Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Souvla – San Francisco
Souvla - San Francisco
Photo from Souvla
Souvla at a glance
San Francisco Alamo Square
- 🫒 Greek Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 79 of the guests
#1350 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#4 Greek Restaurant out of 10 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
393
Reviews
71.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh food
- Fast service
- Good ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High price
- Parking difficulty
- Outdoor issues
The restaurant Souvla is a Greek Restaurant located in the vibrant Alamo Square neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a casual and trendy spot perfect for a quick bite, offering delicious organic dishes that cater to various tastes.
This cozy eatery provides a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy authentic Greek flavors, whether you’re dining in or grabbing something to go.
Overview: Introducting Souvla
Souvla offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its fresh and flavorful dishes, particularly the salads and chicken. Many appreciate the friendly service and the quick turnaround on orders, making it a convenient stop.
The atmosphere is frequently described as welcoming, with some locations featuring a cute patio. However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall value, feeling that portions have decreased or prices are a bit high for the casual setting.
There are also occasional reports of inconsistent service and food quality, with some dishes lacking flavor or being overly greasy.
Good
7.3
out of 10
393
Reviews
71.5%
Satisfaction
88
negative
24
neutral
281
positive
Souvla generally performs well, achieving a solid Restaurant Score of 7.3 and a Customer Satisfaction of 71.5%. This indicates a largely positive experience for most patrons.
The Food (7.3) is a clear strength, frequently highlighted for its quality, alongside competent Service (7.8). These insights are drawn from a substantial 393 customer comments, with 281 positive remarks outweighing 88 negative ones.
While Service (7.8) stands out as particularly strong, the Ambience (7.2) also contributes positively to the dining experience. The main area for improvement appears to be Value (5.4), which falls into the average range.
This suggests that while the quality is appreciated, some guests find the pricing or portion sizes less compelling compared to other aspects.
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful food
- Friendly, fast service
- Pleasant, casual atmosphere
What people don't like
- Perceived high price
- Parking can be difficult
- Outdoor seating concerns
With a Recommendation Score of 7.3, Souvla is generally a solid choice for those seeking fresh, well-prepared Greek-inspired dishes in a relaxed setting. It’s particularly well-suited for a quick, casual meal where efficient service and a pleasant environment are priorities.
However, if you’re highly sensitive to pricing or specific about outdoor dining conditions, it’s worth managing expectations. Overall, Souvla offers a dependable experience, making it a worthwhile stop for many, especially if you prioritize quality ingredients and speedy service.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Souvla
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.3 and a customer satisfaction of 71.7%, its clear many diners are enjoying their meals. Out of 251 total comments, a whopping 180 were positive, praising everything from fresh ingredients and rich flavor to Greek fries and vegetarian and vegan options.
Many found the food delicious and high quality. However, not everyone was completely won over. There were 53 negative remarks, with some finding the chicken dry or the bread stale.
A few mentioned the food was mediocre or lacked nuanced flavor, and some felt the portions were too small or the lamb' was dry. It seems consistency can be an issue for certain dishes.
Food
251
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
53
negative
18
neutral
180
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful food
- Delicious Greek options
- Excellent fries
What people don't like
- Dry, bland chicken
- Inconsistent quality
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodThey also make a great egg drop soup, and the pork kale salad is killer. The atmosphere was wonderful, rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a perfect 5. Service was also excellent, rated a 4.
- friesI got the salad and fries and it was so tasty
- chicken saladmy go-to 100% of the time is the chicken salad
- frozen yogurtThe food was delicious, and the owner himself greeted us and chatted with us at the end of our meal, even giving us free dessert! The frozen yogurt with salt and olive oil was amazing. We will definitely be back the next time around!
- saladI believe it's one of the best fast casual restaurants in the city. I highly recommend getting a side of pita with your salad.
- FoodFood:4
- Greek FriesYa gotta do the fries and the homemade labneh ranch
- Greek foodMy experience at this restaurant offered a refreshing take on Greek food. I absolutely loved it.
- chickenjuice and flavor of the chicken mixed well
- chicken sandwichgot the chicken sandwich and the Greek yogurt and those are really fresh and delicious
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food lacked flavor for me
- lambEspecially disappointed with their lamb
- chickenThe chicken was very bland and dry
- portionsThe portions used to be bigger pre pandemic
- salad18$ salad that felt more like a side
- saladsMy experience at the restaurant was generally flavorful and fulfilling! I wish they used less oil though, especially in their salads.
- sandwichsandwich was dripping with grease
- Greek yogurt machineGreek yogurt machine was broken
- Harissa saucethe Harissa sauce on the side didn't help it too much since it was more akin to thousand island dressing
- Mediterranean foodworst Mediterranean food I’ve ever had
If youre looking for fresh, flavorful Greek-inspired dishes with good vegetarian options, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences mention inconsistencies with certain items like chicken or lamb, so perhaps stick to the highly praised fries and salads. Overall, its a good bet for a satisfying meal.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 77.1%, its clear most folks are having a good experience. Many of the 54 positive remarks highlight the "friendly staff, " "fast service, " and overall "attentive hospitality, " making you feel truly welcome.
However, its not always perfect. Out of 12 negative remarks, some point to occasional order mistakes or customer service hiccups, and a few folks have noted issues with the delivery service. While these arent widespread, theyre worth keeping in mind.
Service
70
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
12
negative
4
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast service
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Order accuracy issues
- Inconsistent customer service
- Delivery service problems
Often praised
- serviceThe food itself was fresh and flavorful, with the chicken's juice and flavor beautifully complementing the vegetables and fruit, all brought together by the bread. Overall, it was an amazing experience with amazing service and amazing food.
- ServiceThe atmosphere was wonderful, rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a perfect 5. Service was also excellent, rated a 4.
- staffThe staff at this location on Divisadero are super friendly and accommodating.
- wait timeFood came super fast (maybe a 5 min wait)
- Friendly serviceFriendly service from 11am - 10pm
- No waitNo wait
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- attentiveThey were so attentive
- cashierThe cashier was really on point with all of his questions and friendly!
- consistent spotit’s a great fast, and consistent spot
Frequently criticized
- servicetheir service definitely deserves one star review
- better practiceAppreciate if the staff would assure that better practice could be put in place.
- closing staffclosing staff is not being thorough
- customer serviceWorst customer service
- delivery servicewhat’s wrong with the delivery service of this place
- dressing for the saladforget to include dressing for the salad
- empathyhad no empathy
- fix my orderoffered to fix my order but was going to charge me extra
- kitchenIt's disheartening because the person at the counter who took my order was nice and friendly. However, it seems the kitchen doesn't care about the quality of the food. When someone requests extra well-done crispy fries and receives soggy potato sticks repeatedly, it indicates a lack of care.
- missing for two daysit’s missing for two days
Overall, the service here is quite good, often praised for its speed and friendly staff. You can generally expect a positive interaction, but be aware that a few customers have experienced minor order or delivery issues.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.2, its clear many find the setting quite appealing. Customer satisfaction also sits at a good 72.2%, reflecting positive experiences from the 54 pieces of feedback we analyzed.
Guests frequently rave about the "beautiful location, " "cute patio, " and "nice outdoor seating, " often describing it as "garden-like" and having a wonderful "vibe out back. "However, not every visit is perfect. Out of 13 negative comments, some pointed out issues like "falling leaves" from trees, tables "not cleaned" properly, and even a concerning "mouse" sighting.
A few also mentioned the atmosphere could be "chilly" or that the music choice wasnt always ideal, suggesting there's a little room for improvement in maintaining that perfect vibe.
Ambience
54
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
13
negative
2
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful location
- Cute patio/garden
- Nice outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Mouse sighting
- Uncleaned tables
- Falling debris
Often praised
- atmosphereThey also make a great egg drop soup, and the pork kale salad is killer. The atmosphere was wonderful, rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a perfect 5. Service was also excellent, rated a 4.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- placeThe place is nice and chill
- seating areaSouvla’s seating area is top quality
- aromathe aroma and the hospitality are unmatched
- beautiful locationin a beautiful location
- casual mealGreat for a casual meal
- cute gardenThis divis location has a cute garden
- cute patioMy experience at the restaurant was quite positive. The cute patio at the back provided a lovely atmosphere. Food came out really fast after ordering, which was impressive.
- dining area out backHas a nice dining area out back.
Frequently criticized
- Difficult to find parkingDifficult to find parking
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was also quite poor
- chillybut is often chilly
- conversationThe conversation w my gf was also awkward
- falling leavesLeaves, seeds, and small twigs kept falling from the tree somtimes into the food. It was very annoying.
- high tablesAll high tables
- hygieneMore effort should be put into good hygiene.
- mousewe saw a tiny mouse scurry from under the table.
- musicblast music into the middle of the night, which is really annoying
- placeI don’t know what happened to this place
If you're looking for a charming spot with great outdoor seating and a generally pleasant atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some minor cleanliness issues or a chilly breeze might occasionally pop up, so perhaps check the weather and grab a cozy corner.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some definite fans! Many diners praise the reasonable prices and overall good value, with some even highlighting cheaper options and excellent quality per dollar. Based on 8 positive opinions, it seems theres a solid appreciation for what you get.
However, the experience isnt entirely consistent. With a score of 5.4 and customer satisfaction at 44.4%, value is a bit of a mixed bag. 10 negative opinions point to concerns about the price, with some feeling items were overpriced or disliking the pay before you eat system, and even being asked to charge me extra.
Value
18
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
- Quality per dollar
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Extra charges
- Pay upfront
Often praised
- pricesI had the best Greek food I have ever tasted. The dishes were healthy and the prices were reasonably priced. I would recommend this place without reservation.
- cheaper optionsthey are cheaper options
- quality per dollarIt's a great option for a casual meal, especially for those new to the city, as it's affordable without compromising on quality. While there are cheaper options available, Souvla's seating area and music choice offer top quality per dollar. The friendly service from 11 am to 10 pm is quite a feat.
- valueone of the best values you can find
Frequently criticized
- priceThe portions used to be bigger pre-pandemic, which I do miss. While it's not the cheapest thing around, the food is certainly great.
- charge me extrawas going to charge me extra in order to do so
- overpricedOver priced for me
- pay before you eatfor it to be a pay before you eat type place
So, is it a steal or a splurge? When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag. If youre seeking reasonable prices and good quality for your dollar, you might find it here, but be prepared that some items could feel a bit overpriced for what you get.
How are the prices at Souvla?
On average, you’ll spend around 21 per person – from 79 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Greek Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average is 21, a good chunk of diners spend in the $11–$20 range, with others opting for the $21–$30 bracket. This suggests a nice mix, leaning towards the more accessible side of mid-range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 79 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Greek Restaurant, the pricing feels quite fair. We think it offers good value for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Souvla
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Good Chicken Salad, But Issues
My experience at the restaurant involved trying their chicken salad, which was good, but the chicken itself was a bit dry and could have used more of it. Unfortunately, the Greek yogurt machine was broken, and it was too busy to get seating at 8 pm.
- chicken salad7
- chicken4
- Greek yogurt machine2
- seating3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Soup, Sandwiches, and Salads!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely loved the chicken lemon soup; it was so delicious and very refreshing. The sandwiches were generously filled with meat.
We particularly enjoyed the fresh orange chicken option and the lamb salad, which was perfectly seasoned. The flavors were truly interesting.
- chicken lemon soup10
- sandwiches8
- fresh orange chicken9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
A Go-To Spot for Great Food and Atmosphere!
I absolutely love this place! It's the best, and I'm so glad I live close to this location. It's great to dine in or for pick up.
I always bring friends from out of town here because the food is fantastic and the atmosphere is wonderful.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- dine in9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Souvla: A Go-To for Delicious Greek Sandwiches
I absolutely love Souvla! It's become one of my go-to places for takeaway. I highly recommend getting a Greek-style sandwich.
The lemon chicken soup is also lovely. The vegetarian sandwich is surprisingly better than the fake lamb option; it's just so good. Parking is paid street parking and can be difficult to find, but there's a cute little back patio.
The wait time was non-existent, and the atmosphere, service, and food all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- Greek-style sandwich9
- lemon chicken soup8
- veggie sandwich9
- fake lamb option5
- Difficult to find parking4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Chicken and Fresh Salad!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The chicken with yogurt sauce was incredibly well-made, and the salad was perfectly fresh. The service was impeccable.
I would return many times!
- chicken with yogurt sauce10
- salad9
- service10
What Souvla offers
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Souvla in San Francisco accessible for all guests?
Yes, Souvla in San Francisco is designed with accessibility in mind. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone. The venue prioritizes inclusivity, making it easy for all patrons to enjoy their visit.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Souvla?
At Souvla, you can enjoy a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer various dining options including counter service, outdoor seating, and traditional dine-in, making it ideal for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. You can also opt for convenient takeout or delivery services.
How does Souvla generally rate with customers?
Souvla receives a solid Restaurant Score of 7.3, with Customer Satisfaction at 71.5%. Customers particularly appreciate the Service (7.8), Food (7.3), and Ambience (7.2), though Value (5.4) is seen as average.
What do customers enjoy most about Souvla's food?
Many customers describe the food as fresh, flavorful, and delicious, often highlighting the salads, chicken, and Greek fries as popular choices.
Are there any common concerns about Souvla?
Some customers find the pricing a bit high for the portion sizes, and there are occasional mentions of difficulties with parking or specific outdoor seating conditions like chilliness or falling leaves.