Welcome to El Porteño
El Porteño is a captivating culinary gem nestled in San Francisco's Mission District, blending the vibrant flavors of Peruvian and Chinese cuisine. This Latinx-owned eatery welcomes all with its casual atmosphere and diverse menu, showcasing delightful dishes like the tangy Ceviche de Camarón and the succulent Alitas Fritas. With an emphasis on vegetarian options and a robust selection of appetizers, there's something for everyone. The restaurant's commitment to inclusivity is further evidenced by its gender-neutral restrooms and dog-friendly outdoor seating. El Porteño is not just a dining destination; it's a communal space where delicious food meets rich cultural heritage.
El Porteño: Reviews & Ratings
Mostrito, ceviche, papa de reina y chaufa is the best Chill place, nice service I really like it but a lil expensive but Peruvian food is
I have been craving Peruvian food, and I have had this place in mind for a while. Finally got the chance to try it today with my family, and it was delicious! The Lomo Saltado was delectable and the beef was cooked perfectly, along with the onions. The Tallarin Verde was great as well, especially if you're craving pasta with some fresh grilled protein. Yuca fries were perfect, if you want something similar to potato fries but also want to try something different this is the side dish for you. Arguably, I like Yuca over potatoes hehe. Super yummy, 100% would recommend to all! Also I recommend ordering in person or dining in for an easier experience with deciding what to get as staff is mostly Spanish speaking but as long as you share the same kindness and patience as they do it'll make the trip to give this place a try worthwhile!
El Porteno is definitely a spot worth checking out if you're in the mood for some Argentine-inspired flavors. One dish that really stands out is their Lomo Saltado--a perfect combination of beef, fries, onions, and tomatoes. It's simple but done right. The beef is tender and flavorful, the fries are crispy, and the onions and tomatoes add that fresh, tangy kick that ties everything together. It's comforting, filling, and full of flavor in every bite. The restaurant has a chill vibe, with a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere that makes it a great spot for a casual night out. The portions are solid, and you're getting really good value for the price. If you're into bold, savory dishes that hit the spot, the Lomo Saltado at El Porteno should definitely be on your list.
While in San Francisco for a conference, I took a walk along the Embarcadero to stretch my legs. I found the local market with many different food and gift options. I stumbled upon this place and saw how busy it was (long line of people). Everyone seemed to order the same 2 things: lamb empanada and banana empanada. So I did the same. The lamb one was so so so tasty and delicious! I wanted to go back for another one because of how good it tasted, but couldn't do it after eating the banana empanada (was very rich and sweet). Both were great. It's a cute little place in the market across from the Hyatt. Highly recommended.
Stopped by with some friends for dinner on a Saturday night! Parking was pretty hard to find around this area. There's so much on the menu; we asked our server for some popular dishes and she gave us a lot of recommendations! We ended up ordering the lomo saltado, arroz con mariscos, anticuchos, and chicken empanadas. Came in with no expectations and everything was delicious. The lomo saltado was a classic and what we originally came here for. My friends thought the anticuchos were a bit tough, but I thought they were fine. Our favorite dish was the arroz con mariscos. Super, super flavorful and they don't skimp on the seafood!
I was hankering for Peruvian and decided to try El Porteno. It was easy to order through GrubHub and my food arrived earlier than the estimated time. Lomo Saltado ($22.98) This dish was tasty, yet a bit disappointing due to the tough & overcooked beef. I also felt there wasn't much beef in the dish. The fries were on the soggy side. Otherwise, the flavor of this dish was very good. Yuca Frita ($9.98) These Yuca fries come with a huancaina sauce. The fries are good with or without the dip. Ceviche Mixto ($19.98) Decent size portion of ceviche mixto ; I've had smaller servings at other restaurants. So this is good bang for your buck. It contained a good variety of seafood. I would order this again. Arroz con Mariscos ($22.98) This dish is full of flavor, and maybe a tad on the salty side, but it was delicious. I would order this dish again. My first experience with this restaurant was positive. I would not hesitate ordering from here again, so I can try some other items on their menu.
Recently my boyfriend and I ordered lomo saltado from 3 different locations and both agreed the flavor, price, and portion from El Porteno was the winner! We typically order from Limon but their prices went up and portion size went down, so we wanted to see if we could find our new favorite place I felt like the price was fair for the portion size, we paid $22.8 via Doordash. The meat had a very nice char and smokeyness to it, I loved the flavor of everything and the rice was nice. We got plain white rice and not the fried rice, so unsure if that would have made a big difference. I LOVED their plantains, the perfect way of cooking them and perfect ripeness We 100% will order again
Food was okay. We ordered the Lomo saltado and the salt n jalapeño pepper pork chops. Portions were not as large as before. Prices were moderate to high. Server was pleasant. Flavors were good.
Location
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5173 Mission St San Francisco, CA 94112 Hotline: (415) 586-1206
Welcome to El Porteño, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of San Francisco at 5173 Mission St. This vibrant eatery seamlessly melds the rich flavors of Peruvian and Chinese cuisines, offering a truly unique dining experience that satisfies your taste buds with every bite.
El Porteño is not just a restaurant; it's an experience. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm, casual atmosphere that caters to all. With options for both indoor and outdoor seating, families can revel in a delightful meal while kids are welcomed with open arms. Plus, the friendly staff is always ready to provide excellent waiter service, ensuring that your dining experience is both enjoyable and memorable.
The menu at El Porteño is a treasure trove of culinary innovation. Start your meal with decadent appetizers like Alitas Fritas—jumbo fried chicken wings tangy with lime juice—or indulge in Ceviche de Camaron, where shrimp marinated in lime juice is paired with sweet potatoes and delectable corn varieties. Each plate is crafted to celebrate the vibrant culinary traditions of Peru.
- Anticuchos: Beef heart skewers grilled to perfection, served alongside potatoes that elevate the classic Peruvian street food experience.
- Aguadito de Mariscos: A rich cilantro-based soup brimming with seafood, a comfort dish that encapsulates coastal Peruvian culture.
- El Porteno Salad: For a lighter option, try the mix salad enriched with spinach, apple slices, and nutrient-dense seeds—ideal for health-conscious diners.
Another highlight of El Porteño is its vegetarian offerings, ensuring that all diners—irrespective of dietary preference—can find something delicious. With the convenience of takeout and catering options, you can enjoy these exquisite flavors at home or share them with a group during special events. And for those who appreciate a leisurely meal, don’t miss out on their selection of beer and wine to complement your dining experience.
Beyond the food, El Porteño embodies an ethos of inclusivity, featuring gender-neutral restrooms and a welcoming environment for everyone. Whether you want a quiet lunch, a joyous dinner, or a celebratory gathering with friends, this restaurant accommodates all your needs. The casual noise level enhances the convivial atmosphere, making it a perfect place for socializing.
In a city adorned with diverse culinary offerings, El Porteño stands out not just for its menu but for its commitment to comfort and community. Grab your friends, bring the family, or just relish a solo meal, because every visit is destined to be a savory journey through the fusion of Peruvian and Chinese traditions. Don't forget to stop by and treat yourself to what many consider the heartbeat of San Francisco's Latinx culinary scene—El Porteño awaits your arrival!
