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LaLe Mediterranean & Turkish Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
LaLe Mediterranean & Turkish Restaurant
8.2
Family-run Turkish-Mediterranean spot offering meze, wraps, and everyday brunch, plus a covered curbside patio. It’s popular before or after Golden Gate Park with approachable plates, friendly service, and a neighborhood feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sigara böreği (feta phyllo), Lamb köfte wrap, Menemen breakfast scramble
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Turkish brunch and meze with covered outdoor seating.
Who should go: Park-goers and families near 9th & Irving
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner to avoid waits
What to order: Menemen, lamb köfte wrap, sigara böreği
Insider tip: Request patio seating at golden hour for the best light.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 9th Avenue and nearby residential blocks; usually manageable before 10am and after 7pm, but tight during brunch rush.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; outdoor patio dining means layers are smart for foggy mornings.
Noise level: Moderate — lively conversation buzz on weekends but still easy to talk across the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even for patio tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several meze, egg, and salad dishes are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 meze options like hummus and dolma, but mains skew egg or dairy-based.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes naturally gluten-free (grilled meats, salads), but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the covered patio and warm lighting make it inviting without being formal; great for low-pressure conversation over shareable plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays; weekends require an early arrival before 10am or after 2pm to avoid a 30+ minute wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — friendly staff, casual setting, and flexible menu make it ideal for families with kids aged 3 and up.
Best For
Better for: Brunch variety and neighborhood comfort — it blends Turkish flavors with accessible classics better than nearby cafes.
Skip if: You’re seeking a romantic fine-dining Mediterranean experience or fully vegan options.
LaLe Mediterranean & Turkish Restaurant
8.1
Family-run Turkish-Mediterranean spot offering all-day brunch and approachable dinner plates. Warm hospitality and house-baked breads make it a versatile choice from daytime meetups to relaxed evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lahmacun, Köfte Skewers, Imam Bayildi
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: House-baked breads and Turkish comfort plates served all day.
Who should go: Brunch fans and casual date-night diners
When to visit: Weekday brunch or early dinner for easiest seating
What to order: Lahmacun, köfte skewers, imam bayildi
Insider tip: Ask about daily soups—lentil variants rotate and run out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is generally available on 9th Avenue and nearby side streets, but it can be tight during brunch hours and after 6pm. Metered spots turn over more frequently on weekdays.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and sweaters are fine, but many guests dress up slightly for dinner dates or weekend brunches.
Noise level: Moderate – conversations are easy over brunch or early dinner, but it can get lively during peak weekend service.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 6:30pm; faster turnover earlier.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait unless during peak brunch rush around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several strong options including mezze, salads, and eggplant-based entrees.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 clearly vegan dishes; staff can modify select plates upon request.
Gluten-free options: Some options available – grilled meats and salads are safe picks, but breads and pastries contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The cozy interior, warm lighting, and approachable menu make it ideal for casual first dates where you can actually talk without shouting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays before 7pm. On weekends, reservations are recommended for brunch or dinner to avoid a 30-minute wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – families are common, especially at brunch. The staff is accommodating with high chairs and smaller portions.
Best For
Better for: Better for daytime brunch and Turkish baked goods than most nearby Mediterranean spots, with friendlier service and a neighborhood vibe.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking a formal, white-tablecloth Mediterranean dinner or require extensive vegan/gluten-free choices.
LaLe Mediterranean & Turkish Restaurant
8.1
Family-run Turkish-Mediterranean spot with everyday brunch and a straightforward dinner menu. Guests come for house-baked breads, Turkish coffee, and approachable plates that work for both daytime meetups and relaxed evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lahmacun (Turkish flatbread), Lamb loin kebab, Baklava
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Turkish comfort with house-baked breads and all-day brunch.
Who should go: Daytime brunchers and casual dinner groups
When to visit: Brunch hours for shortest waits
What to order: Lahmacun, lamb kebab, baklava
Insider tip: Pair Turkish coffee with dessert—service is fastest at the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Irving and adjacent residential blocks; generally available before noon but fills quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and light layers fit the daytime brunch crowd, while evenings see a slightly dressier mix.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly during brunch, livelier in the evening when full.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—numerous meze, salads, and egg dishes accommodate vegetarians easily.
Vegan options: Limited—some meze and vegetable plates work with minor adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Several options available, though bread-heavy dishes dominate; alert staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—cozy tables, warm service, and Turkish coffee or shared meze create an inviting first-date setting without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually at brunch or early dinner, yes. Peak weekend hours may require a short wait; the bar seats turn over fastest.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are welcoming to families, and the menu offers mild options. High chairs are available for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Casual Mediterranean brunches and approachable Turkish plates with friendly, family-run warmth.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale fine dining or a strictly vegan Mediterranean experience.