Mariposas — Restaurant in San Francisco

Main meal was delicious, the appetizer was ok, service was not great.

Service comments: We weren't greeted when we entered, had to wait a few minutes until we were acknowledged. We had a reservation but the restaurant was probably only at 20% capacity when we arrived, so we could sit wherever we chose When we did finally get seated, we had to wait quite awhile before our order was taken. My partner and I nearly left because it took so long for someone to come over to us. Had to repeat my order to the server a couple of times and still didn't get the margarita I had asked for. It wasn't on the bill, but it seemed like our waiter was just not "present" or something. Ordered our meal at 5:15, received our food around 5:55. Not the worst wait, but quite a bit off from other restaurant standards in the same area. Our server did not check on us at all starting from around 5:25 until after our food came, so we sat for 30 minutes with no check-in from our server. It felt awkward. Heard some smashing glass behind the bar at one point. Again, not unusual, but the gentlemen who were working yesterday evening seemed unprofessional, harried, disjointed and chaotic.

Overall, the service dampened the experience of the food. Also, it looks like it would be a nice place based on the photos, but it was full of casual families and kids running around, so it's more of a "local pub" feel. I heard a group enter 20 or 30 minutes after us, also voicing the same complaint. The ceiling looks like painted plywood, and there was just a general 'grunginess' to the restaurant.

In summary, the food was excellent but the atmosphere left much to be desired. I would not...

My love and I had the MOST sensational dinner here on Saturday night. The hospitality is outstanding, and the food- oh my goodness, such stunning vibrant fresh flavors using impeccably fresh ingredients STRAIGHT from Peru.

You will not regret coming here, we just wush we had been hungrier, because I could have ordered everything on the menu and cocktail list.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Ceviche Carretillero- it was zingy, fresh and the Choclo added a moreish savory creaminess.

The Chicken Tallarin Saltado which is a noodle dish, was absolutely umame and delicious.

We also got the Chiccaron De Polo (fried chook) but like you haven’t had before- as for ALL the sauces, including spicy- they are delicious and the chicken was moist, crunchy and perfectly cooked.

I had the Chicha Sour cocktail- it paired more than perfectly with the food and I really enjoyed trying chicha for the first time- give me more!!

Mariposa’s is known for their chicken, and we can see why!! If you love, need or are craving chook- get thee here quickly!!

The also have a duster restaurant serving upmarket Peruvian- I’m making a beeline here next time too.

Thank you so much for having us, we will definitely be back next time we are...

So I can’t say enough good things about this place. First I have been to Peru 4 times in the last 2 years and once you go you will forever be searching for those flavors once you get back to the States…The food is amazing the Lomo Saltado is a must have!!! it is as close to Peru as I can get. The ceviche is super good and fresh, My favorite is ceviche carretillero, it’s not your topical Mexicali ceviche trust me it’s worth trying!!! And there deserts are incredible!! Peruvian food all revolves around the sauces and they know what they are doing with the sauces. I am very fortunate that we live 2 blocks away, but what makes me wanting to always come back is Manny “ the owner” I have only meet home once but have seen him every time I am in there and you would think we have known him for years always comes up and says hello and is so nice and even crazier this is his second Peruvian restaurant in San Francisco!!! When most people are closing there restaurants he is opening more places!! I will stay coming back supporting my local Peruvian restaurant and I know Manny will be there to welcome me and my “Peruvian”...