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Souvla (Hayes Valley)
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Souvla (Hayes Valley)
8.3
Modern Greek spot known for spit-roasted meats, crisp salads, and Greek fries, with a lively sidewalk patio on Hayes Street. Locals use it for easy al fresco lunches and casual dinners that travel well to nearby Patricia’s Green.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb pita with harissa yogurt, Chicken kale salad with feta, Greek fries with Mizithra
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Spit-roasted Greek classics with dependable patio seating on Hayes.
Who should go: Casual groups and salad-and-pita fans
When to visit: Lunch or early evening before peak dinner rush
What to order: Lamb pita; chicken salad; Greek fries
Insider tip: Snag a patio table facing Patricia’s Green for best people-watching.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hayes Valley is limited and competitive, especially evenings; paid garages available within a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; patio-friendly attire works fine.
Noise level: Moderate - lively sidewalk patio with street buzz, but conversation is manageable.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak hours; no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait; order moves quickly at counter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several dedicated options like falafel pita, salads, and sides.
Vegan options: Yes - limited but solid choices (falafel, hummus, salads without cheese).
Gluten-free options: Yes - many items can be served as salads instead of pita or wrap.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than formal ones—outdoor seating, shareable plates, and lively atmosphere make it easygoing but not private.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, Souvla is counter-service and does not take reservations; patio tables are first come, first served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids can share plates and fries; outdoor seating is stroller-friendly, though no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable Greek with fresh flavors and casual patio vibes compared to more formal Mediterranean sit-down restaurants.
Skip if: Skip if you want full-service dining, alcohol variety beyond Greek wine, or a quieter, romantic experience.
Souvla (Hayes Valley)
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Greek-style fries topped with feta, lemon, and oregano anchor this neighborhood favorite for fast salads and pitas. The patio-friendly setting makes it an easy bite before or after a stroll through Hayes Valley.
Must-Try Dishes:
Greek Fries with Feta & Lemon, Fries with Garlic Yogurt Dip, Chicken Pita + Side of Fries
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Greek fries finished with feta and bright citrus.
Who should go: Fries lovers wanting a Mediterranean twist
When to visit: Afternoons—line moves fastest and patio opens
What to order: Greek fries; garlic yogurt dip; chicken pita + fries
Insider tip: Ask for extra lemon to sharpen the feta and oregano.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hayes Valley can be tight, especially evenings and weekends; nearby paid garages on Gough and Franklin are more reliable.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and patio-friendly wear are all common.
Noise level: Moderate—outdoor patio is lively but conversation remains possible.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes at peak; patio fills first.
Weekday lunch: Usually under 10 minutes; line moves steadily.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several options including vegetarian pita, salads, and fries.
Vegan options: Limited—fries without feta and a few salad adjustments available.
Gluten-free options: Yes—salads and some proteins are naturally gluten-free, but fries and pitas may share fryers or prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual meet-up than a romantic evening—patio seating is fun and informal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Souvla is counter-service only; tables are first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—casual setup with patio seating works well for families; menu has simple chicken and fries for kids.
Best For
Better for: Greek-style flavors and patio dining make it a unique quick-bite spot compared to standard fry shops.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for a quiet, white-tablecloth dinner or a fully vegan menu.
Souvla (Hayes Valley)
8.3
Greek-inspired rotisserie salads and sandwiches with crisp pacing and clean, bright flavors. The original Hayes Valley location (since 2014) pairs counter service with wine carafes and frozen Greek yogurt.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb rotisserie sandwich, Chicken salad with feta, Frozen Greek yogurt with honey
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Rotisserie-driven Greek salads and sandwiches executed with precision.
Who should go: Fast-casual Greek fans and wine sippers
When to visit: Late lunch or early evening before arts shows
What to order: Lamb sandwich; chicken salad; frozen yogurt
Insider tip: Sidewalk seats turn over fast—grab a carafe and linger.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hayes Valley is metered and competitive; nearby garages on Gough and Ivy are your best bet during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and sneakers are the norm, but many guests lean stylish given the Hayes Valley setting.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is possible indoors, but sidewalk tables can get lively with neighborhood foot traffic.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes in line at peak unless you arrive early evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though lines form briefly around 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several salads and pita wraps can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 menu items with modifications (e.g., hummus wrap, salad without cheese).
Gluten-free options: Yes—most salads are naturally gluten-free; sandwiches can be adapted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want casual and lively—grab sidewalk seating and split a frozen yogurt; less ideal if you want privacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Souvla is counter-service only, so no reservations are needed; patio tables turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids—outdoor seating and quick pacing work well, though the space is compact and high chairs are limited.
Best For
Better for: Lighter Greek flavors with wine and frozen yogurt in a casual but stylish setting—ideal for quick meals and social hangs.
Skip if: Skip if you’re after full-service dining, quieter conversation, or a wide hot entrée selection.