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Flora King

4248 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
$$$$
Steakhouse

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Flora King 7.9
The Castro
New Argentine restaurant blending Patagonian flavors with a polished, softly lit dining room—great for sharing steaks and a bottle of Malbec. Opened in 2025 by Angela Pryor Garat and Ignacio Garat, it brings parrilla-leaning comforts to the heart of the Castro.
Must-Try Dishes: Tornado Tournedos, The Bariloche, Beef Empanadas
Scores:
Value: 7.1 Service: 7.7 Consistency: 6.8 Food Quality: 8 Atmosphere: 8.5 Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: Argentinian steakhouse spirit with Patagonian touches and a refreshed space.
Who should go: Steak lovers seeking South American leanings
When to visit: Reserve evenings; arrive for happy hour 5–6pm
What to order: Tornado tournedos; Bariloche entree; beef empanadas
Insider tip: Ask for house chimichurri with your steak and a Malbec pairing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—challenging on weekends; closest garage is under the Castro Theatre.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs or blouses recommended; avoid overly casual attire.
Noise level: Moderate—music and chatter fill the room but you can still converse comfortably.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early dinner tables available with minimal wait before 6pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—includes vegetable parrilla platters, salads, and empanadas.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 small plates can be adapted; ask for substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several mains and sides are naturally gluten-free; bread can be skipped on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting and service rhythm make it an easy first-date pick—intimate without feeling stuffy, with shareable cuts and wine that break the ice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky on weekends. Walk-ins may find limited bar seating; call ahead for early tables or late-night availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—menu and pacing skew adult-focused; better suited for date nights or small groups rather than families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for sharing high-quality steak in a polished, neighborhood setting—less corporate than downtown steakhouses, with authentic Argentine warmth.
Skip if: You’re looking for budget steak options or a quiet lunch—prices are premium and energy rises as the night goes on.
Flora King 7.9
Castro
Argentinian grill in the heart of the Castro serving milanesa, steaks, and house-made empanadas with a California accent. Hospitable service and a calm room make it suitable for discreet daytime meetings when operating lunch hours.
Must-Try Dishes: Mendoza Lamb Steak, Francisco Milanesa, House Empanadas
Scores:
Value: 7.7 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 6.3 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 6.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Patagonian-leaning steaks and milanesa from a local duo.
Who should go: Clients who appreciate South American flavors
When to visit: Reserve ahead; target open hours with light crowds
What to order: Lamb steak, milanesa, empanadas
Insider tip: Request house chimichurri and ask about steak doneness preferences.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on 18th and Castro; best to use nearby garages like the Castro/Collingwood Garage (2 blocks away). No valet offered.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs or blouses fit right in. Jackets not required but appreciated for client lunches.
Noise level: Moderate; calm during weekday lunch hours, livelier during dinner service but conversation-friendly throughout.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; best to book ahead online.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins seated promptly when open for lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—grilled vegetable plates and empanadas available.
Vegan options: Minimal—best to request modifications; no dedicated vegan mains.
Gluten-free options: Good awareness—many grilled dishes and proteins can be made gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. It’s refined but relaxed, with attentive service and soft lighting that work well for both lunch and early dinner dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible for weekday lunches; walk-ins often seated quickly. Evenings are busier, so a reservation is recommended to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly geared toward kids—no children’s menu or highchairs—but well-behaved older kids are welcome during lunch.
Best For
Better for: Polished service, quieter ambiance, and premium steak quality make it ideal for business lunches or upscale midday meetings.
Skip if: You’re seeking a fast-casual or budget-friendly steak option—its refined pacing and pricing lean toward client or occasion dining.