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San Francisco Restaurants 2008

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Bistro Yoffi

2231 Chestnut St
San Francisco, CA 94123-2607
Phone: (415) 885-5133

Ratings & Reviews Summary for Bistro Yoffi

What Users are Saying:

  • Prompt seating
  • Make reservations
  • Romantic
  • Good for kids
  • Good for groups
5 Star Rating
 
(18 reviews)
4 Star Rating
 
(2 reviews)
3 Star Rating
 
(2 reviews)
2 Star Rating
 
(0 reviews)
1 Star Rating
 
(4 reviews)

User Reviews for Bistro Yoffi

Citysearch (19), MenuPages (1), AOL CityGuide (1), InsiderPages (5), All (26)

1 Star Rating: Not Recommended

07/30/2007 Posted by claudilla

I could agree with the comments people do to this restaurant, nice athmosphere, not pricely, food ok. But I had a bad experience in this place. I asked for the anglo enchilada that comes with sea bass, salmon and baby shrimp (which looks more like a burrito), and I was half way of my meal when I realized that there was no salmon and no shrimp inside. I waited about 15 min to see the waiter till she finally came. My dissapointment was not that much with my order not having what it must had, but the way I was treated. She told me too bad I didn't say anything at the beggining of my meal (I was digging in trying to find it), and even though I showed her what I had there, she told me next time to say it before I start my meal. She even ask in the kitchen and they said they put it in. But I know what I got, and I cannot believe they have this kind of service, it was rude to make me feel I was lying or making it up. Folks if you want to run a business like this you have to learn a golden rule: "The client is always right", because I was totally right... I just told her it won't be a next time...

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/11/2006 Posted by csalt

The restaurant is a sleeper- they have an amazing patio in the back (perfect for parties on nice SF nights), the owner is the long haired good looking guy (usually behind the bar), and the music always rocks your world. The Steak Nibblers on the appetizer menu are amazing, a little salty but really good. The menu is impressive, wine list so so, but the service is great. I love this little swanky joint. One word of warning, if you sit out on the patio watch out for the little mousies. they love the place too... keep your feet up, purses off the floor and don't freak out if you see them scutter by. Otherwise, a super fabulous, very romantic place to be.

Pros: Great food, great music, nice patio

Cons: with nature come animals, wine list isn't the best, menu doesn't offer a whole lot

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/10/2006 Posted by fizzlesnit

Bistro Yoffi is one of my favorite spots to eat, hang out, and/or see live music. Their menu is incredible. The chef is amazing. Her seared tuna is my favorite in the area. The bartender knows volumes about his trade and has a great sense of humor, also. The music they bring in to entertain is the best in the Bay Area, by far. Although Bistro Yoffi is in the Marina, it feels like a comfy, down-to-earth Noe Valley venue. I highly recommend checking it out.

Pros: creative menu, great live music, easy parking in lot nearby

4 Star Rating: Recommended

08/09/2006 Posted by elaine14

I'm quite puzzled by the high rating given to Bistro Yoffi. I was there last Saturday evening for a birthday dinner and was disappointed with the dishes. The waitress said that there was only one cook in the kitchen so that may have something to do with it. Their raw oysters were merely ok, nothing spectacular. The seabass in pesto sauce and the rainbow trout were also not very tasty. However, the ambience of the patio seating/garden was very nice. And the wine list was extensive and very well priced.

1 Star Rating: Not Recommended

03/12/2006 Posted by sarahhamad

My fiancé and I had high hopes, and were disappointed. At first glance, the menu looks great, and the atmosphere is fantastic! Unfortunately, the food didn't prove to be so great. The lamb was fatty and drenched in sauce (and was fried?), I question if the mashed potatoes were real, and the Thai chicken satay tasted like baked chicken in watered down hot sauce. My fiancé got teriyaki skirt steak that tasted like maple syrup and the same watery potatoes I got. The veggies with his meal looked great, and I regretted not getting them as my entree. The wine we had was great, and a pretty good value, and the dessert was yummy (crème brulee). Our total bill with tip was over a $100 and definitely NOT worth the cash. Overall, I will not go back, other than for the atmosphere, live music, and maybe the bottle of wine.

Pros: Atmosphere

Cons: Food

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/25/2005 Posted by amyrey528

I have to drive all the way up from San Jose to enjoy this place... But do it without complaining! I love this place. It has great food, awesome music, wonderful atmosphere... and did someone say hot waiters? Yes! I would agree. Thomas is always there with a smile to greet us at the door, Kevin is ready at the bar to recommend a wonderful bottle of wine and one of the hot waiters is by the table to take the orders. They are relaxed which just adds to the non-rushed meal that you normally get at other resturants. Time is taken enjoying the wonderful food Sarah has to offer and the awesome music provided by some of the best jazz musicians around. I'll continue to drive the hour it takes to get there... It's the light at the end of the tunnel!

Pros: Awesome food, Great music, Hot staff

Cons: Parking

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/22/2005 Posted by lord_humongous

This has to be one of the few restaurants in San Francisco where I felt like I was getting much more than I paid for. Bistro Yoffi offers amazing food at very good prices and the atmosphere is great. The only downside is that the staff, while very friendly, is a bit slow in taking care of the diners.

Pros: Great Prices, Great Food

Cons: No Parking, Slow Service

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/07/2005 Posted by charlenex3

What a find this place is... I"ve read the other reviews and it's true, the servers need a bit of help - training or whatever, but other than that, WOW. I wish I lived closer, it would be my hangout. Foods good, the music is always GREAT, the atmosphere is condusive for a quiet romantic dinner, or lively conversation and dancing. The last time I went there was an excellent band, the singer invited a Canadian girl to join him (she was fantastic AND gorgeous) the place was hopping and the waiter helped us clear tables to the side so we could dance. I can hardly wait to go back... places like this would almost convince me to live in the city again!

Pros: music, food, atmosphere

Cons: slow food, slow servers

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

06/13/2005 Posted by sanguina

The whole idea of Bistro Yoffi is to relax and spend a leisurely time enjoying the food, the atmosphere, the music and the staff. All are wonderful. The staff is very friendly and laid back, the atmosphere is fantasitc for a romantic night or a charming brunch and the food is to die for. DO NOT go to Yoffi if you are in a rush, that ruins the entire point of this lovely Bistro. Go when you have time to enjoy a bottle of wine and appreciate the relaxed nature of this amazing restaurant.

Pros: friendly staff, relaxing, great music

Cons: parking, prepare to wait, loud music at times

1 Star Rating: Not Recommended

05/01/2005 Posted by pengrin

Bruscetta was sloggy. Not flavorful. Gumby special was very soupy, and the rice seemed uncooked. Spanish salad w/ walnuts were ok, very light tasting dressing. Eggplant dish was a bit good because of the cheese but not as tasty as it should be.

Pros: Excellent service

Cons: Flavorful food

Editor's Review

International food and jazz draws an eclectic crowd to this garden-like Marina cafe.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

When to Go

Open mic nights are held every Wednesday from 8pm to 11:30pm; call for an updated schedule of jazz performances.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Parking

  • Pay garage
  • Metered

Hours

  • Tue-Thu 5:30pm-10pm
  • Fri 5:30pm-11pm
  • Sat-Sun 3pm-11pm

Payment Types

  • Discover
  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • American Express

Cuisines

  • Seafood
  • Californian
  • American (Traditional)
  • Mediterranean

Meal Price

  • $$

Amenities

  • Kid Friendly
  • Dancing
  • Brunch
  • Romantic Dining
  • Local Favorites
  • Live Music
  • Date Spot
  • Outdoor Dining

Specialty ratings for Bistro Yoffi

Specialty Rating  
Mediterranean Food 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Vote
Outdoor Dining 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Vote

Near This Location

2231 Chestnut St
San Francisco, CA 94123-2607

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