintaining a mid-range average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Soma
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Fabulous Service and Great for Happy Hour
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful! Everyone who works here is fabulous. They are extremely hospitable and will remember your usual without you even having to say a word.
The people are very kind, and it's a wonderful establishment for happy hour and lunch. I come here after work sometimes.
- staff10
- hospitality10
- establishment9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Great Food and Happy Hour!
I've been going to this place for 5 years now. My experience has been consistently positive, especially with their great food and one of the best happy hours in the city. I highly recommend it.
- great food10
- best happy hours10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
A Warm and Excellent Dining Experience
My experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. It has become my go-to spot, and my friends and family love it here too. The staff are always so warm and welcoming, making it feel like family.
The food is always excellent, and the place is cozy. We always feel safe and comfortable here. It’s one of those places you just love coming back to 😊.
- staff10
- food10
- place9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Cozy Spot with Amazing Food
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive. It offers a cozy and very welcoming environment. I've been eating here for the longest time I can remember.
The food is amazing, and the owner, "Med", is always ensuring that customers receive prompt and professional service.
- environment10
- food10
- service10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Great Cocktails, Appetizers, and Service!
What a great spot to have cocktails and appetizers with friends! The Meatballs and Calamari were delicious – yum! We were seated at the bar within minutes as seats opened up.
I'm looking forward to coming back in the future. Thank you, Vasille, for the fantastic service!
- cocktails9
- appetizers9
- Meatballs10
What Soma offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- 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
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Soma Restaurant & Bar?
At Soma Restaurant & Bar, you can anticipate a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for various dining occasions. You’ll find options for lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating and table service available. They also offer catering services for your special events.
Does Soma Restaurant & Bar offer options for specific dietary needs or late-night dining?
Yes, Soma Restaurant & Bar provides a range of choices to accommodate different preferences. You can find delicious vegan options, vegetarian options, and organic dishes on their menu. Additionally, if you’re looking for a bite after hours, they offer late-night food.
What is Soma's overall performance and how do its key aspects score?
Soma holds a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.1, with Customer Satisfaction at 83%. Its Service is excellent (9.0), Food is good (7.9), and Ambience is also good (8.2). Value, however, is average (5.4).
What do customers appreciate most about Soma?
Customers frequently praise Soma’s exceptional service, highlighting the attentive and friendly staff. The quality of the Italian food, including pasta and pizza, and the appealing happy hour deals are also highly regarded.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Soma?
Some customers have noted concerns regarding inconsistent pricing, particularly outside of happy hour, and the practice of adding a mandatory gratuity without prior notice. Occasional noise levels in the dining area have also been mentioned.