Chao Pescao is a casual Latin Caribbean restaurant featuring comforting Cuban and Colombian home cooking and the flavors and colors of the Caribbean. Cocktails are inspired by many of the traditional drinks from Latin America, and the restaurant offers a value-driven global wine list to complement the food.
The menu is rounded out with other Latin American favorites with a particular emphasis on dishes designed for delivery. The menu features comforting Latin-Caribbean favorites with particular emphasis on Cuban and Colombian home cooking. Gluten free Pan de Bono cheese bread, Colombian Empanadas, Tostones, a Cuban Sandwich, Ropa Vieja, Lechon, Pozole Rojo or Tajin Fried Chicken are just some of the favorites.
The menu is rounded out with other Latin American favorites with a particular emphasis on dishes designed for delivery. The menu features comforting Latin-Caribbean favorites with particular emphasis on Cuban and Colombian home cooking. Gluten free Pan de Bono cheese bread, Colombian Empanadas, Tostones, a Cuban Sandwich, Ropa Vieja, Lechon, Pozole Rojo or Tajin Fried Chicken are just some of the favorites.
Services
Chao Pescao is a casual and very personal restaurant from long-time San Francisco restaurateur Rene Denis. The name translates roughly to "see you later alligator, " a friendly salutation common in Latin American countries, which captures the friendly and fun spirit of our restaurant.
Our menu was designed to offer comforting Latin American food with vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage, with particular emphasis on the Cuban and Colombian home-cooking from Denis' childhood.The black beans, considered the foundation of Cuban food and served with all entrees, are his late grandmother's recipe.
Our menu was designed to offer comforting Latin American food with vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage, with particular emphasis on the Cuban and Colombian home-cooking from Denis' childhood.The black beans, considered the foundation of Cuban food and served with all entrees, are his late grandmother's recipe.
Reviews (26)
Ed S.
Jan 22, 2022
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David S.
Dec 30, 2021
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What was this place called before? Perilla? Soluna - No matter. The updated venue looks like either owners put a new name on it or just kept a lot of its prior charm. Food still comes on cutting boards. Ceilings are still high. The service staff was a bit lackadaisical, but only a bit; And we are in an Omicron moment so it's hard to blame anyone. What they're really lacking is a host... this is my second time in several months I stood at the front door and wondered if they were open. No one came to greet me immediately today.
I loved the meal itself and iced tea with simple syrup.
The
I loved the meal itself and iced tea with simple syrup.
The
Klaudia O.
Dec 19, 2021
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Ian James
Dec 14, 2021
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Shows potential, but I can’t recommend based on current service. The cocktails were excellent (sling and piña colada), but our food was always “just 10 minutes away”. 60 minutes after ordering, we had to leave empty-bellied for a prior arrangement. I appreciate the manager making it right, but I can’t recommend this restaurant for anything beyond cocktails (for which you will still wait 20 mins). Bummer!
Sean S.
Dec 13, 2021
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Angeline Chen
Dec 12, 2021
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The most memorable thing about the place was the very unfortunately lighting that made us feel like we were having dinner in a warehouse. The drinks were okay and the food was a bit better. Was really disappointed in the chicharrones - they look beautiful but were hard to eat and not very flavorful. Also had a glass of wine with dinner and it was nothing special. Wanted so badly to like this place, but unfortunately will not be returning
Karen M.
Dec 05, 2021
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Great spot for Latin Caribbean food! I came here after a show at Davies Symphony Hall. The cocktails were delicious and I had the pork, beans, and plantains with rice dish. Everything was tasty and seasoned perfectly! The service was excellent! Try the Sandia de Los Muertos cocktail. There's bar seating or main dining seating available. It was a Saturday late afternoon and we didn't have to wait for a table.
Christopher L.
Dec 01, 2021
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This place is the renewed version of the old restaurant Soluna, which I was very fond of. The same owner and some new faces are working the place, the service is still friendly and efficient. This space is much more open and bright than the old restaurant pre-pandemic.
The biggest thing I appreciated about the old place was how good their food was. I am very pleased that their new menu is still very good. The fries are as good as the best fries you can find and the flavors and textures of the dishes I have tried are all nicely formulated and skillfully cooked.
The new vibe is great and I think
The biggest thing I appreciated about the old place was how good their food was. I am very pleased that their new menu is still very good. The fries are as good as the best fries you can find and the flavors and textures of the dishes I have tried are all nicely formulated and skillfully cooked.
The new vibe is great and I think
Shreha J.
Dec 01, 2021
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What a great, cute little gem, with plenty of comfort food for the soul.
Food:
As a vegetarian, I ordered the jackfruit vegetarian plate and it was very flavorful with tender rice and hearty black beans. Loved it, 4/5 for vegetarians looking for some comfort food.
My friends ordered the pork arepas and a variety of empanadas, which they loved as well.
The drinks are spectacular & the service was very, very friendly and attentive. I truly appreciated their recommendations and knowledge of the venue.
Overall, great food and service, and a cute casual ambiance.
Food:
As a vegetarian, I ordered the jackfruit vegetarian plate and it was very flavorful with tender rice and hearty black beans. Loved it, 4/5 for vegetarians looking for some comfort food.
My friends ordered the pork arepas and a variety of empanadas, which they loved as well.
The drinks are spectacular & the service was very, very friendly and attentive. I truly appreciated their recommendations and knowledge of the venue.
Overall, great food and service, and a cute casual ambiance.
Samira I.
Dec 01, 2021
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So glad this spot opened up! Since they opened, I've had they're good on a few different occasion: takeout before the restaurant opened for dine-in, dine-in dinner, as well as happy hour. Every time left me wanting more! The menu is a mix of Latin cuisines, but the best part is most of the menu is gluten free. Finally somewhere that I can enjoy empanadas! Great cocktails as well - I've tried most of them and I still haven't had one that's been too sweet (a likely complaint of mine).
The place is kitty corner from city hall in civic center, not the best area to hang around
The place is kitty corner from city hall in civic center, not the best area to hang around
Christopher McCleary
Nov 28, 2021
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Jon H.
Nov 27, 2021
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Don't walk, run here to eat it asap. Authentic Latin American food here. The empanadas are hot and crispy, tostones are amazing, the temblece is tops, main entrees are huge (get the bistec), and the maduros are sweet and delicious. Service is tops here and they were super accommodating knowing we were trying to make a show!
Rick C.
Nov 15, 2021
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William D.
Nov 14, 2021
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This place is bomb y'all....and San Francisco needs places like Chao Pescao.
Chao Pescao is a bright, fun, exciting place in the midst of the tenderloin ( an area of SF that is, how shall we say, near third world).
We found parking right outside although you can park at the Civic center garage or at the Hastings Law school garage.
When the four of us got there the place was bumping....you could barely get in the door. Note you must show proof of vaccination and wear a mask upon entering. Kudos to everyone working at Chao Pescao...they are understaffed and worked their tails off.
The
Chao Pescao is a bright, fun, exciting place in the midst of the tenderloin ( an area of SF that is, how shall we say, near third world).
We found parking right outside although you can park at the Civic center garage or at the Hastings Law school garage.
When the four of us got there the place was bumping....you could barely get in the door. Note you must show proof of vaccination and wear a mask upon entering. Kudos to everyone working at Chao Pescao...they are understaffed and worked their tails off.
The
Irene C.
Nov 11, 2021
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A great option for pre-theater dining! It's close to the Orpheum Theater, we had reservations at 6p, and were finished with plenty of time to walk to the theater. Dinner plates are generous, I enjoyed my dish which was the Lechon Cubano. We also shared a combination of three different empanadas which were delicious. Service was pleasant and the interior was bright and fun.
Chris C.
Nov 10, 2021
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You may look at the map and think Chao Pescao is in a tough area of SF, but a) it's not; it's on a nice well lit corner right near the Civic Center courtyard and b) even if it was, it's worth the trip!
- Food is delicious. We had empanadas, arepas, and an incredibly rich jackfruit entrée. Would recommend all of them. Delicious combinations of flavors. My only suggestions would be more sauces, as the empanadas were a little dry, and the jackfruit dish could have used some sort of crema or brightening acidity.
- Staff is wonderful. Can't ask for more helpful, kind, respectful
- Food is delicious. We had empanadas, arepas, and an incredibly rich jackfruit entrée. Would recommend all of them. Delicious combinations of flavors. My only suggestions would be more sauces, as the empanadas were a little dry, and the jackfruit dish could have used some sort of crema or brightening acidity.
- Staff is wonderful. Can't ask for more helpful, kind, respectful
Peggy Cleary
Nov 03, 2021
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Mike our server was energetic, friendly, and informative. Really excellent. The food was all delicious and the servings generous. The menu is "Latin American fusion". E.g. arepa de pollo, overflowing with fried chicken, avocado, and other goodies. One of us had the chicken ahi soup and loved it. Another was delighted with his thin sliced beef (under especiales on the menu). We had both the plantain appetizers, which were very different from each other and delicious. Tarta de Alfajores was incredible and the cheesecake also yummy. The decor was interesting and bright. Our only issues were very high
Nina M.
Sep 18, 2021
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The food was pretty good and the service quick.
The yucca fries were thick cut and piping hot
The Arepa was pretty good but the cut of the steak was a bit too big for me. So eating it was a bit difficult (but delicious!)
The Lechon's pork was so nicely slow roasted and the rice was so perfectly cooked!
The yucca fries were thick cut and piping hot
The Arepa was pretty good but the cut of the steak was a bit too big for me. So eating it was a bit difficult (but delicious!)
The Lechon's pork was so nicely slow roasted and the rice was so perfectly cooked!
Nancy B.
Sep 08, 2021
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Beautiful dining area, lovely service, food is a bit bland for us
We ordered the soup. Which the meat was super tender. Broth Needed salt?
i ordered the vegetarian arepas and it was very good. But also needed salt
The chef accidentally made a pork arepas, and they gave it to me for free. It was very tasty and packed with meat. I did like the vegie one better (mostly cause I'm not into meat)
We ordered the soup. Which the meat was super tender. Broth Needed salt?
i ordered the vegetarian arepas and it was very good. But also needed salt
The chef accidentally made a pork arepas, and they gave it to me for free. It was very tasty and packed with meat. I did like the vegie one better (mostly cause I'm not into meat)
Mimi T.
Aug 14, 2021
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We came here after visiting the Asian Art Museum.
The staff was super warm and welcoming. The menu was vast we wanted to try everything!!
We shared yucca fries, chicken empanadas (which had a corn based shell), the Pozole, chicken soup, and the pork dish with rice and beans.
Everything was so delicious.... I could have had more of the soup.
The staff was apologetic that they were understaffed so it was that slow we didn't mind it at all.
We will definitely trek across the city again for their great food and service!
The staff was super warm and welcoming. The menu was vast we wanted to try everything!!
We shared yucca fries, chicken empanadas (which had a corn based shell), the Pozole, chicken soup, and the pork dish with rice and beans.
Everything was so delicious.... I could have had more of the soup.
The staff was apologetic that they were understaffed so it was that slow we didn't mind it at all.
We will definitely trek across the city again for their great food and service!
Mirabelle N. Liston
Aug 14, 2021
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Ed U.
Aug 10, 2021
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Anybody remember the Caribbean Zone? Back before the millennium, the owners amped up the coolness factor by converting the fuselage of an airplane into a cocktail lounge located in the bowels of SoMa well before all the zoomers moved in. It closed over two decades ago, and there's only been a handful of Caribbean restaurants that have opened and closed ever since. This one opened as a popup in Soluna's space, and it looks like it's a permanent arrangement the last time I passed by. I tried it when you had to knock on the door to pick up your order.
I ordered a soup and salad combo
I ordered a soup and salad combo
Elsma Ramirez
Aug 02, 2021
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Byron Cordoba
Aug 02, 2021
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Quality Latin Comfort Food, Caribbean Drinks, and Modern Ambiance Make For My New Favorite Date Spot.
Chao Pescao is, hands down, my favorite Latin-Caribbean restaurant in San Francisco. I have been ordering from Chao Pescao since they were only serving take-out. But last week, I finally got to try them in person a month after they reopened. I was impressed.
If you like Latin comfort food with a Caribbean flair, this is the place. I tried their chicken empanadas, which are light, and come with a refreshing salsa. They also have the usual Latin suspects like fried yuca and tostones, which sound
Chao Pescao is, hands down, my favorite Latin-Caribbean restaurant in San Francisco. I have been ordering from Chao Pescao since they were only serving take-out. But last week, I finally got to try them in person a month after they reopened. I was impressed.
If you like Latin comfort food with a Caribbean flair, this is the place. I tried their chicken empanadas, which are light, and come with a refreshing salsa. They also have the usual Latin suspects like fried yuca and tostones, which sound
Andrew S.
Jul 23, 2021
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I really wanted to like this place. It's centrally located and I was excited to try Latin Carribena cuisine. I came here for dinner on a Tuesday night and one empanada (the flank steak), the lechon cubano and a mocktail.
The empanada came out quick - it was good but not great. It took them a while (30 minutes) to bring out the entree and it was the wrong one (they brought out fried chicken). At this point, I was worried about the wait but the entree I ordered came out in 10 minutes, which made me wonder if I really had to wait the 30 minutes after the empanada. The lechon Cubano was
The empanada came out quick - it was good but not great. It took them a while (30 minutes) to bring out the entree and it was the wrong one (they brought out fried chicken). At this point, I was worried about the wait but the entree I ordered came out in 10 minutes, which made me wonder if I really had to wait the 30 minutes after the empanada. The lechon Cubano was
Bianey Pacheco
Jul 12, 2021
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