Kitchen Istanbul

4.9

1150 Reviews

$30 and under

Turkish

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 11 times today

Neighborhood gem
Great for fine wines
Good for special occasions

Kitchen Istanbul is an elevated neighborhood restaurant showcasing the flavors of Turkey and featuring an extensive list of wines from around the globe. Led by owner Emrah Kilicoglu, we are a small, tight-knit team dedicated to genuine hospitality. The menu, created by Chef Alican Boynak, comprises dishes from all over Turkey, with a focus on mezes, charcoal-grilled kebaps, and local produce. The wine program, overseen by Joseph DiGrigoli, has been honored by Star Wine List and Wine Spectator and spotlighted in publications like the San Francisco Chronicle and the Wall Street Journal.

We are a family-friendly restaurant suited for everything from a casual glass of wine to celebrations for large groups. Our diverse menu is able to accommodate most dietary restrictions, including options for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diners.

We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Elegant Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Turkish, Greek, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon, Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
Phone number
(415) 753-9479
Website
http://www.kitchenistanbulsf.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Alican Boynak
Private party facilities
Kitchen Istanbul is bookable for private events of all dining styles, from wine-and-snacks receptions to seated, multi-course dinners. We can accommodate up to 30 people for a seated dinner at one contiguous table, up to 40 people for a seated dinner at multiple tables, and up to 50 people for standing receptions with wine and passed food.

Location
349 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118
Neighborhood
Richmond District
Cross street
5th Avenue
Parking details
Street parking. Public Parking on 6th avenue between Clement and Geary.
Additional
Beer, Corkage Fee, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Olives$7.00
with mixed herbs
Pickles$9.00
Indian eggplant, Romano bean, cauliflower
Potato Croquettes$8.00
with Girit ezme
Muhammara$8.00
Roasted red pepper, walnuts, pomegranate molasses
Havuc tarator$8.00
Shredded carrots, yogurt, mint, walnuts
Hummus$8.00
You know what hummus is :)
Istanbul-style şakşuka$12.00
Japanese eggplant, Anaheim pepper, tomato
Levrek marin$19.00
Aegean-style branzino crudo, Fresno chile, green apple

Small Plates

Pistachio Salad$17.00
farm greens, cara cara orange, mint fennel, flax seed
Radicchio Salad$17.00
Treviso, frisee, nectarine, honey lavender vinaigrette, eski kaşar
Summer Squash$16.00
Asparagus, zucchini crema, kabak tarator
Paçanga Börek$14.00
Kashkaval cheese, Armenian basturma, Anaheim pepper, frisee
Sautéed Shrimp$20.00
Shishito peppers, chermoula butter, Maraş pepper
Octopus$21.00
Catelvetrano olive, roasted red pepper, chickpea, fried caper, pearl onion
Charcoal-grilled Adana Kebaps$28.00
Sumac-onion, ezme, Fresno chile, homemade lavash

Large Plates

Orzotto$23.00
Maraş pepper okra, hen of the woods mushrooms, Erzincan tulum
Grilled Chicken Kebaps$29.00
Mustard green tabbouleh, Maraş harissa
Aegean Branzino$32.00
Preserved Meyer lemon, cowpea "börulce" piyaz, salsa verde, fresh herb salad
Moussaka$28.00
Spiced ground beef, eggplant, bell pepper, béchamel
Braised short rib$34.00
Urfa chimichurri, smoked firik bulgur, İzmir tulum
Lamp chops$42.00
burnt-butter-roquefort potato puree, confit tomato, cipollini onion, jus

Dessert

Büşra's revani$12.00
simple syrup soaked cake, poached sand pear, homemade whipped cream
Künefe$12.00
Kadayif, traditional cheese, pistachio

What 1,150 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.9Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
Neighborhood gem
San Francisco
Best Overall
San Francisco
Best Food
San Francisco
Best Service
San Francisco
Neighborhood gem
San Francisco
Great for fine wines

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Kitchen Istanbul is a delightful culinary gem in San Francisco's Richmond district, offering "fantastic food" with a fresh, modern twist on Turkish cuisine. Known for its "amazing wine list" and warm, attentive service, guests rave about the "unprecedented hospitality" and beautiful presentation of dishes. Perfect for special occasions or a memorable dining experience.

1,150 Reviews

M
Mary
San Francisco
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
A good meal, but at a price point that's a little hard to understand. The seating was closer to other diners than one would like, and despite having a reservation two of the three table options we were given were in inconvenient spots. There is limited space in the restaurant, but in any case the configuration did not make for a great experience. Once all the tables are occupied, the noise level gets rather high. The wine list is excellent, and we received thoughtful guidance on the wines by the glass. We had appetizers and entrees, and they were fine. I just didn't feel like any of the food was really special. For almost $100 a person (which included tip), there are many better places in San Francisco. The service was conscientious, and may have been the best part of the experience. Lastly, I should mention that the restaurant requires a credit card for a reservation -- and has a 24-hour cancellation policy, otherwise charging $50 per person. There's also a 15-minute limit on the reservation hold. Again, all this is just a bit much. I know there are challenges to running a restaurant in a costly city, but in sum these policies detract from a sense of welcomeness.
Is this helpful?
T
Tyler
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A staple of San Francisco! Emrah’s hospitality and kindness is like no other. The Muhammara, Shrimp, and Adana Lamb were the highlights for food while the extensive wine list compliments any dish from the kitchen. We felt like we were dining at our friends or families home. If you’re looking for a true neighborhood gem or to nerd out about wine, Kitchen Istanbul is a must!
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C
Christina
San Francisco
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A neighborhood gem! Food is consistently delightful and always beautifully plated. Service is top notch. Standouts were the Muhammara dip with warm pita bread, octopus salad, lamb chops and the Kunefe dessert. On our shortlist of SF faves.
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A
Aaron
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food! Rustic but elevated. Supreme flavor. Excellent textures. Perfect seasoning. Chef’s kiss
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G
Gabriel
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is one of our favorite restaurants in the city. Great food, fantastic atmosphere and portion sizes are just perfect. Wine selection is the best one in the city - this is coming from the person who had a vineyard in the backyard. Kitchen Istanbul is like a hidden gem in the entire city.
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J
Jacob
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The intimate vibe at kitchen Istanbul is one of the best in San Francisco.
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J
Jane
San Francisco
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Scrumptious food!! The appetizers! Those delicious kebabs!! Branzino! The moussaka! The rice pudding! The wine and wine list (& wine club) !! The service! The staff! We love Kitchen Istanbul!
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S
Stefanie
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
A great locals spot with an amazing wine selection. Everything on the menu is excellent and you’re sure to always have a great meal and experience whenever you come.
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D
Diana
Central Coast
49 reviews
vip
5.0
49 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely neighborhood spot. We walked by when the restaurant was close. It didn't matter as were immediately attracted to the welcoming ambience. We booked a reservation for the following week. The service was welcoming, knowledgeable and authentic. The food - OMG - everything was incredible. The wine topped off an amazing meal. We're looking forward to returning.
Is this helpful?
A
Ana
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Exceptional experience overall - highly recommend this restaurant.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Kitchen Istanbul offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 753-9479.

Kitchen Istanbul is rated 4.9 stars by 1150 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 11 times today

Order delivery or takeout

349 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
5th Avenue
Neighborhood
Richmond District
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon, Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Turkish, Greek, Wine Bar
Dining style
Elegant Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street parking. Public Parking on 6th avenue between Clement and Geary.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Alican Boynak
Additional
Beer, Corkage Fee, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.kitchenistanbulsf.com/
Phone number
(415) 753-9479
Private party facilities
Kitchen Istanbul is bookable for private events of all dining styles, from wine-and-snacks receptions to seated, multi-course dinners. We can accommodate up to 30 people for a seated dinner at one contiguous table, up to 40 people for a seated dinner at multiple tables, and up to 50 people for standing receptions with wine and passed food.

Kitchen Istanbul

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Mezes

Olives$7.00

Pickles$9.00

Potato Croquettes$8.00

Muhammara$8.00

Havuc tarator$8.00

Hummus$8.00

Istanbul-style şakşuka$12.00

Levrek marin$19.00

Small Plates

Pistachio Salad$17.00

Radicchio Salad$17.00

Summer Squash$16.00

Paçanga Börek$14.00

Sautéed Shrimp$20.00

Octopus$21.00

Charcoal-grilled Adana Kebaps$28.00

Large Plates

Orzotto$23.00

Grilled Chicken Kebaps$29.00

Aegean Branzino$32.00

Moussaka$28.00

Braised short rib$34.00

Lamp chops$42.00

Dessert

Büşra's revani$12.00

Künefe$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Kitchen Istanbul offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Kitchen Istanbul restaurant rated?

Is Kitchen Istanbul currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information