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Real Doner

4.2 (558 reviews)
Closed • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Real Doner Photos

Business Info

REAL DONER ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Quiet
Casual
Good for groups
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Real Doner

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Reviews With Photos

Chicken Kebab
K G.

We came here for lunch and were pleasantly surprised by the whole experience. We were warmly welcomed when we arrived and everyone that worked there was friendly and kind. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. We chose to sit outdoors in a covered patio area because it was a nice day out. This restaurant is within walking distance on downtown Petaluma if you are in the area. I had the falafel wrap and my husband had the chicken kebab. We both loved our meal and the food was really fresh. The falafel wrap was large in portion so I ate half and saved the other half for dinner. An all around great experience and loved the Turkish cuisine here!

Chicken kabob plate.
Gagan S.

Food: 2/5 I came around 5:30 on a Sunday. The chicken plate I wanted was sold out but the kind gentleman offered to make a wrap instead. Or chicken shish. I felt the chicken was moist but did not have any sort of flavor. Not any garlic, salt, pepper etc, including the rice. Service: 5/5 I only had to wait around 10 minutes, and again the gentleman working there was very kind. Ambiance: 3/5 I went to just pick-up food, but waited inside. It was quiet and no other customers inside. Seemed clean, I did not notice any public restroom for use. Overall, I likely would not come back. I also asked for maybe just a half container of hummus, I'd purchase the full. But I just did not want to waste the remainder. He mentioned he cannot do that because they only have one size container, so I had to go to a grocery store to buy some afterwards. For 30$ I felt this wasn't worth it.

Falafel plate, lamb & beef doner plate, and tabouli
Hunter J.

Everything I've tried has been excellent--both meat and vegetarian options. The staff are very friendly and kind. The atmosphere is cozy and authentic. The portion sizes are great. Check it out!

Falafel plate
Jennifer N.

Located a bit away from downtown Petaluma, Real Donner is worth the walk (or drive) over. It's a small, unassuming spot but seems to be well liked among locals. Service was warm and friendly. I tried the falafel plate which is a lot of food and comes with hummus, tahini, toasted pita and a salad. The salad items were nicely dressed and fully of flavor with the pickled cabbage in the mix. Very fresh and nicely seasoned. Falafels are perfectly crisp on the outside and nice texture. Really enjoyed my late lunch here and hope to be back.

Combo plate
Sonia H.

It's my first time here so we thought it would be a good idea to try combo so we could have a taste of everything! I definitely highly recommend both combo plate and combo appetizers. Everything was freshly made and each bite was a pleasant surprise. My first time trying Turkesh coffee as well. It was strong but not overwhelmingly. It actually goes well with the food. The setting was relaxing and staff were friendly. Will come back again!

Outside
Drea U.

This is a great place for authentic Turkish food. The staff was sooo nice and welcoming. They even gave me a free baklava since it was my first time. The wraps were so full of flavor. They're usually super long so I asked to cut mine in half to save for later. Great place, friendly staff, and yummy quality food!

Chicken Kebab plate and dolma's

Very homey. Covered outdoor seating which was perfect for today's weather at lunch. I got the dolmas which were excellent! Reminded me of my grandmother's and Mom's dolmas. Grape leaves were tender and the filling was succulent and well seasoned. I also ordered the chicken kebab plate. Chicken was flavorful and tender, a nice serving of rice and salad. My friend got the falafel plate. The falafels were on the larger side with two types of dipping sauce. The salad was the entire length of the plate. No one left hungry unless they chose to. Music was all instrumental and not so loud that you had to talk over it. Service was prompt and efficient. Really liked that they brought an entire pitcher of water so we never had to wait for water. Definitely will be going back.

All around the best food in sonoma county! This family run restaurant knows how to make delicious fresh food along with very great customer service. The food is always fresh, hot and made to order! I hope people can support this mom and pop business, sharing the love and supporting local, the ambiance is always so welcoming.

Combo Doner

The food is always incredible and the owner is equally amazing. A true staple in Petaluma.

Turkish coffee
Irina Y.

Went here for dinner on Friday, arrived super early before any sort of dinner rush. No line. Food came out very quickly. Turkish coffee and tea was delicious. The lamb kebabs felt a little dry but the kefta was super flavorful and moist. The rice and side dishes on the plates was delicious and had a good amount of flavor. The babagahnoush felt like it was missing some flavor to make the eggplant stand out more. Overall this place has decent flavor profile. Would come back again.

Lamb and beer wrap

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3 months ago

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11 months ago

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1 year ago

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8 months ago

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7 months ago

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2 years ago

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7 months ago

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8 months ago

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6 months ago

Food was plentiful and delicious. The Kofte platter was to die for! Service was friendly and informative. The atmosphere was casual.

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1 year ago

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8 months ago

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2 years ago

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8 months ago

The Cold Combo Appetizer is one of the best vegetarian Turkish/Middle Eastern dishes I've had in the Bay Area. We stop in frequently for it.

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

I am so stoked that I moved down the street from this place. The food never disappoints. The worst thing is that I want to eat everything!

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3 years ago

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6 years ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

Authentic delicious sensation plates and wraps. Outside dining on the patio is such a treat

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Page 1 of 14

Ask the Community - Real Doner

Is this place halal?

Not really, but the restaurant does not sell pork and lamb is from a halal supplier.

I see that someone asked for no rice and hold the pita bread on one of the platters. They were given more salad instead. Can I ask for this too?

I am sure they would be happy to accommodate a simple request such as that!

Do they serve real Turkish coffee made in a real ceszve?

Yep

I admit I am unfamiliar with Döner. What happens with meat left on the spit at the end of the day? Is it reused or reheated the following day? Thank you!

Typically döner restaurants plan to run out by the end of the night. If not they may cut around a layer and cook the rest the next day.

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This was my second visit to Pearl, prompted by plans with a friend who regularly stops in when he's…read morepassing through Sonoma County. The seasonal menu's offerings were ideal for a rainy April day, when their cassoulet, bocadillo and other cozy options provided the comfort food we were craving. I loved the colorful tables and tasteful decor. It was clearly a regular lunch destination for many of the diners. The bar was packed during the rush, around noon, as well as the other indoor seats. My lunch friend mentioned that the restaurant is owned and operated by a husband and wife team: Annette and Brian. The regulars were greeted with familiarity. It wasn't the kind of place where you're rushed for your order, nor is it a dine and dash location. The menu - both food and drink - has tantalizing options, so it's best to come back repeatedly. My Turkish Coffee arrived quickly after I ordered it, despite Annette being the only server on the floor. I enjoyed the Bocadillo too, especially the pickled vegetables that accompany the sandwich. For those complaining that the portions were small or that the prices were high, the quality of ingredients and depth of flavor are worth the cost and my portion was more than enough to satisfy my appetite, plus I left with the other half of my sandwich as an offering for my hungry twenty-something at home. We ordered a rice pudding for dessert and dug in before I was able to snap a picture! It was delicious though, with the poached blueberries and almonds offering an ideal balance of texture and flavor to earn this simple dessert my esteem. Next time I want to try the beet & sour cream cake though!

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Kitchen Istanbul

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Kitchen Istanbul
Kitchen Istanbul
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Spread Kitchen - Inside dining room

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