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oChef » Zitouna – San Francisco
Zitouna - San Francisco
Photo from Zitouna
Zitouna at a glance
San Francisco Seacliff
- 🫒 Mediterranean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 79 of the guests
#29 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Mediterranean Restaurant out of 40 in San Francisco
Excellent
9.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
633
Reviews
94.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Quality food
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Poor acoustics
- Flies
The Mediterranean restaurant in San Francisco’s charming Seacliff neighborhood offers a delightful culinary journey. You’ll discover a welcoming atmosphere where delicious flavors meet thoughtful options, including excellent vegan choices and halal food.
Zitouna invites you to explore its authentic dishes, perfect for any meal, ensuring a memorable dining experience for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Zitouna
Zitouna offers a genuinely warm dining experience, where the inviting atmosphere and attentive staff create a pleasant backdrop for your meal. Many appreciate the clean, simple ambiance and the convenient location, contributing to a relaxing visit.
While the overall impression is highly positive, a few guests have noted minor concerns regarding the acoustics and occasional issues with cleanliness, such as flies. Despite these small points, the restaurant generally provides a welcoming and enjoyable setting.
Excellent
9.1
out of 10
633
Reviews
94.5%
Satisfaction
20
negative
15
neutral
598
positive
Zitouna earns an impressive overall Restaurant Score of 9.1 out of 10, reflecting a consistently high standard. This is strongly supported by an excellent Customer Satisfaction rate of 94.5%, indicating that nearly all diners leave pleased with their experience.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 633 customer opinions, with 598 positive remarks against only 20 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Service (9.4) and Food (9.2) topics stand out as particularly strong, receiving widespread praise for their quality and execution.
The Ambience (8.7) also scores well, contributing to the pleasant dining environment, and the Value (8.3) is considered good, especially given the generous portions. These scores collectively paint a picture of a well-regarded establishment.
What people like
- Exceptional, friendly service
- Delicious, high-quality food
- Generous portions, good value
What people don't like
- Occasional slow service
- Tricky acoustics
- Flies sometimes present
If you’re seeking a restaurant with genuinely friendly service and high-quality Mediterranean fare, Zitouna is certainly worth considering. With a strong Recommendation Score of 9.3, it clearly resonates with most diners looking for a satisfying meal in a welcoming setting.
While there are minor points about occasional slow service or tricky acoustics, the overwhelming positive feedback for the food and hospitality suggests these are infrequent. Zitouna appears to be a reliable choice for a pleasant and well-priced dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Zitouna
Food (9.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
Get ready for a culinary treat! The food here is a definite winner, boasting an excellent score of 9.2 and an impressive 95.4% customer satisfaction. With 371 positive remarks out of 389 total, diners rave about the delicious food, authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and generous portions that truly hit the spot.
However, a few diners noted some minor hiccups among the 9 negative comments. Concerns included dishes being a bit salty, some items like kebab or rice being overcooked, or a shawarma wrap tasting burned, and occasionally lacking that authentic taste.
Food
389
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
9
negative
9
neutral
371
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Generous portions
- Authentic flavors
What people don't like
- Food was salty
- Dishes overcooked
- Lacked authentic taste
Often praised
- foodWe were served the best hummus I have ever tasted, and the Baklava is a must-try; it melts in your mouth and is just wonderful. All the food was perfect. Additionally, the person working there, who I believe was the owner, was super kind.
- portionsThe establishment is run by a wonderful family, and my parents also absolutely loved the place. The food is delicious, and the portions are very generous. Coupled with very reasonable pricing, it's a combination you rarely find in the city anymore.
- falafelThe owners provided exceptional customer service; they were super friendly and generous, truly on another level. (Pictured are their falafel, lamb kabobs, and combination dip platter.)
- food qualityFantastic quality, ingredient quality was obviously prioritized
- hummusHummus was exactly like we had in the Middle East, creamy and delightful
- baklavaMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was amazing, especially the baklava. I also enjoyed their refreshing lemonade.
- generous portionsThe food is of high quality, fresh, well-prepared, and flavorful. Portions are very generous, which is great value, but can be a bit much if you’re not a big eater or short on time. Staff were friendly and welcoming, though service could have been a bit quicker.
- Mediterranean foodIf you like Mediterranean food this is the place to go
- dip platterWe had that as part of the dip platter and all the other dips were yummmm too.
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was kinda salty and didn't have that authentic taste
- Shawarma wrapShawarma wrap was burned from the outside
- authentic tastedidn't have that authentic taste I'm used to
- food in cityHad better in the city
- kebab plate dinnerkebab plate dinner was completely overcooked
- portion sizewish they were a little bit bigger
- riceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The kebab plate dinner was completely overcooked, including the rice. This experience is a reminder why I don’t typically frequent Mediterranean restaurants, especially coming from that background.
If youre seeking delicious, fresh Mediterranean cuisine with generous portions and authentic flavors, this spot is a strong contender. While a few minor issues like saltiness or overcooking were mentioned, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youre in for a delightful meal.
Service (9.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines, boasting an impressive score of 9.4 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 94.3%. With 132 positive remarks out of 140 total comments, guests consistently rave about the friendly staff, kind owners, and warm, attentive service. Many felt like a valued guest thanks to the incredible hospitality and welcoming atmosphere.
However, a handful of the 140 comments did point out some areas for improvement. A few experiences mentioned slow service or extended wait time, and there was one instance of reported cashier rudeness. These isolated incidents stand in contrast to the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Service
140
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
4
negative
4
neutral
132
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Kind, attentive owners
- Genuine hospitality
What people don't like
- Occasional slow service
- Rare cashier rudeness
Often praised
- serviceConvinced it was worth a try, we ordered some for ourselves and wholeheartedly agree! Great service, bright and cozy. It’s a lovely place to enjoy conversation with your meal.
- staffMy husband and I recently had the pleasure of dining at Zitouna, and from the moment we stepped through the door, we felt incredibly welcome and genuinely doted upon. The warmth and attentiveness of the staff created an inviting atmosphere that truly made our experience special. The bright and airy environment itself was wonderfully pleasant, providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and enjoyable meal.
- ownerThe food was delicious, especially their shawarma street sandwich, cheese flatbread, and the rice with chicken and lamb. The people were extremely friendly, particularly the owner. Overall, it was scrumptious food and great people!
- peopleThe décor has warmth — nothing too showy, but clean, bright, inviting. But what truly sets Zitouna apart is the people — and Mehdi is a huge part of that.
- hospitalityI was impressed by the generous portions. The customer service was excellent, complemented by warm hospitality. The ambiance was beautiful, and the prices were affordable.
- ownersThe owners were also super friendly and generous
- ServiceService:5
- customer servicecustomer service was on another level
- familyand family that we were thrilled to support
- friendly staffPortions are very generous, which is great value, but can be a bit much if you’re not a big eater or short on time. Staff were friendly and welcoming, though service could have been a bit quicker. One small drawback: the acoustics.
Frequently criticized
- serviceService is really slow
- cashier rudenessNormally, I don't write reviews if I don't like a place, as I simply won't return. However, this time I felt compelled to share my experience due to the rudeness of the cashier. Beyond that specific interaction, the rest of the experience was nothing to brag about; I've certainly had better in the city.
- wait timeUpon walking in, the restaurant was completely empty. We ordered at the register, and it took 45 minutes for a Shawarma wrap, a hummus plate, and a salad. The food was a bit salty for my taste, and the Shawarma wrap was burned on the outside, likely from being left on the grill too long.
If you prioritize a warm, welcoming atmosphere and genuinely friendly interactions, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a rare slow moment or a less-than-perfect cashier interaction might occur, the overwhelming sentiment points to an exceptional service experience that makes you feel right at home.
Ambience (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, boasting an impressive score of 8.7 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 90.9%. Guests consistently praise the vibe, stylish interior, and welcoming atmosphere, often highlighting details like hand painted birds, music, and lighting. With 70 positive remarks, the open, airy atmosphere and cleanliness clearly leave a lasting impression.
However, a handful of guests, 5 out of 77, did note a few areas for improvement. Some concerns included the acoustics due to high ceilings, a couple of cleanliness observations, and even mentions of flies. While these are minor points compared to the overwhelming praise, they're worth keeping in mind.
Ambience
77
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stylish, welcoming interior
- Great vibe, music
- Clean, airy space
What people don't like
- Poor acoustics
- Cleanliness concerns
- Flies present
Often praised
- atmosphereThe warmth and attentiveness of the staff created an inviting atmosphere that truly made our experience special. The bright and airy environment itself was wonderfully pleasant, providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and enjoyable meal. And the food!
- vibeThe vibe, music, ambiance…all so great.
- ambiancehad a clean, simple ambiance that felt welcoming without trying too hard.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeMy experience at Zitouna was fantastic! It's the best place to eat and relax. The food was amazing, and the portion size is really big.
- cleanlinessthe cleanliness was spot on
- locationthe location is super convenient
- musicThe staff were very kind, contributing to a great overall vibe. The atmosphere was just right, with hand-painted birds on the wall, pleasant music, and nice lighting. I can't wait to go back and try more things, maybe even get photos next time, lol.
- AmbianceBeautiful Ambiance
- BYOB placehaving a BYOB place in the Bay is really nice
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereDidn't like the atmosphere much
- acousticsthe acoustics. The high ceiling makes it a little tricky
- cleanlinessWasn't comfortable with how clean it seemed
- fliesbut there were a lot of flies.
If a fantastic atmosphere is high on your list, this place is definitely worth a visit. Its stylish, welcoming, and clean environment makes it a great choice for any occasion. While a few minor acoustic or cleanliness issues have been noted, they don't overshadow the overwhelmingly positive experience for most.
Value (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this spot truly shines! With an excellent customer satisfaction of 92.6% and a good score of 8.3, guests consistently praise the reasonable prices , generous portions , and affordable pricing . Many appreciate the high quality you receive for the amount of food provided, making it a fantastic deal.
While the value is overwhelmingly positive, a couple of voices, out of 27 total remarks, did find the food a little expensive or felt the value wasnt quite worth it . These are minor points amidst a sea of praise, suggesting that for most, the pricing hits the sweet spot.
Value
27
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Generous portions
- BYOB option
What people don't like
- Found expensive
Often praised
- pricesIt's a truly welcome addition to the neighborhood, and the owners' passion for food is evident. Despite the extremely reasonable prices, they even covered part of our meal due to slightly slower service, which wasn't an issue as we were happy to see them busy! The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a 5.
- priceThis restaurant is a truly delightful addition to the neighborhood. I found everything to be really delicious and affordable. My favorite dish was the Kofta in tomato sauce, and I believe their falafel might be the best in the area.
- pricingEvery dish we tried was absolutely delicious, prepared with care and bursting with flavor. What truly sets Zitouna apart, especially in today's economic climate, is its remarkably reasonable pricing. It's a rare treat to find such high quality, delightful service, and a charming ambiance at a cost that makes frequent visits not just possible, but highly anticipated.
- reasonable pricesThe service was attentive and friendly, even towards our children. It's an excellent choice for a night out where you desire high-quality food at reasonable prices in a slightly casual setting. A standout dish was the cauliflower tapas.
- valueThe food is of high quality, fresh, well-prepared, and flavorful. Portions are very generous, which is great value, but can be a bit much if you’re not a big eater or short on time. Staff were friendly and welcoming, though service could have been a bit quicker.
- BYOBdid I mention BYOB?!
- amount of foodamount of food you got for your dollar was substantial
- reasonable pricedit’s very reasonable priced for the quality
- reasonable pricingHowever, you truly can't go wrong with any dish here. The restaurant offers generous portions, reasonable pricing, and consistently serves delicious Mediterranean food. The atmosphere and service both received a perfect score, making it a great spot for lunch.
- reasonably pricedfood is very reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- foodFood was a little expensive though.
- valueValue for all of the above was not worth it
If youre looking for a place where your dollar goes a long way without sacrificing quality, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. With its great value and generous portions, youre likely to leave feeling satisfied and your wallet happy.
How are the prices at Zitouna?
You’re looking at roughly 25 $ per person – reported by 79 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Mediterranean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, the vast majority of diners fall into the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges. This tells us that prices are quite focused around this mid-range sweet spot, offering a consistent experience without wild swings between budget and premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 79 reviews.
This graph compares the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Mediterranean Restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Zitouna
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious and Affordable Neighborhood Gem
This restaurant is a truly delightful addition to the neighborhood. I found everything to be really delicious and affordable. My favorite dish was the Kofta in tomato sauce, and I believe their falafel might be the best in the area.
I'm eager to return and try the wrap with fries!
- Kofta in tomato sauce9
- falafel10
- food9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Mediterranean Food and Charming Host
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful. The Mediterranean food was delicious, with generous portions. The host was charming, and you could tell there was a lot of care put into every detail.
- Mediterranean food10
- generous portions9
- charming host10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Great Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was excellent, the service was great, and the atmosphere was wonderful. The owner was also very kind to us.
I would definitely come again.
- food10
- service9
- owner10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
A Gem of a Mediterranean Restaurant
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. It's one of the best, if not the best, Mediterranean restaurants I've visited. The establishment is run by a wonderful family, and my parents also absolutely loved the place.
The food is delicious, and the portions are very generous. Coupled with very reasonable pricing, it's a combination you rarely find in the city anymore. I will definitely be returning as much as possible to support this gem!
- food10
- portions9
- pricing9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
3
Overcooked Food, Slow Service
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The kebab plate dinner was completely overcooked, including the rice. This experience is a reminder why I don’t typically frequent Mediterranean restaurants, especially coming from that background.
The service was really slow, although the people working there were nice.
- people working7
- kebab plate dinner2
- rice2
- service3
What Zitouna offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
FAQs
Is Zitouna accessible for all guests, and what parking options are available?
Yes, Zitouna is fully accessible, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience. When you visit, you’ll find both free and paid street parking options nearby.
What kind of dietary options does Zitouna offer, and how can I enjoy their food?
Zitouna caters to diverse preferences with excellent vegan and vegetarian options, alongside halal food and small plates. You can enjoy their dishes through no-contact delivery, takeout, delivery, or dine-in service.
How does Zitouna rate overall?
Zitouna holds an excellent overall Restaurant Score of 9.1, with Customer Satisfaction at 94.5%. Its strongest points are Service (9.4) and Food (9.2), followed by Ambience (8.7) and Value (8.3).
What can I expect from the food at Zitouna?
Diners frequently praise the food for its high quality, fresh ingredients, and flavorful preparation, with many highlighting generous portions. Specific items like hummus and baklava are often mentioned positively.
Is the service at Zitouna consistently good?
The service at Zitouna is largely described as exceptional, with staff being warm, attentive, and friendly. However, a few experiences mention occasional slow service or isolated instances of rudeness.