Seemor
Kusina Ni TessA-Worth Trying
237 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94102
· Filipino restaurant, Breakfast restaurant, Brunch restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (262 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Beloved Filipino comfort-food canteen with big portions, kind staff, and budget-friendly silog plates; tiny space best for takeout.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Kusina Ni Tess earns its A- grade through exceptional food quality and outstanding service attentiveness that make newcomers feel welcomed and regulars return for years. Generous portions at modest prices and steady execution position it among the area's better neighborhood restaurants, though the very small, cramped dining space and lack of distinctive ambiance prevent grade A territory. This is authentic Filipino comfort food at its best—just plan for takeout during peak hours.
Restaurant Summary
This tiny Filipino canteen hums with warm hospitality and the steady rhythm of trays filling with silog plates. Newcomers get tastes and guidance, and regulars greet the team by name. One diner summed it up simply: the food feels like home. The cooking leans traditional—rich stews, tangy broths, and char-kissed skewers—built for comfort more than theatrics. Portions are generous, prices kind for downtown, and the daily rotation keeps things interesting without straying from classics. Families do fine here thanks to familiar kid-friendly options like garlic rice, eggs, barbecue skewers, and lumpia. There is no dedicated kids menu, but simple sides and silog combos make ordering easy for cautious eaters.
At a Glance
- Authentic Filipino comfort food with standout silog plates
- Generous portions and excellent value for downtown SF
- Exceptionally kind staff who offer samples and guidance
- Very small dining area; better for takeout at peak times
- One isolated cleanliness complaint about soup; majority report tidy conditions
What Sets It Apart
- breakfast_all_day_silog
- daily_rotating_tray_dishes
- taste_samples_for_first_timers
What People Love
- The tender, sweet-savory pork skewers
- Tapsilog with perfectly cooked eggs and garlicky rice
- Welcoming staff who offer samples
- Daily rotating homestyle dishes
Points of Concern
- Extremely limited seating; expect to wait or take food to go at busy times
- Neighborhood grit may surprise some visitors; use city awareness
- One photo-backed complaint about a soup cleanliness issue amid many tidy reports
- Occasional mismatch between expectations and plate components (e.g., plain vs garlic rice)
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$18-$28 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a silog plate with a $2 fried egg upgrade and $1.50-$4.50 dessert for value
- For lighter eaters, share 5-piece skewers and add garlic rice
- Vegetarians: consider laing, pinakbet, ginataang dishes, or talongsilog
Perfect For
- A quick, hearty breakfast before exploring Union Square
- Takeout homestyle Filipino feast for a casual night in
- Introducing a friend to Filipino classics with staff guidance
- Budget-friendly comfort meal downtown
Location Insights
Area: Gritty central SF corridor near Union Square hotels; mix of office workers, travelers, and longtime residents.
Safety: Busy by day with mixed conditions; exercise basic urban awareness, especially at night.
Nearby: Steps from Union Square and Market St transit; near budget hotels and retail corridors.
TenderloinThe Tenderloin offers an eclectic dining environment with a range of affordable ethnic eateries, casual dining spots, and emerging trendy restaurants. The social atmosphere is gritty but dynamic, reflecting the neighborhood's ongoing revitalization and cultural diversity.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–14:00
Tuesday08:00–14:00
Wednesday08:00–14:00
Thursday08:00–14:00
Friday08:00–14:00
Saturday
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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