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Lokma
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Lokma
8.3
Turkish-Californian plates—manti, mezze, and wood-grilled proteins—served with steady hospitality. Sidewalk seating stays active from brunch through dinner on the Clement corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Manti (Turkish dumplings), Menemen, Lamb Köfte
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: Turkish staples executed with California produce and all-day appeal.
Who should go: Brunch lovers and Turkish food seekers
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner to avoid waits
What to order: Manti, menemen, lamb köfte
Insider tip: Weekday brunch is quieter and easier for patio seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—metered and residential spots fill up quickly on Clement, but side streets like 4th and 6th Avenue usually open up within a few minutes’ walk.
Dress code: Smart casual—daytime brunch crowd leans relaxed, while dinner guests often go slightly dressier.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing conversation at brunch but still comfortable for chatting at outdoor tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially during warm evenings.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately except during peak brunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple mezze, salads, and breakfast dishes are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be made vegan with small modifications (ask staff).
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free mains and salads available, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—pleasant patio setup and warm staff make it a low-pressure yet elevated spot for daytime or early-evening dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can most weekdays and early evenings, but weekends—especially brunch—fill fast. A short waitlist is common.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are accommodating, and the menu includes familiar items like pancakes and fries. High chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Sunny-day brunch and Mediterranean comfort dishes with a lighter, California twist.
Skip if: You’re seeking late-night dining or strictly traditional Turkish fare—the menu leans contemporary.
Lokma
8.6
Turkish-leaning brunch with photogenic spreads—think simit, menemen, and honey-drizzled kaymak—served in a bright space that flatters every shot. Locals line up for thoughtful plates, strong coffee, and a weekend scene that feels celebratory without the fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkish Breakfast set, Menemen with pita, Greek yogurt pancakes
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Modern Turkish brunch classics plated for the camera without sacrificing flavor.
Who should go: Brunch crews who love global flavors
When to visit: Arrive before 10am on weekends to avoid waits
What to order: Turkish Breakfast, menemen, yogurt pancakes
Insider tip: Request an outdoor table for softer natural light on dishes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clement and 9th Avenue; fills quickly on weekends—arrive early or use side streets north of Geary.
Dress code: Smart casual—most guests wear weekend-chic fits like sundresses, polos, or elevated denim.
Noise level: Moderate buzz—lively brunch chatter but still fine for conversation at close tables.
Weekend wait: N/A—closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Minimal waits before noon; peak hours (12–1pm) can reach 10–15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of choices including menemen, yogurt pancakes, and Turkish breakfast spreads.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and avocado toast can be modified; ask staff for adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Partial—select dishes can be adapted, but most bread-based items contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—bright space, beautiful plating, and relaxed energy create a natural setting for a casual daytime date without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are common; expect a 20–40 minute wait on weekend mornings. Joining the waitlist via Yelp can speed things up.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent the brunch hours, and the menu offers simple options like pancakes and eggs; strollers fit best at outdoor tables.
Best For
Better for: Photogenic Turkish-style brunches with Mediterranean flavors and strong coffee service.
Skip if: You’re looking for an all-day cafe or bottomless mimosa scene—Lokma focuses on quality plates over extended lounging.
Lokma
8.6
Turkish-leaning brunch where menemen, çılbır, and simit toasts are executed with precision and bright, herb-forward flavors. Locals line up for efficient service, dialed-in coffee, and a lively Clement Street corner that works for both families and casual dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Menemen, Çılbır (poached eggs with yogurt & chili butter), Simit egg sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Modern Turkish brunch since 2018 with precise, flavor-forward plates.
Who should go: Brunch lovers seeking Mediterranean flavors
When to visit: Thu–Sun opening hour to avoid peak lines
What to order: Menemen; çılbır; simit toast
Insider tip: Ask for the spicy pepper paste on the side to customize heat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Clement and side streets; spots turn over steadily but fill by late morning.
Dress code: Casual chic; jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners lean polished weekend wear.
Noise level: Lively but manageable—buzzing during brunch rush yet still conversation-friendly.
Weekend wait: N/A – closes after brunch service.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait on Thursdays and Fridays before 11am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple items like menemen, avocado toast, and salads are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited – about two customizable dishes can be made vegan with substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Partial – select egg and yogurt dishes are naturally gluten-free; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – its bright interior and well-plated dishes make for an upbeat, low-pressure daytime date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes if you arrive near opening or after 1:30pm; weekend peak lines can reach 30–45 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – high chairs available and menu items like pancakes and eggs appeal to younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Vibrant Mediterranean flavors and thoughtful presentation elevate it above most neighborhood brunches.
Skip if: You’re seeking classic American diner fare or a fully vegan brunch menu.
Lokma
8.5
Daytime Turkish brunch standout where menemen, simit toasts, and herb-forward plates anchor a bright, efficient service cadence. Locals line up for well-seasoned eggs, fluffy pancakes, and coffee on a lively Clement corner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Menemen, Simit Egg Sandwich, Çılbır (Turkish Eggs)
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Modern Turkish brunch with precise execution and bright flavors.
Who should go: Brunch lovers seeking Mediterranean flavors
When to visit: Thu–Sun opening hour to avoid peak lines
What to order: Menemen; çılbır; simit egg sandwich
Insider tip: Ask for spicy pepper paste on the side to customize heat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Clement and 23rd; meters turn over slowly on weekends, so plan extra time. No valet or private lot.
Dress code: Casual daytime wear fits perfectly—think brunch chic; athletic wear and jeans are common.
Noise level: Lively during brunch rush with steady chatter and espresso machine hum; manageable for casual conversation.
Weekend wait: N/A – breakfast and lunch only.
Weekday lunch: Typically 5–10 minutes midweek, longer if sunny.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – extensive options including menemen, avocado toast, and veggie meze plates.
Vegan options: Moderate – several salads and grain dishes can be modified; ask for no yogurt or egg.
Gluten-free options: Limited – a few dishes adaptable, but no dedicated gluten-free bread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – bright, upbeat setting ideal for daytime dates; casual but stylish with quality coffee and shareable plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait on weekends; they operate first-come-first-served with a waitlist system during brunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very – outdoor tables fit strollers, staff is accommodating, and menu suits all ages with pancakes and eggs.
Best For
Better for: Vibrant Turkish flavors and well-balanced seasoning make it stand out from typical brunch cafés; strong on Mediterranean-style eggs and fresh herbs.
Skip if: You want a quiet or linger-all-day brunch—turnover is fast and crowds steady, especially weekends.
Lokma
8.2
Turkish-Mediterranean cooking with one of the city’s most popular brunches: menemen, manti, and an abundant Turkish breakfast. Evenings lean bright and vegetable-forward with attentive, efficient service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Traditional Turkish Breakfast, Manti, Menemen
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: Brunch-driven Turkish menu executed with precision and bright flavors.
Who should go: Brunch lovers and Turkish cuisine fans
When to visit: Weekday brunch or early dinner to avoid waits
What to order: Turkish Breakfast, Manti, Menemen
Insider tip: Join the waitlist early on weekends; breakfast is designed for sharing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the main option; it’s generally available on weekdays but can be tight on weekends near brunch hours. No valet or private lot.
Dress code: Smart casual fits best—athleisure and jeans are common, but locals often lean stylish for brunch photos.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—expect chatter during peak brunch but quiet enough for easy conversation at dinner.
Weekend wait: Usually 20–30 minutes for walk-ins; reservations recommended for groups.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait before noon; fills by 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several mezze, egg, and vegetable dishes are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited – some dips and salads qualify, but main dishes often feature dairy or eggs.
Gluten-free options: Partial – many grilled items and salads work, but bread-heavy brunch spreads require substitution.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—Lokma’s warm vibe, natural light, and quality service make it a relaxed yet thoughtful setting for a daytime date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or early evenings, but weekend brunch almost always requires joining the waitlist in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely—families frequent the brunch hours; high chairs and space for strollers make it easy for parents with young children.
Best For
Better for: Best for Turkish-inspired brunch and Mediterranean flavors in a bright, modern setting—fresher and more refined than nearby casual spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, drawn-out dinner or traditional meze-heavy Turkish fare; Lokma leans modern and brunch-forward.
Lokma
8.1
Turkish-Mediterranean plates and one of the city’s most popular brunches anchor this lively Inner Richmond spot. Expect bright flavors—manti, menemen, grilled fish—executed with care and a neighborhood-first warmth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Manti dumplings, Menemen, Whole branzino (dinner)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Turkish brunch classics and Mediterranean plates with precise execution.
Who should go: Brunch lovers and Turkish cuisine fans
When to visit: Weekday brunch or early dinner to avoid waits
What to order: Manti, Menemen, Whole Branzino
Insider tip: Join the waitlist early; brunch queues can be long.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on weekdays but competitive on weekends—arrive early or use a rideshare for brunch hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; daytime attire works fine, but locals tend to dress stylishly for brunch photos.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during brunch—expect energetic chatter but still conversation-friendly at smaller tables.
Weekend wait: Usually no dinner service wait; reservations recommended if available.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait before noon; peak brunch hours (11am–1pm) can see 20–40 minute waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many dishes like menemen, mezze, and salads are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 vegan-friendly options, but modifications (like omitting yogurt or feta) can be made.
Gluten-free options: Some items like grilled proteins and salads are naturally gluten-free, though the kitchen is not a dedicated GF facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a casual daytime date—sunny ambiance, vibrant energy, and beautiful plating make it feel special without formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect to wait during peak brunch hours. Join the Yelp waitlist early or arrive right at opening for the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly atmosphere with high chairs and accommodating staff. Best for ages 5+ due to limited stroller space during rush.
Best For
Better for: Brunch creativity and Turkish flavors outshine most standard breakfast spots nearby—perfect for those seeking something beyond eggs and pancakes.
Skip if: You prefer quiet, traditional sit-down brunches or need extensive vegan/gluten-free selections.