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oChef » Freekeh – San Francisco
Freekeh - San Francisco
Photo from Freekeh
Freekeh at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🥙 Middle Eastern Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 62 of the guests
#590 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#3 Middle Eastern Restaurant out of 7 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
477
Reviews
79.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Warm service
- Cultural ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Small portions
- High prices
- Difficult parking
The restaurant Freekeh, a delightful Middle Eastern Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, welcomes you with its cozy atmosphere. You’ll discover a culinary journey where authentic flavors meet modern dining.
Whether you’re seeking healthy options or a lively spot for cocktails, this place has you covered. It’s a perfect destination for a casual meal or a special evening out, offering a truly immersive experience.
Overview: Introducting Freekeh
Freekeh offers a delightful dining experience, with many guests praising its authentic and flavorful dishes, particularly the creamy hummus and memorable muhammara. The restaurant also provides a welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by its beautiful design and distinct Middle Eastern vibes.
While the attentive staff and warm service contribute positively to the visit, some diners have noted that the overall value proposition can be a point of consideration. Despite this, the restaurant generally leaves a strong impression.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
477
Reviews
79.7%
Satisfaction
69
negative
28
neutral
380
positive
Freekeh generally earns a strong reception, reflected in its overall restaurant score of 8.1 and a customer satisfaction rate of 79.7%. Diners frequently commend the Food (8), highlighting its delicious flavors and presentation, alongside the attentive Service (8.3) which often features friendly staff and helpful recommendations.
The inviting Ambience (8.5) also stands out, creating a pleasant backdrop for meals. However, the Value (4.4) receives a more mixed assessment, with some finding portions small for the price.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 477 customer observations, with 380 positive remarks outweighing 69 negative ones.
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Attentive, warm service
- Inviting, cultural ambiance
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- High price perception
- Challenging parking
If you prioritize a welcoming atmosphere and genuinely flavorful, authentic dishes, Freekeh is certainly worth considering. The dedicated service and distinct cultural setting contribute to a memorable dining experience, making it a good choice for those seeking quality food and a pleasant environment.
However, if you are particularly sensitive to portion sizes relative to cost, or if parking convenience is a major factor for you, you might want to manage your expectations. With a recommendation score of 8.3, it generally delivers, but be mindful of the value aspect.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Freekeh
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8 and a solid good customer satisfaction of 79.1%. Guests frequently rave about the delicious food, abundant vegetarian/vegan options, and authentic Middle Eastern dishes, often highlighting the fantastic sampler platter. With 242 positive remarks out of 306, many diners clearly leave happy and satisfied.
However, not every dish is perfect. Some diners noted small portions and a lack of seasoning, occasionally finding the food salty or bland. These 41 negative comments suggest there's a little room for improvement in consistency, particularly regarding portion sizes and flavor balance across the menu.
Food
306
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
41
negative
23
neutral
242
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious flavors
- Great vegan options
- Excellent sampler plates
What people don't like
- Tiny portion sizes
- Lack of seasoning
- Overly salty food
Often praised
- foodThe service was very friendly, and I was even greeted by the owner, who was incredibly generous and welcoming. I highly recommend visiting to taste some delicious authentic food with a modern twist.
- hummusThe hummus is SO GOOD here. Seriously.. perfectly thick and creamy!
- FoodFood was delicious too
- falafelPlus excellent hummus, falafel, and amazing muhammara.
- muhammaraIt’s the first time I tried baba ghanouj or muhammara and let’s just say I can’t wait to go again!
- shish kabobI particularly appreciated the attentive staff and fast service. The food was also delicious; we enjoyed the house mezze sampler, shish kabob, and muhammara, and we liked everything we tried! The prices were reasonable, making it a great value.
- chicken shawarmachicken shawarma... was absolutely delicious
- flavorsI celebrated my 33rd birthday at this restaurant, seeking good food in a low-key atmosphere, and it was perfect. The experience was defined by outstanding small plates and flavors. The Muhammara was particularly memorable, a taste I'd never experienced before.
- food presentationWe ordered a variety of dishes, including the house sampler plate, shish kabob, beet salad, zahara bil tahini (cauliflower), halloumi, chicken shawarma, and for dessert, kanafeh, qatayef, and halawa o buza. Everything, including the complimentary Palestinian dips with pita chips, was absolutely delicious – fresh and beautifully presented. While it was hard to pick a favorite, the cauliflower was particularly enjoyable.
- freekehThe service was excellent. I highly recommend the mezze sampler and the salmon kabob, with an extra serving of freekeh. I'm eager to try everything else on the menu.
Frequently criticized
- portionsportions are on the smaller side
- foodHowever, our experience with the food was disappointing. We all agreed that all the food was too salty and generally just 'meh'. Given the options in the neighborhood, we felt there are better restaurants for vegans.
- freekehfreekeh that came with it was also in tiny portion
- mealdid not enjoy my meal. It was too heavy on the salt
- portion sizesMy experience at this restaurant was marked by criminally tiny portion sizes. The $9 soup was about 4oz, and the $17 salad was the size of two decks of playing cards, barely fitting in one hand.
- KanafehKanafeh: I have never had it sour like the one here.
- Shish TawookShish Tawook (chicken) had very little chicken
- baba ghanoujI didn’t really like the baba ghanouj
- dipThe waitress was so rudely questioning her how pita bread could be non-vegan instead of just saying yes, showing a really bad attitude. Then, when she came to serve dip, she dropped it by accident, and the whole bowl splattered over me. After that, the whole staff started acting nice to us, but at that point, it was past the point.
- flavorthe flavor is on the milder/blander side
If you're looking for flavorful Middle Eastern cuisine with plenty of vegetarian choices, this spot is definitely worth a visit, especially for their popular sampler plates. Just be mindful that some experiences mention smaller portions or occasional seasoning issues, so manage your expectations on those fronts.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place really shines! With a strong score of 8.3 and a customer satisfaction rate of 81%, its clear guests generally have a good experience. Out of 79 customer remarks, a whopping 64 were positive, frequently praising the "staff, " "attentive" nature, and overall "hospitality, " often including great "recommendations" for dishes.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups, as 13 negative comments surfaced. Some guests felt a lack of attention to detail or experienced less-than-ideal hospitality, with a few instances mentioning a waitress or server who seemed rushed or had a poor attitude. While these are isolated, they suggest there's still a little room for improvement in consistency.
Service
79
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
13
negative
2
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, kind staff
- Warm hospitality
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Inconsistent attention
- Rushed feeling
- Slow check
Often praised
- serviceThe service was warm and shines as one of the most authentic parts
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding! The shawarma was a home run, and the staff was super friendly. I'm a fan of this nice restaurant with its great ambiance.
- ServiceThe Muhammara was particularly memorable, a taste I'd never experienced before. The restaurant offered an atmosphere that was elegant enough yet maintained a friendly and authentic feel. The flavors were consistently tasty and authentic.
- serverThe vibes, dim lighting, décor, and artwork created a beautiful atmosphere, and even the entrance door added to the charm. Our server, who was Palestinian, was incredibly kind and took the time to explain each dish and its meaning. We tried the Jibneh Nabulsi—great cheese, slightly salty but perfect over lavash bread.
- ownerowner came by and explained things and made us feel so welcome
- recommendationsHe gave us great recommendations
- LinaOur server, Lina, was attentive and very kind
- attentionattention that they paid to our table
- attentiveperfectly attentive
- attentive staffThe lovely interior, adorned with different cultural elements, created a welcoming ambiance. I particularly appreciated the attentive staff and fast service. The food was also delicious; we enjoyed the house mezze sampler, shish kabob, and muhammara, and we liked everything we tried!
Frequently criticized
- serviceI was also never asked if I wanted a drink or something else to eat.
- attention to detailDon’t expect attention to detail
- closing timetold us “just so you know we close at 9pm” which is fine but it was 7:58pm
- hospitalityOverall bad hospitality
- serverI don’t think it’s on the server I think it’s the fact she’s probably overworked.
- staffwhole staff started acting nice to us but at that point it was past the point
- technological innovationuseless technological innovation?? Technology is supposed to make our lives easier
- waiter for the checkflag down the waiter for the check both times
- waitressFirstly, my friend is vegan and was politely asking if the pita bread was vegan. The waitress was so rudely questioning her how pita bread could be non-vegan instead of just saying yes, showing a really bad attitude. Then, when she came to serve dip, she dropped it by accident, and the whole bowl splattered over me.
Overall, you can expect a very positive experience with the service here, as the staff are largely attentive and welcoming. While a few isolated incidents suggest minor inconsistencies, the overwhelming sentiment is one of excellent hospitality. It's definitely worth a visit if friendly and helpful service is high on your list!
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to the overall feel, this place truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.5 and customer satisfaction soaring at 87.7%, its clear most folks absolutely adore the atmosphere. Guests frequently rave about the beautiful decor, dim lighting, and unique cultural pieces that create such a welcoming vibe.
The back patio also gets a lot of love, making it a truly charming spot, based on 71 positive remarks. However, its not entirely perfect. A few guests, 8 to be exact, mentioned some minor hiccups.
Finding parking can be a real challenge, and the subtle signage might make it easy to miss. There were also a couple of comments about the hands-free bathroom experience not being for everyone, and the back patio heaters sometimes falling short on warmth.
Ambience
81
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Lovely decor
- Perfect back patio
What people don't like
- Hard parking
- Subtle signage
- Weak patio heaters
Often praised
- atmospherefriendly service but as we were ordering our last drinks, the server looked impatient
- Atmosphere11/10 Atmosphere
- back patioI had the best chicken shawarma in San Francisco. The space itself is really great, and the back patio is a wonderful addition. It's a family-run business with excellent service.
- spacebeautiful, well-thought-out space
- ambiencegreat ambience and food for them to enjoy
- experienceit was a fantastic experience
- lightingThe lighting is very dim
- placemade the place feel welcoming
- Arabic musicArabic music in the background, and Middle Eastern vibes
- Middle Eastern vibesand Middle Eastern vibes
Frequently criticized
- parkingIt was very hard to find parking near the spot
- atmosphereThe lanes between tables are narrow and not suited for a rowdy crowd
- bathroomridiculous hands free bathroom. It is pure failed future dystopia
- environmentdid not feel like the environment was comforting or welcoming
- heatersupgrade the heaters on the back patio as they aren't quite warm enough
- neighborhood parkingNeighborhood parking is a bit challenging
- signagethe signage is subtle so you may miss it
Overall, if youre looking for a place with a truly captivating atmosphere and dont mind a bit of a hunt for parking, this spot is definitely worth checking out. The beautiful decor and welcoming vibes make for a memorable experience, despite a few minor practical issues.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners, based on 11 customer remarks, have found the prices to be quite reasonable, appreciating the idea of an elegant yet reasonably affordable Palestinian restaurant. While the overall score for value sits at an average 4.4, a few customers (3 positive remarks) felt they got a good deal, particularly noting the reasonable pricing. However, the picture isn't entirely rosy, with customer satisfaction for value being a rather poor 27.3%.
Many (7 negative remarks) felt the restaurant was on the expensive side, citing small portions for the prices and even feeling ripped off. The added credit card surcharge also left a sour taste for some, suggesting better prices might be found elsewhere.
Value
11
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Small portions for price
- Credit card surcharge
- Feeling ripped off
Often praised
- PricesPrices were reasonable
- elegant yet reasonably affordableIt's fortunate to have an elegant yet reasonably affordable Palestinian restaurant in the neighborhood, and so important to support Palestinian business. I ordered vegan options.
- pricesReasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- pricesSome of the food was really good, and we particularly thought the muhammara was excellent! However, we found the portions to be really small for the prices.
- credit card surchargeremove the credit card surcharge you sneak in at the end
- expensive sideIt is on expensive side
- extra falafelThe falafel was also average. FYI they also charged $2 per extra falafel! + Kanafeh (3/5): I have had this dessert dozens of times, and I have never had it sour like the one here.
- price per personfor a meal that will run nearly 50 bucks a person
- ripped offHowever, the restaurant does have pretty ceramics, a nice atmosphere, and the food tasted good. Despite these positives, I'll never return to be ripped off again.
If youre looking for a truly budget-friendly option, this might not be your top pick, as many find it on the pricier side with small portions. However, if the unique, elegant Palestinian experience is your priority and you dont mind potentially paying a bit more, it could still be worth a visit.
How are the prices at Freekeh?
You’re looking at roughly 44 per person – reported by 62 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Middle Eastern Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a good mix. While many guests spend around $21–$30, a significant number also opt for the $41–$50 range, where our average sits. This suggests a nice spread of options, from more casual bites to a fuller dining experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 62 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Middle Eastern restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers options for different budgets, making it accessible while still providing a quality experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Freekeh
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Absolutely Divine Dining Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely DIVINE! I visited yesterday for my best friend's birthday, and everything we consumed was delicious. I absolutely loved the look of the place, with its gorgeous murals and vibrant colors, complemented by comfortable seating.
Then there was the food! I need to go back asap! The staff was perfectly attentive and so kind.
I would 1000000% recommend this restaurant.
- food10
- look9
- murals9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Salty Food, Friendly Staff, Won't Return
I visited this restaurant with three other people for dinner. We found the space to be lovely and the staff to be friendly. However, our experience with the food was disappointing.
We all agreed that all the food was too salty and generally just 'meh'. Given the options in the neighborhood, we felt there are better restaurants for vegans. We won't be returning.
- space8
- staff8
- food2
- restaurants for vegans3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Wowed by Delicious Food and Friendly Service!
I recently visited this restaurant for the first time and was truly wowed by how delicious the food was! The falafels were perfectly light and crispy, and the chicken shish was well grilled. I also thoroughly enjoyed the flavorful freekeh that accompanied the chicken, which was a new and delightful discovery for me.
The server and other staff were incredibly friendly and patient, especially with our indecisiveness about what to order, as everything sounded so good. I am definitely planning on coming back soon to explore more of the menu.
- falafels10
- chicken shish8
- freekeh9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Great Food, Welcoming Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. The food was really good, and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. The staff were genuinely sweet and contributed to the overall welcoming feel of the place.
I particularly enjoyed the Side Falafel.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- staff10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Wants to like it, but food disappoints
I've been to this restaurant several times, and while I really want to like it, the food just isn't very tasty. The unusually high prices are understandable given it's San Francisco, but it's the food that leaves me feeling sad. I strongly prefer other Mediterranean spots.
- prices6
- food2
What Freekeh offers
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
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Freekeh accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, Freekeh is designed to be fully accessible. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What dining options and services does Freekeh offer?
At Freekeh, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences, including brunch, lunch, and dinner with table service. Outdoor seating is available, and you can also make reservations for your convenience. Takeout and delivery options are provided too.
What are the main strengths of Freekeh?
Freekeh is highly regarded for its authentic and flavorful food, attentive and warm service, and its inviting, culturally rich ambiance. Many guests praise specific dishes and the overall dining environment.
How does Freekeh score overall, and what are its key areas?
Freekeh holds an overall restaurant score of 8.1. Its strengths lie in Ambience (8.5), Service (8.3), and Food (8). However, Value (4.4) is an area where some diners have expressed concerns.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks when dining at Freekeh?
Some diners have noted that portion sizes can be on the smaller side relative to the prices, leading to a perception of high cost. Additionally, finding parking near the restaurant can sometimes be challenging.