Kokkari Estiatorio

“Very nice restaurant. Service was attentive. The metaxa sidecar was nice. The appetizer of smelts(wife's favorite) are not to be missed. Zucinni fritter were very nice especially the tsatziki with it. The lamb riblet's were a disappointment. They were tender, but we're marred by a lot of fattiness that was not edible. The grilled fish was nice and rabbit stew/orzo was nice, although it was pretty heavy on cinimon (I liked, wife thought it was too heavy)”

“Kokkari Estiatorio: A San Francisco Masterclass If you are looking for a "treat yourself" meal in the city, **Kokkari Estiatorio** is the gold standard. The vibe is impeccably classy—think rustic Mediterranean elegance with a warm, upscale energy that makes it perfect for a celebration. The service truly elevated the night; our server, who introduced himself as "the prince," was phenomenal and kept the evening feeling special from start to finish. **The Standout Mains** **The Duck (Papia):** This is an absolute mandatory order for duck lovers. It is perfectly rendered, tender, and seasoned to highlight the rich flavor. The potatos were cooked in the duck oil that was dripping while roasting. What! **The Pork Chop (Hirini Brizola):** This wood-grilled pork chop is legendary for a reason. The highlight is the crispy pork skin—it’s perfectly crackled and adds a salty, savory crunch that pairs beautifully with the juicy meat. **The Sweet Finish** We shared a beautiful spread of desserts including the airy **Loukoumades** (Greek donuts) and the **Baklava** with vanilla-praline ice cream. They even added a "Happy Birthday" touch to the plate, which was a lovely gesture. **​Reservations: Keep in mind that they require a $25 per person hold to secure a reservation, so be sure of your headcount when booking. This is through Open Table **⚠️ A Quick Note on the Water** Just a heads-up for large groups to avoid a surprise on the bill: we had a slight **miscommunication regarding the water**. One person at the table asked for carbonated water, while the rest of us specified "not carbonated." This was interpreted as a request for bottled water for the entire table. At **$10 a bottle**, we ended up with an unexpected **$90 charge for water** on the final tab. Definitely be extra clear if you just want standard tap for the table! **Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **Price:** $$$$ **Perfect for:** Birthdays, anniversaries, or showing off the SF food scene to guests.”

“Great ambiance and exceptional service. Best Greek restaurant I've been in since leaving the Midwest. Dinner with 6 friends on a packed Monday night and the staff was exceptional, staying upbeat, energetic, professional in the crush. Probably the only SF restaurant I've been in lately that wasn't understaffed. Very good food overall. Classics like Avgolemono soup, lamb chops, moussaka. Candidly, my oven roasted whole sole was not that good. Heavy oil obliterated the delicate taste of the white fish, a shapeless layer of fragmented bits after deboning. Can't win them all. Trivial, I was somewhat reassured that, per a street sign, we were at the edge of a tsunami zone, so ... we'll barely get wet when one hits ;)”

“I was planning to try this SF staple for a while and was not disappointed. Beautiful lively restaurant, amazing food and great service. It wasn’t easy to book a table for my birthday dinner (even though it was Monday evening and I was booking in 4 weeks before). The spot we got was in an alcove which was perfect for us with a very active toddler. We ordered the baked feta as an appetizer, the Moussaka and chicken souvlas , which we shared and really enjoyed. The entrees was very generous and we unfortunately didn’t have a room for the dessert (I was actually really interested in trying their baklava). Definitely a great place for a date or celebration.”

“Kokkari Estiatorio – A Taste of Greece in San Francisco I had a wonderful lunch at Kokkari Estiatorio, and it easily lived up to its stellar reputation. The ambiance strikes that perfect balance between elegant and inviting — rustic Mediterranean charm with a touch of modern sophistication. The Greek salad was an absolute standout — fresh, vibrant, and beautifully balanced. Every bite tasted like it had just come from a garden, with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta that tied it all together. For the main course, I ordered the lamb, and it was exceptional. Tender, perfectly seasoned, and full of rich, savory flavor — truly one of the best lamb dishes I’ve had in the city. To finish, the Greek yogurt with honey made for a perfect dessert — light, creamy, and just sweet enough. It’s a generous portion, so I’d recommend sharing it (if you’re willing to part with a few bites!). Overall, Kokkari Estiatorio delivers a meal that feels both comforting and refined — a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Greek cuisine with a California touch. Highly recommended! 🇬🇷”