Three visits in one work trip -- and I'd go back again tomorrow! I'm in San Francisco for work, and I've already eaten at Cafe Mystique three times. The food is consistently delicious every single time. The portions are generous, the flavors are incredible, and the service is absolutely fabulous. And that spicy salmon dish? WOW. Easily one of the best things I've had during my stay. Great food Generous portions Fantastic service Wonderful atmosphere Cafe Mystique hits every marker. If you're in the Castro, this place is definitely worth a visit. I'll be back! read more

Came here for a later dinner after a work event, and was pleasantly surprised. For starters we went with garlic fries and the hummus plate. Garlic fries were standard but satisfied the craving. The hummus had some ground meat on it, not sure if it needed it but overall it was alright. The pita was a bit over toasted though. For my main, and the best dish I had was their beef stew. I asked for it extra spicy and it had a nice kick but wasn't overbearing. The meat was tender and the stew had a ton of flavor. The rice was on the drier, less fluffy side but the stew helped break though. Good portion size, and would definitely order again. I had a couple bites of other dishes like their mystique chicken sandwich, but wasn't my favorite. Made me happy I went with the beef stew. Overall, solid meal and would 10/10 get the beef stew again next time around. Service was great and enjoyed our time here on a Thursday night. read more

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Later evening in the Castro and made our way here as one of the few dining options open after 9:30pm. Party of 4, walked in on a Thursday night. Cute atmosphere, friendly and solidly attentive service. - hummus plate - hummus was very smooth and, while I'm not used to ground meat on it, it worked well and was enjoyable with pita - garlic fries - pretty standard garlic fries - fettuccine with salmon - very generous portion. Creamy sauce that could have used a touch more salt but still tasty. Salmon was presented as chunks mixed into the pasta, although I did wish it was a whole filet on top that I could cut into. Salmon had a bit of a funky/old taste/smell that was a bit off putting. Still ate it but didn't love the protein part of this dish. Fortunately not sick or anything. It's a cute spot, open late, with reasonable food prices and really affordable drinks. read more

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Solid food, great drinks (and prices), what more could you ask for? Tucked away on Castro Street, a good amount of seating indoor (and outdoor when the weather is nice). We came with a large party on a Friday, called ahead, and it was easy to get a table. We ordered a few things to share based on our server's recommendations, the pasta and risottos were very good and filling. The garlic fries were delicious! The salmon was a bit of a miss though. Their drinks are all delicious and very well-priced, martinis are worth it! Space is casual, good for a solic dinner. read more

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We had brunch to celebrate a birthday and we couldn't have picked a better place. The staff was so friendly and attentive. Many opted for the espresso martini to start and all were pleased. Portions are not only great value but also great taste. They have a spicy ranch here that everyone raves about... and you can ask for a side of it even if it's not on your menu item. Will certainly return to try something else. read more

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What a fun neighborhoody Castro joint. We were there later in the evening and were able grab a table of 4. Cute, dark atmosphere with a menu that ranges from middle eastern to italian with dishes from a chicken pita, a hummus plate to pasta to risotto and so on. I enjoyed everything I ate: the hummus with ground beef, the chicken sandwich/pita and the garlic fries. I had a bite of the beef stew and even that was good. Cocktails and drinks were on the cheaper end, especially for SF! Overall, a solid little spot worth checking out if you're in the 'hood! read more

Came here to say with friends for late lunch. They have indoor and outdoor dining. We started with the beet and arugula salad to share for the table. Ot was huge. I got a Mystique burger (lettuce, tomato, grilled onions & avocado) I added bacon and chose French fries to go with it. Another friend got a pasta dish, another got a salmon burger and someone got a crab burger. Overall, the food was decent and service was really good. The staff was attentive. The portions are large. I forgot to take a photo of my burger. read more

Very clean, hip and trendy atmosphere. Good menu layout for brunch that is not crowded and over stimulated with food choices. Worth checking out and enjoying. read more

Cafe Mystique - Pesto Chicken Scramble - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

Food: 3.5/5 Service: 3/5 Ambiance: 3/5 I went there for lunch at 3pm on a Monday. I sat by the window and got the Spicy chicken pasta. I should've gotten the hottest spice one when asked how spicy I wanted it, I played it safe and went medium, the sauce was a nice consistency and wasn't too thin or thick (sauce could've went on the hotter temp side though personally, for me it was on that like warm sauce side). The chicken was seasoned well and was juicy (a bit dry on some pieces though) the mushrooms were cooked very well and not overdone, had fresh herbs as garnish but wished the shredded cheese wasn't packaged cheese. (I'd still order this dish again overall) I've tried a couple places in The Castro,SF, They're typically hit or miss but this location I'd try out again even if by myself. Service wasn't the best though for going during lunch (3pm on a Monday), the waiter only came to drop my plate off and give the check, and didn't refill my water pitcher. read more

Cafe Mystique - Spicy Chicken Pasta (Spicy) - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

It was our first time here, the ambiance and food were excellent! I had the salmon in lemon caper sauce and an incredible salad. We will definitively be back! read more

Cafe Mystique - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

I love the ambiance of this restaurant, cozy and warm. The food (salmon and potato) was really good and flavorful. The fried banana - banana was a bit too unripe for me but the crust and vanilla ice cream was a good complement. Service was attentive until when the waiter doubled charged our bill and incited the wrath of my friends. Long story short, pay attention to your bill. read more

Cafe Mystique - Mimosa - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Short version: Food: 4/5 Service :5/5 Value :3.5/5 Good experience would come here again. Long version: Walked into the restaurant on a Thursday afternoon evening and it wasn't too busy a few room tables that were taken up, but the five was nice. You could smell the nice aroma of the food cooking with the open kitchen concept as well as Seeing people walk by. Quickly got a seat and was greeted with a smile from Azat. Started the meal off with some green beans and Mediterranean flatbread, which had like a garlic like flavor. The green beans had a good blend of garlic, soy and Worcestershire sauce. Delicious with the blistered tomatoes. For the main dish I ordered the lamb stew. Served with a side of a basmati rice, it was quite tasty. Piping hot, a good blend of seasoning and plenty of vegetables as well. My friend ordered the chicken risotto and he is a regular here so he knew that he was gonna get a fire dish! Service was solid. Attentive, kind servers who got the food out very quickly. All in all, a good meal. If I were to be critical it would be the seating. The bench had several tears in the upholstery, but I came to eat, not critique furniture. Small ding in the score. The only thing that prevents le from giving that extra 1/2 star is the fact that the prices felt a little high. I would definitely return, and recommend you to check it out for yourself. read more

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Really disappointing experience at Cafe Mystique which is insane because we come here somewhat frequently. We ordered the chicken parmesan and specifically asked for mild. What came out was noticeably spicy--that dish shouldn't be at all. It was bad enough that I couldn't eat it and had to let my partner finish it. What made it worse was the service. No one checked in on us while we were eating to see if the food was okay. Only after we brought it up at the end did they respond--and instead of taking responsibility, they offered to remake it but said we'd be charged for both dishes. So their solution to sending out the wrong, inedible meal was basically: pay another $30 for a replacement. That's not a fix, that's a cash grab. It feels like they targeted us because we split one meal. It was very petty. Between the incorrect order, lack of basic table check-ins, and refusal to make it right without charging extra, the whole experience felt like a rip-off. Would not recommend and will be boycotting this rip off restaurant from now on. read more

Service is the only reason it gets 3 stars. We ordered the lemon chicken pasta. The taste wasn't horrible but had little seasoning. The chicken tasted like frozen, thawed, frozen and thawed again chicken. Definitely not worth it! But again, servers were wonderful! Oh and nice outdoor shaded seating. Very nice seating inside as well. read more

For reasons unknown I've walked past Cafe Mystique hundreds of times without once thinking about trying it. Then a friend who lives nearby mentioned eating there. Then she suggested we eat there. Finally, over lunch there, I learned that this is one of her regular haunts and that speaks volumes: it's a place the locals return to. And now I know why. I unexpectedly liked everything about Cafe Mystique. the menu, the service, the food, and the ambiance. It was too hot outside, a bit dark inside, but my table just inside the open front windows proved perfect. Huevos Rancheros was delicious, not "fancy delicious", just really satisfying. That's what one looks for in a place to which one returns often. I already have a place on Castro that I return to often but Cafe Mystique is now competing for that business. Don't be like me, walking by for years and paying no attention. Go. It's good, and the locals know it. read more

We were in the area and really hungry, so we decided to try Cafe Mystique. The service was great! Our servers checked in on us regularly and made sure everything was going well. My husband and I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs, which were decent but not amazing. I've definitely had better. The real surprise was the cheeseburger though. It was absolutely delicious and ended up being the standout of the meal! Would come back, but probably only for the burger next time. read more

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Love Cafe Mystique! Located in the heart of the Castro, this restaurant offers great food and even better vibes. The service is wonderful - with waiters who are excited to be there and serve you. Really wonderful energy. The food is delicious, Mediterranean-style that has generous portions and a home-cooked feel to each dish. Fun drinks. Delicious desserts. Cafe Mystique is all in all a really tasty and nice experience to come eat here! read more

Café Mistake. That's the name I will forever use when referring to this place. I had just picked my friend up from a procedure, and it was his choice to go anywhere he wanted. Now I know not to let someone who is still experiencing the effects of anesthesia to make important decisions. The waiter was friendly enough. And thankfully I wasn't very hungry. I only ordered the crab cakes. It took awhile to come, and while the restaurant was dead, we weren't in any hurry. When our food came, it looked appetizing. I took one bite of the crab cake, and as I was going for another bite, I saw a hair. Not just ANY hair! This was a pubic hair. My friend didn't believe me, so I took a pic so that I could zoom in. (The pic is attached, feel free to look for yourself) My friend went inside to grab the waiter, although I asked him not to. The waiter was apologetic, and offered me another crab cake or a dessert, but honestly, once I knew the cleanliness of the restaurant, nothing could convince me. He comped my meal, as well he should have. I was offended he didn't comp the Coke as well. No, nothing was wrong with it, but if you're offering a free dessert, you should have comped the Coke. My friend paid for his food and my Coke and we left. I'll never eat here again. And neither should you. Unless you're short on Biotin. read more

Cafe Mystique - Pubic hair in my Dungeness Crab Cakes. - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

I loved coming to this place until tonight. When my friends and I entered, we got sat immediately. Turns out the tables and chairs had not been properly wiped down. I realized I had ketchup all over my hands, pants, and shirt. My outfit was ruined. My friends frantically tried to clean me up and console me. I called the owner over to tell him the situation and asked for my dish to be comped. He replied, This isn't a Dennys and insulted us, then proceeded to get in my face when I got up and returned the meal to the kitchen. read more

Went to lunch with a good friend in San Francisco who was familiar with Cage Mystique. Luka's recommendation was one of the highlights of my trip! We ordered a bottle of wine - Luka is in the wine business and knows what he is doing. The Latour Chardonnay from France was incredibly good! We started with an order of garlic bread and fresh green beans. The garlic bread was a typical "flat bread" that was full of flavor, the basket of bread was generously filled. The star of the day, however, was the green beans. The menu doesn't do this dish justice. "Fresh Green Beans" ... The dish was so incredible, I considered coming back and getting a couple of to go orders to bring home on my flight to enjoy again. I don't know what all goes into them - I do know there were sun dried tomatoes and sesame seeds... but man.... they were so tender and the sauce in the pan was incredible. If nobody was looking, I'd probably ask for a spoon and eat the sauce like a soup! Do your self favor and order this fantastic dish! I ordered the Lemon Chicken and Pasta, Luka ordered the Spicy Chicken and Pasta. Both were fantastic with generous portions of juicy chicken and pasta, with a wonderful sauce! I had the opportunity to meet Sam, the owner. What a nice guy! The service was fantastic and friendly. One of my new go-to places in San Francisco! read more

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Took some friends for a birthday dinner. I always get the Mystique Chicken Sandwich with the salad. So good! Birthday boy got the salmon, it was a generous filet and reportedly delicious. We started off with the garlic fries and crab cakes and were pleasantly surprised. The waiter was adorable and very attentive without hovering. This is a favorite of mine and I'm so glad I got to share with friends! read more

Super awesome service. Like the best service I have received in a year! Must get the green beans. Get garlic bread to dip in green bean sauce. You're welcome read more

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My partner's dog pooped outside the business and he was cleaning it up. While I was standing there with the dog, an employee came out to shoo me away. His expression changed when he noticed my partner (partner is white, I am not). I think he assumed I was homeless or something. It was rude. read more

Came here for brunch on Sunday. They were out of espresso and just had drip coffee. Orange juice wasn't freshly squeezed so we just ordered drip coffees and teas. One person got the OJ and thought it was good. We ordered the huevos rancheros, veggie omelette, chicken parm sandwich and eggs benedict. I liked my huevos rancheros, interesting take on it but my friend thought it was so so. My other friend also really liked the chicken parm sandwich. The veggie omelette and eggs benedict were alright. The service was as quick as you wanted it to be without being intrusive. They had an interesting sense of humor, telling you here is your pasta dish, while they gave you an egg dish, a bit odd. Other than that, good spot for a large party for brunch without being rushed. read more

Cafe Mystique - Huevos rancheros - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

Really bad experience with the lady working such a bad attitude the guy who brought our food didn't really speak much English when she said shrimp pasta I told him that was mine come out to be chicken so she started arguing saying that was not her fault so she didn't wanted to remake my food ! Really bad customer service read more

The staff were so welcoming and kind. Excellent food and people. Definitely will go again!

Best risotto ever!!! Love this place. Their drinks are pretty good too. Great location, in the heart of Castro. Coming here is always a very enjoyable experience. read more

Ambiance , Cleanliness, hospitality. Breakfast, Lunch , and dinner served inside and outside. read more

Cafe Mystique - 4 plates , 8 drinks , napkins , forks , spoons , and check out - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

Very tasty food with generous portions. Server was very attentive, and the space was charming.

My spouse and I 'pride' ourselves on finding great spots, and last night's visit to this place was no exception ! The food, drinks, and service were all top notch, and the ambiance was lovely. We were pleasantly surprised that they stayed open later than expected - I guess you could say they were 'proud' to party ! We're from Santa Cruz, but we're already planning our next visit. read more

Cafe Mystique - This the spicy chicken pasta - Mediterranean Near Me - San Francisco, California

Food is excellent, service is very good and friendly, ambiance is very classy yet affordable. Highly recommended for people who are taking their friends in the Castro and want to make a statement in food. read more

Horribly unacceptable and rude service! Sat us in the sun and never attended to us after our food was delivered. Mimosas were horrible so do NOT order them! read more

Always great food here for breakfast and lunch! Lunchtime they have amazing sandwiches on delicious ciabatta bread. For breakfast and i had their French toast which was fluffy and sweet! My mom had pancakes and bacon. The pancakes were airy and cooked to perfection. They have garlic aioli sauce/dip which is one of the best I've ever had! read more

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Our favorite restaurant in the Castro. Great food and excellent service. The lamb burger is fresh and super tasty

The beet and haloumi salad was full of old leaves that had melted. My wife saved the bad leaves, showed them to the waitress, and explained that the greens were not fresh. The waitress was defensive about the situation (from not recognizing the leaves were old or not willing to admit it), even bringing the salad tub to show us how fresh the leaves were supposedly. However, my spouse was able to point out some melted parts, and others were browning. Then my wife asked to see the manager, and the waitress said there was none. I had the steak and eggs, and the beef was full of gristle. The steak knife was doubly needed! The eggs were fine, and my side salad was not as poor as my wife's. Bottom line: this was our first visit. They still charged full price without apologies, and we'll never go back. read more

I was told my the owner to "wash my ass" while being kicked out. Horrible service me and my friends experienced tonight. My friend sat on some ketchup the waiter failed to clean before sitting us down. It got all over her clothes and after she asked the owner for her meal to get comped he rudely refused and didn't find a way to improve the situation. He merely told her it's just a few dots of ketchup and "that's not how things work here". We said this is on the restaurant as it should've been cleaned before sitting the next guests down. That's when he said "wash your ass" and get out of here. Unbelievable! Horrific tact from the owner and has zero respect for LGBT people, and kind you they are right in the Castro. read more

Wow! Never been here before last night but it was fabulous on all counts. Food was delicious and portions were generous. Staff was super friendly and happily accommodated our large group ( we did make reservations). read more

Excellent food and service!! Would definitely recommend eating here. Get the spicy chicken pasta.

Had to update my review to take 2 stars off. Called to get a salad to go and they hung up the first time. Called back and they said it would take 50 minutes to get a salad to go for pick up. Not the nicest, was wondering why they had low stars, well there you go. (((Kale salad with chicken was perfect! The salad was chopped up and tossed with light dressing and didn't overwhelm the kale. I added avocado (extra charge) which was fresh and chicken (also extra charge) but it was a big portion size and was great if you don't eat breakfast and like a big salad like me. Split the garlic fries with my friend, which were crispy and had chunks of garlic. Was happy to get a sparkling rose (not too sweet) to pair with everything. read more

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Just took a few friends to lunch there. Sad the lunch menu is so "limited" now. Wish you would bring back more options. We all ordered the Mystique burgers. They were all cooked perfectly, but dang they were so greasy. That's all I have to say. read more