Lovely couple who has been working this corner of the financial district. Been seeing them for years. Then the pandemic happened and going to the office was history. It was good to see them again. Like an old friend while I was visiting in SF. Still, very good food. Their Secret ingredient was the love they built into their business, and the food was even more delightful as if it were my first visit. Sorry to leave as I am now back in Texas. Missing their food and friendship. If you haven't yet tried, Cafe Elena can be found on the first floor of 1 Market Plaza in the eatery. Plenty of room to spread out and enjoy a luncheon. Say hi for me next time you go For a visit and ask about his paintings. This man is an artist disguised as a businessman. read more

Cafe Elena - So good to see old friends. This may be my last time here, but have enjoyed many topical conversations. Love you guys! - Greek Near Me - San Francisco, California

The Food Court tour continues in San Francisco and I am going to tell you one of the best and cleanest Food Court in San Francisco and it's on Market street ( no it's not the Westfield Mall) and they got a plate for you .The food court is called " Plates" at One Market. I was craving Cafe Elena's which has one of my favorite plates when it comes to Mediterranean food and the restaurant also comes with a juice bar. The best food court Mediterranean food when it comes to the chicken kebab plate in San Francisco. I like kebabs but this particular one does not come with a skewer. Once I started my order you get shown so much hospitality by the owners. They are good people providing me with words of encouragement. I ordered the chicken kebab plate which comes with pieces of the chicken breast that are so tender along with a soft yellow rice which is warm and it complemented the humus ( I ordered extra humus ) and it had my palate humming a Summer tune. I like to mix the hummus on the pieces of chicken so it gives it a yummy saucy tasty flavor. It also came with some veggies with a good drizzle on it. Then I wiped the saucy plate down with the pita. Since it was another hot Summer day in San Francisco I then ordered the Watermelon Juice from their Juice Bar menu. The Watermelon Juice has sliced pieces of watermelon that are put through the blender in a blender and the rest is history. Each sip of the Watermelon juice is so juicy and refreshing. It's the refresher to awaken my senses and recharged my batteries ( phone included). It's a good place to start or get a restart at the start of Market street at One Market. Get a kebab plate or Grab a juice from the juice bar from One Market to go because it's the antidote To enjoy a hot day in the city by the Embarcadero by the water to watch the boats as I let my mind float read more

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Got the maklouba special at lunch. She said I wouldn't be able to stop eating it and she was not wrong. A huge portion of eggplant, potatoes and cauliflower on buttery rice, with creamy hummus and cucumber salad. Super friendly people and the dining area post Covid has plenty of seating. Delicious! read more

Cafe Elena - Maklouba special. Eggplant, cauliflower and potatoes on buttery rice. So good - Greek Near Me - San Francisco, California

The food is amazing! Family owned for 28 years. Great place for lunch, delicious. I had the eggplant wrap

This is my go-to work lunch. The chicken is juicy and flavorful. The hummus is fantastic. And as a treat to myself, I will sometimes get their wonderful falafel. But beyond the food, the service is outstanding. They are so kind and caring. I highly recommend this spot to everyone read more

I just met the lovely George and Lena, owners of Cafe Elena. We had a lovely conversation while George made my omelet fresh to order from fresh ingredients. It was tasty and filling. I just found my new breakfast spot for the Tuesday morning when I come to sf. Give them a try. The food is fresh and the prices are reasonable. Bonus is how nice and conversational the owners are. I look forward to getting to know more of their 27 year story here at One Market. read more

Cafe Elena - Build my own omelette with avocado, tomato, feta, spinach & sausage - Greek Near Me - San Francisco, California

This review is based on the beverage only. I walk around often and usually frequent Pressed Juicery for my healthy drink options, but I wanted to try something different. Maybe the same but at a different shop is a better way of putting it. Inside Plates (food court) at the One Market Plaza building facing the Embarcadero, you can find Cafe Elena. Was going to get 16 oz but for only $.50 more, 20 oz for $6.99 was a no brained. Asked for the Vegetable Juice, but it wasn't available. :( Opted for the Green Juice (apple, spinach, celery, orange, lemon) since that wasn't available. I'd say it's not completely juice as it had noticeable bits and pieces of apple and spinach, and couldn't taste the celery at all. The apple had the hard core pieces, which got me spitting out. They are super friendly and courteous, and mom pop, but the juice wasn't what I was looking for but it did taste very good. Sweet, fresh tasting, and refreshing but I'll have to try the Veg Juice which is healthier next time. read more

Cafe Elena - Greens Juice - more half smoothie and half juice. Tasty though. - Greek Near Me - San Francisco, California

Cafe Elena is the first (and only) place to reopen in the 1 Market food court, so come show this place some love! Was looking for a spot close by to grab lunch with a friend during a rare day in the office, and when we saw a sign advertising Cafe Elena out front we decided to give it a try. Neither of us had been inside 1 Market before and the food court was a little difficult to find as it's hidden away if you're coming from the MIssion St entrance: we walked all the way across to the Market St entrance and were about to give up, but spotted it in a corner on the left as we were walking back. The owner is very sweet and greeted us warmly. He recommended we try one of their lunch specials so I got the chicken shawarma plate, which came with a warm pita on the side. With the exception of the occasional extra-salty piece of chicken, it was a filling and healthy meal. The hidden location coupled with the fact that the employees in 1 Market haven't yet returned to office means that unfortunately this place doesn't get a lot of foot traffic. I recommend giving this place a shot if you're in the area; I already know I want to try their falafel wrap next when I find myself in the office again! read more

Cafe Elena - Shawarma plate - Greek Near Me - San Francisco, California

Best salad in downtown sf! I love their satoush salad. It comes with warm chicken breast, tabouli, pita chips, feta, and dressing. You can add hummus for $1 and it's totally worth it. Overall it has a mom and pop feel with lots of items to choose from. I would recommend if you work downtown. read more

Cafe Elena - Fatoush salad with hummus - Greek Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Owner/operators are super friendly and nice but I'm here to review the food, which was not good. Ordered the lunch chicken kebab plate (their recommendation) and it contains the saddest salad with clearly too-old lettuce pieces and a watery sour hummus. The chicken was bone dry and I'm upset that I spent ~$20 on this. It's practically inedible. The bed of rice is the only thing that is ok, but it is still clumpy and bland. read more

Cafe Elena - Chicken kebab plate - Greek Near Me - San Francisco, California

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If you are looking for a home cooked meal look no further. The sweetest owners make their food with love and the best pitas to order. Their hot sauce is also homemade and takes 15+ days to preserve. Support small business and try them out! They are one of the few open in One Market Plaza. read more

It ain't art, but it's a solid, hearty lunch if you need one near One Market. One of several kiosks operating in the Plates food court, this one appears to be family-run since their dialogue seems straight out of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". Of all the familiar and unfamiliar dishes on their menu, it was the $9.99 Low Carb Plate that drew my attention since the chicken breast appeared to be baked. It was broken into chunks and a tad dry, but I got to add their hummus and tabouli salad as my sides, which helped balance it out (photo: http://bit.ly/2VH8Jw1). Nothing memorable but it worked. FOOD - 3 stars...unadorned plates that are on the girthy side AMBIANCE - 3 stars...it's a food court albeit one of the better maintained ones SERVICE - 2.5 stars...move it along TOTAL - 3 stars...oom-pah with a small 'o' RELATED - Hanging around the Embarcadero? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2IZHU03 read more

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This food court located right across Ferry building is a nice spacious place with five different eating places. I am glad I decided to eat at Cafe Elena Mediterranean food place . They have good choices for vegetarian options. Makloube turned out to be delicious, healthy, and filling. Black coffee good. Prices reasonable. Service polite and friendly. A great place to go in a group with family and friends when visiting pier 39, and fisherman's wharf. Hassle free, shareable, enjoyable eating option... read more

Cafe Elena - Cafe Elena on Market Street San Francisco - Greek Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Breakfast and lunch! Cafe Elena is a small family owned business that has been in 1 Market Plaza for years. They serve breakfast and lunch. The owners are super friendly and, with the help of one more person at the register, do a good job of tag-teaming behind the counter to move the line. I like their food because it has a homie feel to it. I go there mostly for breakfast and sometimes for lunch. For breakfast I have one of their egg sandwiches or when hungry a plate. For lunch they offer a variety of choices in wraps or plates. More recently they have added two new plates that come with meat or chicken, rice, hummus and salad. read more

Cafe Elena - Greek Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Gyro wrap, fresh watermelon drink and lemon chicken soup all great! Better though are the kind ow read more

Cafe Elena - Half eaten gyro wrap, fresh watermelon drink and lemon chicken soup. - Greek Near Me - San Francisco, California

wonderful service and great food. It is family friendly restaurant and my 2 little ones loved it, especially the surprise french fries they from the owner. read more

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The most delicious office lunch possible. I came here twice in two weeks, the falafel sandwich was just so good! The owners recognized me the second time and had my order ready within minutes. Healthy, delicious, friendly, and a pretty good deal for an office building lunch. I will be coming out of my way to eat here more regularly! read more

I have never had a Kefta kabob before, but decided to try it today. It's a ground beef kabob served with tumeric rice, hummus, and a salad. It was a generous portion and very filling. read more

Cafe Elena - Kefta kabob - Greek Near Me - San Francisco, California

Solid Greek spot in a convenient, clean food court Cafe Elena is located in the one market plaza food court besides a diverse array of food options. They have your standard Mediterranean fare from falafel to gyros ranging from $8-10. I got the gyro for $8.xx and found it to be a moderately sized lunch. What I like best about Elena is that they don't include cucumbers in the tzatziki sauce although it can be added. I always love the combination of rich gyro meat, tangy yogurt, and fresh lettuce/tomatoes although I wish there was a little more complexity and more actual filling. read more

Cafe Elena has become my go-to for a quick breakfast before work. Amidst all the fancy, scmancy, expensive restaurants on the Embarcadero, Cafe Elena remains as an inexpensive option for breakfast sandwiches and lunch sandwiches. The ham, egg, and cheese CROISSANT will set you back $7, while the ham egg and cheese BAGEL is only $5. It's not too bad for a quick bite. I also love the staff that work there! I never caught their names, but the older man and woman who run the place always have happy, friendly smiles on their faces which warms my heart in the morning. Despite it being so early in the morning, they're always cheerful with the customers! All in all, great service and great food. I'll be back. read more

Cafe Elena - Ham, egg, cheese bagel - Greek Near Me - San Francisco, California

A strong 3. Within the 1 Market food court, there are now three different restaurants: Osha Express (Thai), Cafe Elena (Mediterranean), and now a new poke place called Coast. I've only eaten at Osha up to this point as Cafe Elena never seemed to have a line and no one I knew reviewed it. So the wife and I gave it a go and we were more impressed by Cafe Elena than all of our times combined at Osha Express. What made Cafe Elena such a good experience was the freshness of their ingredients, especially the vegetables. We both ordered the same gyro sandwich. Now I knew going in that this wouldn't be fresh off the doner spit gyro meat, but it sounded like a good middle of the road choice as far as their wraps menu went. They stuff their wraps quite generously with what tasted like Greek yogurt, lettuce, tomatoes, and if I recall correctly, with onions. I ordered the gyro meat as spicy, so they seasoned it with some kind of spice blend. I found the wrap somewhat above average. As mentioned above, the veggies and the wrap itself were great while the gyro meat was not what I'd call spicy and just alright. Price was $7.99. We plan to visit more often. They have the shortest lines too amongst the three restaurants in this small food court. The owners are very genuine and appreciative of the business. read more

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Everyone CALM DOWN. This place is NOT as bad as everyone says it is. I will say that it is a bit pricey and that they are not upfront about just how expensive it is (do you want this? yes *adds $1, without me really understanding what means more money) BUT, besides that - I always go here for the Mujadarrah plate which consists of lentils and brown rice, roasted chicken, tabbouleh salad and I always add yogurt with extra spices. And it's extra delicious. The chicken is moist and is roasted with great spices, the yogurt is definitely homemade and is light and savory. The tabbouleh salad is fresh and the extra spices are a perfect addition. Overall flavor profile is BOMB.COM The cost of this before my 'additions'? $6.75, the price after (I think) I've added extra things outside the yogurt - $8.99, so yeah that part makes this not a place I frequent. Yet, I truly get so excited with this dish, I always have a weird urge to face plant in it (last time I did that I was 3 and eating spaghetti). Bottom line: Try it - at least once. But because of the $$$, don't make it a habit. read more

Cafe Elena - Mujadarrah plate, Lentils and brown rice, roasted chicken, tabbouleh salad and homemade yogurt w/spices - Greek Near Me - San Francisco, California

I used to go to Cafe Elena more frequently until I got molded toast. Just gross! Eggs were often undercooked and, last, I noticed last time Nina barely rinsed her hands. Georgen Nina are super friendly but with all the above, I'm boycotting them. read more

Cafe Elena - Greek Near Me - San Francisco, California

I been wanting to try this place for a really long time and was finally able to go today. The location is located in the One Market food court, with several other chain restaurants. I believe this place is family owned, which is why I was so eager to try it. Mom and Pops aren't quite common in the area. Despite the average star review, I thought the food was absolutely amazing! I got the chicken kebab plate. I was nervous at first, because the chicken looked unseasoned, but it tasted amazing. It was moist and full of flavor. It tasted great with the yellow rice, which was also very flavorful. Nothing on the plate was dry. For $13 total, the rice plate also came with a side of hummus and salad. The people are very nice. Good service + amazing food. I will definitely be back again! read more

My go-to is the fattoush salad with chicken (AKA "the *insert company name* special"). It's not only the best tasting chicken on a salad in the area, it is also the most reasonably priced. If you're looking for a lunchtime meal under $12, you've come to the right place. You pretty much get a home cooked meal from the sweetest family. They're celebrating their 20th anniversary today and even handed out free baklava. Pretty rare thing to see in this economy, in my opinion. You truly get service with a smile at Cafe Elena. I highly recommend you try them out. There's something for everyone on the menu. read more

Cafe Elena - Greek Near Me - San Francisco, California

Just had the kefta kebab plate from here and it was a scrummy. The hummus was very tasty, and the rice was to die for. Would definitely eat here again, and highly recommend! read more

My manager keeps on catering from Cafe Elena for meetings, and I really like their chicken salad! The chicken meat is so tender and the salad is healthy and filling! read more

YIKES! Nice service, really disappointing food! I tried the lunch special gyro's plate. The sliced gyro was layered on hummus and topped with yogurt and onions. The gyro meat was decent. However, the hummus was really bad. Tasted like there was some filler and not too much garbanzo beans. The yogurt seemed very runny and not very tasty either. The pita bread wasn't very fresh. The tahini and cucumber salad, were both OKAY. Overall, the total dish was very unappetizing. I felt like it wasn't very fresh. My friend said it did not look very appealing either :( read more

Love love love Cafe Elena. Wonderful fresh Mediterranean food served by family owners. This is my go to place when I'm in the financial district! read more

This place frustrates me. They have fresh food and reasonable prices. However, they nickel and dime you for every little modification or addition. Adding peanut butter to a smoothie? That'll be a +$1.50 extra. Oh, you want almond milk instead of whole milk? Another +$1.00. You want tomatoes on your omelet? +$1.50. You're allergic to avocado and want eggplant instead? +$1.00, nevermind it's a substitute, not addition. Further, their smoothies taste more icy and watered down then other places. read more

This is the best restaurant in the entire building. The two owners are amazing, the food is outstanding, and the gentleman who owns it (believe his name is George) is an incredible painter. Used to eat here 2-3 times per week when I worked nearby. A++ read more

Greatest people there are. Serve you food with a smile on their faces. Plus the food is delicious and the portions are big and very filling!

four stars for the variety, value and service. located in the lobby of 1 Market along with a couple of other quick-serve places with a large, sunny seating area. Mediterranean/greek stye with hummus, baba ganoush , salads and soups. you can order a plate, salad or wrap. perfect if you're working in one of the office buildings close by read more

Wonderful owners - have been coming to this place (occasionally) for 10 years and they greet me like long lost family every time I order. I usually order the Salesforce Salad, with babaganoush and crispy pita. Just went by today for the first time in a long time: they've re-opened and are the only folks open in the one market food court for now. Happy to see it! read more

I have been getting the Fattoush Salad for 14 years for lunch at Cafe Elena. I have never gotten sick of it - it's my favorite. Delicious but low in calories/fat so no guilt. :-) I get it with their homemade hot sauce, then shake up the salad. I know that sounds odd but it is fabulous with a bit of kick. My office moved and I still try to get over there to get my favorite. Give it a try and support a family run establishment. read more

I THINK I JUST GOT ROBBED!! Breakfast special: $3.25 for eggs, apple sausage & provolone pita with a small coffee. I ordered exactly that less the pita bread. They throw in 3 grapes & a strawberry and charged me $5.70. W.T.F?? Need I say more? Oh wait.. ya.. the food wasn't even good. They don't have a grill so they steam their eggs & sausage. **Never Again** read more

I work in 1 Market and this is my favorite spot for breakfast in the mornings. I'm being hard core and trying the 16/8 diet right now so I haven't been here for a few weeks, but I used to come here 3-4 times a week and grab combinations of their breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and omelettes. Their eggs are steam cooked, fruits are freshly cut and blended, and veggies are freshly chopped as well. A healthy, tasty alternative to the other mainly oily food in the plaza. Summary: Excellent fresh food and the owners Nina and George are extremely friendly and welcoming! The baklava is also really good, if you like to indulge for no reason like me. P.S. Ask for the "Cal Special" if you want a delicious breakfast sandwich. Say Eric sent you :) read more

Cheap, friendly and delicious. Get the Shawarma wrap (turkey+chicken+pomegranate - so awesome) or the Fattoush salad. I've been to the other places at One Market and I can't understand why Cafe Elena isn't more busy. Osha Express is a bit underpowered but people line up for it. Ladle & Leaf is $2 more than the full Ladle & Leaf 5 min away at Embarcadero Center and I haven't felt the need to try the others. If Joss Whedon had filmed Avengers in SF, here's where the team would have gotten their Shawarma. Seriously, you won't be disappointed. read more

Crunchy pita bread Give me extra hot sauce please The Salesforce salad ----- This is a review of the Salesforce salad, which is not listed on the menu, but rather is on their "secret menu" *whooooooo* It's good, dude--and a great value, too. Get it. Cafe Elena doesn't have any pictures yet, so I'll upload one the next time I eat it, which will probably be soon. So far Cafe Elena is the best place in the (admittedly unimpressive) One Market food court. read more

The vegetarian fatoush salad is yummy and huge. The other stuff looks good too -- I'll have to go back! UPDATE: The hummus sandwich is *fanTAStic!* read more