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oChef » Teranga – San Francisco
Teranga - San Francisco
Photo from Teranga
Teranga at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🥘 African Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 41 of the guests
#100 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 African Restaurant out of 2 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
212
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Kind service
Frequently criticized
- Portion value
- Hygiene concerns
The restaurant Teranga, an African Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Financial District, invites you to a truly immersive dining experience. You’ll discover a lively atmosphere complemented by engaging live music, making it a standout spot for both delicious food and entertainment.
This casual eatery offers a unique taste of Africa right in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Teranga
Teranga offers a delightful culinary journey, with patrons consistently praising its flavorful dishes and authentic West African cuisine. The attentive service from the staff and owner also contributes significantly to a welcoming experience.
However, some guests have raised value concerns regarding portion sizes and pricing for certain items. Despite these points, the restaurant maintains a generally positive impression, making it a noteworthy spot for those seeking unique flavors.
Excellent
8.8
out of 10
212
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
11
negative
8
neutral
193
positive
Teranga achieves a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.8, reflecting a highly positive dining experience. This is further supported by an excellent Customer Satisfaction rate of 91%, indicating that most guests leave pleased with their visit.
These figures are based on 212 customer opinions, with 193 positive and only 11 negative remarks. Diving deeper, the Food (8.9) and Service (9) both stand out as excellent, receiving high praise for their quality and attentiveness.
The Ambience (8.6) also contributes positively, creating a cozy and unique setting. However, the Value (4.8) score suggests that some customers feel the pricing or portion sizes could be improved.
What people like
- Flavorful, authentic cuisine
- Exceptional, kind service
- Cozy, unique atmosphere
What people don't like
- Questionable portion value
- Utensil quality issues
- Hygiene concerns
With a solid Recommendation Score of 8.8, Teranga is certainly worth considering if you appreciate authentic West African flavors and warm hospitality. The culinary experience and attentive staff are clear strengths that many patrons rave about.
However, be mindful of the pricing and portion sizes, as some guests found the value to be less consistent. If you prioritize delicious food and a welcoming environment over strict budget adherence, Teranga could be a delightful discovery.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Teranga
Food (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.9 and a fantastic 93.4% customer satisfaction, its clear diners are loving whats on their plates. Out of 151 total comments, a whopping 141 rave about the best food, flavorful dishes, and authentic Senegalese food made with organic ingredients.
Youre in for a treat! However, a few of the 151 comments, just 4 to be exact, did mention some minor points. Some found the food acidy, while others noted the cilantro in the sauce might not be for everyone.
A couple also felt certain portions were overpriced or wished for more veggies. ' Good to keep in mind, but certainly not a deal-breaker for most.
Food
151
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
4
negative
6
neutral
141
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful dishes
- Authentic West African
- Healthy, organic ingredients
What people don't like
- Acidy taste
- Cilantro in sauce
- Overpriced portions
Often praised
- foodThe beef samosa was packed with rich, flavorful filling and a perfectly crisp shell. The standout was the Djolof rice with chicken, deeply spiced and hearty, definitely enough for two people. I would also highly recommend the Teranga brownie, which is dense, fudgy, and topped with just the right touch of spice.
- peanut stewThe gentleman behind the counter seemed to approve, which boosted my confidence. I received a Maafe Bowl, a traditional Senegalese peanut stew with butternut, sweet potatoes, and carrots served over Jasmine rice. It was medium spicy and absolutely delicious.
- FoodFood:5
- tamarind ciderThe tamarind cider and the flatbread were my favorite!
- black bean stewblack bean stew with sweet potato cubes... it was tasty and perfect for the cold morning
- menuI'm absolutely obsessed with Teranga; it's one of my favorite places to get lunch. After years of eating here, I've tried almost everything on the menu, from La Cocina to the Embarcadero. For first-time visitors, I would recommend the chicken drumsticks or the peanut stew.
- Maafe BowlMaafe Bowl was delicious and beautifully plated
- Senegalese foodcraving Senegalese food. What a great spot!
- West African cuisineMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's the best place to experience West African cuisine. The food is absolutely mouthwatering, and each dish is uniquely made with love by Chef Nafy.
- beef samosabeef samosa was packed with rich, flavorful filling
Frequently criticized
- cilantro in the sauceif you’re not into cilantro be careful, it’s in the sauce
- foodthe food I ordered was acidy
- veggiesHoping there would be some veggies
- yassa bowloverpriced for just rice and one drumstick
If delicious, authentic West African cuisine made with care is what youre after, you absolutely need to try this place. The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youll leave happy, though if youre sensitive to cilantro or prefer larger portions of vegetables, its worth a quick check of the menu.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines with an excellent score of 9 and an impressive 91.2% customer satisfaction. Guests consistently rave about the friendly service, wonderful people, and incredibly kind staff, especially highlighting the very friendly owner. With 31 positive remarks out of 34, it's clear the team goes above and beyond, offering quality service and warm attention.
However, a few voices, just 3 out of 34, did point out some minor hiccups. One customer wished they would ditch the cheap wooden forks, which broke easily. Another expressed concern about a cook preparing food without gloves, despite assurances of clean hands, which is something to consider.
Service
34
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Attentive owner
- Quality service
What people don't like
- Flimsy wooden forks
- Cook hygiene concern
Often praised
- staffstaff were incredibly kind and professional
- serviceShe gave us both rice and salad because we said we were going to share + extra drumsticks.
- ServiceService:5
- ownerNafy, the owner, goes above and beyond
- Chef NafyChef Nafy is such a warm soul
- Highly highly recommendShe must sprinkle her spirit into this food because you feel good eating it! Highly highly recommend eating here. <3
- attentionLa atención es excepcional
- carry outfood was easy to carry out
- delightful peopleI stumbled across Teranga and am SO HAPPY I did. The owner, Nafy Flatley, is also one of the most delightful people I've ever met. She must sprinkle her spirit into this food because you feel good eating it!
- lady behind the counterthe lady behind the counter was really helpful
Frequently criticized
- cooktell the cook who was preparing my food to put on gloves
- handsHe said his hands were clean, although he was sweeping the floor
- wooden forksditch the cheap wooden forks. It broke immediately
Overall, the service here is overwhelmingly positive, driven by a truly warm and attentive staff. While there are minor points like wooden forks or a brief hygiene concern, these are far outweighed by the exceptional hospitality. You can definitely expect a delightful experience, making it well worth a visit.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.6 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 90.5%, its clear guests love the vibe. People consistently praise the overall atmosphere, the lovely outdoor seating options, and the comfortable noise level, making it a truly family-friendly experience.
These positive feelings come from 19 positive opinions out of 21 total mentions, highlighting a strong consensus. Whats particularly impressive is the complete absence of negative feedback regarding the ambience. Out of all the opinions shared, not a single one mentioned any downsides, suggesting a consistently pleasant and well-received environment for all visitors.
It seems they've really nailed creating a welcoming and enjoyable space.
Ambience
21
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
0
negative
2
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Ample outdoor seating
- Cozy and clean
What people don't like
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmospheremakes for a cozy atmosphere
- outdoor seatinglots of outdoor seating just beside the restaurant
- placeThis place is a real gem.
- Nice placeNice place
- Noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- experienceexperience is authentic and unique
- family friendlyKid-friendliness:Yes, family friendly, more oriented towards family.
- locationI tried the marinated chicken drumsticks and the Dakaroise mango salad, and they were both incredibly healthy and delicious. It's conveniently located within walking distance for Civic Center workers.
- seatslimited seats inside, but it makes for a cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place with a fantastic atmosphere, especially with great outdoor seating and a cozy, family-friendly feel, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. You can expect a consistently positive experience where the ambience truly enhances your visit.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
Youll find some customers really happy with the value here, noting that the price and prices are quite reasonable, even great! Based on 2 positive remarks out of 6 total, theres definitely a segment that feels theyre getting a good deal. However, a larger group of 4 observations found the offerings a bit overpriced, especially considering the modest portions.
This sentiment is reflected in the poor 33.3% customer satisfaction and an average 4.8 score for value, suggesting theres room for improvement regarding the price.
Value
6
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices
What people don't like
- Overpriced portions
- Small protein portions
Often praised
- priceit was very reasonable at $15 plus tax and tip
- pricesPrices are great
Frequently criticized
- priceLittle confused by the ratings: a modest size rice bowl with no meat is $17
- parkingParking:Walk. It's in the Embarcadero towers. Not accessible by car.
So, is it worth it? If youre looking for budget-friendly options, you might find some pleasant surprises, but be prepared that others feel the portions dont quite match the cost. Its a bit of a mixed bag, so manage your expectations on what youll get for your money.
How are the prices at Teranga?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 41 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For an African Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the data, prices definitely cluster around this sweet spot, with most diners spending in the $11–$20 range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 41 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for an African Restaurant. Its a good spot if youre looking for a solid meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Teranga
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
5
Confusing Prices, Okay Food
I was a little confused by the ratings. A modest size rice bowl with no meat costs $17, and it's $23 if you want chicken, with a small protein portion. The food was okay, but not great.
The service was rated 5/5, atmosphere 4/5, and food 3/5. The price per person was estimated at $20–30, and there was no wait time.
- rice bowl5
- chicken5
- food5
- price3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
A True Gem with Amazing Cider!
My experience at this restaurant was so good. They generously gave a free side of warm cider, which was the best thing ever. I truly believe this place is a real gem.
- warm cider10
- place9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Delicious food, cozy atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive. The food was absolutely delicious, and the tamarind cider and flatbread were particular favorites. While there was a slight wait for our food, it was incredibly worth it.
The restaurant has limited seating inside, which contributes to a cozy atmosphere. For those needing it, the food was also easy to carry out. I'm so glad we stopped to try this place and am sad we don't live close enough to visit again.
- food10
- wait7
- seats8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic African Gem in the Bay Area
As a family-owned restaurant, my experience here was exceptional. I tried the rice and chicken drumsticks, and it was some of the best African food I've had in the Bay Area. The restaurant is conveniently located at 4 Embarcadero Center, next to Boudin and facing the Park Padel glass arenas.
Don't hesitate to visit this place; you won't regret it. The woman who runs it is incredibly nice, very humbled, and polite. The menu offers a wide variety of options, and they even have a sampler of Tea.
The service was rated a 5, and the atmosphere was also a 5. The food received a perfect 5. They have vegetarian options clearly labeled, and it's a family-friendly environment.
Parking is difficult, but it's accessible by ADA and has indoor seating. The noise level is quiet, making conversation easy.
- rice and chicken drumsticks10
- African food10
- sampler of Tea8
- parking3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Stews and Cider!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I've tried the peanut stew, black bean stew, and chicken drumsticks, and they were all so delicious and flavorful. It's definitely one of my go-to lunch spots.
I also loved the cinnamon/fennel cider!
- peanut stew10
- black bean stew10
- chicken drumsticks10
What Teranga offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Checks
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dietary options are available at Teranga?
You’ll find a wide array of choices to suit your preferences, including healthy options, vegan options, vegetarian options, and organic dishes. Teranga also proudly serves Halal food, ensuring a welcoming experience for diverse dietary needs.
Is Teranga a good place for families and entertainment?
Absolutely! Teranga is good for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs for your little ones. Plus, you can enjoy live music and catch sports, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for everyone.
How does Teranga rate overall?
Teranga achieves a strong overall score of 8.8 and an excellent Customer Satisfaction of 91%. This is largely driven by exceptional Food (8.9) and Service (9), and a good Ambience (8.6), though Value (4.8) is noted as an area for improvement.
What kind of food can I expect at Teranga?
Teranga specializes in deeply spiced and hearty West African cuisine. Popular items include flavorful beef samosas, the delicious Maafe Bowl, and well-regarded Djolof rice with chicken.
Is Teranga considered good value for money?
While some customers find the prices reasonable, others have expressed concerns regarding portion sizes, particularly for certain rice bowls, suggesting that value can be inconsistent.