Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Old Jerusalem – San Francisco
Old Jerusalem - San Francisco
Photo from Old Jerusalem
Old Jerusalem at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🥙 Middle Eastern Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 103 of the guests
#375 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Middle Eastern Restaurant out of 7 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
640
Reviews
85.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Value concern
The Middle Eastern restaurant Old Jerusalem, nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, invites you to a culinary journey. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Known for its great coffee, this spot offers a delightful escape where you can savor healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll find a welcoming space with excellent service.
Overview: Introducting Old Jerusalem
Old Jerusalem offers a generally delightful experience, often praised for its warm hospitality and the authentic, flavorful dishes. Many guests appreciate the inviting atmosphere, especially the charming back patio, making it a pleasant spot for a meal.
However, some experiences suggest that the service can be inconsistent, occasionally leading to delays or less attentive interactions. While the culinary offerings frequently hit the mark with their authentic flavors, there have been instances where certain dishes didn’t quite live up to expectations.
Despite these minor hiccups, the overall sentiment points towards a place that aims to provide a genuine taste of Middle Eastern cuisine, complemented by a welcoming environment.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
640
Reviews
85.5%
Satisfaction
64
negative
29
neutral
547
positive
Old Jerusalem earns a solid restaurant score of 8.3, indicating a good overall experience, which aligns well with a strong customer satisfaction rate of 85.5%. This positive sentiment is drawn from a substantial pool of 640 customer opinions, with 547 positive remarks outweighing 64 negative ones.
The Food (8.4) is a clear highlight, consistently praised for its quality and authenticity. Similarly, the Service (8.5) stands out as a strong point, often described as friendly and attentive, contributing significantly to the positive dining experience.
The Ambience (8.3) also receives good marks, creating a pleasant setting. However, the Value (6.1) is more of a mixed bag, suggesting that while many find it acceptable, some consider the pricing a bit high for what’s offered.
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Warm, friendly service
- Inviting atmosphere
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Some food quality issues
- Value can be a concern
- Parking difficulties
If you’re seeking authentic Middle Eastern cuisine served with genuine hospitality, Old Jerusalem is certainly worth considering. The strong Food and Service scores suggest you’re likely in for a satisfying meal in a pleasant setting.
Just be mindful that the value proposition might not impress everyone, but the overall experience often makes up for it. With a recommendation score of 8.6, this restaurant comes with a strong endorsement.
It’s a place that delivers on its promise of traditional flavors and a welcoming vibe, making it a good choice for those prioritizing taste and atmosphere over strict budget considerations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Old Jerusalem
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
Overall, the food here is quite impressive, scoring a solid 8.4 and boasting a fantastic 86.9% customer satisfaction. With 373 positive remarks out of 429 total comments, many rave about the authentic Middle Eastern restaurant experience, praising flavorful food that feels cooked with love and comes in generous servings. However, not all experiences were perfect, with 41 negative comments noting some dishes as bland or overcooked.
A few found certain items dry or simply not good at all, particularly mentioning issues with kunafa and some meat preparations.
Food
429
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
41
negative
15
neutral
373
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Middle Eastern food
- Flavorful and fresh
- Generous serving sizes
What people don't like
- Bland or dry food
- Overcooked meat
- Disappointing kunafa
Often praised
- foodThe atmosphere on the patio section is a perfect 10/10, though the inside area could use some improvement, rating around a 6/10. The kitchen is noted as being clean, and the food is great. Service can be a little slow during busy times, but the experience is well worth the wait.
- falafelEvery plate featured an exceptionally generous serving of meat, and everything was perfectly seasoned and cooked. The hummus and olive oil were excellent, the pitas were nicely firm, and the falafel had a crunchy outside. My only suggestion for improvement would be to include more vegetables to balance out the meat and grains.
- hummusMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the delicious shawarma plates, which featured tender meats and generous servings of hummus. The pita bread was served nice and hot, which I really appreciated.
- Kunafafinished off with some soft Kunafa, which is warm syrup-soaked wheat with cheese and pistachio crushed toppings. It was tasty
- MousakhanThis place is amazing! We ordered Qudsiah, French Fries, Vegetarian Combo, Mousakhan, and crispy Kunafa. I was so excited to eat that I didn't have a chance to take a picture!
- mansafThe mansaf and mixed grill platter were absolutely delicious
- Hummusthe Hummus, pita and falafels (even the stuffed ones) were awesome.
- MansafMansaf, Falafel, Mousakhan Authentic Palestinian food. Everything we tried was tasty.
- Middle Eastern foodMiddle Eastern food that is so perfectly cooked and delishiously spiced
- lentil souplentil soup (which was the tastiest item ordered)
Frequently criticized
- lambI particularly enjoyed the combination nonveg platter; the chicken was amazing and the beef was pretty yum. However, the lamb was underseasoned and overcooked, which was a bit disappointing. The Arabic coffee wasn't to my taste, though I acknowledge I'm not very familiar with it.
- meatThe meat seemed frozen rather than fresh
- chickenThe falafel wrap had virtually zero toppings beside the falafel, and was really dry. The hummus and chicken was such a ghastly amount of hummus with chicken smelling like it may have gone bad, and nothing else. The pita was called.
- falafel wrapI had the chicken hummus plate and the falafel wrap. The falafel wrap had virtually zero toppings beside the falafel, and was really dry. The hummus and chicken was such a ghastly amount of hummus with chicken smelling like it may have gone bad, and nothing else.
- food qualityThe food quality is sub-par to regular
- kunafaTheir kunafa was terrible. No cheese, strange taste
- Jerusalem saladThe only thing that was disappointing was the Jerusalem salad
- Konafa’ssyrup was spilled everywhere
- KunefeShawarma and kunefe was not good at all
- ShawarmaShawarma and kunefe was not good at all
If youre craving authentic and flavorful Middle Eastern cuisine with generous portions, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While a few dishes might miss the mark, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youre in for a treat.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.5 and customer satisfaction at 85.2%, its clear most diners have a good experience. Many rave about the "friendly staff, " "warm hospitality, " and "attentive server, " often noting how the owner makes you feel truly welcome.
Based on 109 positive comments out of 128 total, you can expect a warm reception and quick service. However, not every visit is perfect. A few of the 15 negative remarks mention issues like "long wait times" for food, "forgotten orders, " and sometimes a lack of "serving utensils.
" While these seem to be isolated incidents, theyre worth noting if you're planning a visit, especially during busy periods.
Service
128
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
15
negative
4
neutral
109
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Warm hospitality
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Forgotten orders
- Missing utensils
Often praised
- serviceThe food was incredibly fresh and tasty, with a wonderfully original flavor profile. The service was so friendly, adding to the overall positive experience. I particularly enjoyed sitting in the outdoor seating area, which felt like a secluded escape in a beautiful walled garden, reminiscent of Old Jerusalem.
- staffI've been wanting to visit this place after seeing a recommendation for their Kunafa on Reddit. It was a wonderful place with amazing staff and a lovely ambience, complemented by great Arabic music at just the right volume. The veggie combo platter, served with pita and side sauces (mint tahini and an onion pickle), was not only tantalizing in appearance but tasted heavenly.
- ServiceService:5
- ownerthe owner makes you feel truly welcomed
- peopleThe people are great
- serverour server was attentive and friendly
- warm hospitalityThe mansaf and mixed grill platter were absolutely delicious, offering authentic flavors that truly hit the spot. What made the experience even more special was the warm hospitality of the owner, Abu Saleem. He welcomed us with kindness, shared lovely conversations, and even treated us to complimentary Arabic coffee.
- Everyone working hereEveryone working here was super nice
- StaffStaff is super friendly
- awesome serviceawesome service
Frequently criticized
- food orderremind them of the order three more times
- servicedisappointing due to the service
- ServiceThe food received a score of 4, and the atmosphere was also rated highly at 4. Service was rated a 2.
- customer servicecustomer service was poor
- deliveryAdditionally, the syrup on the two Konafa's had spilled everywhere, and there were no forks to be seen. While the food might be tasty, the delivery was horrible.
- forksBoth falafel sandwiches were poorly wrapped, making them messy to eat. Additionally, the syrup on the two Konafa's had spilled everywhere, and there were no forks to be seen. While the food might be tasty, the delivery was horrible.
- ladyrude when she turned to us speaking English
- serving utensilsthey did not provide serving utensils
- spoonsit was no spoons
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing due to poor customer service and subpar food quality. It took an excessive amount of time to receive our meals, and the staff were not polite. The meat dishes were particularly disappointing, seeming frozen rather than fresh and lacking any flavor.
If you're looking for a place with genuinely friendly staff and a welcoming vibe, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. While there might be an occasional hiccup with wait times or forgotten items, the overwhelmingly positive service experience makes it a strong contender for your next meal.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a solid 8.3 and leaving 89.2% of customers satisfied! Many folks rave about the wonderful vibe, especially loving the inviting patios and diverse seating options. The clean atmosphere, pleasant music, and even the artwork and murals contribute to a truly welcoming place, as noted in 58 positive comments.
However, its not entirely perfect, with a few guests (just 3 out of 65 comments) mentioning minor issues. A couple of opinions noted the atmosphere wasnt always a hit, and one specifically found the music repetitive. These seem to be isolated incidents rather than widespread concerns, suggesting overall good vibes.
Ambience
65
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
3
negative
4
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great overall vibe
- Inviting patio areas
- Unique artwork
What people don't like
- Repetitive music
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's one of my favorite restaurants in all of San Francisco. I highly recommend treating yourself to their delicious food and chill atmosphere. They also have a nice back patio open.
- AtmosphereFeels like the real place you would be in when traveling in the Middle East
- ambienceI've been wanting to visit this place after seeing a recommendation for their Kunafa on Reddit. It was a wonderful place with amazing staff and a lovely ambience, complemented by great Arabic music at just the right volume. The veggie combo platter, served with pita and side sauces (mint tahini and an onion pickle), was not only tantalizing in appearance but tasted heavenly.
- placeWonderful place, with amazing staff & lovely ambience
- back patioAlso there’s a back patio!
- musicMy first visit to this Mediterranean restaurant was a delightful surprise! I was impressed by the great atmosphere, cleanliness, and the great food, all complemented by pleasant music. The personal was also great and presentable 👏.
- vibeMy experience at this Palestinian restaurant was truly amazing! The food was delicious and authentic, complemented by a great vibe and friendly staff. The portions were huge, and the price was right.
- ambianceThe ambiance is super casual, but the decoration was meant to evoke the old city of Al Quds which was nice
- aromasaromas from another time and place
- artwork on displayand art work on display
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- musicwhat stood out most was the music, one song played repeatedly
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
If youre looking for a place with a great atmosphere, especially if you enjoy outdoor seating and a lively vibe, this spot is definitely worth checking out. While a tiny fraction of guests had minor quibbles with the music, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youll likely have a fantastic time soaking in the surroundings.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
Many diners found the prices to be quite good, with some even calling them excellent or inexpensive for SF. Several felt the experience was well worth the trek for the amount of food received. This contributes to an average score of 6.1 for value.
However, based on 18 comments, with 7 positive and 5 negative remarks, there's a clear downside. Some felt it was pricey and not worth the money, with one even suggesting you could find phenomenal food for cheaper. This sentiment is reflected in a poor customer satisfaction of just 38.9%.
Value
18
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
5
negative
6
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent prices
- Inexpensive for SF
- Worth the trek
What people don't like
- Too pricey
- Don't waste money
- Find cheaper food
Often praised
- priceThe price for the amount of food you get is also great
- inexpensive for SFInexpensive for SF
- pricesexcellent prices
- trektotally worth the trek
Frequently criticized
- moneydon’t waste your money here
- parkingParking is difficult on the street
- phenomenal food for cheaperyou can find phenomenal food for cheaper
- pricefor the price, 55 USD for two dishes, very disappointing
- priceyThis is the best Mediterranean food I’ve had! It’s a bit pricey but the meat combo plate was worth it.
If youre looking for good portions and dont mind potentially paying a bit more, some found the value acceptable, especially for San Francisco. However, with customer satisfaction being quite low, be prepared that others felt it was overpriced and you might find better value elsewhere.
How are the prices at Old Jerusalem?
On average, you’ll spend around 29 $ per person – based on 103 guests. That places this Middle Eastern spot in the $21–$30 category. For San Francisco, that’s a comfortable mid-range price point.
Most diners are actually spending in the 11 – 30 $ range, with a clear cluster around the $21–$30 mark, showing a pretty consistent pricing strategy.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 103 reviews.
A comparison of value for money at this restaurant versus similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Middle Eastern Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair. Its a solid mid-range option that offers good value for what you’re paying.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Old Jerusalem
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Outstanding Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I had one of the best meals I've ever eaten, with food that was incredibly fresh and flavourful. I particularly enjoyed the hummus with lamb and the meat combo plate.
The service was outstanding as well. Thank you!
- food10
- hummus with lamb10
- meat combo plate10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Favorite Middle Eastern Spot!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's my favorite spot for Middle Eastern food in the Bay Area. I highly recommend trying the Mansaf and the Kunafa – they are absolute must-tries!
The people working there were also great.
- Middle Eastern food10
- Mansaf10
- Kunafa10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Food, Warm Service!
My friend and I came here for dinner. We shared a veggie platter and got two desserts. The service was warm and welcoming.
The food was delicious! Everything tasted fresh. Can’t wait to come back again!
- veggie platter9
- desserts9
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Old Jerusalem: A Gem for Fresh Mediterranean Food
My experience at Old Jerusalem was absolutely incredible! I had been wanting to try them ever since I walked my dogs by while they were first setting up, and the person outside was so kind about my pups. I'm so glad I finally ordered.
It's genuinely hard to find truly fresh falafel and pita these days, but everything from Old Jerusalem tastes homemade with real care. I'm convinced there's someone's grandma or grandpa in the kitchen pouring love into every dish. The flavors are rich, balanced, and comforting.
We ordered the Lentil Soup, Plate of 6 Falafel, Chicken Shawerma (½ Hummus + ½ Rice), Arabic Salad, Pita Bread (x2), Hummus, Shawarma Sandwich, 6 Dolmas Plate, and Baklawa. Every single item was delicious, arriving fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. I'll definitely be ordering again soon – this place is a gem!
- falafel10
- pita10
- flavors9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Food and Friendly Service!
My experience at Old Jerusalem was fantastic! I'm so glad we finally went. The food was delicious and the portions were generous.
The service was fast and all the staff was super friendly.
- food10
- portions9
- service9
What Old Jerusalem offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What healthy and dietary options are available at Old Jerusalem Restaurant?
At Old Jerusalem Restaurant, you’ll find a variety of healthy options, including delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes. They also proudly serve halal food, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What kind of atmosphere and services does Old Jerusalem Restaurant offer?
You can expect a cozy and casual atmosphere at Old Jerusalem Restaurant, perfect for a relaxed meal. They offer convenient dine-in and takeout options, free Wi-Fi, and are wheelchair accessible for your comfort.
What is the overall rating for Old Jerusalem?
Old Jerusalem has an overall restaurant score of 8.3 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 85.5%. The Food scored 8.4, Service 8.5, Ambience 8.3, and Value 6.1.
What kind of food can I expect at Old Jerusalem?
You can expect authentic Middle Eastern dishes, with many customers praising items like mansaf, falafel, hummus, and kunafa for their fresh and flavorful profiles.
How is the service and atmosphere at Old Jerusalem?
The service is often described as warm and friendly, with staff making guests feel welcomed. The atmosphere is inviting, with a pleasant ambience and a notable back patio, though service can occasionally be inconsistent.