La Mediterranee
Categories: Middle Eastern, Greek and Mediterranean, Caterers [Edit]
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights2210 Fillmore St
(between Clay St & Sacramento St)
San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 921-2956
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Sun 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: No
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
34 reviews
Neighborhood: Financial District
"This place has to be pretty damn good because I ended up finishing both slices!!!! Pizza Lovers unite in the Fidi at Pomodoro Pizza not…" read more »
311 Reviews for La Mediterranee
Small cozy place with lots of framed pictures and other deco on the wall, fuzzy yellow walls with terra cotta colour floors and Mediterranean tiles tables. This place is a narrow place that gives the warm, homey feeling. You can smell the fragrance as soon as you walk in. Very friendly ambiance and no rush to patrons, people coming in and out busily even in a Sunday evening.
Food wise, saffron chicken and chicken pomegranate were both good, subtle but delicious taste, chicken soup was light and creamy. Rice was also very flavourful.
Pistachio Nest was good but the Moroccan tea was a bit too sweet and on the small size.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I'm SOLD! I LOVE Mediterranian food now and forever!
Though the resturant lacked seating capacity, I still enjoyed the makeshift cozy feeling that the restaurant offered. The wait-staff was tremendously knowlegable with the menu and was able to actually answer every question i had up my sleeve and trust me... i had aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalooooooooootttttttttttt. i also met the owner or manager BTW, and he was also warm and welcoming to our party.
The food was certainly to die for since it was a combination of flavors i've never tasted before- it just taste RIGHT!... (i wish i could be more descriptive, sorry kidds)
Overall, I would recommend this eatery to anyone including people that haven't tried mediterranian food cause they will be HOOKED for sure.
oh yea.. they will only seat you when your entire party is present, so don't try to save a table while your friends find parking! you'll just be standing outside in the cold san francisco weather.... Trust me, I'm speaking from experience...
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
small and compact but homey and cultured. well....until you look up and notice that the ceiling looks like any typical ceiling you'd see in an office!
the food is good and you get a good amount for the price you pay. i had some sampler platter that kept my palate running. my favorite of the dish was this phylo pork or chicken thing (i know, i should probably be able to tell the difference btw pork and chicken but i couldn't. sue me!) that had cinnamon and powdered sugar on it. weeeird! it was a sweet savory dish but it was really really good. dessert tasting meat...okay, i guess that'll be alright!
I checked out this place based on Yelp reviews and you guys were right - this place is great! The food was amazing, the service was great and the restaurant itself is really cute and cozy. We didn't even have to wait for a table, which surprised me since it's so small.
I've been a regular here for years. Service is always fast and friendly and food is always good. I especially love the lemon and rice soup it's fabulous on foggy days in Pacific Heights. The chicken kabobs are my favorite and I've also tried the mouse for dessert and it was worth the calories.
YUM! Love the lunch specials- very reasonable.
Baklava and whipped cream- another yum!
Armenian potato salad-delicious!
Lessons learned:
1) Yes, there is a place within walking distance to get dinner before a show at the Fillmore.
2) Yes, the food is all amazing...as is the "Middle Eastern" coffee (bonus points for their menu being culturally sensitive).
3) It is considerably more difficult to eat said amazing food while wearing a tight bustier.
...I will definitely be back...without the bustier!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
I've gotta say, I was pleasantly surprised by this place. It's a little narrow inside, but we got a decent seat -- splitting a 4-top table with this couple -- and sat down within 20 minutes or so on a Tuesday evening. The place is nicely lit, and there are some interesting decorations hanging that give the place a nice atmosphere. The food was great, too. We got the sampler app, and I ordered the Middle Eastern plate. My only critique was that my food was a tad cold when served. But, the portions were nice, and you got a bunch of pita bread! I actually ordered soup instead of salad -- try the lemon chicken puree sometime. The staff was very friendly and helpful, as well- when I asked our server which food was which in my entree, she rattled them off like a pro. Impressive, I thought. This makes a great date spot, for future reference!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Nothing much to add after all these reviews, without a doubt, a boutique bistro that deserves to be regarded as a Fillmore St institution.
Its quaint and European ambiance is an understatement. I used to frequent La Med, since post-collegiate days: a perfect outdoor luncheon seating on a hot day to indulge in an intimate tet-a-tet with a kindred soul.
A few weeks ago, this was the perfect pre-dinner spot four the girls prior to our 8pm SATC movie night. The vegetarian selection offered fresh picks of the day, skewered rich and tender chicken, all paired with a wine and a nice carafe of Sangria.
Four the girls on an SATC movie night, is special, and this place was the perfect venue to reaffirm our friendship.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
This is a cozy place -- very neighborhoody yet also perfect for a casual date. Since I live nearby, I often get take out.
My favorite thing here is the rice. Yum. I usually get a double order and bring it home. I've even tried to make it at home but can't replicate the yumminess.
The sampler plates are both great options as they come with a variety of everything. They also sometimes have this special...I dont' know what it is called but it is like a Greek lasagne with lamb. Yum!!
Their wine list is pretty gross...definitely undrinkable. But I think their corkage fee is very affordable so we often exercise that option.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
These Armenian owners know how to rock food out! Mediterranean food is my fave and this charming space provides great dishes at affordable prices. The combo appetizer was great, particularly the tabbouleh. The Armenian tomato salad was spectacular with loads of mint and fresh grated cheese. 1/2 liter of sangria was good at $14 (perfect to share) and the middle eastern coffee was great. It is refreshing to find a local spot with a knowledge of tradition dishes mixed well with California influences. I love loved this place and will be back frequently.
Yes, it's tight and cramped but the food is delicious and the servers are extremely pleasant. We started with the large combo plate (I've had better baba ghanoush but the hummus and tabuleh were fantastic). Was slightly disappointed in the dolmas because I love them and these were just ok. I had the chicken kebob plate and it was outstanding. My husband had the Middle Eastern plate and thought it was all very good. The only thing sketchy about this place is the bathroom way in the back through the kitchen (although I like walking through the kitchen and seeing the action). Love this place and keep it at 5 stars for the food.
I love this place ... First of all the bobaganoosh is BOMB and the hummus is too. The restaurant is very thin, so at times it may feel cramped, but other times I would just consider it to be cozy. The waitresses are awesome - the Philo, Falafel, and everything else is has great flavor! I used to not like Greek food, but now I dream about it when Im hungry.
Let me preface the 5 stars by saying, this ain't no La Folie or even an Aqua. If that's the kind of "5 star" food you're looking for, this is not the spot. However, if you are looking for a mediterranean platter that comes with:
-nice house salad with fab dressing
-tasty rice pilaf with currants
-pomegrante chicken (teeeender)
-gives me good dreams chicken cilicia (chicken cinnamon almond deal wrapped in phyllo)
-best hummus I've had in the city and more...
well, then La Med is for you.
House wine is also a winner. I made the mistake of asking the waitress if I could buy a bottle of it... Her reply was "no" (to which I frowned) and she followed with "you can't buy a bottle because it comes in a box". She did give me the name (can't recall it now) and a little Googling revealed that it's $2.99 a box. Thought about buying a few to play hot potato with the wine bag in a jacuzzi like we did in college, but I digress...
YES!
Came here for a small birthday dinner and the place knocked my socks off. First of all, I love being in this area in general. Trendy shops, unpretentious folks, quaint movie house.
For starters, we had their sampler plate with hummus, quiche, and the roll thing, definitely a must-try. For the main course I had the lamb lule, which was so incredibly delectable I would recommend this place on that dish alone. For some real treats, head over to the wine shop a couple stores down before you head in for your meal for a more personal touch.
This hole in the wall is charming enough for a casual first date (then go get some ice cream or watch a movie down the street!). But be prepared for a wait during peak hours. And if you need to use the bathroom while at La Med, the outside decor is fabulous!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
it's been years since i've had mediterranean food; at least good mediterranean. and, after eating here, i'm not sure why i waited so long.
i have this misconception with mediterranean food - anything wrapped in filo dough, really - where i assume the insides will be caramel, nuts, and sugar. not to say that's a bad thing. it sort of makes each bite a surprise. tonight i had the filo wrapped beef, and it was amazing. the only downside to this restaurant, and probably directly related to inflation, the value of the US dollar, and the war in iraq, is that soda is $2.50. you do not know that the $2.50 is for a CAN of soda instead of fountain. maybe i'm just spoiled with $.25 sodas at my office, or maybe i'm just too reasonable, but that's pretty high rates for a diet coke.
outside of the expensive soda, the hummus is some of the best i have ever tasted. and the chicken puree tastes so smooth, it's like a liquid chicken.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (3)
Cool (3)
Why I heart La Med...
1. The price - entrees range between $10 - 12, even at dinner
2. The food - the pomegranate chicken over rice pilaf is delish
3. The service - the happiest, nicest, friendliest servers in SF
4. The ambiance - as casual as you can get + entertaining decor
5. The bathroom - you have to cruise through the kitchen to get to the restroom. endearing in this lil' joint? yah, kinda :)
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Freakin Great! Chicken Pomgranate - tender and perfect. Chicken Cilicia - the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Baba Ghanoush - absolutely amazing.
My friend and I ordered the Mediterranean Meza which came with almost everything on the menu, it was a perfect balance, and the perfect amount. I have nothing bad to say about this place; great ambiance for hanging with a friend or going on a date.
We loved the spicy hummus here. We got the chicken wrap which was really good as well. We'd definitely love to come here again and try their other dishes.
I loved this place! I wish there was a restaurant just as good in nyc.
The place is so lively...I might just go back to san fran just for this restaurant..hehe
Everything I had was just off the hook
You know a place is good when so many things look good on the menu that you're reduced to eeny meeny miney mo to make a decision. Pomegranate chicken? Why didn't I think of that? DELIGHTFUL.
Sadly, this place is too good to be in such a small, cramped location. I should not have to walk through the kitchen to get to the bathroom. That said, if the rest of their food is half as good as the pomegranate chicken, I would pee in a stew pot behind the bar if I had to. It's just that good.
I like this place a lot. Went there last night after the Sex and the City movie (which I loved, I don't care what you say), and got what I always get - the Middle Eastern Plate with the Chicken Pomegranate. I normally don't like drumsticks at all, but it's so good! So tender and flavorful. Yum! And the Chicken Cicilia is fabulous, and like nothing I've had before. Chicken, cinnamon, almonds, raisins and... powdered sugar? It sounds so weird, but it's awesome! I had the exact same thing at the Noe location once, and for some reason it wasn't quite as good, but every time I've been to their Fillmore location, it's been great. Oh and they have a reasonably priced, though simple, wine list.
Love this location! All the food is great but I want to commend the chocolate cake! I thought it was a flourless cake but to my surprise, it is VEGAN! Go just for that for sure!
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I eat here every Friday night and never get bored because they always have something new and exciting on the board. Although I do have my favs: salmon kebabs, chicken kebabs, mushroom soup.
oh La Med what would I do with out you!!!
I really enjoy this little jem! Everything on the menu is great to try. The service is helpful and very sweet. They did a great job at creating an unpretentious environment with tasty food that allows you to leave very satisfied.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
A happy little place -emphasis on little. good food - not GREAT food, but good, homey food and a cute place with nice staff. also very reasonable prices.
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! Now this is flavorful mediterranean food and plentiful portions. i've eaten here several times and attended events with food catered here and have never been disappointed. am getting hungry just reviewing it.........
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Checked out this spot with a buddy yesterday afternoon, and had a great time. It's a bit of an anomaly of a restaurant, being that you can actually get a meal for under $20, including tip, in the heart of the Fillmore district. It's a long, narrow, lively joint, with a big flag of a fish hanging from the ceiling and puppets dangling from nails on the wall. They sell sangria by the glass! I want one now! It's a very casual environment, with friendly people working there who seem to be enjoying themselves.
I ordered from the Lunch Specials the Fillo Combo for $8.45 and my friend ordered the Middle Eastern Plate. The dolmas are tasty, as was the Levantine meat tart and the chicken cilicia.
This is a great place to meet friends on a week-end for lunch. I'll have to check it out for dinner soon.
I have been in love with the Berkeley location on College Ave for years. As a matter of fact, it was one of the main places I would make a point of going to eat at whenever I found myself in the East bay. Why did I do this as there is one (actually 2) other locations here in the city? Because this place is seriously so small that I hadn't noticed it is right there on Fillmore! So yea, it is for sure a small, narrow little space of a restaurant. Not where you go for a private convo by any means. However, the food is so utterly amazing that it makes any atmosphere seem just charming!
Ugh! Don't know where to begin! Over the many years I have dined at La Med, it has never disappointed. I pretty much always go for the "Middle Eastern Plate" as you get to try a little of everything and it's oh so yummy! Good Gateway La Med Item. The Chicken Cilica particularly stands out: sweet (as in cinnamon dusted with powdered sugar) filo dough creation with chicken and some perfectly plumped raisins. Sounds questionable, I realize, but seriously so amazingly good! The sweetness isn't too much, particularly as it comes with plenty of other non-sweet less adventurous items on the plate. Lamb lule is a slightly better choice than the pomegranate chicken (which you have to choose between when you order the plate). The hummus and tubule are some of the freshest I have ever had. The single, only thing I have had here that is not insanely good had been the chicken lemon rice soup which is slightly bland yet somehow always sounds good at the time. Even the house red wine is really great, despite the recent discovery that it is actually out of a box. How on Earth did they manage to make boxed wine taste good?? Magical place.
So other than good eats, the prices are really very very reasonable too, which is an added plus. The atmosphere is what it is: cramped. The service has always been fine; nothing standing out either way. However, the food alone makes it extremely hard not to give this place 5 stars. (let's just say that chicken cilicia is in my thoughts often)
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
Reliably delicious food, I eat here at least once a week. Thank you for feeding me!
Instant favorite on my first visit to the Berkeley location. Chicken pomegranate, rice pilaf and some greens = best kind of comfort food. Or try the Middle Eastern plate - highlights include fillo dough-wrapped feta and spinach, and the sweet meat tart (suspend your disbelief as I did).
The magic of this place is that the menu looks ordinary, yet everything tastes super delicious - right down to the little chunk of banana topped with a slice of cheese.
Spacious Berkeley location or teeny tiny Fillmore one, the atmosphere is low key and relaxed. Good for an afternoon meal with a book, as well as a dinner date.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
This food was good and had some interesting twists ie. "chicken pomegrante", the spot had fantastic ambiance, the waitress who greeted us left me with bad vibes. I've eaten quite a bit of mediterranean and this was quite reasonable, I think my date wasn't impressed with the way the meat was cooked.
I understand it's a small place without a waiting area but that's partly if not mostly your problem, so demanding that I wait outside on a cold day could have easily been replaced with asking like a normal person, and being pleasant about it definitely couldn't hurt.
As is often the case with Europeans from that region the staff when seated was amicable and friendly, my date found them to be a little too personal, but I disagree with that notion and I can always appreciate being treated like a family guest in someone's restaurant.
I'll have to recall my meal better and maybe try it again for it to retain four stars, since I still can't get over the vibe of the person who greeted us which set out the initial impression.
Small and not as good as the one in Berkeley...because of the size. The food tastes the same though. So I guess it's good for that. If you're looking for something other than Japanese in Japantown, this is the way to go.
UPDATED:
For those of you unclear about the Japantown reference, you will drive up Fillmore and then be searching for something to eat other than Japanese food. I like Japanese food, but this is a great alternative to Japanese food. I would assume that if you're in the area of Japantown and would be looking for something to eat, you might want to know where an alternative choice is located. Thanks John M.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
So freakin good! So much food, it hurts! Tiny place that often has a wait during popular hours, but is so worth it! I wouldn't even know what to recommend here because it is all so good. Definitely get one of the sampler-type plates that lets you try everything. My friends and I ate until we were sick - really.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Sorry to be a Debbie Downer, but I didn't enjoy my meal at La Mediterranee. I ordered the chicken kebab dinner. The chicken was ok. The rice pilaf was too sweet for my taste. I also ordered the Avgolemono (chicken lemon rice) soup and it sucked. I love avgolemono, but La Mediterranee's kind had no chicken or rice. I tried the Chicken Cilicia fillo dough specialty and I found that off-putting.
I hear the atmosphere there is cute, but I would not go back here again except to try their falafel sandwich at lunch.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Excellent food! Great hummus, tomato salad. Ambiance is charming, fast good service. They came and filled up my coffee as soon as I set it down. Highly recommended if you're in the area.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
If I ever owned a restaurant, I would want something like this. Small, cozy, friendly, good food, and simple menus.
The food here is excellent, although I would say Cafe Krivaar in the financial district still has the best Hummus I have ever had, but the hummus here made my pallet happy. I have eaten here a couple of times and think the best item is the rice pilaf. It is so flavorful and the assortment of pine nuts, almonds and spices are delicious.
The soups and entrees are amazing and the prices are reasonable. Take-out is an option and there are a few outside seats for the sparingly sunny days in the City. Can't beat the site and location.
La La Laaaaaaaa excellent!
I had an enjoyable lunch here on a Sunday afternoon. Upon walking in the tiny cafe, I found it to be a mellow relaxing lunch. The minute we walked in, the waitress was very friendly, and made sure we sat where we wanted to. The tables are on the tiny side, so the place is made more for a cute date. The cafe itself seemed pretty clean, and organized.
The waitress who served us was kind and helpful. She gave us good suggestions when we asked her for recommendations. The food was pretty good and flavorful. I had the Lamb Lule...delish, comes with a salad on the corner and some yummy hummus! Not the cheapest, but not the most expensive. The bf got a variety of items on plate which included some dolmas and hummus and some other items I can't exactly remember.
Warning: If you are a monster with a bottomless pit and eat a lot, you will most likely vacuum an order up, and may have to order more since the portions aren't huge.
Good service, and good food. Definitely a cute restaurant I will be returning to!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
This place was always a good standby but now that Chez Nous is gone, we've come to rely on it more. Their food is light and the variety of sweet and savory flavors and flaky and rich textures really hit the spot. My favorite is the Chicken Cilicia.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
The food at La Mediterranee was rather ordinary, but the atmosphere and vibe is worth the price of admission! Such a cute, small, hip (but not pretentious) interior...other reviewers aren't kidding when they say this place is TINY. I really wouldn't recommend parties larger than 4. Perfect spot for a date or a quiet meal with a friend. The falafel sandwhich was excellent as was the lamb, but the hummous was kind of bland. Also, the baklava was nothing to write home about, either.
No matter, though, as we were enjoying the atmosphere too much. Oh, and going to the bathroom requires literally walking through the kitchen...that was a first for me, but in keeping with the small quarters of La Mediterranee.
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
Roshan V's Top SF…
Michael Bauer has nothing on me! Except a job… -
Top Restaurants
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the… -
Lunch in Pac Heights
Places to get a quick and cheap bite when you work… -
Around My 'Hood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,… -
The Go To List
The places I always fall back on when I want a… -
Foreign Affairs
My own personal Jeopardy category. "I'll take… -
four.the.girls
dine-in or take-out four-the-girls bonding ..… -
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Hot and New
- Anchor & Hope
166 reviews
Neighborhood: SOMA
- Kasa Indian Eatery
147 reviews
Neighborhood: Castro
- Bar Crudo
360 reviews
Neigh