Best Mediterranean Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Canela Bistro Bar
A blend of authentic Spanish flavors with a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Notable Picks
8.8
Canela offers a cozy ambiance with a menu featuring traditional Spanish tapas and an extensive selection of Spanish wines.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Pintxos, Churros with Chocolate Sauce, Paella Mixta
What Makes it Special: A blend of authentic Spanish flavors with a warm, inviting atmosphere.
#2
Mourad
8.8
Modern Moroccan from chef Mourad Lahlou in a dramatic SoMa dining room, with family-style platters and polished service. A Michelin-decorated standby for celebrations and client dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short rib family-style, Octopus with chickpeas & olives, Basque-inspired basteeya
What Makes it Special: Michelin-level Moroccan flavors executed with California polish.
#3
Aziza
8.6
Modern Moroccan from chef Mourad Lahlou with a seasonal menu that runs from basteeya to whole-fish and tagines. Street-side outdoor seating makes it workable for al fresco date nights without leaving the Richmond.
Must-Try Dishes:
Basteeya, Grilled Branzino, Lamb Tagine
What Makes it Special: Mourad Lahlou’s refined Moroccan cooking in a neighborhood setting.
#4
Barcha
8.6
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Mediterranean small plates and North African-leaning spices served on a well-run heated patio steps from Market Street. Popular with business lunches and post-work groups, it balances shareable mezze with full plates and a capable bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised Duck Kabsa, Lamb Kefta Skewers, Hummus & Warm Pita
What Makes it Special: One of FiDi’s most reliable heated patios for Mediterranean plates.
8.6
Greek taverna with shareable mezze, grilled meats, and a heated patio that suits multi-generation dinners. Staff are adept at splitting courses and timing plates so families can graze without chaos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flaming Saganaki, Lamb Chops, Gyro Plate
What Makes it Special: Shareable Greek plates and patio seating make group dining easy.
#6
Lavash
8.6
Persian restaurant on Irving known for charcoal-grilled kebabs, saffron rice, and herb-forward stews, with a heated sidewalk patio for al fresco meals. Locals use it for small celebrations and reliable group dinners thanks to steady execution and warm hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barg (beef tenderloin) kebab, Ghormeh sabzi stew, Saffron chicken kebab with zereshk rice
What Makes it Special: Charcoal-grilled Persian kebabs and stews with a heated patio.
#7
Pearl 6101
8.6
Seafood-forward New American cooking—housemade pastas, crudos, and roasted fish—served in a polished, intimate room. Locals book it for thoughtful plates, strong aperitifs, and a neighborhood date-night feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Trout Dip, Seasonal Seafood Pasta, Whole Roasted Fish
What Makes it Special: Refined, seafood-leaning menu with housemade pastas and aperitif program.
#8
Taksim
8.6
Modern Turkish and broader Eastern Mediterranean plates—think house-made manti, flame-kissed chops, and seasonal meze—served in a polished SoMa room. Guests come for balanced spicing, a thoughtful wine list, and professional pacing suited to date nights or small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef & lamb manti, Australian lamb chops, Whole branzino
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven Anatolian flavors with seasonal California produce.
#9
Terzo
8.6
Neighborhood Mediterranean bistro with an extensive wine list, polished service, and seasonal small plates. A cozy sidewalk setup on Steiner suits dates and relaxed evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled octopus with chickpeas, Lamb meatballs, House hummus with warm flatbread
What Makes it Special: Refined Mediterranean plates with a thoughtful wine program and patio.
#10
Elia
8.5
Modern Greek restaurant delivers authentic Mediterranean flavors in an upscale setting with live music on select nights. The grilled octopus and moussaka draw consistent praise, while the lively atmosphere makes it popular for celebrations and late-night weekend dining until midnight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Spanish Octopus, Moussaka, Lamb Chops
What Makes it Special: Upscale Greek with live music creating island atmosphere
#11
Frascati
8.5
Russian Hill bistro blending Mediterranean-leaning Italian plates with polished neighborhood hospitality. Handmade pastas and a thoughtful wine list make it a reliable date-night choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Handmade pappardelle, Seared scallops, Burrata with seasonal accompaniments
What Makes it Special: Mediterranean-accented Italian cooking with intimate, cable-car-adjacent charm.
#12
Gola
8.5
Tunisian-led Mediterranean with brik, tagines, and seafood served in a cocktail-forward space. Locals come for bright spices, Boukha after-dinner sips, and distinctive plates you won’t see elsewhere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brika au Thon, Lamb Tagine with preserved lemon, Grilled Octopus
What Makes it Special: San Francisco’s only Tunisian-focused kitchen with cocktail bar energy.
8.5
A Jackson Square power room (since 1998) where the charcoal grill turns out a dry-aged rib-eye alongside Greek lunch classics. It’s a polished, reservation-friendly setting when a premium steak fits the agenda.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charcoal-Grilled Dry-Aged Rib-Eye, Arnísia Païdákia (Lamb Chops), Kokkari Potatoes
What Makes it Special: Steakhouse-level grill work in a refined Greek dining room.
8.5
Arab bakery-cafe turning out mana’eesh flatbreads, mezze, and seasonal salads with sidewalk seating. Bright flavors and fresh-baked breads make it ideal for a sunny lunch or early dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Za’atar mana’eesh, Shakshuka, Hummus with warm bread
What Makes it Special: Fresh-baked Arab flatbreads and mezze with counter-service ease.
#15
Anatolian Table
8.4
Walk-in Turkish spot known for oven specialties—lahmacun, pide, and manti—plus charcoal-grilled kebabs. It’s a versatile Mission dinner move from dates at the bar to groups sharing flatbreads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lahmacun, Mantarli Pide, Manti (Turkish dumplings)
What Makes it Special: Oven-driven Turkish menu with standout flatbreads and dumplings.
#16
Beit Rima
8.4
Arabic comfort-food favorite where ‘Arabic fries’ bring crisp edges, sumac, and toum for a bright, garlicky bite. Casual service and a loyal following make it a Duboce Triangle staple for fry lovers who want something different.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arabic fries with toum & sumac, Hummus with fries for dipping, Chicken shawarma plate + fries
What Makes it Special: Levantine-style fries with tangy sumac and toum.
#17
Beit Rima
8.4
Counter-service Palestinian/Jordanian spot known for warm pita, silky hummus, and charcoal-leaning grill plates. Locals hit the Cole Valley outpost for shareable mezze, quick lines, and reliably bright, herb-forward flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hummus with lamb, Chicken msakhan wrap, Kefta kebab platter
What Makes it Special: Palestinian/Jordanian comfort dishes made for mezze-style sharing.
#18
Freekeh
8.4
Palestinian-led kitchen doing mezze, rolled shawarma, and hearth-leaning comfort plates with bright spices. Locals hit it for shareable spreads and reliable dinner service in a lively Mission setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Musakhan chicken with sumac & onions, Chicken shawarma roll with toum, Muhammara with walnuts & pepper paste
What Makes it Special: Palestinian family-run spot with shareable mezze and musakhan.
#19
La Mediterranee
8.4
Long-running Armenian–Lebanese café serving mezze, kebabs, and savory fillo pies with sidewalk tables along Fillmore. Consistent, friendly service and a neighborhood feel make it a dependable al fresco choice for casual lunches and low-key dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Cilicia (savory fillo pie), Lamb Lule Kebab Plate, Spinach & Feta Börek
What Makes it Special: Since 1979, a Fillmore favorite for Armenian–Lebanese mezze with sidewalk seating.
#20
The Parthenon
8.4
Downtown Greek-Turkish menu—manti, souvlaki, and crisp meze—served in a polished Union Square dining room. Efficient pacing makes it a smart choice for business lunches and pre-theater dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb chops, Chicken souvlaki, Manti (Turkish dumplings)
What Makes it Special: Greek favorites alongside Turkish staples like manti downtown.
#21
Lokma
8.3
Turkish-Californian plates—manti, mezze, and wood-grilled proteins—served with steady hospitality. Sidewalk seating stays active from brunch through dinner on the Clement corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Manti (Turkish dumplings), Menemen, Lamb Köfte
What Makes it Special: Turkish staples executed with California produce and all-day appeal.
#22
NOVY
8.3
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Family-run Greek restaurant with polished service, a full bar, and a menu spanning souvlaki to moussaka. It’s a reliable Noe Valley choice for date-night Greek classics without formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Souvlaki Plate, Moussaka, Avgolemono Soup
What Makes it Special: Family-owned Greek cooking with a neighborhood-polished dining room.
#23
Old Jerusalem
8.3
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
What Makes it Special: Charcoal-grilled Middle Eastern plates with a low-key back patio.
#24
Sipeos
8.3
California-Mediterranean vegetarian spot at Broadway Plaza with mezze, bowls, and flatbreads. Bright flavors, a roomy patio, and clear labeling make ordering simple for families.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mezze Platter, Kefta Skewer Plate (Impossible), Fennel-Citrus Salad
What Makes it Special: Vegetarian menu with many kid-friendly mezze and bowls.
8.3
Fast-casual Greek with rotisserie meats, crisp salads, and frozen Greek yogurt served on a sunny Dogpatch corner with sidewalk seating. Locals use it for quick, satisfying meals before Chase Center events or waterfront walks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Salad with Greek Fries, Chicken Pita with Spicy Harissa, Frozen Greek Yogurt (baklava topping)
What Makes it Special: Greek fast-casual done with premium ingredients and a breezy corner patio.
#26
Cafe Calamari
8.2
Mediterranean-leaning seafood and pasta with a focus on crisp, tender calamari and simply grilled fish. Locals use it for relaxed downtown dinners with straightforward flavors and solid portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Calamari, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Seafood Pasta
What Makes it Special: Seafood-forward Mediterranean plates with notably well-executed calamari.
#27
El Mansour
8.2
Long-running Moroccan dinner house known for traditional bastilla, aromatic tagines, and warm hospitality. While the ornate interior sets the tone, its sidewalk seating offers a quieter al fresco alternative on Clement.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Bastilla, Lamb Shank Tagine, Couscous Royale
What Makes it Special: Classic Moroccan recipes served with Richmond District longevity.
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
What Makes it Special: Turkish brunch and meze with covered outdoor seating.
#29
Milos Meze
8.2
Greek meze spot focused on shareable plates—think grilled octopus, souvlaki, and dips—served in a lively Marina setting. Limited patio seating extends the convivial, taverna feel outdoors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled octopus, Lamb souvlaki, Saganaki with lemon
What Makes it Special: Shareable Greek meze and seafood with a convivial patio energy.
#30
Presidio Kebab
8.2
Turkish-leaning spot in Presidio Heights known for well-seasoned skewers, beyti, and generous meze, with a calm streetside setup. Portions are hearty and plating is polished, making it a comfortable outdoor dinner that still feels special.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Şiş Kebab, Beyti (lavash-wrapped kebab with yogurt), Greek Fries with Feta
What Makes it Special: Careful kebab cookery and meze with easygoing, polished service.
#31
Sens
8.2
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Happy Hour Hotspots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
Mediterranean plates and paella with Bay Bridge views from Embarcadero Center. Popular for power lunches, happy hour, and group dinners thanks to a broad mezze-to-mains menu and professional service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Oven Roasted Spanish Octopus, Paella with Saffron Rice, Mediterranean Spreads with Warm Pita
What Makes it Special: Skyline views with a Mediterranean menu built for sharing.
#32
Souvla
8.2
Counter-service Greek with lemon-parsley fries showered in mizithra. Fast, consistent, and easy to pair with spit-roasted meats or a salad for a lighter combo.
Must-Try Dishes:
Greek Fries with Mizithra, Chicken Pita + Fries, Harissa Yogurt Dip
What Makes it Special: Greek fries brightened with lemon, olive oil, and mizithra.
#33
Sultan’s Kebab
8.2
Counter-service Mediterranean with crisp falafel, creamy hummus, and fresh salads made to order. Fast lines and late hours make it a go-to for affordable vegetarian meals downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Plate, Hummus with Pita, Dolmas
What Makes it Special: Vegetarian plates assembled fast with bright, fresh toppings.
#34
Sumac
8.2
Modern Mediterranean street-food counter turning out shawarma bowls, köfte, and falafel with a fresh, California-leaning approach. Fast service and bright flavors make it a dependable Russian Hill quick meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma bowl with pickles and garlic sauce, Köfte bowl over rice, Falafel wrap with sumac–yogurt
What Makes it Special: Istanbul-inspired bowls and wraps with bright, herb-forward flavors.
#35
Ayola
8.1
Greek fast-casual spot turning out gyros, shawarma, and crisp falafel with a few sidewalk tables for quick al fresco lunches. Reliable portions and speedy service make it a downtown staple for light Mediterranean bowls and pitas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gyros Pita Sandwich, Chicken Shawarma Bowl, Falafel Plate with Hummus
What Makes it Special: Downtown Greek go-to with quick counter service and outdoor seating.
8.1
New-school French bistro offering daytime crêpes, omelets, and café standards with a proper espresso program. Warm room and neighborhood pacing make relaxed brunch easy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Croque Madame, Buckwheat Savory Galette, Shakshuka
What Makes it Special: French brunch classics with a neighborhood café feel.
#37
Galinette
8.1
Casual beach-bistro cooking with Mediterranean flair on Taraval, leaning French with seasonal plates and seafood. Locals come for crisp execution, friendly service, and an easy neighborhood date-night vibe near Ocean Beach.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Onion Soup, “Fake” Bouillabaisse (saffron broth, rouille toast), Flat Iron Steak Frites
What Makes it Special: French-Mediterranean bistro plates and seafood served steps from the beach.
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
What Makes it Special: Beloved neighborhood standby known for savory fillo pies and mezze.
#39
Yemen Kitchen
8.1
Compact Yemeni spot known for roasted lamb, saltah, and homey stews served with warm bread. Portions are generous, flavors are comforting, and takeout moves quickly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted Lamb, Saltah (fenugreek-topped stew), Chicken Aqdah
What Makes it Special: Hearty Yemeni stews and roasted meats with homestyle warmth.
8
Long-running Eastern Mediterranean counter serving shawarma, kebabs, and falafel to the FiDi/Embarcadero crowd. Fast ticket times and fresh prep make it a reliable workday stop near the Ferry Building.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Falafel Plate, Beef/Lamb Kefta Kebab
What Makes it Special: FiDi staple for fresh, fast Middle Eastern wraps and plates.
#41
Souvla (Marina)
8
Greek fast-casual known for spit-roasted meats, crisp salads, and frozen Greek yogurt. Sidewalk tables on Chestnut make it an easy al fresco stop for quick lunches or casual dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb salad with warm pita, Greek fries with feta & oregano, Frozen Greek yogurt with honey
What Makes it Special: Rotisserie-driven Greek plates served fast with dependable patio seating.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Classic Persian kebabs, stews, and rice dishes on the Van Ness corridor, served in a comfortable dining room. Portions are generous and the menu covers staples from ghormeh sabzi to koobideh.
Must-Try Dishes:
Koobideh kebab with saffron rice, Ghormeh sabzi, Tahdig with stew
What Makes it Special: Wide-ranging Persian menu with reliable kebabs and stews.
#43
Arabian Nights
7.9
Lebanese-leaning Middle Eastern menu with charcoal-grilled meats, mezze, and a heated back patio. Works for relaxed dinners and small celebrations without going formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mixed mezze platter, Lamb chops, Chicken kebab with garlic sauce
What Makes it Special: Charcoal grill and a tucked-away patio for open-air mezze feasts.
#44
Ayola
7.9
Downtown counter-service Greek spot turning out gyros, crisp falafel, and hearty salads fast. Portions travel well for office lunches near SFMOMA, with efficient service during the weekday rush.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken gyro pita, Falafel bowl, Greek salad with feta
What Makes it Special: Greek staples made fast with generous, commuter-friendly portions.
#45
Hummus Bodega
7.9
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Counter-service Israeli/Mediterranean with silky hummus, falafel, and shawarma at friendly prices. Parklet tables keep it casual for quick outdoor lunches or early dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hummus Bowl with Mushrooms, Falafel Pita, Chicken Shawarma Plate
What Makes it Special: Affordable Israeli staples with fast counter flow and outdoor seats.
7.9
Lebanese-focused counter spot near Mission Bay with halal shawarma, kabobs, and mezze; outdoor tables make it an easy, affordable lunch. Portions are generous and the menu is friendly to vegetarians and vegans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Mixed Grill Plate (kebab & kofta), Hummus with Warm Pita
What Makes it Special: Halal Lebanese plates and wraps with big portions and fair prices.
#47
Mezze and Mooore
7.9
Casual Lebanese counter spot known for generous portions and friendly pricing. Go for shawarma, kafta, and hot/cold mezze that travel well for pickup or a low-key dine-in.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hummus with shawarma, Kafta wrap, Halloumi plate with za’atar
What Makes it Special: Straightforward Lebanese fare with standout value and portions.
7.9
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Counter-service Mediterranean spot for gyros, kebabs, and mezze with sidewalk tables on busy Columbus. Quick, affordable plates and house-made sauces make it an easy al fresco choice steps from Washington Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb-Beef Gyro Wrap, Mixed Grill Plate (kebab trio), Baklava
What Makes it Special: House-made sauces and halal kebabs served fast at sidewalk tables.
#49
opa cafe
7.9
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Corner café and deli turning out shawarma plates, salads, and wraps with a few outdoor seats for quick, affordable meals. Expect friendly counter service, large portions, and a menu that works for mixed diets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Falafel & Hummus Plate, Grilled Salmon Plate
What Makes it Special: Counter-service Mediterranean plates with wallet-friendly pricing and sidewalk seating.
#50
Pasha SF
7.9
Mediterranean grill and hookah lounge pairing kebabs and flatbreads with a lively, late-night scene. Groups come for shareable meze, drinks, and a buzzy patio on Geary.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adana kebab, Kusbasi flatbread, Kunefe
What Makes it Special: Lounge energy with Turkish-leaning grills and late hours.