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MAC San Francisco - Restaurants - Middle Eastern
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Ali Baba's Cave


Great shawermas and falafel
531 Haight Street
(Between Steiner and Fillmore streets)
San Francisco, CA 94117
United States
+1 415 255 7820
Stop by this Lower Haight Mediterranean joint for a cheap, yummy meal. The service is fast. Order at the counter and watch as the line cooks whip up shawermas, falafel and salads. Try to snag the back room, where you can recline on pillows as you eat your meal. If that does not happen, you can either sit at a table or order your meal to take home. Either way, it costs less than a trip to the grocery store.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Ali Baba's Cave photo by Brian Walsh
Photo: Brian Walsh
 

 
Arabi


Quick and easy
101 Spear Street, Suite 222
San Francisco, CA 94105-1554
United States
+1 415 243 8575
This seemingly undistinguished lunch counter serves up some of the best Palestinian food in The City. It is actually one of the very few that do at all. Spicy Felafel sandwiches are only slightly less tempting than the Kabobs of perfectly marinated chicken or beef. For something lighter, there's Mezza, a refreshing yogurt-based dish made with wheat, eggplant, squash and chickpeas. The service itself is quick once you make it to the head of the line and the prices cannot be beat.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Avatar's


A little of everything
2656 Bridgeway
San Francisco, CA 94965-1400
United States
+1 415 332 8083
There are all sorts of fusion cuisines going on these days but none quite like what you will find here at this unassuming little family-run restaurant. The food is Indian. Not a region of India, but a little of every kind of regional cooking from that subcontinent. But the fusion does not end there. The menu includes whatever strikes the fancy of the owners, so next to the Vegetable Samosas you'll find Spinach Ravioli and a specialty of the house, a Punjabi Tostada. It all tastes great, especially with the house-made Chutney and Tamarind Sauce. The chat from the family that cooks and serves is engaging and so are the crowds that include locals, tourists and retirees.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Axum


Ethiopian Delights
698 Haight Street
(at Pierce Street)
San Francisco, CA 94117
United States
+1 415 252 7912
http://www.axumcafe.com/
There are two things you should know about this Lower Haight fave: The food is spicy and the honey wine is strong. The menu is limited, but it has something for both veggie and meat lovers. The best bet is to order a combination platter. It comes on top of some injera, an enormous squishy pancake used to mop up sauce. It will be smothered with helpings of stewed meats, vegetables or both. Gathered around this luscious feast with friends and loved ones, you (and your stomach) will be happy as can be.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Axum photo by islanddave
Photo: islanddave
 

 
Aziza


An Exquisite Dinner!
5800 Geary Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94121
United States
+1 415 752 2222
http://www.aziza-sf.com/
Once you step inside Aziza, the bustle of Geary Boulevard is sealed off and you feel as though you've entered another world. The romantic interior, with its blue and red hues, mild lighting, and typically Moroccan modern design features doesn't overwhelm you; it just serves as a sensual backdrop to a truly memorable meal. Aziza's cuisine is Moroccan/French contemporary, and there is truly something for everyone, including many vegetarian options. For a light starter, try the County Line Wild Arugula, served with persimmon, Humboldt Fog cheese and almonds. Anything the dinner menu advertises is worth eating, from lamb to fish to heart vegetables to the sweet, circular treat called basteeya, a Moroccan specialty. Aziza is also famous for its creative cocktails - try "Coconut Milk," made of rose, horchata and rum. Paid valet parking available every night.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Aziza photo by Thor Muller
Photo: Thor Muller
Aziza photo by Milan Andric
Photo: Milan Andric
Aziza photo by katie carroll
Photo: katie carroll
 

 
Bistro 9


Fresh Taste in the Sunset
1224 9th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94122
United States
+1 415 753 3919
http://www.bistro9sf.com/
Amidst the sports bars and Irish pubs of the Sunset District lies Bistro 9: a fresh look, feel and flavor for the area. Choose to sit outside on the patio, or enjoy the peaceful and decorative ambiance of the interior. Bistro 9 is known for its rotisserie chicken and beef, so be sure to order them yourself and see what everyone else is raving about. They offer great service and very reasonable prices.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Cafe Istanbul


Magical location
525 Valencia Street
(at the corner of 16th Street)
San Francisco, CA 94110
United States
+1 415 863 8854
This vision from the Arabian Nights is an unusual and welcome change from the usual late-night scene. Here, seated on the floor at low tables or on chairs at tables of the usual Western height, you can sip sweet and strong Moroccan tea or a thimble-sized cup of dark and potent Turkish coffee. There is a delightful selection of Middle Eastern delicacies to nibble on in this laid-back setting. Twice nightly on Wednesdays, belly dancers perform under the tent-like ceiling, adding to the exotic mood. Note: Cash only.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Fattoush


Simmered and delicious
1361 Church Street
(between Clipper and 26th streets)
San Francisco, CA 94114
United States
+1 415 641 0678
http://www.fattoush.com/
The warm and inviting decor of this casually chic spot with dark wood wainscotting, immaculate white table linens and a chandelier that is as ebulliently large as it is beautiful attracts foodies from all over the city. Join the local upscale crowd for delicious Braised Lamb, Chicken simmered in a lemony yogurt sauce, and fresh grilled fish dishes enhanced with piquant sauces. For dessert, there are wonderful offerings of Baklava swimming in a light citrusy honey, as well as other, equally rich date and/or nut pastries. The service is quick and friendly.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Fruitful Grounds


Mellow ambiance
1813 Fulton Street
(at the corner of Masonic Avenue)
San Francisco, CA 94117-1213
United States
+1 415 221 1876
The food at this comfortably Bohemian spot is only slightly more interesting than the crowd. It is a mix of upscale types, staff from the nearby hospital, students from USF, hippies and working class residents. As for the menu, it is a selection of carefully prepared Middle Eastern fare such as falafels, baba ganoush and hummus with coffee house favorites such as smoothies and scones. The coffee is house-roasted to an intense but slightly sweet flavor and fuels the bustling morning crowd as effectively as the mellower crowd that lingers over books and newspapers. The service is personable. Payment is in cash only.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Just Like Home


Middle Eastern comfort food
1924 Irving Street
San Francisco, CA 94122-1714
United States
+1 415 681 3337
If you are craving freshly made Baba Ganouj or real Persian-style yogurt, this is the place to go. The ambiance is pure '50s Americana with red vinyl booths, but the selection of imported olives and house-made stuffed grape leaves make this a far more enriching delicatessen experience. You can also get Coleslaw, Potato Salad and an excellent selection of sandwiches made to order. The family that runs this nice find is equally adept in both cuisine worlds and everyone always has a ready smile to go with that Tuna Melt or Falafel.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Kan Zaman


Hookah & Dine
1793 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
United States
+1 415 751 9656
The romantic atmosphere, the scent of flavored tobacco, and the Middle Eastern decor will win you over upon entering this charming restaurant/hookah bar. Stop in with friends for a drink and unwind with some hookah. For lunch or dinner, sit back and relax on plush pillows, and enjoy the occasional belly dancers as they lure you into the international vibe and music.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Kasbah


Opulent and delicious
200 Merrydale Road
(North San Pedro exit from 101)
San Francisco, CA 94903
United States
+1 415 472 6666
Marrakesh natives and gracious hosts, the Lahlou Brothers insist that their food be as authentic as the setting. The popular restaurant situated in an adobe building is elegantly appointed with rich area rugs, brass lamps, and tents in the two dining rooms. They also insist on using free-range meats and poultry as well as organic vegetables whenever possible. Start with the lentil soup that is deliberately light so as to pique, not stifle, the appetite. For a main course, the Lamb Tangine is honey-based with raisins and almonds with a smokey sweet-and-sour flavor that is unforgettable. The eclectic wine list ranges from Portugal to France to local vintages and are well-priced, starting at $9 a bottle.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Lapis


Sleek and chic
The Embarcadero at Bay
Pier 33
San Francisco, CA 94104
United States
+1 415 982 0203
Killer views and an outstanding selection of Middle Eastern cuisine make this a destination restaurant for foodies. Menu items at this sleekly contemporary eatery include a wonderful array of expertly seasoned and grilled meats and poultry, as well as seafood items such as spicy Crab Cakes and stews that are rich and flavorful. The wine list has selections from the United States, Europe and the Middle East. The Lebanese vintages get consistently high marks from the upscale clientele, both local and tourist, who seek this place out. The wait staff is well trained and witty.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Lapis photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Marrakech


Richly delicious
419 O'Farrell Street
(at the corner of Gough Street)
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States
+1 415 776 6717
In a plush setting full of luxurious carpets and rare art fit for a pasha, six-course meals are served by an attentive but unobtrusive wait staff that brings one delight after another to the upscale local and tourist crowd. All dinners come with couscous and a delicious assortment of flatbreads that complement the hearty main dishes such as Lamb with Apricots or Sicy Stewed Chicken. Plates of olives pique the appetite between courses. Dessert is sweet mint tea with fresh fruit, a perfect end to an exquisite meal.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Medjool Restaurant Lounge


Aromatic Cuisine with a California flair at Medjool Lounge
2518 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94110
United States
+1 415 550 9055
http://www.medjoolsf.com
Named after an aromatic fruit found in the tombs of the Pharahos, Medjool lives up to it's namesake of rare delicacies. Whether you're looking for a fine French entree, a Middle Eastern appetizer or a taste of the Mediterranean you can find it at this unique restaurant in the heart of the Mission District. Medjool combines vivid decor with a diverse menu to offer patrons a memorable dining experience. Catering to various palates and schedules, you can grab a full meal in the restaurant or catch a casual snack in the cafe. Choose dishes ranging from Tunisian braised olives stuffed with lamb and parsley to a pita pizzetta complemented by the colorful atmosphere. For a complete menu and information regarding reservations, visit their website.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Medjool Restaurant Lounge photo by Anup Sekhar
Photo: Anup Sekhar
 

 
Native American Arts Festival


Art, Music, Dance & More
701 Mission Street
(Yerba Buena Gardens)
San Francisco, CA 94103-3138
United States
+1 415 978 2787
This one-day festival takes place outdoors and features a variety of entertainment possibilities to enjoy. It is where you can listen to the jazz melodies of A Gathering of Ancestors, watch traditional Native American dances, and gather for storytelling. It also offers art exhibits and craft workshops. The all day event is not only fun, it is an educational and cultural experience. This festival is free. Some vendors may take credit cards.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Pasha


Fit for a king
1516 Broadway
(between Van Ness & Polk Streets)
San Francisco, CA 94109
United States
+1 415 885 4477
http://www.pasharestaurant.com/
It is like dining in a sultan's tent here. Elegant and expensive carpets, velvet banquettes and opulent fittings combined with a wait staff that's efficient and decked out like characters from the Arabian Nights. The food here is fit for a sultan, Broiled or Grilled Lamb, Beef, Chicken and Quail served on steaming beds of Couscous and accompanied by a treasure trove of side dishes such as Dolmades, imported olives, Baba Ganoush and a selection of flatbreads. Belly dancers perform nightly and diners are often invited to join them.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Samovar Tea Lounge


A Truly International Experience
730 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
United States
+1 415 227 9400
http://www.samovartea.com/html...
Samovar Tea Lounge brings a unique mixture of cuisines to downtown San Francisco with its tea services from four continents and seven countries. Each tea service comes with a full meal from the selected country, and other dishes are available as well - including an all-day brunch. Samovar Tea Lounge offers a wide variety of teas (including certified fair trade and organic), which they also sell to take home. In addition, the lounge provides catering for parties of up to 250 people.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Truly Mediterranean


Small but savory
3109 16th Street
(at Valencia Street)
San Francisco, CA 94103
United States
+1 415 751 7482
http://www.trulymed.com/
Authentic and delicious Middle Eastern food is found at this bright and boisterous eatery popular with locals, students, and yuppies. The cheerful, efficient counter staff serves up huge rolled lavosh sandwiches, and a succulent lamb or chicken shawarma sliced from the rotisserie when you order. Pita sandwiches come with a variety of fillings above and beyond the usual falafel while the sides of baba ganoush, cucumber salads and hummus could almost make a meal in themselves.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Truly Mediterranean photo by James
Photo: James
Truly Mediterranean photo by cardhouse.com
Photo: cardhouse.com
 

 
Yaya Cuisine


A Mesopotamian meal
2424 Van Ness Street
(between Union and Green)
San Francisco, CA 94109-182
United States
+1 415 440 0455
http://www.yayacuisine.com/
Another venture of the famed restaurateur Yahya Salih, Yaya Cuisine in San Francisco's Marina neighborhood, brings in a touch of the majestic deserts. This mix of Iraqi, Middle Eastern, Mesopotamian and Californian fare will have you reeling with flavors! The ambiance may not be spectacular but the food is worth a try if only for its "exotic" appeal. Try dishes like the Ancient Nomad Kebe, the recipe of which dates back to 612 B.C!

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
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