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Falafel and shawarma in San Francisco

Made for those who refuse to settle for anything less than authentic, handheld Mediterranean staples.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Fanoos image 1
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Shawarma restaurant

Small space with an open kitchen and street-facing counter creates an intimate setting. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming, enhanced by psychedelic music and charming tile work. Known for authentic shawarma and generous portions, it blends casual dining with high-quality food.

Falafel comes hot, fresh, and crispy with a great taste that feels like home. The falafel wrap and roll are very tasty and often paired with lavash or fries for a satisfying meal.

Chicken shawarma features generous portions and perfectly balanced flavors with the right mix of salt, fat, acid, and heat. Options include wraps, bowls, and salads that taste authentic and use fresh ingredients.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and packed with flavor."

"I thought the shawarma here was the best I'd had in the area."

"I thought the falafel here was the best I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

Vegan customers should verify the ingredients of the white sauce.

2

All meals at Fanoos are halal.

3

Fanoos is open until midnight.

02
Jay’s Grill image 1
Restaurant

Middle Eastern restaurant offers authentic shawarma and generous portions in a clean, spacious setting. Atmosphere stays calm and welcoming, suitable for casual meals or quiet conversations. Open late, it serves as a vibrant community spot in an otherwise quiet area.

Falafel here has a crispy brown exterior and a green interior just like in the Middle East. The falafel wrap tastes fresh and is never dry, capturing an authentic flavor that stands out.

Chicken shawarma stands out with its super flavorful and well spiced profile, topped with a great sauce. It feels very authentic and consistently delicious.

People are saying

"I found the Mediterranean food, especially the chicken shawarma, very delicious."

"I found the chicken shawarma to be delicious and authentic."

"I've never had falafel this good before."

Good to know

1

Jay’s Grill is open until midnight on weekends.

2

Most menu items are halal except for wings and tenders.

3

The restaurant offers a customizable salad bar.

03
Mezze and Mooore II image 1
Lebanese restaurant

Cozy space with vibrant décor and beautiful wood furniture creates a welcoming, romantic atmosphere. Loud music fills the room, adding energy but making conversation challenging. Authentic Lebanese dishes and halal menu attract diners seeking genuine flavors and good value.

Falafel comes out moist and well-cooked, avoiding dryness common elsewhere. It pairs well with hummus and tabouli, often served alongside halloumi salad and wraps.

Shawarma comes perfectly spiced and tender, with options like lamb and beef that offer rich flavor. It pairs well with hummus, kabse, fatayer, and taboule for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is SO good, truly everything was delicious."

"I loved the tender and flavorful lamb and beef shawarma."

"I believed again that every dish served was a perfect 10/10."

Good to know

1

The $35 mezze special includes dessert and a drink, offering great value.

2

Everything on the menu is halal, accommodating various dietary preferences.

3

Expect a wait time for ordering as the restaurant is still adjusting.

04
Atlas Bites image 1
Halal restaurant

Food truck offers authentic Moroccan cuisine with crispy falafel and fresh shawarma wraps served in burrito tortillas. Atmosphere is casual with plenty of seating and a family-friendly space. Popular for on-site catering and casual lunches, it draws a crowd seeking bold, balanced flavors.

Falafel comes as crispy, flavorful balls with various fillings inside fresh pita wraps. Plates include generous sides and the falafel tastes fresh and perfectly seasoned.

Shawarma here features juicy chicken and perfectly grilled beef with fresh ingredients. Wraps and bowls come with generous portions and flavorful sauces.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food, especially the shawarma and falafel, is packed with flavor."

"Hosni's falafel catering was delicious, affordable, and a hit with guests."

"The chicken shawarma wrap was one of the best."

Good to know

1

You can hire the food truck for events with menu customization options.

2

Catering services are available for events, highly recommended for large gatherings.

3

The food truck offers a variety of authentic Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes.

05
SF Grill image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with a friendly, family-like atmosphere and clean, cute design. Music features 2000s Akon radio, creating a relaxed vibe. Known for fresh, flavorful shawarma and falafel, it stays open late and offers reasonable prices.

Falafel stands out for its tender texture and fresh ingredients wrapped in lavash. Both the plate and wrap versions deliver delicious flavor with a moist, not dry bite.

Shawarmas come super fresh and well-seasoned, especially the chicken cooked on a roasted spit. Options include supreme chicken and beef, plus spicy and lamb varieties, all made with care by the owner.

People are saying

"Mohammed's Mediterranean food is amazing; he's so friendly!"

"The falafel here is crispy outside, tender inside."

"The chicken shawarma here is super fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 11pm on Fridays.

2

Credit cards are accepted for payment.

3

There is both indoor and outdoor seating available.

06
Zitouna image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Stylish interior with high ceilings creates an open and airy atmosphere. Warm, welcoming vibe suits both casual lunches and special dinners. Hand-painted wall art and pleasant music add to the cozy, inviting feel.

Falafel comes out crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The falafel salad stays very fresh and the overall falafel is perfectly crisp and light.

Lamb and beef shawarma come wrapped or on mixed plates with fresh, flavorful chicken and lamb. Shawarma pairs well with baba ghanoush, rice, and cheese flatbread, offering a variety of delicious combinations.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and delicious."

"The chicken shawarma wrap was so fresh and flavorful."

"The falafel here are perfectly crisp and light."

Good to know

1

Zitouna offers remarkably reasonable pricing for high-quality food and service.

2

The portions at Zitouna are beyond generous.

3

Zitouna is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own drinks.

07
One bite image 1
Restaurant

Counter-service restaurant offers large portions with flavorful shawarma and impressive food presentation. Interior feels bare and one tone, with a somewhat hot atmosphere due to limited air circulation. Late-night hours attract a steady flow of customers seeking quick, satisfying meals.

Falafel comes crispy and fluffy with a full flavor profile. Options include a crunchwrap falafel burrito and a seven bite portion that offers a good amount of food.

Chicken shawarma stands out with its tender texture and explode-in-your-mouth flavour. Beef shawarma offers a delicious wrap experience with excellent seasoning and flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The Mediterranean food here is fresh and exploding with flavor."

"This shawarma is phenomenal, with explode-in-your-mouth flavor."

Good to know

1

One order of beef shawarma bites is enough for two people unless very hungry.

2

Expect to pay around $10 for a meal, which is reasonable for the portion size.

3

One Bite is open late at night, making it a good option for late-night dining.

08
Habibi Falafel image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Middle Eastern restaurant offers a cozy, clean space with about six tables and a welcoming atmosphere marked by beautiful art and family warmth. Music plays an unexpected mix of EDM and Latin tunes, creating a lively but somewhat mismatched vibe. The spot attracts many for authentic falafel and shawarma, with generous portions and easy takeout options.

Falafel here has a perfect balance of crispy outside and moist inside. Portions come incredibly generous with fresh, flavorful ingredients made from scratch.

Chicken shawarma comes juicy and flavorful, grilled to a great texture. Ribeye shawarma offers a massive portion and scores high for taste, especially in the salad bowl or pita with toppings.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is perfect, especially the falafel."

"I thought the falafel here was the best I ever had."

"This shawarma is stuffed with flavorful chicken and delicious toppings."

Good to know

1

The pricing is reasonable, especially considering the location in San Francisco.

2

The portions at Habibi Falafel are incredibly generous.

3

The restaurant offers a build-your-own style of food selection.

09
Legends Café & Creamery image 1

New York City charm fills the space with a vibrant, welcoming vibe enhanced by awesome music and a striking mural of legends. The café draws a late-night crowd seeking exceptional shawarma and homemade ice cream waffles, creating a lively yet cozy atmosphere until 1 am.

Falafel comes out light and crispy with a rich taste that surprises those who usually avoid it. The falafel pieces are small in size, especially when served on the side.

Chicken and rib-eye shawarma stand out with excellent flavor and a spicy wrap option. Shawarma rib-eye fries combine both elements well, though some find the falafel size small and the meat portion light in the bowl.

People are saying

"I found the shawarma, especially the rib-eye, to be excellent."

"I found the ribeye shawarma to be crackalicious."

"I was surprised by how light, crispy, and rich the falafel was."

Good to know

1

The café is open until 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

2

Legends Café & Creamery accepts credit cards for payment.

3

Expect a great late-night counter service experience.

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San Francisco, California

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