Best Falafel in San Francisco, California
1
Sumac | Modern Street Food
Mediterranean restaurant, Catering food and drink supplier, Caterer, Halal restaurant, Delivery Restaurant, Takeout Restaurant, Soup restaurant, Turkish restaurant, Vegan restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 1096 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Sumac | Modern Street Food in San Francisco, California serves up a delightful mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine with a focus on fresh, healthy ingredients and generous portions. The restaurant specializes in falafel, lentil dishes, and flavorful dips like hummus and muhammara, all served with warm pita bread in a casual takeout-only setting. Their menu caters well to both meat-lovers and vegetarians alike, featuring popular items like their chicken rice bowls, red lentil balls, and house-made sauces that keep locals coming back for more.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviewers comment on the generous portion sizes, often describing the portions as "huge," "ample," "big," and "filling."
Prices: Some reviewers find the prices to be high or overpriced, while others feel the prices are reasonable or fair for the quality and quantity of food. Several consider the food worth the price.
Parking: The reviews do not provide information on whether the restaurant has parking or the parking situation.
2
Mediterranean Aroma
Mediterranean restaurant, Greek restaurant, Gyro restaurant, Halal restaurant, Lebanese restaurant, Middle Eastern restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 900 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Mediterranean Aroma in San Francisco, California, serves up generous portions of authentic Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh, flavorful ingredients. The family-owned establishment is known for their expertly prepared staples like falafel, shawarma, hummus, and kebab platters that keep regulars coming back. The warm, casual atmosphere and friendly service complement their consistently well-executed dishes that come with abundant sides and fresh-baked pita bread.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviewers explicitly comment on the generous portion sizes, consistently describing the portions as large, massive, and more than enough food. Leftovers are frequently mentioned.
Prices: Numerous reviews emphasize the affordable prices, especially considering the generous portion sizes. Many reviewers state that the value is excellent.
Parking: One review mentions a negative parking experience due to the location, but there's no overall consensus on parking availability.
3
Van Ness Cafe & Gyros
Mediterranean restaurant, Grill, Greek restaurant, Gyro restaurant, Halal restaurant, Kebab shop, Turkish restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 826 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109
Van Ness Cafe & Gyros in San Francisco, California, serves up authentic Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine in a cozy, clean atmosphere with friendly service. The menu features generous portions of freshly prepared dishes including gyros, kabobs, and falafel, along with traditional sides like hummus and baba ganoush, all at reasonable prices. Their specialty Turkish desserts, particularly the baklava imported directly from Turkey, provide a sweet finish to the halal dining experience.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviewers comment on the generous portion sizes, often mentioning that they had leftovers. The large portions are frequently cited as a positive aspect of the dining experience.
Prices: Many reviewers mention the affordable prices and good value for the amount of food received.
Parking: One review mentions parking as a challenge.
4
TRULY Mediterranean
Mediterranean restaurant, Falafel restaurant, Greek restaurant, Halal restaurant, Health food restaurant, Kebab shop, Lebanese restaurant, Syrian restaurant, Turkish restaurant
Price Range: $
Address: 3109 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
TRULY Mediterranean, located in San Francisco, California, stands as a long-running establishment serving up authentic Middle Eastern fare with their renowned falafel and shawarma wraps taking center stage. The restaurant specializes in freshly made Mediterranean classics, including lamb and chicken shawarma, kufta kebabs, and their signature crispy falafel, all served with house-made sauces and traditional sides. While operating from a modest space with limited seating, this casual eatery has maintained a loyal following for over three decades with its consistently flavorful dishes and generous portions.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviews comment on generous portion sizes, particularly regarding wraps and platters.
Prices: Reviewers generally consider the prices affordable and fair for the quality and quantity of food.
Parking: One review mentions parking as a problem, but other reviews do not discuss parking.
5
Abu Salim Middle Eastern Grill
Middle Eastern restaurant, Halal restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 1599 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Abu Salim Middle Eastern Grill in San Francisco, California, serves up authentic Palestinian cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. The restaurant is known for its standout dishes including house-made falafel, creamy hummus served with warm pita bread, and perfectly seasoned shawarma and kabob plates that keep locals coming back. The generous portion sizes and friendly, attentive service from the staff create an inviting dining experience where guests are treated like family while enjoying traditional Middle Eastern flavors.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Numerous reviews emphasize the generous portion sizes, often suggesting that dishes are large enough for two people to share. This is consistently cited as a positive aspect of the dining experience.
Prices: Many reviewers comment on the reasonable or affordable prices, especially considering the portion sizes and location. Several refer to it as a good value or a good deal.
Parking: One review mentions difficulty with parking on weekends, suggesting limited or challenging parking availability in the immediate vicinity.
6
SAJJ Mediterranean (SF SoMa)
Mediterranean restaurant, Halal restaurant, Health food restaurant, Middle Eastern restaurant, Salad shop, Sandwich shop
Price Range: $
Address: 636 2nd St, San Francisco, CA 94107
SAJJ Mediterranean (SF SoMa) in San Francisco, California offers a fast-casual dining experience with a diverse menu of Mediterranean favorites served in a build-your-own style format. The restaurant is known for its fresh ingredients and generous portions, featuring everything from falafel and shawarma bowls to wraps and salads, all complemented by their signature complimentary lentil soup. The establishment maintains a casual, cafeteria-style atmosphere where diners can customize their meals with various toppings and sauces, making it a popular lunch spot for locals seeking halal Mediterranean cuisine.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviews praise the generous portion sizes, describing them as "huge," "generous," and "big," often mentioning enough food for two meals. However, some mention receiving less than expected, particularly with falafel.
Prices: Reviews on affordability are mixed. Some reviewers find the prices reasonable or affordable, especially considering the portion sizes. Others find the food overpriced, especially in comparison to other Mediterranean restaurants or given the perceived quality.
Parking: One review mentions that parking may be an issue in the downtown location.
7
Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen
Mediterranean restaurant, Halal restaurant, Turkish restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 2164 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen in San Francisco, California offers a diverse menu of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine in a clean, modern setting. The restaurant serves fresh-made staples like gyros, kabobs, and hummus with warm pita bread, though portion sizes and pricing can be inconsistent. While most patrons enjoy the authentic flavors and friendly service, the dining experience can vary depending on the time of visit and staff working that day.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Opinions on portion sizes are mixed. Some reviewers find the portions generous and filling, while others describe them as small, skimpy, or too little for the price.
Prices: Reviewers have mixed opinions on the affordability of the restaurant's prices. Some find the prices reasonable or acceptable, while others consider them high or overpriced for the portion sizes.
Parking: The reviews do not provide information about parking availability or the parking situation.
8
Oasis Grill
Mediterranean restaurant, Fast food restaurant, Grill store, Halal restaurant, Restaurant, Salad shop
Price Range: $
Address: 711 Market St B, San Francisco, CA 94103
Oasis Grill in San Francisco, California, serves up authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine with a focus on traditional dishes like shawarma, falafel, and mixed grill platters. The bright, casual eatery is known for its generous portions and fresh ingredients, offering everything from tender lamb gyros to crispy falafel wraps with house-made hummus. The restaurant has built a strong reputation for its catering services, consistently delivering quality halal food that stays true to traditional flavors and preparation methods.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviews comment on generous portion sizes, with some explicitly stating that portions were large or extremely generous. However, some negative reviews mention small portions relative to the price.
Prices: Reviews are mixed on pricing. Some reviewers found prices to be reasonable or good value, while others felt the prices were too expensive for the portion sizes or quality of the food.
Parking: One review mentions street parking as being available. There is no further information regarding parking from other reviews.
9
The Halal Guys
Halal restaurant, American restaurant, Falafel restaurant, Gyro restaurant, Lunch restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant
Price Range: $
Address: 336 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102
The Halal Guys in San Francisco, California serves up generous portions of Middle Eastern comfort food in a casual dining atmosphere. Their menu features a variety of meat platters and sandwiches topped with their signature white sauce, alongside classic sides like falafel and hummus. The restaurant maintains consistent food quality and friendly service, though prices tend to run higher than their original New York locations.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Reviews on portion sizes are mixed; some describe portions as 'generous' or 'large', while others say portions are 'small', 'not great', or 'disappointing'.
Prices: Reviewers' opinions on affordability are divided. Some consider the prices reasonable or a good value, while others find them too expensive, especially compared to other locations.
Parking: Parking is a recurring concern, with several reviews mentioning difficulty finding parking or lack of parking. One review mentions easy parking at a late hour.
10
Oasis Grill
Mediterranean restaurant, Catering food and drink supplier, Halal restaurant, Middle Eastern restaurant, Restaurant
Price Range: $
Address: 200 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Oasis Grill in San Francisco, California, is a casual Mediterranean eatery serving up a variety of halal dishes including shawarma wraps, falafel plates, and veggie options. The restaurant's menu features fresh hummus, crispy falafel topped with sesame seeds, and both chicken and lamb shawarma served with traditional accompaniments. The convenient downtown location makes it a popular spot for quick bites and takeout orders, though some diners note the prices reflect its prime city positioning.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Reviews on portion sizes are mixed. Some reviewers found portions to be generous, while others felt they were too small for the price, especially regarding meat portions in lamb dishes.
Prices: Many reviews express concern about high prices and poor value. Several describe the food as overpriced for the quality and quantity received. Hidden fees and inflated prices are also mentioned.
Parking: Parking is not mentioned in the reviews.
Bistro Mediterraneo
Halal restaurant, Deli
Price Range: $
Address: 2955 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121
Bistro Mediterraneo in San Francisco, California, is a charming Mediterranean eatery that serves up a variety of authentic dishes ranging from gyros and falafel to shawarma and traditional soups. The cozy establishment doubles as a small market, offering imported goods and sweets while maintaining a reputation for consistently friendly service and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features generous portions of freshly prepared Mediterranean classics, with their gyros, falafel wraps, and house-made hummus being particular standouts among regular customers.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Reviews on portion sizes are mixed. Some describe portions as generous and others as average or even small, suggesting variability in portion sizes or individual perception.
Prices: Many reviewers comment on the affordable prices and good value, especially considering the quantity of food received. However, there are some mentions of it being average priced.
Parking: One review mentions that parking is not too bad for being in SF. No other reviews discuss parking.
Locali Mediterranean
Mediterranean restaurant, Greek restaurant, Halal restaurant, Restaurant
Price Range: $
Address: 98 Battery St Ste B, San Francisco, CA 94111
Locali Mediterranean in San Francisco, California offers a cozy spot in the Financial District serving up authentic Mediterranean fare at wallet-friendly prices. Their menu highlights include perfectly seasoned gyros, fresh falafel plates, and halal lamb shawarma, all served with generous portions and complementary sides like hummus and pita bread. The family-owned establishment has earned a reputation for its lightning-quick service and exceptionally friendly staff who create a welcoming atmosphere for both lunch rushers and casual diners.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviews emphasize generous portion sizes, describing the plates as "huge" and "hearty servings."
Prices: Reviewers repeatedly praise the affordable prices, noting the value for money and describing the food as "cheap" and "inexpensive."
Parking: The reviews do not provide information about parking availability or customer experiences with parking.
Atlas Bites
Restaurant, Halal restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant
Price Range: $$
Address: 601 Mission Bay Boulevard North, San Francisco, CA 94158
Atlas Bites in San Francisco, California, stands out as a beloved Mediterranean food truck known for serving up authentic halal dishes with a modern twist. The establishment specializes in freshly prepared shawarma wraps, crispy falafel, and flavorful rice bowls, all crafted with high-quality ingredients and generous portions. The family-run business has earned a reputation for its warm hospitality and consistent quality, making it a popular spot among locals seeking genuine Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine in a casual setting.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Many reviews praise the generous portion sizes of the dishes. Customers frequently comment on receiving a lot of food for their money.
Prices: The reviews do not provide information about pricing or value.
Parking: The reviews do not mention parking.
Halal Shop
Halal restaurant
Price Range: $
Address: Alcove C Cesar Chavez Center, 1650 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132
Halal Shop in San Francisco, California, stands out as a beloved campus eatery known for its mouthwatering Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly their signature lamb gyros and chicken over rice dishes. The establishment prides itself on maintaining a spotlessly clean kitchen while delivering consistently delicious meals with generous portions, complemented by their famous white and green sauces. The friendly staff provides swift service in a welcoming atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for both students and locals seeking authentic halal food at reasonable prices.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: Several reviews mention filling portions. One review describes the portions as 'filling', while another notes the lamb and rice dish, while pricey, is substantial.
Prices: Reviews are mixed on pricing. Some find the food 'slightly overpriced' or 'quite pricy,' while others feel it's fairly priced or worth the cost for the quality.
Parking: The reviews do not mention parking availability or the parking situation.
Halal Cart sf
Halal restaurant, Takeout Restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant
Price Range: $
Address: Bank of California Building, 400 California St, San Francisco, CA 94104
Halal Cart sf in San Francisco, California serves up quick and satisfying Middle Eastern fare with friendly service and reasonable prices. The establishment offers a variety of dishes including chicken plates, falafel platters, and rice combinations that come with complimentary beverages. The casual spot has garnered a loyal following for its consistent quality and value-driven menu options under $20.
Known For
Not Noted
Portion Sizes: One review mentions that the Falafel plate is "good food for under $20", suggesting reasonable portion sizes. The other reviews do not directly address portion sizes.
Prices: One review mentions "good food for under $20", indicating affordable prices. Other reviews do not comment on pricing.
Parking: The reviews do not mention anything about parking.