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oChef » Za’atar – San Francisco
Za'atar - San Francisco
Photo from Za’atar
Za'atar at a glance
San Francisco Potrero Terrace
- 🫒 Mediterranean Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 21 – 30 €
mentioned by 32 of the guests
#874 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#23 Mediterranean Restaurant out of 40 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
399
Reviews
79.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Food
- Quick Service
- Generous Portions
Frequently criticized
- Online Order Issues
- Slow Delivery
- Cloud Kitchen
The restaurant Za’atar, a Mediterranean Restaurant in San Francisco’s Potrero Terrace, invites you to discover the vibrant flavors of Levantine-inspired street food. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite, whether you’re looking for healthy options, small plates, or delicious vegan and vegetarian choices.
It’s a great spot for both lunch and dinner.
Overview: Introducting Za'atar
Za’atar offers a culinary experience centered around its flavorful Mediterranean dishes, often praised for being `tasty` and served in `generous portions`. Many appreciate the `quick & friendly` service, whether dining in or opting for takeout.
The fresh ingredients and well-prepared items frequently leave a positive impression on diners. However, some patrons have encountered issues, particularly with `slow delivery` and occasional `forgotten items` in their orders.
Transparency around pricing, including a `hidden tip assumption` online, has also been a point of concern for a few. It appears the operational model leans heavily towards online orders.
Good
7.8
out of 10
399
Reviews
79.2%
Satisfaction
64
negative
19
neutral
316
positive
Za’atar generally earns a solid reception, reflected in its overall `Restaurant Score` of `7.8` and a `Customer Satisfaction` rate of `79.2%`. These figures suggest a largely positive experience for many, with a good number of patrons leaving content.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 399 customer remarks, with 316 positive observations outweighing 64 negative ones. Diving deeper, the `Food` (8.2) stands out as a clear strength, often described as flavorful and fresh.
`Service` (7) also performs well, indicating efficient and pleasant interactions. However, the `Ambience` (5.6) and `Value` (4.5) aspects are more of a mixed bag, suggesting areas where the experience might not consistently meet expectations.
What people like
- Flavorful, fresh food
- Quick, friendly service
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Online ordering issues
- Slow delivery, forgotten items
- Not a sit-down restaurant
Za’atar is a strong contender if you’re seeking flavorful Mediterranean cuisine, especially for takeout or delivery. The `8.1` recommendation score suggests many find it a worthwhile choice.
Expect well-prepared dishes and efficient service, making it a reliable option for a satisfying meal at home. However, be mindful of the online ordering process and potential for slower delivery times.
If you’re looking for a traditional dine-in experience or strict pricing transparency, you might find it less suitable. For a quick, tasty meal, Za’atar generally delivers.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Za'atar
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place truly shines! With a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 84.8%, its clear diners are loving whats on their plates. Out of 310 pieces of feedback, a whopping 263 rave about the fresh ingredients, delicious food, and flavorful dishes, often highlighting generous portion sizes.
Many found the Mediterranean cuisine to be creative, tasty, and consistently high quality. However, not every bite was perfect. Around 35 comments pointed out some areas for improvement, mentioning a dry meal or overcooked lamb/beef in some instances.
A few also noted weird oil or bland hummus, and some found the falafels to be on the dry side. While these instances are fewer, they suggest occasional inconsistencies.
Food
310
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
35
negative
12
neutral
263
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh ingredients
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Dry, overcooked food
- Bland hummus
- Dry falafels
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was super quick, the food was so tasty, and the portion sizes were super generous. It's definitely the best place!
- hummusI had the absolute BEST Mediterranean food I've ever tasted. The Turkish flair gave the hummus a delectable flavor, which I believe was due to the in-house tahini. The Babaghanoush was truly out of this world!
- falafelThe falafel was also moist on the inside but perfectly crispy on the outside
- Mediterranean foodIf you're in the area, this is a great place to get some quick and tasty Mediterranean food. My friends and I were looking for a local spot before a show and decided to take a chance here.
- ingredientsThe food is incredibly healthy and full of flavors, with large portions that are very satisfying. A particular favorite is the chicken spring salad, which is generously loaded with fresh ingredients and perfectly roasted, flavorful chicken. Even the chickpeas in the salad are delicious.
- chickenthe chicken is always roasted to perfection and SO flavorful
- flavorsI recently ordered from Za'atar for the second time via Uber Eats, and I can confidently say that I was not disappointed! The quality of the food is consistently impressive, and the flavors are even better. My experience was great, and I highly recommend their Fattoush Salad.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The clean flavors and nice portions were impressive. The lovely owners made the atmosphere welcoming, and there's truly something for every person and every diet.
- HummusMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their Hummus. I was very, very pleasantly surprised by its quality, finding it as good as Bodega or the early days of old Jerusalem. As someone who is extremely picky and fixated on Hummus, like most Israelis, this was a high compliment.
- lentil ballsGot the beet salad, falafel, lentil balls, chicken bowl, and the mezzo trio.
Frequently criticized
- hummussuspect the hummus was the culprit because that was the only food that we shared
- friesthe fries tasted old, like they had been reheated
- Lebanese foodnot even decent Lebanese food
- avgolemono soupwas extremely tart & lemony
- breadThe bread was rock hard
- cauliflower ricelately there is A LOT of weird oil, little of the good spices
- chicken rice bowlchicken rice bowl...felt like it wasn't fresh food
- chicken shawarma wrapordered a chicken shawarma wrap, not a grilled chicken wrap
- chocolate baklavathe chocolate baklava is way too sweet
- desserttheir dessert is disappointing
If youre craving fresh, flavorful Mediterranean food with generous portions, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While there are occasional reports of dryness or inconsistent seasoning, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youre in for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7! Many customers rave about the amazing staff and quick delivery, often noting how fast food comes out and how well online ordering works. With 41 positive remarks among 60 total, it seems many appreciate the friendly customer service and efficient cooking.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.3%, indicating some areas for improvement. A few experiences highlight long waiting times, issues with order accuracy, and forgotten items like utensils. The online ordering system, while praised by some, has also led to frustrations, with some finding it the only option and difficult to get help when needed, as noted in 15 negative remarks.
Service
60
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
15
negative
4
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing staff
- Fast delivery
- Kind customer service
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Order accuracy issues
- Online ordering only
Often praised
- servicethe service is extremely quick & friendly
- deliverydelivery is quick and the food holds up perfectly
- staffGreat staff great people
- customer servicethe customer service was also good
- ownersThe clean flavors and nice portions were impressive. The lovely owners made the atmosphere welcoming, and there's truly something for every person and every diet. I highly recommend the desserts as a perfect ending to their really great street food.
- takeoutSome of the best takeout I’ve ever had
- Everything cameeverything came and was properly labelled
- FastFast and tasty!
- ServiceService:5
- compensationI got my order fixed with compensation quickly
Frequently criticized
- online orderingtricky hidden tip assumption when ordering online
- deliverybe prepared to wait a while they're very very slow
- fixing your ordervery very slow in fixing your order
- items on my orderThe place was pretty busy when I picked up because nobody had been at the window for 10 minutes. They forgot some items on my order. Check your bag before you leave!
- no one repliedno one replies to the number to help
- online ordersThey were only taking online orders
- orderI ordered a chicken shawarma wrap, not a grilled chicken wrap
- order accuracyleft items out
- order onlineMy experience at this place was that it refuses to take your order at their door and demands you order online. It’s not really a restaurant but a kitchen for delivery and pickup.
- serviceService:1
Overall, if youre looking for fast delivery and generally kind staff, this place could be a solid choice. Just be prepared for potential hiccups with online ordering or order accuracy, and perhaps avoid peak times if youre sensitive to waiting.
Ambience (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
For ambience, this place offers a mixed bag, but many find it quite appealing! Some call it a Mediterranean gem, truly a feast for the eyes and gorgeous, with a generally great atmosphere. Plus, they offer compostable everything and plenty of parking.
With 8 positive observations, it scores an average 5.6, suggesting some real visual appeal. However, customer satisfaction is a mixed 47.1%, as 7 negative opinions highlight its "not a real restaurant" but rather a "cloud kitchen" primarily for delivery. Many were disappointed its not a sit down place, with a bad environment and located in a weird area, making it less ideal for an in-person experience.
Ambience
17
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Gorgeous Mediterranean look
- Compostable everything
- Plenty of parking
What people don't like
- Not a sit-down restaurant
- Primarily a cloud kitchen
- Unappealing location
Often praised
- Mediterranean gemfavorite Mediterranean places in SF
- atmospherecome in store to check out the atmosphere.
- compostable everythingcompostable everything!
- gorgeousIt was truly a feast for the eyes and a celebration in my mouth. This is definitely THE SPOT for Mediterranean food; it’s seriously delicious and also gorgeous. I highly recommend it.
- looksit looks good
- parkingthere is plenty of parking!
- placethis place is great
- restaurant busynessthey stay busy from the moment they open , til closing time
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- cloud kitchennot a real restaurant. It turns out that this is actually a cloud kitchen
- environmentbut bad environment
- kitchen for deliveryMy experience at this place was that it refuses to take your order at their door and demands you order online. It’s not really a restaurant but a kitchen for delivery and pickup.
- locationThe place is located in a wierd area
- sit down placenot a sit down place
- stuffWhile working through Instawork, someone stole my car battery. I'm not blaming the job itself, but I want to warn others to watch your stuff closely if you visit!
If youre after a visually appealing takeout or delivery experience, especially for Mediterranean food, this place could be a hit. But if youre hoping for a traditional sit-down restaurant with a great atmosphere, youll likely be disappointed, as its primarily a cloud kitchen in a less-than-ideal spot.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
It seems the Value at this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.5 putting it squarely in the average range, yet customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 33.3%. Based on 12 comments, 4 positive remarks highlight value for money and fair prices, noting you often get a good price for the amount of food and great portion sizes for delicious, fresh meals. However, the 7 negative comments paint a different picture, frequently mentioning unexplained additional charge, lack of transparency in billing, hidden tip assumption, and fees.
Guests have been frustrated by prices that feel slightly higher, with some finding the cost for certain items disproportionate to the portion size.
Value
12
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good portions
- Fair food price
What people don't like
- Hidden charges
- Unexpected fees
- High prices
Often praised
- fair pricesphenomenal food at fair prices
- pricea good price for the amount of food you get
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was incredible. The food was flavorful and so fresh, offering great value. My husband and I order from here at least twice a month, and even my 13-month-old baby loves it!
- value for moneyMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. The food was delicious, with great portion sizes and value for money. I particularly enjoyed the hummus with mushroom ragu and the baba ghanouj, which were totally yum.
Frequently criticized
- billing transparencylack of transparency in billing
- feesIN ADDITION TO $8 IN FEES
- hidden tip assumptiontricky hidden tip assumption when ordering online was a whopping 28%
- lowering the pricelower the price
- price$18 (pickup, before tax) for a tiny wrap
- pricesprices in this place were slightly higher
- unexplained additional chargethere was an unexplained additional charge
If youre looking for delicious food and dont mind potentially encountering some unexpected charges or slightly higher prices, this place might still be worth a try for its quality. However, if transparent billing and strict budget adherence are your top priorities, you might find the value proposition a bit disappointing.
How are the prices at Za'atar?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 32 diners. That puts it in the 21 – 30 € category. For a Mediterranean Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 24, many guests actually spend a bit less, with a good number opting for options in the 11 – 20 € range. This suggests a nice mix of choices, from more budget-friendly to mid-range dishes.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 32 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mediterranean spot in San Francisco. It offers good value, especially with those varied price points. Wed say its a solid choice for a tasty meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Za'atar
Price per Person
- 21 - 30 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Phenomenal Food, Cloud Kitchen Experience
My experience was with a cloud kitchen, not a traditional restaurant. I discovered it on Google Maps while walking in the area and decided to stop by. To get food, you need to order through an app and then pick it up.
I ordered the Lamb & Beef Kabob Rice Bowl for $20. 45, and it was excellent. The bowl included seasoned rice, vegetables with a great crunch, and tender, juicy lamb that strongly tasted of lamb.
It was garnished with parsley and served with a small container of pink, salty yogurt sauce. While the food was great, eating it outside on the two clean benches with a garbage can nearby wasn't an amazing dining experience, but it was better than nothing, especially since most cloud kitchens lack any dining area. The food was rated 5/5 and service was rated 5/5, but the atmosphere was rated 1/5.
- Lamb & Beef Kabob Rice Bowl10
- seasoned rice9
- vegetables8
- cloud kitchen3
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
5
Tasty Food, Risky Hummus
My experience at the restaurant involved trying the lamb hummus plate and my girlfriend ordering the falafel hummus plate. Both dishes were very tasty. However, the next day, we both experienced food poisoning, and we suspect the hummus was the cause as it was the only item we shared.
I imagine the hummus may have been refrigerated for too long. It's very sad because the food itself was very good.
- lamb hummus plate8
- falafel hummus plate8
- food8
- hummus2
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Tiny wrap, big price
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to the portion size and price. I paid $18 (pickup, before tax) for what turned out to be a tiny wrap. I've included a photo for reference.
I suggest either lowering the price or making the wrap bigger.
- portion size2
- price2
- tiny wrap2
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
2
Cauliflower Rice Disappointment
My experience at this restaurant used to be great, especially with their cauliflower rice. However, lately, it's been disappointing. There's a lot of weird oil, and it lacks the good spices like zaatar or even lemon.
To make matters worse, when I tried to get help by calling the provided number, no one replied.
- cauliflower rice3
- good spices3
- weird oil2
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Takeout
3
Disappointing Food, Not as Pictured
We recently moved nearby and were excited to try this restaurant after seeing the photos online. While the photographer did an excellent job, the actual food did not live up to the images. We ordered vegetarian dishes and found the fries to be soggy, even though we picked them up as soon as they were ready.
The hummus was bland, and the salad was unappetizing, even after a tiring moving day. It's possible the meat dishes are better, but our vegetarian experience was underwhelming.
- vegetarian dishes5
- fries2
- hummus3
- salad3
What Za'atar offers
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Catering
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of cuisine and dining experience can you expect at Za'atar?
At Za’atar, you can savor delicious Levantine-inspired street food within a casual Mediterranean restaurant setting. You’ll find a variety of healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, perfect for small plates or a quick bite. It’s an ideal spot for both lunch and dinner, offering a relaxed atmosphere.
Does Za'atar offer convenient service options and cater to different dietary needs?
Yes, Za’atar provides flexible service options including dine-in, delivery, and no-contact delivery for your convenience. You’ll also discover a wide range of offerings, such as healthy options, small plates, and specific vegan and vegetarian dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
What is Za'atar's overall rating and what do customers think about its different aspects?
Za’atar holds an overall Restaurant Score of 7.8, indicating a good experience for many. Customers particularly praise the Food (8.2) and Service (7). However, the Ambience (5.6) and Value (4.5) receive more mixed feedback.
What kind of food can I expect from Za'atar?
Customers frequently describe Za’atar’s food as incredibly tasty, healthy, and full of fresh flavors. Popular items like hummus and falafel are noted for their delectable taste and quality, often served in generous portions.
Are there any common issues with Za'atar's service or ordering process?
Some customers have reported slow delivery times and occasional forgotten items in their orders. There have also been concerns regarding a tricky hidden tip assumption and a lack of transparency in online billing.