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Taksim
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Taksim
8.6
Modern Turkish and broader Eastern Mediterranean plates—think house-made manti, flame-kissed chops, and seasonal meze—served in a polished SoMa room. Guests come for balanced spicing, a thoughtful wine list, and professional pacing suited to date nights or small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef & lamb manti, Australian lamb chops, Whole branzino
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Chef-driven Anatolian flavors with seasonal California produce.
Who should go: Couples and small groups seeking polished meze
When to visit: Weeknights before 7 or after 8:30
What to order: Manti, lamb chops, branzino
Insider tip: Ask for the tasting menu to sample signatures efficiently.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in SoMa; nearby paid garages on 3rd and 4th Streets are the safest bet. No valet service offered.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most guests lean toward dressy tops or jackets for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—music and chatter create energy, but you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; walk-ins may be turned away during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; lunch service is efficient and lower volume.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several meze and mains highlight seasonal produce and legumes.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 meze and sides can be adapted; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Yes—grilled proteins and select meze are gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The polished setting, attentive service, and shareable meze make it intimate yet relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early on weeknights, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends and peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—best for adults and teens. No kids’ menu, and evenings skew toward date-night energy.
Best For
Better for: Upscale Turkish and Mediterranean dishes with refined plating and a curated wine list—ideal for dates and groups seeking polish.
Skip if: You want a casual, quick kebab or shawarma; this is more of a lingering sit-down experience.
Taksim
8.6
Modern Mediterranean plates from the Balkans and Anatolia meet California produce in a sleek SoMa dining room. The rotating menu favors meze, house-made manti, and flame-kissed proteins, with a well-built wine list for lingering evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Manti dumplings, Australian lamb chops, Branzino with anchovy rice
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Seasonal, chef-driven menu bridging Anatolian traditions and California ingredients.
Who should go: Couples and small groups seeking polished meze
When to visit: Weeknights before 7 or after 8:30
What to order: Manti; lamb chops; branzino
Insider tip: Ask about the tasting menu to sample signature plates efficiently.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in SoMa evenings; paid garages on 4th & Brannan are closest. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual—dark jeans or dresses are common. Jackets not required but lean dressy for evening.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversations possible at smaller tables, but expect buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly advised.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though limited lunch hours mean best to arrive early.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample meze and seasonal vegetable plates.
Vegan options: Limited—usually 2–3 meze or sides, but can request adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several proteins and salads are naturally gluten-free; staff are accommodating.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the polished room, attentive service, and shareable meze create a relaxed but elevated atmosphere for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weeknights if you arrive before 6:30, but weekends almost always require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—menu skews adult, no kids' menu, and later crowd leans social. Older teens may enjoy the shared plates.
Best For
Better for: A more curated, chef-driven approach to Mediterranean than nearby casual options—ideal for wine-paired meals and celebratory nights.
Skip if: You want a quick or inexpensive meal—service and pricing are geared toward lingering dining rather than grab-and-go.