Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Arabian Nights – San Francisco
Arabian Nights - San Francisco
Photo from Arabian Nights
Arabian Nights at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🥙 Lebanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 51 of the guests
#1654 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#3 Lebanese Restaurant out of 3 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
338
Reviews
70.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Food
- Great Ambiance
- Good Service
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Service Inconsistencies
- Sketchy Location
The restaurant Arabian Nights invites you to a culinary journey in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District. This Lebanese restaurant is a cozy spot where you can savor authentic flavors.
You’ll appreciate the great coffee and extensive tea selection, perfect for starting your day or concluding a delicious meal. It’s a casual setting, ideal for a relaxed dining experience with friends or family, offering a taste of the Middle East right here in the city.
Overview: Introducting Arabian Nights
Arabian Nights offers a culinary experience that many find truly satisfying, with its flavorful dishes often drawing repeat visits. The establishment also provides a distinctive atmosphere, making it a pleasant spot for a relaxed evening.
Guests frequently praise the quality of the food and the overall setting. However, some guests have noted concerns regarding the price point, suggesting it can feel a bit steep for the experience.
While the service generally receives positive remarks, there have been instances where attention to detail or promptness could be improved, impacting the overall visit.
Good
7
out of 10
338
Reviews
70.1%
Satisfaction
87
negative
14
neutral
237
positive
Arabian Nights holds a solid overall score of 7, indicating a generally good dining experience, and customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 70.1%. These figures are drawn from 338 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 237 positive sentiments against 87 negative ones.
The culinary offerings are a particular highlight, with Food scoring well (7.7), and the Ambience also contributing positively (7.1) to the overall appeal. While the Service is generally considered average (6.4), it still contributes to a pleasant visit for many.
However, the aspect of Value (3.3) presents a notable contrast, frequently cited as a significant drawback. This suggests that while the experience is largely enjoyable, guests often feel the cost doesn’t quite align with what they receive, creating a point of contention.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Inviting outdoor ambiance
- Attentive, kind service
What people don't like
- High prices, poor value
- Inconsistent service quality
- Unappealing exterior/location
With a recommendation score of 7.4, Arabian Nights is certainly worth considering, especially if you prioritize authentic flavors and a pleasant setting. It shines as a destination for those seeking a relaxed meal with good food and a distinctive atmosphere.
However, be mindful of the value aspect, as some find the pricing a bit high. If you’re sensitive to cost or expect flawless service every time, you might find certain aspects less appealing.
It’s a place to enjoy the positives while being aware of its minor shortcomings.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Arabian Nights
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a solid score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction rate of 76.9%. Out of 186 comments, a whopping 143 rave about the amazing food, praising its authentic flavors, generous portions, and well-seasoned meats like the lamb and beef plate or chicken shawarma. However, not every dish is a home run.
While the positives far outweigh the negatives, 36 comments point to some areas for improvement. Some diners found certain items like mujadhara to be dry, or experienced small portion sizes, and occasionally, dishes were served cold or lacked sufficient sauce.
Food
186
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
36
negative
7
neutral
143
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic flavors
- Delicious food
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Dry/cold dishes
- Small portions
- Missing sauce
Often praised
- foodEvery bite was a reminder of why I keep coming back. Just thinking about the food makes me crave it all over again. I’ve recommended this spot to countless friends and family, and it always delivers an unforgettable meal.
- hookahIt's a convenient location, but you wouldn't know you're on Mission Street when you're in the back. It's a great place for a full dinner or to simply hang out for some lentil soup and hookah. I highly recommend the knafeh – it's to die for!
- hummusThe babaganoush and hummus were excellent
- lentil soupIt's a convenient location, but you wouldn't know you're on Mission Street when you're in the back. It's a great place for a full dinner or to simply hang out for some lentil soup and hookah. I highly recommend the knafeh – it's to die for!
- Arabian foodMy experience at this restaurant was great! I enjoyed the local delicious Arabian food. Most importantly, the patio with a hookah was a fantastic atmosphere.
- FoodFood:5
- Middle Eastern foodThe best authentic Middle Eastern food
- chicken shawarmaalong with the chicken shwarma. Both entrees are consistently phenomenal!
- flavorI usually don’t give 5 stars, but this place served really amazing food. It was full of flavor, and the customer service was amazing. I HIGHLY recommend this place.
- fried cauliflowerI absolutely loved the seafood combo, which included shrimp and salmon. The fried cauliflower was also a hit, and the mouth-watering dessert, KNAFEH BEL JEBEN, was unforgettable. The restaurant offers cute outdoor seating perfect for enjoying Hookah.
Frequently criticized
- veggiesthere was no veggies
- Lamb kabobdisappointed with Lamb kabob, it was very dry
- Mazeh platterfor the money, food was not that great
- Mediterranean foodstandard has gone down
- Vegetarian optionsThere were few Vegetarian options
- Zatar breadfor the money, food was not that great
- alcoholThey don’t serve alcohol anymore which kinda sucks
- arak/raki/rakiaunfortunately they don't have arak/raki/rakia
- baba ghanoush and pitaserved ice cold baba ghanoush and pita
- beef shawarmabeef shawarma costs $16 but they charged me $20
Overall, if you're looking for delicious, authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with generous servings, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that a few dishes might occasionally miss the mark on portion size or temperature, but the positives strongly suggest a satisfying meal.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers have had positive experiences, praising the friendly staff and fast service. Opinions highlight how waiters and servers are often described as nice, knowledgeable, and quick, making for a smooth visit. With 38 positive remarks, its clear many appreciate the attentive customer service.
However, its not always sunshine and rainbows. Some guests encountered poor service, feeling ignored by staff or experiencing long waiting times. With 21 negative opinions, issues like forgotten requests, inattentive waitresses, or even a rude manager are noted.
The service scores a decent 6.4, but customer satisfaction is a mixed 63.3%, showing there's room for improvement.
Service
60
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
21
negative
1
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, fast staff
- Knowledgeable servers
- Easy reservations
What people don't like
- Ignored by staff
- Slow, inattentive service
- Rude management
Often praised
- serviceIt's rare to find Mediterranean restaurants that serve original tasting kebab and kofteh, but this place is one of them. The food was really great, and the service couldn't be better.
- staffgreat staff. Hanna and staff are dope!
- ServiceService:5
- great serviceI found the lentil soup to be the most delicious in town, and the homemade tea was also amazingly delicious. I want to give a special thank you to Olga for the great service!
- serversIt's a narrow patio with a few tables, but you get some outdoor air and it's perfect for hookah. The servers were great and got us a large hookah with melon. They give you disposable tips so you're not spreading germs.
- waiterHowever, I was disappointed with the Lamb kabob, which was very dry and had to be sent back. The waiter was very sweet and kindly replaced it with more Shish Taouk. One potential challenge is that parking might be a nightmare.
- busythey are rarely super busy
- customer serviceI usually don’t give 5 stars, but this place served really amazing food. It was full of flavor, and the customer service was amazing. I HIGHLY recommend this place.
- customersthe customers were all polite and cooperative
- drive-thru lineEverything was fast and quick, and the customers were all polite and cooperative. The line for the drive-thru isn't that long.
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was absolutely terrible
- managerReminded the manager still he didn't give it till the end
- attention to detailThere was no attention to detail
- courtesyno courtesy to check if we needed anything
- desserttook over a half hour for her to come to our table after we were finished with our dinner
- hot sauceAsked for a side of hot sauce which they forgot to give
- knivesgave just forks no knives
- orderSince it was a to-go order, I can't comment on the service. First, they got my order wrong. For a $20 plate, I received a pile of rice and dry chicken, with no vegetables, which are usually included as a side.
- platesFor a group of 5 they gave just 2 plates
- refill our drinksNever returned to refill our drinks
If you value friendly and fast service, you'll likely have a good experience here. However, be aware that some guests have faced slow or inattentive service, so it might be a bit of a gamble.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot scores a solid 7.1, indicating a good overall experience, and customers agree with a 73.5% satisfaction rate. Based on 50 positive remarks out of 68 total, guests frequently praise the oriental atmosphere and vibe, especially loving the hookah lounge and outdoor seating. Many enjoy the Middle Eastern music and find the patio a hidden gem for relaxation.
However, not everything is perfect, with 12 negative comments surfacing. Some found the music incredibly loud, while a few were put off by the surroundings or the location feeling sketchy. A particularly jarring note was a mouse sighting, and some mentioned the place could be cold, wishing for more heaters.
Ambience
68
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
12
negative
6
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Oriental patio vibe
- Great outdoor seating
- Enjoyable Middle Eastern music
What people don't like
- Loud music issues
- Mouse sighting reported
- Rough exterior surroundings
Often praised
- atmosphereThis place truly reminds me of my two week long trip I spent in Amman, Jordan.
- hookahsit to smoke the hookah.
- heaterspatio atrás con calentadores de torre. Allá si es acogedor y más cálido
- patiopatio atrás con calentadores de torre. Allá si es acogedor y más cálido
- musicI came here with 5 friends and we ate a bunch of their items. They have ample seating, the menu is simple, the music isn’t too loud, and the service is basically flawless. It's a great restaurant, nuff said!
- outdoor seatingOutdoor seating in the back has great ambiance
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Middle Eastern musicGood middle eastern music, at a good volume
- ShishaShisha war ganz gut
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The outdoor seating in the back offered a great ambiance, making it feel like a hidden gem away from the city bustle. The staff was consistently so kind, and the food was absolutely delicious.
Frequently criticized
- Mission areathis Mission area has started to give a feel of a getto
- atmospherethe atmosphere was a 1/5
- barThe walk up to the door was downright scary, but the food was excellent! There is no bar. Overall, the food was a 5/5, but the atmosphere was a 1/5.
- fake photosBe careful, fake photos of the outside
- locationEven the desserts are served fresh. While the restaurant is situated in a location that looks sketchy, the neighborhood itself isn't bad, just dimly lit and empty after 8 pm. The seating area is ample, and the staff is quick in service.
- mousei saw a mouse
- musicmusic was incredibly loud
- parkingParking might be a nightmare
- placeCold place. Cero cozy.
- surroundingsSurroundings a bit rough though
If youre seeking a vibrant, oriental-themed outdoor spot for hookah and music, especially on a warm evening, this place could be a fantastic find. However, be prepared for potentially loud music and a less-than-charming exterior, and maybe bring an extra layer if its chilly.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found a silver lining, noting that certain dishes were not expensive or offered good price per person, making them feel worth the price. With 6 positive sentiments among 24 total comments, there's a small group who felt the prices are reasonable for what they received. However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, reflected in a 3.3 score and a 25% customer satisfaction.
Many felt the value for money was poor, describing items as very pricey and citing issues like automatic tip and extra charge for things like sauce. With 18 negative comments, it seems many found the experience simply not worth it for the cost.
Value
24
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
18
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the price
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Very pricey
- Forced minimum tip
Often praised
- priceMy experience was centered around the falafel plate, which I found to be delicious. While the falafels themselves were perhaps a little dry upon reflection, they were still pretty good and offered worth the price. I'd recommend checking this place out if you're in the area.
- not expensiveThe food tasted like home, and I highly recommend it. It was both delicious and not expensive. I also loved the hookah lounge out back, which added a unique and enjoyable atmosphere to the evening.
- price per personPrice per person:$20–30
- pricesPrices are reasonable
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was that the food was good and tasty, comparable to similar restaurants in the area. However, it was very very expensive.
- automatic tipnach dem automatisch anfallenden Trinkgeld
- billtook $73.43 from my bank account instead of $68.43
- customerIf you want ur customer to pay u minimum 18% first be upfront about it
- extra chargethey charged me $5 extra!!
- extra saucecharging when asking for extra sauce like Tahini
- minimum tipForcing a minimum 18% tip is completely unreasonable
- moneyThe entrees arrived overcooked with no garnish or sauce. Overall, it was a disappointing experience, and you can get way better for your money in Mission.
- pricesPreise astronomisch nach dem automatisch anfallenden Trinkgeld
- prices in menuthe prices in menu are not accurate
If you're considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially steep bill, as many found the overall value for money to be quite low. While a few items might hit the mark, the general consensus suggests you might find better bang for your buck elsewhere, especially with mandatory tips and extra charges adding up.
How are the prices at Arabian Nights?
You’re looking at roughly 34 per person – reported by 51 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Lebanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 34, many guests actually spend a bit less, often in the $21–$30 range. But there are also quite a few who enjoy a more premium experience, pushing the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 51 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Lebanese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers good value, whether you’re looking for a more casual meal or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Arabian Nights
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Experience, Fake Photos
I went there thinking it was a nice place and paid for an Uber to get there. Upon arrival, the place was a waste of time just to see the front. It's not like the photos.
Be careful, they use fake photos of the outside 😞.
- fake photos1
- waste of time1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Scary Walk, Excellent Food!
The walk up to the door was downright scary, but the food was excellent! There is no bar. Overall, the food was a 5/5, but the atmosphere was a 1/5.
Service was rated a 3/5. The noise level was loud, but you could still talk.
- food10
- service6
- noise level7
- atmosphere2
- bar2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Authentic Falasteeni Food Beats Them All!
I stumbled upon this place while I was in San Francisco for a work conference. My experience was amazing and I had authentic Falasteeni food🇵🇸. I have spent a lot of time in both Dearborn & Chicago, which are home to some of the best Arabic restaurants in the country.
That being said, this place beats them all. My server was friendly and hospitable even with the time being so close to closing. The indoor/outdoor seating area reminds me of the mashawi restaurants in Cairo or Amman.
The meat was delicious & juicy, and all of the moutabalat (mezza) tasted just like back home. I can’t recommend this place enough, and I wish all the success to the owner & staff!
- falasteeni food10
- server9
- indoor/outdoor seating area8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Arabian Nights: A Culinary Gem!
My experience at Arabian Nights in San Francisco was exceptional. This restaurant is a true culinary gem. The kebabs were absolutely outstanding — perfectly seasoned, incredibly tender, and bursting with flavor.
Every bite was a reminder of why I keep coming back. Just thinking about the food makes me crave it all over again. I’ve recommended this spot to countless friends and family, and it always delivers an unforgettable meal.
A must for any food lover visiting SFO!
- kebabs10
- food10
- meal9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Food and Cute Patio!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was truly amazing. We ordered a variety of dishes, including salads, flatbreads, and kebabs, and every single one was delicious.
The patio area was also very cute, and it was a pleasant surprise that they had heaters, making it comfortable to enjoy the outdoor space.
- food10
- salads9
- flatbreads9
What Arabian Nights offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Arabian Nights in San Francisco's Mission District accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Arabian Nights is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For your convenience, you’ll find free street parking available, making your visit to this Lebanese restaurant in the Mission District hassle-free.
What kind of dining experience and food options can you expect at Arabian Nights?
At Arabian Nights, expect a casual, cozy dining experience for lunch, dinner, or dessert with table service. The menu features healthy, vegetarian, and late-night options, plus small plates, coffee, tea, beer, wine, and cocktails. You can choose dine-in, takeout, or delivery.
What is the overall dining experience like at Arabian Nights?
Arabian Nights generally offers a good dining experience, reflected in its overall score of 7 and 70.1% customer satisfaction. Guests particularly enjoy the Food (7.7) and Ambience (7.1), though Service (6.4) is average and Value (3.3) is a common concern.
Are there any specific dishes or aspects of the food that stand out?
Yes, many customers praise the food for its flavor and authenticity. Specific mentions include the chicken shawarma, fried cauliflower, and the KNAFEH BEL JEBEN dessert, all noted for being delicious and memorable.
What should I be aware of regarding the pricing or location?
Customers frequently mention that the price can be high, leading to concerns about value. Additionally, some find the location or exterior surroundings to be less appealing, though the outdoor seating area often receives positive remarks.