Highlights
- Live music
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Terrene – San Francisco
Terrene - San Francisco
Photo from Terrene
Terrene at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 73 of the guests
#1542 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#180 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
465
Reviews
67.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Inviting ambiance
- Unique flavors
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Hidden fees
- Slow service
- Small portions
The restaurant Terrene in San Francisco’s vibrant Financial District offers an experience that truly stands out. You’ll discover an upscale yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening or a trendy night out.
With live music often filling the air and a great wine list to explore, it’s a destination designed for memorable dining. This spot combines sophisticated charm with a welcoming vibe, inviting you to relax and enjoy.
Overview: Introducting Terrene
Terrene offers a setting with beautiful decor and a generally comfortable atmosphere, making it a pleasant spot for a meal. The culinary offerings often feature farm to table dishes and unique flavors, with many appreciating the diverse drink selection.
However, some experiences point to inattentive staff and occasional issues with small portions. Additionally, the pricing structure, including hidden fees, has been a point of contention for some patrons.
Good
7.1
out of 10
465
Reviews
67.7%
Satisfaction
116
negative
34
neutral
315
positive
Terrene achieves a respectable overall score of 7.1, indicating a generally positive experience for many. However, customer satisfaction sits at 67.7%, suggesting a somewhat mixed reception.
This feedback comes from a substantial volume of 465 customer remarks, with 315 leaning positive and 116 expressing concerns. Diving deeper, the Ambience truly shines with an impressive (8.8), often praised for its decor and comfortable setting.
Food also performs well at (7), though opinions on specific dishes vary. Service registers as average at (6.5), while Value is a clear area for improvement, scoring a low (3.9), frequently cited due to pricing and additional charges.
What people like
- Beautiful, inviting ambiance
- Flavorful, unique dishes
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Hidden, confusing fees
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Small, costly portions
With a recommendation score of 7.2, Terrene presents itself as a venue with considerable appeal, particularly if you prioritize a pleasant setting and inventive cuisine. It’s a place that often delivers on its promise of a comfortable dining experience.
However, be mindful of the pricing structure and potential service inconsistencies. If you’re seeking a relaxed atmosphere and unique flavors and are prepared for the cost, it could be a worthwhile visit.
Otherwise, you might find aspects of the experience less satisfying.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Terrene
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot offers a pretty good experience overall, with a score of 7. Many guests rave about the delicious food, extensive cocktail menu, and the great variety, including excellent vegan and gluten-free options. The tapas-style dishes and unique flavors frequently earn high praise, based on 146 positive remarks out of 219 total opinions.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 66.7%, indicating there's still some room for improvement. Some diners have noted concerns about small serving sizes and inconsistent quality, with a few finding certain dishes bland or even inedible. These points, highlighted in 50 negative comments, suggest that while many love the food, not every dish hits the mark.
Food
219
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
50
negative
23
neutral
146
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- Great variety
- Extensive cocktail menu
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Inconsistent quality
- Bland dishes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant involved ordering at the counter for breakfast and lunch, as there is no table service. The food was well prepared, and there was a very good selection of food and drink options. The establishment is well furnished with lots of indoor and outdoor seatings, making it feel like a small oasis.
- drinksThe food was top notch with unique flavors. I was also impressed by the great vegetarian options and delicious drinks. I love how sustainable they are too.
- FoodFood was a 4/5
- cocktailsThis restaurant truly delivers on its promise of excellent farm to table dishes with a well planned menu. I dined here for three nights, and between the extraordinary cocktails, tapas style food, and a perfect dessert compilation, there was genuinely something to please every palate. Even my 7-year-old son enjoyed his mocktail, lamb sliders, marinated filet mignon skewers, and, of course, the fries, which are a must-have item.
- burgerburger—both were so good
- friesside of fries, which easily could have been shared by 2 people
- cocktail menuthey have an impressive cocktail menu
- coffeeThe breakfast sandwich and coffee were a standout
- ingredientsWe ordered the mushrooms, chicken skewers, and charcuterie flatbread. The mushrooms and skewers were very good, described as flavorful with simple ingredients. A standout was the shishito pepper purée that accompanied the mushroom dish; I highly recommend dipping the chicken skewers in it.
- lamb slidersThe lamb sliders were delicious and well designed
Frequently criticized
- foodThe naked hostility of the maitre d' towards every customer was truly bizarre and set a bad tone for the entire evening. When we finally got our hands on some food, it was disappointing: rubbery cheese and supermarket salami on an average flatbread crust. I'd grudgingly come here for a happy hour on someone else's expense account, but I'd gently advise picking Perry's or Prospect, or any other place next time.
- Steak au poivreThe Steak au poivre was incorrect and terrible.
- dishescouldn’t articulate what was in the dishes
- menuWe also enjoyed the excellent Za'atar fries. My only disappointment was that we couldn't try everything on the menu. While the cocktails were expensive, they were also very tasty!
- portionsThe veggies were all scrumptious, with the elote sticking out the most with its corn and super tasty sauce. However, it's pretty expensive for pretty small plates, and the portions are very small. It was also hard to flag down the waiters.
- NY strip steakFood: The squash salad was good for the most part. However, the NY strip steak was not a NY strip at all; the size and cut were way smaller, and it was mostly gray when we ordered medium-rare. The dessert was horrible, cold, and almost too hard to get a bite with a fork.
- adult drink optionswish they offered - or at least advertised- was more adult drink options
- breakfast fingerling potatoesthe potatoes were noticeably heavy on the salt
- chicken and shrimp skewerschicken and shrimp skewers, they were a bit bland
- chicken skewers25 dollars for 2 chicken skewers with no side
If youre looking for a place with a diverse menu, great cocktails, and often delicious, flavorful food, its definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that portions can sometimes be on the smaller side, and a few dishes might not live up to the overall high standard.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a mixed bag, with a score of 6.5 indicating an average experience and customer satisfaction at 57.9%. Many guests, however, rave about the friendly staff and excellent service, often highlighting attentive servers like Kayla. With 66 positive remarks out of 114 total, patrons frequently praise the speed of service, quick seating, and welcoming atmosphere, making for an exceptional experience.
On the flip side, 43 negative comments point to areas needing improvement. Some diners encountered slow service, inattentive staff, and long wait times for drinks or orders. Issues like rude hostesses, unhelpful bartenders, and even poor management responses were noted, leading to frustrating dining experiences where guests felt ignored or rushed.
Service
114
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
43
negative
5
neutral
66
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent, quick service
- Knowledgeable servers
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Rude, annoyed staff
- Poor management issues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant for dinner on our last night in SF was a mixed bag. We really enjoyed the atmosphere and the great service. The hostess was particularly efficient and helpful.
- staffevery staff member we encountered was friendly, helpful and efficient
- ServiceWe stopped in here on what we thought would be a busy day, but we were seated right away, even without a reservation. The restaurant is dog friendly, both inside and out.
- serverElsa was our server and she was fantastic!
- bartendersThey are amazing bartenders!
- wait timeWait time:No wait
- waitressThe Good: - The cocktails and steak were solid. - Our waitress, Kayla, was great and the only saving grace of the night. The Absolutely Horrible: - We were originally seated right in front of the entrance and politely asked if we could move to a different table.
- Adam and MelanieAdam and Melanie made our night
- AnthonySpecial thanks to Anthony Medrano, the manager who hosted us and is truly excellent. I’ve worked in the service industry for years, and can confidently say that Anthony is exceptional. 5/5 would recommend visiting Terrene.
- Good Servicethe host was nice enough to seat us about 5-10 mins early = Good Service
Frequently criticized
- serviceHowever, the atmosphere felt more like a chaotic sports bar with many drunk people yelling and shouting, and no one enforcing any rules. The service was horrible; it took 20 minutes to get my drink, and the staff never checked on us. Despite the poor service, they still asked for the SF mandate, which felt odd.
- hostessThis was our first visit to Terrene, and overall, we enjoyed it, even though we didn’t feel super welcome at first. We were greeted by a hostess who looked annoyed and unfriendly, almost making us reconsider eating at the restaurant. Thankfully, our server, Kayla, totally changed the mood.
- serversWe sat on the outdoor patio with beautiful ocean views and heat lamps to keep us warm. The servers were a bit inattentive; it took me about 10 minutes to get a side of mustard that I had originally ordered with my burger. I had to ask three different waiters until I got it.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was marked by rude and very inattentive staff. It felt like I needed to shoot a flare off just to get service.
- waiting timeWaited over an hour for food
- breakfast servicebreakfast basically has no service
- dining experienceOn the positive side, the hotel itself is lovely, and the ambiance of the restaurant is still pretty good—it’s a nice place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. However, the dining experience just isn’t what it used to be. I hope they can turn things around, but for now, I’m not sure I’ll be rushing back.
- dinner ordersdelayed in taking dinner orders
- drink refillsdelayed in drink refills
- maitre d'maitre d' was inexplicably hostile
Overall, service here can be a bit of a gamble. While you might encounter incredibly friendly and efficient staff, be prepared for the possibility of slower, less attentive moments. If you're not in a rush and value a welcoming vibe, it could be a good fit, but those expecting consistently seamless service might find it hit or miss.
Ambience (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
The ambience here is truly a standout, scoring a fantastic 8.8 and boasting an excellent 94.2% customer satisfaction! With 97 positive remarks out of 103 total, guests consistently rave about the ambiance, outdoor patio, and gorgeous views. Many describe a relaxed atmosphere and a warm, inviting vibe, making it a favorite spot for many.
However, a few of the 103 comments did touch on some less ideal aspects. While generally praised, a couple of experiences mentioned a chaotic atmosphere or even a hostile atmosphere. Additionally, parking space was noted as somewhat difficult, which is a minor point to consider.
Ambience
103
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
3
negative
3
neutral
97
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Gorgeous views
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Spacious outdoor patio
What people don't like
- Chaotic atmosphere
- Difficult parking
- Hostile atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereI love the atmosphere. It was hot too busy and comfortable
- ambianceWhile it is on the pricier end, the food and atmosphere are 100% worth going to experience. The restaurant is located inside of 1 Hotel, boasting beautiful decor and ambiance. The waiting service was a little unorganized, but it didn’t ruin the overall experience.
- locationMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was drawn to the amazing Mediterranean inspired menu and the beautiful location in the Embarcadero. While it is on the pricier end, the food and atmosphere are 100% worth going to experience.
- ambiencelovely restaurant with a beautiful ambience
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restaurantMy experience at this relaxed, earthy restaurant, located on the first floor of 1 Hotel in San Francisco, was very peaceful. It's a great place to hang out and chat, especially during brunch and lunch.
- vibeMy new favorite hangout place in the Embarcadero. I experienced excellent service, great food and drinks, and a comfortable vibe. What's not to love?
- decorWhile it is on the pricier end, the food and atmosphere are 100% worth going to experience. The restaurant is located inside of 1 Hotel, boasting beautiful decor and ambiance. The waiting service was a little unorganized, but it didn’t ruin the overall experience.
- dog friendlyThe inside and outside are both dog friendly.
- live musiclive music happening which really increased the vibe
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe food was good, which makes me consider takeout as an option. However, the atmosphere felt more like a chaotic sports bar with many drunk people yelling and shouting, and no one enforcing any rules. The service was horrible; it took 20 minutes to get my drink, and the staff never checked on us.
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
If you're looking for a place with a truly exceptional and inviting atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. The stunning views and comfortable vibe make it a fantastic choice, though you might want to plan your parking ahead.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
A few diners, 6 out of 29 remarks, found some prices to be worth it, especially considering San Francisco. They appreciated getting a good portion for the price and noted that some items were reasonably priced or had seen price reductions, suggesting a decent price-performance ratio in those instances. However, the overall value proposition is quite poor, with a score of just 3.9 and customer satisfaction at a low 20.7%.
A significant 20 out of 29 comments highlighted frustration over hidden fees like an 8% HealthySF charge and confusing holiday gratuity or double tipping practices. Many felt the offerings were pricy and not worth the money, particularly for small plates and expensive cocktails.
Value
29
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
20
negative
3
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the price
- Good portion size
- Reasonable SF pricing
What people don't like
- Hidden fees
- High prices
- Poor value
Often praised
- priceIt's the cutest spot to grab a snack and coffee and catch up with friends. The food is actually really good, and you get a good portion for the price as well.
- PricesPrices were very affordable for San Francisco
- food pricethe food is reasonably priced for SF
- price-performance ratiothe price-performance ratio is totally right!
- pricesprices are in the $$$ range and worth it
Frequently criticized
- 'HealthySF' chargethe biggest turn off was the 'HealthySF' charge of $13.86
- 8% charge8% charge is added to the bill
- 8% fee8% is especially excessive
- HealthySF feeHealthySF” 8% fee is a surprise. It’s not a government mandate. It’s just a label put on there to raise profit.
- HealthySF taxTerrene was the ONLY place that charged a HealthySF tax
- Price per personI would give this restaurant a negative 5 stars if it were possible. The food was ridiculously expensive and only average. To make matters worse, I experienced food poisoning in the middle of the night, the likes of which I haven't experienced since being in a 3rd world country.
- choiceyou’re not given a choice
- cocktailsCocktails were expensive
- double tippingtricking people to double tip
- fees and tipsinclude all the mandates, fees and tips to your check at once which was confusing
If you're highly sensitive to hidden fees and expect excellent value for your dollar, this might not be the place for you. While some find certain items reasonably priced, the overall sentiment points to a frustrating and expensive experience.
How are the prices at Terrene?
On average, you’ll spend around 55 per person – from 73 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, the actual prices paid by guests are quite spread out, suggesting a mix of both more budget-friendly and premium options available.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 73 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Restaurant in San Francisco, an average of 55 feels fair. We think it offers a good balance, catering to different budgets with its varied price points.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Terrene
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Impressive Flavors and Scenic Views
My experience at this restaurant was highly positive. We were all impressed by the sophisticated, delicious flavors. The restaurant is also dog friendly and is situated in a very scenic location with great service.
I loved it!
- flavors10
- service10
- location9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great People, Atmosphere, and Food
My experience at the restaurant was largely positive, with great people and a wonderful atmosphere. I arrived just 10 minutes after the smoothies were no longer available, so I opted for small bites instead. The food, service, and atmosphere were all rated a 5 out of 5.
Vegetarian options were clearly labeled and highly recommended. We experienced no wait time. Dogs are welcome on the patio, and it's wheelchair accessible.
- people10
- atmosphere10
- small bites7
- smoothies4
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Consistently Delicious Steak Skewers and Burger!
This is my third time here, and this place never disappoints! I got the steak skewers and the burger—both were so good, I’ll be ordering them again next time. And the fries?
Perfectly thin and crispy, absolutely delicious!
- steak skewers9
- burger9
- fries10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exquisite Eats, Gorgeous Views!
My experience at this restaurant was truly exquisite. The ambience was lovely, complemented by gorgeous views. The delectable eats were a highlight, and I was so excited about the food that I forgot to take photos before digging in!
I'm already planning my next visit to capture the experience.
- ambience10
- gorgeous views10
- delectable eats10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Huge Burgers and Great Late Night Bites
My experience at this restaurant was great for a late night bite and drinks. The burger was absolutely huge, so much so that I could hardly finish it. The side of fries was also incredibly generous, easily shareable by two people.
The service was rated a 4, and while finding parking space was somewhat difficult, the overall atmosphere and food were rated a 5. It's a cool place with excellent food portions.
- burger9
- fries9
- Service7
- Parking space3
What Terrene offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
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
- Has changing table(s)
- 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
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Terrene?
Terrene offers an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere, ideal for a special evening or trendy outing. You can enjoy live music, a fireplace, and a great wine list, creating a memorable dining experience in San Francisco’s Financial District.
Does Terrene offer various dining options and accept reservations?
Terrene offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, plus small plates and late-night food. You can enjoy outdoor seating or a private dining room. Dinner reservations are recommended and accepted, ensuring a smooth experience for your visit.
What is the overall dining experience like at Terrene?
Terrene generally offers a good dining experience, reflected in its overall score of 7.1 and mixed customer satisfaction at 67.7%. Guests particularly appreciate the Ambience (8.8) and Food (7), while Service (6.5) is average, and Value (3.9) is a notable concern.
Are there any hidden costs or fees at Terrene?
Yes, several patrons have noted additional charges, such as a “HealthySF” charge or an 8% fee, which can make the final bill higher than expected and impact the perceived Value.
What kind of food and drinks can I expect at Terrene?
Terrene is known for its farm to table dishes and unique flavors, including good vegetarian options and extraordinary cocktails. However, some guests have mentioned that portions can be small for the price.