Zaytinya

We arrived around 5pm and many tables outside weren't cleared but there were many seats available…read more We were told to wait outside when we're supposed to order at the cashier first, so I was confused. The ladies took awhile to get us seated outside, only to then tell me to order inside. The super efficient guy with the red shoes was quick to take our order of chicken shish tawook and Mezze sampler. Portions are large and food was great! We love people watching as the N Judahs goes by. It's Arab comfort food in a cozy indoor/outdoor setting.Sooo good!

Food 8/10 really good food esp the baba gonoush and the hummus. Everything came together well but…read morecould use some more pickle onions! The beef was really lean so was a bit dry Service 9/10 self service ordering but served to table Ambiance 7/10 very small cramped location. You have to sit too close to surround ppl. Prob would do takeout next time! Or try Cole Valley location

Dining area

Chicken Shish Tawook Plate

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Inside

Iraklis

4.7(578 reviews)

13.1 mi

Social media strikes again…read more.. I came across a reel on IG featuring Iraklis. The food looked intriguing and scrumptious...in other words FIRE! I would not have known about this place if it wasn't for the reel. I'm also not familiar with Syrian and Lebanese cuisine. Thought I'd give it a shot. Not the biggest of venues, it a bit small on the inside, they have few benches and tables outside. Parking wasn't an issue, plenty of spaces in the parking lot. The staff was very helpful and informative. This is a fast casual spot with table service. They do bring the food to you, but you can help yourself to everything else afterwards, is: water, sauces, napkins etc. #SyrianEats: WRAP: ~ SHAWARMA: Damascus style CHICKEN - 5/5 Absolutely DELISH!! Love the garlic spread that came on the side. The wrap was already tasty enough, but somehow it was even tastier with the Garlic spread. Even the fries that came with it were spectacular! That drizzle pomegranate molasses... just DELISH!! This was one of the best wraps I had Stateside. Actually the best! PLATE: ~ MANSAF - 5/5 The Lamb shank was excellent as well! Tender fall of the bone with flavor galore, and the butter sauce was amazing as well...delish! The rice that came with the Lamb shank was OK. It was probably good, but the flavor profile didn't stand up to the rest of the food. I thought it could use more flavor, but that just me nitpicking... 4.5 ***** rounded up to 5***** for me This food here is amazing. I'll be back...

Was craving a chicken shawarma, so I went off to TikTok and found SO many recommendations for…read moreIraklis! We placed an order for pickup and got two original chicken shawarma wraps. The garlic spread that was in the wrap was addicting! I definitely recommend eating it with the chili sauce for an extra kick. The chicken that I got was a bit dry... but nothing the sauce couldn't help fix. The portion size was HUGE; I think I probably could've been satisfied with eating just half of it. We also got an order of their baklava to-go, and this was also delicious! The baklava was sweet and moist.

Menu (Apr. 2026)

Mango Lassi ($3)

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Chicken Shawarma Taco

Tannourine

3.9(532 reviews)

10.1 mi

LOVE family-owned restaurants that serve food as fresh as the warm and comforting food that comes…read moreout of a family kitchen. You can just taste the care and pride behind their cooking. It was a Saturday evening and parking is a bit difficult in the area so our food was to go. Which was too bad because walking into the restaurant as a first time patron, it felt inviting. I can picture a quiet dinner out or a larger group gathering. I was welcomed further into the restaurant by a nice woman as I stood by the hostess podium by the door not knowing where to pickup my order. Have you ever met someone with kind eyes and a warm smile? Well, that was her. The food didn't make it home as the smell of food steaming out of its container was too much to resist. We had the kabob grilk mix and oh...was every piece of chicken, beef and kafta so tender and yummy that we just pulled over mid-way home, savored every piece of kabob, grilled , warm rice, with a scoop of what I believe was Yakhni(?) and enjoyed the clear night view over the hill. DEFINITELY going back for a sit down on a more parking friendly night. And, baklava is our end game. Update coming soon! *no food pic included for obvious reasons

Had dinner here with my girlfriends and had a very pleasant experience! We came on a weekday around…read more6pm and the restaurant was completely empty. There wasn't even any music or anyone inside to greet us so it felt a little awkward. Luckily, a nice hostess came out shortly and gave us a nice seat by the window. We ordered the cheese boruk as an appetizer and the chicken and garlic as my entree. The cheese boruk was fresh and crispy on the outside. The chicken and garlic was also very good! The chicken was nicely cooked and I liked the garlic sauce (definitely on the stronger side!) and potato wedges. I wish the chicken was a little more grilled for some extra char, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. Overall, good food and pleasant dining experience! Hope this restaurant gets more attention!

Lamb couscos

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Veggie Couscos

Zadna Grill

Not exaggerating when I say this is probably the best shawarma I've had since being in Jordan. It…read moreactually tastes authentic, and everything was super fresh. The place has such a cozy, homey vibe, and the owners are genuinely so sweet. Honestly, I have no idea why this place isn't packed all the time because the food is that good. It feels like one of those hidden gems that people somehow haven't discovered yet. If you're looking for really good shawarma and just a place to have good authentic middle eastern food this spot is 100% worth checking out.

Actually 4.5 stars…read more We ordered the chicken shawarma plate, a hummus appetizer, and the chicken with hummus appetizer. All the food was delicious! They do put some sauce on the shawarma, which we will ask them to hold next time because the chicken is so flavorful it doesn't need the sauce. The chicken shawarma plate was generously portioned. The hummus appetizer was delicious and the pita was yummy. It was our first time here so we weren't sure exactly what to expect with the chicken with hummus appetizer - not worth the $17 price tag, given the other items. It was yummy but too expensive for what you got. The service was 5 star! The ambiance is nice - casual but nice. We will definitely be back soon!

Chicken Shawarma Arabic Style

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Private party rental available

Mezze and Mooore

4.7(315 reviews)

26.3 mi•Mission

The best middle eastern food I've had in SF! (Been here 4yrs & have tried a lot!)…read more The staff is always incredibly kind! My mom was visiting & they stayed open later in time for a last min order! Wonderful calming open ambiance. Fav dishes: - fattet hummus (legit the best thing here) - chicken shawarma wrap - combination meat plate - best baklava I've ever tried!! Love this place!!

This is my second time coming into this establishment and for some reason I am not the biggest fan…read moreof it though my partner does tend to like it so that's why we've returned back a couple of times. The tables in this establishment are pretty small if you come as a party of two, and that's the part that I've been struggling with because there's nowhere for me to hang my purse usually whenever we're sitting there, and the chairs are metal, so the straps tend to slide off and I just have to end up holding my bag. I've tried their plate and wraps but I'm not blown away by the flavor profiles. The service is okay. You are seated upon entering, but you order through a QR code yourself and then that they just bring out the meal to you.

Interior looking at counter

Kafta plate

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Bread @colorful.eats

Me'Mo's Middle Eastern Cuisine

4.6(493 reviews)

66.4 mi

Food was great! My daughter tried chicken shawarma with garlic sauce the nice owner suggested for…read moreher. She loved it. I also got lamb Gyro very good fresh and wonderful mint tiziki sauce. Reasonable pricing. Nice quiet place, wonderful food.

Holy heck; was not expecting the amazing meze and fantastic chicken shawarma…read more Service was on point, we came with a group of eight, were able to pull tables together. Small shop, big hearts. If you are a fan of Middle Eastern - keep these guys on speed dial! Will be back-

Fun Falafel Plate (6 Pc)

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Spread Kitchen

4.8(296 reviews)

62.2 mi

All thanks to my cousin and her husband for bringing us here. We all enjoyed every bit of…read moreeverything - food, ambiance and the service. Our experience was flawless and loved the food. As the name says "Spread" it was truly a great menu! Our cousin ordered the dip platter and raved about the different delicious dips. My favorite here was the beet dip. Trust me all the kids ate everything without a fuss. If you can see the picture of the melon salad it says it all! I have never imagined a cantaloupe would fit in this style of a dish. Outstanding flavors so well balanced. Don't miss it if you find it coz it's seasonal! The entree's I ordered a wrap and shared it. The portion sizes were a bit huge for me so I decided to share and glad I did! Excellent flavors of the lamb and the filling inside the wrap was delicious! Ended on a sweet tooth, the baklava was truly homemade the first bite said it all! Melt in the mouth. Loved the outdoor seating, spacious and well placed tables. Parking was on the streets and we had no problem with that!

My family and I came for dinner at 7pm on a Thursday and we were seated quickly! Their outside…read morespace is super cute with plenty of seats. We started with the dip plate and tried five of the dips. They were all extremely good but my favorites were the whipped feta and the roasted red pepper one. I also ordered the chicken lavash wrap and it was super moist and delicious. My group also ordered the lamb, falafel, and beef wraps but I would say the chicken tasted the best. Highly recommend this spot if you are in Sonoma!

Inside dining room

Whipped Feta and Beet and falafel

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Summer salad with beef/lamb. Added feta

Mozaic

4.3(906 reviews)

33.4 mi

Service, food and the restaurant ambience were really nice. The servers were super friendly.read more

Visited again and was really hoping to update my rating bc I want to support Arab owned businesses…read more Rating was still around a 3.5. This time we ordered the kefta dinner and another dinner that was one kefta and one chicken skewer. Definitely better than the wrap I had last time. And the chicken and rice were particularly good. Still disappointed they don't have tahini sauce for these items. Both served with tzatziki, which doesn't fit. We paid around $80 for this with one nonalcoholic drink. Unfortunately, as before, the service was still not great despite the restaurant being empty. The woman (same one as last time) was nice but just not that attentive. My drink came well after my meal. The bread service came when we were almost done. I did notice a guy going around to other tables. Maybe he was the owner and he was a lot more attentive to other tables. Still love the Arabic music. However, With the mediocre service and food lacking real Arabic accoutrements, I cannot recommend but also can't say don't go.

Falafel Wrap Sandwich

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Baklava @ Mosaic

Beit Rima

4.3(516 reviews)

26.9 mi•Cole Valley

Looking for a quick light bite near lower Haight area. Found this gem at the foot of the Muni N car…read moreCole Valley tunnel. Bustling area with tons of foot traffic. Street parking may be challenging They let us bring our small dog indoor sitting in the corner. Thank you!! Very nice cozy restaurant with table seating indoor and out. Felt it was too busy outside given it was rush out and many folk getting off the Metro train. You order at the counter, grab a number plaque and then grab a table. Nice staff, patient and helpful. We ordered... Sampler plate, very nice platter of their various mezze offerings. Fresh and delicious dips with pita bread Chicken shishtawook plate, grilled chicken skewers tender, moist and juicy. Grilled peppers and onions on rice were wonderful. Mint Lemonana, bottled drink was nicely refreshing. Alma a Beer, Lebanese beer. Not bad at all! Don't come over to this area often and I forget how vibrant it is. There are several other eateries and bars among the businesses. A couple have happy hour so we plan to come visit again

The food is great. We always go for the mezza sampler, steak plate, and chicken kebab plate with a…read moreside of raw veggies (for dipping in the mezze). They have a menu behind the counter that lists out all of the GF modifications (which is so helpful) just ask for it. You can also join the waitlist on yelp, which is a big time saver and so convenient. Why 3 stars then? I feel like they have become a victim of their own success. This place is tiny and it is PACKED. We were quoted a 70 minute wait time on a Sunday night. When our name finally came up we were offered a tiny table inside (outside table sidewalks are where you want to be, more room, good people watching) that could have fit two fine but was going to be a squeeze for 3 adults. We opted to wait for a bigger table/outside spot. Once you get a table then you have to go inside and wait in line to order. The space is small so expect to get bumped from every direction. The person behind the register was obviously stressed out and could not have been less friendly or less helpful. I asked for a glass of cabernet and she just said, we don't have it and stared at me. I asked if she could suggest another option and she did but it was a struggle. All of the workers seemed miserable. No one smiled, everyone seemed overworked and it was so hard to flag someone down if say your steak came out entirely raw, which mine did. It seems like the workers are either not getting the training or the support that they need to allow the overall experience to be good as the food.

Outside sitting

Musakhan ($20)

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Complimentary TEPID Water ($0)

Paprika Cafe

4.4(1k reviews)

59.5 mi

What a cute place! The falafel wrap was one of the BEST I ever had! So fresh and made with love…read more The SPICY LEMONADE was outstanding, we never had anything like it. A wonderful surprise and a joy for our tastebuds! Small and comfy area to sit. Very casual and awesome! One man show and made with love. THANK YOU!

What an amazing little hidden gem. This place is the real deal. Very authentic, and very…read morethoughtfully cooked. The man who made our food was making it to Order and he had been running this business for over 40 years! The service was excellent and it felt very personal. The food was absolutely delicious! Everyone in our party completely agree agreed that they loved everything they ate. There were two omnivores, one vegan, and one vegetarian. And the vegan baklava! What an incredibly unique and special treat to find baklava vegan! Absolutely delicious! I'm a huge fan of spanakopita, but I haven't been able to eat it for a long time because I'm the vegan in the group and when I said something about that out loud, he said he would make me a special vegan spanakopita! Right there! Made To Order! This man is amazing. Seating is very limited, so several of the people we saw that came behind us got their food to go. I think most people there need to expect there would be a little bit of a weight and that seating is very limited and it's outdoors. Although the outdoor seating does have covering. All the people in line, waiting for food seem to have no problem waiting for it because they knew it would be worth it. And honestly... Considering the line of people we saw behind us (10-11?) and the fact that there were three ahead of us... no one really had to wait very long at all! It was really impressive how much he could get done by himself. The next time you're in Monterey, California, you definitely need to check out Paprika. I only managed to get one photo of my plate of food because I was too distracted by deliciousness to remember to take photos of anyone else's food. And obviously, by the time I remembered to photograph the baklava.... Several pieces seem to be missing.

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Outdoor seating

Insanely delicious vegan baklava

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157 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Zoya N.

8 months ago

Heading: Feedback on Allergy Safety and Guest Experience I don't normally write reviews and I had not planned to share publicly, but I felt it was important to share this experience because of allergy safety concerns and after speaking with the general manager, we felt it was important to document the experience. The music and ambience were enjoyable, and the hostesses were the best part of our visit--welcoming, attentive, and professional. My husband also enjoyed his meal and had a good experience overall. However, we noticed that manager check-ins were not consistent across all tables, which made some interactions feel uneven. I ordered jasmine tea but was instead served chamomile tea, which I am allergic to. I informed the server twice and asked for it to be taken back. She then brought green tea, which she had made herself, after becoming upset with the kitchen. Even though I did not drink it, I accepted it politely. By that point, I no longer felt safe consuming drinks or food, as allergy-related orders require strict accuracy. Even a sip of the chamomile tea caused my skin to start itching, which reinforced how serious allergy mistakes can be. The server did check on us afterward to make sure nothing else containing allergens was being served by asking me directly, which we appreciated. Before leaving, we spoke with the manager privately, away from other guests--even if it meant waiting outside in the cold. We told him we had a good experience and that my husband enjoyed the food. When he asked why we were in the cold, I explained we wanted to share our feedback privately. He thanked us for approaching him this way and gave us his card, encouraging us to call before dining in the future. The manager initially said he did not remember ordering chamomile tea. He only went back to check the tea after my husband insisted that it was chamomile, since he drinks it regularly. After confirming, the manager explained it was an herbal tea with chamomile listed as the last ingredient. While he was trying to understand the situation, he did not realize that even a tiny amount of an allergen can cause major issues. I shared this so he could make sure it does not happen again. Overall, it was a warm and cordial interaction with both the manager and the server, which we appreciated. The manager expressed that he hopes we will go back again. I'm sharing this feedback not to criticize, but to encourage better allergy awareness and consistent guest care. Attention to these details would help all diners feel safe, welcome, and well-cared-for. read more

B M.

9 months ago

Zaytinya is a truly beautiful restaurant with a refined, elegant design, and the service is excellent. The staff is warm, attentive, and very professional, which makes the experience pleasant from the moment you arrive. The overall ambiance is lovely and you can see that a lot of thought went into creating a comfortable and stylish dining environment. When it comes to flavor, however, the food was just okay. Nothing was necessarily bad, but the dishes didn't quite deliver the deep, memorable, and authentic Mediterranean taste I was hoping for. Everything looked great, but the flavors felt mild and didn't leave that lasting impression you expect from this type of cuisine. For guests seeking truly authentic, rich, and unforgettable Mediterranean and Aegean flavors, I highly recommend exploring two nearby restaurants: * Esnaf in San Carlos -this place offers genuinely traditional dishes with remarkable depth of flavor. The authenticity really stands out, and many of the dishes leave a lasting impression. If you want real, bold, memorable taste, Esnaf is an excellent choice. * Meyhouse in Palo Alto -the atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the food carries a beautifully balanced, truly authentic Aegean touch. Their dishes feel very carefully prepared, and you can taste the freshness and craftsmanship. It's a wonderful spot for anyone who appreciates honest, well-executed Mediterranean flavors. Both restaurants provide a level of authenticity and culinary quality that at least in my experience stands out more clearly. Overall, Zaytinya is a wonderful space with impressive service, but if you're looking for deeper, more authentic Mediterranean flavors, Esnaf in San Carlos and Meyhouse in Palo Alto are exceptional alternatives worth trying. read more

Madeline C.

9 months ago

I had high expectations for Zaytinya, but the overall experience was unfortunately underwhelming. For a restaurant that presents itself as a thoughtful homage to Mediterranean cuisine, the food lacked both depth and authenticity. Many of the dishes were dominated by what tasted like garlic powder rather than fresh garlic, giving everything the same harsh, artificial note. The hummus, in particular, was disappointing--it tasted indistinguishable from a Costco version. The pide was another miss: extremely airy and hollow, lacking substance or texture. We requested a second bread basket, which took about 15 minutes to arrive. The server then took it to the back to box it up, but it never made it back to our table. Ironically, the fries were the most enjoyable item, which raises questions for a restaurant that markets itself around Mediterranean cuisine. The space itself is beautiful, but even that came with drawbacks. There is a sharp contrast in seating comfort throughout the dining room--some tables are assigned hard, uncomfortable chairs while others sit in plush booths. Several tables (including ours) requested to be moved to more comfortable seating. Overall, the experience felt more driven by hype and branding than by consistent execution. Given the price point and reputation, I expected far more. Unfortunately, this is not a restaurant I would return to. read more

José G.

3 months ago

Our experience at Zaytinya was absolutely wonderful. What started as dinner turned into a full experience that we genuinely enjoyed from beginning to end. I love the tapas style concept because it allows you to slow down, try different dishes, and really enjoy the meal. Everything was delicious, from the cocktails to the complimentary bread and every dish that followed. The ingredients tasted incredibly fresh and thoughtfully selected, and each plate felt like it was prepared with great care. Our server Burcu made the evening even more special! She was so warm, personable, and genuinely kind. She took the time to explain every dish in detail and was incredibly knowledgeable about the entire menu. You could tell she truly enjoys what she does, and her enthusiasm made us even more excited to try everything. We learned so much about the dishes and appreciated all of her recommendations. One thing that really stood out was that we never felt rushed. She timed everything perfectly and allowed us to enjoy each course before bringing out the next one. It made the entire meal feel relaxed and intentional. Great food is always memorable, but great service is what turns a meal into an experience. Thank you for making our evening so enjoyable. We cannot wait to come back. read more

Madison W.

4 months ago

5 stars isn't enough for this place. As someone who lives in the Bay Area and eats out a lot, this was one of the most elevated, vibey, and genuinely memorable Mediterranean dinners I've had in a long time. From the second we sat down, our server Adrian was absolutely impeccable warm, knowledgeable, attentive without hovering, and honestly the kind of service that makes you want to come back before you've even finished dinner. He walked us through the entire menu, gave amazing pairing recommendations, and made the whole experience feel super polished but still relaxed and welcoming. The entire restaurant nails that upscale Mediterranean energy without feeling pretentious. Beautiful ambiance, amazing cocktails, incredible Greek wines, flawless pacing, and genuinely impeccable service from start to finish. This is absolutely one of those spots you take out of town friends to if you want to impress them, but it's also the kind of place you'll crave on a random Wednesday night. read more

sara g.

8 months ago

The restaurant is beautifully designed with a pleasant ambiance. Unfortunately, the front desk experience did not match the setting. The staff was not professional or welcoming, and additional customer service training would be greatly beneficial. The cuisine is Mediterranean with a Middle Eastern influence. The appetizers were very flavorful, especially the tabbouleh, grape leaves, and baba ghanoush. However, the portions are extremely small for the price. At nearly $16 per appetizer, the value does not align with the serving size. The baba ghanoush, in particular, was served in a bowl with only about two spoonfuls of eggplant spread, which was quite disappointing. The restaurant has a bar that may interest you! The lunch menu is available until 3:00 pm and includes sandwich options, which is a nice touch for midday dining. read more

Natasha L.

4 months ago

Absolutely loved this place. The food was fresh, flavorful, and honestly one of the best meals I've had in a while. Every dish came out perfectly and the atmosphere made the whole experience even better. The beef kabab and fattoush salad paired so well together, and their pita bread is absolutely to die for. Whatever olive oil blend they use with the balsamic vinegar should honestly be bottled and sold, it was THAT good. Citrusy, slightly sweet, and ridiculously addictive. Huge shoutout to Jess for the amazing service!! He was attentive, friendly, and genuinely made us feel welcomed the entire time. You can tell he really cares about making sure guests have a great experience. Definitely coming back and highly recommend asking for Jess if you visit! 10/10! Ps. Loved the dessert, the one with yogurt was my fave. read more

Shabana A.

4 months ago

Visited Zaytinya recently and had such a great experience. The restaurant interior is absolutely gorgeous, beautifully designed with a really cool bar area that gives the whole place a stylish, lively atmosphere. The food was excellent across the board, and everything we tried was flavorful and well executed. Our favorites were definitely the lamb kebab and the chicken kebab -- both were cooked perfectly and packed with flavor. A special shoutout to our waitress, Sydney, who was incredibly sweet and attentive throughout the meal. She gave us great recommendations and really helped us figure out what to order, which made the experience even better. Definitely a spot I'd come back to again, especially with a group, since there are so many other dishes on the menu I'd love to try. read more

Neelam S.

9 months ago

We celebrated our daughter's birthday at Zaytinya, and it was a truly special experience! Our server, Ana Maria, provided exemplary service; she was incredibly attentive and took extra time to explain each dish, making our night so memorable. The food was packed with flavor--the Lamb Bharat was perfectly spiced and tender, and the Octopus Santorini was grilled to perfection. We also loved the smoky baba ghannoge paired with hommus and endless puffy pita. The drinks were equally impressive and innovative; the margarita was smooth and tasty, featuring a unique salty foam instead of a traditional salted rim. To finish, the Greek yogurt and pears dessert is a must! The decor is stunning with great attention to detail. While the music was a bit loud, the overall ambiance was amazing. read more

Jackie S.

4 months ago

Had an amazing experience at Zaytinya while hosting family visiting from out of state. The Moral pide was exceptionally delicious -- a must-try if you love mushrooms! The meatball dish was also incredibly flavorful and perfectly prepared. And my new favorite drink is officially the "3PM in Istanbul" cocktail -- absolutely delicious and the perfect complement to the meal. What really made the evening special was the outstanding service from Sydney. She was professional, friendly, attentive, and paid attention to every detail throughout our meal. The combination of amazing food, warm hospitality, and a lively atmosphere made for such a memorable dining experience. We'll definitely be back! read more

Maliha B.

3 months ago

I had a wonderful experience at Zaytinya in Stanford Shopping Center! The food was absolutely delicious, fresh, and full of amazing Mediterranean flavors. The service was exceptional, and the staff made my visit feel extra special. I was celebrating my birthday, and the team surprised me with a complimentary dessert and a non-alcoholic drink, which was such a thoughtful gesture. Their kindness and attention to detail made the celebration even more memorable. The atmosphere was beautiful and welcoming, and every dish we ordered was outstanding. Thank you to the entire Zaytinya team for making my birthday so special. I highly recommend this restaurant and look forward to returning soon! read more

Tanya L.

3 months ago

We had a wonderful experience at Zaytinya celebrating my husband's birthday. We chose the tasting menu, and everything was absolutely delicious from start to finish. Each dish was beautifully prepared, full of flavor, and made the evening feel special. The service was just as impressive as the food. Our waiters, Chris and Ivan, were attentive, friendly, and made sure we were well taken care of throughout the night. They helped make the birthday celebration feel warm and memorable. Overall, Zaytinya was the perfect place for a special occasion. Great food, excellent service, and a lovely atmosphere. We look forward to coming back! read more

Rahsaan C.

3 months ago

We had an excellent experience thanks to Gill. The service was outstanding from beginning to end--friendly, attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. Gill made us feel taken care of the entire time and had a great sense of timing, always checking in when needed and making sure everything was perfect. It's not often you come across service that feels both professional and personal, but Gill absolutely nailed it. The positive energy, attention to detail, and overall care really stood out and made our visit even more enjoyable. We truly appreciated it and will definitely be back. Five stars for Gill--highly recommend! read more

Sylvia L.

4 months ago

We had such an amazing experience thanks to our server, Elmas! It was my sister's birthday, and from the moment we arrived, Elmas made her feel incredibly welcomed and celebrated. The service was truly top-notch -- always attentive without ever being intrusive. The food was absolutely excellent, and every recommendation was spot on. Elmas checked in at all the right moments, kept everything running smoothly, and genuinely made the night feel special. You can tell they really care about creating a great experience for guests. Thank you for making my sister's birthday dinner so memorable. We'll definitely be back! read more

Izzy Y.

4 months ago

I want to recognize Jess for providing truly outstanding service. He was attentive, polite, respectful, and incredibly professional from beginning to end. His level of care and awareness stood out immediately -- he anticipated our needs without being intrusive and made the entire experience feel welcoming and effortless. I have rarely met someone in service with this level of warmth, professionalism, and genuine hospitality. Jess is the kind of person who elevates the entire dining experience and makes guests want to come back. He deserves real recognition for the exceptional way he represents the restaurant. read more

Cyrus M.

1 month ago

Absolutely incredible experience at Zaytinya! The food was amazing, every dish was flavorful, beautifully prepared, and honestly hard to stop eating. But what really made our experience stand out was our server, Joe. He was phenomenal! Joe was warm, attentive, knowledgeable, and made us feel genuinely taken care of from beginning to end. His recommendations were spot on, and his personality made an already amazing dinner even better. Great food is one thing, but exceptional service is what makes you want to come back, and Joe absolutely delivered. Zaytinya is lucky to have him! We will definitely be back! read more

Donna M.

Elite 18

210

113

4 months ago

We came for the food and stayed for the excellent service by Andres--hospitality you often don't see anymore. The moment we sat down our experience was warm, friendly and his knowledgeable of the menu on various dishes was enthusiastically shared. We enjoyed the kale salads, Brussels sprouts, falafel, humus , and the chicken we almost didn't have-- but he highly recommended it so we also indulged. Our meal was topped off with a tasty and airy apricot yogurt and a glass of champagne. Come here to celebrate life with old friends and make new memories. We will be back! Donna and Alice. read more

Jennifer M.

8 months ago

The beautiful setting reminds me of the Greek isles. Gorgeous. Service and food were impeccable. Andrew at the bar is a good time for sure. The vibes And attitude of the staff should be copied by all the neighboring places at the Stanford Shopping Center. Great addition that you all need to try. Walk -ins are welcome in the lounge area if you can't make a reservation. Also after reading some reviews...we all would so well to remember it is a subjective question when we ask if our order is enough..or too spicy. We can't blame the staff for guessing for us read more

Joseph K.

6 months ago

Mediocre at best. Hummus - 0.5 cm thin on the plate Fattoush - cucumber and tomatoes (no taste)... that's not how fattoush is done Halloumi ... 2 pieces tossed in a random combo of fruits Beef Kebab ... a mix of soujouk and ground beef, that's not steak Chicken Kebab ... dark meat not chicken breast. Chef needs to go to the Middle East for a quick internship and learn how to make proper Mediterranean food. Overall great atmosphere and amazing interior design. Architect should be proud. I would just go there for drinks for the atmosphere. read more

Emily S.

9 months ago

Had the most amazing time at Zaytinya tonight! Obviously the food is INCREDIBLE!! Duh, Jose Andres. BUT the service is even better! We had an amazing time with MJ as our waiter. Not only was she a joy to be around she suggested a perfect meal for us. Absolutely come here! The best thing on the menu was definitely the baba ganoush but all the dips were fantastic. We also loved the celebration rice! MJ let us know that you can order it with lamb and that is definitely the right way to go! read more

Zaytinya - turkish - Updated September 2026

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4.5

(319 reviews)

We stopped into Meyhouse in Palo Alto for some Mediterranean cuisine and happy hour cocktails and…read morehad a fantastic experience. The atmosphere was stylish, welcoming, and perfect for a relaxed evening out. We shared several Mediterranean bites, and everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The quality of the ingredients really stood out, and each dish was packed with flavor. The cocktails were excellent, and my husband especially enjoyed the Japanese whiskey flight, which was a fun way to sample a variety of unique whiskeys. It was a great addition to the meal and made the experience feel even more special. As fans of Pera Mezze House in Roseville, we were excited to learn that Meyhouse shares the same ownership, and the same attention to quality and hospitality definitely shines through. Great food, delicious drinks, and wonderful service. We look forward to coming back the next time we're in Palo Alto!

I've been to the Sunnyvale location of Meyhouse a few times but never the Palo Alto one, which is…read moreturns out also has live jazz (not in the main dining room). A fun way to start is to get Raki, which is like the Turkish equivalent of ouzo, but you have to like anise/licorice. They have a few options available, and our Turkish server was helpful when we were trying to choose one. They do have a full bar available. Onto food: We had a group of 4 and ordered everything family style. - Girit: a garlic and spice whipped cheese with pistachios, great with bread. - Pancar: roasted yellow and red beets with Turkish white cheese. - Uc Borek: 3 phyllo rolls: they're fairly small, so it's hard for more than 3-4 people to share (1 bite each). One is zucchini, one is cheese, and one has beef. Beef was my favorite - Ahtapot: fire grilled octopus with a bean spread. - Ege Salatasi: similar to a Greek salad with tomatoes (so good in summer!), green bell peppers, onions, cucumber, croutons, Turkish white cheese, olives. - Chilean sea bass: loved the Aegean greens with this. The sea bass was so flavorful and was a generous portion. - Alinazik: beef tenderloin skewers with smoked eggplant labneh. Desserts: - Kunefe: melted mozzarella filling coated in phyllo, served warm. - Damla sakizli: their homemade mastika ice cream, which pairs wonderfully with the kunefe It's best to go with a group so that you can try more dishes. Everything had bold Mediterranean/Middle Eastern flavors, and our server was really helpful when we were trying to decide on dishes. If you have more time or are hungrier, the tasting is also a great way to go (I've done it at the Sunnyvale location)!

Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen

4.6

(590 reviews)

It was our first visit and we were quite pleased with the dining experience. We were welcomed…read morewarmly at the entrance and seated immediately. We were immediately struck by the open, airy atmosphere. Since we've traveled to Greece and Turkey, we are familiar with authentic Mediterranean food....and what we had at Hummus was as good as any we've ever had. Our server, Aidana was friendly, efficient and answered our questions about the menu and portion sizes. Everything that we ordered was fresh, delicious and beautifully presented and we washed it all down with refreshing glasses of cucumber lemonade. Our meals came very quickly and we could not wait to dig in. Aidana was attentive and even described the weekend breakfast/brunch options.....which we plan to go back and try in the very near future.

Big thanks to Umut for the incredible service! Everything was executed perfectly from start to…read morefinish, with great attention to detail. We had a wonderful time and will definitely be back again soon.

TAVERNA

3.9

(578 reviews)

We just went to Taverna in Palo Alto for a large party of over 50 people and had an amazing time…read more The food and service was amazing. The staff is so welcoming and really makes you fill like we were having a party at someone's house. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

We sat outside and felt like we were in Greece. flowers everywhere. the restaurant has window…read moreshutters painted Greek blue against a white building. Very warm and cordial welcome greetings. Our server Leon was great recommending good food choices, friendly, and on top of everything. Food was delicious. Don't miss the gigantic beans. So good. nice wine choices by the glass. Great spot. Will return.

Bevri

4.0

(862 reviews)

Amazing food, good vibes and very friendly staff. Chicken Tapaka was the best. Can't recommend…read moreenough.

Amazing service, great food, the music is great and overall great experience for delicious dinnerread more

Anatolian Kitchen

4.4

(202 reviews)

I am a frequent diner at Anatolian Kitchen. The service is always impeccable and the establishment…read moregoes out of its way to make me feel welcome. The food is fantastic and the restaurant serves some of the best flat bread in the Bay Area. I especially recommend the Adana and the Doner Kebabs.

Anatolian Kitchen offers both a lunch and dinner menu, and we stopped by during their lunch hours…read moreto check out their Anatolian eats. We shared the Combo Appetizer for Two Person, which came with cacik, hummus, piyaz, eggplant with tomato sauce, tabbouleh, and dolma, as well as the Falafel Plate (this was served with salad and hummus). For the mains, I went for the Ribeye Sish, which were marinated ribeye cubes, topped with worcestershire mushrooms and green onion sauce, served with fries. Everything was well-prepared, and the portions were generous, especially the apps, to share. Staff were kind and friendly. +shareable apps +friendly service

Nomadic Kitchen

4.8

(280 reviews)

Amazing little gem! Mezze combination was SO much good food. It really was a great variety of many…read moredifferent sides. Also ordered the lentil soup and can't recommend it enough (especially with the lemon) !! Falafel was also a hit and a solid tahini (not too thick either). Service staff was extremely kind and felt like a family business. Adored them!

Nomadic Kitchen is one of the best hidden gems in Redwood City. The food is fresh, authentic, and…read morepacked with flavor. The standout for me was the mezze combination plate--it offered an incredible variety of dips and appetizers, and every single one was delicious. It was the perfect way to sample so many different flavors, and everything tasted fresh and homemade. Before we even walked in, I couldn't help but smile at their cute handmade sign proudly announcing their 5 out of 5 Yelp rating. After the meal, I completely understood why--it wasn't just clever marketing; it was well deserved. The service was warm, welcoming, and genuinely passionate, making the entire dining experience feel personal. The outdoor patio is also a wonderful place to enjoy a relaxed meal. If you're looking for outstanding Turkish cuisine, I highly recommend Nomadic Kitchen. I'll definitely be coming back to explore more of the menu.

Macarena

4.2

(308 reviews)

I love this new place. This reminds me of my study abroad in Spain many years ago…read more The paella was solid and Reyes recommend the branzino as well. His suggestion was on point!!! Will definitely come back.

We heard this was the restaurant Bad Bunny visited during Super Bowl weekend, so we were excited to…read morefinally give it a try! We came for a friend's birthday with a party of 10 and did the $75/person prix fixe tasting menu. Food: The tapas were definitely the highlight for us and probably our favorite part of the meal. For the mains, we had three paellas served family-style with pretty generous portions. The squid ink paella was our favorite, followed by the chicken and pork. The noodle-style paella was our least favorite. Overall, we thought the tapas were better than the mains. Dessert was okay. The cheesecake was verrrrry cheesy and yes, I know it's cheesecake lol but the cheese flavor was especially strong and savory. Service: Unfortunately, this is where the experience fell short. The birthday girl had a friend who recently dined here and was offered an unlimited beer and sangria option with their prix fixe menu. When we asked our waitress about it, she wasn't familiar with it and checked with the GM, who said he had never heard of such an option. My friend reached out to the previous guest, who found the email correspondence with the restaurant confirming that the option had been offered. While trying to show our waitress, three of us said "excuse me" to get her attention while she was at our table, but she continued handing out drinks without acknowledging us. We understand she was working, but even a quick "I'll be right with you" would have been appreciated. Once we showed her the email, she brought the GM over. After looking at it, he repeatedly emphasized, "YOU didn't respond to us," referring to the fact that there was no response confirming the drink option. The weird part was... it wasn't even our email. The correspondence was between the restaurant and a completely different guest from a previous dinner. We were only showing it because we had just been told that this drink option had never existed. The GM eventually said they could accommodate us, which we appreciated, but the delivery felt unnecessarily defensive and passive-aggressive. We weren't demanding the package or expecting them to honor an old offer--we were simply trying to clarify what we had been told. A simple, "Sorry for the confusion! We see what you're referring to and can accommodate you," would have completely changed the interaction. Unfortunately, the way such a small misunderstanding was handled changed the mood of the dinner and took away from my friend's birthday celebration. There were definitely good parts of the meal, especially the tapas and squid ink paella, but the communication and management experience overshadowed what could have otherwise been a great night.

True Food Kitchen

3.9

(2.4k reviews)