Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Ararat Kebab & Gyros – San Francisco
Ararat Kebab & Gyros - San Francisco
Photo from Ararat Kebab & Gyros
Ararat Kebab & Gyros at a glance
San Francisco Little Saigon
- 🫒 Mediterranean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 89 of the guests
#276 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#7 Mediterranean Restaurant out of 40 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
447
Reviews
86.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Uncomfortable atmosphere
The restaurant Ararat Kebab & Gyros is a delightful Mediterranean spot nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Little Saigon neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying a quick bite or a full meal.
With a focus on Halal food and healthy options, you’re sure to find something delicious and satisfying here.
Overview: Introducting Ararat Kebab & Gyros
Ararat Kebab & Gyros offers a dining experience where the warmth of the staff and the quality of the food truly stand out. Many appreciate the home-like feeling and the cleanliness of the space, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
While the atmosphere is generally pleasant, some find the location less ideal. Guests frequently commend the attentive service and the overall positive vibe, often describing the staff as very sweet and welcoming.
The culinary offerings, particularly the plates, receive high marks for their quality and generous portions, though a few specific items might not always hit the mark for everyone.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
447
Reviews
86.8%
Satisfaction
45
negative
14
neutral
388
positive
Ararat Kebab & Gyros earns a solid Restaurant Score of 8.4, indicating a good overall performance, which aligns well with a strong Customer Satisfaction of 86.8%. This positive reception is built on a foundation of 447 customer observations, with 388 positive remarks outweighing 45 negative ones, painting a clear picture of general contentment.
The restaurant particularly shines in Service (9.1), which is rated excellent, and Food (8.5), which is considered very good. The Ambience (7.5) and Value (7.3) also contribute positively, both scoring in the good range.
This balanced performance across key areas suggests a consistently pleasant experience for most patrons.
What people like
- Delicious food quality
- Exceptional, kind service
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food items
- Uncomfortable dining atmosphere
- Challenging neighborhood location
If you’re seeking a spot with genuinely kind service and flavorful, well-portioned food, Ararat Kebab & Gyros is certainly worth considering. The strong 8.7 Recommendation Score suggests many leave satisfied, especially those who appreciate a clean, homey environment.
However, be mindful that some specific food items might be inconsistent, and the immediate neighborhood or parking could present minor challenges. Focus on their plate offerings for the best experience, and you’ll likely find a satisfying meal here.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ararat Kebab & Gyros
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here truly stands out, boasting a fantastic score of 8.5 and customer satisfaction soaring to 87.6%. With 254 positive remarks out of 290, diners consistently praise the delicious chicken and lamb gyros combo, the fresh and clean preparation, and the generous portions, making for a truly satisfying meal. However, not every dish hits the mark perfectly.
There were 24 negative comments, with some finding issues like the chicken soup being disgusting, or concerns about store-bought dolma and pita. A few also mentioned tasteless kebabs, food being too oily, or that the Turkish quality street shawarma wrap didn't quite live up to expectations.
Food
290
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
24
negative
12
neutral
254
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious gyros
- Fresh, tasty meats
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Oily food
- Dry, tasteless kebabs
- Store-bought items
Often praised
- foodThe place is very clean and nicely put together. The food is good, but I must mention that if you're expecting authentic Turkish quality street shawarma wraps, you might be disappointed. I'd suggest that getting a plate would likely lead to a better experience.
- rice puddingThe rice pudding had incredible vanilla flavor
- lentil soupYou know the drill. The lentil soup: Earthy, warm, feels like it should come with a wool blanket and forgiveness. The salmon plate: Surprisingly top-tier.
- Turkish foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best Turkish food ever, and the price was perfect. The service was very, very good.
- Turkish teaThe refreshing şalgam drink was a perfect accompaniment. For dessert, the creamy rice pudding was delightful, and the perfectly brewed Turkish tea ☕️ completed the meal. All together, it was pure happiness on a plate!
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was incredibly good 🤤, with great portions and good quality. The place has a very home-like feeling, and the desserts are absolutely to die for!
- qualityMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was incredibly good 🤤, with great portions and good quality. The place has a very home-like feeling, and the desserts are absolutely to die for!
- ricethe rice were geschmacklich top
- FoodFood:5
- salmon platethe salmon plate, and the salmon was cooked to perfection
Frequently criticized
- breaddidn’t enjoy mix of flavors nor bread
- dolmaThe dolma I ordered to take home were store-bought, and actually hard and dry.
- foodfood can be a bit less oily
- pitaThe pita was store-bought bread as well.
- DönerNow I know why! They are so bad here, you can't compare them to German Döner. At least the Döner they sell here at Ararat.
- Döner at AraratAt least the Döner, that they sell here at Ararat.
- Gemusedidn’t enjoy mix of flavors nor bread
- Turkish quality street shawarma wrapdon’t come here expecting Turkish quality street shawarma wrap
- chicken and lamb kebabsThe chicken and lamb kebabs were tasteless, dry and overcooked.
- chicken soupthe one I was served here was quite disgusting
If you're looking for fresh, flavorful Mediterranean food with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try, especially for their gyros and kebabs. Just be mindful that some specific items, like certain wraps or sides, might not always hit the mark for everyone.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
The service at this spot truly shines, earning an excellent 9.1 score and an impressive 94.6% customer satisfaction. With 70 positive remarks out of 74 total, guests consistently praise the friendly family, attentive crew, and warm hospitality, highlighting the excellent service from owners and staff who make everyone feel welcome. However, a few of the 3 negative comments mentioned general service issues, with one specific concern about staff being way too flirty.
While these are minor points compared to the overwhelming positives, it's something to keep in mind for a completely smooth experience.
Service
74
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Warm hospitality
- Excellent service
What people don't like
- Flirty staff
Often praised
- serviceIt’s tiny, no-frills, and smells like grilled onions and someone’s auntie’s secret spice blend. The kind of spot where the guy behind the counter knows what you want by your walk. Let’s start with the gyro—because damn.
- staffI highly recommend the appetizer combo so you can get a little of everything. Although we ordered takeout, based on how sweet the staff were, I know dining in would have been a great experience. It's taken me a few weeks to write this, but it has inspired us to order again tonight!
- ServiceService:5
- ownerMy experience at this restaurant was great. The owner is truly the man, and the food and dessert are incomparable to anything else around here. I would 100% suggest eating here.
- hospitalitytrue quality, hospitality
- Kurdish peopleAs someone who moved to the Bay Area from Armenia in 2023, I've found this restaurant to be the closest to authentic Armenian food so far. The food was delicious, and the Kurdish people running the place were quite nice to me. Despite not speaking their language, I still felt welcome and will be returning for the great food, similar music, and atmosphere.
- Kurdish womenWhile the surrounding neighborhood has homeless individuals, which might make some feel unsafe and complicates street parking, I'd recommend using the parking structure for peace of mind. Despite the external chaos, this place is a true gem, offering total calmness and service from very sweet Kurdish women. The food was great, as always.
- StaffStaff was really kind and helpful
- StuffThe Stuff was very friendly
- attentiveI ordered the Kofta (also spelled Kefta and Kufta) and truly enjoyed the blend of spices and the salad it was served with. The owner, who cooked for me, and his family, who served me, were all very busy but made sure I felt welcome and were very attentive. The space has been completely redone, is immaculate, and feels like a different building from when I used to order from the previous restaurant that occupied the space.
Frequently criticized
- scooterI hate that this amazing spot is in the worst spot of the Tenderloin lol. I called ahead for pickup and thieves were already trying to take my scooter. 😂 Once I got home the food was amazing.
- serviceservice and atmosphere. Not cheap either.
- staffStaff being way too flirty
If you value a welcoming atmosphere and attentive care, this place is definitely worth a visit. The service is a major highlight, ensuring you'll feel right at home despite a very minor, isolated concern.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
The ambience at this spot generally hits the mark, earning a solid 7.5 score. Customers are quite happy, with a 76.8% satisfaction rate, showing a good overall experience. Many of the 53 positive remarks out of 69 opinions highlight the atmosphere, cleanliness, and vibes, often describing a home-like feeling that makes the environment welcoming.
However, not everyone is entirely charmed. The 15 negative opinions point to issues like the outdoor seating being less desirable, or concerns about the location and parking space. A few even mentioned an unpleasant smell or the neighborhood feeling unsafe, which can detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
69
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
15
negative
1
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, welcoming space
- Cozy, home-like vibe
- Positive atmosphere
What people don't like
- Challenging location
- Difficult parking
- Unpleasant smells
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere felt just like being at a family home
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was great. The place was nice and clean, and the food was really good. I highly recommend this halal establishment.
- cleanlinesspreferred place for its cleanliness
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restaurantExcellent restaurant, très bon et très propre
- spaceThe space has been completely redone, is immaculate
- Turkish musiclove the Turkish music
- best placebest place in the city
- cafeVery clean, lovely staff
- calmnesstotal calmness and very sweet Kurdish women.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere just doesn’t invite you to stay long
- doorDoor blew open through the entire meal. It was cold and uncomfortable.
- familiesThe place doesn't feel very suitable for families
- locationLocation is not good
- neighborhoodthe neighborhood looked very dangerous
- outdoor seatingthe outdoor seating is the only thing I would avoid
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- picturespictures made me suspicious about the place
- placeThe place itself is very small
- restaurantNormally, I really enjoy chicken soup, but the one I was served here was quite disgusting. The restaurant was uncomfortably hot, almost like a Turkish bath. I came based on the positive Google reviews, but I regret my decision.
If you're seeking a clean, cozy spot with a welcoming, home-like atmosphere, this place is likely a great fit. Just be prepared for potential challenges with the location and parking, and consider sticking to the inviting indoor space.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.3 and a solid customer satisfaction of 78.6%. Many diners, across 11 positive remarks, rave about the reasonable prices and fantastic price, often highlighting the value for money and affordable menus that dont break the bank. However, not everyone is entirely convinced, with 3 comments pointing to some concerns.
A few guests felt the portion size could be better for the cost, and some described the price as overpriced or not cheap, ' suggesting there might be room for improvement in certain areas.
Value
14
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
- Fair portions
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Overpriced items
Often praised
- priceIf you’re drifting down O’Farrell with a belly full of existential dread and a craving for something wrapped in pita and purpose, Ararat Kebab & Gyros might just be your salvation—or your new obsession. This isn’t some polished Mission-style “Mediterranean fusion” place with $19 hummus. No.
- pricesI had a chicken plate with rice and salad here today, and it was simply the best. The food is very fresh and tasty, and the prices are very reasonable. Thank you very much for the great service and the delicious 😋 food!
- PricePrice is reasonable
- menusone of the cheapest and most delicious menus
- value for moneyLe rapport qualité-prix est satisfaisant
Frequently criticized
- priceWay overpriced— $40 for one appetizer, one combo plate with one extra kebab, and no drink!!!
- portion sizefelt like the size was kind of small for $15.
Overall, if you're looking for a place that generally offers good bang for your buck, this spot is a strong contender. While most find the prices fair and the value satisfying, be mindful that a few items might feel a bit steep for the portion size.
How are the prices at Ararat Kebab & Gyros?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 89 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Mediterranean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
It’s interesting to see that while the average is 23, a good chunk of guests actually spend a bit less, in the $11–$20 range, alongside those in the $21–$30 bracket. This suggests a nice mix of options, keeping things accessible while still offering that mid-range experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 89 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Mediterranean spot in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance for a mid-range dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ararat Kebab & Gyros
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
A Legendary Taste Experience!
My experience at the restaurant was a legendary taste experience! 🔥 I enjoyed a feast of flavors, starting with crispy lahmacun and tender sautéed meat. The refreshing şalgam drink was a perfect accompaniment.
For dessert, the creamy rice pudding was delightful, and the perfectly brewed Turkish tea ☕️ completed the meal. All together, it was pure happiness on a plate! ❤️ This wasn't just food; it felt like love and tradition served fresh.
- lahmacun9
- sautéed meat9
- şalgam drink8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Lahmacun and Friendly Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I highly recommend trying the lahmacun and rice pudding. I also tried the sauteed development meat, and there are SO many types, all of which were very successful.
The employees were also friendly and polite.
- lahmacun9
- rice pudding9
- sauteed development meat8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Authentic Turkish Gem in SF!
If you love Turkish food, this is the best spot in SF! Everything tastes just like back in Turkey, super fresh and authentic. The service is quick and the staff is really friendly.
Definitely my go-to place when I’m craving Turkish food!
- Turkish food10
- food10
- service9
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
8
Amazing Food, Terrible Location
I hate that this amazing spot is in the worst spot of the Tenderloin lol. I called ahead for pickup and thieves were already trying to take my scooter. 😂 Once I got home the food was amazing.
The rice pudding had incredible vanilla flavor. The kebab serving was perfect and delicious.
- food9
- rice pudding10
- kebab serving9
- spot2
- scooter3
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Terrible Experience, Overpriced and Disappointing
My experience at this restaurant was one of the worst meals I’ve ever had. The atmosphere was what you'd expect from a hole-in-the-wall place in the TL. The staff were way too flirty, and the door blew open throughout the entire meal, making it cold and uncomfortable.
The dolma I ordered to take home were store-bought, hard, dry, cold, gross, and tasted really old and freezer-burnt. The pita was also store-bought bread. The chicken and lamb kebabs were tasteless, dry, and overcooked.
Nothing felt fresh. It was way overpriced— $40 for one appetizer, one combo plate with one extra kebab, and no drink! I was extremely disappointed as this was a birthday meal for a family member and I was misled by other reviews.
I will never go back for any reason.
- atmosphere1
- staff2
- door1
What Ararat Kebab & Gyros offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of food does Ararat Kebab & Gyros offer?
Ararat Kebab & Gyros specializes in delicious Mediterranean cuisine. You’ll find a variety of healthy options and small plates, including Halal food, perfect for a quick bite in San Francisco’s Little Saigon.
What are the dining and service options at Ararat Kebab & Gyros?
At Ararat Kebab & Gyros, you can enjoy dine-in, takeout, or delivery services. They also offer catering. The restaurant is good for kids, providing a kids’ menu and high chairs. Plus, you’ll find free street parking available.
How does Ararat Kebab & Gyros rate overall?
Ararat Kebab & Gyros achieves a good overall Restaurant Score of 8.4. This is supported by excellent Service (9.1) and very good Food (8.5), with Ambience (7.5) and Value (7.3) also rated as good.
What are the food highlights at Ararat Kebab & Gyros?
Customers frequently praise the quality and portions of the food, with specific mentions of the salmon plate, lentil soup, and rice pudding. However, some opinions suggest that shawarma wraps and dolma might not consistently meet expectations.
What is the dining atmosphere like at Ararat Kebab & Gyros?
The restaurant is often described as clean, with a home-like feeling and pleasant Turkish music. While the staff contributes to a welcoming environment, some guests have noted the space can be small or the surrounding neighborhood less inviting.