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Destino Reviews List
Destino
For 12 years, DESTINO has become a destination for South American cuisine in San Francisco! DESTINO focuses on Latin American small plates, with an emphasis on Peruvian. Connected next door to our sister business PISCO LATIN LOUNGE, DESTINO offers a wide selection of South American cocktails and wine. PISCO is the first Pisco bar in the United States and we offer a tremendous selection of Pisco, South American wines, and specialty liquors and aperitifs. The dining room features ornate "pan de oro" mirrors which convey a comfortable colonial cafe setting, recollecting the days of Hispanic yesteryears. Be it a romantic table for two, or group reservation, DESTINO is a perfect choice for a slice of San Francisco.
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52 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 52 reviews
5 stars
(14)
4 stars
(32)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(29)
- neighborhood gem(25)
- good for groups(20)
- vibrant bar scene(19)
- special occasion(14)
- hot spot(12)
Destino Reviews List
Review 1 for Destino
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We did dine about town. The server was very knowledgeable about the menu. The ceviche mixto was delicious combined with plantain chips. Also try the cocktails, particularly the Voldare and the Pisco Sour. I had Sea Bass and my husband had the sirloin steak with french fries and rice. Both were outstanding. I especially enjoyed the steak - very flavorful. The Torontes wine was great as well - very crisp and fruity. Dessert - an orange flavored creme brulee was light and fluffy and very good. The cheesecake with amaranth was good as well, but I preferred the creme brulee. The restaurant is pretty noisy, but if you go later in the evening, the restaurant will start to clear out and it will be easier to hold a conversation."
Dined on 6/11/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, late-night find, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 2 for Destino
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Quaint and Fast Serving
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"What I ordered:
Hydro Salad - Lettuce leaves not cut and my knife was too blunt to easily cut it myself.
Steak with French Fries and Rice - corn in rice tasted like beans for some reason
Blood Orange Creme Brulee - used regular Oranges.
Hydro Salad - Lettuce leaves not cut and my knife was too blunt to easily cut it myself.
Steak with French Fries and Rice - corn in rice tasted like beans for some reason
Blood Orange Creme Brulee - used regular Oranges.
Arrived on a Saturday night to find couples and groups enjoying the food.
Great scene and decent food"
Great scene and decent food"
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Destino
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
great service and good food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were first customer at 5:30 pm. The service were great. Food were a bit salty for us but maybe not to others. The display of food were very clean and appealing. I live in the neighborhood for many years but this is my first time visiting. Will recommend to others."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Destino
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great overall experience!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Hadn't been to Destino since they opened the bar next door! Wow! The restaurant is as beautiful as ever and the bar is dazzling! We had drinks at the bar first (yum) then joined some friends for dinner just steps away. Both ceviche dishes were especially delicious. We will be back very soon to enjoy dinner and drinks again. Next time we'll make our reservation a bit later so that we have more time to hang at the bar. Fabulous time!!"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 5 for Destino
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Destino steps it up a notch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I had the pleasure of dining at Destino the week after being out of the area for 5 years. I was please to see they had remodeled, including a long silvery bar, but had still retained the local/South American feel. We sat at a quiet corner in the back, perfect for 2 old friends to catch up. The Pisco Sour and El Diablito with fish tacos were excellent starters. The variety and fresh flavors will satisfy adventurous foodies. The staff exceeded expectations with their friendliness and unobtrusive service. Don't miss the Chilean Bueñelos for desert."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 6 for Destino
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Beautiful ambiance, wonderful service, incredible food and wine. Servers were very helpful and attentive, but not overly present. The food was delicious, creative, beautifully presented, and proportions were balanced."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 7 for Destino
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I went home dreaming about
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I went home dreaming about this place---the food was simple yet flavorful reminiscent of Peru but with San Francisco flare. Classic South American cocktails and great wines. I will be back!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, hot spot
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Review 8 for Destino
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I've been to Destino many
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I've been to Destino many times, and they never fail to deliver good food, good drinks, and good service. We ate early and had the place to ourselves, which was a first for me. The food was outstanding, as always. Highly recommended!"
Dined on 04/08/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Destino
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Loved this place! The food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Loved this place! The food was delicious as were the drinks. Can't wait to go back!!"
Dined on 04/08/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 10 for Destino
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Terrific food and interesting
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Terrific food and interesting and delicious cocktail choices!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 11 for Destino
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointed Peruvian
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Being Peruvian I was very disappointed with the dishes in the size of the portions and flavor. An example would be ordering Antichuchos which is naturally served on a stick and the size of the meat is supposed to an inch an a half cube; instead it was rolled up into little balls slightly smaller than a marble, taste was dry and sauce was lacking. Ceviche a la Peruana was ok but I feel I've had better at La Mar, Fresca, and Pasión. Churrasco lacked its juicy flavor and the chimichurri sauce tasted interesting meaning unfamiliar to the palate. The service was excellent, very attentive, and polite. Sadly I will not be coming back here any time soon or ever again."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2009
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Review 12 for Destino
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
What a great find... the new
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"What a great find... the new dinner is tapas, and this is a great place to go for that. They have a wide selection of it, and a pretty extensive list of wines to boot! So recommending this place to friends, and plan to come back here again. Came here on a Friday night, and the energy was pretty cool. Will have to try a weekday to see if the energy measures up. If you're ever going to try something new, this is the place to do it!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 13 for Destino
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was tasty and the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was tasty and the staff was helpful and attentive."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Destino
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I think I've finally come
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I think I've finally come to realize that I just don't care much for Peruvian food, it's too simple. The steak stir fry, fries and white rice weren't worth what we paid. The drinks were great, especially the Pisco Sour."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2011
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic
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Review 15 for Destino
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Destino at the Top of Their Game!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went on a night where they had a special 4-course tasting menu with paired wines. The food was absolutely wonderful! Very creative menu, great presentation, and the most important thing, very tasty. The paired wines were perfect matches for each course. I had not been to Destino in a while but have to say they have really elevated their game. I could not find fault. Our server explained each course, along with each wine, as she presented it to our table. The pacing was great and she was very attentive without being intrusive. And she even allowed a substitution because one of our diners doesn't like red meat. This was a great dining experience!"
Dined on 03/06/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 16 for Destino
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious Destino
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"the food at Destino is authentic and delicious. My favorites are the chicken and vegetarian empanadas."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 17 for Destino
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was really good.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was really good. Unfortunately, it took a long time for the waiter to notice us whenever we needed anything, i.e. place our order, desserts, questions, etc. He actually forgot about my coke until I reminded him 15 minutes after I asked for it the first time. The Sangria was out of stock so we were a little disappointed we couldn't taste the most raved about Sangria. Definitely will go a second time around for the food and in hopes of having their famous Sangria."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 18 for Destino
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The service was fabulous.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The service was fabulous. We had a coupon which we couldn't print and they made an accommodation. Very good service. Sangria was excellent as was the food. One of us is a vegetarian and very pleased with the offering."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2006
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Review 19 for Destino
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Too Much $$ for Just Meh
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Too expensive for what it is. Food was bland and portions inconsistent. Fish was overcooked. Waiter took forever between orders."
Dined on 01/21/2013
2012
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Destino
Based on the average of (33) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
7 out of 7 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic