Chao Pescao Reviews

Our family was looking for non-traditional timing to dine before a Nutcracker ballet performance and found a gem across the street from the Civic Center Parking complex. Chao Pescao hit high marks for so many reasons: 3:15pm reservation, proximity to favorite strolls, relaxed atmosphere with a fun Cuban vibe . . . but the combination of inventive spirits (including mocktails appreciated by my granddaughters), mouth watering food including ample Gluten Free options, as well as attentive service without being intrusive to our family dining celebration made this a very special experience. Everything we ordered was a standout, from the Yuca Frita (deep fried casaba) appetizer, to their ensaladas which we were hard put to determine which was the winner between the Quinoa y aguacate (veggie) and the Havana (topped with a mound of Cuban pulled pork), my first arepa (recommend the rellena de Puerco), the Cubano sandwich, or the plate of Tajin fried chicken: three large pieces of perfectly seasoned, breaded and fried chicken which could easily be shared by two or three if you were also sampling a few of my listed recommendations. From the bar, I would suggest the Xocolatl Maize (if you enjoy bourbon), the delicate Chao Mojito, and the Zero Proof Pina Colada if you travel with teens or forego alcohol yourself. If you enjoy Cuban-Colombian cuisine, this is a must visit restaurant.

We've been staying in the Civic Center area of San Francisco for over 20 years, and had never experienced such wonderful and innovative Cuban/Carribean food as we had tonight. The chicken Empanada was a superb starter. Our two entree dishes were sumptuous: a Roasted Pork Cubano Sandwich (as good as any on Calle Ocho in Miami) and Ropa Vieja, a shredded flank steak served over black beans and rice in a delectable sauce. In all, this was an outstanding meal.

Just moved into downtown, and ran across this friendly and interesting-looking gem my first week looking for a friendly local bar. They do have a full bar with an excellent wine list (Erin makes great cocktails), but what I uncovered was delicious and inexpensive Cuban food. Besides their perfect Arepas and irresistible empanadas, this time I had a fabulous cemida poblano sandwich: breaded chicken with avocado and chipotle sauce.

Wonderful restaurant for a quick meal in the heart of San Francisco. It was quiet enough to have a conversation among us, and the food was wonderful.

The dining experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic. From the mouthwatering appetizers to the delectable main course and the divine desserts, every dish was exceptional. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking for an extraordinary culinary experience.

Surprised by this restaurant, starting with location, then atmosphere, friendly staff that takes time to explain, and great food and drinks ! We had shredded pork and beef, with delicious pisco sours as aperitif, then a wine / beer with the main menu. We ordered fries along to make sure but actually had a small box leftover. We were seated across from the bar, with small high tables and views on the town hall, lighted in colors. Walked in without reservation on a Saturday night, early. There is a garden on the corner where they source some of their food offerings ! Music is Cuban and related. Definitely recommend and would go again. Food was reasonably priced, but drinks in these days and SF Bay area and around make up for half or most of the bill. All in we paid approx $75 pp (cocktail, main course, one side, and wine/beer).

The meal, ambiance and service were all outstanding during our supper. Mike served our table warmly and attentively as five of us worked thru scrumptious drinks, empanadas, chicarrónes and then onto our mains - lechon cubano, ropa vieja, and bistec. The cafe coltado and shortbread cookies sandwiching caramel custard was a fitting ending. We will return when we come thru San Fran again.

Bright colors and fresh flavors sing, but slow service and food consistency leave some things to be desired. Positives: plantain chips are a MUST. Delicious tomatillo-based dipping sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy Caribbean fried fruit. Vibe in the restaurant is warm and inviting, and our server was fun and flirtatious (without crossing any lines). Negatives: food didn’t arrive until an hour after reservation began. They ran out of bistec (marinated ribeye) but didn’t inform us until 30 minutes after we submitted our order — these things happen, but it was frustrating to re-order so long after we initially spoke with the waiter. What to order?: Pass on the arepa (disappointingly dry). Instead, order the GORGEOUS fried chicken sandwich (“Cemita Poblana”) — the sandwich was larger than my outstretched hand and included a mountain of fries. We almost could have shared one between two people — generous portioning in this dish was awesome, though it was missing in the arepa and empanada dishes. We’ll come back again for the great flavors, but not on a night with a timely event after dinner — we were late for our post-dinner evening concert despite arriving nearly two hours before the event (which was two blocks away).

Really delightful. Food was fantastic. Lovely decor. Service was kind but kind of overwhelmed. Look forward to returning! Get the yuca fries! Order 2!

We made reservations and were seated right as we entered. The restaurant was extremely busy. Our waitress was pleasant and very knowledgeable. The menu had a lot of choices to order from. The only drawback was that they ran out of ice cream for our desserts so we did not bother to order. The prices of the food was a little steep for the portions. Other than that, our meals were cooked to perfection and tasty.

Where to begin? The decor is inviting, the craft cocktails are expertly mixed, the ambiance is elegant yet welcoming, the food is INCREDIBLE and the staff and service are exceptional in giving you a wonderful and complete dining experience! I am from Central America and have not enjoyed such Latin American culinary treats like these in many years! Everyone in my group devoured the appetizers, their respective sauces, the soups and the entrees and my go to - rice and beans. Delicious from start to end. You cannot go wrong with a visit to this little gem of a restaurant! Plus, they do have happy hour!

I needed a spot to refuel for a late lunch as I was sightseeing in the Downtown area and there weren't many options, but I was very lucky to find this gem. It's an adorable cafe with many great Cuban, Caribbean & other Latin options. I ordered the Chicken Empanadas & Maduros in Spanish, and my server was pleasantly surprised. Thet were both delicious and she got me out of there in a timely manner.

Great authentic Cuban food with nice ambiance and fun background music. The empanadas and the Lechon Cubano were really good. Both dishes had generous portions, but I still decided to try the Tarta de Alfajor for dessert and did not regret all. It was really delicious! The service was excellent as well. Chao Pescao is a real gem in the San Francisco restaurant collection.

Drinks were ok. They were expensive Dinner was ok. Black beans tasted like they came out of a can. No flavor. The food was ok. It didn’t have much flavor. We were a party of six so the 20% tip ($75) was added to our bill. For $75 i expected better service from the waitress. The orders were all mixed up at our table and they even brought us the wrong orders. The rice dessert wasn’t good. Half of it was left on the table. My family and I will definitely not return to this restaurant. It is over priced and bland !