Duende

Q: Does Duende offer gift cards?

Duende does offer gift cards which you can purchase here .

4.3

1568 Reviews

$31 to $50

Spanish

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Duende is a Spanish Inspired neighborhood restaurant in Oakland's Uptown district.
A modern and casual dining experience, a cutting-edge cocktail program, and an inviting Spanish-based wine program!
Parties of 7 or more will be served a prix fixe chef's menu, please email reservations@duendeoakland.com to make a large group reservation.

For private events please email events@duendeoakland.com

Duende reserves seats for walk-ins! If you don't see your desired reservation time, come on down and we will find you a seat!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Nov 30, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Spanish, Basque
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun 5:30 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–10:30 pm
Phone number
(510) 893-0174
Website
http://duendeoakland.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Paul Canales
Private party facilities
Memorable events begin with thoughtful planning. Duende offers several options for large groups. Chef Paul and the Duende team will work with you to design a unique dining experience for your special event.
Private party contact
Matt Bredesen: (510) 893-0174

Location
468 19th Street, Oakland, CA 94612
Neighborhood
Oakland
Cross street
Between Broadway & Telegraph Ave
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Half a block from the 19th Street BART station.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Experiences

Chef's Tasting Menu (Large Party Reservation)
$64.00 per person
Multiple dates available
For large parties we do our Chef's Tasting Menu, a prix fixe family style meal that consists of a great selection from our seasonal menu of the day! The menu is designed, with any dietary restrictions of the group (vegan/pescatarian/dairy-free/gluten-free/allergies, none are a problem). It's a great experience for large groups, takes the pressure off of ordering & no one goes home hungry. Tapas: multiple tapas dishes picked from our daily menu & all scaled to the size of your group Raciones: larger, more protein forward, similar to entree style plates to be shared amongst your group Paella: selection of our made-to-order paellas Ducles: a sampler of our in-house desserts Pricing is $64/person, which does not include drinks or gratuity.
Noche de Flamenco: dinner & a show! (back row)
$90.00 per person
Prepaid
Multiple dates available
(Back row, high-top table) Join us and enjoy an evening of a classic Duende meal and a live flamenco show in our Mezzanine! Dinner includes: Pitcher of Sangria, Ensalada de Col, Patatas Bravas, Choice of Paella and Pot de Creme. Show includes: Live dance & music by the incredible Theatre Flamenco of SF and their visiting guest artists. The show is guaranteed to take you out of this world and into theirs! 6:30p Dinner 8:00p Show
Noche de Flamenco: dinner & a show! (front row)
$110.00 per person
Prepaid
Multiple dates available
(Front row) Join us and enjoy an evening of a classic Duende meal and a live flamenco show in our Mezzanine! Dinner includes: Pitcher of Sangria, Ensalada de Col, Patatas Bravas, Choice of Paella and Pot de Creme. Show includes: Live dance & music by the incredible Theatre Flamenco of SF and their visiting guest artists. The show is guaranteed to take you out of this world and into theirs! 6:30p Dinner 8:00p Show

Popular dishes

Aceitunas Alinadas$8.00
marinated mixed Spanish olives
Pintxo Duende$5.00
spicy chorizo + manzanilla olives + piparra + cornichon + piquillo
Patatas Bravas$10.00
crispy potatoes + spicy allioli
Ensalada de Col$15.00
savoy cabbage + mahón + anchovy-stuffed green olives + pistachios
Tortilla Española$14.00
potato & caramelized onion tortilla + olive tapenade + allioli
Tostas$17.00
pork rillettes + pickled onions + arugula
Remolachas y Creme de Queso de Cabra$17.00
roasted beets + goat cheese crema + candied pecans + mojo verde
Espárragos con Romesco y Queso Manchego$18.00
first-of-the-season asparagus + romesco + manchego cheese + slow-cooked egg
Pulpo a la Plancha$21.00
plancha-grilled octopus + fingerling potatoes + aceite de los santos
Pescado Crudo$21.00
local yellowtail + Chantrelle mushrooms + leeks + meyer lemon
Buñuelos de Dos Quesos$16.00
queso picante + Tillamook yellow cheddar + wildflower honey + lemon

Raciones

Canalones Verdes de Verduras$26.00
wild nettle pasta filled with celery root + roasted cauliflower + pecorino + lemon crema
Duende Burger$19.00
lamb & beef burger + oveja al romero-stuffed piquillo + tomato jam + house-made kennebec potato chips
La Lubina$38.00
whole sea bass + broccoli di ciccio + salsa vasca
Pollo Frito$36.00
Spanish-style fried half hen + pickled vegetables + blood orange vinaigrette + endive salad + allioli

Platos

por la mesa; all paellas can be made with whole grain farro

Paella de Carne$60.00
bomba rice + txistorra + mussels + butter beans + Blue Lake green beans + endive salad + allioli + aceite de los santos
Arroz Negro$60.00
bomba rice + squid ink + local sturgeon + morcilla + shaved fennel + poblano peppers + salsa del diablo + shrimp glace allioli + aceite de los santos
Fideua$55.00
toasted fideos pasta + shrimp + chicken + roasted peppers + manzanilla olives + harissa allioli + aceite de los santos
Paella de Verduras$55.00
bomba rice + farm eggs + celery root + broccoli di ciccio + roasted carrots + garbanzo beans + mojo verde allioli + aceite de los santos

Cocktails

*Available as a non-alcoholic mocktail!

Paloma*$13.00
tequila + grapefruit + citrus + grapefruit soda
El Ruco$16.00
rye + ramazzotti + cinnamon-infused honey + bitters
Bourbon Burro*$14.00
bourbon + house ginger beer + lime
Tropidia*$14.00
vodka + guava + rosemary syrup + citrus + soda
Truth or Pear$15.00
gin + house asian pear shrub + citrus + rosemary + dry curaçao
Spanish G & T*$14.00
gin + house tonic + cucumber
M & T*$14.00
mezcal + house serrano pepper tonic + lime
Turmeric Highball*$14.00
vodka + house turmeric tonic + soda
El Presidente$15.00
rum + blanco vermouth + dry curaçao + grenadine
Vermillion Sangria$13.00
red wine + spiced rum + sherry + orange liqueur + citrus

Draft Beer

Estrella Lager [Damm S.A., Barcelona / Spain] ABV 5.2%
- 16oz$7.00
Pilsner [Temescal Brewing, Oakland / CA] ABV 5%
- 16oz$8.00
West Coast IPA [Temescal Brewing, Oakland / CA] ABV 7%
- 16oz$8.00
Blueberry + Passionfruit Gose [Temescal Brewing, Oakland / CA] ABV 5.6%
- 12oz$8.00

Canned Beer

Bo Pils [East Brothers, Richmond / CA] ABV 5%
- 16oz$8.00

N/A Bevs

Mexican Coke$5.00
Diet Coke$3.00
Iced Tea$5.00
Lemonade$5.00

What 1,568 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3

4.3 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.4Service
4.4Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

1,566 Reviews

AR
AngelR
San Francisco
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
It was ok, paella de carne was good but different to somewhat a traditional paella is. Drinks were decent, service was what. Place is overpriced for what it is. I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5.
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t
thomasef53
San Francisco
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our group of 7 had a celebratory dinner for a birthday. As such a large group, we had a fixed menu. It was TERRIFIC! Every course was delicious, and the pace of the extensive meal was perfect. I couldn't recommend this restaurant more highly.
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S
Susan
San Francisco
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
The food at Duende is good and the portions generous. The special event -- Flamenco dance performance -- was outstanding.
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C
Chris
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time dining here! Fun for Ladies’ Night!Loved the food, service and ambiance! Perfect location as we were seeing Hip Hop Nutcracker. The paella carne was amazing and mire than enough for 2! Looking forward to coming back to try other dishes or to see a flamenco show!
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EC
ElCrispador
San Francisco
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service3ambience5
Great atmosphere & overall vibe. Service was slow but friendly. Food was fantastic!
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KH
KourtneyH
San Francisco
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such delicious food, very true to Spanish cuisine. Will definitely go back !
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GB
GregB
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place to eat before a show at the Fox. We parked at the new City of Oakland's secure parking structure at 19th and Franklin. $5 after 5PM. Excellent addition for safe nearby parking. Well staffed.
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GI
GInaK
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved our time at Duende! From the vibe of the restaurant to the amazing food and thoughtful services ... it was all wonderful!
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PC
PatrickC
Exclusive
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food, service and atmosphere. 14/10 would definitely pet.
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DA
DAVIDA
San Francisco
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience2
Menu is fairly limited; I think 4 entrées? Approximately 10 starters; we had olives and a slaw? Both were generous portions and tasty. We both had the burger. It was good, but appeared to be undercooked (we both asked for medium). They also have paella which is served as a "shared" dish. We were attending a concert close by, so we didn't have time to sample. Maybe next visit?
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G
Gail
Sacramento
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
We enjoyed this overall. Cocktails were delicious and the cava was good. We didn’t love how they chose to seat the restaurant and did ask to move. They put the only other table in the entire restaurant directly next to us at a two top on the banquette, so it really ruined the vibe. It’s one thing to be on top of each other in a busy place where the sounds blends, but an entirely different thing to just have two conversations next to each other in an empty room. They did move us when requested though. The food was great. The tapas we had seemed to be smaller than even what we normally see but delicious and that gave us room to order more. The burger was flavorful and I always love house made chips. Dessert was good but not great, the pot de crème was sort of one note. The tea blend we ordered was excellent though and the espresso was solid. Be very careful if you’re gluten free though and reiterate it per course! I noticed only one item on the receipt, the first we ordered by itself, was marked with a gluten allergy and while we only ordered items we were told were safe it still made me nervous that the allergen wasn’t noted per item or course. I didn’t get sick but as anyone with a gluten allergy knows it happens frequently. Overall though we will be back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 24, 2023
overall3food3service1ambience3
My experience at Duende dinner was rather disappointing. The service left much to be desired; it was uncharacteristically slow and lacked a customer-centric approach. The food, while acceptable, didn't quite meet the high expectations I had. Furthermore, the limited selection was compounded by the fact that we weren't informed of menu items that were unavailable for the evening until we were ready to place our orders. All in all, I would rate the restaurant a 3 out of 5.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Exclusive
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience3
We had confirmed reservations for 4. We are seniors. The restaurant had many available tables and yet we were ushered to an elevated table next to the stairs to the upper level and outside the restroom. This table had stools, not chairs. We, of course, refused the table and then were seated at a booth in the main dining area. The food was good, but the paella we ordered had only 2 small pieces of sole. It is a dish recommended for 4, but, while delicious was simply not enough food. The ambiance was acceptable, but the lighting could have been softer. We had just had dinner here with a group of 8 for a birthday and it was all excellent. That experience was not repeated this time.
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AM
AnthonyM
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great spot for dinner before a show at The Fox or The Paramount. We had a reservation, and our table was ready. We started with with cocktails and appetizers. The server was aware that we were going to a show, so he advised us that some entrees would take longer than others. Their wine list is pretty robust, but we stuck with cocktails. The veal was remarkably good. I recommend it.
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TL
TLCNYC
Sacramento
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 3, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Went to this restaurant before a show. Delicious. Got the Arroz Negro and the Paella de Carne. Both absolutely delicious. Our whole family enjoyed. Wonderful server.
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AJ
AtticaJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, good people! We will definitely be going back!
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T
Talisman17
San Francisco
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2023
overall4food5service2ambience4
The food was great but there were a few things that didn’t sit right with me. The waiter seemed very inexperienced. I waited tables and dine out often to all kinds of venues (from holes in the walls so high end restaurants internationally) and never have I been served a bottle of wine in this manner. The waiter opened the bottle without presenting it, and started pouring a full glass to me (my partner is the one who ordered, who then said maybe we should try it first (politely)) so the waiter poured him a taste and proceeded to put the 3rd full glass to our guest and then walked off without getting acknowledgement to finish. I was surprised that he had no idea he didn’t follow basic wine serving etiquette. Then I went to the All-Gender bathroom. I am a woman, another woman was in there who had just finished washing her hands so she left and I went into the stall. Then a man walked in. It was the extremely uncomfortable to have a man in such a private space, it made me feel unsafe and very awkward. I wanted to run out of the bathroom before being seen by some dude. Then our guest’s partner went through the same experience and we talked about how awkward it was. We all agreed it was a very uncomfortable experience for men walking in on women and women walking in on men. I think the restaurant needs to find another solution to gender neutral restrooms and train their employees better.
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MD
MickD
San Francisco
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
Special dinner with wine pairing was outstanding. Really fun vibe at Duende
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c
charlesk
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and environment. It gets busy near the Fox theatre maybe so it can be quite busy but it was still not noisy, some great acoustics with the high ceilings. We liked the food and everything very much. Highly recommend! Olives, sardines, chicken, chocolate pot, lamb and beef burger all very good.
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PF
PetraF
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service! Paella took some time but that worked for us because we had lots to talk about and didn’t have to feel rushed.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall1food2service1ambience4
Server was terrible. We waited at our table for 15 minutes before we asked for him to come over to take our order. At that point he was rude and informed us that there was not enough time to order paella and make our show time across the street at the Fox. Maybe there would have been time if he was more attentive from the moment we were seated. And according to him the kitchen was out of croquets. I will never go back.
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NN
NoriNori
San Francisco
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
We were going to a concert at Fox and the person in charge of our table was conscious of our timing and made it such a pleasant experience. Good food, good ambiance!
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C
Carlos
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
The food at Duende’s was good as always , the patatas bravas were outstanding , crispy on the outside and nice and puffy inside with the delicious sauce. We had the arroz negro paella with the fish sausage , I ate the sausage but I wouldn’t order it again , my wife didn’t like the fact it had a pork casing . The value is not good ! It was my wife birthday and I had message Duende before our visit . I expected maybe a small dessert as birthday token for her instead the waiter wrote happy birthdate on the check, is that asking too much? Overall we would go back again for the food and ask how paellas are prepared or just for the tapas . Thank you for listening .
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D
ramonaD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was outstandingly delicious and our server was wonderful
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f
foodwise
San Francisco
14 reviews
vip
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
While the flavors were good, the portion sizes were too small for their price. Been to plenty of tapas restaurants where the tapas are designed for sharing, and there is a decent amount to share around the table rather than to eat as a personal appetizer!
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RD
RichardD
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Duende never fails to be one of my favorite places to go. After making the mistake of going to Wood Tavern (deafeningly loud and terrible service... though the food was excellent) we chose to have my birthday dinner at Duende. Great idea!! The Paella (arroz negro) with Paul's seafood sausage was incredible. The fried chicken was amazing as were the two appetizers we got. The music was perfect, and at a moderate level. Our server, Carlos, was attentive and personable (as always). Just another typically great time at a great restaurant.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
The food was excellent. Our servers weren’t educated about the wine and cocktails, but everyone was so nice and we loved the atmosphere. Would 100% eat here again.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Duende is always a treat. Delicious food and a super kind and fun staff. Knowledgeable and considerate about my allergies.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greensboro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The pállela, la ensalada de pulpo, and the strawberry flan were EVERYTHING
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OW
OaklandW
San Francisco
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food is always delicious! Had fried chicken for the first time and it was amazing. Fideua is our favorite dish. We will be back soon!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
7 reviews
vip
1.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience1
The food is really bad still much salt and that’s not as nice flavors not even nothing close to the Spanish food really expensive and is not good 🤬
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A
Anonymous
San Francisco
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall3food2service2ambience3
I just got back from Spain and was so excited to try Duende when my friend suggested to have dinner there. The food was underwhelming at overwhelming prices. Also when I was on Yelp to look at some of the pics that customers had posted of the food, I noticed that there were several images of a note that Duende provides that states not to leave anything in your car. So I made sure to take everything out AND my car unfortunately got broken into. I couldn't believe it!!!
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S
Sandi
San Francisco
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had a great time and found parking close by. The service was fantastic; he was very attentive! The food was delicious and it was fun to share the plates. I’ll definitely go back. Best flan I’ve ever had. Wow!!
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MD
MaryD
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience2
Seriously over-rated - We did the chef's selection for 7 - the seafood paella which was supposed to be highlight was left uneaten by everyone who tried it. There was a cabbage salad - that was literally just a pile of shredded cabbage. The only really good dish was the flan. For real $$ this was a great disappointment.
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m
michelleski
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I especially recommend the sangria, the candles, and the flan.
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CN
CarolinaN
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
Overpriced, food was good but not espectacular. Didn’t allow to switch table to a quieter section although no reservation pending and wide open.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Had a great meal at the bar. Service was attentive. The fried chicken was exceptional!
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LB
LauraB
New York Area
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a gem. Hearty Spanish food with so much flavour and kind, warm service.
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S
Sfshanni
San Francisco
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on July 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Duende is the perfect spot to grab some great food and drinks before a show. The Fox and the Paramount are within a block. BART stop was handy too. The space is really fun and interesting, especially the library-like bar area. The loft was inviting. I could see having a private event up there. The fried chicken and the patatas bravas were the bomb
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CG
CaleG
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We attended the flamenco dinner and it was absolutely amazing. Highly recommend :)
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Duende does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now and Postmates.

Duende is rated 4.3 stars by 1568 OpenTable diners.

Duende does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.