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SF Kebab
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
SF Kebab
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Family Friendly Favorites
Counter-service Mediterranean at UCSF Mission Bay with shawarma, kebabs, and falafel plus an outdoor terrace. Fast lines and modest pricing make it a go-to pre-game or hospital-campus bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma plate, Lamb kebab wrap, Falafel with hummus
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Halal-friendly shawarma and kebabs with ample outdoor seating.
Who should go: Budget-minded Mediterranean fans near UCSF
When to visit: Weekdays 11–1:30 for freshest turnover
What to order: Chicken shawarma; lamb wrap; falafel plate
Insider tip: Use the terrace tables along 16th for quickest seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking along 16th Street and 4th Street; UCSF garage at 1630 3rd Street is the most reliable paid option.
Dress code: Casual; typical of a campus and hospital crowd—scrubs, jeans, and tees are all common.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush with steady foot traffic; quieter mid-afternoon and early evenings.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait; reduced hours may apply on weekends.
Weekday lunch: Short line at peak noon hour but moves quickly—5–10 minutes max.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple vegetarian plates and wraps, including falafel and hummus options.
Vegan options: Partial – a few solid vegan choices like falafel plate and grape leaves, though sauces may contain yogurt.
Gluten-free options: Limited – rice plates are gluten-free friendly, but wraps and pita are not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date—it’s more of a fast-casual campus spot, but it works for a low-key lunch or a casual meet-up outdoors.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-up only, and there’s almost always open seating on the terrace except during UCSF lunch rush hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—open seating and quick service make it easy for families; kids tend to enjoy the fries and chicken plates.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable Mediterranean meals with real grill flavor and outdoor tables—especially for students or hospital staff on break.
Skip if: You’re looking for a leisurely sit-down dinner, alcohol service, or a scenic bayfront patio—try Via Aurelia or STEM Kitchen instead.
SF Kebab
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Family-run Mediterranean spot on the UCSF Mission Bay campus serving shawarma, kebabs, and mezze with efficient counter service and steady quality. Open since 2017, it’s a reliable pre-Chase Center stop with portions and pricing that feel fair for the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb shawarma plate, Chicken kebab wrap, Hummus with warm pita
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Campus-adjacent Mediterranean grill known for fast, consistent shawarma and kebabs.
Who should go: UCSF crowd and pre-event diners
When to visit: 60–90 minutes before Chase Center events
What to order: Lamb shawarma, chicken kebab wrap, hummus plate
Insider tip: Mobile order ahead on game nights to skip the surge.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available around UCSF Mission Bay but fills quickly during Chase Center events; nearby garages on 3rd Street typically cost $4–$6 per hour.
Dress code: Casual and campus-friendly — scrubs, jeans, or athleisure are all common.
Noise level: Moderate — light background chatter during lunch rush, quiet in off-hours.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during pre-event rushes; otherwise minimal wait.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait unless UCSF classes are changing over.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — falafel, hummus plates, and Greek salad are reliable picks.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 options such as hummus plate and falafel wrap.
Gluten-free options: Yes — most plates are served over rice instead of pita; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date — it’s more of a casual, quick bite before a show or game, though outdoor seating works for a low-key lunch meetup.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served with fast table turnover; no reservations are accepted or needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — kids can share combo plates and sit at outdoor tables; strollers fit easily and noise isn’t an issue.
Best For
Better for: Quick Mediterranean meals near UCSF or Chase Center with faster service and better consistency than many nearby food court options.
Skip if: You’re seeking a sit-down, atmospheric dinner — nearby full-service spots like Oda or Pera offer more ambiance.
SF Kebab
8.2
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Counter-service Mediterranean with a solid Greek lane—think lamb & beef gyros, Greek salad, and house moussaka—steps from UCSF and Chase Center. Portions are generous, prices fair, and ticket times stay tight even on event nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb & Beef Gyro Plate, Moussaka, Greek Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Reliable Greek staples (gyros, moussaka, Greek salad) with speedy counter service.
Who should go: UCSF crowd and pre-Chase Center diners
When to visit: 60–90 minutes before games or shows
What to order: Gyro plate, moussaka, Greek salad
Insider tip: Order ahead online on event nights to skip the surge.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along 4th Street and Mission Bay Boulevard; UCSF garage nearby (~$5/hr). Spots fill quickly on Chase Center event nights.
Dress code: Casual – come as you are; scrubs, jeans, and workwear all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate – steady lunch bustle but easy for conversation during non-event hours.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during event nights; otherwise minimal waits.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even during UCSF rush hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – falafel plates, Greek salad, and spanakopita are reliable choices.
Vegan options: Limited – hummus, salad, and grape leaves available but menu leans meaty.
Gluten-free options: Partially – rice plates and salads can be made gluten-free on request; pita and gyro wraps contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going casual—this is more of a quick, friendly meal spot than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. It’s counter-service, so you order first and grab a seat; tables turn over quickly even on busy nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – plenty of seating, high chairs available, and approachable menu items like fries, rice, and grilled chicken.
Best For
Better for: Quick, hearty Greek platters near Chase Center without the price tag of full-service Mediterranean spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking a wine list or a long sit-down dinner—this is a fast-casual experience built for efficiency.
SF Kebab
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Casual Mission Bay counter-service spot for shawarma, kebabs, and mezze near UCSF. Portions are generous, prep is fast, and it’s a reliable pre-Chase Center dinner with consistent flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb shawarma plate, Chicken kebab wrap, Falafel & hummus combo
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Straightforward Mediterranean plates with speedy service steps from Chase Center.
Who should go: Pre-game diners and UCSF lunch crowd
When to visit: Pre-event 60–90 minutes for shortest waits
What to order: Lamb shawarma; chicken kebab wrap; falafel plate
Insider tip: Order ahead online on game days to avoid the surge.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking along 4th Street and nearby UCSF garages; expect $4–$6/hr rates on weekdays.
Dress code: Casual – UCSF staff, students, and event-goers blend in with jeans and tees.
Noise level: Moderate – open counter setup with background chatter, still fine for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during pre-event rush, faster for takeout.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait unless a large UCSF lunch crowd hits around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several mezze plates, falafel, and salads available.
Vegan options: Yes – hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel plates qualify with no dairy sauces.
Gluten-free options: Mostly – opt for plate versions without pita; cross-contact possible but minimal.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date, but solid for a casual pre-event meetup where conversation matters more than ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – it's counter-service only; tables turn quickly even during peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – relaxed setup, easy menu items, and nearby outdoor seating make it convenient for families with kids.
Best For
Better for: Faster, more consistent, and larger portions than nearby Mediterranean spots at similar price points.
Skip if: You’re after a wine list, full-service meal, or a quieter dining atmosphere.