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ZipPicks Awards

Best Outdoor Dining Mediterranean in the Mission District Best Mediterranean in the Mission District

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Old Jerusalem 8.3
Mission
Neighborhood Palestinian standby known for charcoal-grilled kebabs, warm pita, and generous mezze. A small back patio and occasional parklet make it an easy Mission pick for casual outdoor plates.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken shawarma plate, Mixed grill (kebab combo), Hummus with warm pita
Scores:
Value: 8.6 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8.4 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 6.7 Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Charcoal-grilled Middle Eastern plates with a low-key back patio.
Who should go: Casual groups craving hearty mezze and kebabs
When to visit: Early evenings for quicker patio seating
What to order: Chicken shawarma, mixed grill, hummus with warm pita
Insider tip: Ask about the patio; it’s quieter than Mission Street tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; expect tight availability after 6pm on Mission Street. Metered spots open up faster on side streets near 22nd.
Dress code: Casual; jeans and t-shirts are common, though some guests dress up for evening patio dinners.
Noise level: Moderate; you can hold a normal conversation on the patio, though Mission Street seating has steady traffic noise.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours (7–8pm); patio tables go first.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple mezze and grilled veggie dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited – about 3–4 items such as hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel can be made vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Partially – most grilled meats and salads are gluten-free, but pita and some sides are not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for a laid-back, unfussy meal; the cozy patio is nice but not especially private or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common; just expect a short wait at peak dinner hours, especially for the patio.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – casual service, quick food, and friendly staff make it easy for families with children over 5.
Best For
Better for: Authentic charcoal-grilled kebabs and generous mezze portions served with warm, fresh pita in a relaxed setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking a trendy or design-forward Mediterranean spot with wine pairings or upscale service.

Hours

Monday11am - 10pm
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 10pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 9pm