Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Aziza
Mourad Lahlou’s refined Moroccan cooking in a neighborhood setting.
Notable Picks
#1
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.
#2
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.
#3
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.
#4
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.
#5
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.
8.4
Quick-service Afghan kebab counter turning out juicy skewers, bolani, and rice plates a block from the office towers. Reliable execution and generous portions make it a strong downtown Middle Eastern option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Combination kebab plate, Bolani (stuffed flatbread), Aushak or mantu (dumplings)
What Makes it Special: Afghan grilled meats and bolani served fast with hearty portions.
#7
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.
8.4
Afghan mainstay known for tender lamb, pumpkin kaddo, and hand-filled mantu in a comfortable, white-tablecloth setting. Locals come for hearty family-style spreads and reliable hospitality on the Van Ness corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kaddo Borwani (sweet pumpkin with yogurt), Mantu (beef dumplings, yogurt & mint), Lamb Shank with dill rice
What Makes it Special: Classic Afghan dishes executed with depth and balance.
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.
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Persian standards—juicy kabobs, saffron basmati, and slow-cooked stews—delivered with steady execution in a compact downtown dining room. Locals use it for hearty weeknights and relaxed celebrations with reliable pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Koobideh kabob, Joojeh (saffron chicken), Fesenjan (pomegranate-walnut stew)
What Makes it Special: Charbroiled kabobs and classic Persian stews with saffron rice.
8.3
Afghan comfort cooking centered on charcoal-grilled kabobs, bolani, and long-simmered stews. Locals come for generous plates, aromatic rice, and steady execution just off First Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Qabili Pallow (lamb with raisin-carrot rice), Bolani (stuffed flatbread), Lamb Shank
What Makes it Special: Charcoal kabobs and saffron rice plates with Afghan staples.
8.3
Mediterranean standby with GF-marked mezze and grills, plus a patio for al fresco spreads. Consistent execution on kebabs and veggies keeps it in rotation for gluten-free date nights and small celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Chops (GF), Stuffed Peppers, Grilled Halloumi
What Makes it Special: Mediterranean menu with clearly labeled GF sides and mains.
#13
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.
#14
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.
#15
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.
#17
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.
#18
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.
8.2
Casual Yemeni kitchen near the theater district known for long-simmered stews, fresh house bread, and charcoal-kissed kababs. A reliable stop before shows with portions that favor sharing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Haneeth (slow-roasted lamb), Saltah with hulba, Mixed kabab platter
What Makes it Special: Hard-to-find Yemeni staples executed with care and warmth.
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.
#21
Laguna Cafe
8
A hookah lounge-meets-Middle Eastern café, Laguna is known for its late-night vibe, solid mezzes, and relaxed social atmosphere. Locals come for the hookah experience but stay for the hummus, falafel, and kebabs. It’s one of the few spots in the neighborhood to blend dining and lounge in one space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hummus & warm pita, Chicken Kebab, Falafel platter
What Makes it Special: Hookah + dining in one Middle Eastern lounge
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.
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.
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.
#25
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.
#27
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.
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Healthy Haven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Fast-casual Middle Eastern bowls, wraps, and plates tailored to FiDi lunchers with efficient lines and fresh-baked pita. The build-your-own format keeps orders quick while delivering solid, customizable shawarma and falafel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma plate, Falafel wrap with tahini, Steak shawarma bowl
What Makes it Special: Customizable shawarma and falafel with fresh pita and rapid service.
#29
Savor
7.9
Plant-forward Arabic café from chef Mohamed Aboghanem (ex-Saha) serving soups, mezze, and modern vegetarian plates. Locals use it for wholesome lunches and light dinners near the park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jackfruit Shawarma, Lentil Soup, Mezze Sampler
What Makes it Special: Vegetarian Arabic plates with bright, spice-forward flavors.
#30
Silk Road
7.9
Long-running Mediterranean/Middle Eastern spot mixing kebabs, pomegranate chicken, and hearty rice plates. A flexible menu and generous portions make it dependable for mixed-taste groups downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb shank with saffron rice, Pomegranate chicken, Beef/lamb kebab plate
What Makes it Special: Hearty kebabs and saffron-rice plates built for sharing.
#31
Sultan's Kebab
7.9
A family-run Turkish grill anchored by charcoal-fired kebabs and a surprisingly serious dessert program—the kunafa alone draws a dedicated following separate from the savory regulars. Seventeen years in a Pleasanton office park, with generous portions that keep the Tri-Valley lunch crowd loyal despite periodic price bumps. The setting is purely functional, but the kitchen operates with enough technique and imported ingredients to outperform the strip-mall framing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kunafa, Iskender, Adana Kebab
What Makes it Special: Turkish grill with a kunafa dessert program that draws as much praise as the kebabs themselves
#32
Big Baba Eats
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Neighborhood counter-service spot blending Mediterranean staples with deli-style comfort. Shawarma plates and falafel wraps lead the menu, with generous portions and quick turnaround suiting weeknights and takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma Plate, Falafel Wrap, Beef Kofta Plate
What Makes it Special: Generous, fast Mediterranean plates and wraps at budget-friendly prices.
#33
Kabob House
7.8
Neighborhood Persian counter-service focused on kabob platters, stews, and family trays for takeout. Portions are generous and pricing fair, making it a reliable weeknight option near Broadway Plaza.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken koobideh platter, Beef barg kabob, Ghormeh sabzi stew
What Makes it Special: Kabob platters and Persian stews sized right for takeout.
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Casual Turkish/Kurdish spot focused on kebabs, gyros, and mezze at wallet-friendly prices. Takeout moves quickly, but there’s enough seating for a no-fuss neighborhood meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adana Kebab Plate, Falafel Wrap, Lentil Soup
What Makes it Special: Hand-formed kebabs and generous plates at true budget pricing.
#35
Oasis Grill
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Healthy Haven
Business Lunch Power Players
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Downtown fast-casual spot focused on shawarma, kebabs, and salads with halal proteins. Portions are generous and service is built for grab-and-go weekday lunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma wrap, Beef/lamb kebab plate, Falafel salad
What Makes it Special: Halal shawarma and kebabs served quickly with downtown-friendly pricing.
7.8
Counter-service Middle Eastern standby for falafel, shawarma, and build-your-own plates, with a few outdoor seats for quick al fresco meals. Praised for fresh herbs, crisp fry work, and fast ticket times.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel plate with hummus, Chicken shawarma wrap, Lamb kebab plate
What Makes it Special: Speedy, herb-forward plates and wraps with budget-friendly pricing.
#37
Aegean Delights
7.7
Compact Castro sweets shop focused on Greek and Turkish desserts, coffee, and gifts. It’s a quick-stop destination for baklava, kataifi, and strong Greek/Turkish coffee before or after a neighborhood stroll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baklava (varieties), Kataifi, Greek/Turkish coffee
What Makes it Special: Dedicated Greek/Turkish sweets counter with strong coffee service.
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Casual counter-service Mediterranean with shawarma, kefta, and platters at wallet-friendly prices. A straightforward pick for quick lunches and takeout near the Bonanza corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma wrap, Falafel plate, Beef kefta
What Makes it Special: No-frills Mediterranean plates and wraps with fast ticket times.
7.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Lower Nob Hill’s counter spot for Berlin-style doner, crisp fries, and quick combos. Efficient service and consistent carvings make it an easy lunch or casual dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken doner sandwich, Beef doner box with salad, Garlic fries
What Makes it Special: German-style doner carved to order with fast turnaround.
#40
Falafel City
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Counter-service Mediterranean spot doing fast falafel, shawarma, and hefty platters at wallet-friendly prices. Popular with downtown workers and students for quick, filling meals and late errand runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel wrap, Chicken shawarma plate, Gyro fries
What Makes it Special: Speedy halal wraps and plates at true budget prices.
#41
Maykadeh
7.7
A decades-old Persian kitchen in North Beach built around charcoal-grilled kababs and slow-cooked stews like fesenjoon, holding steady on tradition rather than trend. The dining room seats groups comfortably and works for a quiet solo meal, though experiences can vary—regulars who know what to order tend to leave happier than walk-ins. It rewards repeat visits and a tight ordering lane more than adventurous exploration of the full menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barg, Fesenjoon, Lamb Chops
What Makes it Special: Long-running Persian kitchen in North Beach serving traditional kababs and stews with decades of consistency
#42
Oasis Restaurant
7.7
Downtown Mediterranean favorite pairing kababs and mezzes with a wine-friendly lounge setting. Works for casual celebrations when you want a scene without the splurge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Kabab Plate, Hummus & Lavash, Lamb Shank
What Makes it Special: Wine-friendly lounge vibe with approachable Mediterranean plates.
7.7
Corner market with a hot counter turning out falafel, pita sides, and budget-friendly plates alongside pizzas and sandwiches. Locals use it for quick, no-frills meals with consistent value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Sandwich, Hummus with Pita, Chicken Skewer Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Market counter serving falafel and Middle Eastern staples at low prices.
#44
Sababa
7.7
A made-to-order falafel counter tuned for the Financial District lunch rush—walk in, build a bowl or wrap, and get back to your desk without denting your wallet. The format rewards solo efficiency over group dining, and the straightforward Middle Eastern lineup keeps the kitchen focused on a narrow set of staples rather than stretching across a broad menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel, Hummus, Pita
What Makes it Special: Fast-casual Middle Eastern counter serving made-to-order falafel and bowls in the Financial District
7.7
Build-your-own bowls, salads, and pita wraps with falafel or shawarma served at a quick counter and small outdoor area off 2nd Street. A reliable SoMa option for fresh, customizable Mediterranean on the go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Bowl with Hummus & Pickles, Chicken Shawarma Pita, Freekeh Salad with Tahini
What Makes it Special: Fast, customizable bowls and pitas with fresh veggies and sauces.
7.7
Counter-friendly Afghan and Persian plates—qabili palaw, koobideh, and stews—at attainable prices on Polk. Good for weeknight takeout or a quick sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Qabili (Kabuli) Palaw, Koobideh Kabob, Mantu
What Makes it Special: Approachable Afghan–Persian favorites with solid portions for the price.
#47
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
What Makes it Special: Halal-friendly shawarma and kebabs with ample outdoor seating.
7.7
All-day Turkish-leaning cafe blending brunch staples with pide, meze, and kebabs. A practical Mid-Market option for a menemen breakfast or a quick adana/gyro plate later in the day.
Must-Try Dishes:
Menemen (eggs with peppers & tomatoes), Adana kebab plate, Cheese pide
What Makes it Special: Turkish breakfast-to-dinner menu with pide, meze, and kebabs.
#49
Zitouna
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Counter-service Mediterranean with Tunisian lean—shawarma wraps, merguez plates, and salads—priced for casual weeknight dinners. Friendly service and generous portions make it a reliable neighborhood stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shawarma Wrap, Merguez Plate, Mechouia Salad
What Makes it Special: Tunisian-influenced counter spot with hearty portions and fair prices.
#50
Cafe Elena
7.6
Family-run Mediterranean/Middle Eastern counter operating since 1998 inside One Market’s Plates food court. Quick plates, shawarma, and fresh juices built for office-hour efficiency.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma plate, Kofta wrap, Lentil soup
What Makes it Special: Long-running downtown stall delivering fast plates and fresh juices.