Highlights
- Great dessert
oChef » Novy – San Francisco
Novy - San Francisco
Photo from Novy
Novy at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🫒 Greek Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 100 of the guests
#487 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Greek Restaurant out of 10 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
625
Reviews
85.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Great Service
- Welcoming Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Food Inconsistency
- Service Lapses
- Hidden Fees
The restaurant Novy is a charming Greek restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District. When you step inside, you’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Known for its great dessert, Novy offers a delightful culinary journey. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dining experience, you’ll discover a welcoming spot that captures the essence of Mediterranean hospitality.
Overview: Introducting Novy
Novy generally offers a delightful dining experience, with many guests praising the delicious food and the attentive service from the staff. The welcoming vibe of the restaurant also contributes positively to visits, making it a comfortable spot for many.
However, some diners have encountered occasional inconsistencies with certain dishes and raised value concerns due to additional fees. While the overall sentiment is positive, these points are worth considering for a balanced perspective.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
625
Reviews
85.8%
Satisfaction
67
negative
22
neutral
536
positive
Novy earns a solid 8.2 overall score, reflecting a generally positive experience for many. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 85.8%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 625 customer remarks, with 536 positive observations outweighing 67 negative ones. The restaurant shines in its Service (8.4) and Ambience (8.3), both receiving high marks for their quality.
The Food (8.2) also performs well, often described as delicious. However, Value (6.2) registers as average, suggesting that while the experience is good, some find the pricing or additional charges less appealing.
What people like
- Delicious, unique food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Relaxed, welcoming ambiance
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Service attentiveness issues
- Hidden fees, high prices
Novy presents itself as a generally strong option, particularly if you prioritize excellent service and a pleasant atmosphere. With a recommendation score of 8.4, it’s clear many find it a worthwhile visit, especially for its well-regarded dishes and attentive staff.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food preparation and the noted value concerns regarding additional fees. If these aspects are less critical for you, Novy is likely to offer a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Novy
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
With a strong 8.2 score and 86.2% customer satisfaction, the food here clearly hits the mark for many. Out of 355 comments, a whopping 306 praise the delicious, fresh food and quality ingredients. Diners rave about the diverse menu, highlighting fantastic lamb gyros, flavorful moussaka, and excellent pesto pasta, often noting generous portions and healthy options.
However, 37 comments point to areas for improvement. Some found certain dishes bland or undercooked, with a few instances of tasteless hummus or dry wraps. While rare, there were mentions of inconsistent food quality and occasionally small portions, suggesting a few dishes might not always live up to the overall high standard.
Food
355
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
37
negative
12
neutral
306
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Quality ingredients shine
- Diverse menu options
What people don't like
- Some dishes bland
- Occasional small portions
- Inconsistent food quality
Often praised
- foodIt's Greek food with a twist, and the location is great. The food was delicious, and our server, Sara (sp?), was gracious, attentive, and had great recommendations for our choices. I highly recommend this place!
- lamb gyromost delicious and juicy lamb gyro i’ve ever had
- friesIt was tasty along with the fries.
- lamb burgerMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. Despite a small menu, they offer some truly unique dishes like the pasta pesto, lamb burger, and fried calamari salad. The friendly staff made it a welcoming experience, solidifying its place as one of my neighborhood favorites.
- FoodService, Atmosphere, and Food all received a perfect score of 5
- kale saladand a kale salad, both of which were delicious
- pesto pastaHad the pesto pasta and it was amazing
- Greek friesI always get the lamb burger and Greek fries , both of which are excellent.
- Pesto PastaPesto Pasta: Bucatini with tender Mary’s chicken, smoky bacon, kale, and a creamy pesto-gorgonzola sauce—a hearty and satisfying dish.
- brunchHighly recommend this place for brunch
Frequently criticized
- bunI didn't care too much for the bun.
- chicken in soupEverything tasted very fresh. However, I'm taking off stars because the chicken in my soup wasn't very big or tasty.
- foodthe food was undercooked and inedible
- lamb gyroslamb gyros were flavorless and cold
- Greek coffeea Greek place should have Greek coffee
- Greek cuisineNothing to do with Greek
- Mediterranean cuisineNothing to do with Mediterranean
- Micheladatheir Michelada was horrible
- MoussakaMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food was okay, though the Moussaka was a little bland. However, the portions were too small.
- burgerone of the worst burgers i’ve had
If youre seeking a restaurant with consistently delicious and fresh Mediterranean and Greek fare, this spot is a solid choice. While a handful of experiences mention blandness or small portions, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youre likely in for a great meal.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
The service here generally shines, boasting a good score of 8.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 85.1%. Guests frequently rave about the attentive server, impeccable service, and friendly staff who are often knowledgeable about the menu. With 143 positive remarks out of 168 total observations, its clear the team often hits the mark, making for a pleasant dining experience.
However, a few diners (22 comments) did encounter some bumps, noting "inattentive" service and occasional "waits. " Some felt there was "no server" attention or experienced "poor service, " including issues with incorrect orders or slow refills. While these instances are less common, they suggest theres still room for the team to ensure consistent hospitality for every guest.
Service
168
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
22
negative
3
neutral
143
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Knowledgeable recommendations
- Prompt, excellent service
What people don't like
- Inattentive service
- Occasional long waits
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceThey have a great kids menu! The food is fresh and service is quick, which is great for when I usually come for lunch during the week. And I have to say, Hannah, Deidre and Gio are the dream team!
- serverFor dessert, the bread pudding was simply divine and so well made, with a beautiful presentation. The atmosphere and ambiance were perfect, and my server was friendly. I wouldn't necessarily call this a Greek restaurant, as the menu isn't exclusively Greek, but it does offer some Greek options.
- staffentire NOVY staff provide exceptional food and service
- recommendationsMy grandma has a gluten allergy, and it makes dining out so easy. I usually have Deidre or Hannah as my server, and I always follow their recommendations. They have quite a few gluten free options!
- HannahThe food is consistently delicious and the service is amazing. Hannah is one of the main reasons I keep coming back. She’s always so friendly, with a great sense of humor that makes every visit even more enjoyable.
- ServiceService, Atmosphere, and Food all received a perfect score of 5
- experienceShe’s always so friendly, with a great sense of humor that makes every visit even more enjoyable. Not only does she ensure that my order is always perfect, but she genuinely cares about making the experience great. I highly recommend Novy to anyone looking for a great meal and a welcoming vibe.
- server HannahMy experience at Novy has been consistently excellent. The wait times are always reasonable, and our server, Hannah, significantly enhanced our experience with her insightful recommendations. We started with the grilled halloumi cheese, which my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed.
- NestorMy lunch experience at Novy: Nestor was my waiter, a friendly, organized, professional person who walked around the room interacting with different customers. He resolved my questions in a few minutes and quickly brought my order before the kitchen closed.
- excellent serviceNestor provided excellent, friendly, and prompt service
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice is too rushed and inattentive
- acknowledgementguests should not at least be acknowledged after sitting
- beverage ordernot even enter just your beverage order 10 minutes after
- customer serviceabsolutely horrifically bad customer service
- dessert menuFortunately, the wrong entree was still quite tasty. We were unable to get refills on tea or pita, and we weren't even offered the dessert menu. My advice if you go: order everything at once – appetizers, mains, etc.
- guest serviceshow poorly guest services are managed
- hail them overhad to hail them over to get your check
- hospitalityDespite being acknowledged by staff to sit down, we were left waiting for 10 minutes without any acknowledgment. Our server then made two passes, serving other tables, without even signaling that she saw us, which felt like the opposite of hospitality. To make matters worse, after finally taking our beverage order, she didn't even bring them for another 10 minutes.
- hostessThe hostess was downright mean to us
- incorrect entreereceived an incorrect entree
Overall, the service at this spot is a definite highlight, making it well worth a visit for a pleasant dining experience. While a few isolated incidents of inattentiveness pop up, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests you'll likely enjoy attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable staff.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
Youre in for a treat when it comes to the atmosphere here! With a solid score of 8.3 and a fantastic 89.9% customer satisfaction, its clear most diners truly enjoy the vibe and ambiance. Out of 89 total opinions, a whopping 80 praise the warm and inviting feel, outdoor seating, and modern interior.
However, a few of the 4 negative comments mention that the inside can be loud and tables are close together. While parking can be a challenge in the neighborhood, it's a minor point compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the overall environment.
Ambience
89
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
4
negative
5
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, inviting atmosphere
- Great outdoor seating
- Cozy, modern interior
What people don't like
- Inside can be loud
- Tables are close
- Parking is challenging
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed great Mediterranean food in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Everything from the appetizers to the salads, main courses, and desserts was fresh and delicious.
- AtmosphereService, Atmosphere, and Food all received a perfect score of 5
- locationMy worries were all gone! The amazing staff, fantastic food, and super conveniently located setting made for a wonderful experience. Everything on their menu is super good.
- vibeNot only does she ensure that my order is always perfect, but she genuinely cares about making the experience great. I highly recommend Novy to anyone looking for a great meal and a welcoming vibe. And if you’re lucky enough to have Hannah as your server, you’re in for an extra treat!
- ambianceThe ambiance and service here are great
- indoor and outdoor seatingindoor and outdoor seating were available
- interiorThis was our first time visiting Novy, and we were impressed by the nice vibe and beautiful interior. We were warmly greeted by the hostess, Angela, who was both welcoming and attentive.
- neighborhood stapleEven my dog loves it here, always wanting to stop when we pass by, and he has many doggie pals who also frequent the place. Overall, it's a great friendly restaurant and a neighborhood staple.
- noise levelit was not too loud even though the restaurant was full and busy
- outdoor areapartially covered outside with heaters which was super comfy
Frequently criticized
- insideThe inside is quite loud
- outside tablesinattentive, particularly at the outside tables
- parkingParking in Noe Valley (like much of the busy neighborhoods in the city) can be a challenge
- tablesthe tables are very close together
If a great vibe and comfortable setting are high on your list, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Youll likely find the atmosphere warm and inviting, though be prepared for potential noise if youre seated inside during busy times.
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found the prices and price per person quite reasonable, with 7 positive opinions out of 13 total. Guests appreciated that the prices didnt break the bank, often noting excellent food quality for the cost. The overall score for value sits at an 6.2, suggesting a generally average experience, with some finding it a perfect 10 for its price.
However, not everyone was thrilled, with 4 negative opinions highlighting concerns about value. Some guests were surprised by a 5.5% fee or an SF Mandate' added to their bill, making the final cost higher than expected. Customer satisfaction for value is at 53.8%, indicating a mixed bag where some felt the price was too high for the quality received.
Value
13
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good value
- Portions match price
What people don't like
- Unexpected fees
- High final cost
Often praised
- priceThe service was amazing and the food was delicious. Overall, this is my perfect 10 restaurant in San Francisco for its cleanliness, food, service, and price.
- price per personThe food quality was excellent, and the service and atmosphere were also rated a perfect 5. The price per person was between $10–20 for dinner, which is very reasonable.
- pricesthe prices didn't break the bank
Frequently criticized
- priceshocked by the price: $110 for 2 people for lunch
- 5.5% fee5.5% fee added to every order
- SF Mandateadding 5% SF Mandate to the bill
So, is it worth it? If youre looking for generally reasonable prices and good portions, youll likely find decent value here. Just be aware of potential added fees that might surprise you, which could impact your overall perception of the cost.
How are the prices at Novy?
You’re looking at roughly 34 per person – reported by 100 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Greek Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, a good number of guests actually spend a bit less, with a strong cluster of prices in the $21–$30 range, suggesting some great value options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 100 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Greek restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. There are options for those looking to spend a little less, and the average still offers a solid mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Novy
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Good Vegetarian Options and Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was good. I'd recommend getting there early or making a reservation for the low tables, but anywhere you sit should be fine. The vegetarian options were plentiful, with Spanakopita, pasta, and salad available.
While I'd somewhat recommend vegetarian options, the restaurant offers a large vegetarian selection. The service was rated a 5, and the atmosphere was also a 5. The food received a 5.
The noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. Parking was free street parking, and there was no wait. The meal type was dinner, and the price per person was between $30–50.
- vegetarian options8
- Spanakopita, pasta, salad7
- large vegetarian selection9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
5
Average Greek Spot with Room for Improvement
My experience at this Greek restaurant offered a lovely ambiance and a solid variety of options, including salads, pasta, burgers, and wraps. I tried the chicken wrap, but unfortunately, it tasted rather bland and didn’t stand out. The service was just okay—neither exceptional nor poor.
On the bright side, the setting is quite pleasant and makes for a nice dining atmosphere. Overall, it’s an average spot; I hope they improve flavor and variety in the future.
- ambiance8
- variety7
- service5
- chicken wrap3
- flavor3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Delicious Pasta, Too Much Kale
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The pasta was delicious, but unfortunately, there was too much kale in it. Despite this, I would come back and try different options on the menu.
- pasta8
- kale3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Cozy Atmosphere, Delicious Food, Attentive Service
I walked in with no reservation on a Thursday night and was pleased to find there was no wait. We were seated in a nice, intimate booth for 2. The vibe isn't overly fancy, and the low lighting creates a very cozy feel.
Our server was incredibly attentive, and the food was delicious, with some very good pasta dishes served. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available.
- no wait10
- intimate booth8
- vibe7
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Birthday Dinner Delight at NOVY
I celebrated my birthday with my youngest son at NOVY in San Francisco's Noe Valley neighborhood. We were fortunate to get a table without a reservation, though I'll remember to book ahead next time. We sat at the counter and enjoyed a great meal.
I ordered the Lamb Gyro with a Pilsner, and my son had their Pesto Pasta. The restaurant was busy but not too loud, allowing for easy conversation. My gyro was served in a fresh pita with thinly sliced roasted leg of lamb, lettuce, tomato, grilled onion, and tzatziki sauce, accompanied by garlic fries.
My son enjoyed his pasta, topped with fresh shaved Parmesan. For dessert, we shared the Galaktoboureko, a phyllo pastry with semolina custard, huckleberry compote, and almonds. It was perfectly sweet and ideal for sharing after a filling meal.
I look forward to returning to try other dishes. Parking in Noe Valley can be challenging; we parked a few blocks away and enjoyed a walk down 24th Street with its interesting shops.
- Lamb Gyro9
- Pesto Pasta8
- Galaktoboureko9
- parking3
What Novy offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Novy Restaurant in San Francisco's Mission District?
At Novy Restaurant, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner with table service, and outdoor seating is available. They also offer convenient service options like delivery, takeout, and curbside pickup, ensuring a flexible dining experience for you.
Does Novy Restaurant cater to specific dietary needs or offer family-friendly amenities?
Yes, Novy Restaurant provides healthy options and vegetarian options to accommodate diverse preferences. For families, you’ll appreciate the kids’ menu, high chairs, and the fact that it’s good for kids. Plus, if you have a furry friend, dogs are allowed outside, making it a welcoming spot for everyone.
How does Novy generally perform?
Novy maintains a strong overall score of 8.2, with high marks for Service (8.4), Ambience (8.3), and Food (8.2). Value (6.2) is noted as average.
What do customers enjoy most about Novy's food?
Many customers praise Novy’s food for being delicious and unique, highlighting dishes like the lamb gyro, pesto pasta, and lamb burger as particularly satisfying.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Novy?
Some diners have noted occasional inconsistencies in food quality, service attentiveness issues, and concerns regarding additional fees impacting the overall value.