Middle Eastern Restaurants in San Francisco, CA

“Old Jerusalem is one of my favorite restaurants for Middle Eastern food on San Francisco’s Mission St. I ordered the Mansaf last time and it was amazing, so I had to come back and order the Mousakhan this time. Dunya was amazing host again and very knowledgeable of the menu and dishes. The complimentary beets and olives were a nice little appetizer while the food gets prepared. The pita with the side sauces were also a great refresher. I ordered the coffee this time and it was a unique flavor that I enjoyed. The Mousakhan dish was a feast! Easily sharable but I devoured it. The chicken was well seasoned and tender. I liked how it was served over a pita bread which soaked in the flavor. Eating with hands is the best for this meal and the whole experience was exceptional. I was too full for dessert but I will be back for the kunafa!“

“What a fantastic find! I had the Kibbi Platter with a side of the homemade falafel, and everything was absolutely delicious. The flavors were authentic, fresh, and clearly made with care. The warm, homemade pita bread that accompanied the meal was some of the best I’ve had.

For dessert, don’t skip the homemade almond cake—it was outstanding. Pair it with a traditional Turkish coffee (or regular coffee if you prefer) for the perfect finish to a wonderful meal.

The service was just as impressive as the food. Antonio was welcoming, friendly, attentive, and genuinely made us feel at home. It’s the kind of hospitality that keeps you coming back.

If you’re looking for authentic Mediterranean cuisine in San Francisco, Palmyra is a must-visit. Exceptional food, wonderful service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Highly recommended—I can’t wait to return!“

“Ordered on a whim and so glad I did. The bowl was delightful. The steak delicious and I’d definitely come back here. I’m going to be thinking about this meal for a while! Finally have somewhere to go when my husband goes to cheesesteak shop.“

“Vegan review!

I had just a wonderful experience here! The ambiance in the restaurant is beautiful. I was pleasantly surprised by the vegan options. It’s rare to find a place with great vegan and halal food. You can tell the vegan options are not just an afterthought.

Note: online, their menu does not have the impossible kufta but it’s written on their menu in the restaurant!

We got the:

- Sampler platter: this was incredible! I’m usually not one to be wowed by falafel, but this was delicious! The hummus was smooth (not grainy) and the babaghanous is smoky and fresh.

- Impossible kufta: this was delicious! It also comes with a vegan yogurt sauce.

- Veggie musakhan: I was wowed by the flavor in these! I expected bland veggies but this truly blew me away. It also comes with a vegan tzatziki

Everything was delicious! Bummed I missed out on the vegan dessert but will have to come back!“

“I had their lamb roganjosh, aloo Gobi, and chicken chettinand. People might say Pakwan is the place to go for good Indian food in the city, but I was thoroughly impressed with what I ate at Keeva. This is not watered down gringofied Indian food. Absolutely loved the lamb roganjosh, the cauliflower and potatoes were very well spiced, and while I personally didn't like the chettinand, I understand the flavor profile and what that dish is. You're missing out on really delicious Indian food if you're not eating here.“

“They are friendly and have delicious food.“

“Amazing Palestinian food! 🇵🇸 Everything was fresh, flavorful, and tasted so authentic. You can really tell the food is made with care, and the service was just as wonderful. Such a warm, welcoming atmosphere too. Definitely one of those places I’ll keep coming back to. Highly recommend!“

“We never come to The City without a trip to Aicha. Wonderful little spot with fabulous service & delicious food. Highly recommend.“

“האוכל הזכיר אוכל של בית. מה שחסר לנו פה בארה״ב מוסיקה ישראלית משובחת וחומוס טעים. הרגשה של ישראל באמריקה👏👏👏“

“Great food, service & outdoor seating!“

“Five stars for support, but food-wise I’d probably give it more like a 3.5–4. I really wanted to love this spot and support Palestinian food, but it felt more catered to the neighborhood than like the authentic Palestinian comfort food I was hoping for. The flavors seemed toned down and didn’t really remind me of the Middle Eastern food I grew up with or normally look for. Also no halal meat options.

The halloumi was probably my favorite thing, especially with the da2a on top. We also got the hummus, grilled hanger steak, and chicken skewers. Unfortunately, the chicken was thigh meat and was really chewy, and both the chicken and steak could’ve used a lot more marinating and flavor.

I also wish there had been a little more Palestinian representation throughout the space, especially since that’s such a big part of the restaurant’s identity. For the portions and overall experience, I thought the prices were pretty high too.

The place itself was absolutely packed and super noisy when we went, with a very busy, trendy tech crowd. I can see why a lot of people love it, especially if they’re newer to these flavors, but if you’re used to really flavorful, authentic Middle Eastern food, it might not hit the same. I’m glad I tried it and happy to support, but personally I probably wouldn’t go back.“

“Everything was deliciously good!“

“The best food ever! i promise get the beef shawarma it was the best ive ever tasted in my life, same as chicken shawarma, and the kabsa. The workers were so nice and always smiled, and it is such a well decorated restaraunt! i love the old mediterranean vibe. delish!“

“Loved it so much and loved it so much and loved it over and over“

“Very nice couple serving tasty food and generous portions. There was a misunderstanding with our order where they served us the plate we didn't order and also refunded the money although we insisted that we want to pay because we consumed the food but they didn't take back the money. Very kind people.“

“Definitely San Francisco Bay areas. Best burgers, amazing fish and chips very favorable, savory kebabs and great tasting Gyros.“

“Everything looks just amazing. Truly Mediterranean came highly recommended!“

“We had a great schnitzel plate with a malt star beer. Portions were huge and very tasty.“

“Great food lovely location“

“We both had lambs ( the Mrs had the kebab with salad and soup and I had the lamb & beef platter). My plate was made special by the dressing , but my wife’s was the better deal as the smokey flavored meat was out of the ballpark sarap!“

“Super yummy hummus plates, falafel, kebabs and salads. Found this gem while on a walk in China town. Not easy to find, but once you know where to find it you will come back again and again. Sooooo good.“

“The best Falafel in the Bay area! I like the traditional falafel. You can't go wrong!“

“The food is amazing you should try their flafle. It’s amazing and staff super nice fellas“

“Consistently delicious for decades“

“Authentic Afghan cuisine. Try their chapli kabobs. Perfect blend of spices, beef and texture. One of the best I have tasted in the US. Comes with a generous portion of rice, bread and side salad. Also give their Bolani a try. Excellent quailty. Owner is very gentleman.“

“The best Persian cuisine in SFBA. Authentic cuisine, ambience, decor, and, best of all their Chicken Joojeh Bone In, Barg, Beef and Lamb Koobideh, Chicken Koobideh which are their trademark dishes. Chicken Joojeh Bone In and Chicken Koobideh cannot be found at other Persian restaurants. These are Alborz special dishes. Excellent, fresh, Halal.“

“Ahh SAJJ... Excellent food, fresh ingredients, endless combinations of ingredients. Good size portions, and fast, chipotle-style preparation. One of the best, and tastiest lunch options around!“

“Not open for the past couple weekends and weeks in between - everyone that populates 11th street miss our guy so much!! He is a pillar of stability that supports the action taking place on the “Club Corridor”.We’re all hoping he returns soon and in good health.Joe is a treasure on 11th. Every day I look to see if he’s opened back up - it’s been a rare day to see this place not taking business. Truly, you never know watcha got til it’s gone ?We all hope to see you soon, and are sending the best wishes and loves and positive vibes. ??“

“Ahh SAJJ... Excellent food, fresh ingredients, endless combinations of ingredients. Good size portions, and fast, chipotle-style preparation. One of the best, and tastiest lunch options around!“

“I smelled it before I got there no always looking for “the right food cooked by the right people!” I had a bowl with chicken which I could cut with a the plastic spoon 😍 with rice and lentils very flavorful too with the Israel salad all that flavor in one bowl was the best by far! My friend who’s vegan was very satisfied had a falafel bowl which she started eating as we walked down the street! She had smashed it by the time we made to the tables at Union Square. The food delicious the portions huge and the price right! On another note when we arrived they were out of rice and of course they made me some fresh very much appreciated ❤️“

“Buena experiencia, es un lugar sencillo, su comida y servicio son buenos. Me comí un Lentil Soup con un pita bread, satisfecho y como dice el boricua “ jarro como lechón”�������������“

“LOVE the COMBO Platters with the FRIES and the FALAFELS 😋😋😋“