Top 17 turkish restaurants in San Francisco
Turkish restaurants in San Francisco offer a unique and delicious dining experience. These establishments serve up traditional Turkish dishes, such as kebabs, pilaf, and baklava, made with halal meats and fresh spices. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, these restaurants provide a taste of Turkey in the heart of San Francisco. Whether you're in the mood for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Turkish restaurants in San Francisco are a must-try for any food lover.
1. Lokma
Family-owned, homemade recipes, wide variety of vegetarian options

The staff at this establishment is highly regarded for their friendly and attentive service. They are known to be helpful and go out of their way to ensure that guests have a positive dining experience.
The food served is delicious and varied, with options including grilled chicken and zucchini dolmas. The flavors are bold and the ingredients are fresh, resulting in dishes that are both tasty and juicy. The kitchen staff is well-informed, skillfully preparing each dish to perfection.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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2. A La Turca
Featuring a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as belly dancing performances on weekends.

A La Turca is a Turkish restaurant located on Geary near Polk, an area that is steadily improving. The restaurant stands out with its authentic Turkish dishes and welcoming atmosphere. Fresh flowers adorn every table, and the walls are decorated with vibrant murals. The service is prompt and high-quality, adding to the overall positive dining experience.
The food at A La Turca is not only authentic and delicious but also maintains its quality even during delivery. Whether you dine in or opt for delivery, you can expect consistent and fast service, as well as food that tastes fresh and flavorful. The restaurant is owned by Turks, ensuring that the dishes are true to Turkish cuisine and traditions. The welcoming atmosphere, prompt service, and delicious food make A La Turca a great choice for anyone seeking authentic Turkish dishes.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
3. Kitchen Istanbul
Family-owned for over 20 years, Homemade Turkish delight and baklava

The food at this establishment is highly regarded for its delectable taste, tender lamb, and consistent quality. Popular dishes include a variety of spreads served with warm pita bread, zucchini fritters, shrimp, moussaka, and kunefe.
The service at this restaurant is noteworthy for its speed, helpfulness, friendly demeanor, and welcoming attitude. Staff members are commended for wearing masks and gloves during the pandemic, contributing to a safe and comfortable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Corporate Events
- Vegan Options
4. Taksim
Live traditional music on weekends, Friendly and knowledgeable staff, Freshly baked pide bread

Taksim offers a dynamic menu that changes with the seasons, utilizing fresh ingredients to create dishes such as Mediterranean mixed olives and savory lamb chops. The restaurant's atmosphere is warm and inviting, with staff providing excellent service to guests. Two standout dishes include the shish kebab, grilled to perfection, and the baklava, a sweet and flaky dessert.
The Mediterranean mixed olives and lamb chops are among the most popular items on Taksim's seasonally-inspired menu. Dining at Taksim is a unique experience with a cozy ambiance and excellent service. For those looking to indulge in something sweet, the shish kebab and baklava are must-try dishes. This restaurant is committed to providing exceptional dining experiences with fresh and flavorful offerings.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
5. Bursa
Live music on weekends, Traditional Turkish decor

Mediterranean cuisine is known for its fresh and flavorful dishes. The appetizer sampler platter is a great way to experience a variety of these delicious offerings. One standout component of the platter is the creamy hummus, which is made from chickpeas and tahini. Another highlight is the chicken kebabs, which are juicy and well-seasoned. The feta cheese cigars are also a popular choice, with their delightful combination of flaky pastry and tangy cheese.
In addition to being delicious, Mediterranean food is also praised for its health benefits. The dishes are often made with fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The chicken kebabs, for example, are a lean source of protein that is grilled rather than fried. The hummus is a good source of fiber and protein, while the feta cheese cigars offer a delicious way to get a serving of dairy. Overall, Mediterranean food is a tasty and nutritious choice.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Dinner
6. Geary Kebab House
Family-owned, uses traditional recipes and spices

The kebab is a highly regarded dish among many customers, known for its delicious flavor and high quality. It is often praised for its authenticity, with some customers going so far as to call it the most authentic Turkish food they have had outside of Turkey. This includes customers who have previously lived in areas with large Turkish communities, such as Germany.
The pide, adana, and ayran at this establishment are all held in high regard, with customers raving about their authenticity and delicious taste. Those who have had Turkish food in other parts of the world, such as Germany, have said that this is some of the most authentic Turkish cuisine they have had the pleasure of tasting outside of Turkey. From the pide to the ayran, this establishment offers a truly delightful and authentic Turkish culinary experience.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
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7. Ararat Kebab & Gyros
Halal menu, Cozy and family-friendly atmosphere

Ararat Kebab & Gyros is a restaurant that provides a great dining experience with Turkish music and a spotlessly clean environment. The food served is delicious and offers generous portions at reasonable prices. Their lamb and beef gemuse gyro kebab, as well as the doner kebab, are highly recommended. Additionally, their rice pudding is a must-try - it's creamy and perfectly sweet.
If you're looking for the best Turkish-style kebabs in town, Ararat Kebab & Gyros is the place to go. This small Tenderloin restaurant specializes in take-out gyro wraps under bright fluorescent lights. The combo shish kebab plate is a popular choice, featuring a hearty mix of charred lamb and juicy chicken shish kebab, kofte with generous amounts of garlic, cumin, and mint, and a spicy hot sauce. You'll also get some gyro slices to round out the meal.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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8. Lale
Live music on weekends, hookah lounge, belly dancing performances

Lale is a wonderful brunch spot located in the Inner Sunset, charming and inviting despite its urban setting. The restaurant specializes in Mediterranean-Turkish cuisine with a California twist, resulting in dishes that are both fresh and flavorful.
Upon visiting Lale, guests are immediately struck by the beauty of the plating and the freshness of the ingredients. The menu features a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences, all of which are well-received by patrons. The restaurant's atmosphere is a perfect blend of coziness and sophistication, making it an ideal spot for both casual and special occasions.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Weekend Dining
9. Troya Restaurant
Cozy and welcoming atmosphere, Homemade bread and sauces

Turkish cuisine is known for its diverse, authentic, and delicious flavors. The use of fresh and quality ingredients in Turkish dishes makes them popular among food lovers. The food ranges from hot and cold mezes, grilled meats, fresh fish, and vegetarian options, catering to different dietary preferences.
The Turkish dining experience is characterized by friendly, attentive, and professional service. The staff go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and provide excellent customer service. From greeting guests at the door to recommending dishes, the team is dedicated to ensuring a memorable and enjoyable dining experience. Their expertise adds to the overall positive atmosphere, creating a warm and inviting ambiance for all guests.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
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10. TRULY Mediterranean
Live music on weekends, belly dancing performances

The Mediterranean takeout spot, located in the Mission, is known for its delicious wraps and plates with generous portion sizes. It stands out as one of the top Turkish restaurants in the area. The lamb shawarma wrap is a must-try, as it is one of the best offered at any Turkish restaurant. The flavors are authentic, traditional, and true to the cuisine, while the meat is carefully prepared and skillfully cooked to perfection.
This establishment excels in serving authentic Turkish dishes, particularly their lamb shawarma wrap. The quality of the ingredients, combined with the excellence of the cooking techniques, results in outstanding flavors and textures. The lamb shawarma wrap is exceptionally delicious, combining tender, well-seasoned meat with a blend of spices and ingredients that create a standout culinary experience. The restaurant's popularity and reputation are well-deserved, and it continues to be a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its high-quality Turkish dishes.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
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11. Van Ness Cafe & Gyros
Family-owned and operated, uses traditional Turkish recipes and spices

San Francisco can be an intimidating place, particularly in the vicinity of Van Ness Cafe & Gyro. However, this cafe provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The ambiance is quietly serene, and the staff are friendly, thoughtful, and skilled at preparing delicious food. The cafe caters to a variety of dietary restrictions, with halal meats, pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan options available.
I recently relocated to the area and have been delighted to discover the high-quality lamb and beef gyros served at Van Ness Cafe & Gyro. In fact, I believe they are superior to all the gyros I have tried across the United States in my travels over many years. I have learned that the cafe prepares the gyro meat themselves, which I believe contributes to their exceptional taste. I recommend trying the Alexander Kebab, which is also made with beef and lamb gyro meat.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
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12. SF Kebab
Cozy atmosphere, Fast and friendly service, Generous portions

If you're in San Francisco and looking for a delicious Turkish dining experience, SF Kebab is an excellent choice. The establishment is known for its savory and well-seasoned kebabs, which will not disappoint. The service at SF Kebab is also top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff who make sure guests are well taken care of.
For those craving a taste of authentic Turkish cuisine, the lamb and beef gyro plate is a must-try at SF Kebab. The meat is incredibly tender and flavorful, and the dish is generously portioned, making it a great value for the price. Overall, SF Kebab is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a delicious and memorable Turkish meal in San Francisco.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
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13. PRESIDIO KEBAB
Serves traditional Turkish tea and baklava

The outdoor seating at this establishment provides a spacious and delightful ambiance, with customers praising it as cozy, amazing, and overall wonderful. The food served here has received high acclaim for its taste and quality. Standout dishes include the Dolmas and the Lamb & Beef Gyro Salad, both of which are highly recommended.
In addition to the recommended dishes, the pita bread and hummus served here are also noteworthy. Customers have raved about the delicious taste and high quality of these offerings. The positive feedback extends to the overall dining experience, with customers expressing their satisfaction and enjoyment.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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14. Sumac | Modern Street Food
Cozy and intimate atmosphere with knowledgeable and friendly staff

Sumac, a modern street food restaurant located near Union and Leavenworth, is a must-visit for tourists who have just explored the famous Lombard Curvy Street. The restaurant offers a variety of delicious and spicy wraps, such as the Butcher's Kofte and the Red Lentil wraps. To finish off the meal, customers can enjoy a delicious banana pudding for dessert.
Sumac provides a Mediterranean dining experience that features fresh and high-quality ingredients in each dish. Meat lovers can indulge in the meatball wrap, while vegetarians can enjoy the meze flight that comes with hummus, baba ganoush, and muhammara. The restaurant's authentic Mediterranean experience is sure to impress customers seeking a fresh and flavorful meal.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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15. Tuba
Live Turkish music performances on weekends.

A large group of us arrived for a meal, having made a last-minute reservation. We were impressed by the excellent service and delicious food. The meze plate was a standout, and our group seemed to have enjoyed every dish they ordered from the menu.
During our dinner for seven, we had a few picky eaters in our group, but they were still able to find something they liked, much to our relief. I personally tried the HunkarBegendi and thought it was excellent. I also enjoyed a glass of Gular G Silver / Cab blend, which was so good that we decided to order a bottle. The service continued to impress, and the noise level remained low enough to allow for easy conversation. It was refreshing to find a high-quality restaurant that offered something other than Latin or Mexican cuisine. Overall, it was a great dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Social Gatherings
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16. Park Gyros
Warm and cozy atmosphere, authentic Turkish ingredients

Park Gyros is known for its delicious and casual Mediterranean food, with a variety of popular dishes such as salad dressing, lamb and beef gyros, lentil soup, falafel plate, and salmon wrap. On this particular night, we were extremely hungry and ordered from Park Gyros. Although their main courses are always delightful, on this occasion, we were particularly interested in their rice pudding to complete an exceptional meal.
Mediterranean cuisine is well-regarded for its flavors and accessibility. At Park Gyros, guests can enjoy a range of options, from salads to wraps to soups. The lamb and beef gyros, for instance, are a favorite among patrons. Similarly, the falafel plate is a popular choice for those seeking a vegetarian option. The lentil soup is also a hit, providing a warm and comforting option for those colder days. And let's not forget about the salmon wrap, which is a refreshing and healthy choice for those watching their diet. But on this particular night, our hunger was only satisfied when we indulged in their delicious rice pudding.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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17. NAR Doner & Grill

TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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