Highlights
- Great dessert
- Fireplace
oChef » Terzo – San Francisco
Terzo - San Francisco
Photo from Terzo
Terzo at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🫒 Mediterranean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 48 of the guests
#509 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#13 Mediterranean Restaurant out of 40 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
288
Reviews
81.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Attentive service
- Energetic ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Billing issues
- Poor value
- Inconsistent seating
The Mediterranean restaurant Terzo, nestled in San Francisco’s charming Cow Hollow neighborhood, invites you to a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for an evening out, especially with the inviting fireplace adding to the warmth.
This upscale yet trendy spot is renowned for its delicious small plates and healthy options, ensuring there’s something delightful for every palate. Don’t miss out on their great dessert selection, a perfect end to your meal.
Overview: Introducting Terzo
Terzo generally offers a delightful dining experience, with many guests praising the delicious food and outstanding service that makes for a memorable visit. The inviting atmosphere also contributes positively to the overall impression.
However, some patrons have noted concerns regarding value, particularly around billing practices, which can detract from an otherwise pleasant meal. While the culinary offerings and attentive staff are frequently highlighted as strengths, a few seating areas might not capture the same charm as the main dining space.
Despite these minor points, Terzo aims to provide a generally satisfying experience for its guests.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
288
Reviews
81.9%
Satisfaction
36
negative
16
neutral
236
positive
Terzo achieves a solid overall score of 8.1, indicating a generally good dining experience. Customer satisfaction also stands strong at 81.9%, suggesting most patrons leave content.
This positive sentiment is built on 236 positive observations against 36 negative ones, reflecting a largely favorable consensus among 288 total comments. The culinary experience at Terzo is a clear highlight, with Food scoring an impressive (8.3).
Service (8.2) also stands out for its attentiveness, complemented by a pleasant Ambience (8.2). However, Value (4) lags significantly, indicating concerns about pricing or billing practices.
This divergence between high scores for core experiences and lower value perception is notable.
What people like
- Delicious Mediterranean food
- Outstanding attentive service
- Energetic, elegant ambiance
What people don't like
- Billing discrepancies reported
- Perceived poor value
- Inconsistent seating areas
Terzo offers a compelling dining experience, particularly if you prioritize excellent Mediterranean cuisine and attentive service. The overall recommendation score of 8.4 suggests it’s a place worth considering for a pleasant meal out.
However, be mindful of the bill and clarify any charges, as some guests have noted discrepancies. If you’re seeking a consistently high-value experience, Terzo might present a mixed bag, but for quality food and service, it generally delivers.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Mediterranean Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
633
94.5%
- $$
- Seacliff
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mediterranean Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
512
92.2%
- $$
- South Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mediterranean Restaurant
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
433
87.5%
- $$
- Pacific Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mediterranean Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
574
86.2%
- $$
- Pacific Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mediterranean Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
445
86.7%
- $$
- Hayes Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mediterranean Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
408
83.8%
- $$
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Terzo
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.3 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 85%, it's clear that diners are consistently impressed. Many rave about the delicious tapas style dishes, fresh and flavorful Mediterranean options, and excellent wine selection, with 136 positive remarks out of 160 total comments.
However, not every dish hits the mark for everyone. A few of the 16 negative comments mentioned issues like overly salty dishes, some execution missteps, or specific items like the braised pork shoulder being dry, and the hummus sometimes falling flat. It seems consistency can be a minor concern for a small number of guests.
Food
160
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
16
negative
8
neutral
136
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Great sharing plates
- Excellent wine selection
What people don't like
- Dishes too salty
- Some dry meat
- Bland hummus
Often praised
- foodOur server made excellent recommendations, and her knowledge of the menu added to the experience. As for the food—simply delicious. The dishes are fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, capturing the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
- chickenThe chicken was one of the best I ever had
- dishesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I've tried almost everything on the menu and can honestly say I enjoyed every dish. It's some of the best Mediterranean food in the city.
- hummusThe hummus came with phenomenally warm slices of well oiled bread
- wine selectionthe selection of wines was well paired with the food
- chicken skewersWe enjoyed an arugula salad that was delicious, and their meatballs were also great. However, the chicken skewers truly stole the show – they were charred perfectly and jam-packed with flavor. I would definitely go back.
- octopusThe octopus was crispy and textured on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside
- skirt steakthe skirt steak is delicious, they completely nailed it
- EverythingEverything was not usual, but very tasty!
- Mediterranean foodbest Mediterranean food in the city
Frequently criticized
- dishesdishes are very one note
- hummushummus on the other hand was bland, pasty and forgettable
- braised pork shoulderI had the braised pork shoulder, which was presented very well. However, I would have preferred it roasted, as the braised meat was dry. The atmosphere and service both received a 5-star rating, and the food received a 4-star rating.
- brussels sproutsThe brussels sprouts tasted and smelled like 20 years ago
- dishes executionsome of the dishes' execution was not ok
- halloumiThe halloumi was extremely salty
- hard liquorNo hard liquor available
- meatballsThe meatballs and its sauce was extremely underwhelming
- porkthe pork should have been cooked perfectly
- pork loinThe pork loin was pretty dried out
If youre looking for a place with generally delicious and flavorful Mediterranean food, especially for sharing, youll likely be very happy here. Just be aware that a few dishes might occasionally miss the mark on seasoning or texture, but overall, it's definitely worth a try.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at a good 81.4%, its clear guests often leave happy. Out of 70 total comments, a whopping 57 were positive, frequently praising the friendly staff, excellent service, and even specific mentions of great meal pacing and server recommendations.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. While largely positive, 9 negative remarks surfaced, with some guests feeling rushed or experiencing less attentive service, especially in what they perceived as a fine dining setting. There were also a few mentions of reservation issues and servers being less than accommodating to requests.
Service
70
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent service
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Feeling rushed
- Inattentive service
- Reservation issues
Often praised
- serviceThe warm lighting and inviting decor create the perfect ambiance for a romantic date night or a relaxed dinner with friends. The service is truly outstanding. The staff is not only friendly but also incredibly attentive, ensuring every detail is taken care of.
- staffThe service is truly outstanding. The staff is not only friendly but also incredibly attentive, ensuring every detail is taken care of. Our server made excellent recommendations, and her knowledge of the menu added to the experience.
- Rafaamazing friendly professional service!
- waitersVery friendly waiters
- RonOur server Ron is incredible. We LOVE him
- ServiceService in this restaurant is amazing, thanks to Rapha!
- excellent serviceWe celebrated a special occasion at Terzo and had a wonderful experience. The delicious food and excellent service from the entire team made our celebration memorable. We were particularly impressed with the atmosphere, service, and food, all receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
- good serviceTerzo is one of our favorites. We had a great experience with their delicious food and good service. They have truly passed the test of time, which speaks to their consistent quality.
- great serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed some really tasty stuff, complemented by great service. The beautiful Pinot was also a highlight.
- guideThe guide must of been good
Frequently criticized
- serverThe server had his dinner at the bar halfway through the meal
- serviceWe ate and ordered wine with our meal. As soon as we finished eating, while our alcohol was still being consumed, the bill was brought to the table, and they made many hints about clearing it. Perhaps this is the culture in America, we don't know, but it honestly made us uncomfortable.
- fine diningFirst, I'm in a fine dining. You should be checking on me, NOT the other way.
- requestEvery request of ours seemed to be a bug burden for him
- reservationreservation is coming through, I'm recoveievingreservation conformation. And a few hours later I'm getting a reservation cancellation.
- staffThe staff sat and waited staring at us to finish
- waiterYou definitely need a reservation, but seeing it was just myself, I sat outside, and there was a heater. My waiter came and said if I needed anything to come, and let him know. First, I'm in a fine dining establishment; you should be checking on me, NOT the other way around.
If youre looking for a place where the staff genuinely aims to please and provides attentive service, this restaurant is a solid bet. While a few minor snags like feeling rushed can occur, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youll likely have a great experience with their team.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
When it comes to the overall feel of the place, this spot really shines! With a solid 8.2 score and a fantastic 85.7% customer satisfaction, its clear most diners love the atmosphere. Guests frequently praise the "place, " "atmosphere, " and "vibe, " often calling it a "date spot" or highlighting the "outdoor setup.
" Many found it lovely, cozy, energetic, and perfect for a business dinner or a romantic evening, based on 42 positive remarks. However, its not entirely without its quirks. Out of 49 total opinions, there were 5 negative remarks, mainly concerning the outside area needing a bit of sprucing up.
Some also mentioned noise levels or found a particular extra room to have zero ambience compared to the rest of the restaurant, which can be a bit of a letdown.
Ambience
49
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
- Great, fun vibe
- Perfect date spot
What people don't like
- Loud noise levels
- Unappealing extra room
- Outdoor area unkempt
Often praised
- atmosphereThe place's atmosphere and food were delicious, and I would actually recommend it. However, there might be a situation that feels strange to us Turks.
- ambianceThe ambiance was spectacular, energetic but not overly loud, elegant
- business dinnerHad a business dinner here in the semi-private back room
- conversationPerhaps this is the culture in America, we don't know, but it honestly made us uncomfortable. It would have been nice to have a conversation with alcohol after the meal and for them to allow time for it.
- date spotour go to date spot
- dinner spotGreat dinner spot for couples
- energyGreat energy
- environmentHowever, the salad was unfortunately bad, which detracted from the overall meal. On a positive note, the waiters were very friendly, and the environment was pleasant, contributing to a good atmosphere.
- eveninga lovely evening
- fun vibeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a gem with great food and a fun vibe. You are truly in for a treat here.
Frequently criticized
- ambiencehad zero ambience compared to the rest of the restaurant
- extra roomUghhh. I hate sitting in the extra room
- noiseneighbors at nearby tables a bit opinionated and loud
- noise levelIt was pretty loud in there
- outsidewe ate outside which could use a bit of sprucing up
If you're looking for a place with a great atmosphere for a date or a cozy evening, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some outdoor seating or specific rooms might not live up to the overall charming vibe.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
Looking at value, theres a small silver lining, with one customer remarking that the food & service felt like something youd typically find at a much higher price. While the overall score for value is an average 4, the customer satisfaction is quite low at just 11.1%, suggesting a mixed perception despite that one positive note. However, the majority of the 6 negative comments out of 9 total paint a different picture.
Many felt that for the price charged, more should be expected, and there were significant concerns about the bill and check. Some guests reported being charged for extra pasta or a glass of wine they didn't order, leading to disappointment and a feeling of needing to be cautious.
Value
9
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality food, service
What people don't like
- Price vs. expectation
- Rushed dining experience
- Billing errors common
Often praised
- food & serviceFood & service was something you’d see at a much higher price
Frequently criticized
- billWe ate and ordered wine with our meal. As soon as we finished eating, while our alcohol was still being consumed, the bill was brought to the table, and they made many hints about clearing it. Perhaps this is the culture in America, we don't know, but it honestly made us uncomfortable.
- checkbe cautious about what they include in your check
- extra pastaOurs had extra pasta
- glass of wineThe food was good, but I was very disappointed with the billing. Our check included an extra pasta and a glass of wine that we never ordered, totaling over $40. Extremely disappointed : (UPD: I've got a refund from the restaurant.
- priceFor the price the pork should have been cooked perfectly
- price chargedfor the price charged you’d expect more
If youre considering this spot for value, be aware that while some find the food and service worth it, many others feel the price doesnt match expectations, especially with billing issues. You might find good quality, but definitely double-check your bill before paying to avoid surprises.
How are the prices at Terzo?
You’re looking at roughly 64 per person – reported by 48 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Mediterranean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average hovers around 64, many guests find great value in the $41–$50 range. However, dont be surprised if you see prices climb higher, as theres a good mix of experiences, from mid-range to more premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 48 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Mediterranean spot in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good range, so you can choose your adventure, whether youre looking for a solid mid-range meal or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Terzo
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Lovely Atmosphere and Delicious Fish
My experience at the restaurant was very pleasant. The atmosphere and furniture were nice, creating a welcoming environment. The food was very good, and we particularly loved the fish en papilotte.
They also offered a nice selection of wine.
- atmosphere8
- food8
- fish en papilotte9
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Reservation Issues at an Interesting Place
This is an interesting place. I attempted to make a reservation twice. The first attempt was through Google Maps, and I received a confirmation.
However, a few hours later, the reservation was canceled. My second attempt was through OpenTable, and I'm unsure if that reservation went through successfully. This experience raises the question: is this type of reservation cancellation expected?
- Google Maps reservation5
- OpenTable reservation5
- reservation2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Solid Spot for Pizza and Pasta
My experience at Terzo was a solid one! The pizza and pastas were tasty and well-prepared. The small plates were also great for sharing.
The atmosphere was cozy and casual.
- pizza8
- pastas8
- small plates8
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Wine, Carbonara, and Dessert
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I was particularly impressed with the wine selection. The carbonara was excellent, and the peach crisp dessert was a delightful end to the meal.
I would definitely recommend this place.
- wine selection9
- carbonara9
- peach crisp dessert9
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Great Time with Ron!
My experience at the restaurant was a GREAT time, especially thanks to my server, Ron. The service was exceptional, contributing to a wonderful evening. The atmosphere was also rated highly, making for a pleasant dining environment.
The food was equally impressive, receiving top marks.
- service10
- atmosphere10
- food10
What Terzo offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Terzo in Cow Hollow?
At Terzo, you can expect an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a trendy night out in San Francisco’s Cow Hollow. You’ll find comfortable seating for lunch or dinner, with the added charm of a fireplace. Outdoor seating is available, and you can enjoy their great dessert selection.
Does Terzo offer options for special dietary needs, private events, or specific amenities?
Yes, Terzo caters to various needs. You’ll find healthy, organic, and vegetarian options on their menu, alongside small plates and a full bar. A private dining room is available for special occasions. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, including restrooms, and offers gender-neutral restrooms for your comfort.
What is the overall dining experience like at Terzo?
Terzo generally offers a good dining experience, reflected by an overall score of 8.1. Guests particularly praise the Food (8.3), Service (8.2), and Ambience (8.2), though Value (4) is a weaker point.
Is Terzo a good spot for a special occasion or date night?
Many patrons consider Terzo a great dinner or date spot, appreciating its energetic yet elegant ambiance and outstanding service.
Are there any common issues to be aware of regarding billing?
Some guests have reported issues with billing, including unexpected items on their check, suggesting it’s wise to review your bill carefully.