Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
oChef » Karam – San Francisco
Karam - San Francisco
Photo from Karam
Karam at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🫒 Mediterranean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 29 of the guests
#379 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#8 Mediterranean Restaurant out of 40 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
146
Reviews
82.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Service issues
The restaurant Karam invites you to discover a taste of the Mediterranean right in the heart of San Francisco. Nestled in the vibrant Polk Gulch neighborhood, this Mediterranean restaurant offers you a delightful culinary journey.
You’ll find yourself immersed in an authentic dining experience, perfect for a casual meal or a special evening out.
Overview: Introducting Karam
Karam offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often highlighted for its notable cleanliness and well-prepared dishes. Guests frequently commend the flavorful chicken and fresh Mediterranean staples, contributing to a positive first impression.
However, some diners have noted inconsistencies in certain food items, like the Kefta Kebab, and occasional challenges with reporting it when issues arise. These points suggest areas where the experience might vary.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
146
Reviews
82.9%
Satisfaction
15
negative
10
neutral
121
positive
Karam achieves a solid overall score of 8.3, reflecting a good dining experience, with customer satisfaction standing at a commendable 82.9%. This positive sentiment is drawn from 146 opinions, including 121 positive remarks against just 15 negative ones.
Diners particularly appreciate the quality of the Food (8.5) and the perceived Value (8.7), which are frequently highlighted. The restaurant’s Ambience (8.5) also contributes significantly to its appeal, often described as inviting.
While many experiences with Service (7) are positive, this area scores comparatively lower, indicating some guests encountered less consistent attentiveness or longer wait times, which can impact the overall visit.
What people like
- Flavorful Mediterranean dishes
- Good value for money
- Clean, pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Service inconsistencies
- High noise levels
Karam presents a compelling option for those seeking well-regarded Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh flavors and good value. While the overall experience is largely positive, be mindful that some dishes might vary in execution, and service can occasionally be less consistent.
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.5, Karam is certainly worth considering. It offers a generally satisfying meal in a pleasant setting, making it a suitable choice if you prioritize taste and value, and are prepared for potential minor service fluctuations.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Mediterranean Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
633
94.5%
- $$
- Seacliff
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mediterranean Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
512
92.2%
- $$
- South Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mediterranean Restaurant
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
433
87.5%
- $$
- Pacific Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mediterranean Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
574
86.2%
- $$
- Pacific Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mediterranean Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
445
86.7%
- $$
- Hayes Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mediterranean Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
408
83.8%
- $$
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Karam
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, you're in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.5 and customer satisfaction at a high 86.4%, the culinary experience is generally excellent. Out of 103 comments, 89 rave about delicious items like Shush Taouk, hummus, fattoush, and fresh bread, often highlighting how everything is marinated and grilled to perfection with generous portions.
However, a few of the 9 negative comments mention some minor hiccups. There were instances of sauce being too salty, a dry Kefta Kebab, or a garlic butter that was a bit too garlicky. While these are isolated points, they suggest a slight inconsistency in some specific preparations.
Food
103
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
9
negative
5
neutral
89
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Marinated and grilled
- Generous portions
- Fresh and seasoned
What people don't like
- Salty sauce
- Dry kebab
- Too garlicky
Often praised
- foodIt's the first time I've visited a place in San Francisco that's that clean, especially the restroom. You feel like the food is clean. The place is amazing, and the staff there are the most wonderful.
- hummusbabaganoush and hummus. Both were very solid
- Mediterranean foodI had an amazing experience at this new Mediterranean spot! Normally, I have to travel to the Tenderloin for great Mediterranean food, so having this conveniently located on Polk Street is so nice. I will definitely be back to try all the other dishes!
- babaganoushbabaganoush and hummus. Both were very solid
- baklavadelicious baklava!
- chickenThe chicken is perfectly seasoned, tender, and juicy
- chicken shawarmaThe chicken shawarma is amazing
- dishesNormally, I have to travel to the Tenderloin for great Mediterranean food, so having this conveniently located on Polk Street is so nice. I will definitely be back to try all the other dishes!
- saladsalad, hummus, and babaganoush included!
- Chicken shish tawookChicken shish tawook were great
Frequently criticized
- Kefta KebabKefta Kebab was dry
- Wara2 3enabWara2 3enab wasn’t really tasty
- beefThis has to be one of the most ridiculous and frustrating experiences I’ve encountered. I ordered lamb but was definitely served beef. When I reported it, I was told you can't tell the difference just by looking and was asked to taste it first, confirm, and then call back - absolutely ridiculous!
- garlic buttergarlic butter a bit too garlicky
- halloumi cheese appetizerhalloumi cheese appetizer was way too salty
- lambThis has to be one of the most ridiculous and frustrating experiences I’ve encountered. I ordered lamb but was definitely served beef. When I reported it, I was told you can't tell the difference just by looking and was asked to taste it first, confirm, and then call back - absolutely ridiculous!
- sauceThe sauce is on the salty side
- tomato flavorwithout a trace of tomato flavor
- tomato saucecovered in tomato sauce that was too acidic
Overall, the food here is a definite highlight and comes highly recommended. If you're looking for tasty, fresh, and well-seasoned Mediterranean dishes with generous portions, you should absolutely give it a try. Just be aware that a few specific items might occasionally miss the mark slightly.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to service, things are looking pretty good with a score of 7. Many guests raved about the excellent service and wonderful staff, noting how friendly people and kind and attentive waitstaff made their visits special. Out of 21 total remarks, 12 were glowing about the service.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 57.1%, indicating some areas for improvement. A few guests, 5 out of 21 remarks, experienced issues with wait time, with some waiting over an hour. There were also concerns about how staff handled reporting order mistakes, which impacted overall customer satisfaction.
Service
21
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
5
negative
4
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Attentive waitstaff
- Excellent service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Refused order verification
- Poor issue handling
Often praised
- servicehow wonderful the food and service was
- staffthe staff there are the most wonderful
- ServiceService:5
- friendly peoplefriendly people
- kind and attentive waitstaffthe kind and attentive waitstaff made for a perfect lunch
- wait timeWait time:No wait
- waitstaffthe kind and attentive waitstaff made for a perfect lunch
Frequently criticized
- customer satisfactionnot customer satisfaction
- reporting itI ordered lamb but was definitely served beef. When I reported it, I was told you can't tell the difference just by looking and was asked to taste it first, confirm, and then call back - absolutely ridiculous! They refused to even let me email a photo of the food to verify whether it was actually lamb.
- verify whether it was actually lambWhen I reported it, I was told you can't tell the difference just by looking and was asked to taste it first, confirm, and then call back - absolutely ridiculous! They refused to even let me email a photo of the food to verify whether it was actually lamb. After waiting an hour, I had to give up and reorder from somewhere else.
- wait timeover 10 minutes to get your order placed
- waiting an hourThey refused to even let me email a photo of the food to verify whether it was actually lamb. After waiting an hour, I had to give up and reorder from somewhere else.
Overall, the service here is generally good, with many praising the friendly and attentive staff. However, be prepared for potential wait times and some inconsistencies in how issues are resolved, which might lead to a mixed experience for some.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
Get ready for a great vibe, as the ambience scores a 8.5, with a fantastic 89.5% customer satisfaction! Based on 17 positive remarks, guests consistently praise the cozy atmosphere and impressive cleanliness, noting the delightfully decorated space in the back. Many see it as a wonderful addition to Polk Street, perfect for family gatherings.
However, it's worth noting that one guest found the noise level a bit much, describing the talking and laughing as uncomfortably loud. This single negative point suggests that while the environment is generally excellent, it might get a little lively during peak times.
Ambience
19
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Spotless cleanliness
- Decorated back space
What people don't like
- Loud noise level
Often praised
- atmospherenice atmosphere
- cleanlinessthe first thing that caught my attention was the cleanliness
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Polk Street restaurantSo happy we have a new Polk Street restaurant!
- addition to PolkGreat addition to Polk
- addition to Polk StA great addition to Polk St
- ambianceambiance was very good
- environmentExcellent environment
- family gatheringrecommend for family gathering
- restroomespecially the restroom
Frequently criticized
- noise leveltalking and laughing so loudly that it became extremely uncomfortable
If a cozy, clean environment and a great addition to the neighborhood are what you seek, this place is a solid bet. Just keep in mind that the noise level can sometimes get a bit lively, so it might not be ideal for a super quiet evening.
Value (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this spot absolutely shines! With a fantastic score of 8.7 and an outstanding 100% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are thrilled with what they pay. Based on 3 positive remarks, people consistently rave about the reasonable price and great prices, finding the overall cost to be a real win.
Interestingly, there isn't a single negative comment or concern about the value here. It seems everyone agrees that the pricing is fair, making it a worry-free choice for your wallet.
Value
3
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices
- Reasonable cost
- Excellent value
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceThe dinner was super freakin delicious, fresh, and well seasoned. It was so good that it will provide at least one more meal for me, and the price was under $40 🩷. The space in the back was delightfully decorated, and I'm eager to try dining in again!
- pricesgreat prices
- reasonable pricereasonable price
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place where your dollar goes far without compromising on quality, this is definitely it. You can expect excellent value for your money, making it a smart choice for any meal.
How are the prices at Karam?
You’re looking at roughly 26 $ per person – reported by 29 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.
Most diners spend right in that sweet spot, with a few opting for slightly less or a little more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 29 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mediterranean spot in San Francisco. Its a good option if youre looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Karam
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Perfectly Marinated and Grilled Delights!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The atmosphere was cozy, and the service was excellent. I tried the baba ghanouj, chicken Schwerma side, and shish taouk.
Everything was marinated and grilled to perfection. The salad was also fresh and crisp, and the overall meal was well-balanced. I will definitely be coming back.
- atmosphere10
- baba ghanouj10
- chicken Schwerma side10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
6
Good food, slow service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good, but both times I visited, it took over 10 minutes to get my order placed. This wait time significantly impacted the overall dining experience.
- food8
- wait time3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Top Polk Street Spot with Delicious Meat
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. I've lived in the area for over 3 years and consider it one of the top restaurants on Polk Street. The meat was really well cooked and tasty.
The service was impeccable, rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a perfect 5. The atmosphere was rated a 4, with moderate noise levels. We experienced no wait time.
- meat10
- service10
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Delicious Shawarma, Highly Recommended!
My experience at Karam Restaurant was fantastic! I had the shawarma, and it was absolutely delicious. The chicken was perfectly seasoned, tender, and juicy.
The garlic sauce added the perfect touch, and the fresh pita and generous portions made the meal even better. It's one of the best shawarmas I've had in San Francisco. I highly recommend it!
- shawarma10
- chicken10
- garlic sauce9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Best Hummus and Chicken Schwarma!
This restaurant is a great addition to Polk St. Honestly, the best hummus we've ever had. The chicken schwarma was tender and juicy, and the plate was plenty for two people. We would definitely come back.
- hummus10
- chicken schwarma9
- plate8
What Karam offers
FAQs
Is parking readily available when you visit Karam?
Yes, when you plan your visit to Karam, you’ll usually find plenty of parking options available. This makes your dining experience more convenient in the bustling San Francisco area.
What type of cuisine can you expect to enjoy at Karam?
At Karam, you can look forward to a delightful Mediterranean culinary experience. This San Francisco restaurant, located in Polk Gulch, specializes in authentic Mediterranean dishes.
How does Karam generally score with diners?
Karam holds a good overall score of 8.3, with customer satisfaction at 82.9%. Diners particularly appreciate the Food (8.5), Value (8.7), and Ambience (8.5), though Service (7) shows room for improvement.
What are the standout dishes at Karam, and are there any to be cautious about?
Many praise the well-seasoned chicken, hummus, and babaganoush. However, some found the Kefta Kebab dry or the halloumi cheese appetizer too salty, suggesting some food items can be inconsistent.
What can I expect from the service experience at Karam?
While many describe the staff as friendly and attentive, there have been instances of longer wait times and issues with order accuracy, such as being served beef instead of lamb, which impacted customer satisfaction for some.