Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
- Great tea selection
oChef » Kitchen Istanbul – San Francisco
Kitchen Istanbul - San Francisco
Photo from Kitchen Istanbul
Kitchen Istanbul at a glance
San Francisco Jordan Park
- 🥙 Turkish Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 52 of the guests
#378 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Turkish Restaurant out of 4 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
520
Reviews
84.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Service
- Delicious Food
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Small Portions
The restaurant Kitchen Istanbul offers a delightful Turkish dining experience in San Francisco’s charming Jordan Park neighborhood. This cozy and romantic spot is known for its authentic flavors and a welcoming atmosphere, complete with a fireplace.
Guests often praise the great coffee, making it a perfect destination for a relaxed meal. Whether seeking healthy options or vegan dishes, the menu caters to diverse tastes.
Overview: Introducting Kitchen Istanbul
Kitchen Istanbul offers a compelling dining experience, largely praised for its high quality Turkish food and attentive staff . Guests often highlight the welcoming vibe and extensive wine selection, making for a generally pleasant visit.
While the culinary offerings and service shine, some aspects warrant consideration. However, the restaurant faces consistent feedback regarding excessive prices and overpriced dishes, which can detract from the otherwise phenomenal food .
This suggests a balance between quality and cost that some patrons find challenging.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
520
Reviews
84.6%
Satisfaction
68
negative
12
neutral
440
positive
Kitchen Istanbul earns a strong overall score of 8.3, with customer satisfaction at 84.6%. This positive reception is backed by 440 positive opinions out of 520 total, indicating a generally well-regarded dining experience.
The high number of positive sentiments reinforces the credibility of these scores. Diving deeper, Service stands out with an excellent 9, praised for its thoughtful and attentive staff.
The Food also impresses, scoring 8.5 for its delicious and authentic Turkish dishes. The Ambience, at 8.1, generally contributes to a pleasant visit, though some note issues with noise.
However, Value is a clear concern, rated a low 2.6, with many finding the pricing excessive for the portions.
What people like
- Exceptional Service
- Delicious Turkish Food
- Extensive Wine Selection
What people don't like
- High Prices
- Small Portions
- Loud Acoustics
Kitchen Istanbul offers a compelling culinary journey with its well-regarded Turkish cuisine and attentive service. While the experience is largely positive, be prepared for a potentially higher bill and consider the portion sizes, as these are common points of contention.
With a strong recommendation score of 8.6, this spot is worth considering if you prioritize quality food and service over budget. It’s a place to savor flavors, provided you’re comfortable with the pricing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kitchen Istanbul
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good to excellent score of 8.5 and a solid 87.7% customer satisfaction. With 293 positive remarks, diners frequently rave about the authentic Turkish food, especially the delicious lamb dishes and the impressive wine selection. Many find the overall food quality to be outstanding.
However, not every bite is perfect, as indicated by 32 negative comments. Some guests have noted concerns regarding the portion size, finding dishes expensive compared to their quantity. A few also mentioned issues with overall quality and flavor, suggesting some items might not meet expectations.
Food
334
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
32
negative
9
neutral
293
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Turkish food
- Excellent wine selection
- Delicious lamb dishes
What people don't like
- Small portions
- High prices
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- foodThe dessert was a newer dessert that they recently added to their menu, and it was absolutely delightful. In addition to the phenomenal food, I really appreciated the great service and cleanliness of the restaurant. I definitely recommend this place for some stellar, high quality Turkish food.
- dishesThe servers were very friendly and attentive. Ours recommended 5-7 dishes for 2 people; I think 4 would have been enough for us plus dessert, but the flavors were really fresh and good, and I liked trying all the dishes.
- wine listWhile it can get a bit loud at times, the tables by the windows offer a reprieve from potentially large groups. They boast a ridiculously large wine list, mostly from Europe. I highly recommend getting a bunch of small plates for sharing.
- wine selectionThe staff is thoughtful and attentive. They have an extensive wine selection and a staff member who will help you pick the right one for your meal. The food is delicious, especially the mezzes!
- kunefeMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with great service from a very friendly and attentive staff. The food was generally pretty good, with definite highlights including the spread, the feta cheese cigars, and the kunefe. The meatballs were tasty but a bit firm.
- Turkish foodIn addition to the phenomenal food, I really appreciated the great service and cleanliness of the restaurant. I definitely recommend this place for some stellar, high quality Turkish food.
- winesso many different wines to choose from
- braised beefThe service was very attentive. I highly recommend the arugula salad, zucchini fritters, feta cheese cigars, haydari dip, and the braised beef with smoked eggplants. For desserts, the kunefe, baklava, and kazandibi are must-tries.
- lentil souplentil soup as well with the hummus. All dishes were amazing.
- wineThe ambiance was chill, and the food was both craveable and authentic. I also enjoyed the interesting wine selection. The service was superb.
Frequently criticized
- portionsThe flavors were truly amazing, enhanced by some creative fusions and additions. However, there was a BIG MINUS: the portions are too small. While the quality is great, the quantity is bad.
- menuThe room itself suffers from poor acoustics, creating a rather unwelcoming ambiance. The main letdown, however, lies in the menu and the food itself. Prices are steep, which could be overlooked if the quality of the food and service justified the costs.
- portion sizeThe only tweak I would make would be the portion size
- Aegean BranzinoAegean Branzino ... skippable
- Brussel sproutsBrussel sprouts were extremely oily and did not taste great
- HummusHummus - Just okay, I’ve had better versions elsewhere.
- Syrah wineThe Syrah wine both the American and French versions seemed off
- breadthe bread is little
- bulgur saladthe bulgur salad was a little over salted
- charred kebabsThe sound level was very high, making it difficult to hear my partner during dinner. Additionally, the charred kebabs wrapped in pita ($30) were a miss—the heavy smoke flavoring was overwhelming and detracted from the dish. Still, the highlights of the meal stood out, and with a few adjustments, this could easily become a top dining spot.
If you're seeking delicious, authentic Turkish cuisine and a fantastic wine list, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially smaller portions and a higher price point, but the quality often justifies it.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines, earning an excellent score of 9 and an impressive 92% customer satisfaction. Based on 92 positive remarks out of 100 total, guests consistently rave about the attentive staff, friendly servers, and top-notch hospitality. Many highlight the knowledgeable sommeliers and the overall welcoming atmosphere, making every visit feel special.
However, a few of the 7 negative comments point to some minor areas for improvement. Some guests experienced a poor initial welcome or felt that the service didn't quite match the price point. There were also occasional frustrations with long waits for reservations, even when booked in advance.
Service
100
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
92
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Excellent hospitality
- Knowledgeable sommeliers
What people don't like
- Poor initial welcome
- Long reservation waits
- Service value questioned
Often praised
- serviceThe wine pairing was spot on, the hummus was amazing, and the eggplant dish was packed with flavor. We really enjoyed the service and the convenient location. However, a couple of areas could be improved.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great food, the superb ambiance, and the super friendly staff. It was also great to see they have really expanded their wine collection!
- ServiceService was top level
- serversI found that literally everything on the menu is great, and you truly cannot go wrong. The impeccable wine selection complemented the meal perfectly, and the thoughtful and attentive servers made the experience even better. I highly recommend finishing your meal with a Turkish coffee and the pot de creme.
- sommelierThe sommelier is a gem. Their knowledge and passion for wine is beyond impressive.
- wait timeWait time:Up to 10 min
- FrancescaFrancesca was our server, and she was so pleasant!
- YaseminYasemin took great care of us and was a delight!
- amazing teamthey have an amazing team!
- attention to detailGreat attention to detail
Frequently criticized
- serviceexpensive compared to the service
- reservationThis place has a great vibe and kind service. I was a bit frustrated because we made a reservation and yet had to wait for around an hour to get our table. However, the waiter was very kind and gave us complimentary wine and few appetizers.
- sommelier recommendationthe recommendation wasn't ideal. I wish the sommelier made a recommendation
- warm welcomeThe bills are not only unjustified but also alienating to its once-loyal customers. Upon entering, the lack of a warm welcome is immediately apparent, with smiles rarely offered. This is not the inviting atmosphere one expects from an establishment aspiring to serve Eastern cuisine.
- welcomePoor welcome, the owners never smile.
- wine listIt was not what I expected from a place aiming to serve Eastern food. Upon entering, the poor acoustics were immediately noticeable, followed by an unreadable wine list. Ultimately, the menu and the food served were expensive compared to the service and the quality of the food.
Overall, the service here is overwhelmingly praised, making it a strong reason to visit. While a few minor hiccups like initial greetings or reservation wait times can occur, the dedicated staff and excellent hospitality generally ensure a fantastic experience. You can expect to be well taken care of.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
The ambience at this spot truly stands out, earning a good score of 8.1 and boasting a good customer satisfaction of 84.4%. With 54 positive comments out of 64 total, guests frequently highlight the convenient location, clean and intimate setting, and the warm, welcoming vibe. Its often described as a perfect date night spot, offering great people-watching opportunities.
However, its not without its minor drawbacks. A few of the 8 negative remarks mention concerns about the acoustics, noting that the space can get loud and sometimes create an unwelcoming ambiance. While the overall feel is highly praised, the noise level might be something to consider during busier times.
Ambience
64
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate setting
- Convenient location
- Warm, clean vibe
What people don't like
- Poor acoustics
- Loud noise level
Often praised
- atmospherethe food, atmosphere, wine collection, and service all wonderful
- ambienceThe ambience and the customer service were excellent
- spotI wandered in for a glass of wine and had a lovely spot experience. The hosts were warm and welcoming.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great food, the superb ambiance, and the super friendly staff. It was also great to see they have really expanded their wine collection!
- convenient locationThe wine pairing was spot on, the hummus was amazing, and the eggplant dish was packed with flavor. We really enjoyed the service and the convenient location. However, a couple of areas could be improved.
- spaceCozy rustic elegant space
- vibeI was also impressed by the super creative selection of wines. The staff was friendly and attentive, contributing to a warm and welcoming vibe. It's an unpretentious spot that feels chill without being overly casual.
- Aesop hand sanitizerEvery table comes with an Aesop hand sanitizer bottle
- California influenceCalifornia influenced, and I like that a lot
Frequently criticized
- Noise levelVery loud, hard to hear
- acousticsyou are struck by the poor acoustic
- inviting atmosphereUpon entering, the lack of a warm welcome is immediately apparent, with smiles rarely offered. This is not the inviting atmosphere one expects from an establishment aspiring to serve Eastern cuisine. The room itself suffers from poor acoustics, creating a rather unwelcoming ambiance.
- loudit gets a bit loud
- original charmThis used to be our go-to gem restaurant, but it has sadly lost its original charm and appeal. What was once a delightful spot with reasonably priced, high-quality meals has turned into a glaring example of greed overshadowing culinary passion.
- poor acousticsThis is not the inviting atmosphere one expects from an establishment aspiring to serve Eastern cuisine. The room itself suffers from poor acoustics, creating a rather unwelcoming ambiance. The main letdown, however, lies in the menu and the food itself.
- sound levelThe sound level was very high
- unwelcoming ambianceThis is not the inviting atmosphere one expects from an establishment aspiring to serve Eastern cuisine. The room itself suffers from poor acoustics, creating a rather unwelcoming ambiance. The main letdown, however, lies in the menu and the food itself.
If you're seeking a cozy, stylish restaurant with a great vibe for a date night or a casual meal, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that it can get a bit loud, so it might not be the best choice for a very quiet, intimate conversation.
Value (2.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a glimmer of hope, as one diner mentioned their price point was perfectly nailed by the staff. However, this positive sentiment is quite rare, with the overall score for value sitting at a poor 2.6. Customer satisfaction also lags significantly at a mere 4.5%, indicating that most guests arent feeling the love when it comes to their wallets.
Unfortunately, the overwhelming sentiment leans negative, with 21 comments highlighting concerns. Many found the experience pricey and overpriced, citing excessive prices and a general lack of transparency regarding offers and the final bill. Guests felt the value proposition was diminished, leading to a perception of greed and unjustified costs.
Value
22
Reviews
4%
Satisfaction
21
negative
0
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Price point met
What people don't like
- Overpriced menu
- Hidden charges
- Poor value
Often praised
- price pointWe told him our price point and what we like and he nailed it
Frequently criticized
- billbill did we learn these were extra
- priceSo ends up being quite pricey for the amount of food you get.
- PricePrice very high
- billsWhat was once a delightful spot with reasonably priced, high-quality meals has turned into a glaring example of greed overshadowing culinary passion. The bills are not only unjustified but also alienating to its once-loyal customers. Upon entering, the lack of a warm welcome is immediately apparent, with smiles rarely offered.
- excessive pricesThe high-priced dishes disappointingly fall short in both flavor and presentation, culminating in a dining experience that is far from satisfying. While the restaurant still maintains a semblance of its former quality, the excessive prices and diminished value proposition make it difficult to recommend. It's a classic case of a once humble and respected establishment losing its way in pursuit of higher profits.
- greedThis used to be our go-to gem restaurant, but it has sadly lost its original charm and appeal. What was once a delightful spot with reasonably priced, high-quality meals has turned into a glaring example of greed overshadowing culinary passion. The bills are not only unjustified but also alienating to its once-loyal customers.
- higher profitsWhile the restaurant still maintains a semblance of its former quality, the excessive prices and diminished value proposition make it difficult to recommend. It's a classic case of a once humble and respected establishment losing its way in pursuit of higher profits.
- lack of transparencylack of transparency of pricing of "offers" and refills
- offerslack of transparency of pricing of "offers"
- overpricedprobably overpriced
If youre considering dining here, be prepared for a potentially steep bill. While some might find their specific price point met, the vast majority feel the restaurant is overpriced with hidden costs. Its likely to disappoint if you're looking for good value.
How are the prices at Kitchen Istanbul?
You’re looking at roughly 69 per person – reported by 52 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Turkish Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range, but don’t be surprised if you spend a bit more!
While the average hovers around 69, many guests actually opt for experiences in the higher price brackets, showing a good mix of options, including some premium choices.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 52 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Turkish restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair, especially considering the range of experiences available. It seems to offer good value for those looking for a quality meal, whether you stick to the average or indulge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kitchen Istanbul
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Amazing Dinner with Excellent Wine Pairing
My experience at the restaurant was amazing! Every dish we ordered was fantastic. The dumplings and mussels were particularly outstanding.
The sommelier was incredibly helpful in selecting an amazing bottle of wine, perfectly matching our price point and preferences. I can't wait to go back!
- dishes10
- dumplings10
- mussels10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Cozy Spot with Awesome Small Plates
I loved my experience at this restaurant! It’s a cozy little spot with very friendly servers. While it can get a bit loud at times, the tables by the windows offer a reprieve from potentially large groups.
They boast a ridiculously large wine list, mostly from Europe. I highly recommend getting a bunch of small plates for sharing. The Manti and kebabs were awesome – yum!
- food10
- spot9
- servers10
- loud4
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Fantastic Food and Service Gem!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! The food and service were top-notch. All of the dishes were perfectly seasoned and balanced.
We especially loved the dips, borek, heirloom tomato salad, and moussaka. I will be recommending this gem to friends and returning ASAP!
- food10
- service9
- dishes10
- Noise level3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Istanbul Kitchen: Great Food, Service, but Loud
My experience at Istanbul Kitchen was largely positive, marked by excellent food and top-level service. The wine pairing was spot on, the hummus was amazing, and the eggplant dish was packed with flavor. We really enjoyed the service and the convenient location.
However, a couple of areas could be improved. The sound level was very high, making it difficult to hear my partner during dinner. Additionally, the charred kebabs wrapped in pita ($30) were a miss—the heavy smoke flavoring was overwhelming and detracted from the dish.
Still, the highlights of the meal stood out, and with a few adjustments, this could easily become a top dining spot.
- wine pairing9
- hummus10
- eggplant dish9
- sound level3
- charred kebabs2
- smoke flavoring2
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Fantastic Food, Loved the Borek!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! We ordered five dishes: Muhammara, Girit Ezme, Saksuka, Tahini Piyaz, and Borek. All of them were absolutely delicious.
I particularly loved the Girit Ezme and the Borek. The combination of leeks, cheese, honey, and pastry in the Borek was just divine.
- Muhammara9
- Girit Ezme10
- Saksuka9
What Kitchen Istanbul offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options does Kitchen Istanbul provide?
Kitchen Istanbul offers a romantic, cozy, and casual atmosphere, perfect for a trendy dinner experience. Guests can enjoy table service and dessert, with seating available. Reservations are required, and dinner reservations are highly recommended to ensure a spot.
Are there healthy and accessible options available at Kitchen Istanbul?
Yes, Kitchen Istanbul features healthy options, vegan options, organic dishes, and vegetarian choices. The restaurant is also fully accessible, providing a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for the comfort of all guests.
How does Kitchen Istanbul rate overall?
Kitchen Istanbul holds a strong overall score of 8.3. Its Service (9), Food (8.5), and Ambience (8.1) are highly rated, though Value (2.6) is a notable concern.
What are the food highlights at Kitchen Istanbul?
Customers frequently praise the high quality Turkish food , delicious mezzes , and specific dishes like kunefe and braised beef . The wine selection is also a highlight.
Are there any common complaints about Kitchen Istanbul?
The most frequent complaints revolve around excessive prices and small portions , leading to concerns about the overall value . Some also mention loud acoustics.