Highlights
- Great dessert
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
- Great tea selection
oChef » Lavash – San Francisco
Lavash - San Francisco
Photo from Lavash
Lavash at a glance
San Francisco Inner Sunset
- 🍚 Persian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 96 of the guests
#1949 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#4 Persian Restaurant out of 6 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
686
Reviews
61.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Cozy atmosphere
- Flavorful dishes
- Welcoming staff
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Poor value
- Parking difficulties
The restaurant Lavash is a charming Persian restaurant nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s Inner Sunset neighborhood. You’ll discover a truly inviting atmosphere, perfect for a cozy meal, especially with its delightful fireplace adding warmth and ambiance.
This spot is known for its authentic flavors and a welcoming vibe that makes you feel right at home. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in the city.
Overview: Introducting Lavash
Lavash presents a dining experience where the inviting ambience often leaves a strong first impression, with many appreciating its cozy interior and pleasant vibe. Guests frequently note the comfortable setting, including effective outdoor heating and a generally clean environment, making it a welcoming spot for a meal.
However, the overall experience can be a mixed bag. While some find the food to be quite satisfying, others encounter significant issues with consistency and preparation.
Similarly, the service, though praised for its friendliness by some, has also been a source of frustration for others, impacting the dining flow.
Good
6.5
out of 10
686
Reviews
61.5%
Satisfaction
230
negative
34
neutral
422
positive
Lavash holds an overall restaurant score of 6.5 out of 10, placing it in the average category. Customer satisfaction stands at 61.5%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This suggests that while many find aspects to enjoy, there’s also a notable portion of guests who leave less impressed. Looking closer, the Ambience (7.3) is a clear strong point, often highlighted positively.
However, Food (6.9) hovers just above average, while Service (5.4) and Value (5.2) fall into the average range, with many concerns raised. These insights are drawn from a substantial 686 customer remarks, comprising 422 positive and 230 negative observations.
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Flavorful meat dishes
- Welcoming staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Poor value
- Parking difficulties
If a pleasant setting and potentially flavorful meat dishes are your priority, Lavash could be worth a visit. The Recommendation Score of 6.7 suggests it has enough going for it to warrant consideration, especially if you’re seeking a comfortable atmosphere for your meal.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and food quality, and consider the value proposition carefully. While some experiences are quite positive, others point to areas needing improvement, particularly regarding the overall dining experience and cost-effectiveness.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Lavash
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners rave about the culinary experience. With a solid score of 6.9 and a respectable 65.2% customer satisfaction, the kitchen consistently delivers amazing food and huge portions. Based on 232 positive comments out of 356 total, guests frequently praise the authentic Persian food, especially the delicious kabobs and flavorful dishes.
However, not every dish hits the mark. Some experiences, noted in 101 negative comments, point to inconsistencies, with complaints about salty food, dry meat, or disappointing tahdig. A few found certain items, like the stews, to be bland, suggesting there's room for improvement in some areas of the menu.
Food
356
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
101
negative
23
neutral
232
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Persian food
- Generous portions
- Delicious kabobs
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Salty, dry dishes
- Bland stews
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Lavash was exceptional. I visited twice: first as a walk-in for dinner, and then again because the food was so delicious, we booked out the entire dining room for a wedding rehearsal lunch. On both occasions, the service and food were impeccable.
- Persian foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great Persian food, which was served with fast and friendly service. The good prices made the meal even more enjoyable.
- FoodFood:5
- meatthe meat was so juicy and flavorful
- Kabab KoobidehRecommended dishes:Kabab Koobideh
- chickenMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I got the assorted Lavash meat/veggie platter, and it was so good, especially the chicken. The eggplant dip was also very good.
- dishesFood-wise, it tasted amazing! I've never had Persian food before, so I don't have a good comparison, but the dishes were flavorful, the meat was very tender, and the eggplant was divine! It's on the pricy side, but definitely worth a try!
- eggplant appetizerAlso enjoyed the eggplant appetizer
- portionThe bademjan (lamb stew) was great, with eggplants that had a delightful texture, not stringy at all. The baghali polo (lamb jeweled rice) was amazing; the meat fell right off the bone, and the portion was quite generous. I would have liked the marrow to be more accessible, but 🤷.
- BargThe chicken and Barg were above average
Frequently criticized
- riceI found it to be overrated, with the food being one of the worst I've ever had. The rice was super dry and super hard, and the meat was similarly tough. There were not much vegetables, and they were not fresh either.
- foodThe food was mediocre, and it was not halal.
- Ghorme sabziworst Ghorme sabzi and Koobideh in my life!
- food qualityfood quality and portion went down significantly
- kabobThe kabob comes with little rice and the rice is not authentic tasting.
- kebabspulling the kebabs off the skewers with a dirty towel
- koobidehkoobideh, and neither was well-prepared or particularly flavorful
- lavashThe only bread they served at the beginning was cold, store-bought lavash
- meatI was really disappointed with the kabab koobideh here. The taste was not good at all—the meat lacked freshness and flavor. Instead of being juicy and well-seasoned, it felt dry and poorly prepared.
- tastechanged the taste.It feels just ground beef on grilled no taste
If you're craving authentic Persian flavors and generous portions, this spot is definitely worth a try, especially for their kabobs. Just be aware that some dishes might be inconsistent, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
Service (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
Many diners have celebrated the friendly staff and attentive servers, often noting the warm hospitality and positive interactions with the owner. With 87 positive remarks out of 184 total, its clear that when service is on point, it truly enhances the dining experience, making guests feel welcomed and cared for. On the flip side, the service receives an average score of 5.4 and a customer satisfaction of 47.3%, indicating a mixed experience.
There are 92 negative comments highlighting concerns like rude service, an unwelcoming owners attitude, inattentive staff, and frustrating waiting times, suggesting a need for more consistent and positive interactions.
Service
184
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
92
negative
5
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Warm hospitality
- Welcoming owner
What people don't like
- Rude, inattentive service
- Unwelcoming owner
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceThe place has a lovely patio and a cozy, welcoming interior, creating a great atmosphere to relax and enjoy a meal. The staff provided amazing service, making the experience feel warm and inviting. The Fesenjoon was absolutely outstanding – rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
- staffI was very excited about this place given the wonderful ambiance and welcoming staff. However, the food was incredibly subpar and not worth the price for almost any of the dishes.
- ServiceService:5
- ownerThe food was amazing, and the vibe was charming. The owner was so sweet and welcoming, and the service was amazing. I will definitely come back whenever I am in San Francisco :) Cheers
- friendly staffThis is by far one of our favorite restaurants in the city and in California! It's a family-owned establishment with a warm atmosphere and friendly staff, serving amazing Persian food. We've dined at many restaurants and experienced truly great Persian cuisine, and I have to say Lavash is at the top of our list, even internationally!
- packagingThe saffron rice was excellent. The meal was very well served and packaged.
- Mr. RostamA special thank you to Mr. Rostam, who took care of our table; he was incredibly friendly and attentive, making our experience even more enjoyable.
- NCThe kashk was absolutely delicious, truly "to die for. " The service was also excellent; NC was super sweet, and the owner was equally welcoming. I highly recommend this place.
- Parking optionsFree parking lot
- ReservationsReservations recommended
Frequently criticized
- serviceI explained that I had made a reservation for that exact day, but she rudely responded, "I didn't confirm it, " with no explanation and no effort to help. Her tone was dismissive and unprofessional, and the entire situation felt disorganized and disrespectful. I didn't understand why my reservation wasn't honored, especially when the restaurant was not full.
- customer serviceinstead of apologizing and marking it, he said ok I’ll refund you $2 for the tomatoes!
- ownerthanks to the old lady, aka the owner
- staffMain problem was staffs. All the waiters and waitresses were stand right behind us talking so loud
- waiting timeMy experience at Lavash Restaurant in San Francisco was extremely disappointing. Even though there were clearly empty tables available, we were kept waiting for a long time. When I asked why, the woman - who seemed to be the owner or manager-told me that a reservation was required.
- hostThis has been an issue on previous visits as well, where they were reluctant to offer indoor seating, but this time, they explicitly declined. To make matters worse, the host was drinking wine while on duty, which struck me as highly unprofessional. In summary, while the food is outstanding, the poor customer service—especially the behavior of the host—overshadows the overall experience.
- reservationHer tone was dismissive and unprofessional, and the entire situation felt disorganized and disrespectful. I didn't understand why my reservation wasn't honored, especially when the restaurant was not full. We ended up leaving without even sitting down.
- waitressthe waitress never returned to check if the food was satisfactory
- hostessThe hostess is a piece of work!! Her nasty attitude
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
Service here can be a bit of a gamble; you might encounter genuinely friendly staff and warm hospitality, or you could face rude and inattentive service. If consistent, top-notch service is your priority, you might want to manage your expectations or consider other options.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot scores a solid 7.3 and boasts a 74.4% customer satisfaction, which is pretty good! Many guests, based on 93 positive remarks, rave about the exquisite flowers, romantic patio, and warm atmosphere, often describing it as a beautiful place with great vibes for a date or a cozy meal. The outdoor seating with heaters and blankets also gets a lot of love, creating a charming and comfortable setting.
However, not everyone finds the ambience perfect, with 27 negative remarks highlighting some concerns. A few customers mentioned loud noise levels and noise and vibrations from outside, making it hard to hear. Some also felt it was a small place with tiny tables, which could feel cold and unwelcoming rather than the desired warm atmosphere.
Ambience
125
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
27
negative
5
neutral
93
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful floral decor
- Charming outdoor patio
- Cozy, warm atmosphere
What people don't like
- Loud noise levels
- Small, tiny tables
- Unwelcoming feel
Often praised
- atmosphereFor those seeking the best place for kabab in the Bay Area, this is the top choice. My experience was excellent, with great food, good service, and a pleasant atmosphere.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceI was very excited about this place given the wonderful ambiance and welcoming staff. However, the food was incredibly subpar and not worth the price for almost any of the dishes.
- outdoor seatingFor outdoor seating they have heaters that work well
- vibeI like the vibe of the restaurant
- cleanlinessthe food is incredibly tasty, clean
- interiora cozy, welcoming interior
- restaurantit’s a small and clean restaurant
- vibesMy experience at this cute Persian restaurant was largely positive, marked by good service and great vibes. The food selection is extensive, though I'd love to see more plant-based options like Impossible/Beyond Meat for stews and kebabs.
- Parking spacePlenty of parking
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereI explained that I had made a reservation for that exact day, but she rudely responded, "I didn't confirm it, " with no explanation and no effort to help. Her tone was dismissive and unprofessional, and the entire situation felt disorganized and disrespectful. I didn't understand why my reservation wasn't honored, especially when the restaurant was not full.
- parkingParking space:Difficult to find parking
- parking spaceParking space:Difficult to find parking
- Persian atmosphereif you are looking for Persian atmosphere, it’s not a place
- chit chatAfter food served on table their chit chat was still loud and soooo unconfortable to dine.
- empty tablesseveral tables in the restaurant remained completely empty
- hand sanitizerBoth the tah dig and ghormeh sabzi were horrible. Adding to the unpleasantness, there were no napkins in the toilet and no hand sanitizer. Furthermore, the owner rudely informed me that I had to leave by a certain time due to other guests.
- indoor tablesall the tables inside were taken, even though none of them had “reserved” signs
- kitchenGod knows what goes on in the kitchen there
- loudMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food served in a captivating environment. However, it was very loud, making it hard to hear. Despite the noise, I had a wonderful dinner.
If you're seeking a charming spot with beautiful decor and a romantic outdoor patio, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that it can get a bit loud, and some indoor seating might feel a little cramped.
Value (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a 5.2 average score and 47.6% mixed customer satisfaction across 21 total comments. On the bright side, 10 positive remarks highlighted that prices were often reasonable and fair, with many appreciating the good portion sizes. Plus, who doesnt love free street parking?
However, an equal 10 negative opinions suggest that the value isnt always clear-cut. Concerns were raised about the price versus quality and the price-to-portion ratio. Some guests also mentioned being charged for returned dishes or attempted extra items, which definitely impacts the overall perception of value.
Value
21
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Prices are reasonable
- Portions are good
- Parking is free
What people don't like
- Quality vs price off
- Portion price ratio poor
- Unexpected charges occur
Often praised
- priceReasonable price and nice atmosphere.
- pricesI enjoyed the great Persian food, which was served with fast and friendly service. The good prices made the meal even more enjoyable. We had a wonderful time and will definitely return!
- PricesThe Tahdig was the only dish that disappointed. Prices were OK for SF.
- free street parkingParking options:Free street parking
Frequently criticized
- priceI was very excited about this place given the wonderful ambiance and welcoming staff. However, the food was incredibly subpar and not worth the price for almost any of the dishes. Almost all of the apps, bread, and dips are served cold with very limited seasoning or flavor.
- charged for returned dishreturned the dish (which they still charged me for)
- extra itemsattempted to add extra items
- main entréesWe tried $150 worth of main entrées, and I’ve had much better meals for $50
- price to portion ratiothe price to portion ratio. the portion size compared to price is not great value
- price vs qualityPrice vs quality was clearly off
- tahdig16 bucks for tahdig is just ridiculous
- value of our foodthe money what we paid, was not worth it with value of our food
If you're looking for a place with generally reasonable prices and good portions, it might be worth a try, especially if free parking is a bonus for you. But be mindful of the price-to-quality balance and keep an eye on your bill, as some have experienced unexpected charges.
How are the prices at Lavash?
You’re looking at roughly 47 per person – reported by 96 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Persian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While many guests spend in the 21 – 40 $ range, there’s also a good number opting for more premium experiences, showing a nice spread of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 96 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing feels quite fair for a Persian Restaurant, especially considering the variety of experiences available. It seems like a good value for what you get.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Lavash
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Top Choice for Kabab in the Bay Area
For those seeking the best place for kabab in the Bay Area, this is the top choice. My experience was excellent, with great food, good service, and a pleasant atmosphere.
- kabab10
- food8
- service7
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Favorite Middle Eastern Spot!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I consider it my favorite middle eastern restaurant in San Francisco. The food was great, the ambience was great, and the staff was great.
I also find it convenient to order from here for parties.
- food10
- ambience10
- staff10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Quality Decline at Favorite Persian Spot
Lavash used to be my favorite Persian place in the Bay Area. However, over the last 2 years, the food quality and portion size have gone down significantly. Specifically, the tahdig was very disappointing – nothing like the Persian tahdig you expect!
- food quality2
- portion size2
- tahdig1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing food and vibes!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The vibes were great, and the food was amazing. The service was sweet, and the dolmas were perfect sizes.
I especially enjoyed the fesenjan, which had such a "comfy home food" feeling. Overall, a wonderful dining experience.
- vibes9
- food10
- service8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Beautiful Ambiance, Lacking Service
My experience at this restaurant began with a strong impression, starting with the beautiful flower arrangements that truly elevated the atmosphere. The fantastic, well-designed menu and website also set a high bar before even tasting the food. However, despite following the website's policy for same-day reservations, the initial interaction was jarring.
A strict time limit was imposed before seating, making the start of the meal feel unwelcome and rushed. The staff could be better equipped to provide menu suggestions to guests, and the overall service needs refinement to match the cuisine. Lavash possesses the quality kitchen and aesthetics of a top-tier restaurant.
- flower arrangements10
- menu9
- website9
- time limit2
- seating2
- menu suggestions3
What Lavash offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options does Lavash offer?
At Lavash, you can expect a romantic, cozy, and casual atmosphere perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner with table service, and don’t forget to save room for their great dessert selection. Outdoor seating is also available for a delightful dining experience.
Does Lavash cater to specific dietary needs and preferences?
Absolutely! Lavash is committed to offering a diverse menu. You’ll find a variety of healthy options, including vegan, vegetarian, and organic dishes. For those seeking Halal food, Lavash also provides suitable choices, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Lavash?
Lavash has an overall restaurant score of 6.5 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 61.5%. While the Ambience (7.3) is generally well-received, Food (6.9), Service (5.4), and Value (5.2) are considered more moderate by patrons.
What aspects do customers typically enjoy at Lavash?
Many guests appreciate the pleasant and cozy atmosphere, often highlighting the good vibe and cleanliness. Positive comments frequently mention flavorful meat dishes and the presence of welcoming and friendly staff.
What are some common complaints or areas for improvement at Lavash?
Diners have expressed concerns about inconsistent service, including instances of rudeness and long waiting times. Issues with value for money, such as high prices relative to portion size, and occasional parking difficulties are also noted.