“Food is incredibly good, the place is darling with a really good vibe…beautifully decorated. The owner and his son were the staff and they were so much fun…it was a really fun and unique experience. Support your local delicious small business!!!“
“Recommend:- batata starter and the eggplant starter: both were super flavorful- chicken chich touik- namura : unique and delicious dessertCould be better:- super falafel wrap: the falafels were kind of dry- hummus: more variety of flavorful hummus would be goodEasy to get a reservation at and friendly staff.“
“This was my second visit to Bistro Ember. The first was with a large group, including my wife, and we were able to share dishes and sample a bit of everything. We were so impressed with the freshness of ingredients and the distinctly Turkish flavorings that we decided to make it the destination for our wedding anniversary dinner (41st, thanks for asking). We toasted with two Turkish wines (which we were told were new to the menu). I had the white to go with my scallops, and my wife had the red to go with her burrata and mezze salald. Both were delicious. The scallops were perfectly cooked and plated with a sauce that included great spices and a sausage (so it was a sort of refined surf and turf). We shared a hot main course. In this case it was the “kebab”, which turned out to be a deconstructed wrap with grilled ground lamb and beef on top of fresh veggies and pita bread. The flavors were fantastic and it was easy to eat. Finally, I'm not usually a dessert person (or so I say). We couldn't resist ordering the baklava and it was fantastic. Filled generously with pistachio nuts and served with a just-right dollop of ice cream. We highly recommend the restaurant. It is a great addition to the Church Street corridor in Noe Valley.“
“We came in for a 530 reservation and I feel like this experience would have been better when the movie was actually playing. Next time we’ll have to try to get a later reservation! The food was really good but we wish we skipped the arugula salad. It was just okay. The duck and smoked salmon were amazing and the oysters were so good too. The vibe was a little off since it was still light out. Service was okay - our drinks took a long time but after that it was solid.“
“What a delightful, charming, and tasty oasis in the Mission. The food and drinks are thoughtful and packed with flavors, some familiar and soul-warming, others surprising and eye-opening. The space is just the right amount of decor that sets the perfect tone. Most importantly, the owner is so hands-on, a friendly and attentive host who truly cares about every single person who walks through his doors.“
“This is the best Greek restaurant out of Greece we have been to! Everything was amazing - the octopus and grill fish are must try! Great wine too. We had Stephanie for our waitress and she was the kindest person we have fall into , was really awesome talking to her during our dinner ? Reservation is a must!“
“Yes!! Tarocco is the restaurant that we all needed but didn’t know! So fresh and healthy and delicious. Upscale enough for a nice work lunch but you can also show up as you are. Bravo!Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free and dairy-free friendly.“
“Myself and 3 coworkers were in town for a work conference and we decided to ensure we try local restaurants. Frascati was absolutely fabulous. The food was extremely delicious the atmosphere was amazing. The restaurant is right on the cable car route and that gave it an extra special touch. The service was fantastic. By far one of the best restaurants I have ever been too. Thank you Rebecca and Jon, if I make my way back to San Francisco I will definitely be back!“
“A place on 24th St., the salvation to have a coffee, eat a good sandwich, have a beer and if you like everything Italian you will find it here! The guys are very friendly and the owner can't even speak of, I really liked it, I recommend it!“
“I really enjoyed stopping by here. The family who run this little place are very kind and the atmosphere is charming. I got the kisir & shakshuka, along with the chicha morada to drink. Everything was delicious! They also have small, tasty pitas. Updated from previous review on 2023-07-06“
“My husband and I loved this restaurant! The open kitchen concept was really nice and we had a great experience! The food was delicious and the staff very friendly. All of our dishes were really tasty! We can recommend the manti, eggplant and you have to try the baklava! My husband is Turkish and loved going there! We will definitely be back!“
“This is the best hummus I've had on this side of the ocean. Not only was the hummus delicious, but all the trimmings as well: pita, pickles, fries, mint tea, and more. The physical restaurant is also a lovely and welcoming space. Should be 5 stars, except for serving meat.“
“Locoum and other desserts appear in the front window to entice you in. There is a cute exterior seating space and the indoor seating feels clean and welcoming with a spacious feel. The service was a bit low-staffed but they were very friendly, efficient and responsive so we were able to complete our lunch within the 1 hour window. Everything except the falafel salad was 4-5 stars. Good value for money on the starters.“
“Stopped in with my buddy before a Warriors game. Place is open, spacious and well lit so it's very inviting. We quickly found a seat at the bar for two about 20-30 min before game time. Ordered a few beers (great beer selection) and were sipping on drinks within 10 minutes of waking in the door. People sitting next us at bar were friendly and bartender (also part owner) was extremely helpful and attentive while we're there. We had already eaten but food on menu and at people tables looked very good. Will definitely make sure to stop by here next time I'm in the area with a little more time to dive into food and wine/beer menu.“
“My taste buds have never experienced such a gastronomic delight as they did at Barcha Mediterranean Restaurant! From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms. Every dish that was served brought us closer to food heaven, making every second we spent there an unforgettable experience.To kick off our culinary journey, we indulged in the mouth-watering Moroccan Cigars - a flavor explosion of lamb, mushrooms, gruyère, and cinnamon, paired with a tantalizing tamarind-mint chutney. And let's not forget the Barcha Spreads - a magnificent medley of baba ghanoush, labneh, muhammara, hummus, and bazlama that danced on our tongues.For our main courses, the Persian Tahdig was the true star of the show, with its crispy saffron rice, duck leg, onions, barberries, fried egg, harissa yogurt, and herbs. The combination of crispy rice, juicy duck, and crispy onions was a symphony of flavors that left us weak in the knees. And the lamb shank leg with couscous was an absolute knockout, with tender meat that simply melted in our mouths.As if that wasn't enough, we were served the divine Affogato - vanilla soft serve, and espresso, were delicious, and the Chocolate Cake was a sweet ending that left us wanting more.Although the lighting kept adjusting during our time there dim to bright and keep going from our stayed from 6 pm - to 8 pm, it was hard on our eyes.All in all, Barcha Mediterranean Restaurant offers more than just a meal - it is a journey through the Mediterranean region's culinary delights. Every dish served was a masterpiece, and the warm welcome made us feel like we were part of the family.“
“My friend and I had the BEST time here Saturday night!!! The service was amazing and everyone helping us was incredibly friendly and kind. Our servers went out of their way to make us feel special and were so much fun to interact with. They even came running out of the restaurant after us to give me my phone that I had left on the table by accident! Highly recommend - great atmosphere, delicious eats, fabulous time!“
“We used to eat dinner here on our way to Davies Symphony Hall 15 years ago. We moved away and just came back this week for a mini vacation. We took a chance today and it was as delicious as ever. We had the chicken kebab plate and the lamb kebab plate and 2 cans of soda for $48. What a bargain. The food is fresh, healthy and plentiful. The flavors are wonderful and the service is very good. It’s clean and neat inside—truly a little gem.“
“I got the chicken stew to go. Chicken meat was falling off the bones. He called it a soup. There were lots of veggies, two pieces of chicken, one was a whole thigh. It was really good. Not too salty. They gave me two hugh pita bread. Veggies were zuchini and potatoes. $17. Sketchy neighborhood. I would go only day time. Yes, it is near police station but police are inside, not outside.“
“The food is SO good. My husband had the crepe sarrasine with lamb sausage and he instantly fell in love. I had the chicken shawarma and added caramelized onions. Everything about it was so flavorful. We decided to top it off with the lemon crepe - I think I died and went to heaven. If we lived closer, I would probably need an intervention. The outside seating was clean and quaint and the service was great. When we come back to the city, I will definitely be stopping in again!“
“I had an amazing experience here! I unexpectedly stopped by here and went in for breakfast around 1:30pm. The owner was sitting table next to me so even they weren’t serving breakfast anymore he heard me ask and he told them to make me breakfast. I appreciated it so much. I ate avocado toast and iced latte and it was yummy. Shout out to the owner for making my day better ?“
“I had the Street Style Beef and Lamb Gyro Wrap and it was very good. This was surprising because I walked it quite a ways before sitting down to eat, so it was getting cold and looked kind of small. No! It had big meaty flavor and a great (full fat) yogurt sauce. It's very satisfying and an excellent price for San Francisco. The service was kind and professional (I always giggle when strangers call me boss). The neighborhood isn't the best of course, but the inside is light, bright, and new with a good amount of seating so next time I'll probably just eat there. A solid addition to the local food options!“
“Everything was well worth its price! Every plate had an exceptionally generous serving of meat, and everything was perfectly seasoned and cooked. The hummus and olive oil were excellent, pitas were nicely firm, and falafel had a crunchy outside. I wish there were more vegetables to balance out the meat and grains, but otherwise everything was perfect!Vegetarian options: This restaurant's specialties are meat, but there are multiple vegetarian options and I bet they all taste great.Wheelchair accessibility: Nicely spaced tables that waiters can move as you need, and no ramps or stairs. Door is not powered.“
“Beautiful European style coffee shop service fresh salads, sandwiches, and pastry. I went in today and the hospitality was amazing. Coffee properly done in the espresso machine and Callí (?) was so helpful. If I worked in the area, I’d go everyday. Their ham cheese croissant was so nice. It really felt like I was in Paris or Rome.“
“GREAT FLAVOR, GREAT FOOD, GREAT PRICES.Been hunting around the East Bay for a couple of weeks now looking for that good Kefta And Doner experience, and I was really disappointed with a couple of the restaurants because their meat just didn't have any flavor. Really bland.Not here! Ordered the Kofte kebab plate, and it was absolutely delicious. Tender perfectly seasoned on fresh pita bread, a scoop of rice, both yogurt and hot sauce, and a dollop of Baba Ganoush.This is one of the best combination Middle Eastern plates I've had in the East bay, ever. I highly recommend this place. Clean interior, friendly staff, clean bathroom, and it easy to find location.“
“I don't know why it took us so long to get dinner here but I'm glad we finally did. The food was delicious and service was warm. Ala Med is a Turkish restaurant but given the broader mediterranean influence, I think people will find a lot of familiar items here.Our table ordered various items:Istanbul trio: Both hummus and haydari were good but I loved the muhammara - this version gave equal importance to both the walnuts and the red peppers and was well balanced with a slight kick from some chili. Eggplant salad: so good, well seasoned, and refreshingManti: meat dumpling with yogurt and tomato sauce- everyone loved itImam fainted: vegetarian eggplant dish - flavorful, easy to eatButcher Kofte: I really liked the seasoning of the meat but didn't love the texture as the meat seemed to be really finely ground but that is a personal preference. I did enjoy the rice and chickpea salad it came with.For dessert there was rice pudding(good) and baklava(average). I liked that everyone got a small cup of tea to finish off the meal.“
“We were a group of 10+, and that was our bad. The lanes between tables are narrow and not suited for a rowdy crowd meeting for a global reunion.Parking is nuts. But this is the mission. And the signage is subtle so you may miss it.They have decent cocktails and cocktails, with flavors from the Levant, with cardamom and other warming spices. Unique in some ways, familiar in others.We ordered half the menu, from the veggie mezze platter to ful, chicken skewers to shrimp skewers.While most of the group enjoyed the food, the experience is on the understated side. The service was polite, but be prepared to ask for pita repeatedly. Don’t expect attention to detail where someone will fill your cup without asking or even ensure everyone has silverware. To be fair, they aren’t geared for large groups. We should’ve done our research. It’s a decent place for date night or a small intimate gathering of up to 4.I am torn about the food. If I didn’t have a comparison with the excellent almost-Michelin star Beit Rima, I would’ve thought this was excellent. However portions are on the smaller side and the flavor is on the milder/blander side. It’s that one thing that needs to be amped up. Some lemon on the shrimp skewer, some spice on the chicken, the labneh was a little too sour. We enjoyed the muhamara, and the falafel wasn’t too shabby. The fattoush salad was fresh but lacked oomph. We had heard good things about the two Palestinian cheese, however be warned they can be very salty, yet somehow delicious. Some folks liked the veggie musakhan, a wrap that’s stuffed with cooked mushrooms, and others enjoyed their freekeh and red lentil soups.While the desserts were average, kannafeh and qatayef, the standout was halwa with ice cream.Overall this was a mixed experience. Mostly our fault for having a large group that overwhelmed the kitchen and staff, but most of the blame goes to Beit Rima for giving us high expectations from our middle eastern food.“
“I tried the Panos burger, I never had a burger like this before. The ingredients used work well for the burger. I would recommend to come try this place out. My sister got the same and enjoyed it. My mom got the Dolores omelette and enjoyed it as well. Portion sizes are match well for the price.“
“Fantastic Sunday brunch. Was able snag the small area outside for a party of four. Service was swift and food was excellent. A very filling meal for a reasonable price.Dishes were delicious. Maybe the burgers/sliders could use a tad more salt/seasoning but they are indeed juicy and never dry in my experience.Get any type of potatoes and they’ll be prepared to perfection.And the desert/treat dishes were a nice finish. Kunefe with some salted caramel gelato is a wonderful combo.“
“We love going to Terzo-it never disappoints. Atmosphere is good-lighting excellent with a nice buzz to the room. Our server we've had multiple times and the continuity in staff says a lot . We split the arugula salad/grilled asparagus /meatballs on polenta and split a main entree the Greek chicken -with the exception of the aspragus which was pedestrian everything else was terrific-highlights were the meatballs/polenta and the Greek chicken—there's always something new on the wines by the glass list -had the Chianti Classico and the Timorasso-server was terrific as usual-we'll be back-“
“This place is awesome and hidden away! We never noticed it. I almost don't want to say too much about it because then it'll get full of people and we won't be able to get a table! The server was super nice, the coffee was great. the food was spectacular and free baklava came with our bill! Really best Levabese food I've had in a while. yum.“
“What a vibe. This classic spot has been here since the 70s serving up top notch Mediterranean food with a focus on Armenian.The food is fresh, exciting, local and flavorful.Have classic Mediterranean food or try some less popular, under the radar Mediterranean dishes.Definitely worth giving it a try.The salmon kebab is SO GOOD.“
“We ate here for dinner and the food was very good. The restaurant is small and cozy, and the seating was comfortable. We had the falafel plate and the Alexander's favorite house special. Both plates were filling and we left happy. They have complementary tea and water.“
Cafe • $
“One of San Francisco's hidden gems ?! We had just returned from visiting The Wiz in Emerald City. Tough trip, so we were hungry. We goggle nearby restaurants and saw that Z Zoul Cafe was only a ten minute walk away at 295 Eddy St. It was Super Bowl Sunday, so the streets were kind of empty. We found the place. The first thing we noticed was how small but quaint it was. We were greeted by one of the owners and seated right away. We were served hot and spicy tea that was delicious! The menu was small, but the choices were great! The four of us ordered different things so we could share. I decided on the Beef Kofta that came with a green salad, Basmati rice with Tahini sauce and hummus, which you could tell was freshly made. When the food arrived, we were shocked and pleased that the amount was huge! We were told they believed in making sure you had plenty. We did! The beef was very, very tender and tasty! None of us were disappointed with anything. I will say that when you go, try the Dalya Pudding. It's made with Egyptian rice and has the right amount of sweetness. We all had leftovers to take home. The price for all of us was far less than we would have paid at well-known restaurants and totally worth it! I know we will be returning to Z Zoul. It's five stars worth it ! By the way, the word Zoul means, 'friend'. Indeed.“
“We had a good meal but not great. Salmon and fregola was adequate but nothing spectacular. The ancient grains with salmon was good but would have benefitted from an increase in basic seasoning. Fish tacos were also good but the fish was over-battered and somewhat dry. Each dish lacked something that would have made them better than okay. Service was good but the booths are somewhat small and located next to the pickup station at the bar.“
“One of my favorites in the Mission District, located at Harrison and 24th Street, is Healthyish Republic an explosion of flavors, textures, and delicious healthy style. When I arrived in San Francisco, I was super concerned about my food routine, and that's when I found them! Since then, they've become more than just my favorite spot; it's my second home. Perfect if you follow a Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean style diet, or simply if you appreciate quality food with top ingredients. Thanks for every experience, Healthyish family!“
“Great experience with Greek-inspired bowls. The meats in a salad bowl keeps things "light".This location can get pretty crowded and the chairs can be difficult to pull in/out. Squeezing between chairs can be tricky.Neighborhood was fun and felt safe here (early evening).“
“Everything is delicious but the most surprising thing was the freshly baked pita. I've never had pita so soft and pillowy. I thoroughly enjoyed my beef shawarma plate. Dipping the crispy, well seasoned fries into the hummus made it feel healthy and the cucumber salad added a fresh component. It felt like a well rounded meal that left us full, happy, and satisfied. There are some tables and benches outside where you can eat since the inside is a marketplace. We'll definitely be back for more.“
“We love going here not just for special occasions but for regular dinners. Everything on the menu is delectable especially the Whole Italian eggplant with lamb, Gruyere, Marsala demi-glace! I highly recommend pairing it with a Pimm’s Cup too. The owner is always so gracious and is very accommodating when most of the time we don’t have recommendations! A true Alameda gem!“
“Highly recommend!!During a road trip, our visit to Sumac became one of the highlights of the entire journey.I really enjoyed the meal. I highly recommend the meatball wrap and the meze flight. The mezes were just amazing. Worth trying, specifically Hummus, Baba Ganoush and Muhammara, definitely a real Mediterranean experience.The banana pudding is a must-try delight.Super kind staff, clean and great service.Thumbs up!“
“Great staff, super accommodating and my super burrito was delicious (definitely had a Mediterranean flair...yum!) Appreciate the care that they had for me especially since I was riding out a power outage a couple blocks away. Would definitely come back!“
“Ordered spinach salad, no adds in. Very fresh, good combinations, big size. Only thing I would recommend to make it proper Mediterranean is to just add a seasoning bar with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice instead of the seasoning that came prepared cause it's too sugary. Service was excellent, very decent guys, all seemed kind and humble. Surprisingly fair/moderate prices, considering the city.“
“Amazing food at a reasonable price with generous portions.The interior has an industrial aesthetic, but it's comfortable and the staff are very friendly here.They have a great selection of Gluten Free options and they have the best shawarma fries in the area!Dietary restrictions: Plenty of Gluten-Free options here!“
“After all the holiday food we needed something lighter, and this hit the spot! Way more than the office lunch space it looks like.We got the vegetarian combo plate and were blown away by the amazing dips and tabbouleh. Sometimes tabbouleh can feel flat (and too full of parsley), but this one felt fresh and well balanced. The bread was soft and delicious.Wish we got a photo, the presentation was pretty too.“
“Service is amazing. For some apparent reason the act didn't show my specific instructions. I came back to switch out the food. Let me keep the original fruit that they made, and they made me new food and had me pay for the additions and I recommend this place!!!! Might I add this is the best burger I've had IN THE WHOLE CITY!!!!“
“Overall a really nice, cozy, but dimly lit neighborhood restaurant. With uniquely organized small plate meals. They've stood the test of time. There is a lot of variation on seating; from a community table, to small 2 and 4 tops in the 2 window front, to a patio and then to a front covid style patio on the street front. Why a 4? Possibly the dim lighting, combined with the excess noise inside.“
“Falafel and shawarma shop located in the heart of the Mission. Although seating is limited, we've always seemed to luck out on a seat. They offer free falafel as you order, which is kind of them. My go-to order is the kefta plate. The beef is super tender and their hummus is SO good“
“This place is hands down the best Middle Eastern food I’ve had in the Bay Area. It tastes just like the food I’ve had travelling the Middle East. Fluffy pitas, moist falafel, a fun, social atmosphere, quick service, and very reasonably priced. 10/10“
“Got the vegan breakfast burrito. It was pretty good! The tofu scramble was great and the side of fries/potatoes was so good, just felt like there could be more veggies overall. Great service and love that they have Equator coffee. Good place overall, but just like the name suggests its more comfort food in my opinion vs healthier options“
“Absolutely delicious food, fast and friendly service, and a nice covered outdoor area in the back to dine in!The staff and owner Khaled are lovely and it's always a pleasure to interact with them. You'll always feel welcome visiting and satisfied leaving!“
“We love middle Eastern food. Zaytoon has the best variety and taste. I was treat for Iftar. Thank you so much.Vegetarian options: Hummus, tabola, musaka, felafel, soup.Wheelchair accessibility: Yes it's easy to get around the restaurant.“