Abu Salim Middle Eastern Grill — Restaurant in San Francisco

A friend alerted me to Abu Salim after he read about Soleil Ho’s review. I love Mediterranean food, and having traveled to Israel last year, I developed an appreciation for really good hummus and falafel.

The crew at Old Jerusalem in the mission started Abu Salim after their restaurant shut down after a fire. It’s on the busy haight street and Clayton, with outdoor and indoor seating for around 20-30 people. As you enter Arabic music plays to complement the Bedouin artwork on the wall. You order at the counter and your food is ready within 10 minutes.

Service is 5/5. Joanna was wonderful and made the experience delightful. She gave me a ton of their hot sauce and as a first time patron, added a complimentary baklava to the order. Best baklava in a long time with rose syrup, pistachio and nuts. Rich, crisp, flaky and a perfect complement to the meal.

I got a vegetarian combo platter, with excellent babaganouj that had a smoky eggplant flavor, Arabic salad with tomatoes and cucumber - not a huge fan as it adds a fresh element but lacks flavor, fried eggplant and cauliflower that were umami with the tahini, grape leaf, hummus, 2 unusual shaped cylindrical falafels and a pita. Overall excellent value and hit the spot.

The star in my mind was the stuffed falafel. It’s a round baseball sized falafel stuffed with roasted sumac, pine nuts and fried onions. I would go back just to eat this! Tip: Warm it in an oven for a couple minutes to get that crispy bite.

The other stuffed falafel with strongly mozzarella felt a bit bland and gimmicky. Only because the sumac stuffed falafel was 10/10.

Another star of the evening was the Mosbaha. Unlike regular creamy hummus, this one has whole chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), high quality olive oil and pine nuts. The texture and the richness of the hummus bring joy in every bite. I could eat this everyday. And they make it fresh everyday.

Finally my partner ate the beef kabob plate and felt the rice was some of the best she had. The beef was not over cooked and just done right.

While this place is a tad expensive, San Francisco isn’t known for value meals.

If you are craving authentic hummus, falafels, especially stuffed falafels, kebabs and your Mediterranean fixes, Abu Salim is a new kid on the block with a superpower. You will be back for more. And with 5 star service, you will get that Arab hospitality that you experience in the Middle East.

I hear their kanafeh is excellent. After trying the OG Jaffar Sweets in old Jerusalem, I’d be curious to see how Abu...

Nestled in the vibrant Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco, this Middle Eastern restaurant offers a delightful culinary journey that tantalizes the taste buds. My recent visit left me thoroughly impressed with the quality of food, service and authenticity of the dishes. Hella good!!!

Appetizers and Main Courses: Lamb with Hummus: The lamb was tender and flavorful, perfectly complemented by the creamy and rich hummus. Each bite was a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Lamb Kabob: Succulent and well-seasoned, the lamb kabob was grilled to perfection, offering a smoky and savory experience that was simply irresistible.

Baba Ghanoush: This dish stood out with its exquisite smoky flavor and smooth texture. It was a perfect accompaniment to the other dishes.

Chicken Shawarma Plate: The chicken was tender and juicy, wrapped in warm bread with fresh vegetables. The spices were well-balanced, making each bite a delight.

Falafel with Stuffed Cheese: The falafel was crispy on the outside and filled with melted cheese on the inside, creating a delightful contrast that was both satisfying and unique.

Desserts: Pistachio Shake: Refreshing and indulgent, the pistachio shake had a creamy consistency with nutty undertones that were perfectly balanced.

Kunafa: This dessert was the highlight of the meal. The sweet cheese filling encased in delicate, buttery pastry topped with crushed pistachios was an impeccable end to an already stellar meal.

Overall, each dish showcased traditional Middle Eastern flavors brought to life through skillful preparation and high-quality ingredients. The ambiance of the restaurant, combined with the friendly and attentive service, made for a memorable dining experience. This grill is undoubtedly a must-visit for anyone seeking to indulge in Middle Eastern...

If you’re craving authentic Middle Eastern flavors in San Francisco, Abu Salim Middle Eastern Grill should be at the top of your list. Known for its commitment to traditional dishes, this spot truly shines with its outstanding kanafa, hummus, and falafel.

The hummus is incredibly smooth and creamy, perfectly seasoned with just the right balance of garlic and lemon. It’s served with warm, soft pita bread, making it a delicious start to any meal. The falafel is equally impressive crispy on the outside and soft inside, with a fragrant blend of spices that makes each bite incredibly satisfying.

But the true standout here is the kanafa. This Middle Eastern dessert, made with layers of crispy phyllo, creamy cheese filling, and a drizzle of rosewater syrup, is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Abu Salim’s kanafa is served warm, with just the right amount of sweetness that makes it indulgent without being overwhelming.

The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere only add to the experience, making Abu Salim a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or a full meal, don’t miss the kanafa, hummus, and falafel they’re some of the best you’ll find in...