oChef » Tastebuds – San Francisco » Tastebuds – San Francisco – Reviews

Tastebuds - Reviews

600 5th Ave, 94118 San Francisco
All reviews at a glance
546

Reviews

74.4%

Satisfaction

102

negative

38

neutral

406

positive

What people say about Tastebuds

Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Breakfast
Mitchell C.
Review date: 10/06/2025
7
Strange Breakfast, But Good!
My experience at the restaurant was a bit unusual. They were sold out of all breakfast items except for chicken and waffles, which was very strange. However, the chicken and waffles themselves were good!
  • chicken and waffles8
  • breakfast items2
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Type
  • Couple
Group Size
  • Couple
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Breakfast
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
  • Quiet
Darryl
Review date: 10/01/2025
9
Tastebuds: Soulful Experience Beyond the Food
I Googled "Soul Food" and Tastebuds popped up. After checking the menu online and seeing Shrimp & Grits on the breakfast choices, my wife and I felt we'd found our spot. Upon arrival, we scanned the QR code. I was delighted to see collard greens and fried chicken as offerings, but what truly impressed me was the vibe. The folks serving didn't look like me at all, and even the customers were a variety, reminiscent of San Francisco, at least what little I saw. The food was good, the service was good, and striking up a conversation with a local about taxi and transit was also a positive. Ultimately, Tastebuds is where the emphasis should be on soul, not just the food.
  • Shrimp & Grits8
  • collard greens8
  • fried chicken8
Visit Type
  • Delivery
Service Type
  • Takeout
Wait Time
  • Long (31+ min.)
Leah P.
Review date: 09/01/2025
1
Unacceptable Service and Order Issues
I ordered takeout online and when I arrived, I waited over an hour. I was then told my order was not received, despite having a confirmation. After sharing this, my order was still not made. When I inquired about the delay 15 minutes later, I was told they were "not sure I still wanted it. " Expressing my frustration yielded no apology or attempt to rectify the situation. I am SO SO disappointed to be treated this way in a place where I've spent so much money and frequented so often.
  • waiting time1
  • order confirmation1
  • order fulfillment1
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
  • Moderate
Anna F.
Review date: 08/29/2025
9
Delicious Pancakes with Fruit Toppings!
We tried the pancakes and I must say they were excellent! They were rich with fruit and other toppings. I recommend adding chocolate chips to the batter, which makes them even softer and more delicious.
  • pancakes9
  • fruit and other toppings8
  • chocolate chips9
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Breakfast
Kelsey P.
Review date: 08/27/2025
7
Great Food, Unpleasant Smell
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was soooo good and tasted great, making it a fantastic meal. It was also reasonably priced, fitting within the $10–20 per person range. However, I did notice a stale, unpleasant smell in the place, which detracted from the overall atmosphere. Despite this issue, the food quality and value were excellent.
  • food10
  • price8
  • smell2
Price per Person
  • $61–$70
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Type
  • Family
Group Size
  • Couple
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Breakfast
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Dennis A.
Review date: 08/23/2025
2
Disappointing Breakfast Experience
I drove all the way from Oakland for breakfast at Tastebuds, and unfortunately, it was a huge disappointment. The main issue was the chicken, which my 12-year-old daughter described as tasteless and dry. I confirmed this myself after taking a bite. For a meal that cost almost $70 for two plates and drinks (including a 15% tip), the poor quality was unacceptable. Adding to the frustration, they had run out of the steak and eggs and hadn't been able to restock during the week. Given the distance I traveled and the price, I felt compelled to leave this review. Overall, this was not the experience I expected.
  • chicken2
  • steak and eggs3
  • price3
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Gregory E.
Review date: 08/18/2025
1
Horrible Introduction, Walked Out
My experience at this restaurant was a false representation of a soul place. There was nothing soulful about it from the onset. We had a horrible introduction and simply walked out. If I could give it no stars, I would.
  • soul place1
  • introduction1
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Alex C.
Review date: 07/27/2025
10
Delicious Food, Kind Staff, Great Spot!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was absolutely delicious, and the staff were incredibly kind and helpful. It's a nice little spot that I will definitely be returning to.
  • food10
  • staff10
  • nice little spot9
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Ricky C.
Review date: 07/27/2025
9
Delicious Veggie Po'Boy and Warm Atmosphere!
It's always good to be early as this is a popular go-to. Thanks for the warmth of the people and the place, and the enjoyable veggie po’boy! Definitely coming back here!
  • warmth of the people10
  • veggie po’boy9
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Noise Level
  • Quiet
Dave M.
Review date: 07/21/2025
9
Amazing Shrimp and Grits!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for brunch. I had some of the tastiest Shrimp and Grits I've ever encountered. I also really appreciated the ordering at the counter but delivery to your table style, which makes it very convenient for groups, eliminating the need to worry about splitting the check.
  • Shrimp and Grits10
  • ordering style9
  • group dining9

Top Restaurants in

Lou's
9.6
out of 10

12

100%

Supra Dinner Society
9.6
out of 10

150

100%

1904 Street Dogs
9.6
out of 10

73

100%

Taste of India
9.4
out of 10

307

100%