30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in the Castro
Best Middle Eastern in the Castro
Master Critic Review
La Mediterranee (Castro)
8.1
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Long-running Levantine café serving fillo specialties, kebabs, and salads in a relaxed corner dining room. It’s the dependable pick for shareable plates before a show or an easy neighborhood lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Cilicia, Spinach Fillo, Hummos & Pita
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Beloved neighborhood standby known for savory fillo pies and mezze.
Who should go: Groups craving easy, shareable plates
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30pm for shorter waits
What to order: Chicken Cilicia, spinach fillo, hummos & pita
Insider tip: Mix house hot sauce with tzatziki for a balanced dip.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots open up more easily on 16th or Noe after 7pm. No valet or lot nearby.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—comfortable attire is fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—easy to hold a conversation even when full, though peak weekends get lively.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without a reservation around 7pm; faster for small parties or patio tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong selection of mezze, salads, and fillo pies without meat.
Vegan options: Partial—about 3–4 mezze dishes and some salads qualify; confirm with server for sauces.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some kebabs and salads work, but fillo-based items contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—cozy, casual, and conversation-friendly. The warm lighting and shareable plates make it easy and unpretentious.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for lunch or early dinner; weekends after 7pm can require a short wait but turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are accommodating, and menu items like hummus, rice, and chicken skewers work well for kids 6+.
Best For
Better for: Casual group meals or family dinners where everyone wants shareable Mediterranean plates without fuss.
Skip if: You’re after fine dining, extensive wine pairings, or strictly vegan options.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday11am - 8:30pm
Wednesday11am - 8:30pm
Thursday11am - 8:30pm
Friday11am - 9pm
Saturday11am - 9pm
Sunday11am - 8:30pm