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Restaurant Reviews for Oola

Oola

860 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94107

Oola Restaurant & Bar is an American Bistro specializing in “San Francisco” cuisine. Using classic cooking techniques, we utilize the best the Bay Area has to offer, featuring organic meats and produce, and artisan cheeses and wines. Oola’s friendly, knowledgeable staff has a passion for good food and excellent service. While certain dishes remain constant (our customers rave about the ribs!), there are also fresh menu items that change depending on the season.

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Price: $31 to $50
Parking: Street Parking
Cross Street: 4th & 5th

See more Oola details

Average Diner Rating
Overall Rating		3.6 out of 5 (113 Reviews)

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

Summary of Special Features

Diners classify this restaurant as:

fit for foodies (45)
late-night find (31)
romantic (30)
neighborhood gem (28)
hot spot (22)
vibrant bar scene (19)
special occasion (17)
notable wine list (14)
good for groups (13)
great for brunch (3)
great for lunch (2)

Oola Reviews List

Overall Rating

(Good)

"The wine list is so intelligently chosen and so reasonably priced. I would order any white and any red on the list (~35 of each), and I can't think of another restaurant I would say that about. Most are priced in the $30s and $40s. Also, corkage is only $15 and they forgive a corkage if you also buy a bottle off the list.

Food was good. We both had the beet, watermelon, watercress, and Humboldt goat cheese salad followed by the hanger steak. The steak arrived already sliced, which I don't prefer, but it was cooked right. Oh, and the bread is excellent."

Special Features: notable wine list

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/10/2010

(review submitted 03/12/2010)

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Review 2 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Reluctantly, I made the reservation, so I was totally vowed after our dinner. We started out with a nice Argentinian Malbec - very smooth, then had the duck confit w. cardamom (nice enhancement) and my dining companion selected the mahi mahi, that was cooked to perfection (firm, but not dry). We also ordered Kumamotos (which are my favorite) and the ribs (which had a little ginger in the glazing) that fell off their bones. I will definitely go back because it's not far from the Financial District."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/07/2010

(review submitted 03/09/2010)

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Review 3 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"we've been to Oola a number of times now & we love it. it is appropriate for many occasions. the food & service are consistently very good & the prices not outrageous. The wait staff is very knowledgable about their food, wine & drinks. We highly recommend Oola."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/06/2010

(review submitted 03/08/2010)

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Review 4 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Unfortunately, bachelorette and birthday parties were going on and they were very loud and distracting. But the hostess apologized and the staff was very friendly and the food was excellent."

Special Features: late-night find, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/06/2010

(review submitted 03/08/2010)

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Review 5 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Good)

"It was a little loud and hard to have a business conversation."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/01/2010

(review submitted 03/05/2010)

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Review 6 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Solid place to eat especially during late night hours."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/25/2010

(review submitted 03/01/2010)

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Review 7 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"We keep going back and ordering the same thing. Duck Confit and Ribs. We think about the Duck and Ribs when we are not there - they are sooooo good. Had the Potato soup and Gruyere grilled sandwich as an appetizer. It's almost a complete meal for two by itself. Service was great. We were given a private table for two on the balcony - ask for that one if you want to be by yourself. Drinks are good size. Really another enjoyable meal at OOLA."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/20/2010

(review submitted 02/22/2010)

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Review 8 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Enjoyed the food and service. I would go back."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/11/2010

(review submitted 02/21/2010)

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Review 9 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Poor)

"The food was average at best. The service was horrible. I think we sat at a table for 15 mins before they even approached our table. We were there for about 1.5 hrs and saw our waitress maybe 3 times."

Food		(Poor)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/20/2010)

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Review 10 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Good)

"We were a bit surprised by the Prix Fixe menu as we had their famous Ribs in mind but we did enjoy everything we had."

Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/14/2010

(review submitted 02/19/2010)

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Review 11 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Food was very good. Reasonable portions, too. Nice wine list by the glass. Service was good all around - attentive, but not over the top. A bit on the noisy side, at least downstairs. Cool bar scene."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/05/2010

(review submitted 02/07/2010)

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Review 12 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"This was a definitely a great place for a special someone. I placed an order for two and they put us in a quiet corner upstairs in a special booth without me asking. That's quite the service. The waitresses were down to earth but knowledgeable. Considering I plucked a place after researching on the internet, the advertising for the ambiance truly matched what it really was. This made the difference on my very important date. I'd say the food was great and not pretentious, exactly what I'm looking for when presenting myself for the first date."

Special Features: special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/30/2010

(review submitted 02/03/2010)

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Review 13 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"This was my first time at Oola, and I must say, I was very impressed. The staff was friendly and efficient, and the food was out out of this world! I am definitely going back for seconds...and thirds....and more!!! One to try: the cheese platter and a MUST have are the ribs! and rootbeer floats for dessert??!! WOW!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/28/2010

(review submitted 02/02/2010)

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Review 14 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Oola on a Sunday was mellow, not like most of the other times I've been there. It almost had a completely different vibe, and was a good end to a relaxed afternoon. Service was very attentive and professional, and food was excellent as with past visits."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, romantic

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/31/2010

(review submitted 02/02/2010)

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Review 15 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"The ambiance was fantastic, but the overall value was disappointing. The food wasn't bad, but it definitely didn't live up to the price tag or even the atmosphere of the restaurant. The chicken and waffles could have been from Wendy's - not worth $12. The duck was tasty, but again, I've had much better and it wasn't worth the price. My husband's dish (bacon-wrapped monk fish) tasted fine as well, but was a very small portion, and we both left the restaurant hungry. The service was polite, but a bit slow. I don't think I would go again..."

Special Features: romantic, special occasion

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/23/2010

(review submitted 01/26/2010)

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Review 16 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"We keep going back to Oola. It has become our favorite SOMA spot. We typically go on Sunday night and it is never crowded. The whisky sour drink is outstanding and good size. Wine list is well priced and good size wine servings as well. The appetizers always surprise us - Oola is never afraid to try new things. We tried the chicken and waffles and that's what it was - one side of the plate chicken and the other side waffles. It was ok - nothing special though. Main course was Duck Confit for my wife and the entree side ribs for me. Best around for both dishes and we've ordered Duck Confit in a lot of restaurants. Really tasty. Really excellent dish. We will keep going back."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/24/2010

(review submitted 01/26/2010)

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Review 17 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Oola is consistently delivering solidfood in a cool intimate atmosphere.
We did a girls night and had shared plates like the new chicken and waffles, ribs."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, romantic, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/23/2010

(review submitted 01/25/2010)

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Review 18 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"This place is a real gem. The food was great and the staff was its equal. Oola himself gave us dining recommendations and he was right on the mark as he should be. The ribs are outrageous. I have been a rib eater, coming from Chicago, all of my life. These are the best ribs I have ever eaten... try them dry without the sauce... which you can get on the side and see which way you like them with or without. I liked mixing and matching but loved them au natural."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, romantic

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/22/2010

(review submitted 01/24/2010)

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Review 19 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"A bit overpriced for the amount of food received."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/30/2009

(review submitted 01/19/2010)

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Review 20 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"While the food was well executed the service was shoddy.1.I arrived on time & waited for almost 5mins before the hostess approached me.2.The table was in a dark spot in an empty loft right by the wine closet which had frequent visitors-who never shut the door after themselves.I was constatntly reaching over to shut it as i didn't want to be sitting right by an open cavernous cold space.3.While I waited for my husband I was shown the menu & provided bread-but wasn't asked if I’d like a drink & was basically ignored.4.our table wasn't cleaned btwn courses.6.askd for a taste of wine - was givn a glass 7.Finally–I had rquestd something special for my hubby’s birthday–they obviously paid no heed as we did order desert–but the candle was wanting"

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/11/2010

(review submitted 01/13/2010)

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Review 21 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Fun bar, nice atmosphere overall. Great burgers, and the beet salad was delicious as were the truffle oil fries."

Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/09/2010

(review submitted 01/11/2010)

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Review 22 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Two of the 4 dishes we ordered were excellent, but the two people who ordered chicken gave it a mixed review. The salmon was outstanding. A bit noisy, but take a flashlight if you want to read the menu."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/06/2010

(review submitted 01/07/2010)

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Review 23 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"This is a great find on Filmore. Food & drinks were really good, service great. A bit pricey...Finiding parking was easier than imagined. I'd go back for a special causal yet trendy experience."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/31/2009

(review submitted 01/05/2010)

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Review 24 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Food was OK bar food but not really more than that."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/03/2010

(review submitted 01/05/2010)

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Review 25 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Food was great and service was excellent. We had a wonderful dinner there on New Year's Eve. We would recommend this place for sure!"

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/31/2009

(review submitted 01/03/2010)

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Review 26 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Good food and nice ambience but far too expensive for the quality of the food. Appetizer was delicious but main course was average at best. Dessert was overcooked."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/31/2009

(review submitted 01/03/2010)

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Review 27 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"what a great place for a date!

these guys know how to do it

Mike"

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/31/2009

(review submitted 01/02/2010)

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Review 28 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Menu was a fixed price New Year's eve menu - limited but each selection we sampled was delicious. Service was very good, attentive but not annoying. Restaurant was very dark and we were in seated upstairs in a very quiet spot - would have preferred to be seated on main floor."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/31/2009

(review submitted 01/02/2010)

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Review 29 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Our service was super slow....but the food was pretty good. The waitress comped us some wine for the slowness of service. This place is open late and that's a good thing :)"

Special Features: late-night find

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/21/2009

(review submitted 12/27/2009)

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Review 30 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"I highly recommend Oola. The food was really good and the server was very knowledgable in helping me pick the perfect glass of wine to go with my meal. The only thing I didn't like was the mac 'n cheese. It was a little bland - BUT the parm and truffle oil fries were amazing! Also, the prices were a little high. Overall, a good restaurant though."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/19/2009

(review submitted 12/21/2009)

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Review 31 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Good)

"The waitress was great. Everytime our water needed refilling, she was on top of it. She was friendly and answered all our questions. We had the chicken and the ahi tuna tartar. The fish was great, coupled with the beans, egg, and tomato. I thought the chicken was a little dry. Even with the sauce, the chicken tasted a little flat."

Special Features: late-night find, special occasion

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/14/2009

(review submitted 12/16/2009)

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Review 32 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Little unknown place south of market. The food was terrific and the noise level wasn't bad. Everything we ate was great!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/13/2009

(review submitted 12/15/2009)

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Review 33 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"Relatively small portsions for the price. Wine list spotty."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/08/2009

(review submitted 12/11/2009)

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Review 34 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Great deep velvet booths with DJ music in background that pulsates without turning the place into a club. Noise is moderate so you can share conversations without having to yell or strain. Food is delish: savory tarts are my favourite including the truffle fries. Skip the macaroni--nothing special. Prices are somewhat $$ and portions are not gargantuan. Thus ideal for a late light night dinner or late evening snack. The caramel chocolate cake was iffy. Used to be good but then one evening it was 1/2 frozen and 1/2 warm."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/19/2009

(review submitted 12/04/2009)

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Review 35 for Oola

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Had the lamb special and it was good. My companion had the hamburger which was good as well."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, hot spot

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/04/2009

(review submitted 12/04/2009)

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Ratings-Only Reviews for Oola

Based on the average of (78) ratings-only reviews

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

Restaurant Reviews for Oola

Oola Reviews List

Review 1 for Oola

Review 2 for Oola

Review 3 for Oola

Review 4 for Oola

Review 5 for Oola

Review 6 for Oola

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Review 35 for Oola