Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Xebec – San Francisco
Xebec - San Francisco
Photo from Xebec
Xebec at a glance
San Francisco Hayes Valley
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 35 of the guests
#827 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#109 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
281
Reviews
79.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fusion Cuisine
- Cozy Ambiance
- Personal Service
Frequently criticized
- Dish Inconsistency
- High Noise
- Service Lapses
The restaurant Xebec in San Francisco’s vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood offers a trendy dining experience. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal.
This restaurant is known for its diverse offerings, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
Overview: Introducting Xebec
Xebec offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its inventive food and appealing ambiance . Guests frequently commend the culinary team’s passion and the comfortable, stylish setting, making it a pleasant spot for an evening out.
While the overall experience at Xebec is largely positive, some guests have noted that the prices can be a bit steep. There are also occasional mentions of minor service inconsistencies, suggesting the team is still refining certain operational aspects.
Good
7.8
out of 10
281
Reviews
79.7%
Satisfaction
50
negative
7
neutral
224
positive
Looking at the numbers, Xebec holds a solid overall score of 7.8, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is reinforced by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 79.7%, showing most diners leave pleased.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 281 customer observations, with 224 positive remarks outweighing 50 negative ones, painting a clear picture of consistent quality. Delving deeper, the Food (7.9) and Ambience (8.0) topics stand out as particular strengths, frequently earning high praise for their inventive dishes and stylish settings.
Service (7.8) also performs well, with many appreciating the attentive staff. However, Value (6.1) registers as an average point, suggesting that while the quality is there, some find the experience on the pricier side.
What people like
- Inventive Fusion Cuisine
- Stylish, Cozy Ambiance
- Attentive, Personal Service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Dish Execution
- High Noise Levels
- Occasional Service Lapses
Xebec presents a compelling option for those seeking creative Mediterranean-Japanese fusion in a stylish setting. With a strong recommendation score of 8.3, it’s clear that many diners find the overall experience highly rewarding, especially if you appreciate innovative culinary approaches and a vibrant atmosphere.
If you’re prepared for a potentially pricier meal and can overlook minor service inconsistencies or a lively noise level, Xebec is certainly worth considering. It promises a memorable meal, particularly for its standout dishes and the personal touch from the staff.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Xebec
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
Get ready for a culinary adventure! The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.9 and a fantastic 81.4% customer satisfaction. With 131 positive remarks, diners rave about the unique fusion of Japanese and Mediterranean flavors, praising delicious cocktails, the sea bass dish, and generous portions that leave you happily full.
Its clear many find the dishes inventive and high-quality. However, not every dish shines, with 25 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. While the savory side is strong, dessert often disappoints, and some found the Uni or octopus preparations underwhelming.
A few experiences mentioned competing flavors' or execution issues, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in an otherwise creative menu.
Food
161
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
25
negative
5
neutral
131
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique fusion flavors
- Creative craft cocktails
- Exceptional sea bass
What people don't like
- Disappointing desserts
- Inconsistent dish execution
- Absent uni flavor
Often praised
- foodThe mediterranean and Japanese fusion cuisine truly worked. We felt that the team was passionate about their food and genuinely cared that we appreciated the experience.
- cocktailsThe menu was incredibly diverse and interesting, with a particular highlight on the appetizers. We also enjoyed the excellent cocktails. All four of us loved our experience and we'll definitely be back.
- cevicheThe dominant Mediterranean flavors were enhanced by interesting Japanese twists. We enjoyed every dish, with favorites including the eggplant parcels, tuna tatake, ceviche, and especially the sea bass. The meal was paced slowly as requested, with only one or two dishes on the table at a time, and serving spoons, silverware, and individual plates were regularly replaced.
- FoodFood:4
- sea bassThe dominant Mediterranean flavors were enhanced by interesting Japanese twists. We enjoyed every dish, with favorites including the eggplant parcels, tuna tatake, ceviche, and especially the sea bass. The meal was paced slowly as requested, with only one or two dishes on the table at a time, and serving spoons, silverware, and individual plates were regularly replaced.
- appetizersThe service was amazing, and the food was delicate, delicious, and filling. I particularly enjoyed the sea bass, tried most of the appetizers, and finished with the chocolate dessert. We will definitely go back.
- drinksMy experience at this excellent new restaurant was fantastic. The inventive dishes and drinks were a highlight, complemented by a very nice ambiance. The wonderful service made the evening even more enjoyable.
- hamachithe hamachi (high-quality fish atop a balanced sweet/sour ponzu)
- patatas bravasthe patatas bravas (the sauce is to die for)
- cauliflowerthe cauliflower with harissa was perfectly balanced
Frequently criticized
- cevicheI was excited about the Mediterranean Japanese fusion angle, but the menu didn't really deliver on that marketing. The ceviche was mostly tomatoes and bell peppers rather than fish, and the chips served with the salmon dip broke too easily.
- octopusWe sampled several dishes from the appetizers and seafood menu, but unfortunately, they fell short of expectations. The ravioli arrived cold, and the octopus was overcooked. Given the many excellent dining options nearby, this establishment did not meet our expectations.
- Mediterranean Japanese fusionmenu ended up not really having much that lived up to that marketing
- Niçoise saladsNiçoise salads served without the included olives
- UniOnly the promised Uni was more or less absent
- Uni RisottoUni Risotto didn’t deliver either
- Wagyu BruschettaWagyu Bruschetta was underwhelming
- burgersTwo burgers were ordered medium rare both were cooked well
- chipsI was excited about the Mediterranean Japanese fusion angle, but the menu didn't really deliver on that marketing. The ceviche was mostly tomatoes and bell peppers rather than fish, and the chips served with the salmon dip broke too easily.
- cocktailscocktails lacked the flair, flavor and uniqueness
If youre looking for an exciting blend of Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine, especially for savory dishes and creative cocktails, this place is definitely worth a try. Just manage your expectations for dessert, and youll likely have a delicious and unique dining experience.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally shines with a good score of 7.8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 76.8%. The 53 positive remarks frequently highlight the incredibly friendly and attentive staff, often praising the impeccable service. Guests particularly love how the owners walk around, personally checking in, creating a truly welcoming atmosphere.
That said, it's not without its occasional bumps, with 16 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. A few guests experienced frustrating waiting times for their orders or drinks, and some noted service kinks like missing dishes or issues with change availability. These instances suggest that while generally good, attentiveness can sometimes waver.
Service
69
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
16
negative
0
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Impeccable service
- Engaged owners
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Order mistakes
- Cash change issues
Often praised
- serviceBe aware that the entrance looks like a hotel and is easy to miss. The service was attentive, but a strange issue arose when I finished my meal and planned to pay with cash; I was told there was no change available, which is very unusual for a restaurant in a decent neighborhood.
- staffThe menu was filled with creative and delicious options, all beautifully presented. What truly set Xebec apart was the exceptional service; the staff were friendly and attentive, and the owner's humble personal check-ins made us feel incredibly valued. It's evident they genuinely care about their guests, which significantly enhanced our enjoyment.
- ServiceService is super attentive
- serverOur server expertly guided us thru the menu
- Amir the bartenderAmir the bartender was a delight and made us the most delicious cocktails
- Chef GeorgesGeorges was accommodating, thoughtful, and easy to work with
- JasonGreat service from Jason
- anniversary card & ice creamThey gave us a hand signed anniversay card & ice cream!
- bartenderThe bartender was so friendly
- chefThe chef who I believe is the owner came out to talk to all the tables several times
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was very poor
- change availabilitytold there is no change available
- customer serviceawful customer service for a mistake that they made
- first dishit was 45 minutes before our first dish came out
- last two dishesanother drought of about 45 minutes until our last two dishes arrived
- missing dishwe had to remind our waiter that we were missing a dish
- mistakemade a mistake, giving us the receipt of a different table
- second round of drinkssecond round of drinks we ordered didn’t arrive even 40 min
- service kinksstill working out some of the service kinks
- side ordermade a mistake on the side order
You can generally expect a warm welcome and excellent care here, as the attentive staff and engaged owners often provide impeccable service. While there are occasional reports of slow service or minor hiccups, the positive experiences far outweigh the negatives, making it well worth a visit.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
Alright, lets talk ambience! This spot really hits the mark, scoring a solid 8 and boasting a great 83.7% customer satisfaction. With 36 positive remarks out of 43 total, guests consistently rave about the inviting atmosphere, the restaurants design, and its unique blend of cozy charm and Michelin-star sophistication, often highlighting how spotlessly clean everything is.
However, its not entirely without its minor quirks. A few of the 6 negative comments mention small details like a missing toilet paper roll holder or an entrance thats easy to overlook. Some also noted that the noise level could get a bit high, or that the bathrooms were on the smaller side, suggesting there's a little room for refinement.
Ambience
43
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spotlessly clean
- Cozy yet sophisticated
- Modern, welcoming design
What people don't like
- Missing toilet paper holder
- High noise level
- Entrance easy to miss
Often praised
- atmosphereThe restaurant offers a unique and delicious fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese-inspired flavors. The atmosphere was stylish and very comfortable, making it perfect for a relaxed evening out. The fresh ingredients really stood out, and the diverse menu offered something for everyone.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- ambianceMy experience at this excellent new restaurant was fantastic. The inventive dishes and drinks were a highlight, complemented by a very nice ambiance. The wonderful service made the evening even more enjoyable.
- restaurantThe restaurant is also nicely decorated
- ambienceThe ambience is perfect for a date night
- bar areaThe bar area was upscale
- cleanThe service was excellent, and the people were friendly all around. The restaurant itself is nicely decorated and clean, creating a very cozy feeling with good music and a lively atmosphere of people laughing and talking. It was a truly nice time.
- cozy charm and Michelin-star sophisticationEach dish was a unique fusion, pushing the boundaries of both cuisines in taste and presentation. The decor managed to strike a perfect balance between cozy charm and Michelin-star sophistication. What truly stood out was the genuine warmth of the owners, who clearly pour their hearts into crafting a memorable culinary experience.
- cozy feelingVery cozy feeling
- dining experienceexcellent dinning experience
Frequently criticized
- atmospheresomething was lacking with the atmosphere
- bathroomsthe bathrooms are small
- entranceentrance looks like a hotel. Easy to miss
- noise levelraise the noise level so speaking loudly was necessary
- toilet paper roll holderNo toilet paper roll holder in bathroom. That’s a major omission.
- upscale placeThe bar area was upscale, and the cocktails were excellent. However, something was lacking with the atmosphere, which I rated a 2 out of 5; it just didn’t feel as polished as you would expect for such an “upscale” place. The service, rated a 3 out of 5, was definitely lacking too.
If a stylish, clean, and welcoming environment is high on your list, this restaurants ambience is a definite win. While there are a few small points like noise or bathroom size to consider, they shouldnt overshadow what is largely a very positive and enjoyable setting.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests have been pleasantly surprised by the reasonable prices here, especially compared to other spots in the area, often feeling its a true gem for the quality you get. With 4 positive remarks out of 8 total, theres certainly some appreciation for whats offered. On the flip side, some experiences werent quite a cheap evening, with a few guests finding it rather pricey.
There were also a couple of comments regarding the bill itself. This mixed feedback, with 3 negative remarks, contributes to an average score of 6.1 and a 50% customer satisfaction.
Value
8
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great quality
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Bill issues
Often praised
- pricesI was also pleasantly surprised at the prices here compared to other places
- qualitytruly a gem for the quality
Frequently criticized
- billhighly accusatory phone call indicating that we left without paying our bill
- cheap eveningThe catch of the day fettuccine with clams, mussels, and fish was delicious, even if the pasta was slightly overcooked. It was not a cheap evening, but I enjoyed every moment without guilt. We would definitely go back.
- priceyMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was great, earning a 4 out of 5, but it was quite pricey. I wished there were more shareable options.
If you're looking for a place where quality often justifies the cost, it might be worth a visit. However, be prepared that it might not be the cheapest night out, and keep an eye on the bill to avoid any surprises.
How are the prices at Xebec?
Hey there, foodies! On average, you’ll spend around 72 $ per person here, based on what 35 guests have shared. That puts this spot comfortably in the $71–$80 category.
For a Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s definitely leaning towards the higher-end of mid-range. Looking at the full picture, prices are quite varied, with a good mix of experiences ranging from more budget-friendly options to some premium choices, not just clustering around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 35 reviews.
Comparing the value for money at this restaurant with similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Restaurant experience in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair, especially given the variety of options available. Its a good spot if youre looking for quality without necessarily breaking the bank for a top-tier experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Xebec
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Outstanding Meal and Ambiance!
My experience at this restaurant was one of the best I've had in the city! I was thoroughly impressed with the food, particularly the ceviche and grilled octopus, which were outstanding. The halibut and pasta dishes we ordered as entrees were also absolutely delicious.
The cocktails were pretty good too. The ambience is perfect for a date night or an intimate dinner with friends. The very friendly staff rounded out a fantastic experience!
- ceviche10
- grilled octopus10
- halibut9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Service Good, Food Needs Work
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The service was excellent, earning a 5-star rating. The atmosphere was also quite pleasant, rated at 4 stars.
However, the food, rated at 3 stars, needs significant improvement. I ordered two burgers cooked medium-rare, but both were well-done with no pink. The salad dressing was excessively salty, and the Niçoise salads were served without the promised olives.
A major oversight was the lack of a toilet paper roll holder in the bathroom.
- service10
- atmosphere8
- food6
- burgers2
- salad dressing2
- Niçoise salads3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Flavorful Raviolis and Tuna Crudo
I went with my husband and a friend, and we found the dishes to be really flavorful. I especially loved the raviolis and the tuna crudo. The service and atmosphere were also rated highly.
- raviolis9
- tuna crudo9
- dishes8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Drinks, Apps, and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be an amazing spot for drinks and apps. The hamachi and uni were absolutely incredible.
The staff was so friendly, and the atmosphere is great, especially with the art from a local artist. I can’t wait to go back.
- drinks and apps9
- hamachi10
- uni10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Disappointing Fusion Experience at Xebec
My experience at Xebec did not live up to the hype, despite high recommendations. For a 7 PM reservation, they were already out of oysters, which was the first red flag. We decided to pivot to a selection of appetizers and shared plates as none of the entrées particularly appealed.
The Wagyu Bruschetta was underwhelming; the beef was sliced so thinly it was nearly flavorless, and the supplement overpowered any hint of Wagyu. The Uni Risotto also failed to deliver, with no detectable uni flavor. The hand roll tasted like a plain veggie roll, lacking any seafood.
The octopus was unremarkable, missing distinct flavors or textures. The ceviche was a low point, featuring stale rice crackers and indistinguishable seafood. The only dish that was decent, though not exceptional, was the sashimi.
My advice is to not take "Japanese-Mexican-Mediterranean fusion" too literally. At Xebec, competing flavors and overly fussy concepts drowned out the quality ingredients. The service was good, and the atmosphere was quiet and conducive to conversation.
- sashimi6
- service9
- atmosphere9
- oysters2
- Wagyu Bruschetta3
- Uni Risotto2
What Xebec offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options are available at Xebec in Hayes Valley?
At Xebec, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences, including brunch, dinner, and dessert. The restaurant offers comfortable seating and table service. For special occasions, catering services are also available.
Does Xebec offer options for specific dietary needs and a selection of drinks?
Yes, Xebec is committed to catering to diverse preferences. You’ll find healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options on the menu. To complement your meal, a selection of wine, coffee, beer, and cocktails is also available.
How does Xebec generally perform according to customer feedback?
Xebec receives a good overall score of **7.8** and a customer satisfaction of **79.7%**. Its **Food** (7.9), **Ambience** (8.0), and **Service** (7.8) are highly rated, though **Value** (6.1) is considered average.
What kind of dining experience can I expect at Xebec?
You can expect an inventive Mediterranean and Japanese fusion cuisine served in a stylish and comfortable ambiance, often described as perfect for a date night. Many highlight the creative dishes and excellent cocktails.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Xebec?
Some guests find Xebec to be on the pricier side. There have also been occasional reports of inconsistent dish execution, high noise levels, and minor service delays or issues with change availability.