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La Mediterranee (Castro)
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
La Mediterranee (Castro)
8.1
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Long-running Levantine café serving fillo specialties, kebabs, and salads in a relaxed corner dining room. It’s the dependable pick for shareable plates before a show or an easy neighborhood lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Cilicia, Spinach Fillo, Hummos & Pita
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Beloved neighborhood standby known for savory fillo pies and mezze.
Who should go: Groups craving easy, shareable plates
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30pm for shorter waits
What to order: Chicken Cilicia, spinach fillo, hummos & pita
Insider tip: Mix house hot sauce with tzatziki for a balanced dip.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots open up more easily on 16th or Noe after 7pm. No valet or lot nearby.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—comfortable attire is fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—easy to hold a conversation even when full, though peak weekends get lively.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without a reservation around 7pm; faster for small parties or patio tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong selection of mezze, salads, and fillo pies without meat.
Vegan options: Partial—about 3–4 mezze dishes and some salads qualify; confirm with server for sauces.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some kebabs and salads work, but fillo-based items contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—cozy, casual, and conversation-friendly. The warm lighting and shareable plates make it easy and unpretentious.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for lunch or early dinner; weekends after 7pm can require a short wait but turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are accommodating, and menu items like hummus, rice, and chicken skewers work well for kids 6+.
Best For
Better for: Casual group meals or family dinners where everyone wants shareable Mediterranean plates without fuss.
Skip if: You’re after fine dining, extensive wine pairings, or strictly vegan options.
La Mediterranee (Castro)
8.2
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Castro mainstay since 1981 serving Armenian- and Lebanese-leaning Middle Eastern plates in a relaxed dining room. It’s the dependable pick for shareable fillo specialties, kebabs, and mezze before a show or neighborhood stroll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Cilicia (savory fillo), Spinach fillo, Hummus & pita
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Long-running neighborhood fixture with Armenian and Lebanese family recipes.
Who should go: Groups sharing classics in a relaxed setting
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30pm for shorter waits
What to order: Chicken Cilicia; spinach fillo; hummus trio
Insider tip: Mix house hot sauce with tzatziki for a balanced dip.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the Castro is limited—arrive early to find a spot near Noe or 16th. No valet service available.
Dress code: Smart casual fits best; jeans are fine, but many diners opt for slightly polished attire for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly even during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30–45 minute wait without reservations between 6:30–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; tables often available immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—numerous mezze, salads, and fillo options cater to vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—2–3 dishes can be made vegan upon request (e.g., hummus, lentil soup).
Gluten-free options: Partial—several kebabs and salads are naturally gluten-free, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The relaxed, neighborhood setting and shareable plates make it ideal for a low-pressure first date that still feels warm and personal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes on weeknights. On weekends, reservations are strongly recommended after 6:30pm to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Staff are accommodating, and the menu has mild options suitable for children 6 and up.
Best For
Better for: A dependable, sit-down Middle Eastern experience with consistent food and service—ideal for groups and repeat visits.
Skip if: You’re looking for late-night dining or modern fusion; nearby Beit Rima offers faster, more casual Arabic fare.