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ZipPicks Awards
Best Middle Eastern in Pleasanton
Master Critic Review
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
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Turkish grill with a kunafa dessert program that draws as much praise as the kebabs themselves
Who should go: Families and kebab lovers seeking authentic Turkish fare
When to visit: Weekday lunch for shorter lines and outdoor seating
What to order: Start with an Iskender or Adana Kebab, add garlic fries to share, and save room for the kunafa — it's the most talked-about item on the menu
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot parking in the Koll Center office park—hundreds of spaces, never an issue even at peak lunch
Dress code: Very casual—counter-service ordering, shorts and t-shirts fit right in
Weekend wait: Expect 20-30 minutes on busy weekends; order at the counter then grab a table
Weekday lunch: Short line, food typically out in 15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options: falafel plate, hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, dolmas, and a falafel wrap with hummus and tahini in lavash
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual first date than a romantic one. The space is spacious and nicely decorated with hanging lights and vibrant decor, but it's counter-service style — you order at the register and food is brought to your table. Conversation is easy thanks to the open layout, and the generous Mediterranean platters make for great sharing. A solid pick if you want a relaxed, low-pressure first meeting rather than a formal dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is a counter-service restaurant, so there are no formal reservations. Walk in, order at the register, and grab a seat. Be aware that weekend lunches can get crowded with wait times of up to 30 minutes after ordering. Weekday visits and off-peak hours are much smoother. The dining area is spacious with plenty of seating, so finding a table is rarely an issue outside peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — there's a dedicated kids menu, the atmosphere is casual and family-oriented, and the noise level is forgiving. Counter-service means no waiting for a server, which helps with impatient little ones. Portions are generous and the menu has plenty of approachable options like wraps, kebabs, and rice platters. A great choice for families with kids of all ages.
Is it good for groups? Yes — the dining area is large and open with plenty of seating to accommodate groups. The counter-service format makes ordering easy for parties of any size, and the shareable platters and generous portions work well for group dining. The space has been described as suitable for hosting parties and gatherings. No reservation needed — just show up, though large groups should avoid peak weekend lunch hours to ensure enough adjacent seating.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — outdoor tables are available, decorated with umbrellas for shade. The outdoor area is a nice option in warm weather. Specific details on heating or covered sections are not confirmed — call ahead at (925) 846-2511 if weather is a concern.
Best For
Better for: Big groups and families who want generous portions of halal Mediterranean at a fair price, with zero parking hassle
Consider Alternatives If: You want a sit-down, full-service dining experience—this is counter-order with food brought to your table
Hours
Monday10am - 10pm
Tuesday10am - 10pm
Wednesday10am - 10pm
Thursday10am - 10pm
Friday10am - 10pm
Saturday10am - 10pm
Sunday10am - 10pm