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7 Pleasures
Categories: Restaurants Middle Eastern Restaurants Russian Restaurants American (New) Middle Eastern, Russian, American (New) [Edit]
554 Commercial St(between Leidesdorff St & Montgomery St)
San Francisco, CA 94111
Neighborhood: Financial District
(415) 391-7362
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10:30 am - 3 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
64 reviews for 7 Pleasures
Review Highlights
-
"Charming servers, and free hummus to kick off the meal." In 3 reviews -
"...a little reluctant to try the Thai food, but was pleasantly..." In 8 reviews -
"Like the lamb shawarmas, nice and juicy." In 10 reviews
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64 reviews in English
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Review from May L.
San Francisco, CA
I've been here twice in the last few weeks, and both times the food was very good!
Apparently, Wednesdays is the Russian cuisine day, and the Beef Stroganoff was delicious! My friend had the chicken skewers and enjoyed her meal as well.
.
The other day we had take-out salads and wraps and seemed to have to wait a little longer, but it was kinda busy (and just 2 people working there)
It was very tasty, but will make it a point to return there on a Wednesday again. -
Review from Clarissa P.
San Francisco, CA
The warning bells should have gone off when we walked in and no one was there at noon, on a weekday, in the middle of FiDi.
I've never had Russian food before, I don't think this place had anything Russian on the menu- maybe besides the Borsh, which was bland and watery. The food seemed typical of anything you could get at a deli. The menu was limited. Everything was bland- the steak in the fajitas were inedible (too tough!) and salty. -
Review from Boris M.
San Leandro, CA
Great Place we were there this last sunday for my family friends party.... food is super fresh and amazing also their shish kebobs are of the chain really really good.
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Review from Karina M.
San Francisco, CA
I came in with a couple of coworkers on a weekdays to have a quick lunch. Right away we were welcomed by a waiter, which sat us at a table immediately. He took our orders quickly and brought us our drinks. The food was ready in no time. The staff was friendly and accommodating. The food was well cooked and tasted amazing. The prices are fair and worth it. They also have two TV's that you can enjoy during your meal. Overall, great staff, great food, great atmosphere. I will definitely be back more often.
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Review from Sara P.
San Francisco, CA
I was devastated when I saw 7 pleasures closed for remodeling... where would I go for Russian food in the city with my trusty partner-in-eating Vicky L.?
After seeing it open again, with the same staff & setup, I was relieved... crisis averted! ... almost. There's no more Russian food due to the chef leaving.
I ordered the chicken & poblano wrap - which is on the smaller side. Or maybe I was just starving. It was satisfying though!
Next time I'll get a pastry from the case...Listed in: SF Lovin'
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/28/2011
Dear Vicky L. (http://vicksy.yelp.com)
Thank you for being my adventurous lunch buddy. I am writing… Read more »
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6/28/2011
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Review from Zarina M.
San Francisco, CA
Borsch was ok, but beef stoganoff was awful.
I love russian food and I love borsch, probably will come back to give it a second chance and we'll see, maybe I'll re-rate it. -
Review from Vicky L.
Okay 7 Pleasures, you win.
Your Russian food Wednesdays totally won me over. I mean, I can't help but be completely and utterly addicted to your beef stroganoff and chicken tabaka.
The beef stroganoff sure as hell beats the crap out of Hamburger Helper. I could go for a bigger portion, but that may just give me a heart attack, as it's chunks of beef, cooked in a creamy sauce and served with greasy French fries straight out of the fryer. It's like an $11 food coma.
THEN.. today I tried their tabaka. If you're confused by any of the items on their menu, since they don't have explanations or descriptions, ask the server. That's how I discovered this wonderfulness that is essentially brick-pressed cornish game hen, first pan-fried and then oven-baked so the skin is crispy and the meat is tender, juicy and flavorful. It sits in a brown gravy mixed with what looked like the stroganoff sauce, and it comes with either a rice pilaf or mashed potatoes. I opted for the rice, and again, I totally wish I could have a larger portion so I could promptly pass out at my desk after lunch. Another $11 food coma.
Do you have any Russian in you? No? Well, I can't really help you out, but I can point you towards 7 Pleasures if it's a Wednesday.Listed in: Financial District Lunchtime
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/29/2011
Dear Sara P. (http://skp.yelp.com),
Thanks for going to 7 Pleasures with me today. Even though we… Read more »
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6/29/2011
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Review from Alex E.
San Francisco, CA
This place is excellent. I liked it before the remodel and I didn't go there for awhile after thinking ownership had changed. I stumbled upon it again recently and decided to pop in for lunch. Not only has the service improved from already bein good but the food improved a lot and that's saying a lot because it was already delicious. I would defiantly recommend this place for a quick lunch or a nice dinner.
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Review from Ed U.
I know there are seven deadly sins, but seven pleasures? Lemme see, does hand-held electrical equipment count? I dunno if I can come up with seven otherwise. Well, I'll let the owners of this Middle Eastern place take that task on.
I actually had a pretty solid lunch here, something of a surprise since I had never heard of it until I passed by it walking back from Mixt Greens as I was holding San Francisco's most overpriced salad. This time, a co-worker and I decided to take a leisurely Friday lunch on one of the outside tables on the hardly-used Commercial Street pedestrian walkway. What a far cry from the Soylent Green ambiance of Belden Place.
We started off with a free appetizer of fresh pita wedges and hummus. A nice surprise. I ordered the $12.95 Salmon Paprika Crust which is exactly what it is - a cut of grilled salmon encrusted with paprika. It was hearty stuff with a nice texture. It came with mashed potatoes, and the whole dish was covered in a spicy paprika-laced sauce. Very tasty. My co-worker went for the $8.95 Falafel, which looked standard issue. She liked it though.
I'd definitely come back if I am looking al fresco dining without Al-in-my-face elbowing. I prefer the passive-aggressive glares of fellow office workers on this nearly empty block of Commercial Street than the crowds at Belden Place where you can count on at least two arm grazes and a butt bump to accompany your dining experience.
FOOD - 4 stars...good salmon, well-priced for a nicer-than-usual FiDi lunch option
AMBIANCE - 4 stars...uhh, I was outside...how the hell would I know?...it was nice day though
SERVICE - 3 stars...fast enough, unobtrusive
TOTAL - 4 stars...I think this one has promise as a back-up for Baladie on busy days when you have gyros and schwermas on your mindListed in: Lunching among the NoMa FiDi…, Mediterraneo Edibus
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Review from Peg S.
This Thai + Russian place was probably in trouble from the start with a name like 7 Pleasures. Who could live up to that? I would have been happy with just one measly pleasure.
Typical FiDi lunch - quick, not so good, and overpriced. The pad see ew was ew ew oily with just noodles and not much else. The mixed veggies with tofu was lighter and fared better and came strangely with a side of coleslaw (maybe they thought we weren't getting enough veggies?). Definitely not worth the $10 per dish.Listed in: Yeah, Another FiDi Lunch List
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Review from Mari A.
Walnut Creek, CA
Excellent friendly service with a smile :D
I had their chicken with special lime sauce - it was pretty good but needed soy sauce fo mo flava. I'm all about the soy sauce! MMmm salt. Their portions are a good size, but I guess not big enough for me because I was hungry an hour later. Uh oh! Maybe next time I will order two entrees. -
Review from Raquel G.
San Francisco, CA
Hey there fellow yelpers!
I ate at 7 pleasures last week and it was awesome! I had the chicken and beef skewers and they were delicious! The meat was juicy and not dry and so flavorful! I came with a group of friends and we ordered a bunch of stuff and all shared. Salads were really good as well! Everything tasted so good. The prices I would say are pretty average and is a great place to come with friends for lunch.The place itself is nice and they also have really good dessert here when you have a sweet tooth! I will definitely be back soon! I highly recommend it! -
Review from Michael C.
Northern, CA
I had the best garlic chicken for lunch today. Everyone's food was good, but poor Adam always gets served last ... like WAY last. It's sort of funny, because he knows it's about to happen... and it does. That, and he usually gets a dirty dish or utensil and has to ask for a change.
You know what, Adam? That's odd.
The water was a bit slow on the refill (we had to ask), but the portions were generous and the appetizers of veggie egg rolls and prawns were good.
I've been in the FiDi for a long time, and just now visited this place.
It's not bad, I mean, for a quick lunch on the fly.
Five of us ate for $78 - that's about $15 per person. They added their tip to our bill, and that is too bad; they would've gotten more had they not demanded it like that. -
Review from Tien N.
When you have a Thai place that's hidden away from view of everywhere else that's called 7 Pleasures--you may want to preface your coworkers that it is indeed a restaurant and not a seedy massage parlor.
This little gem is hidden away at the intersection of two alley ways, and had it not been for a drunken excursion I never would've discovered this place.
The inside is very nicely decorated, with table clothes, wine bottles, and various tasteful decorations spread around.
It is a Thai restaurant which seem to be run by Russians, so there's a slight Ruskie twist to the menu (e.g. bread + butter before the meal)--but no worries, all your favorite Thai dishes are still there.
I myself ordered the Pad See Ew, which for just over $9 could've fed a family of four. I'm certainly not one to have leftovers by the end of my meal, but in spite of my hunger I could barely finish half my meal. Oh well, it made for a nice post lunch meal (linner?) as well.
My coworker's meals--a couple rice dishes--didn't appear to be quite so filling, so if you truly are hungry, a noodle meal may just be the right ticket for you.
For a lunch break or for a meal to take back to the office, 7 Pleasures is certainly a treasure hidden away here in the FiDi.. -
Review from Patricia H.
CA
This restaurant has gone through several transformations over the years. It had been a Thai joint for quite a while, then a Thai/Russian place and now it seems to be entirely Med/Russian, which is fine with me. When I walked by a few weeks ago I saw a sign about piroshkis and knew I had to eat here.
When I arrived yesterday, my friend was waiting for me, and turns out she's a regular here. The place is pretty weird inside - an amalgamation of different styles of decor, none of which really mesh, but it's comfy enough. The servers were attentive and pleasant and brought us some pita and tasty hummus to sample while we figured out what to eat.
We both got the same thing - the kefta wrap, which came with a side of green salad that was dressed with something a little more sweet than savory. The wrap wasn't all that great - the meat desperately needed seasoning, so we both added salt and swabbed it in the leftover hummus, which perked it up considerably.
Lunch for two, with tea, came to $23. That's a good deal for table service in the fidi, and the menu has plenty of choices at different price points. Maybe some of the people who complained about the prices should eat someplace else - or order something cheaper. -
Review from Miles G.
San Francisco, CA
1 star for food/service
1 star for great lunch music
The restaurant serves Thai and Russian dishes on their menu which is another first for me. The string beans, tofu and shrimp was pretty standard fare.
The service was a little awkward from the Eastern Euro chap who refused to write down our entire order on paper (rather than on thin air). We celebrated several colleagues' birthdays and ironically, their meat blintz orders were the last to arrive on our table. I had to remind our server that we are still waiting for their dishes. Hastily, the blintz preparation was immediately prepared behind the scenes.
There are so many Thai restaurants in the Financial District to choose from. Plus, these Eastern Euro proprietors do not put enough heat on their Thai dishes. It ain't Thai if it's not spicy, right people?
It will take alot for me to go back and eat at this place again. Unless of course I feel like grooving to club music while I enjoy a Thai ice tea on a hot San Francisco afternoon. -
Review from Steve G.
San Francisco, CA
Surreal, very very surreal. It's a combination of Thai, Russian, and a little Middle Eastern (i.e. Kebabs, etc.) thrown in for good measure. The decor is bright and warm, and the staff seems very friendly.
Here's where the surreal part comes in: they have a nice widescreen TV showing non-stop Russian music videos. We're talking eveything from "holy shit are those translucently white gangsta-wanna-bes taking themselves seriously?" to stuff that would put Gunther ("Ohhh, You Touch My Tra La La) to shame. For added ridiculousness, the TV was muted, and instead some ultracheese radio station was playing. The highlight was "O.P.P." playing over a truly skinemax-worthy video of a girl rolling around in various states of undress. Like I said, surreal.
Foodwise, it was ok. I ordered the chicken kebab but was informed after 10 minutes of waiting that they were out of it. So I switched to the Chicken Tabaka ("marinated in a special lime sauce") that was good, but not fantastic. But there seemed to be a few other interesting looking dishes on the tables around me, so I'll be back to give them another shot.
To recap: 3 stars for good food on the cheaper side of things, plus one extra star for softcore Russian music videos in the background.Listed in: Frugal FiDi
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Review from Troy S.
Temecula, CA
Back for a second try, very good food....
Service was little slow but food was a solid 4 stars... Beef Steak Salad was something I look forward to having again.. -
Review from Deb I.
San Francisco, CA
This place is a hidden gem! I must have walked by it 20 times on my way to Mixt Greens or Tlaloc and never even noticed it. At the suggestion of a coworker, we had lunch at 7 Pleasures today and it was fantastic!
We ordered hummus and falafel for the table to start (the falafel is listed only as a sandwich, but we asked if we could have it as an appetizer and they graciously obliged). I thought after eating hummus and falafel everyday in Israel for 5 days straight I would never want to eat another chickpea-based food again, but it turns out you can really never tire of the yumminess that is good hummus. 7 Pleasure's version is mild and creamy (but maybe could have used a teeny bit more salt), served with pita wedges and topped with feta cheese.
The Arabic Plate was absolutely awesome - two mini lambchops, grilled chicken and grilled shrimp over rice pilaf and steamed spinach. Delicious! And I love that I got to have three different meats - at lunchtime! This has to be one of the most underrated restaurants in the FiDi - please start populating it so it stays around! -
Review from Marc S.
San Francisco, CA
UPDATE, 12/27/07: new ownership changed to some Russians a while ago, but they had been having the same good Thai food, but today, the woman told us as we entered that they were "promoting" their Russian entrees only this week, so fear the Thai contingent has been booted out. Loses one star for foolishness, with possible downgrade if I return in a couple weeks and the Thai dishes are still not being served. It might be just that the Thai cooks are on vacation this week, but we'll see.
Sister restaurant to Banana House on Kearney, but this one is on a nice alley and the ambiance is much better. Same food, but less crowded and you can eat outside. Recommend Garlic Chicken. $10 with tip and the portion is generous. Nice little salad comes with your lunch special. Opened in a former cafe that went out of business so there's a lot of weird stuff that doesn't go with a Thai restaurant and their plates are colorful. -
Review from Tommy T.
New York, NY
The food at Banana Best is pretty much your standard, run of the mill Thai food. Nothing particularly interesting or wrong with it.
Banana is a nice, convenient, and dependable Thai place for people who work nearby.
But lately, they've added additional tables and chairs in the restaurant, making the seating much too cramped for comfort. The seats are now back to back! -
Review from Jessica H.
San Francisco, CA
The chicken pepper jack wrap completely won me over. I asked for it with hummus instead of mayo and it did not disappoint. With the perfect ratio of chicken:hummus:avocado:cheese, it melted in your mouth and went perfectly with the (slightly overdressed, but still tasty) side salad it was served with. The waiter was very friendly and attentive as well. I will definitely be back.
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Review from Lena F.
Daly City, CA
This is the best russian restuarant in SF!!! They are amazing, super sweet people and always good fresh food. They did our catering for out wedding and everyone was very happy and they always make beautiful designs out of the food.
Much better than any other russian catering in the bay area, no doubt about it. Make sure to go try it out, you def wont regret it. -
Review from Tammy C.
Came here to get a takeout of Lamb Kabob. The lamb pieces were quite chunky and on the firm side but mostly were delicious except a couple pieces that had more intense taste (more mature.) The mixed wild rice was rich with butter. Side salad was refreshing.
The dish was $16 and that's quite steep as a lunch spot. However, I have a feeling that I'd give it 3.5 stars if I were to eat there and enjoy the nice outdoors setting for that price...
I was also hoping to have some Mediterranean coffee but they only had the maker and cups but the restaurant has not started serving it. -
Review from gnat c.
San Francisco, CA
This is great for a Thai lunch. My favorite is the pad-thai with tofu. The portions are huge, so plan on taking a to-go box with your leftovers. If your with a group of people and have time for appetizers, the edamame is great.
If you don't have time to dine in, call ahead and pick it up. The turn around time is normally 10 minutes, ideal for taking lunch back to the office.
The prices are also reasonable/inexpensive for the portion size. -
Review from Charlene E.
San Francisco, CA
there's this alley next to my office that literally closes to traffic at lunch time & sets up tables & chairs in the middle of it. One day, I decided to walk thru all this & I discovered this cute little restaurant. I happened to be sick that day, so I ordered the Russian dumpling soup. It was SO GOOD!!! I was a little reluctant to try the Thai food, but was pleasantly surprised when I did. The people working there are pretty nice, too.
I didn't give 5 stars because it's a tad pricey. -
Review from Kathleen N.
San Francisco, CA
Yelpers shouldn't negatively "yelp" a place based on a business's name. How can you honestly rate a business if you haven't even been there? Sure the name "7 Pleasures" is enough to make anyone cringe, but I decided to give this place a shot because my co-worker was happy with her experience the day before.
Virtually empty and severly understaffed. That was my experience here. I was pretty bummed out because my co-worker had come in the day before and ordered a shawerma. For $10, she received the shawerma with a healthy looking salad. For the same price, I just received a shawerma. It was cut in half and a mess once I got it back to the office.
If I am craving shawerma for lunch while I'm at work, I will stick with my tried and true (Baladie on Kearny). For seven bucks, I get a big ol shawerma with a whole lot of taste. -
Review from Mike L.
San Francisco, CA
I thought this was a strip club at first, but nothing of the sort. Was hungry so decided to go in anyways.
The complimentary hummus and pita was a good start. I ordered the lamb shawarma dish and it was good! It came with a nice salad as well.
I went there on a weekday for lunch, and it was roomy and not too crowded, so it is great for a group lunch kind of thing. -
Review from Jonas T.
San Francisco, CA
Huge portions, overpriced, average food, clean.
Been there, ate that. Next! -
Review from Kat C.
San Francisco, CA
I was starving and the service was good. Other than the FREE appetizer, I wouldn't waste your time, unless you've got a hankering for so-so food dished out by a restaurant that sounds vaguely like a brothel that serves Thai and Russian in the Financial District.
Service (a bit after 1p) - really attentive.
Complementary tomato bisque soup & roasted vege teeny crepe appetizer - soup warm with a light drizzle of basil olive oil on top. Crunchy, tasty vegetables with feta cheese.
Baked ziti - soggy pasta. -
Review from Nataliya G.
Fremont, CA
Today I brought 7 of my co-workers (Chinese, American, Peruvian, Philippine and German mix) to that place. It was my first time as well. I wanted them to try out Russian food. We tried:
1. Blintzes - I liked it but it had different presentation and taste than we (Russians) cook it. Too much sauce as well.
2. Borsch - it was really good but had no meat in it (which should be there).
3. Chicken Tabaca - everyone liked that!
4. Veal pelmeni - it was really good!!!!
5. Stuffed cabbage - was really good but a little different than usual cooking.
All entries are about $10 which is cheap by a standard of Russian restaurant.
Cons:
1. Some music would be appreciated (it doesn't have to be Russian).
2. The food selection had none of Russian salads (like Olivie) or drinks (like Mors). The same with side dishes - french fry's as a side for Russian food??? Never!
3. There were no vegies on a side (1 complaint from my friends).
I liked the decor and the service. I am definitely going back for Russian or any other food they decide to make in their new "American Grill". Pretty soon they will sell bakery stuff, maybe some bread too I hope! The location cannot be better for lunch.
My co-workers really liked the food and said they will go back! -
Review from Jason B.
Service was pleasant and the food good - we shared the sampler platter for lunch, and it was plenty for two not very hungry people. There was enough chicken, prawns and lamb to sample some of each. The free hummus and pita to start was a nice touch.
But agreeing with other yelpers, on the expensive side, and I personally don't need the oil drizzled on top of already good hummus.
Overall good, but not recommend worthy. -
Review from Walesa K.
New Orleans, LA
NO OPINION CALLED THIS PLACE AND SAID IT WAS CLOSED& UNDER NEW NAME. ASKED HIM THE NEW NAME AND HE SAID WHAT WHY?
kinda funny in the moment.
I guess I will never know the banana goodness.... -
Review from Nate H.
San Francisco, CA
Like the lamb shawarmas, nice and juicy. Charming servers, and free hummus to kick off the meal.
TOO expensive though; lunch is consistently $30 for a pair of wraps. -
Review from Serge S.
San Francisco, CA
I randomly ran into this place while having lunch with my girlfriend who was a block away for a meeting. We had no idea that this place served Russian food, which I found to be quite interesting since there are not that many Russian places in San Francisco. And those that do have a cold, impersonal feeling to them. This place on the other hand looked quite nice. Since the weather was gorgeous that afternoon, we opted for the outdoor seating. A nice little touch I think. And being situated in the Financial District (near Jackson Square) gave it points in my book (I'm quite fond of that area).
Being a native Russian, and having grown up in the States with my parents cooking most of the time, I was instantly sceptical about this place. But let me tell you, my fears were unfounded. The food is fantastic! I had their dumplings and they were JUST like homemade. Same flavor, same texture, everything was pretty much a spot on match. My girlfriend had the Thai food; which I sampled while waiting for mine to come out. I must say, compared to other Thai places in the city this was a step up!
Coincidentally my closest friend called me while we were eating there and when I mentioned that we were at some Russian place on Commercial St he instantly mentioned 7 Pleasures and how they are going to be doing the catering for his wedding. -
Review from Lauren W.
San Francisco, CA
Not good.
Our waiter was flustered, forgot several orders, and inappropriately hit on one of the women in our group (I'm no prude, she is married, and told him that, and he continued to hit on her).
The food, I guess it was okay. Nothing spectacular. I'm glad my company was paying, let's put it that way.
I hope to never go back. I gave it two stars because the hummus was good and everyone who ordered the salmon said it was good. -
Review from Gucci M.
San Francisco, CA
The danger when you try to serve several different kinds of cuisine at once is that you stop doing any of them well. When this place was Banana the Thai food was decent and it was a good place for lunch. Now that they are focused on a more varied menu they have lost what they once did well.
For lunch: chicken kabob with mashed potatoes and salad. It was sort of gross. The chicken was dry and chewy, the mashed potatoes were obviously out of a box (now that just doesn't fly in San Francisco, come on people, really?) and the salad was drowned in dressing and thus rendered inedible. -
Review from Joanna S.
San Francisco, CA
This place must be brand new, as it is pretty much impossible to be the first review on Yelp on anything in San Francisco these days.
I went here, thinking that it was going to be this Thai restaurant that I used to go to when I worked in an office nearby. It turns out that this place has turned over ownership - what a surprise in San Francisco!
This restaurant is now Mediterranean. I tried to pin down the waiter as to what nationality, but he wouldn't tell me. The food was really good. The chef actually made us a complementary appetizer that was a cheese wrap and a piece of falafel.
The main portions are huge. I had the couscous and my friend had the greek salad. We both were unable to finish and now have good leftovers.
Overall, quite satisfied with this experience. Come visit! -
Review from Devin A.
San Rafael, CA
The food were was amazing, I hadn't heard of the place before but stopped in just looking for a place to have lunch. The service was great and the menu has a great amount of variety... I would definitely suggest that you try this place out!
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Review from Rose F.
South San Francisco, CA
We came here to celebrate a few birthday's last Saturday night. The party started at 7:00 pm and lasted until 2:00 am. Reservation were made in advance to reserve the entire place to ourselves for the party. It was a Russian style banquet with all the fixing on the table. Russian's know how to eat. You never leave hungry that's for sure.
Our friends hired a live musician for our entertainment. The music was wonderful.
The food with delicious. The servers came by frequently to either clear off dishes or refill beverages.
Definitely, coming back here.
Cons: Hard to locate the restaurant. In a alley on a one way street. Street parking only there's no private parking lot.
The place is fairly small, but cozy. Probably sits 60 comfortably.
