Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
oChef » Kokkari – San Francisco
Kokkari - San Francisco
Photo from Kokkari
Kokkari at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🫒 Greek Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 141 of the guests
#425 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#3 Greek Restaurant out of 10 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
988
Reviews
81.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Greek cuisine
- Inviting atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Service issues
The restaurant Kokkari Estiatorio, a premier Greek Restaurant in San Francisco’s bustling Financial District, invites you to a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll discover an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere, perfect for any occasion.
With its trendy vibe and a reputation for great dessert, this spot promises an authentic taste of Greece right in the heart of the city. Whether you’re seeking a vibrant lunch or an intimate dinner, Kokkari delivers.
Overview: Introducting Kokkari
Kokkari offers a dining experience where the food is often described as consistently delicious, complemented by a charming atmosphere that many find inviting. While the service generally receives praise for being attentive and helpful, some guests have noted occasional lapses in attention to detail.
Despite its many strengths, Kokkari does present some challenges, particularly regarding its pricy nature. However, for many, the overall experience, from the delightful ambiance to the well-prepared dishes, justifies the cost, making it a memorable destination.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
988
Reviews
81.1%
Satisfaction
138
negative
49
neutral
801
positive
Kokkari earns a solid overall Restaurant Score of 8.2, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 81.1%, indicating that the majority of patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 988 customer opinions, with 801 positive and 138 negative remarks. Delving into specifics, the Food (8.5) stands out as a major draw, consistently impressing diners.
The Ambience (8.4) also contributes significantly to the restaurant’s appeal, creating a pleasant setting. While Service (7.9) is rated as good, the Value (4.8) score suggests that guests often find the pricing to be a point of concern.
What people like
- Delicious Greek cuisine
- Charming, inviting atmosphere
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- High cost concerns
- Service inconsistencies
- Parking difficulties
If you’re seeking a restaurant where delicious Greek cuisine and a captivating atmosphere are priorities, Kokkari is certainly worth considering. Its strong performance in food and ambiance, backed by a high recommendation score of 8.5, suggests a generally rewarding visit for many.
However, be prepared for a higher price point, as value is a consistent concern among diners. While service is largely good, occasional inconsistencies are noted.
It’s a place that delivers on its culinary and atmospheric promises, but it comes with a premium.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kokkari
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place really shines! With an excellent score of 8.5 and a solid 86.1% customer satisfaction, it's clear guests are loving their meals. Out of 583 opinions, a whopping 502 rave about the excellent food, especially praising the tender lamb chop, perfectly grilled octopus, and delightful desserts.
However, not every dish hits the mark for everyone. There were 55 negative opinions, with some finding the moussaka heavy, the Greek salad soggy, or the lamb meat dry. A few also mentioned the chicken souvlaki could be underwhelming, suggesting some inconsistencies.
Food
583
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
55
negative
26
neutral
502
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tender lamb dishes
- Grilled octopus praised
- Delicious desserts offered
What people don't like
- Moussaka can be heavy
- Lamb meat dry
- Chicken souvlaki bland
Often praised
- foodI have probably been 25 times in the course of living 35 years in San Francisco. The food is consistently delicious, the service is impeccable, and the atmosphere is delightful!
- Greek foodsimple Greek food with top ingredients prepared to perfection
- lamb chopsappetizer lamb chops over the entrée version, and I did enjoy the appetizer one, they’re delicious
- octopusThe service and atmosphere were excellent, both rated 5/5. The food was delicious; we enjoyed the lamb chops, a salad, the octopus, and the cod. Desserts like the yogurt with honey and pecans, and the baklava were also great.
- FoodFood:5
- grilled octopusWe started with the Dolmathes, tender grape leaves bursting with a lemony whole grain rice. Following that, we had the grilled octopus—delectable bite-sized portions of tentacles marinated in lemon and olive oil. These would have been flawless had it not been for an excessive amount of fat.
- zucchini cakeszucchini cakes and they were so good
- lambthe lamb, and it was exceptional. Tender, perfectly seasoned, and full of rich, savory flavor
- lamb ribletslegendary lamb riblets grilled fresh daily in the hearth
- dessertsdesserts (especially the baklava and yogurt with honey) were the perfect finish
Frequently criticized
- foodUnfortunately, the food didn’t live up to the same standard.
- lambUnfortunately, the rest missed the mark. The lamb was overly fatty and lacked seasoning, and the watermelon feta salad felt like an afterthought. For $17, we received four slices of watermelon, only two of which had any feta on them — and even that was barely a sprinkle.
- Greek saladGreek salad seems like it has been prepared in advance, so it's not tasting like so fresh, kinda soggy
- braised lamb shankThe Horiatiki salad tasted as vinegary as it should for a Greek meal. My partner's braised lamb shank with orzo pasta was very flavorful and tender, but she found it a bit dry and overly-spiced. The ratio of orzo to lamb could have favored the lamb more, though the overall portions were quite generous.
- breadnormal room temp pre-baked bread
- Greek cuisineEvery dish we tried was just okay—certainly nothing memorable. If you’ve ever been to Greece, you’ll know how truly vibrant and flavorful Greek cuisine can be; this place doesn’t come close to capturing that authenticity. They required a deposit to secure our reservation and never refunded it until I called to ask about it.
- Greek foodmost bland Greek food I have ever tasted
- Loukoumadesthere was personally way too much honey for me to enjoy this.
- authentic Greek cuisineSadly, the food didn’t meet expectations at all. It was underwhelming and didn’t strike me as authentic Greek cuisine. Given all the rave reviews I’d heard, I left wondering if I’d somehow missed what everyone else seemed to love?
- avgolemono soupMy experience at this restaurant was marked by an incredible atmosphere, but unfortunately, the food was really meh. The avgolemono soup had too much lemon, the octopus seemed like it came from Costco, and the lamb meat fresh from the spit was the toughest, dryest lamb meat I've ever eaten.
Overall, the food here seems to be a major draw, with many finding it delicious and authentic. While there might be a few misses, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests it's definitely worth trying for a memorable meal. Just be mindful of certain dishes that occasionally receive mixed reviews.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
The service here generally shines, with a 7.9 score indicating a good experience and a 75% customer satisfaction rate showing most diners leave happy. Many of the 156 positive remarks highlight the great staff, impeccable service, and attentive staff who are often described as accommodating and knowledgeable. Guests frequently praise servers like Gilbert, Joris, and Ben for their excellent recommendations and warm hospitality.
However, not every experience is perfect, as seen in 45 negative comments. Some guests reported issues with getting the servers attention, slow water refills, and a lack of attention to detail like clearing empty dishes. There were also concerns about the reservation policy' and occasional unhelpful staff, suggesting some inconsistencies in service delivery.
Service
208
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
45
negative
7
neutral
156
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Knowledgeable recommendations
- Warm, welcoming service
What people don't like
- Inattentive service
- Poor reservation policy
- Unprofessional staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently great over the last 20 years. The Greek food is excellent, complemented by great service and a pleasant ambience. It's reassuring that not much has changed, maintaining the high standards I've come to expect.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was an excellent end to a visit to San Francisco, even for someone who isn't a "foodie. " The food quality was excellent, and the staff was attentive and responsive. It was by far the best meal of our week in San Francisco.
- ServiceService is exceptional
- serverOur Server understood this was a Birthday celebration and we were not in a hurry. He was friendly, helpful and very efficient.
- recommendationsmade great and thorough recommendations
- waiterOur waiter was very attentive and kind
- accommodatingthey were busy but accommodating
- great serviceshock to find such great service at a restaurant
- reservationThe meats were well done and beautifully prepared. While I was lucky enough to find bar seating, a reservation is highly recommended.
- waiterswaiters were rushed off their feet but always super friendly and helpful
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service is sub par and very unprofessional
- reservationchange reservation to different date and was told that even you call 4 days before
- reservationsIt was hard to get reservations, and I can see why! The food was amazing.
- water glassesBy the time the watermelon salad arrived, we were eating it off plates still holding lamb bones and sardine remnants — which really took away from the experience. We also had several empty dishes lingering on the table, and our water glasses went unrefilled until they were nearly empty. As for the food, it was a mixed bag.
- attentionfelt as if my wife and I were written off and somewhat ignored
- attention to detailThe service was noticeably off. While our server was friendly enough, the attention to detail just wasn’t there. He only checked in on us once during the meal, and despite ordering multiple appetizers, no one offered to clear our plates or replace them.
- cancellation policyterrible cancellation policy for emergencies
- clear platesWhile our server was friendly enough, the attention to detail just wasn’t there. He only checked in on us once during the meal, and despite ordering multiple appetizers, no one offered to clear our plates or replace them. By the time the watermelon salad arrived, we were eating it off plates still holding lamb bones and sardine remnants — which really took away from the experience.
- depositIf you’ve ever been to Greece, you’ll know how truly vibrant and flavorful Greek cuisine can be; this place doesn’t come close to capturing that authenticity. They required a deposit to secure our reservation and never refunded it until I called to ask about it. For a restaurant with such a strong reputation (and prices to match), I expected much better.
- dishes thrownalmost felt like a couple of the dishes were thrown on the table
Overall, the service at this restaurant is generally good, with many guests enjoying attentive and friendly staff. While there are occasional reports of minor slip-ups or reservation issues, the positive experiences far outweigh the negative. If you value warm hospitality and knowledgeable servers, it's definitely worth a visit.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to the atmosphere, this spot really shines! With a strong score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at a solid 84.3%, guests frequently rave about the atmosphere, vibe, and the cozy fireplace room. Many find it a beautifully designed space perfect for special occasions, creating an elegant yet inviting feel, as noted in 134 positive expressions.
However, it's not without its quirks. A few of the 16 negative comments mention that the other room can be noisy, especially with seating arrangements sometimes feeling a bit crowded. Parking can also be a challenge, and some felt the overall atmosphere in certain areas could use an update, or that the Greek ambiance was missing.
Ambience
159
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
16
negative
9
neutral
134
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Elegant, cozy atmosphere
- Beautifully designed space
- Perfect for occasions
What people don't like
- Noisy in some areas
- Crowded seating
- Parking can be difficult
Often praised
- atmosphereI finished with the Baklava, a perfect ending with crisp pastry layers and just the right sweetness. Overall, Kokkari Estiatorio exceeded my expectations with its outstanding cuisine, attentive service, and charming atmosphere. I highly recommend it for a memorable Greek dining experience and can't wait to return!
- ambiance🐙 The Grilled Octopus Salad was another standout, perfectly charred with fresh, vibrant flavors. The ambiance was chic yet inviting, a lively space with an upscale feel. The staff were equally impressive—warm, attentive, and deeply knowledgeable, offering thoughtful recommendations.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restaurantmy favorite all around restaurant in the city
- ambiencethe service and ambience were simply incredible
- vibesI had some of the best Greek food I've ever tasted in the United States. The restaurant itself is beautiful, and the vibes are awesome. It's a must-visit in San Francisco.
- spaceEverything was delicious and space is beautiful.
- vibeLoved the cozy, rustic vibe
- decorMy experience at this restaurant was as good as what I had in the Mediterranean. The service was excellent, and the decor was tasteful and atmospheric, moving beyond the typical blue and white camp style.
- dining roomIt was my first time there, and she made sure I tried all the best stuff. I didn't feel rushed at any point, and it's easy to spend an extended amount of time in such a warm and welcoming dining room. The noise level is low so it's very easy to keep conversation going.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere could use an update in style
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- Greek atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was primarily defined by the phenomenal food. While not all dishes were authentically Greek, and as a Greek-American I was a bit disappointed by the lack of a Greek atmosphere and the absence of Greek patrons, the food itself was absolute fire. The kolokitho keftethes (zucchini patties) were among the best I've had outside of Greece, boasting a perfect blend of mint, zucchini, and the right level of crisp.
- Greek hospitalityGreek hospitality, filoxenia, was completely missing
- experienceFor a restaurant with such a strong reputation (and prices to match), I expected much better. Overall, a very underwhelming experience that doesn’t live up to the hype.
- front areanot seated in front area as requested
- menuwhy is the menu written in papyrus font?!
- noisy business peopleNoisy business people
- other roomThe other room does not have the same ambience, and it is a lot louder
- parkingNo parking available...
If you're looking for a place with a generally fantastic and elegant atmosphere, especially for a special night out, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that some areas might be a bit louder or more crowded, and parking could require a little extra effort.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners feel this spot hits the mark, especially for a special occasion splurge spot. Many found the prices to be worth the money for the overall experience and quality/price ratio, appreciating the high standards. Based on 9 positive opinions out of 38 total, theres a sense that for certain expectations, the value is there.
However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with an average 4.8 score and a poor 23.7% customer satisfaction. Many found it "pricey" or "on the expensive side, " feeling the "value just wasnt there for the price point. With 22 negative opinions, issues like cancellation fees and deposits also contributed to the feeling that the price tag" wasn't justified.
Value
38
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
22
negative
7
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the experience
- Quality for price
- Special occasion splurge
What people don't like
- Too pricey
- Value not there
- High cancellation fees
Often praised
- experienceMy experience at Kokkari, a Jackson Square classic, was truly delicious. While it's a little pricy, the experience was totally worth it. The lamb riblets were out of this world, and the zucchini cakes were equally amazing.
- pricefelt that the food, service, and atmosphere were all well worth the money
- pricesPrices are aligned with the quality of the food and the setting, definitely fair
- quality/price ratiobest restaurant in town for its ratio quality/price
- special occasion splurge spotour go-to special occasion splurge spot
- value for moneyGreat value for money at $125 pp
- value for qualityGreat Value for Quality
- worth itreally is worth it in my opinion
- worth the moneydefinetly worth the money
Frequently criticized
- priceIt felt more like a garnish than a real component of the dish. All in all, it was a nearly $200 lunch that left us feeling disappointed and let down — especially given how much we’ve loved this place in the past. We're hoping this was just an off day, perhaps due to a less experienced lunch crew, but it was disheartening — particularly because we chose this restaurant to celebrate a special occasion.
- price pointat this price point I did expect to be blown away and I wasn’t at all
- priceyLittle bit pricey
- SF-sized costThis place was high on my pre-COVID bucket list due to word of mouth. Finally coming here was a bit of a disappointment as it turned out to be a run-of-the-mill, fancy-casual dining experience with an SF-sized cost. The food was mostly fair, with some hits and misses.
- cancellation feecharged the $150 cancellation fee
- depositcharging you deposit and keeping it ($150)
- expensive sideon the expensive side
- non-refundable feedemanded a non-refundable $25 per person fee
- parking optionsSomewhat difficult to find parking
- price tagdoesn’t justify the price tag
If youre looking for a special occasion spot where the overall experience justifies a higher cost, you might find the value acceptable. However, be prepared for a significant investment, as many feel the food quality doesnt always match the pricey tag, and watch out for those extra fees.
How are the prices at Kokkari?
You’re looking at roughly 79 per person – reported by 141 diners. That puts it in the $71–$80 category. For a Greek Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 79, it’s interesting to see that a good chunk of diners actually spend more, with the highest number of prices falling into the $101+ category. This suggests a nice mix, offering both mid-range options and some premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 141 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Given the quality and the options available, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Greek restaurant in San Francisco. It offers flexibility whether you’re looking for a casual meal or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kokkari
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
My Favorite Restaurant for Memorable Meals
My experience at this restaurant was near perfect. The service, the food, and the dining room were all excellent. I'm happy to call it my favorite restaurant and love to bring any family in town for a memorable meal.
- service10
- food10
- dining room10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
A Favorite SF Restaurant
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. It's a must-go in San Francisco, offering great food and service. Over the last 25 years, it has become one of my favorites.
They were very sensitive about dietary restrictions, and reservations are recommended. The atmosphere was rated 5, service was 5, and food was 5. Dinner here is a delightful experience.
- food10
- service10
- dietary restrictions9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Unacceptable Reservation Policy
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to their reservation policy. They demanded a non-refundable $25 per person fee for a reservation, and pressured me to book it immediately while on the phone. I have never encountered such a policy before.
- reservation policy1
- non-refundable fee1
- reservation1
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Exceptional Server and Food!
I can't remember her name, but our server with tight curls was exceptionally good! The food was beyond excellent. My sister, who is celiac, found the menu clearly marked with vegetarian options, and they even circled the items she could order.
We had dinner, and while the noise level was loud, we could still talk. The atmosphere and service were rated 5/5, and the food was also rated 5/5. We found plenty of paid street parking available.
- server10
- food10
- vegetarian dishes9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Warm, Friendly, and Delicious Dinner!
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. It's a warm, friendly, and elegant place with excellent food. The atmosphere was buzzing on the Friday night I visited, creating a lively environment.
The service was top-notch, and the food was outstanding.
- excellent food10
- Warm, friendly, elegant place9
- Buzzing8
What Kokkari offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Kokkari Estiatorio?
At Kokkari Estiatorio, you can anticipate an upscale, romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere perfect for various dining options. Enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner with table service, and don’t forget to indulge in their great dessert. The restaurant also offers private dining rooms for special occasions.
How can you plan your visit to Kokkari Estiatorio, and what are the accessibility options?
Kokkari Estiatorio accepts reservations, which are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and often required. For accessibility, the restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
How does Kokkari generally perform?
Kokkari achieves a strong overall score of **8.2** with **81.1%** customer satisfaction. Its **Food** (8.5) and **Ambience** (8.4) are particularly well-regarded, while **Service** (7.9) is good, though **Value** (4.8) is a notable concern.
What do customers enjoy most about Kokkari?
Diners frequently praise Kokkari’s consistently delicious Greek cuisine, especially the lamb dishes and desserts. The restaurant’s chic, inviting atmosphere and tasteful decor also receive high marks, creating a warm and welcoming dining experience.
Are there any common criticisms of Kokkari?
Some patrons find the restaurant to be on the pricier side, with concerns about the overall value. There are also occasional mentions of inconsistent service attention, such as slow plate clearing or unrefilled water glasses, and difficulties with parking.