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oChef » Shawarma Azmi – San Francisco
Shawarma Azmi - San Francisco
Photo from Shawarma Azmi
Shawarma Azmi at a glance
San Francisco West SoMa
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 70 of the guests
#213 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#42 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
332
Reviews
87.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Shawarma Quality
- Service Quality
- Value for Money
Frequently criticized
- Parking Difficulty
- Area Concerns
- Service Speed
The restaurant Shawarma Azmi in San Francisco’s West SoMa neighborhood offers a delightful culinary experience. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or enjoying small plates.
Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, this spot provides convenient service options including no-contact delivery, takeout, and dine-in.
Overview: Introducting Shawarma Azmi
Shawarma Azmi generally delivers a satisfying experience, with many praising the flavorful shawarma and generous portions. You’ll often find the customer service to be quite welcoming, contributing to a positive visit.
However, some experiences point to occasional inconsistencies in food quality. The surrounding area and parking can also be a point of contention, potentially affecting the overall comfort of your visit.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
332
Reviews
87.3%
Satisfaction
35
negative
7
neutral
290
positive
Shawarma Azmi earns a strong overall rating of 8.5, reflecting a generally excellent dining experience. This positive sentiment is echoed by a solid 87.3% customer satisfaction rate.
Based on 332 customer observations, with 290 positive remarks against 35 negative, it’s clear that many patrons leave pleased. The Service (9) stands out as particularly impressive, often described as attentive and friendly.
The Food (8.7) also receives high marks, with many appreciating the quality and flavor of the dishes. Customers find the Value (8.6) to be quite favorable, offering generous portions at a reasonable cost.
While the Ambience (7.1) is considered good, it’s an area that garners fewer comments compared to the other aspects of the restaurant.
What people like
- Flavorful shawarma
- Attentive customer service
- Good value and portions
What people don't like
- Challenging parking
- Unsettling surrounding area
- Occasional slow service
With a strong recommendation score of 8.8, Shawarma Azmi is certainly worth considering if you’re seeking well-prepared Middle Eastern fare. The consistent quality of their main dishes and the welcoming staff often make for a rewarding meal.
However, be mindful of the external environment and potential parking difficulties. If you prioritize excellent shawarma and attentive customer service over a perfect location, you’ll likely find this spot to be a solid choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Shawarma Azmi
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here truly shines, earning an excellent 8.7 score and delighting 90.3% of customers! With 177 positive remarks out of 196, diners rave about the authentic, flavorful shawarma, amazing garlic sauce, and generous portions. Many also appreciate the delicious halal and vegetarian options available.
However, a small number of 15 comments noted some minor hiccups. A few experiences mentioned occasional dry or chewy meat, an overpowering sumac flavor, or issues with fries. While these instances are few, they suggest slight inconsistencies in preparation.
Food
196
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
15
negative
4
neutral
177
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful shawarma
- Excellent sauces
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Occasional dry meat
- Inconsistent side quality
- Overpowering flavors
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around some of the better shawarmas in the bay. The food was really good, earning a perfect score. However, the parking situation was quite challenging.
- shawarmaMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional, particularly with their shawarma. I can confidently say it's the best shawarma I’ve ever had hands down. The chicken was incredibly tender and moist, and the pita tasted fresh and authentic.
- chickenfrom the chicken to the garlic sause and pickles
- chicken shawarmabest chicken shawarma in the entire United States!
- Foodreally really delicious
- Shawarmaexcellent Shawarma with Garlic sauce
- flavorMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional! The food is healthy, delicious, and full of flavor. I particularly enjoyed the chicken dish, which tasted amazing.
- meatMy husband and I both had the lamb and beef shawarma sarookh wrap and loved it! The meat was so flavorful, and the wrap deliciously crispy on the outside. We also ordered the Adhani tea and baklava.
- portionsGenerous portions
- shawermabest shawerma places in California, Jordan, palestine, Istanbul, Syria. This is one of the top 10
Frequently criticized
- foodOverall I was exited to try this place
- shawarmaHowever, by my third visit, the quality had dropped noticeably. The shawarma was disappointing and lacked the flavor it had before. The fries tasted like they were cooked in reused oil and were slightly burnt.
- MeatMeat was reheated and dry
- RiceRice was also dry and flavorless
- authentic mealNever had a least authentic meal
- beefBeef was very tough
- combo plateordered a combo plate which I was assured would have all three meats and only got beef
- flower tortillait was a flower tortilla
- friesThe shawarma was disappointing and lacked the flavor it had before. The fries tasted like they were cooked in reused oil and were slightly burnt. I really hope the quality goes back to how it was during my first visit.
- pita breadNo pita bread it was a flower tortilla
If you're craving authentic, flavorful shawarma with excellent sauces and generous portions, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that a very small number of diners experienced minor inconsistencies with meat texture or side dishes.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 9, indicating excellent performance, and a customer satisfaction rate of 92.8%, its clear guests are consistently happy. Based on 64 positive remarks out of 69 total comments, patrons frequently praise the owner, staff, hospitality, and amazing customer service, highlighting a genuinely caring and friendly atmosphere.
However, a handful of the 5 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Concerns occasionally arise regarding slow service, wait times, and instances where it felt like one dude working' was handling everything. While these are few, they suggest that during busy periods, the service might not always be as swift as some would hope.
Service
69
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent owner
- Friendly staff
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Understaffed sometimes
Often praised
- serviceI visited with my brother, and it was a distinguished experience in terms of service and food. We were welcomed by a staff member of Yemeni nationality, who was extremely polite and respectful.
- ownerI was initially blown away with how sparkly clean this place is – no trash, no random food on the countertops, and everything was organized and in place. The owner took my order and was helpful and knowledgeable, while being friendly. The chicken shawarma was so delicious!
- staffMy experience at this halal place, conveniently located just south of Market on 6th and Mission near the theatre district, was excellent. The food was excellent and the staff were very friendly. It's a great option for those seeking all halal options, including vegetarian choices.
- customer servicethe most beautiful customer service
- ServiceService:5
- chefIt's the best place I've been to so far in San Francisco. The food is freshly made, and the chef is very quick, so I received my meal fast and hot. The customer service was also excellent.
- StaffThe staff was nice and accommodating
- amazing customer serviceAmazing food, reasonably priced and amazing customer service.
- chef Azzamazzam the chef is a great guy and very friendly
- employeeGot the chance to talk to the employee and he's a legit from Arab Country too
Frequently criticized
- one dude workingit's just one dude working
- slow serviceThe service was slow
- stafffelt bad for the staff given the number of customers
- takeout wait timewaited another 20+ minutes for a quick wrap
- waitThe wait was also very long
If you value a warm welcome and genuinely friendly interactions, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there might be an occasional wait, the excellent service and hospitality from the owner and staff make it a highly recommended experience.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark inside! Many customers, 33 out of 49 reviews, rave about the interior, praising its restaurant cleanliness and the clean place overall. You'll often hear it described as having a warm, family feel, sometimes even an authentic Arabic style.
While the overall customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 67.3%, the ambience itself scores a good 7.1, indicating a positive indoor experience. However, the external environment is a different story. 14 opinions highlight concerns about the neighborhood and location, often describing the surrounding area as sketchy or even dangerous. Finding parking can be tough, and the presence of homeless people outside makes some feel uneasy, especially at night.
It seems the general vibe outside can be quite unsettling.
Ambience
49
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean restaurant interior
- Warm, family atmosphere
- Comfortable dining setting
What people don't like
- Sketchy surrounding area
- Difficult parking situation
- Unsettling outdoor vibe
Often praised
- atmosphereAll good things in moderation. We also had the lamb instead of the chicken and, looking back at other reviews, I think that tends to be rough on some people who aren't used to the amount of seasoning.
- placehow sparkly clean this place is
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restaurant cleanlinesskeep the restaurant immaculately clean inside
- clean placeClean place and a very tasty shawarma
- cleanlinessThis shawarma restaurant is impeccably clean
- Arabic styleespecially the "Arabic style"
- RestaurantOne of My favorite Restaurant in area
- dine inclean and comfortable dine in
- experienceThe service was quick and friendly, and the food was excellent. Don't let its unassuming facade fool you; it's a great experience.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereRegarding the weaknesses, they are not related to the restaurant or its staff, but to the surrounding area. The atmosphere seemed uncomfortable to me, and the general vibe outside the restaurant was unsettling with homeless people, especially since our visit was at night, which made me feel a bit uneasy. However, the restaurant remains a great place for a delicious shawarma meal and excellent service.
- parkingthe parking/street made me hesitate
- areaThe area is not the best and we got uncomfortable
- general vibe outsideRegarding the weaknesses, they are not related to the restaurant or its staff, but to the surrounding area. The atmosphere seemed uncomfortable to me, and the general vibe outside the restaurant was unsettling with homeless people, especially since our visit was at night, which made me feel a bit uneasy. However, the restaurant remains a great place for a delicious shawarma meal and excellent service.
- homeless peoplethe homeless people are everywhere like next to the door
- locationthe location is dangerous
- neighborhoodthe neighborhood is crazy
- parking spaceParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
- sketchy areait was in a sketchy area
- surrounding areaweaknesses, they are not related to the restaurant... but to the surrounding area
If youre looking for a spot with a clean, comfortable, and friendly indoor atmosphere, this place is worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially challenging experience with parking and the surrounding neighborhood, especially if youre visiting after dark.
Value (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! Guests consistently praise the excellent score of 8.6, noting that you wont go away hungry or broke. With 16 positive remarks out of 18 total, many highlight the "price, " "meal, " and "reasonably priced" options, emphasizing the great "value" you get.
This sentiment contributes to a good customer satisfaction of 88.9%, showing guests feel theyre getting a lot for what they pay. However, theres a minor hiccup to consider. One customer, out of 18 total, mentioned an issue with "menu prices, " specifically that the prices posted werent the real ones.
While this is a single instance, its worth noting for transparency. The overwhelming positive feedback suggests this is an isolated concern rather than a widespread problem, but its something to keep an eye on.
Value
18
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Reasonably priced meals
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inaccurate menu prices
Often praised
- priceThey are the only place that generously uses garlic sauce and pickles. The shawarma is authentic Arab and offered at an affordable price. The owner is also a great guy.
- pricesThe hot sauce and garlic sauce that accompanied it added another wonderful layer of flavor. I can't say enough good things about this spot; the quality is great, the prices are fair, and the portion size is big. All of this is led by a caring owner.
- $12what’s the worth of $12, Hell 👍🏽
- PriceFor a $13 Dollars, I give a solid 10 out of 10
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- mealYou will not go away hungry or broke
- reasonable pricefor a reasonable price
- reasonably pricedAmazing food, reasonably priced and amazing customer service.
- valueGreat value
Frequently criticized
- menu pricesmenu prices posted everywhere are not the real ones
If youre looking for a place where your money goes far, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Youll likely find the portions generous and the prices fair, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Just double-check the menu prices when ordering to avoid any surprises.
How are the prices at Shawarma Azmi?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 70 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to stick right around this $11–$20 price point, showing a clear sweet spot for what people are willing to spend.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 70 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a mid-range Restaurant, especially since the majority of guests find good value in this price bracket.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Shawarma Azmi
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Halal Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely loved the service. They serve halal food, and I've never had an issue with my order.
The food was amazing, and the service was top-notch.
- food10
- service10
- halal food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
10
Authentic Shawarma Experience in SF
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! They serve the only authentic shawarma in SF, which made me feel like I was back in Jordan. The food quality is exceptional, transporting me to another place with every bite.
- authentic shawarma10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Unexpected Free Shawerma Delight!
We were looking for authentic shawerma and ended up receiving one for free! While the area wasn't the best and we felt uncomfortable, leading us to leave, the staff offered us shawerma as they noticed us waiting for our Uber. We truly appreciate the gesture and will definitely order from them again!
- authentic shawerma9
- shawerma9
- gesture10
- area3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious and Well-Served Late-Night Option
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. The food was very tasty and the portions were generous for the price. Although there are many vagrants around, the presence of police made it feel okay.
If you need to eat something late at night, I recommend it 100%. I liked it!
- food10
- portion9
- price9
- vagrants4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Best Shawarma in the Bay Area!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was high quality, and the service was great. I found the beef and lamb shawarma to be very filling.
In my opinion, this is one of the best Shawarma places in the Bay Area. Considering the location, the prices are very reasonable. The shawarma is indeed filling, and the inside of the restaurant is clean.
I also had a positive interaction with the owner, who is a good man.
- food quality10
- service9
- beef and lamb shawarma9
What Shawarma Azmi offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options are available at Shawarma Azmi?
At Shawarma Azmi, you can choose from a variety of convenient service options. They offer no-contact delivery, traditional delivery, takeout, and curbside pickup for when you’re on the go. If you prefer to dine in, that’s also an option for you.
Is Shawarma Azmi suitable for families and what are the dining times?
Yes, Shawarma Azmi is considered good for kids, making it a family-friendly spot. You can enjoy your meal here for both lunch and dinner. They also accept reservations, which can be helpful for planning your visit.
How does Shawarma Azmi rate overall, and what are its strongest aspects?
Shawarma Azmi holds an overall score of 8.5, indicating a generally excellent experience. Its strongest points are Service (9), Food (8.7), and Value (8.6), all receiving high praise from customers.
What makes the shawarma at Shawarma Azmi stand out?
Customers frequently highlight the shawarma for its exceptional flavor, tender chicken, and generous portions. Many describe it as delicious and authentic, often accompanied by excellent garlic sauce.
Are there any common concerns visitors have about Shawarma Azmi?
Some visitors have noted challenges with parking and expressed discomfort with the surrounding area. There have also been occasional comments about slow service or minor inconsistencies in food quality.